Best of Boston

When people start gathering outside a bar before 5 o’clock, it’s a sign of either a really choice watering hole or really thirsty locals. Not seeing Beverly as much of a hard-core tippler’s town, we bet it’s the former when it comes to Brenden Crocker’s—half cushy restaurant (good for date dinners and quiet conversation), half relaxed pub (good for face-melting martinis and general bibulous bonhomie). Combined with nimble service, it makes for a night out that’s worth queuing up for.