Bars & Clubs

Photo Credit: Dan Watkins

Beer Bar

Sunset Grill & Tap

Sunset brandishes the motto “Life’s Too Short to Drink Cheap Beer,” but life may also be too brief to sample everything here: Some 112 beers on tap, nearly 400 in bottles, plus a menu that roams from Tex-Mex to pasta to the fabled curly fries to a new emphasis on fresh fish. Choose a beer club (tap, micro, Euro—the selection never stops), and divvy up the collection of seasonals, meads, ciders and the truly obscure (Mahr’s Keller Ungespundet?).

130 Brighton Ave., Allston | 617-254-1331 | allstonsfinest.com

Best-Kept Secret

The Sunset Cafe

This Portuguese place near Inman Square proffers a free pizza or wings (whether you want ’em or not) with every beer tower. Homey, perhaps to excess—the owner brings his fluffy dog to the bar—the traditional specials like goat, tripe and rabbit earn tail wags. Come for the games (especially if you’re a soccer fan), and try the chourico flamejado, a fiery Portuguese sausage that’ll have you calling for the siege of another tower.

851 Cambridge St., Cambridge | 617-547-2938 | thesunsetcafe.net

Photo Credit: Natasha Moustache

Dance Club

Middlesex Lounge

Live bands every Wednesday heat up the summer calendar at this club for dancers who don’t care which C-lister was paid to ignore them from the VIP booth. The tight quarters and long lines continue, as does the popular Make It New techno-electronic dance night on Thursdays. A mix of everything from classic hip-hop to disco fuels your Friday nights, while the esteemed DJ Kon spins until 2 am on Saturdays. The crowd is fun, young, laid back and ready for a very good time. Keep an eye out for Group Hug, a spirited gay night on the last Sunday of the month.

315 Mass. Ave., Cambridge | 617-868-6739 | middlesexlounge.us

Dive Bar

Paddy’s Lunch

Forget the lunch; there isn’t any. Eat up the lore. Tip O’Neill campaigned here. So did a young JFK. Margaret and Patrick Fennell opened Paddy’s in this working-class neighborhood 78 years ago, practically the moment Prohibition was repealed. It’s still all Budweisers, shamrocks, politics and horse racing for the hard-core regulars, but appreciative newcomers are welcome, says a fan of this “living memory of loyal friends and simple times.”

260 Walden St., Cambridge | 617-547-8739 | paddys34.com

Gay Scene

Geoffrey’s Cafe

Geoffrey’s just turned 21 and celebrates its legal drinking age with its first year back in the Back Bay after a stint in Roslindale. You’ll find the same saucy cocktails (the Frou Frou, the Walk of Shame, the French Silk Panties) priced at an alluring $5–$9, and dig-in bistro fare like chicken and dumplings and beef bourguignon. Lunches are relaxing, after-work is invigorating and Sunday’s disco brunch is a scream.

142 Berkeley St., Boston | 617-424-6711 | geoffreyscafebar.com

Hot Spot

Saloon

As a subterranean chaser to their wildly busy Foundry on Elm, Ken Kelly and David Flanagan opened this pre-Prohibition style bar in December. Downstairs from the hustle and bustle, you’ll find, well, more bustle, but also a variety of beers, bubble and squeak and a balance sheet packed with 120 bourbons. With a warm decor of worn carpets, wood paneling and exposed brick, the speakeasy chic is rounded out by cocktails like a Negroni shaken with house-made vermouth.

255 Elm St., Somerville | 617-628-4444 | saloondavis.com

Photo Credit: Adam Detour

Hotel Bar

The Hawthorne

This lush and refined lounge is the latest from the gang behind Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar. Attention to detail is a hallmark of the team, captained by bartending legend Jackson Cannon. There’s an urbane cocktail-party vibe, with local art and the pages of extra–fine-print novels on the wall, and small plates of deviled eggs available on the menu. With some of Boston’s best bartenders (including gadabout Scott Marshall) on staff, the Hawthorne continues the crew’s hot streak.

500A Comm. Ave., Boston| 617-532-9150 | thehawthornebar.com

Industry Hangout

JM Curley

Named for the powerful, crooked politician, this Downtown newcomer has jumped into the race for Silvertone’s title as the post-shift mecca for chefs, drink slingers and servers. At this laid-back haven, the cocktails are top-notch and the late-night menu offers some of the best burgers in town. For a nightcap, grab yourself a spiked concrete, in flavors like drunk mint chocolate chip. Written by industry folk, seemingly specifically for industry folk, the menu manifesto demands: no shrieking, whining, sucking face, foul language or flatulence—rules on which all customers can agree.

21 Temple Place, Boston | 617-338-5333 | jmcurleyboston.com

Photo Credit: Natasha Moustache

Irish Bar

The Black Rose

The Roisin Dubh is the first of the Auld Sod transplants, having opened in 1976. This expansive pub, with two stages and a fireplace lounge, has been pouring pints and frying up heaping plates of fish-and-chips for 35 years. Nightly live music sets the Celtic scene better than the old Guinness ads at your usual plastic Paddy. The acts are of the local variety, but members of the Chieftains and a group called U2 have played this pub that’s been a rock in Faneuil Hall for decades.

160 State St., Boston | 617-742-2286 | blackroseboston.com

Lesbian Scene

Milky Way Lounge at Bella Luna Restaurant

This perennial favorite remains at the top of the class for revelry. There’re your usual suspects: live music, a welcoming clientele of regulars. But then there are the curve balls: live comedy, trivia nights, an excellent summer patio. With queer dance-parties and Dyke Night events, this place is a local institution. And with cocktails like the peachy Ron Swanson and a catalog of creative pizzas (sauce and dough made daily), the Milky Way shines any day of the week.

284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain | 617-524-6060 | milkywayjp.com

Photo Credit: Adam Detour

Mixologist

Noon Inthasuwan

As bar manager at Patricia Yeo’s Asian eatery, Moksa, Inthasuwan has earned accolades for her creativity and praise like “awesome” and “a real talent” from her peers. At 32, she’s also garnered an impressive education. Inthasuwan is a certified sake expert, holds a diploma from the International Sommelier Guild and is one of fewer than 20 female Court of Master sommeliers in the country. She’s got a soft spot for the amber liquids, and at Moksa she’s matching single malts with habeñero, brandy with tea-soaked sugar cubes and other wild fusions you’ve never seen or tasted before.

450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge | 617-661-4900 | moksarestaurant.com

Neighborhoods: Allston

Deep Ellum

A rich nightlife scene complete with amazing food and music: That’s the essence of the funky Dallas district known as Deep Ellum. Texas native Aaron Sanders and cofounder Max Toste brought that spirit to Allston in 2007, and their neighborhood hangout honors the original with a top-flight cocktail program, country-fried steak and a rotating selection of local drafts. Check out the back patio for summer drinking, or head next door to sister restaurant Lone Star Taco Bar for late-night eats.

477 Cambridge St., Allston | 617-787-2337 | deepellum-boston.com

Neighborhoods: Back Bay

Post 390

Post 390’s personality is like a character from great American fiction: square-jawed, experience-oriented, unafraid of raging bulls or hangovers. And while Gatsby and Daisy aren’t sunk into the barstools, their Ivy League counterparts are, sipping Post juleps splashed with mint simple syrup and topped with a Myers rum float. Share refined classics like Scotch quail eggs and venison stroganoff, or join the old sports warming up by the blazing hearth with fire-roasted Gibsons.

406 Stuart St., Boston | 617-399-0015 | post390restaurant.com

Neighborhoods: Beacon Hill

Harvard Gardens

Long a neighborhood favorite, Harvard Gardens stepped up their game when chef Nick Dixon took the reins last year. Now, the seasonal offerings include non–status quo snacks like devils on horseback and jalapeño polenta fries with red-pepper sauce. These’ll build your drinking base for an array of taps and summer cocktails like the Rye Refresher, brightened up with agave nectar, grapefruit and mint. If you get hungry again, there’s a late-night menu until 1 am. But get here early, as HG dominates the after-work scene.

316 Cambridge St., Boston | 617-523-2727 | harvardgardens.com

Neighborhoods: Brighton

The Green Briar Irish Pub

In a city packed with Irish pubs, this Brighton destination is known for dominating the international sports scene. Plenty of TVs and projection screens allow fans to cheer for rugby and hurling, soccer (or footy). Expect a lively atmosphere with the upcoming London Olympics. Our advice? Mingle with the locals during the week while enjoying traditional eats like bangers and mash and make room for the younger crowd reveling on the weekend.

304 Washington St., Brighton | 617-789-4100 | greenbriarpub.com

Neighborhoods: Brookline

The Abbey

As with a good friend, your relationship with your local bar should be easy, supportive and provide a space where you’re free to unwind. Washington Square Tavern alums (and longtime friends) Josh Sherman and Damian Dowling bring that same familiarity to the Abbey, a comfortable hangout that delivers every time. Get reacquainted as you sample more than 30 types of Scotch, curated by region, and share plates from a full dinner menu until 1:30 am.

1657 Beacon St., Brookline | 617-730-8040 | abbeyrestaurant.com

Photo Credit: Dave Bradley

Neighborhoods: Cambridge: Central Square

Brick & Mortar

As befitting a hip watering hole, there’s no phone number or sign, but there’s also a welcome absence of pretension. In the small shell of the former Enormous Room comes this curved copper bar from B-Side Lounge founder Patrick Sullivan. Misty Kalkofen (herself a former B-Sider) designs the cocktail-centric menu. The Bullet for Fredo (Nardini Aquavite Grappa Riserva, Perucchi Vermouth Blanc, Campari) is mixed, bottled and served undiluted for some tough love, and the nightly Crush on a Stripper shot offers sweet surprises.

569 Mass. Ave., Cambridge | brickandmortarbar.com

Neighborhoods: Cambridge: Harvard Square

Charlies Kitchen

You might expect a neighborhood bar to slowly cave to the community’s ever-civilizing aesthetic. But some bars are institutions of their own, including his highness, the “double cheeseburger king.” Reveling in their neon signs, city-famous jukebox and dive appeal, Charlies has rocked with grimy panache for decades. The one major change after more than 40 years? An outdoor beer garden, built in 2010, which brings the party outside so the neighbors can join in on the summer fun.

10 Eliot St., Cambridge | 617-492-9646 | charlieskitchen.com

Photo credit: Dan Watkins

Neighborhoods: Cambridge: Inman Square

Trina’s Starlite Lounge

Boston’s brunch community is a ravenous beast. To recover, the industry crowd heads to Inman on Monday mornings for French toast and Adirondacks (butter-infused bourbon, maple syrup, chocolate-covered bacon chaser), or, if they just need to hydrate, a carafe of the Kool-Aid du jour. For regular diners, the story is the dog of the day, washed down with a bucket of High Life pony bottles, a selection from the Bud Light Lime cocktail list, or concoctions like the Fallen Angel (a spicy mango margarita with a BBQ-dusted rim) created by one of the more fun-loving collections of bartenders in the city.

3 Beacon St., Somerville | 617-576-0006 | trinastarlitelounge.com

Neighborhoods: Cambridge: Kendall Square

Meadhall

Based on the name, you’d think Meadhall would be a favorite of Erik the Red or Thor the god of thunder. But regulars of this Kendall oasis tend to be far nerdier, or at least beer-geeky, due to an epic selection of 100 taps, including a squadron of Belgians (and a healthy store of mead, of course). Giant windows bestow an airy feel, and an upstairs lounge sets the stage for strategy meetings over house-made duck sausage and steak tartare. No Thor, but it’s a lovely place to get hammered.

4 Cambridge Center, Cambridge | 617-714-4372 | themeadhall.com

Neighborhoods: Cambridge: Porter Square

Temple Bar

Cool without being conceited, fun but not full of itself, Temple Bar has a warm, genial vibe that makes it a consistent neighborhood favorite. The intimate, urban interior hosts a crowded bar scene, but the experienced bartenders meet the demand. Try the seasonal punch or the Larry Collins (a mix of Applejack, honey, lemon and tiki spices) alongside a treat from the bar menu. Your body is a temple, and it should be built from white-truffle flatbreads.

1688 Mass. Ave., Cambridge | 617-547-5055 | templebarcambridge.com

Neighborhoods: Charlestown

The Warren Tavern

The Warren Tavern is thought to be the first building constructed after the Battle of Bunker Hill. (Hey, people gotta drink.) For 230 years, they’ve kept people coming back. Paul Revere was a famous regular (probably because he never had to buy a drink in this town), and today’s patrons return for lobster rolls, live music and the atmosphere of a Boston bar with all of the history and a lot fewer tourists. The Tavern has been a neighborhood cornerstone for centuries, a claim not too many bars in the country can make.

2 Pleasant St., Charlestown | 617-241-8142 | warrentavern.com

Neighborhoods: Dorchester

Dbar

In 2005, trend-setting Dbar became the “first place in Dorchester to offer martinis,” says owner Brian Piccini. “And we’ve always had a blast doing it.” Regulars congregate for Show Tune Tuesdays, when the tables and chairs are replaced at 9 pm with throngs of musical patrons. Add a bamboo-studded patio for outdoor dining and delicious, affordable items like the crispy Giannone chicken under a brick, and voilà—neighborhood staple.

1236 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester | 617-265-4490 | dbarboston.com

Neighborhoods: Downtown Crossing

Silvertone Bar & Grill

Ducking underground for a night at Silvertone is like entering a portrait by a tattooed Norman Rockwell. The staircase opens up into a warm, dark space stocked with neighborly types. Memorabilia and childhood photographs of staff and friends provide the hospitable backdrop. The prices are amiable, too, with $3 High Lifes and $15 pork chops. This season, cool off with a selection from the list of summertime highballs, like the Triple C, with cucumber vodka, St-Germain, lime juice and soda.

69 Bromfield St., Boston | 617-338-7887 | silvertonedowntown.com

Neighborhoods: East Boston

Ecco

The bartenders at Ecco are always moving and shaking, contending with more than 25 different cocktails. Reclining beneath a time-honored wall of celebrity scrawls, guests sip these spirituous selections—like the house martini, with blue cheese–stuffed olives—and roam a varied tapas menu, which highlights treats like house-made meatballs. Stop by for “Appy Hour,” an after-work crowd-pleaser from 4 to 6 pm, and the “Midweek Munchies Menu,” with $1.25 à la carte snacks.

107 Porter St., East Boston | 617-561-1112 | eccoboston.com

Neighborhoods: Financial District

Howl at the Moon

Amid the gold-and-marble edifices of Boston’s buttoned-up dollar district, a battle is waging, between pianists. Also, bachelorettes in blue wigs are slamming drinks like the X-Boyfriend and the 3-Way. People are gyrating, and everyone is vowing to never stop believing the words of Steve Perry. Not for you? Suck down a literal bucket of alcohol for $25, and it will be. The musicians can play you just about anything you want; all you need is a bit of cash and some operative motor skills, so don’t stop believing.

184 High St., Boston | 617-292-4695 | howlatthemoon.com

Neighborhoods: Jamaica Plain

Brendan Behan Pub

James Joyce may have feared dogs, but the barmen at Brendan Behan embrace them all, mangy or not. Everyone’s got a story to tell, and in lieu of loud games and television there’s good old-fashioned colloquy. Be sure to remember your lunch box since this bar is drinks-only. The warm space, the strong cocktails, the dark ales, the no-cover live Irish music—perhaps dogs really do go to heaven.

378 Centre St., Jamaica Plain | 617-522-5386 | brendanbehanpub.com

Neighborhoods: Mission Hill

The Squealing Pig

Punch Monday in its smug, stressful face with a free night of Kung-Fu movies and heavy metal, befittingly called Spin-Kick Mondays. Shoot a whiskey. Test the limits of your waistband with a Mars Bar Toastie, made with Belgian waffles, bananas, strawberries, fresh cream and a gooey Irish Mars Bar. The big beer list, the cheeky singing Irishman, Mike Barrett, and the juicy Pig Burger with smoked bacon, Gorgonzola and chipotle onions are all reasons why Mission Hill loves its screeching denizen.

134 Smith St., Boston | 617-566-6651 | squealingpigboston.com

Neighborhoods: Newton

Dunn-Gaherin’s

This congenial little tavern is known for a colorful array of beer, filling food and a giant collection of whiskies, bourbons and Scotches. The prices are worth celebrating, as well. A 12-year Glenlivet can be had for a mere $8.50, and a glass of wine seldom breaks the $10 mark. Honestly, you’ll be lucky if you can still feel your face by 10 pm. Of course, this is Newton, so comporting yourself with a modicum of restraint is encouraged. And see that your tie stays out of your tartar sauce.

344 Elliot St., Newton | 617-527-6271 | dunngaherins.com

Photo Credit: Katie Noble

Neighborhoods: North End

Bricco Ristorante & Enoteca

There’s paradox of choice, and then there’s a catalog of signature drinks, a motley index of grappa, port, brandy, Scotch and more wine than Bacchus could shakily wave a stick at. It’s a wonder anyone ever places an order at this place. Wine is clearly the primary libation, with a sizable selection of Italian and American offerings. A barstool by the open floor-to-ceiling windows is the prized seat, providing views of the sightseeing throngs and the dapper diners supping on wild boar, pastas and more.

241 Hanover St., Boston | 617-248-6800 | bricco.com

Neighborhoods: Somerville

Highland Kitchen

This isn’t a reason to go to Somerville, it’s a reason to live there. Sip the Tito Santana, made with vodka, Mexican Coke, grapefruit and chocolate bitters, put some Hank Williams on the jukebox, and order the—write this down—buffalo-fried Brussels sprouts with blue cheese. These are healthful vegetables on a soul-staining bachelor party. With an array of $3–$5 dollar snacks, the convivial bearded barmen and the pints that span from Butternuts Porkslap pale ale to Bear Republic IPA, this bar is a must.

150 Highland Ave., Somerville | 617-625-1131 | highlandkitchen.com

Neighborhoods: South Boston

Lucky’s Lounge

Odds are you’ll have a great time at this surreptitious spot. Favorites like Kobe sliders with quail eggs, mac ’n’ cheese with Ritz cracker crumbles and goat-cheese deviled eggs crowd the menu. Bartenders will fuel your night with classics like Rob Roys and Sidecars while you sway to free live music, Wednesday through Sunday. If you go overboard on martinis Saturday night, drag yourself back for a hair of the dog and enjoy a Bloody Mary during the popular Sinatra brunch.

355 Congress St., Boston | 617-357-5825 | luckyslounge.com

Neighborhoods: South End

Anchovies Food & Spirits

The warmth of an antique sconce tenderly washes over the dining room, and the reflected gaze of an animal skull’s hollow eye socket meets yours under the light of a twinkling disco ball. This is killer ambience. Also, the bar is fully stocked and open late, and the pizzas and rotating lasagna-of-the-day are reasons to head over for dinner, as well. And, of course, there’s the unique pleasure of an overflowing cocktail sipped in the company of a wall-mounted swordfish.

433 Columbus Ave., Boston | 617-266-5088 | anchoviesboston.com

Place to Drink Alone

J.J. Foley’s Café

An ideal place for a solitary drink and a think, this 103-year-old watering hole is where the Boston police force unionized and Herald scribes wined their muses. There’s still no shortage of characters. While away the day’s quieter hours in peace, then, just when your meditation threatens to turn into isolation, a crowd approaches. As the clock nears last call, Foley’s is a favorite final stop for an uninhibited crew eager to befriend a stranger who has ideas to share, or at least one with enough singles for a shared game of Buck Hunter.

117 East Berkeley St., Boston | 617-728-9101 | jjfoleyscafe.com

Post-Fenway

Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar

From spitballs to spit roasts. Should you have room left after all the lips and… tails in your ballpark franks, this gem by the diamond can cook up family-style suckling pig roasts for 10. If the signs from the dugout call for more drinks, score a punch bowl for four or more. You’re in a team spirit, after all. Try the Sticky Wicket (Hendrick’s gin, Pimm’s No. 1, cava, lemon and strawberry simple syrup). It’s a cricket term, but have a couple of glasses, and you’re game for anything.

1310 Boylston St., Boston | 617-450-9000 | citizenpub.com

Post–TD Garden

The Greatest Bar

Skee-Ball is the latest attraction at this towering sports spot where fans gather when the game is over, but the night is still young. There’s a 14-foot HDTV on the ground floor, and things only look up from there, with four levels of dancing, drinking and DJs. Cut loose like an inexhaustible Tyler Seguin, or take a seat, sink into a “belly-buster” burger and hold court like a front-row Vince Wilfork.

262 Friend St., Boston | 617-367-0544 | thegreatestbar.com

Pre-Fenway

The Baseball Tavern

Oh, for the days of the Idiots, jumping over the bar, pulling pints for the faithful, and, might we add, winning. These days, player hijinks have mellowed (like it or not) but the Tavern’s spirits remain as high as Fenway hopes. Three floors—with one of the city’s best roof decks—host Sox fans from summer into fall, when the bar doubles as one of Boston’s best venues for college football. Open since Rico Petrocelli’s rookie year (trivia fans), make this your first stop before the first pitch.

1270 Boylston St., Boston | 617-867-6526 | thebaseballtavern.com

Pre–TD Garden

The Four’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

Named for the number on Bobby Orr’s sweater, the Four’s dates back to a time (1976) when the Bruins could hang out by the Garden without being mobbed. The mobs still appear, but now it’s to soak up the lore, and a 20-ounce draft or two, before checking out the team’s current roster. Big with fans, beat-writers and team staffs, it’s a great place to dig into a Larry Bird (a chicken panini, natch) and rub elbows with people who may have met the man in person, or can at least tell you a tall tale about him.

166 Canal St., Boston | 617-720-4455 | thefours.com

Pro-Athlete Playground

Strega Ristorante and Strega Waterfront

Since the 2009 opening of the North End eatery and, two years ago, its waterfront sister, young stars (Brad Marchand, Rajon Rondo, Rob Gronkowski), veterans (Wes Welker, Matt Light), visitors (Jay Cutler, Mike Bibby) and legends (Dominique Wilkins, Mike Eruzione, Shaq) have all stopped by. As the commercial contends, some people say it’s the best Italian food in the city. Turns out, it’s the people that need to occasionally carbo load.

Strega Ristorante 379 Hanover St., Boston | 617-523-8481 | stregaristorante.com Strega Waterfront 56 Northern Ave., Boston | 617-345-3992 | stregawaterfront.com

Singles’ Scene, 20-somethings

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar

Like its namesake, Lolita is young, pretty and precocious. We’d say smokin’ if it was allowed, but the aura is just that. The mood is set with dim, bordello lighting, and while it can be tricky to navigate this multilevel platform for platforms and playful margaritas, there’s always someone in the crowd to lean on, or into. Pop Rocks–dusted cotton candy provides the sugar rush; more than 180 tequilas provide the spirit to see where the night takes you.

271 Dartmouth St., Boston | 617- 369-5609 | lolitaboston.com

Singles’ Scene, 30-somethings

Red Lantern

Just a year old, this sensual hall of Asian fusion draws suits and slingbacks from Back Bay and the South End. The exposed brick walls host Buddhas peering out from lofty alcoves, spying on the flirtations taking place under the eponymous lights that hang from the beamed ceiling. Lots of standing room prompts mingling at the mirrored bar, plus there’s table service for scorpion bowls. The music sets the mood but allows for conversation. The theme is new to the area, and the scene is just what you’ve been looking for.

39 Stanhope St., Boston | 617-262-3900 | redlanternboston.com

Singles’ Scene, 40-somethings

Bond Restaurant & Lounge

The kids flock to Faneuil Hall, but more refined folks (those who prefer to avoid the kiddie table) can be found a couple blocks away at Bond. The Langham Hotel’s chic lounge is a playground for elegant women and buttoned-up gents looking to lie back in a sleek setting. Glitzy chandeliers and dollar-themed cocktails, like the Liquidity, with Grey Goose Le Citron, lemon and Chambord, keep the party going well past happy hour, but there’s not a bedtime to be concerned about in the bunch.

250 Franklin St., Boston | 617-956-8765 | bondboston.com

Sports Bar

Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill

If anyone was going to master the art of the sports bar, it was going to be Jerry Remy. From a burger served on fried dough, to endless taps and mammoth TVs, the two locations of this two-year-old institution are perfect places to catch a game—by the park or by the port. This summer, they’ll launch the first suburban outpost in Remy’s birthplace of Fall River. Typical ballplayer. Always trying to make his way home.

1256 Boylston St., Boston | 617-236-7369 | jerryremys.com 250 Northern Ave., Boston | 617-856-7369 | jerryremysseaport.com

Photo Credit: Heath Robbins

Summer Scene

Legal Harborside

Legal’s stands with Duck Tours and the Freedom Trail as surefire tourist draws, so locals didn’t exactly consider them fashionable. Times have changed with Legal Harborside. The 20,000-square-foot behemoth is the centerpiece of Liberty Wharf and a total departure for the mall-friendly brand. In the summer months, there’s nowhere better to be than the roof deck, complete with impressive water views and glistening pitchers of Seaport Spritzer. Surprise, surprise, there’s nowhere better to be on New Year’s, either—thanks to a state-of-the-art retractable roof.

270 Northern Ave., Boston | 617-477-2900 | legalseafoods.com/restaurants/boston-legal-harborside

Watering Hole for the Well-Heeled

Clio Restaurant

Todd Maul has long been one of Boston’s biggest bartending stars, and now, after the Clio remodeling,
he has a proper stage for exhibiting his techniques. A smoker, a rotary evaporator and a sugar-cane extractor are all behind an expanded bar, which now offers some wiggle room along with fancified snacks. Daintily fork your way through bone marrow with pickled ramps or a truffle “pot pie,” while Maul gets out the power tools and stirs you up a cocktail in a coconut.

370A Commonwealth Ave., Boston | 617-536-7200 | cliorestaurant.com

Worst Trend

White Whiskey

When you want a classic cocktail, why bother with the sober gentility of a Manhattan when you can harken back to the days when real men hid stills in hollow trees and stained their beards with tobacco juice? Why have aficionados recently taken a shine to raw whiskey? Blame clever marketing, foodies, magazines (oops) and our collective search for anything new. But the fact is, by skipping the barrel aging process, white whiskey lacks the sweet notes and amber hue. It’s glorified Everclear that looks like water, stings like acid and hopefully is headed back into the woods.

After-Work Drinks

Trade