Downstairs has a dive bar vibe while upstairs is a hip lounge.
The service here is damned good. They ran out of the beer we wanted and the bartender offered us generous pours on a 'sample' while we were waiting for a table. Our waiter was awesome - plus he was rocking a fitted that I owned. Major style points for him. Extra star for the good service.
But I really can't shake the feeling this place is way overpriced for what you're getting. I saw all the reviews about their awesome Caesar - being a fan of Caesars (hey, it's not just for ladies), I was tempted. But holy fuck, $13 for a fuckin' Caesar? Sure, it might have been so good it was worth it - I watched the bartender chuck in horseradish and top them with wine... but come on, $13 for a fuckin' Caesar? Get the fuck out of here. I might be just cheap or 'not understand' -- but even those $12 cocktails at those fancy mixologist bars are too expensive for me. I'm not paying $13 for what amounts to 2 shots of vodka in Clamato.
The food wasn't bad at all but nothing amazing. I had the beef ribs (~$22) and crab cakes ($10).
I think what it comes down to here is that you're paying for the 'atmosphere' and it seems like a popular place to bring a date. The food appears fairly reliable, I guess the downstairs 'dive' bar says you're fun (they had a burlesque show the night I was here) and the upstairs lounge says you have 'class'. I mean, all the nude paintings upstairs might have a subliminal effect?
If I didn't know better and I was younger, I might have brought a date here. But of course, if my date called out this place for what it is: overpriced and a tad pretentious -- I might have to put a ring on it.