Fodor's Expert Review bûccan

An antidote to the sometimes stuffy and "jackets-encouraged" atmosphere of most restaurants on the island, chef-owner Clay Conley's ode to eclectic American cuisine neatly straddles the line between fine dining and exciting gastropub. The restaurant attracts both old money and the younger set, with a buzzing bar-and-lounge scene and an open kitchen showcasing the culinary acrobatics on display. The cooking here is flavorful and sophisticated with globe-trotting influences apparent (lamb bastilla with cucumber raita, harisa, and mint) and upscale renditions of comfort food (sweet corn agnolotti with ricotta, bacon, and Espelette butter) along with straightforward classics (wood-grilled chicken with cheddar grits). Success has bred more delicious gems: The chef's sandwich shop, also on the premises just next door, draws beachgoers who want to pack a picnic lunch. An Asian spot next door called Imoto churns out Izakaya-style dishes to rave reviews.