The Scene This longtime summer favorite--for its sprawl of outdoor tables--also offers a warming fireplace for cold-weather dinners, situated between the richly appointed dining room and the smoky bar. Chef-owner Stephanie Siddell presides over this all-occasion spot with a sense of ceremony (music ranges from La Boheme to Gypsy Kings) and a menu where nothing needs translation. Everyone's here but the foodies.
The Food Comfort food never goes out of style because it has something for everyone--a baseball-sized tenderloin for carnivores, cornucopia-sized salads for weight watchers, an unpretentious chicken potpie for, well, comfort. Appetizers are pricey, but as huge as the entrees: Artichoke-spinach dip with smoked Gouda could serve three as a starter. Seared scallops artfully arranged around a potato galette (a frequent special) are light but substantive. Retro desserts are big and gooey: Pineapple upside-down cake with fresh pineapple comes delightfully smothered in caramel.