In Venice, a bacaro is a rustic, working man’s pub woven into nondescript backstreets. In New York, that translates into a sticky-floored dive with sad-sack Joe Schmo belching up last night’s Bud. But hey, who says we can’t shoot for some class? That’s what the folks behind Peasant have done with this seductive, dramatically appointed osteria on Division Street. The bi-level space flaunts a charming upper level with wood beams, exposed brick, metal and marble, but the real money shot is downstairs, where catacomb-like caverns house a bar, several tables and Bacaro’s temperature-controlled wine rooms. The wine selection leans toward northern Italy, with a focus on vino from the Veneto region, and about 30 are available by the glass. Bar snacks keeps the munchies at bay, including fritto misto, spicy fried meatballs, and meat and cheese platters, with cheese handpicked by Little Italy cheese guru Lou DiPalo. Bet you won’t find him at your neighborhood dive. 

See more: Chinatown restaurants, Bar food restaurants, Italian restaurants