You cannot beat the Granary Tavern for lighting. Walk in off the Rose Kennedy Greenway and you enter a warmly glowing space, one that when it’s crowded feels mellow yet energized, full of promise.

Within a minute of getting my $8 glass of merlot from the bar — a bargain, really, if it were good — a friendly young man turns to me and introduces himself as Phil. Did I mention that he is friendly? And young? Phil! Nice to meet you! I love this place.