Once just a place to chill (and drink, or watch people drink) before a Sox game, Kenmore Square has undergone a mini-Renaissance in recent years - fans of fresh, ethnic foods and Pizzaria Uno unite. Below, we've selected the best of the best. For all, take the Green Line to Kenmore.

Ankara Cafe Named for the capital of Turkey, this tiny Kenmore Square nook serves many authentic Mediterranean meals: the feta-topped Greek salad ($5.50) or the baba ghanoush pita ($6.50). Gourmet pizzas are also a hit with local students, but it's the frozen yogurt ($4) that got them hooked. Ankara offers more than 60 flavors, including kiwi or Fig Newton. 472 Comm. Ave., Boston. MBTA: Green Line to Kenmore. 11 a.m.-midnight, daily (617) 437-0404.
www.ankaracafe.com

Boston Beer Works Opened 11 years ago by brothers Joe and Steve Slesar, this industrial brew-pub is a cross between the musical "Stomp" and John Harvard's. There's a line out the door when there's a game at Fenway, as every Yankee-hater in town with a pair of tickets tells their buddy to meet them at Beer Works before the game. Catering more to the Fenway crowd than foodsnobs, the American fare of burgers and generously-portioned apps pairs well with their huge micro-brewed beer list. 61 Brookline Ave., Boston. 11:30 a.m.-12:45 a.m., daily (they open earlier if there's a day game). (617) 536-BEER
www.beerworks.net.

Chef Chang's House Chef Chang's is balanced like the yin/yang symbol: It serves generous portions of ridiculously well-priced tasty food, but the atmosphere seems feng shui by way of Howard Johnson. Drop ceilings, paper placemats, atrocious lighting and thick carpet provide an ambiance akin to a hotel function room. Still, we forgive. Tony Chan opened the joint 25 years ago, and his specialty is Peking duck, which the chefs carve in front of the patrons. The exotic drinks are dirt cheap, too, if you're over 21. 1004-1006 Beacon St. Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri, Sat 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. (617) 277-4226
www.chefchangshouse.com

Cornwall's Cornwall's survived the beautification of Kenmore Square thanks to owners John and Pamela Beale (the latter is president of the Kenmore Association). The friendly English-style pub got its own facelift and now fits the stereotype: dark wood paneling, mirrored ale ads and imported beers on tap. Fenway faithful forgo ballpark hotdogs for typical pub fare - Sheppard's Pie ($10.50) or a classic burger ($8.95) - which comes in portions generous enough to keep you full until the ninth inning. 654 Beacon St., Boston. MBTA: Green Line to Kenmore. Noon-2 a.m., daily. (617) 262-3749

Great Bay Seafood and swank are the essence of Great Bay - this is the place to take your parents, your grandparents, your girlfriend's parents or a very demanding date. Located in The Hotel Commonwealth, Bay features high prices (dinner entrees range from $26-$40), but you can't beat the atmosphere and service. Plus, they let guys in without jackets. The overall design is thoroughly modern, from the copper-tinged, vaulted ceiling with spiraling light fixtures, to the futuristic tunic get-ups of the waitstaff. Because they only serve the freshest seafood, the menu changes daily based on what's available at the fish markets, making every visit a unique experience. Mom will be proud. 500 Comm. Ave., Boston. Sun-Wed 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (Drinks: 11 p.m.); Thu-Sat 5 p.m.-midnight; Breakfast Mon-Fri 7 p.m.-10 p.m (617) 532-5300
www.gbrestaurant.com

Sausage Guy The Sausage Guy on Lansdowne Street is the street vendor dining gold standard (if there is such a thing). For more than a decade, this one-man show has been serving up his "secret recipe" sausage to the Fenway Faithful, ball players, and celebrities alike. Around $2-$7 will get you that trademark sausage in original, Chinese style (think spare ribs), or garlic and cheese flavors. Look for The Sausage Guy on the corner of Lansdowne Street during ballgames, and Mon-Sat, 10 p.m.-midnight

Sol Azteca Taco Bell, it ain't - this is as close as you'll get to authentic Mexican without getting on a plane. More upscale than (and far superior to) the cheaper Border Café, this garden-level, colorfully decorated eatery offers cozy surroundings for a first date. Impress her with the enchilada combo - we suggest the traditional mole poblano, verde tomatillo and rojas sauces. The fresh talapia fish with cilantro sauce is a light option, or go with the chiles rellenos with veracruzano. No guero should resist. 914A Beacon St., Boston. Mon-Thu 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri, Sat 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 5p.m.-10 p.m (617) 262-0909
www.solaztecarestaurants.com  See more Kenmore Square restaurants