James

Bryan Calvert and Deborah Williamson, the couple behind this Prospect Heights charmer, manage to hit all the right notes in a small space that never feels too crowded, too cramped, or too empty. The New American scene has been done and done over, but this time something feels legitimate about the food, which, while nothing innovative—sautéed skate, pan- roasted shell steak, grass-fed burgers—manages to rise above comparable Manhattan restos. Could be the ingredients, which are truly local (some of the herbs are picked from the backyard), could be the charm of the neighborhood, could be the prices, which are almost disturbingly reasonable. Don't miss a spectacular brunch, sit at the bar if you want to get seated ahead of the crowd.