Best & Cool Bars in Massachusetts

"This venerable, decades-spanning stalwart in Harvard Square, which happens to have one of the best patios around, remains a fine-dining favorite in a trending-casual industry. It’s the kind of place that is excellent for entertaining the in-laws over mignonette-dabbed oysters or boards bearing local cheeses; waffles topped with fried chicken, decadent foie gras butter and wild apple purée; and buttermilk biscuits enhanced with rose rhubarb jam and almond crémeux. Don’t relegate Harvest to special occasions, though."

"Renowned in Cambridge for high-quality dining, Harvest has won numerous awards for its food, wine and service. Serving contemporary New England cooking, it can be found right on Harvard Square where it has been a regular sight since the 1970s. Harvest describes itself as a welcome respite from the hectic life of the square, boasting elegant decor and a relaxing ambience."

"A multi-level seafood restaurant and bar, located on the Boston Waterfront, that comes with a roof deck and rooftop bar with breathtaking views over the water and harbor. Casual all-day dining on the first floor, more celebratory eating and cocktails on second, the Legal Harborside third floor and rooftop deck offers drinks and Sushi bites in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Equipped with retractable glass walls and ceiling, making it a four-season rooftop."

"Don’t let the stigma of Legal Seafood being a chain deter you from stopping in at Legal Harborside. This is the flagship location. The downstairs is a casual seafood eatery and the second floor is more formal."

"When this trendsetter opened four years ago, it was credited with kicking off Harvard Square’s dining renaissance. Since then, it has become the center of chef Michael Scelfo’s growing empire — he opened the seafood-focused Waypoint(entrées $15–$23) two years ago, and this fall he’ll launch the bar-restaurant Longfellow upstairs from Alden & Harlow. But the subterranean dining room of his original restaurant is still buzzing every night, packed with a crowd that feels like a true Cambridge cross section, from proud college parents to twentysomething entrepreneurs."

"The smoked chocolate bread pudding with sea salt ice cream at Alden & Harlow just melts in your mouth." —Robert Gonzalez, pastry chef at Bistro du Midi. "The chocolate torte with a cherry compote, smoked almonds, and black raspberry ice cream. It was a flourless chocolate cake that was moist and perfectly warmed. It had a contrast of textures and flavors that all worked together in unison." —Hannah Lurier, executive pastry chef at Alta Strada Wellesley"

"Restaurants Contemporary American Harvard Sq. Chef-owner Michael Scelfo churns out some of Cambridge's most inventive weekend brunch offerings. Pickled corn pancakes jockey for attention alongside the likes of hickory smoked pig tails with cheese crisps, grits, and a soft poached egg."

"This North End mainstay has been in operation since 1926; it’s one of the city’s best pizzerias. (Go to this particular location — the original — rather than one of many offshoots.) The secret to Regina’s success is a combination between the oven — it was built in 1888, and its cooking surface remains intact to this day — and the dough, which is left to proof for up to six days. The crust on a pizza from Regina is simultaneously chewy and crispy, and there are ample bubbles on the exterior ring."

"Ask anyone where to find the best pizza in Little Italy, Boston and they'll most likely say Regina's. Family-owned and operated since 1926, Regina's specializes in a secret-recipe brick-oven pizza made with a spicy-sweet sauce and housemade mozzarella. The enormous menu covers nearly every topping you could imagine, and a range of inexpensively priced wines and beers provide plenty of options for washing it all down."

"Address: 11 1/2 Thacher Street, Boston, Mass Website: www.pizzeriaregina.com. Established in 1926, Regina Pizzeria is a pizzeria established by Luigi D’Auria in the North End of Boston and is Boston’s oldest continuously operating pizzeria. The pizzeria has since become a regional chain in New England."

"Restaurants Japanese Back Bay. What was once a tucked-away sashimi bar has blossomed into a 100-seat izayaka, where you can now pair your nigiri with Japanese milk bread, ember roasted duck breast, King crab yakitori and wagyu beef dumplings. But the sushi is still a must, including the lobster BLT roll, the A5 wagyu sirloin nigiri and the still-incredible sashimi offerings upon which Uni built its reputation."

"Uni, located in the lounge of Clio, is a hip Back Bay gathering spot. energetic yet intimate, with a reverence for the food and a large selection of sakes. Sashimi is imported from Tokyo's Tskuji market, as well as local sources, and is paired with a menu of distinctive cocktails."

"This half-nightclub/half-izakaya is one of Boston’s flashiest restaurants. And for once, we mean that in a good way. You can come here just for the sushi and sashimi and have a great meal, but you’re better off focusing on the small plates and ordering as many as you can."

"Airy gastropub with beer as an ingredient in many entrees, plus craft ales from an on-site brewery. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 617-494-1994"

"Ascending the steep staircase brings you to one of Chinatown's most impressive dining rooms (vast, dressed in red and gold), buzzing with a merry-go-round of shumai, fluffy barbecued pork buns, translucent shrimp and chive dumplings with tidy pleats, tender-chewy stuffed rice noodle rolls, egg custard tarts, congee, and a barrel of silken tofu drowned in ginger syrup. (There's also a buffet table with favorites like clams and black bean sauce and steamed Chinese broccoli.) The prices are low: you can expect to order half a dozen items—enough for two or three people—and keep the check around $30. Like most good dim sum restaurants, the line at weekend brunch time is as long as you'd find at a good diner or deli."

"Quincy is normally outside of our usual coverage area, but during these times we’re willing to do a lot for dim sum. China Pearl is offering takeout dim sum during lunch hours - call ahead at (617) 773-9838 to place an order."

"Chef Jason Santos brought the city of Boston three incredibly different restaurants, all with the same flare. Citrus & Salt, Abby Lane, and Buttermilk & Bourbon all serve up mouthwatering delicacies that make you want to go back the next night. Buttermilk & Bourbon pays homage to New Orleans cuisine and their brunch is pretty outrageous."

"Food was great, and drinks were great however I went for brunch and they have a very limited brunch menu. The vibe was great and their dinner menu looks good…”more"

"Jonquil’s Cafe and Bakery has the most geometrically and theatrically designed baked goods in New England (which are every bit as delicious as they look), plus fantastic sandwiches, and teas that bloom dramatically. An artistic “Living Wall” at the cafe’s entrance provides a good idea of the eye-popping treats within. A meal or mid-day treat here is an experience unlike any other on Newbury St."

"The ice cream: For your gelato fix, check out Athan’s denser, richer scoop in flavors like baklava, green tea and praline. The dessert shop and bakery also serves up water-based sorbets, if you’re looking for dairy-free options."

"DTR Modern is best known for their collection of privately-held works by modern and contemporary master artists such as Basquiat, Botero, Chagall, Dali, Dine, Devine, Haring, Hirst, Katz, Lagemann, Lichtenstein, Longo, Mars, Matisse, Miro, Murakami, Picasso, Quinn, Slonem, Warhol, Wesselmann and Verbicky (not to mention Robert Mars and William Goodman, who created the piece included here). Whether you are a serious art aficionado or a novice to the art of appreciation, the knowledgeable staff here makes art approachable. Next month, DTR will be featuring a collection of street art that will run through the summer."

"25R Lowell St, Cambridge, MA 02138-4725+1 617-876-0246[email protected]http://www.cambridgeart.org/. It is the mission of the Cambridge Art Association to build a vibrant community through visual art: connecting individuals and facilitating dialogue among artists and art lovers of all ages and backgrounds. CAA exhibits quality works of art and seeks to enrich lives and engage art enthusiasts and collectors"

"Vilna Shul, built as a synagogue in 1919 by Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and now Boston's Center for Jewish Culture and a Jewish heritage museum, commemorates the history of this part of Beacon Hill (once part of the West End), and the Eastern European Jewish community in Boston. Restored murals, layers of history, and interesting informational displays. 18 Phillips St, Beacon Hill, Boston; www.vilnashul.org"

"The Vilna Shul, originally an Orthodox synagogue, was built in 1919 by immigrants primarily from Vilna, Lithuania. Today it is a historic landmark building located in historic Beacon Hill and home to a cultural center, community center, and living museum."

"The Outlets at Assembly Row features premiere American brand outlet stores, 18 dining options, entertainment including LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a 12 screen AMC theatre, Muse Paintbar, a 6-acre waterfront park and more - all in a picturesque pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.The Outlets at Assembly Row, Somerville, MA | +1-617-440-5565 | Distance from hotel: 2.8 miles Easily accessible by car or via the Orange Line"

"When you want to enjoy an outdoor outlet shopping experience close to Boston with great restaurants and other entertainment, make your way to Assembly Row. Here you'll find a lifestyle concept like no other because they offer more than just stores to keep you entertained, and even a few special spots for the kids. At Assembly Row, the entire family can enjoy themselves."

"This mall is more than just a place for people to shop, because it offers entertainment for the whole family. Children can visit the Lego Land Discovery Center, or in the waterfront play area. There is an AMC Movie Theatre, where parents can enjoy with their children."

"For the past decade, Bostonians have been strolling SoWa's markets on Sundays in search of clever trinkets, unusual decor, locally crafted items, and a cluster of vintage and antique vendors. Indoors you'll find the year-round Vintage Market, with May through October adding on an outdoor farmer's market, food and fashion truck gatherings, and tent upon tent of distinctive buys. Come fall, artisans prep for the notorious Holiday Market."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sowaboston used under CC BY-SA 4.0. The award-winning SoWa Open Market is one of Boston’s biggest celebration of the local art, food and music scene. Shop from over 175 stalls amidst a vibrant space of art studios, boutiques and unique vintage shops in SoWa’s Art + Design district."

"Every Sunday from May through October, the SoWa (south of Washington Street) Open Market celebrates all things local. Started a decade ago, it features a farmers' market with growers from the area, an indie design market, and a rotating group of..."