Bites Nearby: Nighttown

Sure, everyone knows about Nighttown. But since it opened back in the Mad Men-era of 1965, this restaurant and nightclub has been a favored destination for many local residents.

With the vibe of Dublin, Ireland, all around, you may feel as if you’ve taken a jaunt back into the time of James Joyce, who provided the inspiration for the restaurant’s name.

In addition to being a full-service, white-tablecloth restaurant, Nighttown offers some of the best live music in the area, featuring both local luminaries and nationally known artists. The magazine Downbeat has named Nighttown as one of the best jazz clubs in the world (the only club in Ohio so honored).

As for food, the menu hasn’t changed much over the years, and that’s how the patrons prefer it. The Salmon Horseradish is a Bay of Fundy filet served with a horseradish crumb crust and a light Dijon mustard sauce.

The Lobster Mac & Cheese features Gruyere tossed with penne pasta, Morel mushroom dust, fresh Maine lobster and heirloom tomatoes.

If you want a taste of the British Isles, try the Bangers & Mash or the house specialty, the Dublin Lawyer. It’s lobster sautéed in a butter cream sauce with mushrooms, scallions and Irish whiskey, served over rice pilaf.

And you can top it all off with a cool martini and some mellow sounds. This is definitely a place Don Draper would love.

12387 Cedar Road, 216-795-0550. Open: Mon.-Thurs.: 11:30 a.m. to Midnight, Fri.-Sat.: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday Brunch: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday Dinner: 3 p.m. to Midnight. Prices: Appetizers $5-$15, Entrees $17-$25.