Carson Kitchen

Carson Kitchen knows how to remix familiar ingredients within somewhat unconventional dishes. The Crispy Chicken Skins and Bacon Jam (staples on the menu since day one) are both great examples. The restaurant carries on the vision of founder Kerry Simon and remains in good hands with the late celebrity chef’s brother Scott Simon in charge of the kitchen team. Menus and cocktails change frequently, so ask about the latest seasonal additions. Extra seating is available upstairs on the rooftop patio, at least when the weather allows it. Whether indoors or outdoors, you'll get the same modern-industrial decor and servers wearing old concert t-shirts as uniforms.

The Butter Burger was a longtime favorite, but Carson Kitchen elevated the menu options even further with the addition of the Iron Chef Burger 2.0. It's based on the burger that led late founder Kerry Simon to victory over Cat Cora during a hamburger battle on the second season of Iron Chef America. Two patties are topped with red onion jam, fried prosciutto, and celery leaf with a slice of white cheddar and a "fancy" sauce with a bit of sriracha for subtle heat.