THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Allston Yacht Club

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Allston Yacht Club Restaurant Review:

Former Bostonians Charles Kelly and Bill DiDonna opened this charming little small plates wine bar in Echo Park, filling a much-needed restaurant niche in the neighborhood. Trendy locals throng the tables and bar and fill the warm, modern room with animated chatter; sometimes the Dodgers on the bar’s flat screen are playing only blocks away, sparking a different energy from fans drinking beers made by German nuns. The select wine list is the main draw, offering interesting and inexpensive boutique wines by the glass ($6-$10.50). Going beyond pop Chardonnays, it spans a variety of whites from Roussanne to Falanghina, reds from smaller producers, and a good handful from the Central Coast. Artisan cocktails made with fresh-muddled fruit and herbs are also popular---try the ultraviolet martini made with violet syrup. Pair small plates with your wines---green and tangy scorched shishito peppers or tender octopus bathed in citrusy herbs are ideal for the lighter side; a savory braised pork belly and spicy merguez sausage are good for more robust wines. Nightly happy hours from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday and Wednesday specials offer discounts on the already reasonable drinks and food menu.