Tom J.
Yelp
Perfect creamed spinach and cocktail jazz. What more could one want?
Some website said no reservations were available on a Friday night at 8:30. So we did the old school thing and called. The maitre d', John, was happy to give us a swell spot right in the front window, about 14 feet from the piano. The place was hoppin that chilly night with the nearby bar packed with (judging by their cheerful gab with the barkeep) Loyal Regulars. A sharp young waiter named Lance promptly materialized to welcome us and take our drink order. Within 4 minutes he was back with a gem of a bourbon Manhattan in an iced beaker, like a single perfect rose. This, despite the brisk trade at the bar.
The menu is just varied enough to please any taste without inducing analysis paralysis. It's definitely on the Old School Hearty side (28 oz steak?) My girlfriend was happy to see some significant salads which served as her main. This was well because we ordered the intriguing "Caviar Pie" as a starter. I expected a couple of teaspoons of the stuff with pointy toast. We got the toast alright, next to a small torte composed of layers of egg salad and creamy goat cheese topped with a thick spread of sparkling black beads. By itself it would've made a meal. I hadn't swallowed a morsel since a 6 AM airport breakfast, but we still left a slice of the torte to save room for the mains. The wedge salad perfectly satisfied my girlfriend who snagged a bite or two of my hearty roast chicken. The chicken, served in a reduction with baked butternut squash and dried cherries is the kind of dish that should be served in a soundproof booth so as not to perplex fellow patrons hearing exclamations of delight by the happy diner, while he ignores frequent under-table nudges by his girlfriend's dainty slipper. The creamed spinach, the item that first caught my eye on Yelp, actually healed some of my childhood abandonment issues.
Despite the busy scene, the tinkling of the piano, like the rocks in an Old Fashioned, and the playful thrum of the standup base were masterfully delivered in such a way as to complement our conversation without overpowering it. From time to time we just sat listening a reverie of gratitude that such a haven exists.
Finally, a word about some negative reviews regarding inattentive or downright snooty service. It's a personal bugaboo of mine, but those reviews are something like two years or more old. Both John and Lance made us feel like regulars. Lance was perfectly attentive, despite having plenty of business to take care of he never seemed to rush us, and was always there when needed. And John has a downright gift for hospitality and warmth. I imagine the whole restaurant is filled with staff who are proud of this place and eager to share their joy.