When Triple D's, the legendary Jamaica Plain dive, was sold to a couple who lives in the neighborhood, little did they know what lurked behind the walls – more walls! They gutted the place and by the time they reached the original brick, more than three feet of space was gained at each end of what is now a spacious room. They installed new tables and booths and laid down a long slab of buffed concrete as the bar.

As if the bar itself isn't notable, wait until you see what the bartenders slap down on it: Comparisons of mixology to alchemy are as easy to find as a martini glass. The Alchemist, however, has a few apparatuses behind the bar that crank up the astonishment quotient of their concoctions. That sleek, shiny juicer you see is used on the spot to make lime juice for every single margarita and Mai Tai that they serve. Of course you can still get a beer, but like we said, the folks behind The Alchemist can work wonders. When it comes to suds, they've teamed up with their neighbors, The Boston Beer Company (brewers of Sam Adams), to develop a beer they pour exclusively. Now, since it looks like you're going to make a night out of it, you're going to need some food. You've probably assumed by now that you're not getting standard pub grub here. This kitchen dishes out all kinds of comfort food with class, like sirloin steak with pommes gratin, grilled asparagus and wild mushroom cabernet reduction, paella and hot and sweet port spare ribs with carrot-jicama slaw. For dessert, they've once again turned to their neighbors. Jamaica Plain bastion J.P. Licks created a special vanilla for the Alchemist to use in its desserts. Just one word of caution: It's easy to fall under its spell. -- Liza Weisstuch (Photo: Courtesy of Alchemist)