For people who work downtown, this is a great place to end the day with a cocktail or dinner. We've walked in off the street four or five times, and they've never had any problem accommodating us without a reservation. The staff is friendly and efficient; they come by often to top up wine glasses and make sure that you have everything you need. The menu is Italian-inspired. The meatballs with toasted pine nuts are outstanding, as is the cannelloni (whoever is making their tomato sauce knows what they are doing---it's perfectly balanced, not overly seasoned or acidic). Their cocktail list is good too; they are one of the few places I've been to that stocks Crodino, which I like. All in all, you cannot go wrong here, or at Balsam's sister restaurant, the Dominion Tavern, which is right next door.