This 16-year-old standby gets points for cocktails (well crafted) and small plates (tasty), but it’s the slick downtown vibe in a relaxed North Side setting that makes it truly stand out. Settle into a leather booth and choose from a menu of seasonal experiments (cider with bison grass vodka) and loungey staples (a potent Sazerac), all made with lab-tech precision.

Who’s there:Couples on third dates and the occasional expense accounter
What to order:Wyatt Earp ($11): rye whiskey, ginger syrup, pear, lemon