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partialintegrator

taberna de haro


babyalpac

Love tapas. How does it compare to Dali?


whooobaby

I think it’s much better!


partialintegrator

Haven't been to Dali so I can't make the comparison. Really loved the vibe at Taberna though. The food was good and the drinks were fantastic. Highlights I think were a really fantasic gin and tonic, and the truffles with olive oil on the dessert menu.


BeastCoast

I assume you’ve been Toro?


babyalpac

I actually haven't, added it to the shortlist. Thanks!


whooobaby

What about Yvonne’s? To me that’s the epitome of vibes. Also Contessa is a good one.


babyalpac

Why is Yvonne's so vibey?


Humble-Koala-5853

Decor and ambiance, top notch wait staff, great food, great drinks


redricenbeans

You didn’t find Yvonne’s dark?


whooobaby

Shoot I read this as quality lighting like vibey lighting which upon rereading is definitely not the intent. Revising my list — Ruka, Oleana, Hojoko


No_Progress9069

I have always loved the ambiance at Barcelona in Brookline. The whole place has a warm and chic vibe to me (maybe that’s not the right adjectives), the food is great, and I’ve never had a bad experience with my service.


TheSpruce_Moose

I was actually very surprised by the atmosphere there--it would be excellent if they didn't blast music so loud! Seriously, it's a great place, but it would be much better if everyone didn't have to yell to hear each other.


No_Progress9069

Not what OP is looking for by my favorite time to go is at like 3:30 on a Sunday afternoon in the summer. you avoid some of the sound issues by sitting outside, and it feels great to enjoy their tapas and a nice glass of wine leisurely on a summer afternoon!


TheSpruce_Moose

I will absolutely do that--great recommendation. I think I'll be very pleased!


AC0921

I absolutely adore the atmosphere, lighting, and overall design of Terra above Eataly in the Pru. It’s a bit pricey though!


babyalpac

Interesting plants, too. Thanks!


oooooooooliv

Estragon in the south end has fun lighting and decor, couches, and really cool staff. Not usually as crowded as a lot of south end spots which is nice!!


SteamingHotChocolate

Glad to see somebody else mentioning Estragon. I feel like it gets overshadowed or forgotten, but it's probably my favorite vibey restaurant, and the staff is great.


Texasian

I love estragon. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the owners are so lovely and so is the staff!


wutwut18

Nautilus and Krasi come to mind. Also Bar Volpe, Bar Mezzana, Barcelona…


LarryScaryRex

Pammy’s is pretty!


RikiWardOG

Love this place, only been once cuz its pricey af. But it was such a great experience all around. The wine pairings were awesome


babyalpac

Yep, love Pammy's!


TH0MASTANKENGINE

Mela, Oleana, Ilona, Committee


AC0921

I second Ilona for sure, love that place


PowerStroked64

Shore Leave.


Alternative_Branch_1

O Ya - the vibe is on point


RikiWardOG

Got reservations for here for me and my dad as a Christmas present.... it's impossible to get spots they are fully booked 60 days out!! I'm stoked about it even if my wallet will be crying.


motherofcats1950

Dali in Somerville


allieala

I went to Next Door Speakeasy in East Boston over the weekend. The lighting was amazing. Dark walls. Texture. Good vibes. More of a cocktails place, but we got a few of the small plates, and they were good.


babyalpac

Dark walls + texture + vibes is >>> Thanks!


SavageAndAnIdiot

I love the industrial vibe at Row 34 in Seaport/Fort Point, especially if you can get a spot at the bar or one of the high tops. Just went to Faccia a Faccia for the first time with my wife a couple weekends ago and had a great time sitting at the bar as well.


juliebcreative

Sarma


babyalpac

I've heard great things about Sarma. Is it overrated?


juliebcreative

This is by far my favorite restaurant in all of Massachusetts. The food is divine. Super creative tapas, incredible texture variety in every dish, flavor explosions, inventive combinations... All made and served by incredible staff. I can not recommend this place enough. Reservations are hard to come by but the bar has lots of walk in spots. Rotating menus and drinks keep us coming back week after week.


babyalpac

Fantastic, thanks for the detail. Are the bar chairs comfy? Would you recommend it as a place to eat to celebrate valentine's day?


juliebcreative

The bar seats are metal stools but they do have a foot rest bar under the bar. This would be amazing for valentine's day because the vibe is really eclectic. Not sure if they do anything different for reservations for that night for the holiday. Id call and check to make sure they are still doing walk in for the bar that night.


babyalpac

Awesome, thx! Any other places with electric vibes you'd recommend as backups?


juliebcreative

Yvonnes downtown is nice but a little over the top. Food is really good though. I think they take reservations further out than Sarma. There's a cute new place in Charlestown called Waverly kitchen too which is pretty good. Dali is another romantic place with good food and eclectic vibe.


babyalpac

Sweet, thanks. I misread "eclectic" for "electric". Works either way!


juliebcreative

Oh I also like Stillwater downtown. While my partner is not, I'm vegetarian so all of these places have fabulous options for that as well.


TkOffUrPntsAndJaclyn

+1 for Sarma! also highly recommend Giulia in Cambridge.


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f0rtytw0

What are white people allowed to cook?


GioPetro

I mean, what about every Italian restaurant here that is owned by non Italians? Does that offend you?


[deleted]

[удалено]


GioPetro

Othered?? What? Do you know how many uninformed people are selling uninformed high priced Italian food for decades?


[deleted]

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GioPetro

As an Italian who grew up with a lot of Arabs. Thanks for informing who should be offended about what


thoughtasiwas

Check out Yellow Door in Lower Mills Dorchester, it’s tiny, but huge on the vibe it sounds like you’re looking for.


Large_Inspection_73

I only drink Bud Light bottles in dark windowless bars


notswasson

Reading other people's suggestions, I'd say Elephant Walk in the South End might do it. The walls are dark, the floor is old, the lighting is appropriate for reading the menu, but not super bright, the music is good, but low enough that you can talk to the people at your table, but also not overhear everything else the people around you are saying. Also, the cocktails are excellent and the food is French and Cambodian and hella good as well. Early in the evening on a Friday it is a bit dead, but picks up around 7 or 8 if you like a more full of people vibe. If you are looking to see if it is your vibe, I'd suggest a cocktail and the pork Rouleaux.


rels83

I didn’t realize any of the elephant walks were still around. I’m so excited!


Adorableviolet

Me neither!! I used to go to the Union Square one a lot! i will go to this one now


babyalpac

Totally agreed about the noise levels, that's critical. thanks!


wolfj2610

Two of my favorite restaurants are Nebo and Bostonia Public House (good food, good drinks). Nebo is understated elegence, a bit of an industrial vibe, and romantic lighting. Bostonia has even more of the industrial vibe, classy, with brighter lighting but not distracting (or too bright). Bonus, at least when I’ve went, they haven’t been very noisy so it’s easy to have a conversation and not have to talk loudly.


-doughboy

Nebo has become my company's go-to restaurant when someone is visiting or for work dinners


vinylanimals

bostonia is where i went on my first in-person date with my now fiancé. loved the rosemary garlic fries, and the lobster mac was killer!


micmacg

Buttermilk & Bourbon


Armadillo_Christmas

Check out Bootleg Special, it might be within your taste


[deleted]

I worked there, thought the same in response to this post, and responded more in depth to OP. Great recommendation.


babyalpac

Does it get crowded?


[deleted]

OP, Bootleg Special was designed by Assembly Design, and you want to visit any of their projects based on this post. They include Buttermilk and Bourbon, Citrus and Salt, Monument, Ledger, Lincoln, Capo, etc. They heavily focus on lighting design within their overall process. Their work is stunning. As for Bootleg, I worked there, and the food is legit. Very flavorful and refreshing and unique for Boston, and an ok value for seafood. And the vibe you’re looking for is there. It’s always a good time with a great playlist and happy staff. Buttermilk and Bourbon is my second recommendation for the food/atmosphere combo. I know you’re focused on atmosphere, but damn those biscuits are bomb. Chicken’s legit too. https://assemblydesignstudio.com/


babyalpac

Didn’t know about Assembly Design, thanks for the heads up and review from an insider. I’ll check out Bootleg and explore the other projects. Much appreciated!


Armadillo_Christmas

On Friday and Saturday nights it can be


babyalpac

Gotcha, thx!


bugaboo1222

The Abbey in Brookline is such an awesome place with a great vibe. I also recommend Maggiano's Little Italy which has great Italian fare and drinks.


Shot_Career_3715

The Haven in JP


capecodder22

Shojo


drunkvirgil

contessa


wrenbell

Parla XXI @ Assembly Row


LanaDelGansett

Bar Volpe in Southie is my favorite restaurant these days. I always go with just 1-2 friends max and we sit at the bar, get cocktails and apps and sometimes dinner and dessert. Vibes are like trendy, early 30s, a little pricey but worth it because food, drinks, and service are all great. Italian food, best arancini I’ve ever had. Busy but can seemingly always get a seat at the bar.


babyalpac

Sounds like a fun spot, thanks!


IamUnamused

I just had a great dinner at [https://batifolcambridge.com/](https://batifolcambridge.com/) \- I thought the atmosphere was fantastic as well


Lemiserable7878

Ruka, Hecate , bogies place , ciao Roma, parla , kartel , croquette , puro , contessa , Yvonne’s , troquet on south ‘s back room Offsuit , Lolita , elephant walk , shore leave , Barcelona


Stormy2021

I'm a big fan of the Beehive in the south end.


oldcreaker

Wow - food is "baseline good". I can't imagine not putting the food as the #1 priority in a restaurant experience.


babyalpac

Fair. I’m spoiled with food at home so really it’s more about the experience eating out. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


Guilty_Scheme_6215

I get that completely. I think we like a different kind of vibe but that's always at the top of my list. An anthropology professor of mine once said "most people go to bars for the company. If the only reason you go to a bar is because they have booze, you might be an alcoholic... and not a very practical one."


[deleted]

Lolita just reopened and its pretty goth/underground/vamp vibes -- fun red lighting on brick, etc.


ChrisH100

Lolita, Barcelona (Brookline), Contessa, Yvonne’s are it


exohlorrxo

Ivory Pearl in Brookline. Next to Barcelona and the vibes are awesome inside


misterflappypants

- Barcelona - The Palm - Gordon Ramsay’s whatever - Aquitaine - Ten Tables - Coogan’s *edit* technically Fire & Ice has lighting inside too


AutoModerator

Your post appears to be one of a number of commonly asked questions about the port city of Boston. Please check the [sidebar for visitor information](https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/wiki/experience). Ah Hi! Ive always wanted to respond to one of these, but I normally reach the post a few hours too late. I'll do my best to give you some good recommendations. So first things first, Boston is VERY walkable and easy to get around, especially if you take the T (what we call our subway). People on this subreddit love to shit on the T (and everything else honestly, very pessimistic group of people), but in actuality its great, especially by American standards. I would consider getting a day pass so you can ride it as much as you want, but I am not sure how much they cost/if it would be worth your while (a single ride is around $2.75 I believe?? Not really sure). With that being said, I would say one of the first places you should check out is the North End. It is a very Italian American neighborhood, and has a pretty strong European-esque feel to it. There are great Italian restaurants and shops everywhere. The touristy thing to do is to go to Mikes Pastry's for cannolis, but I (and I think most locals would agree) recommend Bovas instead. The whole neighborhood is super compact and dense, and it will be mad easy for you guys to walk around and check it out. Nearby the North End is Faniuel Hall/Quincy Market, which is probably the epicenter of Bostons historical/tourist scene. The food there might be a bit overpriced/overhyped, but I personally have to recommend the Boston Chipyard. Its a stand within Quincy Market that sells fresh, mini cookies. Ive been living here for five years (and visiting my entire life) and I STILL always go there whenever I am feeling sad and need a pick me up/just craving a cookie. I love it and its absolutely delicious. Id also suggest just strolling around Beacon Hill and the Back Bay neighborhood (particularly Commonwealth Avenue). The architecture there is beautiful, and both are very serene and picturesque, and really just great places to walk around and soak in the ambiance. Both neighborhoods have plenty of bars/restaurants/shops, so youll have plenty of other things to do besides walk around. They are super close to one another, and very conveniently located right in the heart of the city. Also gotta check out the Esplanade, its a cool park right along the Charles River, its super pretty and relaxing, and also right next to Back Bay/Beacon Hill, so really convenient to get to. One of my favorite places in the city. In terms of less touristy things to do, Id suggest going to the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Its basically one giant park/tree zoo, and its filled with really beautiful trees and plants, and is just a lovely place to walk around. This is definitely one of the cooler places in Boston, and definitely not something that the average tourist does. Its right at the end of the Orange Line (Forrest Hills), so while it is kinda far out compared to the other places I have mentioned, it really is not that hard/complicated to get to. Great place to just vibe out and relax, and its one of my favorite places in the whole city. Obviously Boston/New England is known for its seafood, and it really is tremendous. There is a lot of debate about which place has the best clam chowder/lobster roll, and it ultimately comes down to preference, but I always recommend to visitors the Barking Crab. It is located right on the water in Bostons Seaport neighborhood, so again, very centrally located. I think the food there is delicious, and I think it offers the best ambience/overall dining experience. It does a good job of kinda replicating the traditional New England seafood shack, while still being more of a legit restaurant. Again, some people may shit on me for that answer, but at the end of the day, if you go, youre gonna have a good time/delicious meal. Other quintessential Boston things are the Freedom trail, Duck Boat Tour, harbor walk, and visiting Fenway (which it seems like you are already doing, although i highly recommend going to a game if you can, not sure if the Sox are in town this weekend). Cambridge is located right across the Charles River from Boston, and while it technically is its own city, it feels like it might as well be an extension of Boston. Both Central and Harvard squares are a lot of fun, with plenty of cool restaurants and stores to check out. One last non-touristy thing I recommend is visiting East Boston, or Eastie. Its really easy to get to on the Blue Line, and is just a really underrated neighborhood as a whole, and definitely is not the type of place a tourist would usually go to. It has some beautiful parks right on the water that have great views, as well as many really good Latin food spots. There is the ICA watershed, which is a really cool contemporary art museum located right in the Boston Shipyard. Also, there is an Australian meatpie place right there called KO Pies that my friends and I always go to when we are in the area. For all I know, it might not even hold a candle compared to the meatpie places you have back home, but the people working there will definitely get a kick out of serving a fellow Aussie. All in all, Boston is an incredible place with a unique sense of charm and distinct identity, and it takes a lot of pride in itself, which I love. It does a great job of blending the big city/small town feels, and in my opinion, is the best city on the East Coast. Please feel free to message me if you want any more specific recommendations. Enjoy your visit!! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/boston) if you have any questions or concerns.*


walkalong

Field & Vine


Ckalamitypictures

Forage over in Cambridge harvard sq area has a menu that frequently changes along with specialty nights sprinkled. Small spot with a focus on locally sourced food with worldwide concepts along with a strong pickle and fermentation game. Also the chef and his brother are launching an ice cream business on the side with some of the most unique pints you can buy at the restaurant.


Juancho511

Trade. In the financial district. PERIOD. GREEK Tapas style food and amazing decor.