Life Café Nine 83 (CLOSED)

The original Life Café in the East Village has lost the artist vibe that inspired Jonathan Larson to cite it in Rent, but owner Kathleen Kirkpatrick has nearly re-created that original feeling out on the edge of Bushwick. Red-walled and high-ceilinged, warm and welcoming, Nine 83 is the place where you can settle in for the long haul. Sit at the bar with a cheap pitcher of beer or grab a table for serious comfort food, like catfish and Southwestern grilled chicken.