For vapid lounge beats and stylized modernity, there's no need to jockey for position in the Back Bay. Privus (pronounced "pree-vus"), Allston's newish Japanese boîte–slash–martini bar, has you covered with Ikea-chic furnishings and quasi-industrial décor. Strategic lighting ensures that absolutely everything—from the bar to the walls to the drink trays—glows. The good news for those actually eating: The menu is packed with solid, often legitimately innovative sushi options. The Crazy Volcano roll goes cross-cultural with a surprisingly excellent combination of raw salmon, kimchi, and fresh mozzarella, while Bob's Roll showcases an artisan's finesse with flavor and textural contrasts—bracing spicy tuna, cooling avocado, smoky chipotle mayo, and crackling tempura bits. Save time to kick back with the stand-and-pose crowd, and choose the requisite signature-cocktail prop. We recommend the Raz-Mojito, whose balanced mix of raspberry vodka, muddled berries, and mint sprigs also makes it the best dessert option on the menu.
165 Brighton Ave., Allston, 617-787-7483, privuslounge.com.
Originally published in Boston magazine,
July 2008
