The sister bar of the upscale Grüner restaurant, Kask is a cramped but cozy joint that connects on all fronts. A fine selection of booze and an excellent list of house cocktails are the reasons to drop in—the Buddy Swap and the Bicycles and Baskets are both worthy choices—and their small selection of beer, wine, and nibbles are nothing to turn your nose up at. At no point will you feel like you're getting a bargain, and the service is friendly but not entirely speedy, but otherwise the handsome, homey Kask is as good as downtown hobnobbing gets without veering into the realm of unbearable snobbery. NED LANNAMANN