Pete's Saloon & Restaurant

Situated on a drab thoroughfare in downtown Elmsford, this 34-year-old saloon and restaurant stands out like a four-leaf clover in wet cement. On any given evening the bar is occupied by a local assemblage – many of whom have been acquainted since high school – to partake in liberally dispensed drinks, watch sports on two overhead TVs, and take in some live music. The jaunty bartenders know everyone, and sometimes their kids, or so it seems.

On weekends and at times during the week, live bands take over a makeshift stage at 10:30 p.m. – mostly rock and blues. The seating arrangement is comfortable and you are not too close to the bands. Thursday is karaoke night, and if you are in an existential frame of mind, a psychic holds forth every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

The food is satisfying, and above typical pub fare: “make your own” hamburgers, soups and salads, ribs, steaks and 10 preparations of chicken. The outgoing servers appear to be enjoying their trade, which is always a good sign. –Bryan Miller