Do you trust the hotel concierge?
When I travel I often get to the point where I want to eat and after reviewing the hotel dining room menu I want to consider other options. When I ask the hotel concierge I wonder if they are bribed to make specific recommendations. When I am on my own I want to know I am going to a place that is safe for a woman alone. I don't like to choose from a phone book or glossy magazine as they often show places that are tourist traps and I don't know distances and menus. I prefer to be walking distance from my hotel if possible. I've mostly had good luck with this approach.
Any other options or suggestions?
Thanks.

Comments
I do trust the Concierge! I consider that yes, they might be bribed but I have never been steered wrong by one yet. And, I would like to think that if they started steering people in the wrong directions, they wouldn't be employed long. Maybe you could ask them and/or one of the desk clerks how long they've been working there.
It's always good to be cautious!