Patou $$

Part stylish bar, part upscale French restaurant, Patou is good in both departments. The back dining room has ultra-high ceilings and a modern Mediterranean-inspired decor of bright white and blue lines. The open kitchen serves as the centerpiece.

French classics include pâté escargots, coq au vin, cassoulet, and pommes frites, and other dishes are French with a Mediterranean or African flair.

The bar in front offers great deals on its small-plate menu; choose three for $14 or $7 each from tasty options like spicy hanger-steak brochette, citrus lobster ceviche, and bluepoint oysters.