: You won't find any surprises at Al-Amir, but if you're looking for good, solid renditions of Lebanese favorites, you won't be disappointed. This longstanding downtown restaurant's convenient location and late-night hours on weekends make it an ideal choice for dining after the theater or a concert. The historic brick building was originally an archbishop's residence, and then transitioned into a speakeasy before becoming a restaurant. Vegetarians may want to try the warak enab (grape leaves with tomatoes, rice and chickpeas) or the batinjan, a garlicky baked eggplant and potato dish. Meze plates, especially the hummus and baba ghanouj, are reliably good. Warm, fresh bread arrives with every meal. There are a number of intriguing Lebanese wines along with expected varietals, and the full bar mixes a Lebanese margarita, serves Lebanese Almaza beer and pours hot or iced Spanish coffees. On Fridays and Saturdays, an accomplished belly dancer will cavort near your table, so don't forget to bring along a few extra dollar bills.

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