"This bistro has been flying so far below the radar, even a lot of locals haven’t heard of it yet. But Amanda Britton’s cocktails always attract attention (she developed a passionate following at Bardo and the late Orto). Don’t miss her house shrubs and natural sodas. The food is contemporary Southern, with touches like pimento cheese with bacon jam, North Carolina-caught ceviche and deviled eggs, and there’s a creative brunch on weekends. Insider tip: Classic cocktails are $8 all day on Wednesday, and the hunky District Burger is only $9 Tuesday through Thursday. Play your cards right and you can get a dinner deal even your accountant will love." - Kathleen Purvis