Nouveau Palais makes so much sense. I like to come here mainly for the relaxed vibe, the drinks and the good music. The menu doesn't reinvent the wheel but it does simple foods weirdly well. I once had mussels and shoestring fries that were perfectly fine. It's cozy and comfortable and always fun to people-watch on a Friday night: pretty young things on their way to a neighbourhood party, mingling with those old-time customers from when this place was still a greasy spoon that served poutine. Ah Mile End.