The Best Bars in Greater Boston

Boston nightlife is some of the best on the East Coast, but with so many options, how do you pick the best bars in Greater Boston? Following are some suggestions that can't be beat if you're looking for good drinks, great food and an inviting atmosphere.

1. Turbine Wine Bar/Industrial Café, 56 Central Square, Lynn, MA, 01901, 781-780-7301.

One of the best bars in Greater Boston is also one of the newest bars in Greater Boston-Turbine Wine Bar, located a few miles from downtown in the rapidly gentrifying former industrial city of Lynn, has only been open for a few weeks but it's already a favorite gathering spot for locals in the know-Zagat Buzz Boston Edition calls it "a shining example of urban transformation in a neighborhood that was once a shoe-manufacturing mecca."

Turbine Wine Bar offers more than 40 wines by the glass as well as a full array of beer and liquor, and pairs the libations with delicious and reasonably priced upscale American cuisine with a global flair from renowned chef Dorothy Kaiser (save room for dessert; it's world class!). The décor of the bar is minimalist industrial chic with a touch of warmth coming from the exposed brick walls, bamboo floors and atmospheric lighting. While you're there, check out "Turbulence," a masterpiece by prominent local artist Sean Lobdell.

Turbine is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 pm and continues to serve drinks until the crowd disperses, which they're in no hurry to do, since the wine bar is so appealing it's like a home away from home. For more information, visit www.turbinewinebar.com.

2. The Beehive, 541 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116, 617-423-0069.

If live music is part of your plan, you'll want to visit the Beehive, another one of the best bars in Greater Boston. The Beehive is located at the Boston Center for the Arts, which means it's a great place to hang out before or after a live performance, especially if you like live jazz with your meal.

The Beehive serves hearty pub fare with a gourmet twist, but they're best known for their raw seafood bar and family-friendly jazz brunches (weekends from 10:30 am to 3 pm). The drink list is comprehensive, and the atmosphere is open and airy with a touch of antique glam added by the crystal chandeliers and the brocade draperies. For more information on the Beehive, including a list of upcoming bands, visit www.beehiveboston.com.

3. Flash's Cocktails, 310 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116-5242, 617-574-8888

Those craving time travel as part of their nightlife need to stop in at Flash's Cocktails, another one of the best bars in Greater Boston. Built inside a renovated former diner, Flash's (which features a fabulous fifties style neon sign) bills itself as a neighborhood bar for South End and Back Bay neighborhoods. The décor is a mix of retro touches like the fabulous original neon sign and colorful, cheery modernism.

The drink menu fits in with the theme as well, consisting of "Flashbacks" (original drink recipes from the 1920's-as a retro girl I have to love a bar where they know what a Grasshopper is!) and "Flashforwards," original creations that go beyond the usual flavored martinis. Food is a combination of a smoking grill and traditional diner favorites like meatloaf and baked macaroni and cheese. Flash's is great for the late night crowd, as last call is 2 am nightly. For more information, visit www.flashscocktails.com.