Land Ho
Want a side of local color with your Devil's Purse pint? Pay a visit to this neighborhood hang, where Cape Cod memorabilia—from family crests to vanity plates—fills every inch of wall and ceiling space. It's not all about the kitsch, though: Bartenders behind the lacquered wooden bar aim to please, and the late-night menu satisfies with grub for both landlubbers (burgers) and seafarers (fish and chips). 38 Main St., Orleans, 508-255-5165; 429 Main St., Harwich Port, 508-430-0404; land-ho.com. 38 Main St., Orleans, MA 2653, land-ho.com.
Linens on the Hill
There are plenty of things out there preventing us from sleeping, but only a few that actually help us catch some ZZZs. One, of course, is a quality mattress. The next is linens, and we're not talking about the sets wrapped in plastic and slapped with a UPC code. You'll rest easy on the luxurious Yves Delorme and Sferra sheets offered at this quaint store. 52 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, linensonthehill.com.
The Good Life, Cambridge
The latest addition to Brian O'Neill's growing empire, this new Good Life is perfectly suited to its Central Square location. The decor is, as in other Good Lifes, remarkably similar to your parents' den, only wings this good and spicy were probably not served at home. Wash 'em down with one of many beers on tap, or a tasty cosmopolitan (the bartenders seem to have a flair for this drink du jour). 720 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA goodlifebar.com.
Longwood Inn
Favorite of jocks and alcoholic sportswriters. 123 Longwood Ave., Brookline, MA .
The Quarterdeck
Terrific view of Boston and the harbor. Not so terrific bar. 13 Eighth St., Charlestown, MA .
Doyles
The owners, the Burkes, obviously know how to have a good time. 3484 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
The Last Hurrah
Bustling, friendly, energized. Parker House, 60 School St., Boston, MA .
Crossroads
Unpretentious watering hole on the fringe of pretentious Back Bay. Safe. You won't be sorry. 495 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
The Naughty Knights Club cocktail lounge at the Sheraton-Tara
Dark, and just far enough out of town. 37 Forbes Rd., Braintree, MA .
Averof
Belly dancing. Ouzo. And a building that looks like a Middle Eastern version of Vegas. 1924 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
A Private Room at the Lock-Ober Café
The food's not bad, either. 3 Winter Pl., Boston, MA .
Cornucopia
An intimate offbeat bar with a notable café menu. 15 West St., Boston, MA .
Union Brewhouse
Wood paneling, arcade games, a collection of retro beer cans ... hopping onto a barstool at the Union Brewhouse is like sneaking down to your uncle's basement man cave, circa 1976. Thankfully, the beer selection goes well beyond Bud longnecks at this laid-back spot, which boasts 17 craft beers on tap (including special offerings from the likes of Oskar Blues and Firestone Walker) and more than 100 bottle selections (Belgium's Delirium Tremens and Duvel, among others). 550 Washington St., Weymouth, MA 2188, unionbrewhouse.com.