Boston's Best Martini

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

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

The Leather District’s fashionable pool hall and lounge draws mix-and-mingle scenesters.

Reviews:

• “Horrible Horrible horrible.”
• “The Best time ever.”
• “Worst Place in Boston”
• “Lousy experience ringing in 2008”
• “great night club”

Tips: True Music Thursdays feature national and local bands. Therapy Fridays and Social Club Saturdays both start at 10pm and are held in the fourth floor’s “4th Level” club, featuring top DJs.

Felt Boston or email Felt Boston

The Four Seasons Hotel’s lounge is an ideal destination for an upscale date spot.

Reviews:

• “Favorite place!”
• “Great food. Great service. Great environment/ambiance. Expensive.”
• “Disappointing”
• “Expensive”
• “power lunch”

Tips: Hotel guests take a break from the hotel’s formal dining room, Aujourd’hui, to try the lounge’s burgers.

Bristol Lounge

One of the Boston power set’s favorite dining destinations combines a thoroughly modern interior with bold, contemporary American cuisine.

Reviews:

• “The Worst ‘Nice’ Restaurant in Boston”
• “Cocktails / Wine / Food…Top notch. Management…lackluster.”
• “Terrible attitude among the staff.”
• “TERRIBLE DOWNSTAIRS CROWD!!!”
• “Romantic – Excellent Service”

Tips: Budget-constricted foodies should stop into the lounge to try Excelsior’s signature lobster pizza, made using celebrity chef Lydia Shire’s original recipe.

Excelsior

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

Classy Fairmont Copley Plaza lounge with jazz and specialty martinis.

Reviews:

• “Classiest Bar in Boston”

Tips: Live music is featured Tuesday through Saturday evenings—call to find out what’s on top (most likely mellow jazz or upbeat swing).

Oak Bar or email Oak Bar