If you're just looking for a great place to lounge at night, 28 Degrees is a great venue to sit back, drink, eat and relax to the tune of the finest underground sounds and DJs. The basket of french fries is particularly tasty. From 5 to 7 on week days, they serve oysters for $1 a piece.

Masa is a Southwestern restaurant with a flair (think Border Café casualness combined with more experimental, daring cuisine.) Not only a great restaurant, Masa is proud of their bustling happy hour crowd that enjoys $1 tapas as well as $5 pitchers of Sangria. Masa is known to have live entertainment from time to time and offers late brunch on the weekends. The chandeliers are an oddity in the room, and the copper bar is interesting, but it's all casual; dressing down is an acceptable custom here. Masa in Spanish means 'dough.' However, you shouldn't only be concerned about the variety that’s being kneaded in the kitchen. The dough to which I’m alluding is the amount of cash that leaves your wallet at the end of the evening. Be prepared to spend a lot (outside of happy hour) but consider the money well spent. The food is divine. Thursday night is Latin Night from 9pm to 1am with Salsa dance lessons from 10:30pm to 11:30pm. Tip: Make a reservation, even for brunch. Throughout the month of December Masa will be offering a $29 pre-fix menu. (at certain hours only) Come in Sunday through Wednesday 5PM to 10PM or 5PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Mommies at Masa for Christmas Masa will be hosting a Mommy and child holiday floral workshop on either Dec. 10th or 17th 11am-2pm.

A subterranean space in the South End laden with dark mahogany and fringed lampshades gives Icarus a clubhouse-tinged-with-art-nouveau-sophistication feel. A classical statue of Icarus presides over a refined crowd and the professional presentation of multi-sensoral delights such as classical guitar. Live jazz is now offered on Thursday and Friday nights from 7-11pm with a ever evolving roster of New England Conservatory talent. Food that is as lovely as it is indulgent (entrees $21-32). A wide variety of meat dishes, from Foggy Ridge rabbit to skate wing (both $28), and a creative blending of flavors (Grilled Shrimp with Mango and Jalapeno Sorbet, anyone?) exemplify fusion cuisine at its finest. The decadent chocolate molten souffle cake with raspberry sauce (for two, $16) is the perfect finish to a pampered and elegant foray into the South End.

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.

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.

Mistral caters to both foodies and trendy poseurs alike, with a massively creative kitchen and a notoriously hawkish crowd of people-watching society types. The gorgeous, white-draped dining rooms offer-Lucullan splendor without too much drama, except on weekends, when a boisterous pre-clubbing crowd of i-bankers and their model arm candy light up the bar. Be prepared to make the scene, but also eat well: most diners laud Mistral for its exceptional culinary consistency and obliging service. Entrees $30-45, with a fabulous tuna tartare for $19. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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.

While you may feel like a grown-up by taking your date out for a round of cocktails and sambusas (fried dumplings, $7) after a performance at the neighboring Boston Ballet, it's pretty hard to ignore that sexy Addis also appeals to the kid in each of us. The straw tables and low, stool-like chairs hark back to the days of childhood tea parties, and the simple fact that you can eat with your hands can turn even the most mature college student into a grinning gradeschooler. The delicious dishes—a large variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian entrees—are served with generous amounts of fluffy, white injera, a spongy crepe-like bread that doubles as your utensil. The combination plates (starting at $15) are the perfect way to try different entrees, but most options are already a steal at $7-11. After the sweet honey wine ($5/glass, $20/bottle), sober up with a cup of after-dinner coffee—you won't find a better caffe mocha anywhere else. Reservations accepted for 5 or more, otherwise expect a wait on weekends. Established in 1988. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Smith and Wollensky is an upscale steak and seafood restaurant located in the Bay Village area of Boston. Smith and Wollensky is located in one of Boston's historic landmarks that is known to many as "the castle." The space has been restored meticulously to recapture the integrity and beauty of the original millwork, masonry, and wrought iron ornamental work. While Smith and Wollensky is primarily known for the steaks, things like seafood and other meats are great as well. Smith and Wollensky's menu is a la carte, meaning that you order the meat you want and then order a few sides for the table. Sides such as "Truffled Macaroni and Cheese" are served family style so that everyone can indulge. The menu also includes things such as Oysters ($9), World Famous Split Pea Soup ($6) and Thin Crust Pizza ($9-12). The wine list is extensive, featuring over 500 wines.