Feel chic but never awkward at posh Union Bar and Grille. This South End eatery never fails in offering you not only a gorgeous meal (albeit sometimes $), but a chance to get some good people watching in as well. The sleek and modern surroundings are the perfect backdrop to the creative menu and festive drink list. Go ahead, lose yourself in a fruity martini. Don't miss their inexpensive brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Be part of the chic and overtired crowd that comes pouring in late morning in dire need of a cup of coffee, or better yet, a strong bloody mary. October Special: 5 year Anniversary Celebration all month Join the bartenders at Union Bar and Grille all through the month of October for specialty cocktails for $5 and complimentary nibbles between 5:30-7pm

Another trendy and cutting edge restaurant to add to the hot, hot, hot South End dining scene. Along with sophisticated designer lofts and apartments, Banq is opening in the beautifully renovated Penny Saving Bank. Decor is made up of undulating layers of sand colored wood that flow across the ceiling like a soft wave. The restaurant is like the inside of a prehistoric whales body, as depicted by a minimalist Japanese architect. Very chic, spacious, loud and almost anonymous; it could be a spot in midtown Manhattan. You're likely to spend probably 10 minutes staring around at how interesting the space is. Little plants at the tables are a nice added touch that don't get in the way of your food. Which, by the way, is impressive in an Iron Chef sort of way. If you have friends visiting from NYC or London or Tokyo, bring them to Banq to show them that 'lil ole Boston IS a cutting edge Metropolitan city.

Sage Restaurant is a cozy and intimate setting in one of Boston's oldest neighborhoods. The restaurant rivals the uptown establishments by delivering American and European style cuisine that is both modern and classic.

A hidden gem in the South End that serves cocktails and oysters! From their website: In 2003, Barbara opened B&G Oysters providing the city with a classic yet stylish oyster bar. At the center of the dining room of this subterranean restaurant is an open kitchen surrounded by a white marble bar and black bar stools. Cool blue and grey tiles accented by stainless steel lend a calming oceanic aura to the space while the funky music playing keeps the mood fun and social. The menu offers exquisitely fresh seafood including a daily selection of 12+ oyster varieties, ready to be shucked, New England classics like lobster rolls and fried clams, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The selective and reasonably priced wine list features a number of whites and sparklers as well as a selection of smooth reds that compliment shellfish and seafood. Never tried a Gigamoto? No worries. This is a staff that loves their mollusks and bivalves: they can discuss oysters the way other servers might discuss a fine wine, able to describe a particular oysters origin, flavor profile, and farming method.

By day, most patrons swing by to take home venison sausages and veal cutlets, while nighttime sees well-dressed couples huddling around the butcher's block, waiting for a seat at the diminutive, candlelit bar. Ultra-knowledgeable waiters eagerly discuss the exceptionally adventurous wine list's intricacies.

This place has the buzz. Situated in the South End, with the atmosphere of an artist's studio, you feel as if you're attending a great dinner party. Relax and take in the sounds of jazz and sip on a martini or a glass of wine. The food is fabulously yummy with fare from Moroccan to Italian, making any craving satisfied here. The best thing about this place, other than its funky vibe and hip atmosphere? It's open late. Get your food on until 2am, nightly. The Beehive will be hosting a Santa Christmas Brunch on Sat. Dec. 20th from 11:30am-3pm. There will be carol singers and photos with Santa. Families are welcome!

Sibling Rivalry, a restaurant located on Tremont Street in the South End, was started by two brothers. The brothers Kinkead, both chefs at the restaurant, have their own menus-diverse in nature and have to utilize the same ingredients while preparing a variety of dishes. Sibling Rivalry has what is called a "Chef's Bar," where people can sit and watch the kitchen staff in action. The bar and wine list is extremly creative, not to mention fresh. Sample menu items from Chef David's side of the menu include: "Pan Roasted Veal Chop Fontina Cheese Fonduta, Black Truffle Jus and Caramelized Onion and Potato…$38.00," "*Barbequed Lamb Chop Lollipops with Roast Acorn Squash and Creamy Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Gratin...$32.00"--and from Chef Bob's menu: "Boneless Short Ribs of Beef with Roast Beets, Ragout of Salsify, Pearl Onions and Carrots, Mashed Potatoes & Horseradish Cream…$28.00," "*Pancetta Wrapped Monkfish with Celery Three Ways: Braised Celery Hearts, Celeriac Puree and Celery Salad with Truffle Vinaigrette…$26.00." The bar at Sibling Rivalry is also a happening place and serves a variety of inventive cocktails with an extensive wine list.

Jacques Dessange is a famous French hair salon. They have just opened a Boston salon in the Atelier 505 building on Tremont Street.

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.