I used to think that No. 9 Park was a fancy, speci...

I used to think that No. 9 Park was a fancy, special occasion, super high end restaurant. I wasn't entirely wrong, but I've since had many chances to stop by after work, or on a Sunday, or just any random day, and sit at the bar and banter with the bartenders, and enjoy a few expertly made cocktails.

No. 9 Park is some of the best food in the city. But it is not pompous. It is friendly and fun when that's what you're looking for, or elegant and special, on those occasions when you want to celebrate more serenely. The service is top-notch, and the food (again) is beyond compare. I enjoyed a 4 hour lunch this past December, and I'm still reminiscing about it. It has become my local neighborhood bar, even though there are several watering holes that are much closer to my apartment.

If you sit at the bar, keep an eye out for Tyler, who has an outstanding ability to shake the heck out of a cocktail shaker.