Michael's Genuine

Michael's Genuine has been a Design District staple for years, serving locally sourced New American comfort food in a relaxed, brick-walled dining room with a courtyard patio. The menu leans on wood-fired cooking, with pork belly, pig ears, oysters, and short ribs among the dishes guests return for again and again.

Expect a lively bar scene, a well-regarded happy hour from 4 to 7pm, and a Sunday brunch that draws steady weekend crowds. Prices land in the upscale casual range, and the restaurant takes reservations through OpenTable and Resy, though walk-ins are common at the bar.

It's a solid pick for a business lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a casual night out with friends, and its central Design District location puts it near galleries, shopping, and other neighborhood restaurants. Both locals and visitors keep coming back for the changing seasonal menu and the consistently attentive service from the bar and floor staff.