Saltie Girl
In the big-screen dramatization of the Back Bay’s pandemic response, Saltie boss Kathy Sidell (Diane Keaton), megaphone in hand, directs an army of staffers to close next-door Met Club, give her popular oysteria the run of the larger space, and turn the original pint-size digs into a baller curbside seafood-pizza joint, as a triumphal French horn erupts in the background. Which is...pretty close to reality 281 Dartmouth St., Back Bay, MA 02116, saltiegirl.com.
Night Market
First impressions are crucial, whether you’re vetting a Tinder rando or getting serious with a crush. Sexy subterranean newcomer Night Market, then, is an ideal spot for testing the waters. The menu is packed with grazeable small bites, from Sichuan-peppercorn-studded candied nuts to izakaya-style skewers. Find liquid courage with a slushy sake cocktail (or two). 75 Winthrop St., Cambridge, MA 02138, nightmkt.com.
The Salty Pig
While this place is known—and rightfully so—for its wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie, newcomer chef Kevin O'Donnell also turns out elegant interpretations of classic Italian dishes. What to Order: The burrata; ricotta French toast (brunch). 130 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA thesaltypig.com.
The Chatham Squire
Overflowing pints of Bass and Guinness, live entertainment including Karaoke Tuesdays, the obligatory logo-embroidered polos for sal—smack in the center of Chatham, the often rowdy Squire is the quintessential Cape pub. Weekend nights host a medley of thirsty characters; stick around long enough, and you've got good odds of witnessing unlikely, though not altogether uncommon, end-of-the-evening trysts between local anglers and summering society types. 487 Main St., Chatham, MA 2633, .
The Beachcomber
Cape Cod isn't exactly famous for its surfing, but the Beachcomber on Cahoon Hollow Beach is the quintessential surfers' hangout, with battered boards on the walls, sand on the wood floors, and an annual visit from surf god Dick Dale. Early on, the joint is full of families grabbing dinner, but once the sun goes down, a younger crowd moves in for strong mixed drinks and beer. 1120 Cahoon Hollow Road, Wellfleet, MA 2667, thebeachcomber.com.
Brick Cellar at Atria
Escape the pickled beach-bar crowd at this sexy subterranean spot, with its smart mix of single malts and blends, local beers, and a carefully cultivated wine selection. Order from upstairs restaurant Atria's menu—a dozen different juicy burgers are available—or simply cap off the night by raising a glass to your good taste with one of Brick Cellar's inspired cocktails (we dig the Edgartown Harbor Breeze). 137 Main St., Edgartown, MA 2539, atriamv.com.
Añejo Mexican Bistro
During peak season, this bustling Mexican restaurant always has a crowd and not just for the Taco Tuesday specials. Tequila lovers will enjoy the extensive bar menu offering everything from guava-jalapeño and strawberry-ginger margaritas to palomas to tequila and mezcal flights though you’ll need to employ the staff’s help to choose from more than 100 varieties. The Hyannis location’s moody Tequila Lounge has the best nightlife ambiance, but Falmouth’s sunny patio is our pick for warmer evenings. Hyannis and Falmouth, MA anejo.cc.
Adamas Fine Jewelry
This Newton jewelry shop’s ring designs may range from the unconventional (think: a domed ring with a heart-shaped sparkler) to the tried-and-true (a diamond eternity band), but they all have one thing in common: timeless and lasting beauty. That’s thanks to the wealth of gemology expertise possessed by brother-sister duo Anto Aboyan and Veronica Sagherian, who’ve been business partners for more than three decades. Whether you’re updating an heirloom, creating your own bespoke piece, or dreaming of something simple and classic, they have the goods — and the know-how — to make it a reality. 22 Lincoln St., Newton, MA 02461, adamasfinejewelry.com.
Castle Island
Tour the historical Fort Independence, take a stroll around picturesque Pleasure Bay, or just grab a bench and watch the planes overhead—the options are endless. bostonharborwalk.com.
House Speaker George Keverian
For giving the lie to Attorney General James Shannon's charge that members of Keverian's staff had tried to thwart the two-year investigation into alleged corruption in the Speaker's office.
Safest area: East Boston and Charlestown. Most unsafe: Back Bay-South End, Downtown, North End, Beacon Hill and Chinatown.
Nick's
Double cheeseburgers for under $3, cool, dark bar, and grill-type atmosphere. And a classic Harvard Square mix of blue-collar and baby Brahmin. 1690 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Sex on the Beach
Sweet and smooth, with a memorable kick. Everyone makes it differently, but most local bars pour vodka, Peachtree schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
Colony
The stunning presentations of lobster stew, salmon chowder, and other regional specialties coupled with the beautifully restored space make this a welcome addition to the Back Bay. 384 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Jimy Williams, Red Sox
Management gives him a lineup of bat guano (including four second basemen); he gives us guacamole.