Bright lights big city

$=$5-10; $$=$10-25; $$$=$25-50; $$$$=$50+

24 Grille inside the Book-Cadillac Hotel, 204 Michigan Ave.; 313-964-3821; spa1924grille.com; $$: Dark and sexy, with cushioned stools, Swarovski crystal and more create a sumptuous interior. Various nods to industrial design, right down to an exposed 1920s I-beam. Outdoor patio.

Anchor Bar 450 W. Fort St.; 313-964-9127; anchorbardetroit.com; $: Enjoy waxed-paper-wrapped burgers, sandwiches and bar food with chunky crisp steak fries and creamy coleslaw sides in a room that will collapse if one more piece of Detroit history goes on the walls.

Andiamo Detroit Riverfront 400 Renaissance Center; 313-567-6700; andiamoitalia.com; $$$: Right on the river off the redesigned Renaissance Center's sunny Winter Garden, with seating areas that are spacious or intimate. Upscale Italian cuisine in luxurious atmosphere, often with live music.

Angelina Italian Bistro 1565 Broadway, at Grand Circus Park; 313-962-1355; angelinadetroit.com; $$$: Italian food (and some extras) at "prices that reflect the new reality" — at least when it comes to the entrées and the wines. Pristine view of Grand Circus Park with floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around dining area. Closed Mondays.

Astro Coffee 2124 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2989; astrocoffee.us; $:  Breakfast and lunch dishes are handmade from mostly local ingredients. Some choice items include: buttermilk scones, ham and white cheddar croissants, and a variety of baguette sandwiches. On top of the superb coffee, sweets include a flavorful chocolate mousse cake baked with ground Honduran coffee and served with hand-whipped cream.

Atlas Global Bistro 3111 Woodward Ave.; 313-831-2241; atlasglobalbistro.com; $$$$: At Atlas, you'll find Carolina catfish, pork taquitos, short ribs, ravioli and polenta, Hawaiian shrimp and Moroccan beef. Ingredients — which don't necessarily remain with their cuisine-of-origin — include lemongrass, cactus, Gorgonzola, wasabi, coconut, pancetta, caviar and black-eyed peas. Brunch until 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Avalon International Breads 422 W. Willis St.; 313-832-0008; avalonbreads.net; $: A Cultural Center fixture, Avalon has branched out from the baguettes and crusty peasant loafs that brought bread-starved customers flocking years ago, today offering brioches, scones and cinnamon rolls.

Bangkok Crossing 620 Woodward Ave.; 313-961-3861; bangkokcrossingthaifood.com; $$: Tasty and enjoyable pla dook pad ped (crisp red snapper stir-fried with mushrooms, peppers and eggplant), pad ma kher (fried eggplant), as well as a few concessions to the American palate. Crowded at lunchtime weekdays.

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