Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/753327
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSE LUIS MARTINEZ. OPPOSITE PAGE: KOLBY KNIGHT finest cocktails amid celebrity mugshots in this trendy lounge in the former jailhouse-turned- swank Liberty Hotel. 215 Charles St., 857-241-1144; alibiboston.com BRISTOL BAR Enjoy the elegant surroundings (backlit bar, tufted leather armchairs) and stunning views of the Public Garden. 200 Boylston St., 617-351-2037; fourseasons.com/boston THE HAWTHORNE A gorgeous, modern space with the cozy feel of a living room, The Hawthorne mixes the city's tastiest craft cocktails. 500A Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-9150; thehawthornebar.com THE LOUNGE AT THE GODFREY At the mod-posh Godfrey Hotel, this lounge is a relaxing hot spot in the heart of the city. 505 Washington St., 617-804- 2000; godfreyhotel boston.com W LOUNGE Relax by the fireplace with signature craft cocktails and creative small plates in the Theater District's W Hotel. 100 Stuart St., 617- 261-8700; wboston.com FROM THE BACK BAY TO THE NORTH END: BOSTON'S VERY BEST EATS AND DRINKS. DINE B&G OYSTER BAR Enjoy an exquisite raw bar and seafood menu at this intimate South End spot. 550 Tremont St., 617-423- 0550; bandgoysters.com BAR BOULUD This hip bistro, located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, serves chef Daniel Boulud's more casual fare, including seafood, burgers, and charcuterie. 776 Boylston St., 617-535- 8800; barboulud.com BASTILLE KITCHEN Don't let the name fool you: The French fare in this converted factory in the the Innovation District is as contemporary as it gets. 49 Melcher St., 617-556- 8000; bastillekitchen.net BISTRO DU MIDI This bistro offers authentic cuisine from the south of France and head-on views of the Public Garden. 272 Boylston St., 617-426- 7878; bistrodumidi.com BOSTON CHOPS This modern South End steakhouse features high ceilings, wood-rich décor, and nose-to-tail cooking. 1375 Washington St., 617- 227-5011; bostonchops.com THE BUTCHER SHOP Barbara Lynch's South End spot for upscale fare also offers weekly butchery lessons. 552 Tremont St., 617-423-4800; thebutcher shopboston.com CAFE ESCADRILLE The classic offerings are complemented by the time- less décor, which includes a long mahogany bar. (Popular for events and weddings!) 26 Cambridge St., Burlington, 781-273- 1916; cafeescadrille.com 190 Newbury St., 617- 236-0990; stephanies restaurantgroup.com STRIP BY STREGA Located in the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, this Northern Italian steak- house boasts a super-glam dining room. 64 Arlington St., 617-456-5300; strip bystregaboston.com TORO Chef Ken Oringer brings the south of Spain to the South End, serving up modern and traditional Spanish tapas. 1704 Washington St., 617-536- 4300; toro-restaurant.com TRADE Trade's varied Mediter- ranean menu accentuates the region's small-plates tradition, here in a modern and stylish setting. 540 Atlantic Ave., 617-451-1234; trade-boston.com YVONNE'S Boston's self-proclaimed supper club offers a dark, refined setting in which to enjoy its "feasts" and "social plates." 2 Winter Pl., 617-267-0047; yvonnesboston.com DRINK ALIBI Enjoy some of Boston's for its elegant prix-fixe tasting and bar menus. 9 Park St., 617-742-9991; no9park.com OAK LONG BAR & KITCHEN Handcrafted cocktails and farm-to-table fare abound at this American brasserie in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. 138 St James Ave., 617-585-7222; oaklong barkitchen.com OCEAN PRIME Steak and fish—in a polished dining room—are the dual foci of this modern American eatery. 140 Seaport Blvd., 617-670- 1345; ocean-prime.com ROW 34 A "working man's oyster bar," Row 34 pairs raw seafood with another Boston specialty: craft beer. 383 Congress St., 617-553-5900; row34.com SORELLINA Enjoy exceptional Italian cuisine in a subdued and elegant setting next to the Prudential Center. 1 Huntington Ave., 617-412- 4600; sorellinaboston.com STEPHANIE'S ON NEWBURY Stephanie's is a classic Boston restaurant for American fare, with outdoor patio seating. THE GUIDE: SCENE FAT TI IN CASA In his first go as a restaurant owner, chef Douglass Williams is bringing a neighborhood eatery to the South End—with Italian roots. Mida—meaning "he gives me"—is dedicated to fueling the spirit of generosity among both its customers and the community, a nod to the cultural importance of food in Italy. Williams, who worked under Jamie Bissonnette, will serve up the likes of tilefish crudo, egglant agrodolce, and homemade pastas. 782 Tremont St.; midaboston.com THE CAPITAL GRILLE This Back Bay institution is the classic, go-to fine dining steakhouse in town. 900 Boylston St., 617-262- 8900; thecapitalgrille.com DAVIO'S An upscale Northern Italian steakhouse, Davio's is also home to one of Boston's most extensive wine lists. 75 Arlington St., 617-357-4810; davios.com EASTERN STANDARD Classic New England cuisine mingles with standout French- and Italian-inspired dishes and masterful cocktails at this Kenmore Square jewel. 528 Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-9100; eastern standardboston.com GRILL 23 & BAR This ever-elegant steak- house is celebrated for its surf-and-turf specialties. 161 Berkeley St., 617-542- 2255; grill23.com LA VOILE Authentic French dishes (salade Lyonnaise, moules frites, boeuf bourguignon) find their home in this cozy Back Bay bistro. 261 Newbury St., 617-587- 4200; lavoileboston.net LEGAL HARBORSIDE This three-story eatery features some of Boston's best fresh seafood—and fantastic harbor views. 270 Northern Ave., 617-477- 2900; legalseafoods.com MISTRAL The light Provençal fare of this South End bistro matches its airy and elegant setting. 223 Columbus Ave., 617-867- 9300; mistralbistro.com NO. 9 PARK Try this Beacon Hill classic 122 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM