Sitting as the welcoming entrance to Uptown with street-side plate glass windows and a thick script backlit sign, the Burch Steak and Pizza Bar has become a fast favorite for special occasions and late night pizza dinners. Part high end steak house, part basement pizza parlor, Burch has been hailed as one of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities. In the former Burch Pharmacy building, a 100-year-old landmark, the new venture bears the same moniker but is now thoughtfully creative and vibrant, inviting and accommodating. Known for their prime beef and Wagyu dishes in the steakhouse, and Neapolitan-style pies in the pizzeria, the uniquely crafted creations are carefully prepared and expensive, but worthy of the price tag. The steaks are done to perfection and the wood-fire pizzas are warm and comforting, truly excellent. The entrées were what stood out to me – my favorites being the laced potato pave, topped with parmesan and butter; the roasted carrots with thyme and chèvre; finally, the grilled asparagus with a poached egg and house béarnaise. They also have an incredible cocktail selection, although I stayed with my typical glass of Risata Moscato d’Asti, adding to the grandiose but casual ambiance and gentile, elegant atmosphere (ie. romantic and warm). Because the airy, open kitchen melts into the dining area, you can expect it to be noisy on a Saturday night. That being said, it gets busy, so be sure to make a reservation. They also own Bar La Grassa and 112 eatery.