Mariel, Shore Leave, and Lily P’s, Now on The Resy Hit List

Because just when you thought Mariel was about to settle down, the ritzy Cuban restaurant opened a bonafide Havana-style nightclub in its basement. Graffiti-covered concrete walls, titanic chandeliers, and diamond-tufted couches give Mariel Underground a striking look; large-format mojitos, yuca cheese puffs, and devil crab enchiladas keep the crowd satisfied as it nods along to live music and DJ sets.

For reservations, call the restaurant at (617) 333-8776.

Because through Dec. 31, Shore Leave isn’t just Shore Leave; the South End “rum dungeon” has been completely transformed into Sippin’ Santa, a tiki-centric holiday pop-up. The space now features a working train set, twinkling lights by the hundreds, and Santa statues galore. A reimagined cocktail menu sports festive libations like the Festivus Flip — made with bourbon, rum, ginger-infused amaro, and egg — and the creamy Don And Victor, which is served hot and made with two rums and a bitter Italian aperitif. The food menu is unchanged, so you can expect to sop up the boozy merriment with pork belly bao and karaage chicken wings.

Because fried chicken and oysters are a match made in heaven, and this freshly opened venture from chef Chris Parsons commits to both. The restaurant’s buttermilk-brined, pressure-cooked fried chicken is available in both sandwich form — try the signature Lily P’s sandwich — and as a multi-piece meal in hot, honey, or black pepper varieties. On the bivalve menu, oysters from Massachusetts and Maine are priced at just $1 from 4-6 p.m. during the week.

Because the Seaport’s newest farm-to-table destination has a panoramic view of Boston Harbor — and a Resy on New Year’s Eve will give you a front-row-seat to the fireworks show and a glass of Champagne. It’s worth dropping by any day of the month for plates of squid ink pasta with lobster and crab ragu or crispy lamb ribs with Urfa pepper and a red wine glaze.

Because nearly half a year into its run, this self-described “love letter to the South End” is settling into its neighborhood-restaurant role beautifully. A menu with duck breast frites, roasted king crab by the pound, and caviar service from the raw bar certainly fits the bill for special occasion dinners, but Black Lamb is also the type of homey bistro where unwinding with a dirty martini and a daily special (come Tuesdays for veal schnitzel) can become a new ritual. Plus, catch a 10-piece Buffalo wing special for $11 every Sunday while viewing the Pats game on the bar’s wide-screen television.

For reservations, call the restaurant at (617) 982-6330.

Because this Nantucket import has been open long enough for you to try its signature burger, and now it’s time to return for the rest of the menu. Order a specialty burger — like a Korean, pork version topped with a fried egg, unagi sauce, kimchi slaw, and togarashi mayo, or a yellowfin tuna burger with wasabi mayo and soy ginger sauce. Go off-burger entirely with short rib grilled cheese or a hearty steak sandwich with herb-marinated beef and American cheese.

Because Mission Hill’s interactive game board bar is now serving its full food and drink menus. That means your game of Eight-Minute Empire, Forbidden Island, or Mysterium can now be punctuated with shareable snacks like charcuterie boards and pepperoni-and-mozzarella-covered pizza tots. You’ll also find brews from regional and local makers like Allagash and Cambridge Brewing Co.; plus a cocktail list with cordial drinks like The Crystal of Fire, made with cucumber liqueur, lime, and mango habanero.

Because sausage and beer is one pairing that never goes out of fashion, and this new Brighton brewpub puts the classic combo front and center. Seat yourself in the industrial-chic space at one of the long wooden tables; nosh on a house-made spicy chicken sausage on brioche with avocado crema; and wash it down with one of six beers on draft, such as the Foam On The Range West Coast IPA or the Brasserie Brato Belgian-style table beer. 

For reservations, call the restaurant at (617) 903-3766.

Because this Mediterranean-by-way-of-New-England restaurant focuses on local ingredients, and it’s worth a trip to see how the change of seasons impacts the menu. A farro risotto with smoked chestnuts, pine mushrooms, and a farm egg is a nice addition to the menu, while grilled venison loin with cocoa nibs and golden beets now counts among the mains. For a libation, try a Flightless Bird made with rye whiskey, sesame, sweet vermouth, and crème de cacao to warm your spirits.

Because a three-and-a-half-star review from Boston Magazine may cause a rush for this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Beacon Hill’s Whitney Hotel. Swing by before the crowds hit for Catalonian tomato bread with jamon Serrano, or black pepper and truffle tagliatelle al vongole. 

For reservations, call the restaurant at (617)-826-1762.