At its core, this bistro slash bar is a true local hangout where you can just drop by after work or head over for a lazy weekend brunch and know that you’ll always be served good food. With its high ceilings and comfy seats, Societi is the type of place you’ll tell your friends to meet you at the last minute—no fuss required. With places like these, the ambience plays as much of a role as the food itself—and Societi’s got that casual-cool, hip-but-homey ambience down pat. Food-wise, it’s a bit of a mix and match. There are tapas, mussels, pastas, roasts, snacks and desserts—breakfast-style items are also served until 5pm. The pastas and signature roasted chicken here are good fallbacks. We highly recommend the spaghetti alio e oglio, simply garnished and with a savory kick from the chopped-up anchovies. The spaghetti Bolognese is not like they make it in Bologna—drenched in a flood of rich meat sauce, the Societi version is a proud and hearty interpretation of the original; whether you like this or not will depend on how much of a purist you are. The roasted chicken we had on our second visit was tender, juicy and flavorful, covered in a sauce that reminded us a bit of the red-wine mixture in boeuf bourguignon. The skin was lightly charred and super crispy, which was a pleasant bonus, and the fries that came on the side were light and addictive. The chicken a la king pasta was good too, but the meat was a bit on the bland side in comparison to our roast. Then again, we’re just being nit-picky. All in all, a meal at Societi is a truly delightful experience any time of day. Wines also available here.