"One of the first things you learn in your 30s is shepherding your friends to a bar on a Friday night isn’t as easy as it was in your 20s. That said, propose having your birthday at Checker Hall, and you’ll still get people to show up. Located on the second floor of an old masonic lodge in Highland Park, Checker Hall is equal parts bar and restaurant, meaning if you have friends who want to chill in a booth all night and reminiscence, and others who are still in the business of flirting at the bar, everyone will be happy. The cocktails are well-made (we love the spicy, sumac-smacked Carmen #6), the music curation is always right, and if you get hungry, there's a menu of solid Mediterranean snacks and entrees." - Brant Cox
Rachel Ayotte
