Laurel Grill and Bar is ideally located on the edge of the Back Bay and the South End. Convenient to all the Back Bay has to offer the trendier South End location is a little more relaxed than its Back Bay counterparts. The contemporary American restaurant specializes in a variety of fresh fish, steaks as well as pastas and vegetarian selections. The location was home to the owner's first restaurant the Blue Wave over since 1991. Several years ago the chef owners transformed the large open space into more intimate and less noisy dining environment. Originally designed as an urban oasis the restaurant continues to remain both a relaxing place to enjoy your meal and still feel the buzz of the South End dining experience.

Atop a glass-roofed fitness club, this restaurant-cafe and 2 bars cater to the area's “guppie” (gay-yuppie) crowd. Familiars will know that the “club” monicker is deceiving: Club Cafe is more restaurant than bar, and certainly not so much club, making it a good place to actually have conversations. The fun, chic video bar features a VJ on weekend nights, drawing both young and old, and though no dancing goes on, the trendy techno music makes Club Cafe a great pre-game stop before you hit up Machine or The Estate. A piano bar entertains those with more subdued tastes, and W karaoke caters to those who'd rather make music than listen. Weekday lunch is popular, as is Su brunch ($15). Beer $3-3.50, mixed drinks $4-5. Casual. Voted best Gay and Lesbian nightspot.
This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.


Tip: Stop in any evening before 7:30pm, order any entree and receive any sandwich, burger or designated entree for $2.09.

Occupying the old quarters of the Piattini wine bar on Columbus, Da Vinci Ristorante moved into this space that straddles the Back Bay and the South End. Da Vinci comes to us from the same owners and chefs of La Campania in Waltham, and hopes to bring the same Italian flair to this eternally struggling restaurant space. With Valet parking, a full bar, and average prices for city dining, Da Vinci is hoping to make a splash in the city as well as the suburbs.

Flash's is a neighborhood bar at the crossroads of the South End and Back Bay. Expect to find regular folks from the area and plenty of those that work nearby. The basic idea is 'flashback" cocktails from the 1920's and 1930's coupled with diner-style food. American style food at reasonable prices with cocktails: what's not to like? Windows are open to Columbus Ave and Stuart Street in the summer so even while there is no 'outdoor area', Flash's has an open-air feeling. Great place for a TGIF drink with your co-workers...Flash's is also a regular stop for the Povo team!

A vast majority of the menu is offered on flavor infused wooden skewers, the other half a mix of international fusion cuisine. Great cocktails and patio. The new dining and entertainment venture from the owners of neighboring 33 Restaurant & Lounge. Stix is right in the crossroads of the Back Bay and the South End, and offers a sleek design, wine bar (that allows you to bring your own collection in at a small cost) takeout, patio seating and live entertainment a few nights a week. The menu is diverse and international with 50% of the plates on flavor infused skewers, and 50% in entree or small plate form.

Cottonwood cafe & restaurant offers award winning margaritas, three-season patio, and a fresh approach to Southwest cuisine!

SkipJack's is the lastest addition to the "best seafood restaurant" race in Boston. Okay, so it's more that 16 years old (a "teenager"). It's named after a high-quality Pacific tuna that is rumored to be one strong fish. The atmosphere is a combination of wooden ship with traces of the sea by smooth metal lines and sea color tiles. Enough about the atmosphere, the seafood is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. They offer a wide variety of seafood, and some yummy sushi for the adventurous. If (when) you fall in love, ask about their customer loyalty and rewards program! Kid friendly / Kids menu. In a bit of an odd location, but away from the hoards of restaurants, wait periods are shorter or non-existent. They have other locations in the 'burbs, including Newton. SkipJack's is a go-to for seafood. Insider tip: 2 hour free parking with validation.

Rattlesnake is one of the only roof-top bars in Backbay. Serving up drinks and food on three different levels (including a second level pool area), Rattlesnake has a little bit of "scene" for everyone. The first level is crowded- with after-work drinkers. In the summer, the floodgates are open and people pile in to get a spot on the covetted spot on the deck. The menu features grilled pizzetas, burgers, and sandwiches (all of the south of the border influence. Link to the Dinner Menu

Restaurateur Rande Gerber (aka Mr. Cindy Crawford) launched Whiskey Park in an attempt to bring the hipster New York scene up east to Boston, with dim lighting, swanky leather couches, mohair pillows, and incense candles. The Park is packed with a diverse but definitely upscale crowd, everyone from older local businessmen to Euro jet-setters—clearly people who don't mind shelling out $7-12 for mixed drinks (although they do have a great martini menu). Dress to impress. Draft beer $5. Th Latin night. Limited pub menu served until 10pm. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The Oak Bar has been recently restored and is reminiscent of a British Officer's Club in the Orient. The same dark wood paneling and mirrors that flank the Oak Room are offset in the Oak Bar by smooth marble. Heraldry symbols decorate the ornately gilded and painted coffered ceiling. The furniture and décor create an inviting atmosphere to enjoy a relaxing drink or close a business deal. Boston Magazine has named the Oak Bar 'Best Hotel Bar.' The Oak Bar features one of Boston's largest martini menus with classic favorites and contemporary cocktails. The bar offers the complete Oak Room menu and an extensive raw bar. The Oak Bar features live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Business casual. After 6:00 p.m. no shorts, cut out or tank top T-shirts, hats and sport sandals. For more information, please call (617) 267-5300. Reservations: Reservations are not accepted in the bar.