Monthly Archives

January 2010

BOSTON

Welcome to the New SavvyBostonian!

Welcome to the new and improved SavvyBostonian!  Originally started as a freebie wordpress blog in October 2006 as a forum to share my “savvy” Boston tips and adventures, I finally took the plunge and decided to create my own website.  It’s been an incredible (and sometimes frustrating) learning experience, so please bear with me as I continue to tweak and make changes.

I would like to thank my loyal readers for staying with me over the years, and hope that you will continue to post comments and send me great ideas to cover at savvybostonian@gmail.com.

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RECIPES

Guilty Pleasure: Free Late-Night Hot Dogs/Hamburgers at The Pour House

Hot Dog! by dadadreams from Flickr

My friend is going to kill me for sharing her best-kept Boston secret – free late-night food at the Pour House!  At 1:00 a.m. on Saturday nights, the Pour House in Boston’s Back Bay gives away free hot dogs or hamburgers to hungry patrons.  This is an insider tip, because more often than not you have to go to the top floor bar near the kitchen area and ask for them.

Be sure to check your expectations at the door – the dogs and burgers are basic and far from gourmet.  They are, however, free!

The Pour House is located at 907 Boylston Street between Gloucester & Hereford.  For more information about the Pour House, please visit: http://www.pourhouseboston.com/

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE

On the Town: Clink at the Liberty Hotel

I never tire of taking in the sights at the Liberty Hotel – from the gorgeous interior design, to what my fellow Bostonians are wearing.  To celebrate the beginning of a long weekend, I met several friends this past Friday for drinks at Clink.

What a way to kick off the weekend!  This past Friday at Clink was especially great for people watching, as the Europeans in Boston facebook group was hosting an event on the third floor, which attracted a larger group to the venue than usual.  If you’re looking for more events to attend in Boston, I recommend joining their facebook group, as Europeans and non-Europeans alike are welcome.

Savvy Tip: Anytime you have an opportunity to attend a private event on the third, fourth, or fifth floors of the Liberty Hotel — do it!  I always gush about how beautiful I find the hotel, but seeing it from a higher floor left me with a greater appreciation of the hotel’s uniqueness.

The Liberty Hotel is located in Beacon Hill, next to the MGH T-Stop and Mass. General Hospital.  For more information about the hotel, and Clink and Alibi, the hotel’s popular nightlife venues, please click here to visit their website.


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

BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION

Denim After Dark Event at Madewell on Newbury Street This Thursday

Looking for a discount on cute jeans? Madewell on Newbury Street is hosting a 20% off event this Thursday night (January 7) from 7-10 p.m.  In addition to the discount, denim experts will be onsite to help you pick out the perfect pair while groovin’ to a live DJ.  Free hemming and custom embroidery will also be available.

For more information, please call Madewell at (617) 424-0904, or pop into their store at 329 Newbury Street.