Uni is a flashy Japanese izakaya in Back Bay with a $16 spoon, hot rock wagyu beef, and lots of small plates you won’t want to stop ordering.

Hojoko is a Japanese restaurant in the Fenway that is the opposite of a sensory deprivation tank.

Roxy’s is a tiny spot in Allston with some great sloppy sandwiches and burgers.

Lone Star is a tiny bar in Allston that serves big tacos and other good Tex-Mex.

Deep Ellum is an American restaurant in Allston that serves good beer.

The first thing you’ll notice at Myung Dong in Allston is the K-Pop videos playing on a loop. The second thing you’ll notice is the good Korean menu.

Charlie's Kitchen is a diner, beer garden, and punk bar all rolled into one in Harvard Square.

Little Donkey is a small plates restaurant in Central Square that’s great for drinks and few bites.

Shojo is a fun and colorful Asian restaurant in Chinatown that feels more like a bar than a restaurant.

Alden & Harlow in Harvard Square serves good, not great American small plates in a fun underground space with excellent cocktails.

Darryl’s is a jazz bar that serves Southern classics like fried chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits.

The Automatic is a spot in Kendall Square that’s kind of a bar, kind of a diner, and kind of a 1950′s airport lounge.

The Painted Burro is a really crowded, really fun Mexican place in Davis Square.

Saloon is a speakeasy in Davis Square that's so dark you might fall asleep in there (though probably not if it's burlesque night).

The Burren is an Irish Pub in Davis Square with lots of live music and a refreshing paucity of shamrocks on the walls.

Lucky’s Lounge is a bar in Fort Point.