Best of Boston

It’s easy to strike up a conversation over a crantini (cranberry vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime, and cranberry juice) as you push through the well-heeled crowd and saddle up the bar at Back Bay’s Vox. The lighting is flattering but not too dim, and chitchat is easy over the perfect-volume music. Mirrors everywhere make it easy to check out the cuties without looking too conspicuous. Upstairs, there’s a loungey feel with leather couches and votive candles—a perfect place to play the getting-to-know-you game.