Banquette Cafe

The wines the thing at Banquette, a lovely Parisian-style eatery that features an impressive wine list and an irresistible selection of homemade pastries. The romantic dining spot also features a weeks worth of after-7 p.m. specials, including The Friday Five, when five wines are featured for $5 a glass.

This downtown cafe has become a staple for loft-dwellers looking for a quick meal or decent cup of coffee. Owned by the same team behind the popular Nickel Diner, Banquette offers similar homespun service, without the crowds (or 20 minute wait for lunch on weekends). The food may not be as stellar as what's offered at Nickel, but you can still get the basics here--and for a lot less than you'd pay elsewhere in the area. A nice bagel breakfast (often with poached eggs and ham) goes for under $8 at Banquette. That qualifies as a deal in an area that is becoming increasingly expensive. ...

This downtown cafe has become a staple for loft-dwellers looking for a quick meal or decent cup of coffee. Owned by the same team behind the popular Nickel Diner, Banquette offers similar homespun...