Boston
1. Lehrhaus
Somerville
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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.

2. Hue
Back Bay
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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.

3. Josephine
Somerville
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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.

4. Marseille
South End
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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.

5. Batifol
Kendall Square
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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.

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