The Toucan and the Lion

Though cashew butter might seem like an unusual topping for a hamburger, you'd be surprised at how well it works on a pillowy Chinese bao bun with bacon and fried pickles. The dish perfectly encapsulates the culinary point of view of The Toucan and the Lion, a combination of traditional pub food and Asian cuisine.

The small, two-room space and its petite tables make it a cozy date night option but, after a rave review from New York magazine, getting a table might be tricky. If you're waiting, luckily there's a bar. In addition to beer and wine, the house cocktails at The Toucan and the Lion are just as surprising and delicious as the food. For instance, their version of an Old Fashioned includes sake, and some of the other cocktails are spiced with Sriracha. 342 East 6th St.