One of the classic Boston steakhouses, however Abe and Louie's was hot even before the recent steak craze. Dark and decadent, this Boylston street hotspot offers a variety of steaks, fabulous wines, and even a wonderful weekend brunch. Over-sized leather courtroom chairs and Hollywood-style booths in the dining room create an inviting atmosphere while impressive bronze chandeliers, massive torchieres, traditional mahogany detailing, and the gold leaf barrel vault ceiling add an air of elegance. Make sure to try the steak benedict!

They call this restaurant "the place where chefs dine." Housed in the Eliot Hotel at the top of the Commonwealth Avenue mall, this Japanese-French restaurant really knows no bounds when it comes to imaginative food. From French and American classic cuisine, to a Asian twist with Oringer's affinity for the exotic (as seen in his sashimi bar, Uni) Clio is not to be missed. This quaint space makes the top lists of restaurants year after year, and Oringer is added to the list of the best chefs in the country as well. Clio offers private dining as well.

The palatial Copley Plaza Hotel has been one of Boston's most prestigious landmarks since 1912. It offers the usual luxuries—a gym, bars, and restaurants and the notable Oak Room restaurant has won awards for the “Best Steaks in Boston.” Each room is furnished with “period antique reproductions,” private bars, and modern communications services. Rooms start at $300, but quickly rise to well over $450 for a double or a suite. Overnight parking $36. Make Commencement reservations at least 8 months in advance, although they will take reservations up to 2 years ahead. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. This is the location of the Press/Media area for the Boston Marathon. The media areas include the Oval Room, Venetian Room and Grand Ballroom in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. No blue jeans or sneakers allowed. The Marathon Awards Ceremony is from 5 - 6 pm in the Grand Ballroom. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel. Public restroom: down the stairs before the front desk and near the hair salon.

Vibrant and hurried, this Boylston street classic in the Back Bay is Abe and Louie's answer to seafood. Filled with first dates, client dinners, and family celebrations. UPDATE: The Atlantic Fish Company has re-opened with renovations after the restaurant had to close due to a fire.

Legal Sea Foods is a culinary classic on the east coast. A Boston-based chain Legal Sea Foods offers a variety of high quality sea food. The clam chowder has been served at the last seven presidential inaugurations. The food and service are consistently great. Located in the Prudential Building- Legal Sea Foods attracts the mall walker and the couple on a serious date. Expect lines, and try the chowder! Live jazz during Sunday Brunch.

You don't go here for the decor or the service. You go for the best pizza anywhere -- but only the original is in the North End.

Just across the river from MIT and around the corner from Newbury, this neighborhood bar doesn't really take on the character of either of its “neighborhoods.” Though there's a leprechaun on the menu and Guinness on tap, Crossroads is more about American football on the big screen and fries with your burger ($6.50). Lots of specials encourage patrons to stay and eat and drink through the game. Free appetizers during football games, free wings Tu and Th 9-11pm, and pizza on W with every pitcher. Stop by during football games to munch on the free appetizers put out every quarter. Over 50 types of bottled beer and another 17 on tap (bottles $3.65-4.40, draft pints $3.50-4.60, draft pitchers $10.50-$13.75). No cover. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. 'Roads, as its called, is a true find. A real Boston Irish pub where you can relax, enjoy a drink, watch some sports or play darts. It's big with the locals and the college crowd. Cozy, friendly atmosphere with good but inexpensive food.

The Jury's Hotel in the Back Bay is part of the Jury's family that is based in Dublin and quite popular throughout Ireland and the UK. This location offers a swanky hotel as well as two restaurants: Stanhope Grill and the bar Cuffs at the Jury's Hotel. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel. This is a comfortable business oriented hotel based in a former police station with very busy bar on the lower ground floor.

Thai cuisine- that combines gentle spices and often a coconut milk, or something to off-set kick. Part of the Asain food catagory, Thai is a great alternative to your traditional General Taos- on the high end scale. For a great judge of a good dining place, it's been opened for a while on Boylston, and always draws a crowd.

The former Ritz-Carlton was sold to Taj in 2006; in 2005, this hotel's 1927 glamour was updated with modern technology. The elegant European decor still recreates a historic, genteel Boston, and the wide array of guest services will have you feeling like a proper Brahmin. In addition to conventional modern amenities, 24hr room service includes a technology butler (in case your laptop fails you at midnight) as well as a fireplace butler. There's no pool, but your bath butler will see to all your water-related desires. The Taj also boasts a new fitness center, limousine service, and three dining and drinking establishments innovatively named The Cafe, The Lounge and The Bar. Deluxe singles and doubles generally $375-595, suites range from $475 to $3000. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Formerly The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, the hotel is located on the corner of Arlington and the always fashionable Newbury Street and offers visitors easy access to many of Boston's most popular sites. The Public Garden, Swan Boats, Boston Common, Hatch Shell, and many more are all within a short walk. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon available through Marathon Tours and Travel. Afternoon tea: served on Wednesday to Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm sittings, and it's wise to make a booking. It is served on the first floor, so enter through the front door and take the grand spiral staircase up to the high-ceilinged lounge adorned with traditional artwork and bedecked with antique furniture. A harpist plays and the window seats look out over Newbury St below and the Gardens across Arlington St.