Boston's Best Hookup Spot 2008

Fiery Mexican grub and an even hotter bar scene heat up the Back Bay’s answer to Southwestern chic.

Reviews:

• “Wish there was one close to home :(”
• “GO HERE!”
• “A+ MARGARITAS”
• “Great Food & Great Drinks”
• “nice decor; average food”

Tips: Show up early to beat the after-work crowd and enjoy half-price appetizers from 4pm to 7pm (Mondays through Thursdays).

Cactus Club or email Cactus Club

A sizzling subterranean lounge heats up Fort Point Channel with retro cool.

Reviews:

• “Had fun but didnt live up to the hype”
• “Bangin’ Steak Tips, Great Service”
• “All-around great night out”
• “Very Disapointed!”
• “Over priced and under satisfied…”

Tips: The bar has no sign out front. Look for a red glow pouring out of its windows, and then find the obscure entrance on the corner of Congress and A streets.

Lucky’s or email Lucky’s

The famous and trendy may eat here, but well-executed dishes go beyond fashionable fare.

Reviews:

• “Rude clientele but great menu in a nice space”
• “Great lunch and dinner”
• “Excellent!”
• “Great place”
• “Hottest Scene in the city”

Tips: Weekend nights are extremely busy: Make reservations or expect to wait. Or enjoy the same menu and environment on weeknights, which are less crowded year-round.

Sonsie

A decor as stylish as the well-dressed clientele meshes with an eclectic, international menu of contemporary cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Don’t know about Mondays”
• “Nice venue, menu was limited, subpar service”
• “Not good at all.”
• “nice decor, no service”
• “GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!”

Tips: While the dining area maintains a business-casual vibe, you’ll want to dust off your most stylish duds when visiting the lounge.

33 Restaurant and Lounge or email 33 Restaurant and Lounge

Cool cocktails and classic comfort food define this laid-back subterranean lounge.

Reviews:

• “Techno Music Restaurant AAAA OK!!”
• “a good 1st visit”
• “Great value”
• “Snobby Hostess – GREAT bartenders”
• “best first date ever!”

Tips: At a mere $10 above cost, all of Silvertone’s wine and champagne bottles are a bargain. The same offerings can sometimes go for three times as much at other area establishments.

Silvertone Bar & Grill

The South End’s most stylish all-purpose destination thrills area 30-somethings.

Reviews:

• “Great Vibe”
• “UNPROFESSIONAL manager and doorstaff – as ALL the legitimate reviews state”
• “Never Again…. Terrible Service… uncomfortable in every way”
• “Total letdown”
• “Staff needs to learn about service, food horrible, cool ambiance”

Tips: Befitting its artsy vibe, the Beehive serves its drinks in offbeat holders (wine’s served in brandy snifters, beer in mugs with handles).

The Beehive

Multi-purpose venue with several rooms offers alternative rock and dependable bar food from its namesake region.

Reviews:

• “Bizarre ID policy, lying bouncers, rude ticket-takers result in angry customers”
• “The music is good, but the food and service isn’t”
• “good”

Tips: Impress your date with a pre-show meal at the club’s upscale bistro, ZuZu.

The Middle East or email The Middle East

A Somerville standout: energetic Irish music, dancing and the requisite variety of Irish beer.

Reviews:

• “Great Irish pub”
• “Brings Ireland back to Boston!”
• “As Irish as it gets”
• “A Thursday night must.”
• “Best Pint in Cambridge…maybe even Boston metro”

Tips: Free wireless internet access is available.

The Burren

One of Newbury Street’s most casual bars, made for tossing a few back and picking a few up.

Reviews:

• “Horrible Staff”
• “80s rock bar”
• “Great service”
• “Great place to meet people”
• “OVERRATED”

Tips: The sidewalk seating in front of the bar actually belongs to its upstairs neighbor, Ciao Bella.

Daisy Buchanan’s