When people talk about Providence, they usually talk about the hushed, refined dining room, where gorgeous, multicourse tasting menus are served, and eye-popping, multifigure checks are delivered at the meal's end. But recently we've become enamored of a different aspect of the place — its comfortable, quiet nook of a bar. The hosts almost look surprised when you point to the bar as your destination, but once there, you have access to one of the city's best wine lists, as well as much of chef Michael Cimarusti's celebrated menu à la carte. The cocktails are incredibly well-crafted, which shouldn't come as a surprise, given the overall emphasis on perfection here, but somehow the creativity on display seems like a fun secret, much like the bar itself. The secret's out — for a taste of Providence without the hefty financial commitment, its bar is an affordable slice of luxury. 5955 Melrose Ave., Hlywd. (323) 460-4170, providencela.com. —Besha Rodell

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