Vault Restaurant

Vault Restaurant sits on 176th like a neighborhood secret pretending to be a downtown lounge. Inside, retro light fixtures and wood-paneled accents give it a slightly dressed-up pub feel; there’s a compact bar that’s serious about martinis and a menu that hops between pub classics and pan-Asian plates. Locals treat it like go-to takeout for generous Chinese dishes and family dinners, while nights bring a livelier crowd ordering steak frites, tuna bowls and cocktails. Service leans friendly and efficient; portions run large and prices feel moderate, which keeps regulars coming back. Expect hits and misses—some plates sing, others play safe—but the place’s real charm is its role as a community hinge: part family-run takeout, part casual dinner spot, part neighborhood bar. Call ahead for pickup or book a table for evening drinks when the room fills and the lights drop a touch lower.