Esteemed bartending pooh-bah Dave Cagle’s new Kendall Square bar is a throwback in all the right ways, working nostalgic midcentury tropes like your grandpa’s rec-room wood paneling, precisely composed but fun cocktails, flatteringly dim lighting and a menu from the iconic Chris Schlesinger that supports the drinking, not vice versa. Nevertheless, it’s an exceptional bar-food roster, epitomized by the classic “Messy” New England Frank: a Pearl frank on a split-top bun with chili, onions and cheese.
The Automatic
50 Hampshire St., Cambridge • (617) 714-5226
theautomaticbar.com
Other Winners
-
Hot Dog
2014 Winner: Que Padre Taqueria y Mas
After observing a moment of silence for the late Gregg “Boston Super Dog” Gale, we offer a paean to an elaborate, unique wienie preparation...
- 386 Chelsea St., Boston
- (617) 418-7278
- facebook.com/quepadretaqueriaymas
-
Hot Dog
2016 Winner: WuBurger
For years, Bostonians had to travel to Worcester or the South Coast to enjoy the working-class bliss of the Coney Island dog...
- 880 Main St., Woburn
- (781) 281-0277
- wuburger.com
Photo Credit: WuBurger -
Hot Dog
2018 Winner: Kimchi Dog at Deep Ellum
- 477 Cambridge St., Allston
- (617) 787-2337
- deepellum-allston.com
Photo Credit: Rebeccah Marsters
