Loring Pasta Bar

Rating:

Jason McLean, former owner of the Loring Cafe, took command of a landmark drugstore and converted it to the Loring Pasta Bar, and the neighborhood roared back to life, thanks to a funky, one-of-a-kind setting, approachable fare, student-minded prices, tons of live music and primo people-watching. (McLean's similar revival of the Varsity Theater, just up the block, was equally welcome.)