bar exam: central wharf co.

a bar/restaurant that's the perfect mix of classic preppy and industrial, that takes it roots in Boston seriously, but not too seriously, is right up my alley. I had been to central wharf co. a few months back for the Improper Bostonian Best of Boston party, and loved the look and ambiance. think exposed brick, interesting hurricane lighting throughout, steel fixtures/seating, nooks and benches upolstered in classic patterns, and large graphic fonts. for those of you that remember what used to be here (jose mcintyre's), central wharf co. is the total and complete opposite of that (it was a bit of a dump #sorryi'mnotsorry) the space is divided into two floors, with different areas each with their own bars and semi different feel- which I love. I hate going to a bar and being forced to stay in one room, with one bar, for the duration of the night; I like to be able to mingle & walk around. my most recent trip happened to be a rainy summer night , so the place was pretty empty, but a great spot for a young professional/late 20's/early 30's crowd. the drink menu had a variety of cocktails whether you're into whiskey, vodka, or gin (like me). the cocktail I chose was gin based with mint and elderflower, which was delish, and my favorite cocktail flavor combo. unfortunately their website doesn't have a cocktail menu, so the name is a mystery until I go back and order it again. I love the close proximity to the north end, right at the beginning of the financial district/bordering fanueil hall, which makes popping over for a quick drink or two a breeze. great spot for grabbing after work cocktails, a bite before heading out for the night (the santa fe spring rolls were so good, and the flat breads looked pretty tasty too), or a date night spot on a weekday night. 

bar exam: Scholars

in a city where bars/restaurants open and close before you know it and with so many options to choose from, it's easy to miss great ones and stick with what you know. scholars is a bar that I've been to a few times, and every.single.time I ask myself why I don't come more often. the location, tucked away in Downtown Crossing, keeps it off the beaten path of the more popular nightlife areas (Boylston, Fanueil Hall, The Alley), but super easy to get to walking or taking the T. besides heading there for a  Friday or Saturday night out- dinner and a private holiday party were also great. since I'm a few years out of college (eek!), I find myself gravitating more towards bars for young professionals, and if that's your scene- this place is gold. a good after work crowd, but also lots of 20somethings and young 30 year olds to mix and mingle with. the cocktails are on point; broken down into three categories "Easy A's", "Light Reading", "Heavy Literature", and "Extra Curricular"- with cute Boston based names like the Tremontaine, the Absolut Boston Tea Party, and the Granary Ground. being a gin girl myself, I love the Dead Poet and the Movie star- but they're all amazing. the inside is decorated like a sexy library (is that a thing? yup- just made it a thing), which plays up the name and vibe. upstairs they have pool tables if you're feeling playful, and the nights I've been there it always seems to be throwback 90's music- which is the best.

where are your favorite bars in the city? have you ever tried scholars?

xx, marissa