Trivoli Tavern

"This spot for indulgent American fare (think prime rib, martinis, and oysters on the half shell) from Hogsalt (Au Cheval) is perched at the end of a charming cobblestone corridor. When the weather cooperates, staff turn the space into an open-air patio draped with string lights that create an especially romantic mood once the sun sets. For a seafood fix, order from the outdoor walk-up window for Trivoli’s sibling spot, Lobster Bar." - Naomi Waxman

"Trivoli Tavern is in Gin Alley, and from the same team as Au Cheval and Green Street Smoked Meats. This means they have a twinkly-lit cobblestoned patio. Or you could sit inside, where it’s dark and full of overstuffed leather furniture. The menu has a lot of dishes you’ll find at their other restaurants. They serve upscale bar food like fish and chips, handmade pastas, steaks, and a very good burger. This place works well for a date or dinner with a small group when you can’t get a reservation at Bavette’s or Gilt Bar." - sam faye, adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen

"Lobster Bar is Trivoli Tavern’s first-come, first-served bar that looks like the hold of an old-timey ship, which seems like a perfectly appropriate place to eat a lobster roll (if the name wasn’t convincing enough). The filling in this version is creamy and appropriately salted, with a great balance of lemon, chives, and heavily dressed lobster chunks that still retain some sweetness. And while it’s fun to pretend you’re a fancy pirate, eating on the twinkly-lit Gin Alley patio is just as nice." - veda kilaru

"OK, Trivoli isn't really a secret. You already know about the picnic table-filled outdoor space at Green Street Smoked Meats, and Trivoli Tavern is owned by the same team. The twinkly-lit cobblestoned patio in the alley isn't visible from the street, and is perfect for a quiet dinner outside. Trivoli serves upscale bar food like fish and chips, great pastas, and very good steak frites." - adrian kane, john ringor

"Trivoli Tavern rounds out the Bavette’s-Gilt Bar-Ciccio Mio-Armitage Alehouse quintet, and like Armitage (also on this guide), all of the above applies. The menu here features strawberries and cream pancakes, crab cake benedict, a $40 smoked salmon bagel tower, and a whole bunch of brunch cocktails. Plus, they’re part of Gin Alley, which means they also have a very cute cobblestone outdoor patio." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor