"Like nearby Sunn’s and Ha’s Snack Bar, Lei is a fashionably snug place where you can drink good wine and eat something exciting. The candlelit Chinatown spot from a King co-owner is yet another worthwhile addition to the Asian-inspired wine bar subgenre, serving creative Chinese-American small plates that pair well with an extensive, French-leaning bottle list. If you want Champagne, there are around 70 options. There’s also a Chinese pet-nat infused with jasmine tea, and a German chardonnay by the glass that goes down like ice-cold lemonade. Pop in for a drink before dinner at a nearby spot, and try a few snacks like a sweet and sour short rib glazed with strawberry jam or a flaky shaobing stuffed with a chilled pat of butter. photo credit: Matt Russell How to get into Lei Most tables are held for walk-ins, but Lei does release some reservations two weeks in advance at 9am. The place only has 24 seats, and they fill up quickly, so get here around opening at 5pm if you don’t want to wait." - Bryan Kim