Bistronomy by Nico
Those who recall quieter, gentler Upper King Street happy hours most likely spent some time at the bar at Fish, enjoying a selection of chef Nico Romo’s crab rangoons and tuna tartare, as well as sparkling wine poured over a candied hibiscus blossom. Romo carries on that convivial spirit and some of the beloved French pan-Asian flavors, just blocks away at Bistronomy by Nico on Spring Street. There, a sleek, sexy interior and long marble bar set the tone for bistro bounty, from classics such as steak frites to curry crab soup and, of course, that tuna tartare with shrimp chips you so fondly remember. General manager and sommelier Andres Contreras is curating and pouring a French-focused wine list, something he’s done with supreme confidence since his days at Rue de Jean, so settle in for your new favorite happy hour and stay for dinner. bistronomybynico.com
Lenoir
Celeb chef Vivian Howard was set to open her much-anticipated eatery in spring 2020, but we all know what happened, so the team patiently waited and planned, fine-tuning the ambiance and offerings. Warm light pours through large windows that face Wentworth Street; patty melts, butter bean agnolotti, and sticky-sweet blueberry barbecue wings all grace the menu; and the cocktail list is fresh and fruit-forward—try the blood orange and mezcal “Above Your Raisin.” The front-of-house team calmly keeps things moving through the busy dinner rush, and the A Chef’s Life star is often in-house, flashing her well-known smile. Lenoir may be located in the Renaissance Hotel and named for Howard’s North Carolina home county, but it already feels like a homey neighborhood spot for locals and visitors alike. dineatlenoir.com
