Best New Bars, September 2009 

 

Perhaps Nicole Daddio's job as an associate producer for the CSI franchise helped spur her interest in red liquids. Two years ago Daddio began taking wine classes on the side. Friends wanted to know what she knew, which led to get-togethers at her home. When the group outgrew her digs, City Sip LA was born. The friends-of-friends vibe remains here, where locals gather around a cherry red bar made of reclaimed bottles to sample California cuvee syrah, a late-harvest gewurztraminer, and more than 40 wines by the glass or bottle. Reggie Southerland (The Next Food Network Star) works miracles on the panini grill. Appellation: Wine-soaked housewarming party. Top pour: Half-price Sundays at 9 p.m. Palate cleanser: Daddio panino with truffle cheese, salami , and pesto.