Another trendy and cutting edge restaurant to add to the hot, hot, hot South End dining scene. Along with sophisticated designer lofts and apartments, Banq is opening in the beautifully renovated Penny Saving Bank. Decor is made up of undulating layers of sand colored wood that flow across the ceiling like a soft wave. The restaurant is like the inside of a prehistoric whales body, as depicted by a minimalist Japanese architect. Very chic, spacious, loud and almost anonymous; it could be a spot in midtown Manhattan. You're likely to spend probably 10 minutes staring around at how interesting the space is. Little plants at the tables are a nice added touch that don't get in the way of your food. Which, by the way, is impressive in an Iron Chef sort of way. If you have friends visiting from NYC or London or Tokyo, bring them to Banq to show them that 'lil ole Boston IS a cutting edge Metropolitan city.

Feel chic but never awkward at posh Union Bar and Grille. This South End eatery never fails in offering you not only a gorgeous meal (albeit sometimes $), but a chance to get some good people watching in as well. The sleek and modern surroundings are the perfect backdrop to the creative menu and festive drink list. Go ahead, lose yourself in a fruity martini. Don't miss their inexpensive brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Be part of the chic and overtired crowd that comes pouring in late morning in dire need of a cup of coffee, or better yet, a strong bloody mary. October Special: 5 year Anniversary Celebration all month Join the bartenders at Union Bar and Grille all through the month of October for specialty cocktails for $5 and complimentary nibbles between 5:30-7pm

Joe V's is one of those typically great and under-rated neighborhood spots that you wish someone had told you about long ago. Popular with those who live in the South End neighborhood. Casual, comfortable, and unpretentious ... a great find since the South End continues to go increasingly upscale. Joe V's is good food at reasonable prices. While it is best known for pizza, there is plenty more on the menu.
Boston Magazine named Joe V's the winner of Best of Boston 2004 Neighborhood Restaurant, South End...saying "Joe V's has already shown that it can hold its own in a neighborhood crowded with great restaurants. The excellent food at reasonable prices ranges from thin-crust pizzas with a tangy, garlicky sauce, to confidently executed classics (lobster ravioli), while delicious brunch dishes (the South Beach omelet, with Egg Beaters, ham, and tomato) keep the locals dropping in all weekend long."^[1]

Brix Wine Shop opened on Washington Street in the South End a few years ago and were an instant success in this funky neighborhood. With weekly tastings and a variety of services being offered like free delivery and discounted cases, the onephiles in Boston knew where to head.

Hip and happening, cool and fun: Stella is a great addition to the "foodie" world of the South End as it is not only a great place to dine: but the place to be seen as well. The scene is swanky, mod and high energy-not a place for a quiet dinner with grandma (unless she can swing with the in-crowd). You won’t be sorry if you start with the Beet and Goat Cheese appetizer. The menu is stacked with pasta and fish, flatbread pizzas and side dishes to die for. They do lunch, dinner and a fab brunch on the weekends. So throw on something cute and grab a glass of bubbly: Stella is here to stay.

Dine on pizza and pasta in this tiny place (just 10 tables) on a side street across from the Franklin Cafe. "Big dish" entrees, like sirloin, are very good, but it's the pizza and wine list, which owner Christine Didiuk updates constantly, that keep people coming back.

Aquitaine Bar à Vin Bistro has established itself as one of the premier French Bistro in the South End. You'll sigh in culinary ecstasy from your first sip of Perrier to your last crumb of profiterole. Everything—from appetizers to dessert—is absolutely mouth-watering and cooked to perfection. Starters range from gourmet escargot with garlic and parsley butter ($12), mussels ($9), or rabbit and foie gras terrine ($14) to the more traditional endive salad ($9). Equally delicious entrees include everything from salmon, sole, or cod to goat cheese ravioli, or steak frites (entrees $19-30). And if you're feeling ambitious, Aquitaine's extensive wine list offers a host of options for that $200 hangover you've been craving. Saturday Prix Fixe Brunch for $9.95 per person. They also serve a slightly pricier and more elaborate brunch on Sunday. If you are going to visit Aquitaine for dinner, and you want to be really impressed, try the filet au poive w/ congnac cream, grilled scallions and green peppercorns ($29). Aquitaine also has a sister restaurant - Aquitaine Bis - located in Chestnut Hill.

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The Wine Emporium is a liquor store in the South End neighborhood of Boston. It features an extensive wine collection, as well as liquor and beer selections. This is one of two locations, the other being 474 Columbus Ave. The Wine Emporium has been here in Boston for more than 40 years and continues to serve to Bostonians. They offer over 1000 (yes, 1000) wines to choose from, as well as a large variery of beers(domestic, micro-brews, and imported varieties). You can also find vodka, gin, rum, tequila, etc... at The Wine Emporium. The Hours Are: Monday through Thursday 9am-10pm Friday through Saturday 9am-10:30pm Sundy 12pm-6pm

Greek themed deli with fresh meats, unbelievable good bargain hot meals, and meatballs that are out of this world. Extensive wine cellar. Also sells beer, coffee all day, and convenience store needs with fresh vegetables as well. A menu stock full of old world greek recipes like mousaka, spanakopata, and pastichio that change daily, and soups like avgolemono (chicken, egg, and lemon rice) and creamy chowders. Prices for lunch range from $8-$12. This recent South End addition is owned by George Tsaousidis and Anna Barounis who stock the best food, grocery essentials, and wine and beer for the South End resident that is looking for a local one stop shop. The bodega of my dreams.