Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What's Happening on Lansdowne Street?
Part of Boston's best-known nightlife destination will likely be a construction
site during your visit. Two longtime Lansdowne Street nightclubs, most recently
called Avalon and Axis, are gone, and a new
House of Blues
is in the works in
the space that once held 11-36 Lansdowne St. The chain got its start in Harvard
Square in 1992 and closed that location in 2003, vowing to reopen in the area;
the search for a new location only took about 4 years. Visit
www.hob.com
to
see whether the new location is open during your visit.
Fun Fact
and cheese). Closed Sunday.
69 Bromfield St.
&
617/338-7887.
www.silvertonedowntown.com.
T: Red or Green Line to Park Street.
Top of the Hub
Boasting a panoramic view of greater Boston, Top of the
Hub is 52 stories above the city; the view is especially beautiful at sunset. It's an ele-
gant destination and a favorite with couples out on a big date or celebrating a special
occasion. Take a turn around the dance floor or just enjoy the live jazz and the late-
night menu, which features superb desserts. Dress is casual but neat (no jeans). Open
until 1am Sunday through Wednesday, 2am Thursday through Saturday. You must
have a photo ID to enter the building.
Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St.
&
617/536-1775.
www.selectrestaurants.com. T: Green Line E to Prudential. Validated parking available.
21st Amendment
A Beacon Hill standby, this tavern looks like a regular old
neighborhood bar and restaurant—unless the Legislature is in session. Then it turns
into an annex of the State House, just across the street, and the entertainment value
of the conversation jumps dramatically. (In case you were absent that day, the 21st
Amendment repealed Prohibition.)
150 Bowdoin St.
&
617/227-7100.
www.21stboston.com.
T: Red Line to Park Street.
Via Matta
This chic Italian restaurant's equally stylish bar and divine wine list
make this a perfect place to recharge after an afternoon of hard work or hard shop-
ping—Newbury Street is 3 blocks away.
79 Park Plaza (Arlington St. and Columbus Ave.).
&
617/422-0008.
www.viamattarestaurant.com. T: Green Line to Arlington.
BREWPUBS
Boston Beer Works
Across the street from Fenway Park, this cavernous space is
frantic before and after Red Sox games. Don't plan to be able to hear anything your
friends are saying. It has a full food menu and 14 brews on tap, including excellent
bitters and ales. The sweet-potato fries make a terrific snack. The
North Station
branch, near the TD Banknorth Garden, is smaller but equally loud and has a couple
of pool tables. Open daily from 11:30am to 1am.
61 Brookline Ave.
&
617/536-BEER.
www.beerworks.net. T: Green Line B, C, or D to Kenmore. 110 Canal St.
&
617/896-BEER
. T: Green or
Orange Line to North Station.
John Harvard's Brew House
This subterranean Harvard Square hangout,
the flagship of the regional chain, pumps out terrific English-style brews in a clublike
setting and prides itself on its food. The brewed-on-the-premises beer selection
changes regularly. Order a sampler if you can't decide, and while you wait, try to find
the sports figures in the stained-glass windows. Open Monday through Thursday
from 11:30am to 12:30am, Friday and Saturday until 2am, Sunday until midnight,
