Want the intel on Boston's buzziest local spots?
We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to deduce which restaurants have been getting a notable uptick in attention this month.
To find out who made the list, we looked at Boston businesses on Yelp by category and counted how many reviews each received. Rather than compare them based on number of reviews alone, we calculated a percentage increase in reviews over the past month.
Read on to see which spots are getting plenty of attention this autumn.
Bootleg Special
Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about South End's Bootleg Special, the Cajun/Creole spot is a hot topic according to Yelp review data.
While businesses categorized as "seafood" on Yelp increased their review counts by a median of 2.2 percent over the past month, Bootleg Special bagged a 10.6 percent increase in reviews within that timeframe, maintaining a healthy four-star rating.
Open since February at 400 Tremont St. (between Arlington and Appleton streets), Bootleg Special offers Cajun seafood boils and classic Southern comfort food in a hip atmosphere with a New Orleans feel.
City Tap House
South Boston's City Tap House is also making waves. Established in 2016 at 10 Boston Wharf Road in South Boston, the popular beer bar and New American spot has seen a 6.7 percent bump in reviews over the last month, compared to a median review increase of 2.1 percent for all businesses tagged "breakfast & brunch" on Yelp.
City Tap House offers a weekend brunch menu of egg dishes, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas and more, plus Bloody Marys and mimosas. Over the past month, it's maintained a superior four-star rating among Yelpers.
Tiki Rock
Next, downtown's Tiki Rock is currently on the upswing in the cocktail bar category on Yelp.
While businesses categorized as "cocktail bars" on Yelp increased review counts by a median of 2.1 percent over the past month, this tiki bar increased its count by 8.1 percent — and kept its rating consistent at 3.5 stars.
Open for business since January at 2 Broad St., it offers classic and proprietary tiki cocktails made with fresh juices, homemade syrups and eccentric garnishes.
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Fort Point
Finally, this bar and Mexican spot is trending compared to other businesses categorized as "bars" on Yelp.
Citywide, bars saw review counts increase by a median of 2 percent over the past month, but Lolita Cocina & Tequila Fort Point saw a 7.8 percent increase, maintaining a superior four-star rating throughout.
Located at 253 Summer St., Lolita Cocina & Tequila Fort Point offers specialty margaritas, sangria, wine and Mexican beer, plus a food menu of Mexican classics and modern interpretations.
