My friends and I are doing a girl's night away in Boston this weekend (leaving hubbies at home). Staying at the Marriott Copley Place. Is there a fun place nearby to go for drinks before our dinner at Via Matta? Someone suggested the Oak Bar at the Fairmont. Is that too stuffy?

Oak Room is stuffy but very nice. Check out the bar at Jury's - contemporary version of an Irish pub with a fireplace (can't remember the name of it but it has a glass staircase that changes color and I think there's water running around it). Saint is supposed to be nice but I haven't been. I also like to sit at the bar at Davio's and people watch. Citybar at the Lenox has really interesting martinis.

The Oak Bar is a great place, it's like a guy's cigar room but yes, it's a bit stuffy.

I second Cuffs in the Jury's hotel, but what about Match? Sure, it's a few blocks in the other direction but they've got a great cocktail list. Vox is always popular but it's a youngish singles scene so be prepared to get hit on! You can also do City Bar or Saint - they might be dead that early in the night but they're still nice places.

The Barking Crab on the waterfront has a crowded bar.
So do does Boylston Place many bars.
(Places IF you want to meet people.)

Bostongal is probably right that Saint will be dead before dinner but City Bar has been lively the 2 times I've been there before dinner. Not hopping but lively.

Other suggestions include the Top of the Hub, Jer-ne at the new Ritz (its a bit of a walk but its supposed to be nice this weekend)

Davios across the street has a big square bar, or Excelsior around the block on Boyleston or Bristol Lounge hanging at a sofa.

Stop at Bar10 at Weston for a nightcap.

About 2 blocks south of your Hotel is Cleary's, at 113 Dartmouth (at Columbus)
A very energetic neighborhood place, very crowded also.