The book has wit, and some useful info, but in an attempt to make it too cool it is virtually impossible to really find what you are looking for, and harder even to look for stuff you don't already know it exists. Skip the book, get a reverent guide that will give you more info.

Having lived in Boston now for 2-1/2 years, I was looking for a guide that could provide both insights on what I've been missing and good perspectives on what touristy spots would be best for out-of-town friends.

While it's refreshing to read both pros and frank cons of various venues, I felt the Frommer's Irreverent content wasn't as broad as I'd expect from guides built up over several years: my favorite sushi joint, Jae's Cafe, was mentioned six times in 20 pages as a great spot for Terminally Hip, Vegging Out, Global Harmony, Same-Sex, Thai, and After-Hours dining experiences. Additionally, I felt it lacked the benefit of a local editor (the John Hancock tower is referenced not as being on the well-known Clarendon Street, but rather on a fictitious Claridence Street).

I would heartily recommended the Irreverent Guide as a complement to another book to give any recommended itinerary a reality-check, but I wouldn't exclusively depend on this guide to plan a multi-day visit.

I go to Boston at least twice a year and always am interested in the nightlife scene. This book hit all the hot spots in retstaurants and bars. My friends who lived there were going through the book and saying, "yep, that's in," "that's still hot" If you're into that sort of thing, this is a great guide to have, especially if you're only going for a short trip.