Beatnik Awards

Beatnik Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Anchoring the West Town corridor on Chicago Avenue, Beatnik woos with flora, fauna and flourishes from around the world. Does your neighborhood restaurant have carved wood doors from an Egyptian home, a Parisian pâtisserie counter and crystal chandeliers from the ballroom of a Yamakasi-designed Century Plaza Hotel? We didn’t think so. Plants sprouting throughout add to the exotic flavor at this Bonhomme Hospitality Group offshoot.

Likes: Every room drips in glamour, from the candelabras to the chandeliers.
Dislikes: It's more of a place to grab nibbles and nightlife than dinner. Portions are smaller, and no reservations between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Food & Drinks: Chef Marcos Campos offers a menu of small plates and heavier mains inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Earthy smoked baba ghanoush and curry meatballs are strong starters. Mussels Merguez is emboldened by house-made merguez sausage, Black Ale beer and fennel with grilled ciabatta. Large format dishes are designed for special occasions, including a sumptuous 45-ounce bone-in aged rib-eye with shishito peppers and green bean salad or a roasted Lebanese-style lamb with pistachio tzatziki. Pair Malabar (ginger and turmeric tea) with brown butter mahleb cheesecake for a delicate finish. The wine list favors Spain and Portugal but also represents Italy, France, California and even Serbia. Signature cocktails riff off the global theme; try The Scottish Spice Trail featuring Scotch, sesame, maple, banana and 5 Spice.