But the places I frequent? I all-too-often wish to keep these to myself. I also have a varied view of a good experience, and can often have one at a dive bar or swanky spot. Because of this nuance, why try to explain myself to the Yelping public?

But here,

For few in-the-know Bostonians smart enough to read it,

I will share my favorite spots.

Starting today, with Savin Bar and Kitchen in Dorchester.

My BFF/college roommate, well-versed in Boston dining and living, first brought me to Savin Bar and Kitchen the day after their soft opening last march. In addition to the fact that it is about 5 minutes from my house, I was in love instantly with the warm interior and beautiful bar. Apparently a dive by the name of Donovan's used to be here, but I never checked it out. This place pretty much had me at first glance, then first cocktail, then first bite of skillet mac and cheese.

*Bar and sign images via Savin Bar and Kitchen website, following images via me, beer & a little PhotoShop (don't hate)

Matty and I both found ourselves with a Monday night off, and the bar at the restaurant across the street from us (which will be discussed another time) was full. We decided to trek down Dot Ave and up the hill to Savin Bar and Kitchen, where we were greeted by a gloriously-almost-empty bar and an awesomely-rambunctious bartender named Tico.

As I have noted time and time again, we are not very "good" at eating out. Regardless, I could not pass up a Harpoon Winter Warmer and an order of Cajun Fried Dill Spears ($6) to start.

The fried pickles were fantastic, and definitely smacked of house-made. I really detest ordering fried pickles (which I do at pretty much any given opportunity) and realizing as soon as they arrive that they have gone from box, to freezer, to frier, to plate, to table, to me. How difficult (not to mention cost efficient) is it to bread and fry a pickle? Also, when making these fat kid delicacies in-house, you allow yourself to experiment with the flavors - hence these slightly spicy, delicious dill spears. Spot on, SBK!

Despite knowing we would be full on beer and pickles, we ordered entrees. I had a serious steak craving that I suggested could be cured with a steak salad. Matt told me I was being stupid (love!) and should just get the steak tips ($18), so I did. They came with deliciously crisp asparagus and parmesan fries. The fries were perfect, with just the right amount of truffle oil to not steal the show. Steak was cooked a perfect med-rare, and the chimichurri sauce that accompanied it was tasty. My only qualm was that I definitely wanted more chimichurri to dunk my steak, asparagus, fries, fingers, my boyfriends' food, etc into...and didn't get a hold of Tico in time. You know when you really want a condiment or something to enjoy with your meal, and by the time the opportunity has presented itself to request it, you've already devoured 3/4ths of the plate? That's exactly what happened. Would have loved more sauce. Didn't get it. Didn't change the fact that I inhaled almost an entire entree.

Matty got a crab cake BLT, which is kind of a go-to order for him. He said it was a touch on the bland side, but five minutes later, after dousing it with some salt, I looked over and saw this:

Which, pretty much never happens.

In short, this was just one of the very good meals I've had at SBK. The beer selection is great, cocktail list inventive, menu consistent, and the staff all very welcoming. Next time you're looking to feel classy in Dot, pay them a visit.