Nix's Mate, Plymouth

Nix's Plymouth's chefs immerse diners in New England's history and flavors, crafting a menu of seasonally inspired cuisine while paying tribute to a bit of Boston Harbor Island's own storied history. They blend of sweet and savory with dishes such as the pumpkin risotto, which is infused with chunks of buttery lobster and topped with dollops of hazelnut cream. They also elevate traditional American comfort food, pairing a Kentucky-fried chicken breast with jalapeño-and-bacon waffles.

The restaurant's homage to local history comes in its name, which comes from a small island in the Boston Harbor. The rock once served as a gallows site for the execution of William Fly, former first mate to the then-deceased Captain Nix. He was brought to the hangman on charges of mutiny and piracy, but protested his innocence to the end and threatened that the island beneath their feet would wash away as the world raged against his wrongful death. Sure enough, the speck of land lies underwater at high tide, though it still remains a mystery whether that's the result of Fly’s vengeance from beyond the grave or his great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandson’s hose.