Holman's Restaurant   

It's dark, it's smoky, and it always smells like french fries. Maybe these don't sound like good things at first, but regulars get misty-eyed as they walk in the door and whiff the friendly, familiar air. In a rapidly upgrading neighborhood, Holman's is a tried-and-true standby for cheap cocktails and late-night diner food. The main room is a long narrow space with a bar and a few shabby booths. On the other side is more diner-style seating. Recent additions offer more room and nicer accommodations. There's a second well-lit and smoke-free dining room, and a large and lovely back patio from spring to fall. The ''Meal Wheel'' is a time-honored tradition: First, make sure an employee is watching (cheaters never prosper) and then spin the roulette-style wheel on the back wall. If you hit the arrow, your food is free. The kitchen always serves a full menu of favorites like spicy fries, omelets and Monte Cristo sandwiches until 2AM and on Friday and Saturday nights they're open all night long.