Melt, New York

Melt - North Slope newbie Melt rides the unstoppable wave of Brooklyn gentrification, channeling Manhattan through its decor, menu, and pricing, but exceeding the city by a mile with its hospitality. Executive Chef Brian Bunger whips up American classics like steak, seafood and burgers with a gourmet touch, all hovering below $18. Family-style service greets you at the bar where warm and charming staff attend to you like old friends. The layout is simple, modern, and elegant, but a bit underwhelming. Drinks are modestly priced and the bar features a daily happy hour. Although the crowd varies by season--it's apparently busier in the summer months as only neighborhood folks are hip to the somewhat tucked away location--this place has potential. A live DJ spins eclectic mixes on Saturday nights to indescribably diverse young crowds in this romantic and unpretentious sanctuary.