VIBE

Comfort and conversation are key at Hearth–this is a spot that takes hospitality to heart. Seasonal small plates (made from locally sourced ingredients) are served in a delightfully rustic, cozy dining room decked out in wooden furniture, brick walls, and mood-setting candlelight. The staff is dressed to match (in plaid flannel uniforms, no less!) but don’t be fooled by their humble attire: service is polished and professional, from the friendly sommelier to the pastry chef personally delivering complimentary truffles at dinner’s end.

CROWD

Comfort-craving foodies, couples (young and old) for a night out, and friends rendezvousing for a classy dinner.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Match this venue’s casual comfort with a warm dress, tights, and heels. Try to avoid adding any plaid or striped button-downs to your outfit, lest you blend in with the staff (it’s their formal attire).

GO HERE WITH

Groups; significant other; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

The staff is knowledgeable about both the extensive wine list and the daily changing food menus, and they take great pains to serve you (there’s never a half-empty water glass, empty basket of bread, or need to flag someone down).

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The modestly sized portions leave us not quite full by meal’s end.

GOOD TO KNOW

The menu changes daily, with major revisions happening seasonally. To score the best seats in the house, request a spot at the counter, which overlooks the open kitchen’s wood-burning oven. For a different approach, try Hearth’s Red Sauce Sundays: from 6:00pm-10:00pm, they serve up a three-course menu focusing on classic Italian dishes (rather than the regular modern cuisine served during the rest of the week).

CLOSEST COMPS

Peasant (New York)

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