The Righteous Room

In Short
An unlikely strip mall storefront gives way to this perpetually dark, clove cigarette-scented alcoholic underworld that's stocked with do-it-yourself furnishings, a funky bar and a jukebox. A regular spot for both after-work drinks and late-night pub grub, stars like Pink and Butch Walker blend in with the locals at this dark little joint. Known almost as much as a reliable snacks place as it is a watering hole, the Righteous Room is a nearly perfect continuum of good beer, respectable hard liquor pours and intelligent revisions of the usual bar food offerings. At the heart of the menu are dishes that are just healthy enough but without the kind of tricked-up vegetarian leanings that get in the way of a mildly self-destructive good time. Big winners include the self-proclaimed fatty grilled cheese, the hummus or salmon quesadilla and a very respectable burger. The onion straws are fantastic.