Oak Long Bar + Kitchen

The atmosphere is half the fun at Oak Long Bar + Kitchen at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Elegant draperies adorn arched windows and chandeliers hang from coffered ceilings. The chairs are huge, almost throne-like, and emblazoned on a mirror above the bar is \"We serve the nation,\" a double entendre that refers to hotel guests from afar while subtly nodding to local folk (“It’s a Red Sox Nation thing,” the bartender says).

But the bygone-era décor goes only as far as the ambiance, because a peek at the menu will remind you the place is thoroughly modern. In season, the kitchen sources produce from the Copley Square Farmers Market just across the street, and the menu offers everything from pizza to a bone-in ribeye. If beer and wine won’t cut it, try one of the craft cocktails—the place is known for its “extra-large and ice cold” martinis and Manhattans.