If you're in the mood for slightly different Italian food I'll recommend
Grotto on Beacon Hill. They've got a nice tasting menu for $35 or you can order ala carte. It's not really fancy but is a nice, funky restaurant.
As for bars, I second the recommendation above of Sunset Grille and Tap. If you like tequila there's also a branch on Commonwealth Ave. in the B.U. area called Sunset Cantina. They trim down the beer list and replace it with various tequilas.
The Boston Beer Works is a good choice for microbrews if that's your cup of tea.