Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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96 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM SMITH & WOLLENSKY Nestled into The Castle at Park Plaza, this fine dining steak house serves up classics like a bone-in sirloin and prime rib eye. If you're looking for bonus fun, ask for a behind-the-scenes tour of the castle. 101 Arlington St., 617-423-1112; smithandwollensky.com/boston-back-bay SORELLINA Sorellina's contemporary take on Italian-Mediterranean produces dishes like gnocchi with Maine lobster. INSIDER TIP: The round table in the front windows, which seats up to seven, provides a spectacular view of Copley Square. 1 Huntington Ave., 617-412- 4600; sorellinaboston.com SPORTELLO Take advantage of the kitchen-facing counter seating at this modern interpretation of the classic diner. 348 Congress St., 617-737-1234; sportelloboston.com SRV Chef's Michael Lombardi and Kevin O'Donnell created Boston's first Venetian-style Bacaro and wine bar specializing in small bites, homemade pasta, and risotto, adding a more modern interpretation to traditional Venetian food. 569 Columbus Ave., 617-536-9500; srvboston.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 TAPESTRY Located in the Fenway neighborhood, Tapestry is known for being a dual- concept restaurant with a menu curated by husband and wife duo Meghann Ward and Kevin Walsh. The Expo Kitchen offers items such as oysters and Neapolitan-style pizza, while the Club Room has a tropical vibe and features modern American dishes.69 Kilmarnock St., 617-421-4470; tapestry. restaurant 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 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 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. 200 Boylston St., 617-351-2037; fourseasons.com/boston 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 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 Everyone has a green thumb with the Boston Daisy, a luscious cocktail made up of rum, lemon, local wildflower honey, and pea tendrils, thanks to OFFSITE catering. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BY BRIAN SAMUELS The SOURCE: SCENE