As someone who would almost always choose a wine bar over any other kind of night out, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Here are my favorites in LA.

Kippered

Downtown’s best kept secret? This local spot bills itself as a tinned fish and Champagne bar, and it delivers on both counts. Expect a beautifully designed yet relaxed environment, a perfectly curated selection of natural wines (bubbly, orange, red, and everything in between), the friendliest staff in LA, and lots of delicious things to nibble on. Pro tip: order one of the tins that can be warmed up with French butter, and mop everything up with a crispy baguette.

Propaganda Wine Bar

If you find yourself in Downtown LA’s Arts District, pop into Propaganda for a few glasses of natural wine and some Pizza Romana on their patio. If you’re a mortadella fanatic like I am, this is your spot. Their mortadella will transport you to Bologna! Added bonus? Their aperitivo happy hour runs from 3-6pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Wife & The Somm

It’s so beautiful that the last time I was there, they were filming a Vanderpump Rules spin-off. Do with that what you will, but the wine and small plates make Wife & The Somm worth a visit regardless. You can make a reservation for a full meal or walk in and grab a spot at the bar. There isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Melanie Restaurant & Wine Bar

The name says “restaurant”, but you can absolutely go in for some shareable small plates and big glasses of top tier wines. (I’ve been obsessed with their chilled Nebbiolo lately.) It’s a cozy spot, so make a reservation if you’re planning on dinner. And don’t sleep on their 50/50 deal, available Sunday through Tuesday: spend $50 on food and get bottles at 50% off.

Justine’s Wine Bar

This is the perfect Frogtown wine bar: dark, relaxed, and full of skeletons. Literally. Along with a solid selection of natural wines, they offer a small menu of snacks and mains if you’re hungry. Pro tip: stop by for a drink before dinner at Loreto a few houses down!

Wally’s (Beverly Hills & Santa Monica)

You can’t talk about wine bars in LA without mentioning Wally’s. Part wine bar and restaurant, part wine and spirits store, part cheese and charcuterie shop — this is the holy grail for wine lovers. While the Beverly Hills location is the original flagship and is worth a visit (make a reservation!), I prefer the Santa Monica location: more spacious, more laid back, and perfectly located for a post-shopping refuel along Third Street. For a more wallet-friendly experience, skip the full dinner and go for a few glasses of wine and a charcuterie board. Quality is guaranteed either way.