uch more than just a hotel pub, the Kingston Taphouse and Grill reopened last year to little fanfare and has since garnered a fraction of the attention it deserves. With two patios separated by a floating staircase and a full bar on the upper deck, this palm-treed oasis is the perfect spot to go when you want to feel “on vacation” for a night.

Sit next to the fireplace, the Mexican fountain or at a table overlooking Richards Street and order liberally from the martini and cocktail lists. Everything is done right here: The kaipiroskas and mojitos are muddled, the bar uses fresh juices, and nothing is over-sweetened. I had an Oasis, namesake for the lower courtyard, shaken with absolute citron, Hypnotique, blue Curacao and pineapple juice.

The Kingston musters a surprisingly upscale variety of pub fare. The Thai chicken pizza was on the special list, but ought to be on the regular menu. This inspired thin crust creation has a sweet chili sauce base and is strewn with peppers, sweet onions, chicken and mozzarella. What makes this work is a drizzle of peanut sauce contrived with a hint of coconut milk that lingers like a clandestine kiss.

With the buying power of the Spectra Group of restaurants, the Kingston is able to keep prices reasonable while maintaining a varied and successful menu. Enliven your palate with the blackened seared ahi tuna ceasar salad or the ahi tuna spring rolls. Otherwise, go big: Chorizo sausage penne is spiced, too; the seafood hot pot is served with a lobster broth; curry bowls are served with basmati, not bland white rice.

You know that dread feeling you get toward the end of an excellent vacation, that regretful ache in your belly at having to leave paradise. The Kingston may not be paradise, but you will rue having to leave this oasis. – D.H.