Beast Restaurant   

It's almost an archeological treasure, this bar that lay dormant for twenty-five years. Owner Debbie Bicknese peeled back pink Formica to discover the original wooden bar, and removed the drop ceiling and linoleum to reveal the original tin ceiling and marble hex-tile floor. The exterior was ready to go, with rough stone facade and spiked iron fence a perfect match for Bicknese's underlying theme based on her love of mythical creatures. Gargoyles and griffins climb walls or peer down from corners, as a relaxed local crowd plucks at chorizo marinated in red wine, Guinness-braised short ribs, and roasted red peppers stuffed with salt cod, courtesy of former Rosewater chef Megan Fisk. Fisk also included a favorite staple food from her days as a poor student in Spain; a traditional Spanish tortilla, which has nothing to do with flatbread, but is more like a casserole of potato, egg, and onion -- cheap, good, and filling. Located on a gentrifying stretch of Vanderbilt Avenue, the place fills up fast for weekend brunch and stays packed through the afternoons, so be prepared to wait.