Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Queen of Scots may have the ring of a typical, old-fashioned pub, but it's actually a fashionable, contemporary gastropub, owned by Brian McGrory and chef William Hickox of Highlands, a popular West Village haunt. Yes, there's a lot of tartan fabric, Scotch and book-lined shelves, but the menu goes beyond fish-and-chips. For appetizers are devils on horseback, cassoulet and pork carbonara with garlic confit. Mains include a great, juicy burger made with Piedmontese beef, Scottish salmon and hanger steak with smashed potatoes. Cocktails are a strong point, and the mirrored-ceiling bar tends to be crammed on weekends.