Read somewhere online that the way to eat well is to "skip the middle"; eat at dives and fine dining, skipping the olive gardens, brios, cheese cake factories. Of course, what's considered fine dining these days? Can't remember the last time I wore a jacket to a fancy joint.
Here is an example of fine dining quality food that you reach at the end of a haze of stale smoke. Cost savings of the missing maitre d' passed on to you. Besides, the staff is friendly so you won't notice.
Skip the middle, patronize joints like this.