The Bar at the Copley Plaza
The bar at the Copley Plaza on Copley Square. The turnover is so brisk that they've been thinking of adding a "Please take a number for fast service" machine. Jack's (952 Mass. Ave, Cambridge) and Daisy Buchanan's Restaurant (240a Newbury St.) are also lively nightspots. Copley Square, MA .
Boston Firemen's Band
Meredith Wilson's "Music Man" learned everything he knew from the Boston Firemen's Band. Great beat and esprit which soars. Among the city's other top-notch trombones are the Boston Policemen's Band, the Harvard University Marching Band and the American Legion Post Band from Waltham.
Grill 23 & Bar
This vision of a masculine elegance has one thing most men's clubs lack: a superb kitchen. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
The Kenny Hadley Big Band
Can't beat the soloists in this 15-person ensemble, and its arrangements are always interesting. Added attraction: free performances at Paul's Steakhouse in Marshfield every Sunday of the year except in August.
The Band That Time Forgot
Short on pretense, long of fun, dressed alike in dark shades and navy jackets, this band plays straight and pure music right out of the sixties. There's a girl thrown in there somewhere for good measure, wearing (what else?) a mini-skirt and go-go boots.
Ceia Kitchen + Bar
Rye crêpes with ricotta, smoked salmon, and fiddleheads. House-made linguiça with eggs. Portuguese sweet-bread French toast with strawberries and streusel. This Newburyport hot spot turns out pumped-up versions of brunch favorites with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients (which makes sense, considering chef Patrick Soucy is an organic farmer himself). When the weather’s fine, kick back on the patio for prime Sunday-morning people-watching. 38 State St., Newburyport, MA 1950, ceiakitchenbar.com.
Midori Dowdie, MAD Soleful
Dowdie’s credentials are impressive, to say the least: She’s a former bodybuilder and marathon runner who’s certified in personal training. She’s also a certified holistic health coach, meaning she understands that training is about more than just showing up at the gym. Rather than simply focusing on weight loss and toning, Dowdie helps find your “why” and encourages healthy and sustainable habits — which goes way further than any workout ever could. madsoleful.com.
The Homeport Restaurant & Oyster Bar
The long-defunct island institution was resurrected last year by Boston restaurateur Seth Woods, who vastly improved on everyone’s favorite spot to watch the sun set while eating dinner. In addition to all of the New England classics, this phoenix from the ashes now has the best tuna niçoise this side of Nice, newly spiffed-up décor, including better sun coverage on the patio, and the Back Door, where you can order everything from a double-patty burger to a full clambake for takeout. 512 N. Rd., Menemsha, MA 02535, thehomeportmv.com.
Nightshade Noodle Bar
After stints at Clio and Bondir that earned breathless praise from the likes of Zagat and this magazine, chef Rachel Miller’s first solo venture has Boston foodies programming Waze for Lynn and coming back with the zeal of converts. Miller’s tasting menus of up to 14 courses feature wildly inventive Vietnamese- and French-inspired seafood and noodle dishes — such as uni brûlée with red-curry hollandaise and torched cinnamon — that are so delicately perfect, 14 courses might not be enough. 73 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901, nightshadenoodlebar.com.
Park-9 Dog Bar
There’s no other place we know of where you can order a cocktail for yourself and a perfectly paired treat for your canine. At New England’s first-ever dog bar, kick back with your BFF and enjoy a 10,000-square-foot space complete with lounge areas, two bars, and a cool backyard vibe. 48 Waters Ave., Everett, MA 02149, park9dogbar.com.
Blood Oranges
Blood Oranges crosses many musical boundaries, which is part of its appeal. Vocalist/mandolinist Jimmy Ryan comments on the band's sound, "Country people think we play rock; rock people think we play country. To me, it has always been an intriguing combination." Intriguing indeed.
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Forget the hot butter for a minute. Named for chef Jeremy Sewall’s grandmother, Ethel’s Lobster Roll at ICOB updates the cold Maine style for a new generation. Sewall’s recipe for success? A simple dressing of crème fraîche, chopped dill pickle, and a touch of celery seed, tossed with the sweetest meat and lovingly arranged on brioche with a hint of rosemary. 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, islandcreekoysterbar.com.
Lone Star Taco Bar
Bacon-wrapped and smothered in refried beans, crema, and chipotle mustard, Lone Star’s over-the-top Sonoran dog tastes best around midnight—wonder why that is? In fact, the Mexican spot’s full menu of satisfying snacks—including house-made chorizo tacos, piquant chili con queso, and crispy tostadas—is available until 1:30 a.m. every night at both the Allston and Cambridge locations. Pair them with a hydrating Topo Chico mineral water, and you’ll thank yourself in the morning. Multiple locations. 479 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, deepellum-allston.com/lonestar.
Lookout Rooftop and Bar
Something about high altitudes just makes drinks taste better. Try it for yourself at the Envoy Hotel roof deck, which boasts one of the city’s best vistas. And on this patio, the party lasts all year long, with glowing igloos to keep you toasty (and toasted). 70 Sleeper St., Boston, MA 02210, outlookkitchenandbar.com.
Lone Star Taco Bar
The magic here is in the tortillas—hand-pressed in the kitchen to provide a sturdy foundation for toppings like smoky barbacoaand rich Dallas spicy beef. (For an afternoon hangover, there's the breakfast taco topped with scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado crema, and roasted salsa.) And thanks to a soon-to-open (at press time) location in East Cambridge, you can finally enjoy quality tacos on both sides of the river. 479 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, lonestar-boston.com.