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BOSTON, RESTAURANTS

Boston Cafe Etiquette – A Special Series by Gabi Logan

I despise the cold weather – so much so that each winter I question why I live in Boston.  One of the ways that I deal with subzero temps is warming up at a cozy cafe.  Lucky for me, Boston has many wonderful cafes that are perfect for a casual date, catching up with a friend, or quality time with your laptop.

One thing I’ve noticed about the Boston cafe scene is that it has its own set of rules.  Inspired by the fantastic and wildly observant Gabi Logan, I’m going to publish a special series on Boston cafe etiquette over the next few weeks.

As a freelance writer, Gabi spends a lot of time in local cafes, and has valuable tips on how long you can linger, snagging that coveted table, and rules for sharing a table with a stranger (without driving each other crazy).

Gabi’s first post will go live tomorrow, so in the interim please enjoy her scrumptious cooking blog, The 30 Minute Dinner Party, and her Examiner.com column on Boston’s Budget Meals.

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

Hotspot Update: Woodward, Ames Hotel

Margarita Cocktails Closeup by dotw from Flickr

Last night I braved subzero temperatures to check out Woodward, a modern tavern located inside the new Ames Hotel.  I’ve been wanting to try Woodward for what feels like ages (it just opened in November 2009), and was not disappointed.

Savvy Tip: Ask the host/hostess at Woodward’s entryway to check your coat – they will give you a coat check ticket and whisk away your bulky outerwear.  It’s not obvious that they offer this service, but I’m thrilled that they do.

When we arrived (about 9:30 p.m.), the downstairs bar was very crowded, so we ventured upstairs.  I highly recommend checking out the upstairs bar.  Not only do they have more seating available (bar chairs, plus several tables allocated for the bar crowd), but I enjoyed looking at the display cases filled with antiques alongside the staircase.

Once upstairs, we ordered two vodka tonics ($17), which is standard for a high end lounge/bar in Boston.  A gracious host helped my friend and I to snag a bar table, and we enjoyed two rounds of drinks.  By 11:00 p.m., the upstairs bar was packed!  It was a late 20s and up crowd, all dressed in a Saturday night city chic style (e.g. mix of jeans/blouses, dresses, and men in sweaters, button ups, jackets).

Overall, we enjoyed our time at Woodward.  It was a great spot for two friends to catch up, and had potential for those looking to mix and mingle with a nice looking Bostonian crowd.  I also found the second floor of Woodward cozier than the other scene-y spots around town, mostly because of its smaller size.  I wouldn’t mind going back for dinner, or to try some of their speciality drinks.  Upon reviewing the amazing drink menu, I’m slightly embarrassed that I drank a simple vodka tonic and not something with more personality!  ‘Till next time….

Woodward is located inside The Ames Hotel, 1 Court Street, Boston, MA.  For more information, please visit their website: http://www.woodwardatames.com/#/main