From the attractive crowds at the bar to the atttractive folks who squeeze into the restaurant’s tiny tables—you’ll be seated as close to a stranger as is possible without becoming intimate—Balthazar is a dazzling, wonderfully chaotic destination. It sports a menu of brasserie standards like frisee aux lardons, pan bagnat, steak frites and a glistening raw bar platter, not to mention fresh-baked bread from the Balthazar bakery next door. Pick up a bag of croissants, a couple of baguettes and a dozen tarts on your way out for breakfast or lunch the next day.

Balthazar Information:

• French menu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch. Bar. Casual attire. Reservations recommended. Credit cards accepted.