Stix

A stylish clientele mingles at this hot spot where the Back Bay meets the South End.. The Scene
33's visually stunning layout draws a strong bar and lounge scene (dining room tables are easier to come by than bar stools). An omnipresent light show distracts patrons from their $12 martinis, while diners stay focused on their meals. When the weather doesn't jibe with the outdoor patio, the fashionable Euro set heads downstairs to the dark, stylish lounge.

The Draw
The "symmetrical" wine and food menus offer extensive listings of French and Italian favorites (escargots, tartares, antipasti, pizzas, etc.) A flatbread pizza topped with smoky field mushrooms, black olives and fontina is perfect for sharing at the bar. Salmon tartare--a jumble of chopped raw Atlantic salmon, shallots, capers, eggs and basil--begs for some crostini (the breadbasket will have to do). Delicate, homemade sorbets are the best bets among the dessert options.…