Located in the heart of Boston's South End, Toro is a lively Barcelona-style tapas bar. Owned by acclaimed chef, Ken Oringer, Toro has become one of Boston's must-visit restaurants. Perfect for sharing, the traditional tapas served here are small portioned dishes that allow patrons to order and try various cuisine. Toro's vast menu features a variety of tapas including empanadas, sliders, charcuterie and more. Not to be outdone by their cuisine, the signature drink menu at Toro offers wine on tap, cocktails, champagne and bottled beer. Their brunch is one of the best in the city, offering pitchers of sangria, mimosas and bloody mary's. Be prepared to wait or arrive early, this popular establishment doesn't accept reservations.
Thanks to its inviting decor, solidly mixed drinks and attentive staff, City Bar, though located on the premises of the Lenox Hotel, has built itself a reputation above and beyond that of the average lobby watering hole. The drink list alone does a lot of the work. With lengthy lists of signature martinis, champagne drinks, 'diabolical infusions' and other specialty cocktails, as well as impressive collections of scotch, bourbon, tequila and rum, no serious drinker will be without a variety of delicacies to choose from. Nosh on the tasty bar bites from their food menu.
Since 1929, Caffe Vittoria has been serving espresso and gelati to the Italian community of the North End. On weekends, a lively post-dinner crowd keeps the place humming until late at night. Chrome dominates the four levels with three bars, numerous parlor tables and shiny bakery cases. The enticements include traditional tiramisu, connoli, biscotti and more. Lounge at the bar that serves a fine cappuccino with Sambuca! Credit cards are not accepted.
For daring Asian cuisine enthusiasts, Myers + Chang promises to cater admirably to their needs. The chefs' interpretations of Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine are both thoughtful and novel; the Cantonese Lacquered Pork comes with kimchi flavored rice cake - the tartness of the kimchi is the perfect foil to the sweetness of the meat. Their pot-stickers are, predictably, excellent, as are the tea-smoked pork spare ribs. On weekends, Myers + Chang serves up a dim sum brunch menu which is the perfect way to have a social hangover breakfast, with plenty of sharing and a riot of flavors.
Ken Oringer is at the helm of Coppa and he is one of Boston's best loved fine dining chefs, with Toro and Clio also under his belt. This quaint little rustic restaurant, with its incredible selection of wines and mixed drinks, is a pleasant contrast to many of the sleek uptown restaurants that it shares a berth with. The food puts unexpected twists on classic Italian cuisine, such as the famed carbonara with sea urchin - not for the culinary faint-of-heart. More traditional dishes abound, from gnocchi with pork ragu, sage and pecorino to the perfectly wood-fired pizza.
Five Horses Tavern boasts of more than 90 globe-spanning craft beers and spirits. Its dusky green walls offer a vivid contrast against bare, red-bricked ones. A polished bar counter, wood-decked flooring and ornate chandeliers create a swanky ambience. Guests can savor creative cocktails with flowery aromas and fruity flavors, including Rachel Alexandra, Sparkling Apple and Blue Hills Rosey. Unwind with Wheat Ale such as Blanche de Bruxelles or a Belgian Ale like Saint Louis Kriek. Their food menu offers starters like Fleur Blanc and Papas Fritas, followed by mains such as Seared Pork Loin and Pan Roasted Cod. Extend the pleasure of dining here to loved ones with their gift cards.
Anthem Kitchen + Bar is a bright and lively restaurant that serves American food with a different blend of flavors. Their chef has carefully put together gourmet dishes to make up a menu which depicts culinary expertise. Lay back in the comfortable setting and share some small plates options, soups, salads, sandwiches and more. It also hosts live music on weekends, enjoy a sumptuous meal paired with wine and more.
The Hub Pub has a convivial atmosphere and a cozy look due to its dim lights and wooden accents. Its wraparound bar is the center of attraction as it is decked with all kinds of liquor, local brews and famous crafts. Catch a game on any of their many televisions or just unwind with a drink or two.
Set inside the Club Quarters, Elephant & Castle is a traditional British pub with an impressive selection of whiskey and beer. Their menu comprises English and North American classics which includes the likes of the Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Butter Chicken, Jalapeno Mac & Cheese, Curried Chicken Flat Bread, Stuffed Yorkshire Pudding, Shepherd’s Pie and, Fish and Chips. Drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy their happy hours with seasonal beers as well as regular ones.
Bostonia Public House reflects the city's spirit, its cuisine and sits proudly as a friendly watering hole. The place is warm and welcoming with dim lights and a quaint decor that add immensely to its charm. It is not very spacious but its systematic seating makes it ideal for intimate occasions. Their menu pays tribute to America with quintessential specials like burgers, steaks & potatoes, and baked beans & smoke bacon crumble. Other must-try dishes here are the Preserved Lemon Risotto, Braised Lamb Pasta, Fork Tender Meatballs, Chilled Shrimp Cocktail and Tuna Crudo. They also delight patrons with a separate gluten-free menu. Cocktails served at the Bostonia Public House, taste as dramatic as they sound; and the extensive wine and beer selection perfectly complements everything on the food menu.
Warehouse Bar & Grille is a sleek sports bar and New American restaurant. With its neo-industrial design, fluorescent green chairs at the bar, leather booths and flat screens all around, it exudes a warmth that is welcoming. Dig into their dishes like Reuben Eggrolls, Gator Bites (alligator meat), Clam Roll, Mushroom Wrap, Warehouse Burger and Strawberry Balsamic Chicken. Take a sip of wine or from their tap and you are set to cheer your favorite team with your friends.
If you wish to sample some delicious seafood specials then Barracuda Tavern is the place to be. The restaurant serves dishes ranging from Buffalo Shrimp, Fish Tacos, Crabcake Sandwich, Haddock Sandwich to Grilled Salmon, Seafood Linguini, Fish & Chips and more. If you feel parched, there are tall glasses of lagers, pilsners, ales and draft beers to quench your thirst. Lined with television screens and furnished to accommodate groups, Barracuda is also a great spot to catch some sporting action.