The buzz: French couple Antoine Rouland and Marie-Charlotte Ley are behind wine bar O Batignolles, named after the owners’ favorite Paris neighborhood batignolles.
The décor: Distinctly Parisian with marbletop tables and rattan chairs outside (great for people-watching) and a rich dark wood and red color scheme indoors. The owners have also included personal accents like black-and-white photographs, vintage signs and historic French newspapers cutouts.
The food: Menu items include Nicoise salad ($14) and saumon papillote et ses petits légumes ($25).
The drinks: On offer are affordable by-the-glass options (from $7) with bottles (from $35) that are categorized according to flavor: fresh, fruity and light, balanced and elegant or intense and rich. Most of the wines—around 75 percent—are sourced straight from French vineyards and are exclusive to the place, thanks to Rouland’s background as a wine and spirit importer (his last stint was at La Maison du Whisky), although plans are in the works to distribute their wines to other spots in town.
The music: Laid-back and jazzy, très appropriate for a brasserie-like joint.
The crowd: French expats and PMebs looking for a relaxing after work tipple.
Why you’ll be back: For interesting wines that won’t break the bank at a charming, prime people-watching location.
O Batignolles is in I-S Best Bars Guide 2014. Download your copy to see where else you should be partying.
