Constantly the best food and experience, for me, has been 4th & Swift for years. Trumps Rathbuns while being more seasonal, don't feel as obligated to fall overyourslf as Bacchanalia, zero "it" pretension like at Kimball House or Paper Plane. That said, I like all those places, just not on a normal day. I just tend to gravitate towards good places that you don't feel obligated to the scene around it. I've never been let down by the food at The Optimist, just hate going to the west side. I love the intimacy of the bar at BoccaLupo. Brunch wise, Folk Art is starting to figure it out with great results. Of the new newness, I like what Last Word is hinting at (but I would advise against the cocktails).


So yeah, if my wife and I want what we know is going to be a great meal and experience, 4th & Swift is still our standard bearers.