Maven

Warm vibes, friendly staff, great food, and the best—and stiffest—cocktails in the neighborhood. The drink list is ever-changing, with a few permanent standouts: The bourbon-based Mr. Wiggles is my go-to. Not cheap, but worth it for an after-work splurge or an upscale date night. Try for a couch upstairs if you’re in the mood for a cozy evening. The Chinatown duck sliders are a must. They come two per order so they’re good to share, and they’re kind of novel—I don’t think I’ve seen sliders with shiitake mushrooms and bok choy anywhere else in town.