Location: 200 Boylston St., Boston
Ambiance: Out to impress
Price: High-rolling
The Bristol Lounge isn't known as "Boston's living room" for nothing – warm colors, soothing piano music and a cozy fireplace make the atmosphere of this upscale bar delightfully homey.
Sink into oversized pillows on one of the comfortable couches scattered around the room, or grab a prime table overlooking the bustle of Boylston Street and Boston Common. Don't be surprised if you spot a celebrity sipping martinis or nibbling calamari, as the Bristol Lounge is frequented by some of Boston's movers and shakers.
Early on a Monday evening, couples and residents of the Four Seasons' high-end condos mingled quietly under soft lighting and museum-quality abstract art. Impeccably polite servers made sure our water glasses were never empty.
The "Light Fare" menu is surprisingly inexpensive for one of Boston's most exclusive locations, with most appetizers costing less than the $15 martinis. We tried the Crispy Rhode Island Calamari and the Spicy Thai Chicken Wraps, and portions were more than enough to satisfy our hunger. If you're looking to splurge, try The Elit, a $40 vodka concoction sprinkled with Osetra caviar.
More information
Ambiance: Out to impress
Price: High-rolling
The Bristol Lounge isn't known as "Boston's living room" for nothing – warm colors, soothing piano music and a cozy fireplace make the atmosphere of this upscale bar delightfully homey.
Sink into oversized pillows on one of the comfortable couches scattered around the room, or grab a prime table overlooking the bustle of Boylston Street and Boston Common. Don't be surprised if you spot a celebrity sipping martinis or nibbling calamari, as the Bristol Lounge is frequented by some of Boston's movers and shakers.
Early on a Monday evening, couples and residents of the Four Seasons' high-end condos mingled quietly under soft lighting and museum-quality abstract art. Impeccably polite servers made sure our water glasses were never empty.
The "Light Fare" menu is surprisingly inexpensive for one of Boston's most exclusive locations, with most appetizers costing less than the $15 martinis. We tried the Crispy Rhode Island Calamari and the Spicy Thai Chicken Wraps, and portions were more than enough to satisfy our hunger. If you're looking to splurge, try The Elit, a $40 vodka concoction sprinkled with Osetra caviar.
More information(Globe file photo / Text by Jennifer Nelson/Boston.com correspondent)