A longtime standard among the 14th Street crowd, Cork Wine Bar recently added a brunch menu (hello, flight of mimosas!), which means your options for daytime dates just got better. At night, come early to snag one of the scarce tables and study the wine menu: There are at least 50 wines by the glass and roughly 160 varieties from producers around the world, here. Order from a selection of hot and cold small plates, (which are meant to be shared) as well as charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and some insanely delish desserts to end the night on a high note.

Where: 1720 14th Street NW; 202-265-2675.

Photo: Courtesy of Cork Wine Bar