Grazie Nonna

Chef Gerald Addison and Casey Patten are behind this spot that's long on nostalgia and short on shortcuts. This is hearty food that uses quality ingredients while channeling the memories of Mr. Patten's nonna's cooking. Italian-American classics are leveled up in plates of clams casino, perfectly tender and briny with sweet bacon and crunchy breadcrumbs. A handful of pizza selections includes the classics, but creative ones make interesting detours (try Heather's pie with pickled banana peppers and rings of white onions). Macaroni is given the Sunday supper treatment, but it's not just red sauce—prosciutto and peas, tossed with garlic-spiked cream, is a good bet too. Chicken Vesuvio never disappoints, just like this experience, where a buzzy bar is always packed.