5 Degrees is a 70s-styled downtown bar-lounge-restaurant, named for the temperature at which vodka is chilled for a top-drawer martini, straddles the stylish balance between retro chic and ultra cool.  Armani-clad cool cats take center stage in the front lounge outfitted with ultra modern furniture.  If your wardrobe is more vintage thrift than posh Prada, settle into the back room with its black patent vinyl banquettes and vintage lemon yellow chairs.  The up-to-the-moment American menu, designed by Eric Roeder, executive chef at Bistro Vendome, offers a scattershot of small plates and dessserts designed for sharing coupled with a handful of main dishes.  Oysters five ways -- raw, baked, fried, flan, and soup - provide progressive twists on the bivalve, while the chilled potato vodka soup transcends anything ordinary.  Beef tartar is served with red pepper coulis and a quail egg, while the crimson-fleshed seared tuna partners with vegetable risotto.  For dessert, imbibe one of the 48 martinis or sweeten your tooth with strawberries and cream, -- Lori Midson, AOL City Guide

Open Monday through Friday 4pm to 2am, Saturday & Sunday 6pm to 2am (Kitchen closed Sundays)