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)