Mariel

"Escaping to Cuba in the middle of the winter would be a great way to forget about the fact that your car is buried under a foot of ice and frozen trash. But since we can’t advocate you breaking the law to do so, we suggest going to Mariel instead. This Cuban spot is covered with Havana-inspired street murals and filled with flaming cocktails, which you can use to regain movement in your left hand after battling the wind in Downtown Boston to get here. If you don’t know where to start, split the yuca cheese puffs and chorizo cuban pizza." - dan secatore

"For a fun night Downtown that’s filled with as much flare as a Pitbull music video, you should head to Mariel. While the two of you are sitting in a pink suede booth, drinking rum that’s actually on fire, and consuming a 16 oz. prime steak, you might think you’re having the time of your lives. Isn’t that the definition of a great date night?" - joel ang, dan secatore

"The food usually isn’t the first thing people talk about when it comes to Mariel downtown. But it should be. Beyond the flaming cocktails, the Havana-meets-the-Lincoln-Memorial decor, and the steady selfie procession, you’ll find yuca cheese puffs that are a perfect way to start any meal, small plates that are always filled with more flavor than you expect, and a cod fish sandwich that’s one of the best cod dishes in a city with a lot of cod dishes. This is our new favorite birthday place, for literally anyone’s birthday." - dan secatore

"Guava cocktails are growing in popularity in Boston, and most often guava drinks are accompanied by rum: Try... the frozen guava daiquiri or the guava mojito at Mariel, Coquette’s older Cuban-inspired sibling in Post Office Square." - Karen Wilber

"Mariel opened in fall 2019, a sprawling, high-ceilinged palace of Cuban-inspired cuisine and cocktails from the team behind Lolita and Yvonne’s. While those who aren’t yet ready to dine inside a restaurant will want to avoid the gorgeous space for now, the menu can be enjoyed at home, with standouts such as fufu gnocchi, Havanese lamb belly, and mojitos. Currently offering takeout, delivery, and indoor dining. Order: Official Website [takeout/delivery]" - Terrence Doyle