Julien Bar, Hotel Meridien
Enough elbowroom to last a lifetime—or at least through a deal. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA .
The J. Geils Band at the Centrum
Peter Wolf's time has come. Worcester, MA
Inn Square Men's Bar
A perrenial favorite. Great music, extended happy hour, cheap drinks. Not what you'd expect describe as the last word in comfort, however. 1350 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA .
Ceia Kitchen and Bar
If the rustic-meets-modern, exposed-brick décor doesn't get you, there's always the savory Gorgonzola-stuffed olives. If those don't do the trick, a bite of chef Billy Brandolini's citrus-poached halibut with squash blossoms just might. Still not feeling amorous? Trade a few spoonfuls of the sweet, crackly banana brûlée. And if even that doesn't cut it, the superb wine list will finish the job, leaving you head over heels for the team that opened this chic new Newburyport boîte (if not for the person sitting across the table). 38 State St., Newburyport, MA 1950, ceiakitchenbar.com.
Chatham Bars Inn
Everything at this posh spa is understated yet high-end. The outdoor relaxation pool has private cabanas nearby for al fresco massages; the locker rooms feature private steam showers. And body treatments like the Healing Sea Cocoon? Lovely, and mind-blowingly restorative. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 2633, chathambarsinn.com.
Back Bay Racquet Club
One of the most stylish sports facilities we've ever seen. 162 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Bab Al-Yemen
Lucky Kenmore Square got one of the region’s only Yemeni restaurants last year — a superb (and superbly homey) addition to the neighborhood and Boston at large. From enormous pieces of fresh flatbread and warming stews to clove-and-cardamom-spiced teas, the lovely halal menu makes this a cozy spot in the winter, after the latest Sox game, or anytime, really. The ambiance adds to the comfort, from the colorful stained glass to the traditional low, pillowed seating area. 468 Commonwealth Ave., Fenway/Kenmore, MA 02215, babalyemenboston.com.
Bardo's Bar Pizza
WHAT’S THE VIBE? This pizza slinger from the family behind Lombardo’s, a hugely popular function facility in Randolph, brings bar pies to Boston by way of a kitchen inside Southie’s Castle Island Brewing Co., an industrial-cool taproom with a picnic-table-filled patio. TASTING NOTES: The cracker-like crusts are super-thin and super-crisped, with “laced” (translation: oven-blackened) cheese edges. We love the sweet-sour sting of the pickle-topped pizza, a genius notion that probably sounds peculiar to anyone raised north of Route 24. 10 Old Colony Ave., Boston, MA 02127, bardospizza.com.
Dalí Restaurant & Tapas Bar
Opened long before Toro became the niño bonito of Boston, this tapas den is a full-on party that’s still raging, and just as sexy and fun as you remember. Here, small plates like spicy chicken skewers with lemon sour cream, and lamb meatballs in tomato-mint sauce are shared over sangria at tile-covered tables or the boho-chic bar festooned with hanging bunches of garlic and greenery. The vibe? In typical Dalí form, it’s surreal. 415 Washington St., Somerville, MA 02143, dalirestaurant.com.
Brighton Music Hall
THE SCENE: A dive bar with a big stage and even bigger sound, this vestige of Allston Rock City’s glory days has a decidedly modern vibe that’s keeping a new generation jamming. THE LINEUP: Homegrown indie, rock, and hip-hop acts share space on the calendar with nationally touring acts and comedy legends, plus DJ and dance nights for all of your booty-shaking needs. 158 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 02134, crossroadspresents.com.
Lizard Lounge
As the new host to The Fringe's (Best Jazz Band) Monday night jams— and occasionally to delights from the free-form experimental acid-jazz group Club d'Elf (Best Cutting-Edge Band)— this lounge has the coolest in-the-round setting. Owing partly to a respectable selection of booze and excellent vibes, the unassuming Lizard Lounge has slithered to the top. 1667 Masachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
L'Etoile
Located in a former whaling captain’s house, this bistro’s bar earns top honors for versatility. Begin with the aptly named “startini” (citrus vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, pomegranate, and prosecco) or another creative cocktail. The singlemalt scotch and bourbon selections are impressive, while wines by the glass cover a lot of terroir in price, varietal, and geography. Then there’s the atmosphere, always lively without being obnoxious: Guests can choose between a seat at the bar, a banquette, or the porch, although the Adirondack chairs on the lawn beckon on balmy nights. 22 North Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539, letoile.net.
Pagu
The debut from chef Tracy Chang, cofounder of the pioneering pop-up Guchi's Midnight Ramen, is part izakaya, part pintxos bar, and fully the chef's "culinary diary." That means reverence paid to ramen, especially the original Guchi's version. Featuring house-made alkaline noodles, three rich broths, and a perfectly cooked six-minute egg, the luxurious bowl is even more satisfying in Chang's sleek permanent digs. 310 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, gopagu.com.
Lee Jennings, Union Bar and Grille
A bartender's primary pursuits are a flawless cocktail mixed with speed and accuracy, and sensational service graciously delivered. Jennings has mastered both. Part bartender, part professor, he'll happily take a moment to wax lyrical on a pinot noir or expound upon a rare spiced rum. Quick with a fresh glass and a cheery word, he's a true gentleman of the bar. 1357 Washington St., Boston, MA unionrestaurant.com.