Primitivo Wine Bistro

In Short
On any weekend night, try getting a table without a reservation at this crammed Mediterranean wine bistro and chances are you'll be waiting a mighty long time. Sure, the boisterous Euro-style shabby chic vibe is a draw, what with the billowy linen curtains, larger-than-life oil paintings, rustic wooden tables and elbow-rubbing crowd. But the real reason the hoardes of yuppies, scenesters, couples on dates and singles on the prowl (usually found at the bar) can't get enough of this place is the food. The seasonally driven tapas menu ranges from cold options like a farmers' market heirloom salad and marinated French, Greek and Spanish olives (although you can just stick with the complimentary tapenade and warm bread and be no less satisfied ) to hot dishes like braised beef short ribs and pistachio-crusted salmon served atop a dollop of potato puree. As for the wine list, you can take your pick among the well-priced selections from California, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand and other parts of the world.