The Kitchen Step

"Kitchen Step is serving things like ricotta gnocchi, baked chicken with chive oil, and a great burger topped with onion compote and bacon on their outdoor patio from 5pm-10pm (11pm on weekends) every day except Monday. That same burger is also available during weekend brunch, when they serve things like cheddar grits and fried chicken with honey sriracha glaze." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, matt tervooren

"Kitchen Step is from the same chef as Battello, and they both serve the same great bacon cheeseburger topped with onion compote, but Kitchen Step doesn’t wow you at first glance. Instead, it shows that it’s equally, if not more impressive by what it sends out of the kitchen, like root vegetable curry with crispy sushi rice, and short rib Bordelaise with carrot cavatelli. Like on their outdoor patio, indoor seating is first come, first served for dinner and weekend brunch." - matt tervooren

"Kitchen Step is a warm, familiar-feeling spot that’s great for an intimate dinner with someone you’re close with, like a partner you’ve been seeing for at least four months, college friends you still like, or your parents when they’re in town for a visit. Mismatched plates and bowls look like they came straight out of a kitchen cabinet, and the menu includes classic comforts like pork chops, chicken breast, brussels sprouts, branzino, and mac and cheese. Try to grab a seat near one of the large street-facing windows or on the sidewalk near the fire pit for an upfront view of Jersey Ave. Make a reservation for dinner, especially on the weekends when your chances of snagging a walk-in table are slim. Brunch is a bit more flexible, but it’s best to book ahead if you want one of those spots outside." - matt tervooren, nisha vedi pawar, kendal nicole lambert

"Kitchen Step is a warm, familiar-feeling spot that’s great for an intimate dinner with someone you’re close with, like a partner you’ve been seeing for at least four months, college friends you still like, or your parents when they’re in town for a visit. Mismatched plates and bowls look like they came straight out of a kitchen cabinet, and the menu includes classic comforts like pork chops, chicken breast, brussels sprouts, branzino, and mac and cheese. Try to grab a seat near one of the large street-facing windows or on the sidewalk near the fire pit for an upfront view of Jersey Ave. Make a reservation for dinner, especially on the weekends when your chances of snagging a walk-in table are slim. Brunch is a bit more flexible, but it’s best to book ahead if you want one of those spots outside." - Kendal Nicole Lambert

"Third and Vine for good vibes, Archer for a dark and cozy ambience and great cocktails, and Kitchen Step because there are great dishes to share and lots of tables for two inside and out." - Annie Fitzsimmons