Avec

Paul Kahan’s first casual spot, Avec, has been an industry favorite since it opened in 2003. Here Midwestern interpretations of Mediterranean classics are beautifully presented in a sparse, rail-road style dining room with communal seating. Come for a full meal of small plates, or just pop in for a snack and glass of wine before heading out to the many other destinations in the West Loop. The tight collection of around 150 wines—most of which fall well under $100—stays focused on Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. If you’re on the hunt for value, head straight for the oft-neglected wines of Portugal, the Basque Country or the Canary Islands.