One of the many storefront businesses emerging within the new Lincoln Plaza, Al's State Street Cafe opened up its second location (aptly called Al's South Street Cafe) on the corner of Essex and South Street in Boston's Leather District. The joint boasts a "Bag Lunch" deal which includes a 10 inch sub, a 20 oz. soda and chips for $6.50. Here's the write up for the original State Street staple: Al's is the Cheers (circa 1970s) of sandwich shops in Boston; where everyone knows your name (and preferences). Food is of high quality, service is efficient, value is great, and the location is convenient to Government Center, the Financial District, and the Waterfront. It gets really crowded around lunchtime but the crowd is well worth it.

Restaurant-lounge-diner-cafe stays open deep into the night in the Leather District, NEWS is known as the late night spot of Boston. The american/italian inspired restaurant is where all those in the know head over for steak tips that are big enough for two. The servings are not the only thing that are big, but the hulky man you will always see in the front is Jaime Giorgio - the owner. Don't let his size fool you he is very charming and will entertain and treat all his guests with VIP service. Wednesday night is ladies night: Females enjoy a free three-course meal with a $10 minimum drink purchase per person from 5pm-11pm. And ladies... don't expect to meet too many guys at ladies night.. aside from the men working there.

Update: Restaurateur Frank De Pasquale is turning News, a seven-year-old after-work hangout located at 150 Kneeland St. in the Leather District, into an upscale, over-25 hangout called Splash. The revamped hot spot is scheduled to reopen in May. Slotted to serve gourmet bar food ranging from burgers, appetizers and tapas, Splash will rival nearby South Street Diner as a late-night destination. De Pasquale plans to serve food until 5 a.m on Friday, Saturdays and the Sundays before holidays. Here's the lowdown on the former News: Popular amongst late night revelers looking for some on-the-way-home sustenance, News is open until 4AM Tuesday - Saturday. Their eclectic menu seems designed towards the late night munchies set, featuring pizzas, deli sandwiches, breakfast, and a plethora of appetizers, generally of the fried cheese and buffalo wing ilk. The prices aren't exactly cheap for grub of this nature, but when you need to eat late, you take what you can get and happily pay for it. They've got booze, too, and offer $3 draft beers and $5 house mixed drinks. Valet parking is available.