Bar Bandini

"This low-key wine bar isn't the first option that comes to mind for a big night out in the neighborhood, but that's the reason we love it. Bandini’s 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

"When: Mon-Fri, 4-6pm The Deal: $8 Select Wine; $5 Select Beer; $12 Cheese Board This under-the-radar wine bar isn't the first thing that comes to mind for post-work drinks 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 usually feature chill regulars drinking wine and beer and snacking on olives and cheese. " - nikko duren, garrett snyder, brant cox

"This low-key wine bar 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. Weekdays involve chill regulars hanging out on the multi-level backstairs patio (under construction for years) drinking natural wine and craft beers on tap. Come weekends, things get livelier, as the area plays host to live bands, stand-up comedy, and food pop-ups. So while not exactly a secret, we’re still surprised more people don’t know about it. Keep an eye on their Instagram for the latest events. " - brant cox

"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

"Named after local writer John Fante’s protagonist Arturo Bandini, here is a dark and moody neighborhood bar with an impressive selection of craft beers and wines on tap. If you get there early, you’ll likely find one of the three friendly founders Joshua Weinstein, Michael Lippman, and Jason Piggott behind the long, slate bar, quelling curious palettes with a taste of the goods. Bar Bandini has a sense of familiarity about it. It’s more mature than its neighboring counterparts, and its rustic interior carries the weight of longevity and stories told. Take a date or fly solo, you're in good hands." - Ludlow Kingsley