Why You Should Go: Many of us were told by our parents to be ourselves and not worry about what other people think or say. And while that may be good advice for social interaction, when it comes to what you eat and drink, perhaps it is best to listen to the pros. With new accolades seemingly piling up every day, The Wine Loft has quickly become Pittsburgh’s go-to spot for the upscale bar scene with fantastic food to match an eye-opening wine list.

What You Should Know: With awards from the likes of Pittsburgh Magazine, Whirl Magazine and Pittsburgh CityPaper, The Wine Loft has wowed Pittsburghers with its array of worldwide wines, a mouth-watering tapas menu and cozy, intimate, living-room-style indoor seating complemented by a scenic outdoor patio.

What You Should Try: There are simply too many wines to single out one or two, but when it comes to food, you’ll find an array of succulent tapas inspired by all corners of the world. We love the Crab Cakes served with a Caper Berry Remoulade, as well as the Japanese Pumpkin Ravioli. You also can’t go wrong with the Portobello Mushroom Wrap or one of two Goat Cheese Pizza Boards.