Fodor's Expert Review Bambara

Set in an ornate former bank lobby adjacent to swanky Hotel Monaco, the building itself is as much of a draw as the food. The kitchen crafts big plates of seasonally sourced modern American fare, including seared elk loin, whole-roasted branzino, steak-frites, and other hearty dishes with bold sauces. An open marble-fronted kitchen, big windows framed in fanciful hammered metal swirls, and a definite "buzz" make Bambara a hot spot even after many years. You can also dine in the adjoining club, or simply enjoy a cocktail while cozied up in a velvet-lined booth.