Paris, you did it first! You had the ice-cream wine bar with TikTok. Folderol. But this Lower East Side gem—which comes from the same team behind neighboring Mắm—is a perfect confluence of thoughtful Vietnamese snacks and a selection of rice wines from Sông Cái Distillery in Hanoi.
There’s a stellar natural wine list, with bottles that span from Virginia to Hungary, and you’re really here to pair it with the house-made ice cream that’s presented daily on a chalkboard menu: Look out for the Mâm, a fish sauce caramel, the Lá Chuối, a pungent banana leaf that’s both earthy and sweet, or the Hoa Cúc, a chrysanthemum that’s just the right amount of floral. —Jessica Sulima
Take action: Low intervention wines, baguettes and chicken organ parfait
When Entre Nous opened up in the Clinton Hill corner storefront formerly occupied by vegan Cuban café Guevara’s, it felt as though something in this world, for once, was right. The previous tenant wasn’t ill-suited, but they were only open during the day because of the location. This space has a lot of windows and with the addition of the Parisian feel Entre Nous it will emit a golden glow that invites passersby inside. Being a local, I’m often seduced. The interiors have a subtle feel, with bistro-style chairs on terrazzo flooring and benches in mocha and ochre built into the walls beneath moody chandeliers.
The wine bar is not about the vibe. The wine list is long and organized by style, region and low intervention bottles. “Skin Contact, France”—the “Everything Else” sections bring in bottles from less-wined places like Japan and Argentina, but for the most part expect a heavily European selection. The food at La Bicyclette is delicious and simple. It pairs well with butter-wrapped liver parfait. —C.H.
Take action: Low-intervention wines, conserves and other products
Rhodora’s outdoor area is large enough to accommodate a group of friends, especially during the warmer months. Most wines are priced between $70 and $100, but you can also choose from a variety of options by the drink, such as sparkling, white or pink wine, or a red. You can also order a beer, cocktail, or even a glass, if your friend is not in the mood to drink.
What really makes this low-intervention wine bar unique is the commitment to sustainability—their goal is to be the first no-waste wine bar in the country, with zero single-use plastics, and the exclusive use of ingredients that can be upcycled, recycled, or composted. There’s rarely a long wait for a seat (though if you have a large group, the outside is usually bust on busy nights). The inside can be quite noisy, but there’s a certain energy. There are also small plates, such as olives or tinned salmon to prolong your drinking. —Megan Spurrell
