La Tache—French for “the spot”—looks and eats like a downtown restaurant. But to the good fortune of North Siders, it’s located in Andersonville and priced accordingly. The smart French bistro offers comforting classics like sautéed escargot, duck à l’orange, and steak frites with enough creative spin to pique your palate. The service is far more professional than you’d expect in a neighborhood joint, and the owners invested La Tache with warm good looks courtesy of wood paneling and ceiling-suspended lamp shades. The busy bar traffics in wine and appetizers.

La Tache Information:

• French bistro menu. Dinner, brunch. Closed Dec 25. Bar. Casual attire. Outdoor seating.