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
MASSIMO’S RISTORANTE, WAKEFIELD
Many of the dishes offered at Massimo’s come from family recipes from the old country.
O’LEARY’S BROOKLINE: A GEM OF AN IRISH PUB (NOT FAR AWAY FROM FENWAY)
As is the case with many if not most Irish pubs, the menu at O’Leary’s holds few surprises, as it focuses mainly on pub grub, classic American fare, and a handful of Irish-style faves.
HAKATA RAMEN (QUINCY)
Hakata Ramen joins the ever-growing ramen craze without feeling like it has jumped on the craze just for the sake of it.
FIRST LOOK: THE ELLIS ROOM IN BROOKLINE
To find it, you have to walk into the Magnolia Smokehouse and look for a staircase in the middle of the place …
STELLA’S, WATERTOWN
A decades-old pizzeria that few seem to know about
