Underrated Bar: Coda

Coda's not quite as underrated as it was, say, six months ago (the crowd has been noticeably larger there as construction work has slowed down on Columbus Ave in recent weeks), but for how delicious the food is and how great the beer is, it still doesn't get a fraction of the attention it deserves.

First rule of Coda: Order the hamburger. I don't care if you don't like hamburger (gasp!), you don't eat meat or your childhood pet was a calf. Get the hamburger on your first visit. And add bacon for $1. It is quite possibly the best burger in the city. (These guys might have something to say about that, though...)

Second rule of Coda: Order a beer. I don't care if you're on your lunch break and need to get back to the office, a beer is mandatory at Coda. There are only 8 taps here (plus a dozen or so bottled selections) but they are all better than Coors. The most mainstream beer they have, and one that seems to be constantly on tap - is Stella. Get that if you must, but you'd be better off steering towards the offerings from Avery or Brooklyn, if they've got them in rotation.

Third rule of Coda: Tip well. The servers here - from the talkative bartenders to the friendly waitresses - all offer great customer service. Show them they're appreciated.

Fourth rule of Coda: Don't tell anyone about Coda. I don't want it overrun. It's bad enough as it is. Consider yourself lucky that I broke this one for you, dear reader.

Coda

329 Columbus Ave

Boston, MA 02116

(617) 536-2632