Occupies the former space of Tim's Tavern, whose chef is now at the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge. Coda is open for lunch and dinner and specializes in upscale comfort food, and is most well known for the mac and cheese and the turkey meatloaf. They have an inventive drink menu and offers a wine list with several by the glass and a variety of bottles as well. Attire is nice but casual. Coda occupies the old spot of Tim's Tavern, a long time South End institution. Coda: Think Co + Da: Columbus Ave. and Dartmouth St.

Brownstone is a restaurant that serves a wide variety of very dull food, and has a full bar. This is a newer restaurant in the South End/Back Bay area. The location has seen a few restaurants over the years (same owners) Always offering bland,run of the mill food. A spaceous place, it's a wonder how rent is paid.

The Firefly American Bistro is nestled in between the Copley Mall and Back Bay Station. The restaurant has many tables in an intimate setting, and during the warmer months, offers patio seating. This restaurant is the sister restaurant to Laurel Grill and Bar, just a few streets over. The Firefly restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The prices are reasonable, portions large. Little or no vegetables with entrees.

Who would not love to go to a resturant that is so kitsch that it has christmas lights up year round? Welcome to the neighborhood favorite of the South End, Delux Cafe. From the outside it does not look like much, but step inside to this art laden free for all and you are instantly greeted with delicious food and drinks that are so reasonable you will find yourself stating "these rounds are on me!" Entrees are inventive and flavorful and never rise above the $12.95 mark. Busy year round and a bit of a hidden gem only known to South Enders, the Delux Cafe does not disappoint! Important to know: cash only.

Serving up burgers, salads, chicken sandwiches, fries, and yes- veggies, this is a healthy alternative to fast-food. This young, hip new-aged (did we mention expanding) restaurant chain has the people in mind. Come for the food and stay for the funny advertisments and unique marketing strategies displayed in-house. Always clean, and often with lines, be sure to ask for your burgers well done if you like them like that, they tend to come on the rare side. There are four other locations around Boston.

Takumi Douzo is a modern Japanese restaurant and lounge located in the South End of Boston. They specialize in Sushi, Sashimi, Maki, and all kinds of Hand Rolls. Items on the menu include sushi and sashimi such as: Octopus($4.25/6.25), Tuna($5.75/7.75), Sea Eel($6.50/8.50), Escolar($7.00/9.00), and rolls such as: California Roll($6.50), Spicy Salmon($6.50) and Kanpyo($3.50). They also have platter options available for large group events. The menu features a full selection for any curious eater, and the restaurant has a modern vibe that gives you the feeling of an upscale restaurant(without incredibly steep prices). For more information, check out their website at http://douzosushi.com

Aquitaine Bar à Vin Bistro has established itself as one of the premier French Bistro in the South End. You'll sigh in culinary ecstasy from your first sip of Perrier to your last crumb of profiterole. Everything—from appetizers to dessert—is absolutely mouth-watering and cooked to perfection. Starters range from gourmet escargot with garlic and parsley butter ($12), mussels ($9), or rabbit and foie gras terrine ($14) to the more traditional endive salad ($9). Equally delicious entrees include everything from salmon, sole, or cod to goat cheese ravioli, or steak frites (entrees $19-30). And if you're feeling ambitious, Aquitaine's extensive wine list offers a host of options for that $200 hangover you've been craving. Saturday Prix Fixe Brunch for $9.95 per person. They also serve a slightly pricier and more elaborate brunch on Sunday. If you are going to visit Aquitaine for dinner, and you want to be really impressed, try the filet au poive w/ congnac cream, grilled scallions and green peppercorns ($29). Aquitaine also has a sister restaurant - Aquitaine Bis - located in Chestnut Hill.

Mela comes to us from the One World Cuisine team who also run Bukhara, Diva, Kashmir, Mantra, and Cafe of India. The lunch buffet is very reasonable for the area: $10 weekdays, $13 weekends. Mela is likely the only Indian restaurant in the South End, but a very welcome addition. The service is friendly to children, but expect tight spaces, no kid cups or kid menus and to emphasize "very very mild spices please"/ They will however store your stroller for you.

Metropolis occupies what was once an ice cream parlor; today, there is no better place in Boston to spoon up cinnamon ice cream with chocolate bread pudding and caramel sauce ($8), one of the restaurant's rarefied desserts. While the ice cream here is exquisitely prepared, this trendy bistro focuses on innovative, Italian-influenced cuisine. Dishes such as the roasted duck with sun-dried plum, goat cheese, and smoked bacon tart ($20) exemplify how Metropolis' chef melds diverse and complex flavors with excellent results. The date-worthy atmosphere more than compensates for the lack of elbow room and the inevitable wait (call ahead). Entrees $15-20. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Customers squeeze into the tightly spaced tables and read the paper at the wrap-around bar.

House of Siam just opened up a second, smaller restaurant in the old Thai Village. The 35-seat South End haunt serves up saucy Thai faves like drunken chicken and pineapple fried rice.