There's no such thing as a wrong glass of wine at this Wicker Park wine bar.
Vintage cultivates its laid-back atmosphere with a knockout combination of modern urban interior design and bachelor pad royale. A fireplace and plush seating near the entrance tempt customers with comfortable decadence. Quirky paintings from local artists decorate the exposed brick walls, and dark wood tones set off the antique French wine rack filled with the bar's bottle selection. Bartenders and servers dole out spot-on recommendation without an ounce of pretension, even if you opt for a bottle off the beer menu. The same attitude applies to the crowd: You're just as likely to find a neighborhood hipster drinking PBR at Vintage as you are to witness someone dissecting the body of a Lebanese cabernet. The list of wines includes selections from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Australia and California. Prices range from $7-$11 a glass and anywhere from $30 to over $140 per bottle.
The full food menu, which is available through the wee hours, mixes contemporary American, French bistro fare and tapas, with prices ranging from $4 for an order of shoestring fries to the $18 petite filet mignon, a succulent cut of beef served with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and an aged balsamic reduction. Couples or groups of friends looking to share should try the vintage social plate, a $16 bargain loaded with artisan cheeses, nuts and fruits. Specials start and end the week: Sangria flows like a cool stream for $5 on Sunday, and $4 pays for Monday night's pizza (along with $2 beers).