VIBE

Lure Fishbar’s beige and navy accents, lacquered wood, arched ribbed ceiling, and nautical inset windows evoke a luxury cruiseliner so well that one can (and does) easily forget they are sitting, in actuality, in a below-street-level SoHo fish house. But the food here gives the dramatic-without-being-overdone interior a run for its money. Chef Josh Capon constructs classic seafood dishes with an experimental and contemporary touch, all while offering equally good non-seafood items (like free range chicken and one of the tastiest burgers in town) to a schmoozing crowd.

CROWD

A savvy bunch that spans generations and includes singles, dates, and families.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Stylish casual–in season, we’d go with a cute sundress with flats and a summery tote.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; clients or colleagues; significant other; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

Happy hour at the bar is great fun (the bartenders are friendly, the fare is fabulous, and the prices beat any Uptown establishment of equal caliber). Also, the restaurant sits smack dab in the middle of great SoHo shopping, so you can stop in for a break. And last but not least, the Bloody Mary Royale (bloody mary, oyster shooter, and shrimp cocktail in one) is fabulous.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

There can be a long wait between courses; it’s hard to wait for deliciousness!

GOOD TO KNOW

Apart from the recommended main courses, the fried calamari and bloody mary royale are hits with the regulars. The USD 1.50 oysters served during happy hour are a particularly cheap and tasty treat too. Brunch and happy hour are both pretty popular times. A raw bar is available for classic sushi fans. Takeout and delivery are also available for those looking for a fresh seafood sit-down without the hassle of a reservation.

CLOSEST COMPS

Blue Water Grill (New York); Aquagrill (New York)

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