Cafe Delux, South End

Tiny, offbeat, and easily missed if you just happen by its nondescript exterior, Cafe Delux (100 Chandler St., 617-338-5258) has become a stalwart of the South End dining scene, to the point of having a cult following. This is bad news if you show up on a busy evening (Delux doesn't take reservations), because the entire dining room is about the size of a Hummer. Hipsters, both gay and straight, descend on this kitschy little spot for its reliably inventive comfort food, buzzing bar scene, and late hours (it's open till 1 am). It's a short walk from such South End gay nightspots as the Boston Eagle, Club Cafe, and Fritz.