Photo: Moses Mitchell Photography

Combining the joy of culinary discovery with craft cocktails, art and live music, Back Bay Beats (160 Massachusetts Ave., 617-997-0211, b3restaurant.com) recently made its debut at a brand-new Berklee College of Music building. Also known as B3, the 3,850 square foot space doubles as a music venue—featuring a central stage that hosts nightly and Sunday brunch performances by Berklee students, faculty and special guests—while the kitchen turns out globally influenced food inspired by the American South. Meanwhile, the music-themed décor, complete with old instrument cases lining the walls, is accented with digital art installations and light fixtures made from Zildjian cymbals.