Lately, I've made a habit of going to Bar North for lunch (love it for meetings) and casual dinner. Mainly because of the friendly staff and also the open layout/sleek atmosphere and simple but ample-enough menu. Yes, Bar North is part of a big corporate co. (Fox Concepts), but they do a good job of creating an intimate and unique spot (lived in NYC long enough; plenty of unique eateries there, still can appreciate BarNorth; again, it's really the staff that makes this place).
Same menu for both lunch and dinner, with just a few big plates and a nice selection of small plates (though they mentioned they'll be doing something new for the summer) and they do have a full bar. For nights out, we're able to coordinate the busy people we want to see, since this place is great for after-dinner "camping" at one of the large outdoor lounge tables and inviting friends to stop by, at no set time, to oder at our table (no pressure to make a big production) or just grab appetizers and drinks.