Sidewalk Cafe (CLOSED)

This East Village institution reopened in 2011 with a complete renovation and a new menu. The space was redone with barn-wood paneling, hanging metal lamps and a large distressed mirror. Seven taps dispense drafts, such as Goose Island IPA and Kelso Nut Brown Lager, plus drinkers can choose from specialty cocktails, including spiked milk shakes in flavors like a bourbon old-fashioned and grasshopper (vodka, crème de menthe, coffee liqueur). Soak up the booze with gussied-up savory plates, like chicken schnitzel and mustard-baked tilapia, or all-day breakfast dishes, such as crème brûlée French toast. But the real draw here are the Monday open-mike nights, where Jeff Buckley got his start, and the outdoor seating with prime people-watching views.