Back Bay Bar Crawl

My night on the town with Leah and Ashley began with Tapas and Sangria at Bar Lola.

It was a warm evening so we opted for a table outside. (Ok so I took some of these shots in daylight, post bar crawl and obviously pre Bar Lola being open for business.)

The ground level patio on the picturesque Back Bay corner of Dartmouth Street and Commonwealth Ave at night is a lively scene with intimate red lighting. The table we were seated at was wobbly and unstable, clearly broken.

The hostess acknowledged this right away and came over with a towel to slide under the table leg missing its foot. We ordered a pitcher of Bar Lola Sangria to share.

Three of us had two glasses each. I was impressed with the Sangria for a couple reasons. One, the wine glasses came with a plentiful amount of fruit already in them. Pouring sangria from a pitcher sometimes results in an uneven amount of fruit per pour (if you even get fruit in the first place.) Two, the ratio of wine to juice was just the right balance. I thought the wine flavors were prevalent minimizing the intense sweetness that can sometimes overpower this drink.

Cheers ladies! (Good thing Ashley has a Blackberry with a flash. The iPhone is no good at taking pictures in dark light.)

A pretty map of Spain sits in the foyer. I didn't check out the rest of the interior, but both the dining room and bar were equally busy. We weren't starved and so we ordered just three tapas plates.

Vieras a la Campesina

Fried Sea scallops with a tomato & goat cheese sauce.

Calamares Fritos Tenerife

Fried Calamari with mojo ali-oli

Palmeritos
Baked Mediterranean dates wrapped in bacon.

Initially we weren't served bread. Ashley frequents Bar Lola and mentioned they usually deliver it prior to the meal. They brought some over when we asked, but unfortunately it was after they cleared that silky tomato goat cheese sauce in the yummy scallops plate. My favorite of the three tapas were the calamari boasting thick crispy rounds with a bold aoili sauce resembling guacamole. I expected more from the dates as I thought their sticky sweetness overpowered the salty bacon. I've had bacon wrapped dates before, unfortunately the ratio of salty to sweet in Bar Lola's was off. I'd love to return and sample more of the menu when I have more of an appetite. These three tapas plates were merely a tease!

Our next stop was Sonsie - a Newbury Street favorite. It was packed. The sophisticated scene and great food has Bostonians flocking. The bartenders were attentive and one got to us right away. I ordered a Cucumber Lime Gin Fizz. It was refreshing, garnished appropriately with a long crisp slice of cucumber. The bartender was super nice and did his best to try and get us seats, however, Sonsie served it purpose and we took off soon after the Bruins game ended. When we paid the tab the bartender sent some delicious shots our way. If I had to guess I'd say he mixed a pineapple infusion with some sweet coconut concoction. Sorry these drinks missed the camera phone. Holding a purse, coat, and drink doesn't make for easy photos taking.

But strolling around on a gorgeous Sunday with my new camera does!

Our next stop was a few blocks over on Boylston Street - Lir.

A multi level Irish Pub with no line and no cover, thankfully it was not too crowded when we arrived. It got busier as the night went on.

Just a few shots of Patron with an orange peel chaser. I also drank a Bud Light.

The last stop of the evening - I'll give you one guess.

Delux.

Obviously.

The Locks of Love pony tail might or might not have made an appearance.

Now you understand why my Saturday day was the way it was. Would you believe me if I told you I rallied for a Saturday night out?! Thank.goodness I was able to get off the couch and walk around the city on Sunday. Wasting another absolutely gorgeous day in Boston to a hangover was not in the cards!