Frank's Steak House
This isn't the place where the suits go to celebrate closing a big deal, or the restaurant everybody talks about down at the club. It is, in fact, something much better: Boston's oldest steakhouse and a Porter Square institution. Locals arrive by 9 Wednesday through Saturday so they can listen to performers such as Preacher Jack on keyboard while digging into a New York sizzler—an unadorned 14-ounce sirloin that arrives at the table sizzling, as advertised, in a cast-iron skillet. The marinated steak tips, prime rib, and seafood are every bit as terrific. Oh, and forget about the wine list: Just order a beer. 2310 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA frankssteakhouse.com.
1369 Coffee House
The premium product at this funky storefront is poured by genuine bean-lovers, not fast-food automatons or Stepford baristas. 757 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, 1369coffeehouse.com.
Zumes Coffee House
Opened last year, locally owned Zumes has won over Townies with its upscale tea and coffee drinks and do-lounge-around décor. 223 Main St., Charlestown, MA 2129, .
Choco Choco House
Sweet tooths won't be able to resist the convention-defying ingredients in Aliya Wali's artistic confections, among them goat cheese, edible flowers, plum wine, Hawaiian sea salt, and cardamom. 83 Pembroke St., Boston, MA 2118, .
Court House Fish Market
Never are fresh ingredients more crucial than when it comes to seafood. These friendly fish-mongers reel in customers with a vast assortment of finned favorites such as haddock, salmon, and swordfish, as well as giant lobsters (10-15 pounds), crabs (hard and soft shelled), and no fewer than five varieties of clams on any given day. Furthermore, if your recipe requires periwinkles, fresh sardines (those here taste nothing like those tiny, stinky, oil fish in a tin), or octopus, this is the place to go. 484 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA courthouseseafood.com.
Bangkok City; House of Siam
No doubt about it—the Tie Restaurant makes for a very bad pun. So sue us. The fact is we're torn between two establishments that offer grace, charm, goodwill, and friendliness in abundance—and good food. Take Bangkok City, back phoenixlike from the ashes after its 1998 fire, with new decor. We recommend the shrimp with three chilis, but the more adventurous among you might for the secret, superspicy Thai menu the restaurant offers to real Thais—and the rare Yank who has an asbestos-coated palate. (When you try it, you'll understand all too well why the place went up in flames.) | But House of Siam is equally enticing. Everything's fresh at this friendly South End fave, with its stylish decor: the tom ka gai (chicken coconut soup), spicy garlic shrimp, fabulous dumplings, spring rolls, and duck panang. Wonderfully attentive to detail, both in preparation and presentation (note the origami carrots), House of Siam also has a wine list that, while short, is well thought out and boasts fine values under $20, including a Guigal Cotes de Rhone at $19.25. 167 Massachusetts Avenue; 542 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Anthony's Pier Four
Never mind the tourists; come for the wine. This is not only the greatest wine list in Boston, it's one of the greatest wine lists anywhere in America. Old, old bottles abound— and at astonishing prices. For only $40 you can choose between two wonderful, mature Sauternes from Chateux. Nairac, 1975 or 1976. For $85, you can drink a magnificent, minerally white Burgundy, the 1993 Corton Charlemagne from Domaine Louis Latour. For less than half that price ($40), you will be shocked at just how good a "mere" bourgeois Margaux— Ch. Angludet— can be when it's from a year like 1978. Northern Ave., Boston, MA .
The Union Oyster House
The touristy trappings, like the gift shop off to the side, are a bit disconcerting. But a stool at the half-circle bar is still the best place in the city to slurp down a dozen fresh bivalves and a nice cold beer. 41 Union St., Boston, MA .
Carberry's Bakery and Coffee House
A good muffin is a delicate thing. All you want is a little sweetness, not too much butter, and lots of fruit. Your delicate morning palate winces at anything so heavy as pound cake, but you want your muffins to have some substance. Carberry's delivers with flavors that range from the exotic (Lime Poppy Seed, Chocolate Orange, Raspberry) to the homey (Blueberry, Banana Nut, Cranberry Nut). 187 Elm St., Somerville, MA .
Kaju Tofu House
Korean cuisine is about more than just barbecue. The signature dish at this tiny Allston joint is sundubu, a roiling crock of silken tofu stew that's enriched with a fresh egg and potent ingredients like briny oysters and funky kimchi. If you do happen to be in the mood for sizzling kalbi beef ribs, though, don't fret—they're on the menu, too. 58 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA kajutofuhouse.com.
1369 Coffee House
1369 Coffee House For two decades, 1369 has embodied the Platonic ideal of a coffee house: marvelous brews, plentiful dessert and sandwich offerings, and ample seating for the cadre of boho Cantabrigians that seemingly come straight from central casting. Already addicted to the complex, fragrant cold-brewed iced coffee, we were thrilled to learn of 1369's new delivery service: True fanatics can now get a growler of the caffeinated elixir dropped off by bike to their door. 1369 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 1369coffeehouse.com.
Russell House Tavern
Photograph by Bob O'Connor Just as good for a boisterous brunch as it is for an evening gabfest over Moscow Mules, Russell House Tavern is an ideal spot for every social objective. There are late-night $1 oysters, a patio, a choice of two bars, and a welcoming basement dining room. Plus, the staff is remarkably child-friendly, even to infants. Oh, and the food? Executive chef Michael Scelfo offers the diverse menu you'd expect, from a sloppy pork-loin sandwich to a silky foie gras-Laphroaig terrine. 14 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA 2138, russellhousecambridge.com.
The Chef's Table at the Parker House
Executive chef Joseph Ribas reinstituted the century-old tradition this year. 60 School St., Boston, MA .
Anthony's Pier Four
It's a shame the food isn't as good. 140 Northern Ave., Boston, MA .