Profile

Chances are you're not one of the three people unaware that Half King is the pet project of Sebastian Junger, of Perfect Storm renown. But just in case: Yes, this is the pub the author has dumped a chunk of his royalties into, and it looks as if the bar will become as popular as Junger's book and the movie it inspired. Inside, the Half King is divided, with about two thirds devoted to diners, the rest to drinkers, bar-food nibblers and literary types brandishing notebooks. The food is surprisingly good (particularly the beef pot pie with sauce made from Guinness ale), and the mellow bar scene has attracted an amiable neighborhood crowd. — Matt Dobkin