Pigalle

When you're sick of Italian and "new" American for your Midtown food fix, trek on over to Eighth Avenue for a proper meal of well-executed French classics. Open early, open late, you'll get the classics (bistro crab cakes, nicoise salad, steak frites) along with a few neutral bites for the 'mericans in your group (e.g. there's a burger on the menu). To drink: wine, whiskey, calvados, cognac. But wait until lunch at least.