Worth the Drive: Top Suburban Eats

141 Humphrey St, Swampscott, MA 01907 (map)

This Modern American bistro enjoys a scenic perch along Swampscott's harbor. Its stylish cocktails and offbeat preparations of fresh seafood please foodies and lounge lizards alike.

1375 Washington St, Newton, MA 02465 (map)

Conveniently located off both the Mass Pike and Route 16 (with another location along Mass Ave in Arlington), this award-winning BBQ spot serves up hundreds of takeout meals nightly. Its affordable prices mean that a large order of brisket and sides might be cheaper, and certainly easier, than cooking at home.

1210 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 (map)

Easy to find along Route 9, this steakhouse's lounge sports one of the area's strongest singles scenes for the over-30 crowd. The gourmet steaks and chops please foodies, while the inventive house cocktails thrill the nightlife crowd.

148 E Central St, Natick, MA 01760 (map)

Located on a blink-and-you'll-miss-it stretch of 135 in Natick, this gourmet fusion restaurant serves its Mediterranean-Asian cuisine in a classy, faux-palazzo setting.

612 Hammond St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 (map)

With just more than a dozen seats, this award-winning sushi spot usually has a wait. Its inventive creations have lured countless diners to its nondescript dining room, tucked away in leafy Chestnut Hill on the corner of Route 9.