Eastern Standard
Every evening, somewhere around midnight, a magical—if vaguely treacherous—moment occurs in Boston. High up onto the back bar of one of the city's most beloved restaurants clambers an employee who, teetering precariously, writes the late-night specials onto a gargantuan mirror. The items differ—flatiron steak with bérnaise, or maybe a Cubano with house spicy mustard—but what remains constant is the anticipation generated, and the rush of orders that inevitably follows. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Anh Hong
The Fields Corner neighborhood of Dorchester is filled with exceptional Vietnamese restaurants. But for its skill with dishes beyond the usual pho and vermicelli, Anh Hong rises to the top. Take the vinegary jellyfish-and-shrimp salad, a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Then there's the beef fondue trimmed with Granny Smith apples and fish mint, which you can use to make your own fresh rolls. And the pineapple-ginger sauce that comes with that tender beef? We'd put it on everything if we could. 291 Adams St., Boston, MA 2122, .
Yasu
Nothing sinks the heart of a Korean food aficionado more than seeing steamed broccoli as one of the panchan side dishes of a restaurant's every meal. That won't happen at Yasu, where the kimchi and all variations thereof are abundant and flavorful. Order up beef to grill at the tabl—the kalbi and bulgogi are juicy and tender—plus a hearty, spicy tofu stew to go with it, and your palate will want for nothing. 1366 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2446, yasuboston.com.
TC's Lounge
There's something refreshing about TC's after a Sox game, if you think of its griminess as a filter that keeps the pink hats out and lets the real fans in. These are the people you want to rock the jukebox, share a pitcher, and play Big Buck Hunter with. Besides, nothing screams "dive bar" like calling your signature drink the "OxyContin Shot." If that's not class all the way, we don't know what is. 1 Haviland St., Boston, MA 2115, .
The Barking Crab
Boston's dearth of waterfront watering holes is slowly being remedied by development in South Boston—Sam's at Louis, Whiskey Priest. But a weathered old friend is still the darling in this category. The Barking Crab is a funky, coastal-style clam shack and the perfect place to sip Sam Adams and soak up the sunshine and salt air. Dress in your weekend worst: T-shirt, tattered jeans, flip-flops. The relaxed vibe provides a welcome escape from the rules of the city. 88 Sleeper St., South Boston, MA 2210, barkingcrab.com.
Salts
Salts is a great little bistro, the kind of place you want to have in your neighborhood. It says welcome, have a seat, relax, and —most of all— have some great food. We love a smoked-salmon sausage serves with fiddleheads and marinated onions, and a very crisp grilled chicken. The bread is homemade, the wines are affordable, and the service couldn't be more pleasant. 798 Main St., Cambridge, MA .
Maris and Ricardo's Tortilla Factory
If you've eaten south of the border, or anywhere near it, chances are your tortilla sights are set a little higher than those Wonder Bread gringo wafers found at most markets. Take corazon! Maria and Ricardo's produces some of the tastiest, and muy autentico tortillas anywhere. Whole wheat, spinach, tomato, chile, and blue corn varieties round out the standard white flour and corn far. We love 'em all. Also available at Bread & Circus, Savenor's, and select Star Market stores. 30 Germania St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
Redbones
The name of the place means barbecue, and you'd have to be a fool or a vegetarian not to sink your teeth into a few of the ribs here. This Davis Square favorite also serves up the tastiest soul food in town. Start the gut-stuffing with fried okra and hushpuppies, jump to lip-smackin' cornbread and catfish, and cap it with rich pecan pie or the infamous "White Trash Sundae". Too sloppy for a first date, but a great test of soul on the second. 55 Chester St., Somerville, MA .
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Okay, for $11 it should be the best. But if you're going to pay $7.95 for a so-so burger elsewhere, why not splurge for the extra three bucks and live a little? Plus, you'll more than make up for the differences with all those perks: individual jars of ketchup and mustard; salty, crunchy shoestring fries to knock your socks off; and all that white linen and monogrammed flatware. It's a cheap way to be King (or Queen) for a day. 15 Arlington St., Boston, MA .
Dali
The Pescado a la Sal (fresh fishbaked in coarse salt) is a masterpiece of Iberian cuisine, as is the Cordero Asado (sauteed leg of lamb marinated n sherry, lemon juice, and garlic). If the mood suits you, it's every bit as satisfying, and even a touch surreal, to sit at the blue-and-white-tiled bar where you can work your way through the dazzling tapas selections. What better way to polish off a pitcher of sangria? 451 Washington St., Somerville, MA .
Santarpio's
Who knows pizza better than teenagers? We sent four teenagers who had trained on a field trip to Italy to sample pies in the North End and East Boston. Their pick: Santarpio's, with caveats. The wait staff is surly, the dining room is grungy, and the location is convenient only if you're heading to Logan. But the pizza is still the best. We suggest takeout. 111 Chelsea St., East Boston, MA .
Michael Schlow of Cafe Louis
Schlow put the newly renovated restaurant at Louis, Boston on the culinary map just a few weeks after his arrival from New York. A protege of Manhattan restaurateur Pino Luongo, Schlow and pastry chef Paul Connors, who worked at Aurora, in New York, and the four-star Ryland Inn, in New Jersey, have brought simply prepared but elegant and sometimes surprising cuisine to Boston, featuring notably fresh produce and other ingredients. Try the tasting menu.
Nathaniels
Brunch, it seems, has lately been hijacked by the bedhead generation, turning this former Sunday-best meal into an excuse to wear jammies in public and guzzle PBR. Where can a grownup find refuge? Try Nathaniel's, thick with historic elegance, upon whose linen-draped tables you'll feast on eggs Benedict, prime rib, and other refined noshes. As live jazz wafts through the air, pat yourself on the back for being so matur—while reaching with your other hand for that third slice of chocolate cake. 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 1970, .
Lola 41
The Pearl bar is so 1999. Named for the latitudinal line on which Nantucket sits, Lola 41 is the newest spot to toast the start (end, middle, whatever) of your island respite. It has ambitious food with Spanish, Italian, Greek, Chinese, and Japanese influences; a young and casually stylish crowd (Lilly Pulitzer at a minimum); and strong, strong drinks. The cocktail menu includes two types of mojitos and lots of sake, plus an already infamous blueberry martini made with local Triple 8 cranberry vodka, blueberry syrup, and fresh berries. 15 South Beach St., Nantucket, MA 2554, .
Jimmy's Pasta
Do not order your own entrée here—the portions are enormous. Not in the mood to share? Well, don't say we didn't warn you. Heavy on garlic and olive oil and served still in the pan, Jimmy's pastas—linguine ;puttanesca, frutti del mare—are so good you might just eat the whole thing yourself. And that might hurt. Owner Jimmy Cippola doesn't take reservations, so expect to wait in line (even if you're Bill Clinton). 32 Kennebec Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, .