Hotel Griffou

In the 1870s, the Hotel Griffou was reportedly a dignified place to lodge and dine, but by the time 1918 rolled around it was louche, ringing “with the laughter and high talk of a younger group, known as the ‘Griffou Push.’” Author Arthur Bartlett Maurice wrote, “Brave dreams were there, and limitless ambitions, and some achievement. But in many cases pallida mors [pale death] came knocking all too soon.” After years as another downtown hotspot, Marylou’s, Hotel Griffou was resurrected by a crack team of restaurateurs who installed classic cocktails, an old-school New American menu (lobster-thermidor fondue, golden-brown fried seafood calabash showered with homemade potato chips) and a series of dining rooms filled with eclectic art, including spooky Little Red Riding Hood capes.