Whenever we see the Casablanca Antique font and its progeny—as we do on the shingle outside Avignon, we get nervous. Is this a popular design affectation that is meant to lure hipsters, or is there sincerity behind this rustic aesthetic? Is it trendy-posing-as-unfussy, or is this bare-bones wine bar effortlessly chic in its simplicity? Then we remember: we’re on Division Street. It’s most likely the real deal.

And in fact, this wine bar is very hip and hopping these days—for all… [More]

Look under the industrial awning of a little terra-cotta-colored building for the small neon sign in the window: Powell’s Seafood House. It’s easy to miss but it would be a shame to. This little gem is totally underrated—mostly because it’s undervisited.

Which works out for you, the diner, as there isn’t often a wait, the servers have time to be warm and speedy, and watching them buzz around adds to the simple room décor.

There won’t be much in the way of… [More]