Happy-hour pick: Davio’s

Davio's, 111 S. 17th St.; 5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday

For going on 20 years, Davio's in Center City has looked and played the part of the upmarket Italian steakhouse destination.

It's also home to one of Center City's more civilized happy hours in its newly renovated lounge. The low tables and chairs have given way to more functional high-tops that blend more seamlessly into the dining room and allow a catbird's view of 17th and Chestnut Streets from the restaurant's second-floor perch.

Drink lineup includes a few cocktails discounted to $6, wines at $5, and $3 beer bottles. The food specials are outstanding, ranging from truffle fries ($5) and a huge soft pretzel seasoned with rosemary, other herbs, and smoked sea salt ($5) to more substantive fare such as fried calamari ($7), sausage and peppers on foccacia ($7), the signature cheesesteak spring rolls ($9), and flatbread topped with San Daniele prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula, and basil ($9).

A similar happy hour, with different specials and menu, is offered at the Davio’s location at King of Prussia Town Center.