Lorentes Derby

Head down to Friar Gate and you'll find Lorentes tucked among the city's better independent spots. This is the kind of place where you can roll in for a quick drink and end up staying three hours, working your way through a wine list that actually makes sense. The Spanish influence runs through everything—from the drinks menu to the small plates—but it never feels like they're trying too hard. Decent cocktails, knowledgeable staff who won't talk down to you, and the sort of crowd that makes an evening feel like it's going somewhere rather than just killing time.