The Somerville Theater
Back in the act with fresh makeup. Davis Square, Somerville, MA .
The Publick House
The monastic signage, dark oak bar, and arched windows make this cathedral of beer seem like a relic, but the Brookline stalwart has kept mindfully in step with the fast-moving craft scene. Fifteen-plus years in, it’s the area’s most reliable taproom for pints from locals such as Trillium and Allagash, not to mention styles showcasing the eminent Belgian beer culture that it first introduced to area drinkers. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, thepublickhousebeerbar.com.
Alden & Harlow
Chef Michael Scelfo's first solo outing was an instant success thanks to its vegetable-forward fare and ungodly rich, smoky burger. But Scelfo also deserves a pat on the back for his staffing skills. In particular, bar manager Seth Freidus has assembled a cocktail list that rivals the dinner menu in creativity and ambition, with drinks incorporating vegetables like squash; a house-made amaro on draft; and, come winter, a boozy take on hot chocolate topped with absinthe-and-orange whipped cream. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, aldenharlow.com.
Brewer's Fork
With 30 ever-changing draft lines, as well as an ample bottle list, wine offerings from smaller producers, and an impressive roster of ciders, this new neighborhood spot already feels like a standby watering hole. 7 Moulton St., Boston, MA 02129, brewersfork.com.
Ames Street Deli
Sorry, no turkey clubs and fountain sodas here. Instead, a diverse (and cleverly designed) cocktail menu showcases variations on classics such as the "MarTEAnez"—black-tea-infused gin, sweet vermouth, kirsch—paired with bar bites like a hefty poutine sandwich. 73 Ames St., Cambridge, MA 02142, amesstreetdeli.com.
Spoke
There’s a reason why chefs like Oleana’s Ana Sortun are regulars at this low-key industry favorite: Owner Felisha Foster has taken the pomp and predictability out of the wine-bar experience. Even better, one of the city’s best young chefs, John daSilva, churns out worthy eats like smoked mussels and ’nduja from the shoebox-size kitchen. 89 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144, spokewinebar.com.
Canary Square
The duo behind Common Ground and Coda know how to build neighborhood hangouts. Enjoy any (or many) of the 30-plus beers on tap, rotating seasonal cocktails, and diverse wine offerings inside a rustic-meets-industrial pub. 435 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130, canarysquare.com.
Dbar
Dorchester has become a hub for Boston's gay scene, with Dbar at the center of it all. From Showtunes Tuesdays to Magnum Saturdays (you'll have to see for yourself), there's always something happening at this Dot. Ave. hot spot. The Christopher Coombs-inspired menu and deftly crafted cocktail list are all the fuel you need to dance into the wee hours when the restaurant transitions into a nightclub. 1236 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02125, dbarboston.com.
Saltie Girl
One of the first restaurants to bring the concept of high-end tinned fish to our shores, this cheerful spot also excels in seafood of the uncooked variety. Opt for a dozen South Bays, or go all in with cobia, razor clams, and one of three varieties of sea urchin. There's no shortage of fish in these waters. 281 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, saltiegirl.com.
Parlor Sports
Just because it's not in the shadow of Fenway doesn't mean this Somerville staple can't hang in the big leagues. Catch any game on one of a dozen TVs while knocking back $10 cocktails and craft beers from the small but stacked list—or fried-plaintain-topped nachos from the kitchen Parlor shares with neighboring Trina's Starlite Lounge. 3 Beacon St., Somerville, MA 02143, parlorsportsbar.com.
Haley.Henry
With its hip-hop soundtrack, generous pours of outside-the-box wines, and cheekily named snacks (e.g., a "David" Hasselback potato), this wine bar mixes serious oenophile cred with a laid-back atmosphere. Pop in to discover your new favorite vino; they'll open anything on the old-world-focused bottle list if you commit to two glasses. 45 Province St., Boston, MA 02108, haleyhenry.com.
Backbar
Led by industry vet Sam Treadway, the friendly bartenders here entice imbibers with innovative "drink of the day" options such as a scotch-raspberry sour, ever-changing milk-punch offerings, and the willingness to concoct anything you crave on the fly. The drinks are serious, but the slightly kitschy vibe is not—say hi to Yoda on your way out. 7 Sanborn Ct., Somerville, MA 02143, backbarunion.com.
Foundation Lounge
"Pickup bar" may evoke images of oily, used-car guys with thatches of chest hair bursting from half-buttoned shirts, but you won't find much of that here. With its mood lighting, sleek furniture, and slinky hip-house music, this Kenmore Square spot promises a sophisticated setting for meeting new people and sharing a drink (or whatever else you might manage to broker). Hotel Commonwealth, 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Coolidge Corner Clubhouse
A moment of silence, please, for the newly shuttered Sports Depot in Allston, at one time the only true sports bar (thanks to its 70 TVs and $9.99 Sunday brunch) this town could claim. Left to fill its shoes are several bars near Fenway and the FleetCenter, but only the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse offers the requisite coziness and camaraderie every sports bar needs. Trivia Night on Mondays draws a packed house, while 22 TVs and 36 microbrews to choose from keep the energy high. Now if it could just lose the annoying 90-minute table limit. 309 Harvard St., Brookline, MA thecoolidgecornerclubhouse.com.