Vin Folk

With pork headcheese toast that shouts patty melt and a low-ABV carajillo riff called the Single White Female, Vin Folk is a spunky neighborhood bistro that’d turn heads in any part of town. But the offbeat menu and sharp wine list demand even more attention on a sleepy corner in Hermosa, a block up from The Strand. Run by two Somni alums, the kitchen injects geeky fun into wine bar standards, like creamy chopped salad boosted with crispy lap xuong bits, and yellowtail crudo layered with Russian eggplant caviar. The chefs double as servers, which is occasionally chaotic and ultimately endearing. Wrap up an unstuffy date night with their elaborate chocolate dessert inspired by Filipino breakfast cereal, then maybe a twilight beach stroll.