The Earle

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Holiday season nears, and the Earle continues to be a cozy place for intimate festive dinners. College kids bring their parents here, or vice versa. Anniversaries and engagements are celebrated with spirit(s), as are ends of workdays with specials in the cheery wine bar.

Bittersweetly, long life brings more chances for bad moments along with the good. Spot-on service across the board, continuing menu updates (the relatively recent appearance of minted artichokes and gingered fish seem good signs), plus everything it already does well should keep the Earle’s magic alive.

The Earle

121 West Washington

994–0211

Dining room open Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–9 p.m., Fri. 5:30–11 p.m., Sat. 5:45–11 p.m., & Sun. 5:30–9 p.m. Wine bar opens at 5 p.m. Mon.–Fri.

Appetizers $8.95–$12.95, salads $2.95–$9.95, dinner entrees $18.95–$29.95, desserts, $6.50.