Best of Boston

Let the Lycra-wrapped hordes swarm Lansdowne Street. The real action is around the block at Sophia’s, where a beautiful and diverse crowd can be found jumping around on any of the three floors. Not into the bump-and-grind, Miami-style Latin sound on the main floor or in the basement lounge? Then hit the first floor, pick a stranger to share a pitcher of sangria, and your salsa impulses will no doubt kick in with a little help from the live band. Those who prefer a more mellow scene head to the rooftop—the building’s courtship nucleus—to let the sweeping view of the city and soft music work their matchmaking magic.