Profile

If Gramercy's MetroCafé & Bar had a slogan, it would be: think globally; eat and drink locally. With fare from at least five countries and more than 100 wines by the glass, the restaurant and bar has carved a niche for itself as a popular after-work stop for the neighborhood's professional over-30 crowd. American standards anchor the menu but choice is the rule here: Appetizers begin in China, with dumplings and satays among the short list of dim sum choices; hummus and guacamole offer nods to the Middle East and Mexico respectively. Italy is represented with a handful of familiar pastas and pizzas while the sandwiches—from the BLT to Grilled Chicken Club—reflect a domestic bent. None of the menu choices approach the renown of the 9-ounce house burgers. (Those with more decadent inclinations—and deeper pockets—can opt for the juicier version made with Kobe beef.) Sage, mustard, and tomato-red walls provide an earthy backdrop for the restaurant's airy, loft-like dining room, and an elegant balcony adds dining space above. But on crowded nights, the bar is your best option: It supplements the full menu and extensive wine list with standard cocktails, on-tap beers, and—less auspiciously—flat-screen TVs. — John Vorwald

9 oz. hamburger, $10.50; 9 oz. American Kobe hamburger, $15.50