DK Travel : Boston

“The Hub,” “Beantown,” “Baaahstin” – call it what you will, New England’s largest city exists to be explored. Its colonial-era architecture, vibrant seafaring heritage, and irrepressible Yankee character make it one of the country’s most distinctive locales. Yet for all its big-city amenities – world-class restaurants, museums, and shops – Boston remains surprisingly compact and eminently walkable.

Lucky’s Lounge

A Fort Point Channel underground bar that swaggers with rat pack retro ambience, right down to the lounge acts and the Frank Sinatra tribute nights.
Lux, Bond & Green

While not quite as prestigious as its neighbor Shreve, Green still manages with Tag Heuer watches, Mikimoto pearls, and Garavelli diamonds at prices that remain this side of the stratosphere.
L’Espalier

Ranked among America’s best restaurants, L’Espalier impresses as much for its brownstone-mansion location as its exquisite French cuisine (see L’Espalier).
L’Espalier

Set in a gracious townhouse, lit by candles, and staffed by impeccable waiters and brilliant cooks, romantic L’Espalier serves Boston’s finest contemporary French cuisine. Chef-owner Frank McClelland’s vegetarian entrées are every bit as sophisticated as those with meat.
Machine

Downstairs from its older brother Ramrod, Machine keeps things loose and relaxed. A billiard room, video games, and a comfy lounge area ensure plenty of diversions for gay men other than the pulsing, sunken dancefloor, and four bars. Male strippers often appear on Saturdays, supplying plenty of eye candy to supplement the beautiful crowd.
Malibu Beach

Hardly a match for its Left Coast namesake, but popular for swimming as well as tennis and basketball courts.
ManRay

ManRay’s face changes dramatically according to the day of the week. The minimal, quasi-industrial layout works perfectly for Wednesday night’s “Crypt,” when DJs spin Goth and Industrial. Thursday brings the club’s most popular party, Campus, which caters to the city’s queer student body with ’80s New Wave and Britpop. And Fetish Fridays beckons an outrageous crowd.
Mantra

Chef Thomas John wins national accolades for his Indian flavors and French technique. Fine food makes up for gimmicky decor.
Mantra

Chainmail curtains dividing the cavernous room and a hookah lounge enclosed in a bamboo “tent” give Mantra definite drama. Chef Thomas John mixes his native Indian spices with French technique, like encasing lamb in a crust of poppy seed and cardamom.
Marathon Sports

Whether you’re a casual jogger or a Boston Marathon hopeful, this runners-only store will get you outfitted.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under $30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- $60–$75
- over $75