City Hall is the kind of restaurant where men dine with other men without feeling like they’re on a date—in other words, it’s a steakhouse at heart. One distinguishing trait is the way it embraces history: It’s in an 1863 cast-iron building, a soaring and handsome space with 20-foot-high ceilings and black-and-white photos of bygone New York City days. Tables are nicely spaced, the better to do business. Chef/owner Henry Meer applies the techniques he learned at La Côte Basque and Lutèce to all-American classics: There’s a raw bar, a big list of steaks, excellent sides—the smashed potatoes, in particular, are superb. The outdoor seating is some of the prettiest around. Note: There’s an adjoining bar area, and downstairs is a large private room.

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