littleredbistro.comThe Place:

Little Red Bistro, 400 Dexter Ave. N, 328-5981, QUEEN ANNEThe Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-6 p.m.The Deal: The swanky lounge offers $4 beer and house wine, as well as a selection of tapas to choose from such as the pesto polenta (two hockey pucks of polenta with a dab of wild mushroom creme fraiche and roasted red pepper sauce), spinach and artichoke dip, a hummus platter that comes with plentiful pita bread, and an antipasti selection of salamis and cheese. In order to get the biggest bang for your buck though, I’d recommend holding out ’til Monday night for the $10 t-bone special that runs from 6-midnight. The Digs: Just look for the iconic red clock tower that permanently reads 4:20 in front of the bistro. Behind the large wooden doors, women wearing bright feather boas and sparkling bikini tops table hop with friends before heading toward the bistro’s back room to audition for an upcoming performance. Large oil paintings fill the walls, while the gothic-like furniture glows from the candles on each table as couples swirl their wine glasses behind the burgundy curtained windows. The Verdict: Although eerie, the lounge is the perfect spot for an intimate gathering since everyone seems to follow etiquette to talk quietly. Whether you decide to sip on an espresso or enjoy a few glasses of vino, the wait staff will make you feel comfortable and most importantly, a part of the somewhat underground society of painters, sculptors, actresses and aerialists.