Foundation Lounge   

Kenmore Square has long been considered a cornerstone of Boston, what with it being home to Fenway Park and all. But with the renaissance of this once-grungy square, its true roots of stylishness are showing. The Foundation Lounge is, true to its name, at the core of that fashionable hipness. Imagine a fusion of Los Angeles' cool attitude, cutting-edge European style, and Asian elegance, and you have an image of the classy-yet-funky Foundation. As DJs from around the globe swing by to drop beats for the evening, you can kick back and recline on one of the low plush couches, each upholstered in a different exotic animal pattern. Or head into the second room, where local artists' work is regularly on display, or linger on the patio (if weather allows) or belly up to the marble-ceilinged bar, where reflective lighting makes each liquor bottle look like a valuable sculpture. Bartenders pour a range of standards, like martinis and mojitos, but they're not afraid to veer on the side of creativity, offering concoctions like Coconut Coffee and Wild Mango Martinis. Creativity is also the keyword in the kitchen. Foundation's chefs have developed a Zensai menu, which is basically a glamorous way of saying "Japanese-inspired finger food." Nibble on tempting gems like the Manguro fresh spring roll, made with fresh tuna and mango, or salmon bruschetta. If upscale down-tempo is your scene, this is the place to be seen.