Sambuca

You can hear Sambuca’s music playing from outside and might even hit a shimmy before you walk through the front door. Most people dining at the classic downtown American restaurant are here for the bands that take the stage almost every night. The dance floor has a steady stream of work buddies performing complicated line dances and silver-haired couples slow dragging to “Sweet Thing.” And while the food is just OK—pork chops hit the table a little mushy and crab bisques run bland—it’s fine that it’s an afterthought since most people will interrupt their meals for a dance. And by the time you finish eating, you understand why this joint keeps the music cranking—everyone should be a part of this downtown party.