Grape Escape

Wait out downtown rush hour or Staples Center traffic at Bacaro, a Venice-inspired wine bar offering small plates at small prices.

Sit on a banquette bench or narrow wood table at this unpretentious, slightly unpolished locale only a stone’s throw from USC. The out-of-the-way locale means you won't have to wait for a seat.

Sample unique vintages from the ever-changing list of mostly Italian wines written on the blackboard-painted wall that runs the length of the tiny space. Try cicheti (think Italian tapas) including dirt-cheap cheese plates, bruschetta or beef cheeks with polenta.

The iffy neighborhood might scare off first dates, but proximity to downtown and freeways makes it an ideal lead-in to a Lakers playoff game or a show at the Nokia Theater. When the game or show's over, you'll still have plenty of room for a bacon-wrapped hot dog on the way back to the car.