"Some restaurants are born great, while others achieve greatness slowly over time. Over the past couple years, this charming neighborhood tavern has blossomed into a bona fide destination that lures diners from all over town. Small, perennially packed, and boisterous, Thyme Table nails the basics, from creative cocktails to desserts. Chef-owner Mike Smith crafts approachable but snappy plates like lobster-topped tots with bacon and scallion, panzanella with seasonal produce, and a crispy tempura-fried tofu steak with blistered beans and oolong rice." - Douglas Trattner