Date night: In Fine Spirits

The basics: In Fine Spirits, a spinoff of the next-door wine, beer and spirits retailer of the same name, is the rare neighborhood place that manages to pull off a slightly upscale vibe. The bar occupies a vintage space that’s been modernized and decorated to feel like a cozy living room, with soothing green decor, dark wood and high-top bar tables. If you care a bit about architecture—or just watch HGTV—you’ll marvel at the original tin ceilings and mosaic floor tiles. Rather gaze at your date? Take it out back to the private, tucked-away patio, which seats 50.

Noise level: In Fine Spirits is the perfect place for conversation. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are good date nights, but general manager Brandon Wise assures us that even during peak times on weekends, it’s still possible to have an intimate chat.

What to order: You won’t find your good buddies Jack Daniel’s or Jose Cuervo lurking behind the bar here. In Fine Spirits stocks only high-end—and often hard-to-find—beer, wine and liquor from small producers. But don’t let that intimidate you. The unpretentious, friendly staff will happily guide you. In Fine Spirits specializes in pre-Prohibition cocktails, so this is your chance to choose something you’ve only heard about in black-and-white movies, like a Rob Roy ($9) or a spicy Moscow Mule ($9.50), the 1940s cocktail made with Hangar One vodka and Blenheim 1903 Hot Ginger Ale. For the true experience, skip the mixed drinks and go straight for the hard stuff: absinthe. Once vilified for its alleged psychotropic properties, absinthe has been deemed safe (well … about as safe as any alcohol) and is now sold in the U.S. Absinthe service ($10-$14) includes a ceremonious pour in a traditional reservoir glass: It’s topped with fountain water filtered through an ice cube balanced on a slotted spoon. Contrary to popular lore, you won’t hallucinate, so make sure your date’s a cutie.

Icebreaker: Regale your date with a few absinthe-related tales of madness, then debate one of the all-time great absinthe mysteries: Was it really absinthe that led Vincent Van Gogh to cut off his ear?

Gina B's Inside Tips

>> If you fall in love with something at the bar, visit the retail store, conveniently located next door, and purchase a bottle to go.

>> If you must, you can get a can of Old Style ($3). It’s served in a brown paper bag.

>> Check infinespirits.com for info about wine and absinthe tastings. (A future date idea, perhaps?) The Web site is also updated regularly with Fine Finds, unique wines, beers and drinks offered when available.

>> For a truly romantic evening, call ahead and reserve the rooftop deck, an intimate space that seats six—or just two!