Black Whale Bar & Fishhouse

Black Whale is less than a block from Parker’s Garage, and both spots are from the same team, but deciding between the two is pretty straightforward. If you want dinner, go to Parker’s Garage, and if you want drinks and snacks, go to Black Whale. This walk-in-only spot (except for groups of eight or more) is almost always packed, but if you get there early enough or wait around long enough, you’ll be able to get a high-top or seats at the horseshoe bar. This is an especially good move during Happy Hour (3-6pm on weekdays), when there are $3 beers, $4 wine and well drinks, and discounted food, like $1 oysters and big plates of not-overly-fried calamari.