Chic but casual crowd. The boutique in front sets the tone for a very upscale, but relaxed place. Offering cute and trendy jeans, shoes, and fun frocks during the day, and a lounge with tasty small plates, Wii, and guitar hero in the back. The execution of the idea is a little off since the TV's are high up near the ceiling, and you have to constantly look upwards to play the Wii, but it really is an awesome touch that gives the place a soft touch. Clothes and cocktails? What more could you ask for? Overall, this is just the type of place that Boston needs...and what better place for such a creative concept than Fort Point Channel. The restaurant serves a playful, whimsical side in its menu crafted by chef Michael Leviton, who gets his highbrow on at Lumiere. SOme of his noteworthy concoctions include pretzel dogs with a touch of fanciful panache and lobster with handmade gnocchi.

The Barking Crab, a bright and fun lobster shack sitting on the Seaport waterfront almost touching the financial district, is a great laid back place to grab a quick lobster roll, cod dinner, or cup of shrimp bisque. You can also head to the Barking Crab to rock out post 5 pm during the work week during the summer and sway to the tunes of a funky and rollicking reggae band. Casual and cool, the Barking Crab rarely lets you down. Boaters are welcome to tie up free of charge while dining. There's a beautiful walkway that runs under the Evelyn Moakley Bridge next to the Barking Crab and leading to the Boston Children's Museum. Quiet with seating so that you can enjoy a romantic walk and take in the wonderful view. Doug Lemie of the Barking Crab is on the Friends of Fort Point Channel Board of Directors and is actively involved in the support, planning and promotion of the historic Fort Point district and its neighborhoods.

Drink is Barbara Lynch's latest concoction. This Fort Point Channel bar boasts a bevy of different liquors, mixers, shakers, and glasses. Just tell the bartender what you like, or what kind of mood you are in, and let the professionals mix it up. With creative appetizers to coat your stomach, there is alot to drink in at this new Congress St. hotspot.

Blue Wave Bar and Grill is just a couple of blocks from the Congress Street Bridge. Popular with the lunchtime crowd, with an extensive martini list as a bonus. I won't tell the boss how many martinis you had at lunch, I promise! Try the mussels in pesto sauce for $10, veggie burger for $7.25, or the pepper steak for $15.95. Blue Wave offers a bar, restaurant and entertainment environment like no other in Boston, often showing live jazz and cover bands. Djs take over after restaurant hours.

I stopped in to this Fort Point Channel hotspot on a recent Friday night, and it was packed full with a young, hip, lively crowd. Definitely the place to go if you want to ogle the beautiful people with your friends, drink and flirt while noshing upscale pub food. Artists and office workers alike frequent this place for the funky atmosphere and mini-hamburgers. There is no sign on the building, so you feel as though you're discovering a hidden gem, until you step inside and see how popular the place is. Look for the glowing red windows along the bottom of the building. Sunday brunch features live music. Dress code: No hats, sneakers or athletic wear. Tip: Public transportation to Fort Point Channel is scant. Parking is easy--try the All-Bright garage a half block away on Congress Street.