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When Henry's opened on 105th and Broadway, riding on the wave of the new millennium, locals quickly embraced its hip vibe and better-than-next-door food. Today, despite more competition, Henry's continues to thrive, and it's easy to see why yuppies, families, and Columbia University staff love the place. The mahogany wood-paneled dining room is exceedingly spacious for Manhattan—there's even room to walk between tables. Floor-to-ceiling windows facing Broadway are flung open during warm weather, and tables are set up on the sidewalk. The New American food has a French accent: a juicy lamb shank comes pairs well with its cardamom demi-glace and spinach and squash risotto; roast chicken is crispy outside, moist inside, and with it you get braised greens, pearl onions, and parsnip puree. Especially terrific is the burger: freshly ground sirloin is mouthwateringly juicy and flavorful. Beware of brunch on weekends—there's usually a 10- to 15-minute wait and if you don't have a baby in tow you're the odd one out. Eggs Benedict, a guacamole-laden tuna burger, and fried calamari are all excellent. — Lia Miller

Sunday brunch is a good bet here. It's also a popular spot for watching sports at the bar—for important sporting events, like the U.S. Open finals or the World Series, they pull down a giant TV screen in the dining room.

Fried calamari, $10 (appetizer); beet and fennel salad with feta, onion, and pistachios, $14; grilled sirloin burger, $10; New York strip steak, $29