"Dining at Nobie’s is always fun. Maybe it’s because the casual American small plates spot has as killer of a record collection as they do cocktails. Or maybe, because like a great house party, it’s in a bungalow in Montrose. Everyone here seems a bit loose as they slosh drinks, laugh, and attempt to chat over the blaring music, so just go along with it. Break in a first date over buttery pull-apart milk bread, snacks like spinach dip with focaccia, and some pasta from their rotating dinner menu. Or, change from the sharing tiny dishes route and veer into the HOV lane with a whole fried crispy chicken in truffle jus, priced at a cheeky $69. Nobie's opens reservations four weeks in advance. Mark your calendar, because prime-time reservations get snatched up like the very good Texas tartare. If you miss the reservation drop, put yourself on the waitlist for your desired date and hope for the best. Or try swinging by right when they open for a seat at the bar." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene, julie takahashi