Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. A wine bar, with good food, somewhere in Northeast LA. We know. Same. But we’ll keep going, because a) this is our corner of the internet and b) there’s a straightforward confidence to Sam’s Place that’s kind of intoxicating. On its face, there’s not anything particularly special happening at this mellow wine bar and restaurant in Highland Park. There’s a list of natural wines, a few beers, accompanied by a short food menu you could order all at once, and a drop-in-and-chat feel. But when was the last time cornichon butter was served with your charcuterie, or your empty wine glass was topped up for free because your friend “still has a bit to go”? Or, for that matter, paid $32 for a steak? All of this takes place in a low-lit room resembling the 1970s basement all cool dads wish they could preside over. The wood-paneled walls, flannel curtains, candlelight, and soundtrack provided by cassette tapes could come off twee and trying too hard in the wrong hands. Somehow it clicks together unpretentiously at Sam’s. This may have something to do with their lack of internet presence—no website, no social media—and flickery candle lighting that makes it impossible to “create content” without being a menace. Mostly, it’s clear from the moment you walk in that the people behind Sam’s Place are doing things the way they want, and that’s why it works. The wine list is small and natural because that’s how they like it. The food is fantastic—way better than it needs to be at a neighborhood wine bar—because they want you to stick around and hang out. We went once and can’t stop going back. If you’re lucky, Sam’s Place will become your place, too.