Critics' Pick: Arnold's

Graham Lienhart

Scene: You never know whom you'll encounter in the courtyard at Arnold's, a city saloon and gathering place since 1861. Nowadays servers guide you from the pub's dark interior into the private, garden-like courtyard for lunch or dinner. Brick walls wrap around iron café tables and wooden benches, filtering out downtown noise to create a cozy spot to raise a glass with friends.

Eats: Italian blood runs thick through the regular menu, which features dishes like Greek Spaghetti ($7.95), Chicken Piccata ($12.95) and Lasagna ($12.95), but daily specials branch out into seafood and Southern fare such as the Chipotle BBQ Pork with baked beans and mac and cheese ($16.95). (Lora Arduser)

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Arnold's, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-421-6234. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 5-10 p.m. Saturday.