The Miracle Orchestra
The Miracle Orchestra is made up of six guys who look like they're in high school; actually, they're in college— Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, to be exact. But their improvisational influences, building on everything from Maceo Parker to Miles Davis and The Grateful Dead, help develop a sound that's way beyond the players' years. Someday they'll really find their edge: watch out.
The Fringe
Led by the thunderous cascade of sound created by drummer Bob Gullotti, the group doesn't play compressed standards or dance tunes but always leaves its audience rapt and astonished. Each player is a jack-of-all-styles and master of dynamics. More than a quarter-century of playing together has lent an unsurpassed intensity to the band's musical dialogue. Find them, too, at the Lizard Lounge.
Tugboat Annie
This guitar-oriented quintet from Brighton has been compared to other Boston success stories such as the Pixies, the Lemonheads, and Buffalo Tom. Since its arrival in Beantown, it has released two full-length Cds: Superfriends, in 1995, and Wake Up and Disappear, this past spring, full of catchy, albeit moody, pop tunes.
Dirt Merchants
At a time when well-deserving Boston bands are being dropped by major labels left and right, Dirt Merchants is about to have a second major label release on Sony's Epic. Winners of the 1994 WBCN Rock 'n' Roll Rumble, this quintet is fronted by vocalist/guitarist Maria Christopher, whose sweet and sultry voice caught the attention of Entertainment Weekly and Billboardmagazines. Last year, Sony/Epic rereleased the band's first CD, Scarified,which has been compared to such disparate bands as Sonic Youth, the Cowboy Junkies, and Pink Floyd.
The Napoleon Club
The Napoleon Club in Bay Village is both the best and the worst. Known as the Wrinkle Room, Nappy's or the Geriatrics Institute, the Napoleon Club goes back decades—it's rumored JFK frequented it when he was at Harvard. Bank presidents whirl with ribbon clerks, the piano is never quiet, the hat-check girls are matrons, the mood is of quiet resignation. Bay Village, MA .
Biba
The bar at Biba is a scene, with the local swells packing the place every night. They must be coming for the sensational bar snacks—especially the crispy scallion pancakes, and the oyster shooters with vodka. 272 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Cornucopia
Backs up its wine-food promotions with a changing but always excellent selection of wines unavailable elsewhere by the glass—or even by the bottle. 15 West St., Boston, MA .
Regattabar
For general excellence, in spite of the steep prices for thimble-size drinks. Charles Hotel, Charles Square, Cambridge, MA .
Sports Depot
The profusion of television sets and the ambience make the Depot the next best thing to half-court seats at the Garden. And the food's a lot better, too. 353 Cambridge St., Allston, MA .
Mother Juice
Mother Juice's creative concoctions—may we recommend the "Sweet Chard 'O' Mine," with sweet potato, apple, chard, and spinach?—do the body and the taste buds good. Bonus points for craveable healthy treats such as overnight oats piled with SunButter, granola, fresh berries, and coconut flakes. Multiple locations. 625 W. Kendall St., Cambridge, MA 02142, motherjuiceboston.com.
Bully Boy Tasting Room
Many bars chase that elusive speakeasy vibe. Here, Bully Boy has nailed it effortlessly: An unmarked door reveals a cozy space that doubles as a front-row seat to watch the distillery in action while sipping a luscious Teddie's Peanut Butter Dream. 44 Cedric St., Roxbury, MA 02119, bullyboydistillers.com.
Daedalus
If you don't mind a crowd, head to the rooftop bar for one of the best outdoor drinking scenes the city has to offer. Prefer something a touch tamer? Step inside or head downstairs. That's the beauty of drinking at Daedalus—two different bars in one building. 45 1/2 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138, .
The Blarney Stone
Priding itself on being the first bar in America to sell Guinness on draft, the Blarney Stone is an essential neighborhood watering hole, whether you're brunching on the leafy patio or enjoying a pint in front of the roaring fireplace. 1505 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02122, blarneystoneboston.com.
Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale
Take a seat at the wood-carved bar and try an 1850s-style Nine Dollar Sazerac. Not into spirits? Opt from a well-stocked list of beer and wine, and raise a toast to the drinkers of eras past. 48 Temple Pl., Boston, MA 02111, stoddardsfoodandale.com.
The Golden Banana
Scantily clad men and women dancers, depending on the night. 151 Newbury St. (Route 1), Peabody, MA .