Esperanto

Karen Hudes

Citysearch

The Scene
This bar and restaurant occupies two rooms: a small square barroom has earthen floor tiles, burnt-orange walls and a wine-glass cabinet made of multi-colored panes; a second room is painted entirely turquoise and filled with dark-wood tables and chairs. Both are lit by ornate sconces and the tables' white candles.

The Food
Along with pan-Latin cuisine, you can order Cuban and Brazilian cocktails, creamy batidas and red wines from Chile and Argentina. The restaurant plays a largely old-school Brazilian and Latin jazz soundtrack--this feels like a relaxed departure from the city's brisk pace. The East Village crowd varies in age, and some couples are open to an impromptu cha-cha by the bar. Though the far east location might deter some, it's hard to imagine this place retaining the same soft charm anywhere else.