Boston's most stylish restaurants and bars

The Hawthorne
The swank Hawthorne in the Hotel Commonwealth boasts the kind of interesting, deftly mixed cocktails and inspired bar bites you would expect from the experts behind the neighboring Eastern Standard. Decked out in blues and grays, the lounge area is cozy and cool, but we recommend snagging a seat at the bar and chatting up the master bartenders—they’re more than happy to impart some of their cocktail knowledge on willing ears. Hotel Commonwealth, 500 A Commonwealth Ave, Kenmore Square, Boston (617-532-9150, thehawthornebar.com)

Saloon
If you love a good whiskey or a craft beer, this speakeasy-style Davis Square hideaway deserves your attention. Slip into some spiff threads and get ready to make a grand entrance down the sweeping staircase and into the subterranean haven resplendent with polished wood, exposed brick and comfortable leather chairs. Mustachioed bartenders wearing vests? You bet your beer-battered pickled peppers. 255 Elm St, Davis Square, Somerville (617-628-4444, saloondavis.com)

Trade
Chef/restaurateur Jody Adams has taken her talents to the Waterfront with this airy space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, artistic light fixtures and a cluster of high-top tables perfect for after-work crowds seeking cocktails and light fare. The menu is made for sharing, which is great because you’ll want to try every small plate on the menu. Go for the smoked pork rib, grilled octopus or avocado with green mango-tamarind-peanut chutney. 540 Atlantic Ave, Waterfront, Boston (617-451-1234, trade-boston.com)

The Beehive
An annex of the Boston Center for the Arts, the Beehive is a madly buzzing bohemia. Whimsical textiles, wild paintings and other whimsical objets offset the exposed-brick industrial vibe of the loft-like restaurant-bar-entertainment venue. Some of the city’s best-known bartenders mix the drinks, while the kitchen whips up imaginative, Mediterranean-tinged nibbles, salads and communal platters to fuel the revelry. 541 Tremont St, South End, Boston (617-423-0069, beehiveboston.com)

FIrebrand Saints
The latest from Gary Strack (Central Kitchen, Venture Cafe), garnered plenty of buzz when it opened, primarily for its multimedia décor. Multiple digital installations from design firm Sosolimited, custom lighting and an evolving graffiti wall all vie for your attention, as do tables made from reclaimed truck hoods and topped with paper and pencils. But the simple, well-executed menu could stand on it’s own in lesser environs. A variety of burgers (each worth a try), a mezze bar, rotisserie dishes such as roasted chicken or a porchetta sandwich are complemented by a raw bar and a variety of add-ons such as Buffaloed rock shrimp or deviled eggs. In nice weather, grab a draft beer and sit outside. 1 Broadway, Kendall Square, Cambridge (617-401-3399, firebrandsaints.com)