The BookHouse Pub

The BookHouse Pub is a cool place. That’s not so surprising, given that the bar and restaurant was conceived by the crew from MJQ Concourse and Drunken Unicorn -- located just a few doors down on Ponce. But while those twin underground dance and rock clubs are minimalist to the point of cold concrete discomfort, the BookHouse proves that cushy can be hip, too. And the entertaining "gastropub" menu, coupled with a very good beer list, keeps the cozy space crowded nearly every night. Many starters, such as chicken wings, fried pickles and kettle chips are straightforward bar snacks. But then there are dishes like collard green egg rolls, flavored with smoky bacon and served with fish sauce; or flavorful duck confit, delicately mounded on a limp, pumpkin puree-slathered corn pancake.