Combining warm woods and cooling palm leaf fans, a cool outdoor patio overhung with radiant heaters and light, refreshing drinks with warm, friendly foods and a hot nightlife, Dillon’s is a good place for after work, before, after, or during a game, or anytime you want to get away while still being right in the middle of it all.

Located just off the corner of Boylston Street and Mass Ave in the former Division 16 police station, Dillon’s (which is named for a former chief of the BPS) is a good hideout or a place to be seen. With its multiple levels, bars, and seating arrangements, Dillon’s offers choices as to where to set up for the night and with its creative but comfortable menu, it offers at least as many options for when it comes time to get down to business.

To get the night lubricated, Dillon’s offers an array of light and fruity cocktails, including the Hawaiian Punch-y Tea Time and three flavors of mojito, as well as about a dozen reds and as many white, and a solid selection of mostly local beers. As far as the food, there is no small plate baloney here- Even the appetixer “snacks” – which range from Dillon’s tots and whipped edamame hummus, to the house specialty spinach and artichoke dip (which actually has more gooey cheese than ether of the titular ingredients), the shrimp and pork lollipops and the short rib grilled cheese sandwiches- are substantial. The restaurant also offers soups, chili and a selection of salads that range from simple greens to raspberries, goat cheese, tuna, and other toppings. For more meaty fare, Dillon’s attempts a Philly steak, adds lobster to mac and cheese, dips fried pickles in ranch dressing and serves up a frialator basket of fries with herbed mayo. They also have pizzas and a board of burgers that includes the turkey and goat cheese Cell Block burger, the smoky, coffee-rubbed bison meat of the Cowboy Burger and sets of beef, chicken, and pork sliders. Desserts include PB&J cupcakes and the more standard brownie sundaes and chocolate chip ice cream cake.

If brunch is more your speed, Dillon’s serves it up both weekend days. Though people come from far and wide to take in the Back Bay scene, Dillon’s also shows special appreciation for their neighbors with a weekly “Locals Night” that offers food and drink discounts every Monday.

Though the Fenway-inspired scoreboard on the patio does not actually work, there are enough tvs in the place (including two flanking the mirror-topped upper bar and one bigger one above the downstairs fireplace) to catch the highlights from pretty much anywhere. However, you may be more interested in the games being played in the place than on those played a few blocks away. Either way, Dillon’s is a comfy spot to eat and hang no matter who is scoring.

Dillon’s

955 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

617 421 1818

www.dillonsboston.com