Union 50

First the name. Union 50 takes its moniker from the history of the building, which was built in 1950 and served as a union hall for several years. The 200-seat newcomer has a huge bar running almost 7,000 square feet with bar-to-ceiling backlit shelves holding colorful bottles of spirits. Second the food. Owner Mike Cunningham describes the restaurant's fare as "chef-driven American cuisine." The food is fantastic. Try the Beef Trio - beef tartare, marrowbone, chilled ribeye cap, chickpea tabbouleh, warm bread and edamame pea puree. Third the drinks. Classic cocktails join signature drinks such as The Grand Herb with Ketel One Orange, fresh herbs, agave nectar and fennel bitters. The drink menu also has a lengthy list of quality wine and beer. Fourth the music. This is the kind of place where you can hear the music from local and touring musicians and still converse without having to yell.