Pink Door's Not Just a Summer Seater

During summers, the words "outdoor dining" and "Pink Door" are synonymous. And honestly, it's pretty tough to beat the outdoor seating at the Pink Door, one of the only Market spots that stays packed from July through August, yet never feels like a tourist trap. During the soggiest and chilliest months of the year, however, when there's no way in hell you'd want to sit outside, it's rare that anyone I know suggests the Pink Door as a dining option. But with its dim lighting and cabaret motif, it's tough to find a spot better suited for guzzling gallons of wine and chowing down on pasta. We took a seat near the bar and ordered a bottle of Kestrel viognier ($38) and a plate of roasted garlic spread ($10) while some cabaret music thing was under way—all before inhaling a plate of gnocchi that was bedded down and covered in a blanket of cheese. Now, like I said, the Pink Door is a great spot for outdoor dining. But what better way to spend a soggy-assed Friday night than slurping wine, staring at cleavage, and stuffing yourself with bread, cheese, and potato pasta? If it had been summer, I would have probably walked it off. But we had a show to get to at the Triple Door, which was dangerous. Settled into the cozy booth with the lights down, I fought sleep for close to two hours.