"Under-the-radar wine spot Bar Bandini isn't the first option that comes to mind for a big night out in Echo Park, but that's the reason we love it. The dark, narrow space is so stripped-down it looks like it's under construction, yet somehow the mood is always right: weekdays involve chill regulars drinking natural wine and craft beers from the tap and eating simple, tasty bar snacks like olives and cheese. Come weekends, things get livelier, but never to the point where you have to worry about getting a lemon drop thrown in your face. Bandini might be mellow, but it's never boring. " - brant cox, sylvio martins, nikko duren, kat hong, brett keating