What exactly is a “Jewish tavern and house of learning,” you may ask? Lehrhaus has answers for you: picture a full menu of punny cocktails like the Some Like It Harif (tequila, s'chug, orange blossom, sumac salt), nibbles like Smoked Salmon Pate and Mac & Cheese Kugel, luxurious lounge seating, and an extensive community library of Jewish text. In other words, it’s a space unlike any other in the city.
Our city has been woefully short of supper clubs—until now. The two-level Hue is actually a three-fer: full restaurant, cocktail bar, and supper club entertainment space smack dab in the middle of the Back Bay. In the upstairs dining room proper, you can enjoy Asian-inspired small plates like Kofta Meatballs in Indian Spiced Tomato Sauce, and Tandoori Style Chicken and Waffle; afterwards, grab a drink in the ground-level Rose Bar before heading into the aforementioned supper club—complete with back-room speakeasy—for nightly DJed tunes and a broad selection of champagnes.
Michael Scelfo, the James Beard nominated chef behind spots like Alden & Harlow, Waypoint, and The Longfellow Bar, is turning to some classic inspiration this time around: his grandmother. The namesake of his newest restaurant, Josephine, inspired him to create a classic Italian menu of pizzas, wedge salads, pastas, and hearty entrees like Veal Tonnato alongside a potent bar program laden with Negronis and Martinis.
Harrison Street has been suffering from a dearth of dining options (we still miss you, Cinquecento), but salvation has come in the form of a new French brasserie from the team behind Petit Robert Bistro. Yes, it’s in the old Gaslight/Brasserie space, but things are certainly looking different this time around: lighter, more minimalist decor, and a menu that toasts the flavors of Southern France, which takes heavy influence from Spain, Italy, and Northern Africa. Expect raw bar starters, small plates like Beef Tartare and a mezze platter, and mains like Mussels with Curry and Coconut Milk, Roasted Branzino, and Merguez Lamb Sliders.
We firmly believe the city can never have too many French brasseries, and Batifol is a further case in point. The classic day-and-night menu is accompanied by craft cocktails and an excellent wine list, all contained inside a banquette-centric interior. It’s truly everything you desire in a brasserie menu: oysters, escargots, Nicoise Salad, Moules Frites, Coq au Vin, Steak Frites—you get the delicious idea. The long marble bar beckons Kendall Square professionals with after-work wines and White Negronis.
Within the convivial vibes of the Coolidge Corner Arcade’s second floor, at Cobble, chef and owner, Emily Vena, is reimagining the dinner party. Four tables, one seating, 12 guests, BYOB: It’s as intimate as a private party gets. The five-course, prix fixe Italian menu takes its cue from the seasonal vegetable haul. Currently on offer is English Pea Ranch Dip, Vegetable Crunch Salad, Fettuccine Vidalia ‘Fredo, Chicken Al Limon, and a Strawberry Short Stack for dessert. Here’s even better news: partner Rachel Trudel Vena has opened a BYOB bar downstairs called Bartlette (you bring the booze, they provide the mixers and accouterments).
Things to Do
Restaurants
Bars & Nightlife
Get Out of Town
The Best Music Festivals Happening in the U.S. This Summer
Grab your crew and get dancing.
More City Guides
Discover the best things to eat, drink, and do
with our expertly curated city guides.