Many American bistros differentiate themselves from their European counterparts by serving region-specific dishes and replacing waiters with Bruce Springsteen. Satisfy a hungry heart with today's Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of American cuisine and drinks (excluding happy hours) at Ulah Bistro.

The seasoned chefs at Ulah Bistro fire brick-oven pizzas and forge plates of modern American fare for lunch, and dinner, and weekend brunch. A robust menu lists internationally inspired starters such as the ahi tuna tartare, featuring morsels of fresh tuna loin adorned by a seaweed salad, wasabi aioli, and an orange-sesame dressing ($12). Pie-fixated patrons can design their own pizzas from an olive-oil or marinara base ($10), with toppings such as prosciutto, sautéed spinach, and fresh basil ($1 each). Hearty dinner entrees include braised boneless beef short ribs, which silence hunger rumblings with accouterments of gorgonzola-infused polenta and a root-vegetable sauce ($20). Fruity or chocolaty desserts such as the apple pie à la mode ($7) or strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream ($7) soothe aching sweet teeth like an edible Icy Hot bandage.

Diners can sip wine, draft beer, or a signature cocktail from one of Ulah's two stone-topped bars. The open, two-level space welcomes guests with candlelit brick walls and a lounge area bordered by stylish couches that are ideal for reclining with friends or psychoanalyzing a plate of seafood linguine.