"Set the scene for us: What is this place? When the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel decided to shutter its iconic Oak Room in 2012 and revive it as OAK, a more contemporary bar, the area's staunchest traditionalists were skeptical. But ever since its reopening, this urbane hot spot has become a seamless part of the Back Bay bar scene. Nice. What's the crowd like? It's a mature bunch, and they don't mind burning through a little cash if it means getting a perfectly mixed cocktail. There's always a great energy here, especially in the warmer months on the patio overlooking Copley Square. Speaking of those perfectly mixed cocktails—tell us about the drinks. The cocktail list is cheeky, with fun options like the "How Do You Do?", a mix of Grey Goose, St. Germain, Aperol, and grapefruit. There are a couple of local brews on tap too, plus a nice selection of whiskey and Scotch. Sounds refreshing. How about eats—what's on offer, if anything? A brasserie menu combines the history of the space with global influences: merguez lamb meatballs, olive oil–poached octopus, Chatham mussels steamed in local cider and ginger, and to-die-for salt-and-vinegar fries. I guess I know where we'll be having dinner. Did the service show up for you, too? The bar staff can get stretched thin when the crowd heats up, which, it does more often than many hotel bars, but the quality of the drinks rarely falters. Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? This contemporary spin on a Bostonian institution has proven itself a winner. Come here with a group for a classy night out, or on an intimate date that makes an impression." - Todd Plummer
