Hobgoblin Bar

Those on quest for a dining adventure in Downtown Crossing will be bewitched by the fantasy and folklore found at Hobgoblin. The two-floor gastropub and piano bar, which is named in honor of Sir Hugo de Giffard who—rumor has it—enlisted the help of an army of hobgoblins to build the cavernous undercroft of Scotland’s Yester Castle known as Goblin Ha, is the perfect place to unwind if you’re in the mood for a couple of goblets and gargoyles.

Head to Temple place for cocktails of magical proportions. The collection of “magic potion” drinks promises a boost for everything from love and romance to the breaking of hexes and curses — and it’s not a bad idea to hedge your bets with a second round from the craft cocktail selections, a draft of ale, or a glass of wine from a carefully curated selection. Spellcasting and sorcery can certainly work up an appetite, and there’s plenty of shareable Thai-inspired small bites like dumplings, skewers, and chicken wings to choose from, and bigger appetites will appreciate a selection of seafood, meat and plant-based entreés.

The space is divided into two parts, with a large spacious, polished wood bar and tufted barstools on the main floor, and an intimate piano lounge centered around a 7-foot Yamaha CSX in the basement for live music on the weekends. Find a spot at one of the bars, or tuck yourself into one of the cozy tables for two or four, some with chairs and others with whimsical upholstered stools. The walls are adorned with monsters, drawn by medieval monks and re-created in contemporary times by artist Kimberly Squiers, and there are gothic touches all around including exposed brick, gargoyle street lamps, paisley wallpaper, and a stunning four-tier crystal chandelier in the stairwell. If you’ve ever wanted to climb through a magical wardrobe to see what’s on the other side, this is the spot that will bring your imagination to life.