Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/786765
104 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARL TREMBLAY 348 Congress St., 617-737-1234; sportelloboston.com STEPHANIE'S ON NEWBURY The sophisticated New England–style comfort food starts off with a tuna tartare or classic mac and cheese and crescendoes with buttery Atlantic salmon. 190 Newbury St., 617-236- 0990; stephaniesrestaurantgroup.com STRIP BY STREGA Modern steak house STRIP by Strega is a high-energy, uber-modern trifecta of exceptional cuisine, creative cocktails, and upscale nightlife. 64 Arlington St., 617-456-5300; stripbystrega.com SWEET CHEEKS Q Mouthwatering, heritage breed pulled pork and prime brisket make this barbecue joint a Fenway foodie favorite. 1381 Boylston St., 617-266- 1300; sweetcheeksq.com TAJ CAFÉ Overlooking vibrant Newbury Street, Taj Café is the perfect place for a long afternoon of people watching. Chef Gurminder Gidda's knowledge and expertise of Indian cuisine makes for an authentic—and delicious—dining experience. 15 Arlington St., 617-598- 5255; tajhotels.com/boston TIGER MAMA Tiger Mama is a Boston favorite for vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine—the Singapore street noodles are a great introduction to the menu. 1363 Boylston St., 617-425-6262; tigermamaboston.com TOP OF THE HUB This high-up Prudential Tower restaurant pairs refined American cuisine with exceptionally fresh, local seafood and panoramic views that extend for up to 80 miles on a clear day. 800 Boylston St., 617-536-1775; topofthehub.net TORO South End favorite Toro's Barcelona- style tapas are made better by the space's open windows, which bring the outdoors in. 1704 Washington St., 617-536-4300; toro-restaurant.com TOWNE STOVE & SPIRITS Sparky's Classic Brick Chicken is the ultimate representation of this restaurant's solid American fare. INSIDER TIP: Table 106 features a semi-sheer curtain for privacy, perfect for large groups. 900 Boylston St., 617-247-0400; towneboston.com TOWNSMAN The industrial Townsman, at the edge of Chinatown, is the Boston go-to for brasserie-inspired New England fare. 120 Kingston St., 617-993-0750; townsmanboston.com TRADE Innovative Mediterranean fare is served up in a lively, high-ceilinged space at this Waterfront restaurant. 540 Atlantic Ave., 617-451-1234; trade-boston.com YVONNE'S This modern reinterpretation of the supper club features a cosmopolitan menu that offers guests shared dishes that weave in flavors of the Far East, Middle East, Mediterranean, and Europe. 2 Winter Pl., 617-267-0047; yvonnesboston.com DRINKING ALIBI For a unique nightlife experience, sit in and amongst the cells of the old "drunk tank" in what used to be the Charles Street Jail. 215 Charles St., 857-241- 1144; alibiboston.com AVERY BAR This intimate, modern cocktail lounge at the Ritz sports dramatic décor— wood-paneled walls, vintage lighting, and an elevated marble fireplace. With the kitchen's small bites, it's the perfect midday or post-theater gathering spot. 10 Avery St., 617-574-7100; ritzcarlton.com/boston BRISTOL Sommelier-certified servers Biaggio or Glenn can help you explore the extensive wine list at this Four Seasons hangout with iconic views of the Public Garden, State House, and Back Bay. INSIDER TIP: Make your reservation for between 3 pm and 5 pm, when the chances of scoring the prized window tables are best. 200 Boylston St., 617-351-2037; fourseasons.com/boston CHARLESMARK LOUNGE In addition to superb craft cocktails, the Charlesmark features authentic Thai cuisine. 655 Boylston St., 617-247- 1212; charlesmarkhotel.com CITY BAR This casual neighborhood bar, at the Lenox Hotel, features craft cocktails and kitchen classics, such as steak frites. INSIDER TIP: Ask for the secret cocktail menu, which has been passed down since the hotel opened. 61 Exeter St., 617-933-4800; citybarboston.com DRINK Drink is an establishment entirely dedicated to the craft of the cocktail. The bar weaves throughout the room so you're never without a place to set your drink. 348 Congress St., 617-695- 1806; drinkfortpoint.com THE HAWTHORNE A leader in Boston's craft cocktail movement, The Hawthorne features intimate spaces perfect for romantic rendezvous. 500A Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-9150; thehawthornebar.com LOUNGE AT THE GODFREY This lounge offers classic Italian cocktails and shared plates reminiscent of the fare offered at cicchetti bars across Northern Italy, specifically Venice. 505 Washington St., 617-804-2000; godfreyhotelboston.com/lounge MINIBAR Soak up the drinks and nightlife—or relax on an alfresco sofa with the bar's signature mini-burgers and fries. 51 Huntington Ave., 617-424-8500; minibarboston.com W LOUNGE "Mixsquared" is the highlight of W Lounge's nightlife scene. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, experience a multisensory music-and- cocktail experience to a live DJ. 100 Stuart St., 617-310-6790; wboston.com/ w-lounge-boston Top of the Hub, at the Prudential Center, produces a vista as stunning as its fresh, seafood- centric cuisine. The SOURCE: SCENE