This small collection of wine bars is awesomely useful for girls’ nights, date nights, or for last-minute dinner party accessories. Bottles are priced for retail, with just a small charge for consuming on the premises (we’ve never understood why this is disagreeable to some people: glassware costs money, and so do servers). At any rate, you’ll still be spending less than at most restaurants. The selection, which appears impressive stacked along the exposed brick walls, is ideal for those recently graduated from grocery store wines but who may not be able to fully appreciate a wild deviation from that style. In other words, it’s a great study companion to a beginner’s guide to wine. The slogan is entirely accurate: “A comfortable place to get serious about wine.”

The simple and chic locations are great fun for gatherings, especially Memorial’s large, buzzing patio and frequent live music. But the Town and Country location is where it’s at for pizza, with its wood-burning oven; the margherita is mighty convincing. The changing selection of small plates is more impressive than ever, as well. Brunch is pretty solid, and the first mimosa of the morning is free, which is a win-win, considering a daytime buzz loosens the wallet like nothing else.