Real Charmer

Taking over the former Bolita space, Real Charmer in Virgil Village comes from the same folks behind Capri Club and Bar Covell, among others. The intimate bar is now backlit by moody red-and-blue lighting and there's a new pair of wooden booths along the wall. A bubbling fountain and handful of art pieces nod to a tropical-slash-nautical theme, but the handsome cocktail booklet wanders all over the map with under $20 drinks like the gin-based Midsommar Sour, a Japanese-inspired sesame highball and a vaguely Mediterranean martini flavored with kalamata olives, dill and rosemary. A menu of light bar bites includes spam musubi and Fishwife smoked salmon with crackers. Not every drink hits the mark, but most generally get the job done. Throw in the free self-serve popcorn and cozy date-friendly atmosphere, however, and Real Charmer ultimately lives up to its name—it’s the kind of neighborhood bar I wish I could walk to.