Quaint and lively Faneuil Hall tavern steeped in Yankee history.

The Scene
The original location of this popular Irish pub once served as a meeting place during the American Revolution; it's since relocated to a cozy side street off Faneuil Hall. Creaky floors, brass rails and dark wood paneling, softened by toile curtains and cushions, bring to mind a bar decorated by your grandmother. No matter how packed the tavern becomes, the staff remains friendly and polite.

The Draw
The Green Dragon is a step above most nearby Irish pubs, avoiding the pickup-joint vibe of other establishments in favor of a relaxed, comfortable environment perfect for sharing a pint with friends. A steady after-work crowd dines on Irish favorites like shepherd's pie and beef stew in the early evening hours, while the usual mixed bag of Faneuil Hall revelers rolls in after dark. The beer selection boasts a whopping 35 labels to choose from.

Todd English's seafood emporium stylishly provides pricey fruits of the sea to Quincy Market's steady stream of tourists.

The Scene
In contrast to the area's serious seafood chains, where muted, nautically-themed dining rooms allow the spotlight to fall on the fish, Kingfish Hall's interior could pass for Disney. From the yawning raw bar's disco lights to a unique ''fish dancer'' grill, most aspects of the restaurant's colorful, dual-level interior defy convention. Diners looking for a more relaxed experience escape to the sunny outdoor patio, where harried servers deliver $10 house drinks from the stylish bar.

The Food
As one would expect from a high-end restaurant in the city's tourist Mecca, Kingfish's prices are among Boston's highest. That's not to say that the quality of dishes like mustard-crusted halibut (served with preserved lemon risotto) isn't exceptional. From chunky soups to steaks and chops, English's never-ending menu features enough options to satiate anyone's appetite. Crowd favorites include wood-grilled calamari and an authentic New England lobster boil, complete with steamers, kielbasa, corn and red potatoes.