Here are some popular spots around town. By the second
visit, they’ll probably recognize you.

Backbar

9 Sanborn Court, Somerville (Union Square), 617-718-0249, www.backbarunion.com.

Ambiance: Postmodern
speakeasy-style bar.

Regulars: Young professionals, scene setters.

Menu: Comfort food such as pork buns, spicy caramel popcorn, ice cream sandwiches.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: Belly, Brick & Mortar , Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale.

JJ Foley’s Cafe

117 East Berkeley St., Boston (South End), 617-728-9101, www.jjfoleyscafe.com.

Ambiance: Olde Boston
homey.

Regulars: Journalists,
Guinness fans.

Menu: Shepherd’s pie, truffle mac and cheese, burger,
milkshake.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: 21st Amendment ,
Beantown Pub.

JM Curley

21 Temple Place, Boston (Downtown Crossing),
617-338-5333,
www.jmcurleyboston.com.

Ambiance: Old Testament (“Thou shalt not covet...”) meets Nouveau Chic.

Regulars: Local chefs,
bartenders, wait staffers.

Menu: Designer burgers,
specialty desserts.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: Silvertone Bar & Grill ,
The Franklin Cafe.

Meadhall

4 Cambridge Center,
Cambridge (Kendall Square), 617-714-4372,
www.themeadhall.com.

Ambiance: Industrial-size brewpub.

Regulars: Techie mecca.

Menu: Meatloaf, fish and chips, veggie burger.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: Lord Hobo , Drink , Area Four.

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen

138 St. James Ave., Boston (Fairmont Copley Plaza),
617-585-7222,

www.oaklongbarkitchen.com.

Ambiance: Swanky hotel bar.

Regulars: Young professionals, Back Bay residents.

Menu: charcuterie, flatbread pizza, pork chop.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: Nubar (Sheraton
Commander), Minibar (Copley Square Hotel), The Hawthorne (Commonwealth Hotel), Rowes Wharf Bar (Boston Harbor
Hotel).

The Banshee

934 Dorchester Ave.,
Dorchester, 617-436-9747, www.bansheeboston.com.

Ambiance: Irish sports pub.

Regulars: Soccer/rugby/Gaelic football fans.

Menu: Irish cocktail sausages, bangers and mash, Gaelic burger.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: The Green Briar , The Druid

JOSEPH P. KAHN and SWATI SHARMA