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.

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

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.

The Quiet Few is a neighborhood bar in East Boston with a large whiskey list and good bar food.

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

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

The Druid is an Irish pub in Inman Square with surprisingly good oxtail soup.

Momi Nomi is a Japanese-Hawaiian izakaya with a good sake selection, but not so great food.

White Horse is a pub in Allston that's big with students.

Falafel Corner is a counter-service, late-night falafel place in Harvard Square.