The Appleton Cafe rarely disappoints. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a quick cup of coffee on the go. Highlights include Wednesday's Hamburgers and the mostly-daily cupcakes. This down-to-earth gourmet sandwich shop in the South End offers up super-fresh soups and delicious prepared foods. Their sandwiches ($7-8) are inventive, like the Empire, which is stuffed with roast beef, caramelized onions, chevre cheese, and roasted red peppers, and are offered on a variety of breads or wraps. If you are not in mood for lunch, try their fabulous muffins. They were named Best of Boston in 2003. Appleton has a strong neighborhood pull and is a South End staple. Far different than the chains and trendy eateries of Copley Square, this place is worth the trip after a long, hard day of shopping. Also, be sure to check out all the other goodies that the Appleton Bakery has lining it's shelves. Gifts and treats, as well as basic grocery items can be found at the bakery. So, whether you need to do some christmas shopping, or need a quart of milk, make sure to stop by. Currently the Bakery has a convoluted but useful special for regular lunchers - buy a sandwich on Thursday or Friday, bring in your receipt Monday or Tuesday and get a sandwich for 1/2 price.

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.

Clery's is an Irish bar and restaurant located a block from Copley Place at the corner of Dartmouth and Columbus in the South End neighborhood of Boston. Clery's serves traditional Irish fare in it's rustic dining room. Clery's previously was awarded the 2002 Best of Boston award for Best Neighborhood Bar. It is part of the same management group that owns Dillons, The Black Rose, and Coogan's here in Boston. Sample menu items include: Ultimate Nachos ($10), Maryland Crab Cakes ($9), Black and Bleu Burger ($8), and Back Bay Chili ($5). The restaurant features a bar with 16 draught beers, as well as a full bar menu. On select nights partake in some karaoke or dance the night away with DJ Rhythm Nights. Located downstairs is the perfect nook for your company functions. This private and roomy space features a full bar and dance floor. This place will fill you up without breaking your bank!

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.

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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

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