Expectations soared when the Dawson opened in October, thanks to hotshot Alinea alum Rene De Leon running the kitchen, Annemarie Sagoi (Charleston, Big Star) behind the bar, and a beautifully designed space with a massive patio. Ten months later, the space is one of the few things left intact. Thank goodness, because the patio is the urban backyard of your dreams: brick pavers, strings of globe lights, and a roaring fireplace. Even better, you can call on the bar staff to mix up shareable canteens of tequila punch.