Judging by the crowds at the newly opened Wine Bar Rocky River (1313 Linda St., 440.799.4300), residents of River, Bay and Westlake have been aching for a hip alternative to their standard menu of restaurant bars. The wait for a table on a recent Thursday night climbed to an hour, especially with rain forcing guests indoors. To maintain the posture, if not the appearance, of a "bar," tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. My hat goes off to the hostess, however, who not only managed the flow of restless guests, but did so with grace and composure. Owners John Owen and Dave Rudiger have crafted one of the most attractive spots, east or west, to enjoy a glass of wine and some food. On warm nights, a glass garage door slides high to reveal a stately garden patio. Inside, guests find seats at a long wood bar, in outsized booths, around comfortable high-tops or in a peaceful side room. Wine Bar offers about two dozen wines by the glass, including flights of three two-ounce pours. There are many excellent selections available by the bottle as well. Chef Jill Vedaa, formerly of Saucy Bistro, has crafted a tantalizing menu of small plates, flatbreads, sandwiches and entrées. So complete is this menu, I hasten to call the place a bar. Starters include cheese-and-charcuterie plates, crispy pot stickers, filled with ground chicken and sided by spicy Asian slaw, and "wino fries," salty fresh-cut fries served with malt vinegar and cabernet ketchup.

Flatbreads aren't quite flat, rather puffy actually, but delicious all the same. Toppings range from mushroom and goat cheese to BBQ chicken and cheddar. Bacon-wrapped shrimp served atop cheesy polenta looked amazing. Prices generally fall between $7 and $17. Wine Bar is open every day for lunch and dinner.

Crop Bistro & Bar (1400 W. 6th St., 216.696.CROP) has launched lunch service. The tight, well-executed menu features salads, creative burgers served on house-made potato rolls, sandwiches, including a delicious smoked turkey, white cheddar and cranberry chutney on cornbread, and pasta. Prices run from $8 to $12.

In keeping with its 35th anniversary celebration, Don's Lighthouse (8905 Lake Ave., 216.961.6700) is offering its annual Taste of New England for $35. The feast includes whole Maine lobster, middle neck clams, corn on the cob and fingerling potatoes. Diners can take $10 off that price if they visit on Thursday or Sunday evenings. Promotion runs through mid-November.

bites@freetimes.com