Brutus
Alright, so it's really as much of a bar as it is a restaurant, but Brutus is making a name for itself based on its food as much as its drinks. Why? Because practically everything on the menu contains bacon, including bacon doughnuts, a bacon sausage hot dog, bacon sushi, and the pièce de résistance, Jägerpoutine — a mix of bacon, caramelized red onions, cheese curds, and Jägermeister sauce, poured over french fries, and served in half of a recycled Jägermeister bottle. There's also bacon elements to many of the drinks, making this a must-see for bacon lovers visiting Quebec.
Edmund's Oast
Named for an English-born patriot nicknamed "The Rebel Brewer" and the European term for a kiln used for drying hops, it's little surprise that Edmund's Oast is a restaurant that takes its beer seriously. They're so serious, in fact, that they have a small brewery on-site, and boast an impressive list of draught beers from around the globe. The food is is designed to be authentic and thoughtfully-sourced, with selections including fresh seafood, farm-fresh chicken, and fantastic charcuterie, and an inventive cocktail menu with two punches available on tap provides several options for those who want something a bit more powerful than beer.
El Camino
Enjoy a taste of Mexico in the heart of bluegrass country at El Camino. This unusual restaurant features a menu of authentic Mexican cuisine that's heavy on seafood but still includes staples like tacos, enchiladas, and tortas, and a Tiki-inspired drink menu boasting classic cocktails like the Hemingway Daiquiri, Mai Tai, Zombie, and Scorpion punch, as well as healthy selections of tequila, mezcal, rum, and beer. As for the decor, it's a mashup of Mexican, mid-century retro, and surf shack, the latter of which makes even more sense when you first hear the surf music being played inside — the majority of which is on vinyl.
Row 34
An oyster bar in Boston might not be the most original thing in the world, but that doesn't mean Row 34 isn't worth a try. Set in the Waterfront, this self-described "workingman's" venue offers an excellent raw bar with a variety of fresh oysters, as well as ceviche, chowders, lobster rolls, a daily whole fish, and other seafood. But almost as notable as the seaborne fare is the fantastic selection of beer — on tap, in casks, and in bottles — and the workweek-friendly lunch hours.
Trentina
With LeBron James coming home and Johnny Football holding the place down in the meantime, there's likely an unexpected trip to Cleveland in a lot of your futures. A meal at Trentina is a good idea while you're there. Located in University Circle, this new, Kickstarter-backed eatery serves up inventive tasting menus created by chef Jonathon Sawyer that are inspired by the Trentino province in northern Italy and go light-years beyond the typical pasta and red sauce most people envision when they hear "Italian restaurant".
Grand Banks
There are plenty of great places to eat outside in New York — but few offer the unique views of Grand Banks. This seasonal oyster bar is located on the deck of a 142-foot sailboat docked in Tribeca at Hudson River Park's Pier 25. The menu is seafood-heavy, with fresh oysters, a collection of small plates, and some terrific summer cocktails. And should you somehow tire of the views of Manhattan (unlikely), you can always head downstairs to check out the on-board museum.
Westward
There's no denying the nautical theme at Westward, but when you're cranking out seafood this good, it doesn't matter what the inside of the restaurant looks like. In fact, you don't even have to enjoy the excellent fare — influenced by both Northwest and Mediterranean cuisine, with many items making a stop in the wood-burning oven — inside, thanks to a large deck, fire pit, and beach area. Oh, and the cocktails are pretty terrific, too, making this an ideal spot to park your boat — they have a 150 ft. dock — and step inside for an afternoon refreshment.
Bunk Sandwiches
It might have an unusual name, but it makes sense, as you won't be finding any normal ol' ham-and-cheese affairs at Bunk Sandwiches. Instead, they have a chalkboard menu of inventive, hand-held fare that changes daily, but includes such bread-bound delicacies as their pork-belly Cubano and a veggie option with marinated garbanzo bean salad, feta, arugula, and hot peppers. Every sandwich comes with kettle chips, and even better, you can add bacon to any sandwich. Mmmm, Bacon.
Magnolia Smokestack
The Magnolia Brewing Company has been going strong for over 15 years on Haight, but now it's expanding into food at Magnolia Smokestack. This unique new spot in Dogpatch combines a drinkery — complete with 12-15 taps of Magnolia's best, along with a full bar — with a killer BBQ joint run by Namu Gaji chef Dennis Lee. On the food side, you'll find two smokers and two grill pits serving up brisket, short ribs, chicken sausage, and more, with flavors influenced by barbecue destinations around the world. So go in, order up some food, grab a fresh beer, and find a seat. [via]
Big Star
Few things go together to create a great summer evening out like great food, good drinks, and terrific outdoor atmosphere. Big Star checks all three of the list. The simple menu includes a variety of tacos and tostadas, as well as grilled jalapeños, queso, salad, beans, and, of course, chips and guacamole, while the booze menu encompasses a solid selection of beers, an extensive bourbon list, an impressive variety of tequilas and mezcals, and a simple cocktail menu divided up into bourbon- and tequila-based drinks. Best enjoyed on the killer patio.
Shady Lady Saloon
Don't let the name fool you — there's very little "shady" going on inside the Shady Lady Saloon. Impeccably decorated for a classic look, this upscale spot offers up a great food menu of American classics, with a particular fondness for Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes, fried chicken and greens, and shrimp po'boys. Also on offer are outstanding cocktails both classic and modern, made from fresh, high-quality ingredients and the occasional house-made mixer like ginger ale, tonic, and cola. There's also live music several nights a week, should you decide to stick around after dinner — and with drinks as good as these, that's a good possibility.
Tomboy
There are plenty of places to get a sandwich in Fitzroy, but you'll be hard-pressed to find one with more style than Tomboy. Powered by the duo behind Box Brownies, this unique café features a strong focus on sustainability, with an interior filled with repurposed items — including the vintage stereo built into the brick counter — and a menu filled with sandwiches, salads, and other baked goods made using seasonal produce from their own garden and other locally-sourced ingredients.
