Dining Out Boston

At the Oak Bar you will appreciate the difference between a $7 and a $16 martini.

The Oak Bar is an ornate, old-boys'-club style hideaway where everyone can feel comfortable. Located in the Fairmont Copley, the Oak Bar (and accompanying restaurant, The Oak Room), is all upper-crust elegance without the overt snootiness. Young and old gather to sip the superb cocktails and nibble on snack platters, both of which are worth their inflated prices. I'm not really into being a "regular", but if I had to commit to a drinking haunt for the rest of my life, it would be the Oak Room, even if I never earned more than minimum wage.

The Oak Bar has an extensive, award-winning wine list and lovely signature martinis with specials for the holidays. This weekend I ordered the $16 "Cupid's Arrow" martini, with strawberry vodka, champagne, and fresh strawberry garnish, which I sipped while listening to the jazz quartet. The servers treat one-drink-wonder guests with the same courtesy and grace as they do the large double-whiskey parties and replace complimentary bowls of gourmet snack mix long after glasses have been emptied.

Food is traditional continental and although the menu is smaller than that at the adjoining restaurant, there are ample luxurious selections to complement your drinks. The cheese sampler is especially noteworthy; for $14 large chunks of different hard and soft cheeses are served with grapes, jams, and a basket of breads and crackers.

If your parents are in town, take them to the Oak Bar. If you need a special night out with your significant other, take him or her to the Oak Bar. If you want to relax by yourself after work, go to the Oak Bar. Forgive the tautology but there's really no classier bar in Boston.

The Info
The Oak Bar
138 St. James Ave., Boston
617-267-5300
http://theoakroom.com/page/1915f/Home.html