Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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100 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTIN TEIG. OPPOSITE PAGE: JESSE D. GARRABRANT DINING ABE & LOUIE'S A classic American steakhouse, this elegant Back Bay eatery complements its prime Delmonicos and New York Strips with an extensive wine list. INSIDER TIP: If there's one must- order, it's Abe & Louie's signature side of fresh creamed corn with bacon. 793 Boylston St., 617-536-6300; abeandlouies.com ALDEN & HARLOW Alden & Harlow serves creative and thoughtfully sourced New American food. Ask for the Secret Burger— ingredients include eight ounces of House Creekstone beef, a homemade roll, and "faith." 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-864-2100; aldenharlow.com ASTA The constantly evolving menu brings something new every night of the week. Watch chef Alex Crabb create his artful, ingredient-driven cuisine from the counter facing the open kitchen, where you can get an up close and personal view of the cooks and interact with Crabb himself. 47 Massachusetts Ave., 617-585-9575; astaboston.com B&G OYSTER BAR This is Boston's modern take on the classic oyster bar. Grab a bar stool and watch the chef shuck your meal in front of you—or, order B&G's famed Maine lobster roll to go. 550 Tremont St., 617-423-0550; bandgoysters.com BANYAN BAR + REFUGE This modern, open-concept Asian gastropub sports a "chef's counter" featuring a view of the kitchen action, while large windows behind provide an expansive view of the picturesque South End. Menu must-have: roasted cauliflower with a toasted coconut sauce and yellow-curry raisin compote. 553 Tremont St., 617-556-4211; banyanboston.com BAR BOULUD Fine-dining heritage meets French café fare at this Daniel Boulud bistro and wine bar. Slip into a comfy booth or watch Boylston Street go by from a table by the windows. 776 Boylston St., 617-535-8800; barboulud.com/boston BAR MEZZANA This coastal Italian restaurant, tucked away into a warm and inviting space in Boston's super-trendy Ink Block, brings sophistication and refinement to classic Italian dishes. 360 Harrison Ave., 617-530-1770; barmezzana.com BASTILLE KITCHEN Bistro cuisine meets its modern twist at this beloved French restaurant, which features a beautiful, long quartz bar. INSIDER TIP: The best steak frites in town! 49 Melcher St., 617-556-8000; bastillekitchen.net THE BEEHIVE An underground "bohemian bistro," The Beehive specializes in rustic comfort foods infused with American, European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences. INSIDER TIP: To actually take advantage of the bohemian vibe, stop in for dinner Monday to Wednesday, when it's (significantly!) less crowded than on weekends. 541 Tremont St., 617-423-0069; beehiveboston.com BISTRO DU MIDI Provençal cuisine goes modern at this French-Mediterranean eatery. Tuck into the "bouillabaisse du midi" at the corner roundtable with a view of the Public Garden. 272 Boylston St., 617-426-7878; bistrodumidi.com BOND At this Langham Hotel restaurant, indulge in modern American fare—or perch at the 12-foot rosewood bar. 250 Franklin St., 617-956-8765; langhamhotels.com/boston BOSTON CHOPS In the heart of the South End, this classic steak house makes use of the "rarely celebrated" beef cuts as part of its nose-to-tail philosophy: bone marrow, sweetbreads, oxtail, tongue, and more. 1375 Washington St., 617-227-5011; bostonchops.com THE BUTCHER SHOP Barbara Lynch's tribute to old-world European boucheries, this wine bar and butcher shop's meat-heavy menu changes daily. 552 Tremont St., 617- 423-4800; thebutchershopboston.com CAFÉ ARTSCIENCE Enjoy the avante-garde French fare by the soaring windows that look out onto industrial-chic Kendall Square, or experience the bar—and its scientific cocktails!—that make this futuristic restaurant famous. 650 E. Kendall St., Cambridge, 857-999-2193; cafeartscience.com CAFE ESCADRILLE Classic dishes—Chateaubriand, rack of lamb—abound at this old-world elegant Burlington mainstay. INSIDER TIP: Make sure to tap into the wine expertise—the restaurant is known for its highly regarded sommelier team. 26 Cambridge St., Burlington, 781-273- 1916; cafeescadrille.com THE CAPITAL GRILLE You can't beat a classic. This luxurious Back Bay steak house is a Boston favorite for old-fashioned fine dining. 900 Boylston St., 617-262-8900; thecapitalgrille.com COPPA Featuring Italian small plates, wood- fired pizzas, and homemade pastas and charcuterie, this modern enoteca delivers the romana goods. 253 Shawmut Ave., 617-391-0902; coppaboston.com DANTE Fresh Italian cuisine meets an extensive and Italian-heavy wine list at this elegant restaurant and patio with panoramic views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, 617-497-4200; restaurantdante.com DAVIO'S The best views in this spacious, relaxed dining room full of white tablecloths are at the chef's table, in the heart of the action in the kitchen, which specializes in hearty, high-end Northern Italian fare such as beef steaks, veal chops, and fresh handmade pastas. 75 Arlington St., 617-357-4810; davios.com DEUXAVE The French-influenced fare is served in an opulent yet rustic Back Bay dining room that features Alice in Wonderland– like wingback chairs and a cozy fireplace. 371 Commonwealth Ave., 617-517-5915; deuxave.com At Alden & Harlow, chef Michael Scelfo is not shy when it comes to his cooking. Count on flavorful, colorful, and innovative food combinations. The SOURCE: SCENE