Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks

Just beyond the T Station in Kenmore Square sits Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks, an American brasserie that specializes in expertly crafted cocktails. The high ceilings, warm lighting, and leather chairs exude an upscale, yet unpretentious vibe, and the crowd ranges from Boston's power players to Red Sox fans to out-of-towners. The outdoor patio is popular during warmer months, and a marble-topped bar draws in patrons keen on hearing regulars chat about days past. The menu covers light (Cuban sandwiches) and strong (applewood-smoked pork porterhouses) appetites, and the bread pudding topped with praline ice cream is a must-try.