Noir

Sequestered in a corner of the The Charles Hotel, Noir is a sophisticated bar and lounge with prices to match. As its name suggests, the decor recalls 1940s film noir, with atmospheric red lights overhead and dark corners for darker deeds. Fortunately, Noir doesn't take itself too seriously, making for a fun and even cozy night out. On weekends, the bar lets its hair down a little: live music occasionally hits the joint, and the crowd starts wearing jeans and, shockingly, sometimes flannel. The innovative menu, designed by Rialto's Jody Adams, satisfies late-night cravings of all sizes with everything from a single chocolate chip cookie ($1) to soy ginger beef skewers ($7), as well as an extensive selection of pressed sandwiches and grilled flatbreads ($8-10). Drinks from the bar are mostly top-shelf alcohols (bottled beers $4-7, mixed drinks $9-13). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. The key is to show up between 5 and 7 p.m. on weeknights, when the food is all steeply discounted (everything $5 or less). Definitely worth a trip.