Bacari North Park

The LA-born Venetian wine bar's first San Diego outpost, inside North Park's two-story New Orleans-style landmark on 30th St (the old Urban Solace space). Founded 2008 by brothers Robert and Danny Kronfli; executive chef / co-owner Lior Hillel came up through 3-Michelin-star Jean-Georges in NYC. The menu is seasonal Mediterranean cicchetti — Fried Chicken Sliders, Shawarma Tacos, Moroccan Cigars, caramelized Brussels sprouts — plus wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a rotating list of small-production international wines. Signature cocktails: the Bacarita (tequila, watermelon, jalapeño, basil, lime) and Permanent Vacation (pineapple saison, amaro Montenegro, lime, cinnamon-bourbon bitters, brûléed pineapple). The real draw is the 90-minute open bar ($35/person for wine, sangria, mimosas and Bacari beer) and the 1,000 sq ft lush, plant-filled covered patio out front. Live music Thu-Sat. Weekend brunch (shakshouka, lamb hummus, chef's French toast). Reservations go fast — one of the hottest tables in North Park right now.