Red Rooster Wine Bar & Cafe

The Scene
Nestled behind the comparatively posh Cafe Bernard, this dark, tiny dining spot exudes unpretentious country charm. Copper pots hang alongside strings of garlic and Indian corn, while charcoal pastorals are drawn right on the wood-paneled walls.

The Food
Red Rooster's specialty is simple French classics at ''is-that-a-typo?'' prices: You'll get steamed mussels for $6 and escargots for less than $7, and few entrees exceed $15. It's good, too: Those snails are plump, tender and drowning in rich garlic butter; hearty, cheesy baked onion soup satisfies, too. Straightforward entrees come with basic vegetable garnishes and include a powerfully peppery pork loin and tender grilled salmon in a light, sweet cabernet sauce. White-chocolate mousse with berries is a must for dessert.