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Northern Exposure

by Sara Faith Alterman | November 18, 2008

Malden just might be a hotspot waiting to happen

If you've lived in the Boston area for a reasonable amount of time, chances are pretty good that you’d never expect to hear the phrases “city of Malden” and “hotbed of über-cool nightlife” together in a sentence. Au contraire, my elitist urban friends. Like other communities that exist outside the invisible boundaries laid by snobbish Bostonians, Malden is an up-and-coming destination, thanks to a growing population of young professionals who are migrating away from the city’s ever-increasing cost of living.

In fact, the bar scene in Malden Center is growing consistently, developing a trendy edge without losing any of its townie-bar charm. Leading the pack is All Seasons Table (64 Pleasant Street, Malden, 781.397.8188), which sounds like it should be an Americana extravaganza but is actually a sleek and chic sushi restaurant. Modern Asian décor, cheery lighting, and wide-open space make All Seasons the place for weekend cocktails in Malden. Hell, even mid-week, the bar is hopping. And why not The drink menu is kicky and creative and the sushi is fantastic. Sip on a Rising Sun martini ($8.75), a pleasantly dry blend of Absolut, apple sake, and apple juice that’s just apple-y enough for the fall weather without being sugary overkill. Lychee fans will marvel at the Tokyo-Politan ($8.75), Absolut with lychee sake, cranberry juice, a hint of lime, and a plump lychee garnish....