Brix House

Barbrix wine bar is quickly becoming the next casual east side hang, low on pretense but strong on atmosphere.

Dark wood floors and furniture meet unadorned white-and-orange walls in the small, homey space. A wrap-around bar sits at the front end of the L-shaped eatery, where a wall of glass doors lets the outside in.

Seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired plates from the open kitchen are the menu’s all-stars (most of which are between $5-$10).

Sicilian veal meatballs in a sauce of pecorino cheese and lemon are mouth-watering, while the shrimp and chickpea-flour tortillas are served with a cooling cilantro tzatziki. Duck leg confit sits atop crisp yet buttery potatoes. Tender monkfish in a spicy stew of chickpeas and chorizo is also a standout.

For more traditional pairings, choose the charcuteries (skip the skimpy cheese plates). The global wine list delivers plenty of quality options at low-to-mid price points from vineyards that span from Oregon to Croatia. Beers are also first-rate, including the chef’s favorite pale ale, Cucapá Chupacabras.