Walter Foods is often the amicable accord to a dinner debate that's gone on too long ("Why don't we just go to Walter Foods?"). That's because it has everything you want in a great neighborhood restaurant: warm service, killer cocktails and a crowd pleasing selection of consistently well-executed American classics.

The menu is full of hits, so order envy is usually unavoidable. The French dip and fried chicken are both fantastic, as is the burger with crispy shoestring fries. The whole roasted trout, served simply with capers, lemon and brown butter, is not the most heart healthy fish dish you'll ever eat, but it's great when you want to pretend that you're eating responsibly. Of course, any such pretense is quickly put to rest when you receive the dessert menu and notice the chocolate banana bread pudding. Yes, it's as good as it sounds. If you're into oysters, there's always a good selection, along with other raw bar staples like littlenecks, shrimp cocktail and a chilled half lobster.

Walter Foods gets packed on the weekends, but on Wednesday evenings, you'll have plenty of seating options. NB: If it's nice out, request a table on the patio out back.

STOP 2: VIDEOLOGY BAR & CINEMA

Bingo is boring. Bingo night at Videology Bar & Cinema is not.

Every Wednesday at 9:00pm, Videology screens episodes of cult classic television series, including Twin Peaks, Freaks and Geeks, Strangers With Candy, and Arrested Development. Laminated score cards with grids containing the show's characters, quotes, common occurrences and idiosyncrasies are randomly distributed to the audience and... you know the rest.

If you're a fan of these shows, playing is just half the fun, as there's something special about watching great television with like-minded fans who laugh before every joke. Log in to Netflix another night and head to the bar for some popcorn, booze and bingo.

RECAP:

Walter Foods: A handsome neighborhood restaurant with great food, warm service and well-made cocktails.
Videology Bar & Cinema: An independent "micro-cinema" with full food service and a bar up front.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

-Walter Foods is located at 253 Grand Street. Videology Bar & Cinema is located at 308 Bedford Avenue.

-Total Cost: About $60 per person for dinner and cocktails at Walter Foods + drinks and (free) bingo at Videology.

-Videology can get crowded quickly on Bingo Night. Get there early for the best seats, which are the elevated corner banquets in the back of the room.

-Bar snacks like nachos, tacos, chips, dip and, of course, popcorn are available at Videology.

-Bingo winners are usually awarded a free drink or, for the Arrested Development nights, a frozen banana. Never nudes get a free drink, win or lose.