Park 52

Jerry Kleiner brought midscale swank and classic American eats to Hyde Park’s Harper Court, making for a nice night out for locals who desperately need more options. But local Marc Brooks took the reins from Kleiner, with chef Armando Diaz executing behind the scenes. If spinach artichoke dip and iceberg wedge salad don’t excite you, try a "Samurai" New York strip or pan-seared halibut flavored with smoked tomato vinaigrette, or go for one of the chef's specials like shrimp and grits with a hint of crushed red pepper. Good thing the banquettes are comfy—after a meal like this, you’ll have a hard time getting up from them.