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Bistro Verdu

The pretty setting here, plus French and Mediterranean fare such as a starter of roasted morcilla sausage paired with queso fresco-stuffed piquillo peppers, is plenty to draw locals to this 4-year-old neighborhood haunt. The $5 corkage fee is a bonus. Conveniently, you can pick up a bottle next door at Rosso Wine Shop.

Sausage, $8. 3459 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, (818) 541-1532.



Cube

When this casual Ital introduces its wine program — the hope is, this fall — it will implement a nominal corkage fee. Until then, they'll open and pour your wine gratis. As for the food, seasonal offerings include baby zucchini and zucchini blossom risotto with mascarpone, and a fig and gorgonzola pizza. But wine snobs, be warned. The "wine glasses" are jelly jars.

Zucchini risotto, $10. 615 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., (323) 939-1148.



25 Degrees

If your idea of happiness is a juicy burger, perhaps topped with caramelized onions, bacon and blue cheese, and a glass of big red, then bring a bottle or two of your favorite vino to this sexy, dimly lighted rock 'n' roll burger joint. There's no corkage fee, as long as you don't abuse their goodwill. In other words, don't bring the whole cellar.

Burger No. 1, $12. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 785-7244.



Mike & Anne's

Bring your own bottle to this modern Cal-Med bistro and add just $10 to your bill. The patio is especially popular. But we like the clean, unfussy interior with its honey-colored wood accents and industrial touches. Entrées range from vegetarian cassoulet to braised short ribs. Crisp skinny sweet potato fries with herbed aioli are a must-share.

Short ribs, $21. 1040 Mission St., South Pasadena, (626) 799-7199.



Restaurant 2117

Assuming the bottle isn't on their list, the corkage fee at Hideyo Mitsuno's Japanese-Italian-French sleeper is a modest $10. But what to bring to go along with grilled Kobe beef tongue with green onion and crispy salt, or penne pasta with spicy crab and tomato sauce? We'll leave that decision to you. Oh, and if Mitsuno is doing soft shell crab, say yes.

Pasta, $12.95. 2117 Sawtelle Blvd., West L.A., (310) 477-1617.