Balthazar: Nolita Pre-Theater HH

Balthazar has been running as one of the most reliably good French brasseries in the city since 1997. The bar area runs a short but real happy hour — $10 wines and $12 cocktails — in a room that never really stops being busy. The trick is arriving at 5pm sharp before the dinner reservations come through. Standing at the zinc bar with a kir royale and a plate of frites is one of the better-value ways to experience the institution.