Food Bar, on 8th Avenue

Arguably Chelsea's favorite casual restaurant for same-sex dates, Food Bar (149 8th Ave., 212-243-2020) is an attractive, reasonably priced, and festive option for a meal of American comfort fare, including tasty breakfast items available throughout the day. Grilled-steak salad, tamarind-grilled salmon, and traditional lasagna give a sense of the predictable but reliable menu. It's sometimes a zoo, but the staff consistently rates high marks for keeping it all together. It's on the same block as Nooch and Gym bar are nearby.