Other Side Cafe   

Not tied down by all the surrounding swank cafes on Newbury, The Other Side Caf strays away from the traditional caf standard with its tavern-like ambience. Yes, a bar and a caf can live united as one -- the proof lies where the Anchor Steam and Seasonal taps converge, next to the dessert case. The same place that offers a succulent vegan quiche for lunch can supply you with a nightcap later in the evening. This diner has a motley menu to fulfill all your desires: Add a shot to your coffee; have a frothy beer with your salad, yerba mate with your mousse cake, and what goes better with a burrito than a French soda spiked with vodka? (Those with an eye for herbal can stick with tea -- the caf's global blends range from black to green). Regulars swear by their award-winning veggie chili and legendary Bloody Mary (Sunday winters in Boston, anyone?), along with the caf's eclectic soundtrack. A bar-slash-caf: Why didnt anyone think of this sooner?