Upscale casual with macarons and opera cakes. Yes, opera cakes
FIRST LOOK: HORSE THIEVES TAVERN, DEDHAM
While some places simply say that their takes are inventive or modern and then offer what everyone else is offering, this spot really does have some interesting takes on New England classics.
BROTHERS RESTAURANT, BROOKLINE
A mellow and very eclectic spot that’s deep under the radar
DEEP ELLUM: AN OLDIE BUT GOODIE FOR BEER AND COCKTAIL LOVERS
The word “gastropub” gets bandied about way too often these days, but this Cambridge Street establishment is in some ways your classic gastropub that’s worthy of the title, and one that’s more unpretentious and unassuming than some of the newer options out there.
FIRST LOOK: BEST BURGER BAR IN BROOKLINE
A recent look at the Washington Street eatery soon after its opening indicated that this spot has some real potential, and not just for its burgers.
ATWOOD’S TAVERN, CAMBRIDGE: FOOD, BEER, AND MUSIC IN A RUSTIC SPACE
Well, it’s none of these, really, instead being a good, solid, midlevel place that oozes charm inside, with lots of dark woods, a bar that looks like it has seen its share of history, a small stage in the back that is integrated nicely with the rest of the space, and a hidden side patio that is accessed by a door beyond the bar.
MEZZO MARE, HULL
A less-beachy beachside option south of Boston
WANG’S FAST FOOD, SOMERVILLE
Squeezed between a pizza joint and a bar, the place looks like your typical Chinese takeout spot from the outside.
HIDDEN EATS: LA VICTORIA TAQUERIA, ARLINGTON
Too often you hear that the Boston area doesn’t have any good Mexican restaurants, and while it is true that we aren’t exactly San Diego, Los Angeles, or San Antonio when it comes to options for Mexican food, there are plenty of great places to head to in and around the city.
BRICCO PANETTERIA AND BRICCO SALUMERIA/PASTA SHOP
North End twofer hidden in an alleyway
