'inoteca: Between tacky velvet rope lounges and grimy dive bars, 'inoteco occupies a blessedly sane Lower East Side middle ground. Like Salt Bar, Punch & Judy, and a handful of others, it captures that subtle, rustic, international vibe - you know, what the Lower East Side is supposed to be? The excellent and affordable wine list here is largely Italian, with a few exceptions among the 300+ bottles. Bite-size Italian food like tasty cheeses, meatballs, panini, and prosciutto is just as good as the chow at 'inoteca's sibling 'ino in the West Village. Though this is as much a wine bar as it is a restaurant, the bar itself is teeny. In fact, wherever you sit, elbow room will be limited, though spots at the bar turn over frequently as tables become available. Despite the big crowds and walls of windows, this corner joint still feels intimate and even private, since everyone here has their own thing going on. |
