bc Restaurant

If you want to experience NYC-style dining, but don't want to drive four hours to get there, then bc Restaurant is the place for you. Located in Armory Square, this restaurant features a variety of entrees and drinks with a upscale, yet casual atmosphere. Whether you're stepping in for a meal or an after-work drink, it's a classy alternative to the average pub.

When to Go: bc Restaurant is open for lunch during the week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you want to stop by for dinner or a drink, come in after 5 p.m. While the space is great for meetings and special events, things can get crowded at night, especially during the weekend. The bottom line: Come in for a power lunch, but call ahead for dinner. 

On Tap: In addition to a wide variety of American-made wines, bc Restaurant offers $9 cocktails made by bartender James Burton. There since its opening in 2003, Burton makes each concoction with fresh ingredients such as lemons and limes. His suggestions: try a pomegranate martini, strawberry lemonade, or an espresso martini. The bottom line: If you're tired of beer and want to try something different, this is the place to go.

Blue Plate Special: bc Restaurant's cuisine is described as "New American," a mixture of flavors from all around the world, creating distinct seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. Everything, including the bread, is made from fresh ingredients. Although the menu changes with the seasons, there are two salads and one dinner entree that make up its signature dishes. The first is a Caesar salad with crisp calamari, priced at $8. The second is a lobster, shrimp, and goat cheese salad, topped with shiitake mushrooms and spicy lemon dressing for $13. If you want to splurge, try the Asian-scented seabass, with wilted baby spinach, miso sause, and red chilli chutney for $29. The bottom line: It's a different dining experience every time, so don't be afraid to try something new.

The Scene: Wide windows in the front let in natural light during the day. At night, soft light from small lamps and high chandeliers give a more romantic ambience. The restaurant is made up of two dining rooms separated by sliding doors. The main dining room features warm-colored walls and a white-marbled bar. The back room, which is reserved for special events such as wedding receptions, sits 40 people for a more intimate experience. If you plan to go, leave the jeans at home and opt for a more dressy-casual look. The bottom line: The perfect date night.

The Crew: Everyone, from the maitre d' to the wait staff, is dressed in black, blending in with the dim surroundings. Every waiter is trained to know everything there is to know about your meal, from the ingredients to which drink goes best with it. The staff will answer any question you have with a smile and possibly a conversation. The bottom line: The staff knows its stuff, so don't be afraid to ask.

The Crowd: Although aimed for the afterwork crowd, all members of the SU community are welcomed, from students to professors. According to the maitre d', even Chancellor Cantor has been known to make an appearance. The bottom line: This place is SU-friendly.

The Deets: If you want to try something new for lunch for a reasonable price, try the express lunch menu. It features eight kinds of sandwiches (from turkey to grilled vegetable) for just $8. Regular lunch entrees include soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches priced from $4 to $12. For dinner, entrees include meats such as duck, chicken, and steak, and fish such as salmon, seabass, and tuna. Entrees are priced from $14 to $29. Don't worry, they accept all major credit cards. For a cheaper option, pick from the 5@5 at bc menu, where drinks and small plates are $5 each from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The bottom line: If you can afford to splurge, do it.

Profile by Charnice Milton