Best of Boston

Just over the Back Bay border of the South End, this joint is the city’s gay answer to Cheers, a place where everybody knows your name—and probably has some good gossip on you. Unlike most gay clubs, Club Cafe really does offer something for everyone: You can bring your mother here for dinner, invite straight friends to meet you for drinks, or go by yourself and make eyes at attractive out-of-towners. The piano bar (in front) and video bar (in back) dutifully keep old and new gay-media traditions alive.