After more than two decades, this Mount Vernon staple has morphed from an unassuming coffee shop to a full-fledged restaurant, serving lunch, dinner and brunch in a sleek, contemporary space. Since it introduced a chef to its kitchen in 2009, City Cafe has been a hotspot for inspired New American dishes that please loyal customers and bring in new ones. Owners Gino Cardinale and Bruce Bodie, who also run Tark’s Grill in Brooklandville, keep the vibe fresh and interesting. (Baltimore Sun Best Restaurant 2017)