Located in the sleek, Gordon Bunshaftdesigned 9 building on West 57th Street, Brasserie 8 1/2 is the perfect spot for a power lunch, post-work cocktails or a pretheater meal. A chic, curved staircase is backed by bright, salmon-hued walls and leads down to the long, backlit bar and dramatic, modern art-filled dining room. The kitchen incorporates accents from Asia and the Mediterranean into updated bistro classics.

Brasserie 8 1/2 Information:

• American, French menu. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. Bar. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended. Credit cards accepted.