Blair's Restaurant

Blair's in Silver Lake epitomizes the new neighborhood bistro. It's comfortable, close by and always packed. Located in a modest brick building across the street from the popular neighborhood caffeine shop the Coffee Table, Blair's specializes in upscale Contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on Italian favorites like risotto with roasted butternut squash, linguini with house made Italian sausage and sweet potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms. Other options include pan-seared pork chop with walnuts, Idaho trout with ginger and fava beans and braised Colorado short ribs.

Entree prices tend to soar above the $20 mark, which is in keeping with the general direction of the neighborhood. Blair's makes spending a good-sized chunk of change a pleasant experience, though, with a minimalist dining room decorated with large mirrors and local artwork and bathed in calming candle light. The service is warm and knowledgeable, which is why the place tends to draw repeat customers. An intimate bar scene can be found just past the second dining room.

TIPS: Get a fantastic Thai massage right across the street in the Zen environment of Silver Lake's best-kept secret: The Raven.