"Even on a Monday, you’ll catch people sitting on the patio, smoking hookah, and sharing large spreads of falafel, dips, and kibbeh nayeh. Though the inside looks more formal with its wine wall and sparkly chandelier, you can still show up in shorts and no one will bat an eye. It’s perfect for dipping pita and having mint tea by a lake many cars have been fished out of. Before you leave, stop by Beirut Market, which is just a few doors down. They’ve got Middle Eastern pantry staples. Beirut Perfumes is also right next door in case you’re on your last spray of Dior J’adore." - mariana trabanino, virginia otazo, ryan pfeffer