Best Irish pub
We haven't done an official count, but we'd estimate there's an Irish pub for every Irish resident of Boston. In other words, there are a whole lot of both. And in a city whose Emerald Isle roots run deep, only the most legitimate Irish pub will win our readers over. The Burren, in the heart of Davis Square, earns this honor nearly every year. It's a huge space - find traditional Irish seissiúns in the front room, harder-rocking bands in the back, and bars serving Guinness and Harp in both - but that doesn't prevent the place from feeling cozy, comfortable, warm, and welcoming. On a bustling Saturday night, you'll be shoulder to shamrocked shoulder with Tufts kids, long-time Somervillians, Davis Square denizens, and a fair share of people with a true brogue. And as in the best pubs in Dublin, there's a good chance you'll end up bantering with a stranger, and, if you're lucky, maybe finish the night with a quick snog. Of the dozens and dozens of Irish pubs in Boston, Matt Murphy's may well be the only one known for its food. The Brookline bar avoids all the starchy stereotypes of Irish fare, serving "traditional" dishes such as fish and chips (wrapped in newspaper) and shepherd's pie, as well as codfish cakes and salmon. In Ireland, the food matches the land - not green, but soggy - but you'll find no squishy bangers and over-mushy mash here. And, as you'd expect from any Irish pub, it's a good place to enjoy some ale in the afternoon.

The Burren, 247 Elm Street, Somerville, (617) 776-6896, www.burren.com; Matt Murphy's, 14 Harvard Street, Brookline, (617) 232-0188.