Drinks and Snacks on Tremont Street

[phelana]

I have a VERY important first date, week's end and have been given the task of choosing the spot. It needs to be easy on easy off 93 as I am coming from South Shore. I like 647 Tremont for the casual divey kind of vibe and decent food. Stephie's on Tremont has a nice bar but a little too Frou Frou...any other suggests that end of Tremont? It needs to have some level of intimacy yet nothing fancy needed. Easy parking on the street would be nice.

[LiliVonSchtupp]

Just down the street, and across from Stephi's is Metropolis Cafe. It is a nice homey spot. Only beer and wine. I love their appetizer mussels. Parking on the street may not be great, but they have valet for $7.

[meeps2002]

I wouldnt go to Toro on a first date, simply because you can't gauge how long you may have to wait. I think it's amazing, but patience is necessary some nights.

I think 2 nice spots would be the Coppa and there's always The Gallows which would be a similar 647 vibe

[C. Hamster]

Toro is also loud and crowded. Which could be either good or bad for a first date...

[hotoynoodle]

coppa jams up quickly too, but there you have the advantage of them being open all day. if you arrive a bit before 5, grabbing 2 seats likely will be hassle-free.

[meeps2002]

Coppa now takes a few phone reservations too

[Kat]

When driving, I like Gaslight for dinner because of the free parking in the open lot next door. When busy, it tends to get a bit loud inside, however.

[C. Hamster]

Just was about to say: free parking!

Gaslight at 5 pm might be just what you're looking for.

And its like 120 seconds drive from Mass Ave, traffic willing. Seriously I drive by it every night at your time and traffic usually is a breeze.

[MC Slim JB]

There is no easy street parking in the South End. You might stick to what you know, i.e., Tremont 647, but similarly not-too-fancy South End places to which I might bring an early date include Myers & Chang, Gaslight, Estragon, Coppa, Franklin Cafe, and Coda. If you wanted to go more casual, I would include J.J. Foley's Cafe, Anchovies, Delux Cafe, Picco, and Parish Cafe.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hotoynoodle]

great list, but i will add that the noise level at gaslight has at times driven me out of the place.

[MC Slim JB]

There's a certain intimacy in having to lean over and shout to be heard.

Gaslight is very loud (by design, I imagine). I like to go later in the evenings, when the roar dies down a bit.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[phelana]

thanks all! an exciting list..the time frame is 5 ish, light bites and drinks..I prefer to be near MA Ave side of Tremont as I know that area and can jump over from Melnea Cass Blvd. Thanks again..

[Kat]

Toro is excellent for light bites (tapas) and drinks. Opens 5:30 on Friday and 5 on Sat. It is very close to Mass Ave but is on Washington, two streets over from Tremont (closer to BMC). We have usually been lucky in finding on street parking that close to Mass Ave.