Since the company for which I work is headquartered in Boston, I find myself in Beantown quite a bit. Since I tend to work and play rather close to the office (which is located in the Financial District downtown), I have come to get to know that area pretty well. Here are some of my frequent spots for dining and drinking when I am there.
Hotel
I always, always stay at the Hilton Downtown Boston/Faneuil Hall (89 Broad St, Boston, MA 02110) when I go to Boston. The rooms and service are great. I recommend paying a few extra dollars for a Deluxe room (it has more space than a standard room, which is helpful to me since I like to do my yoga and workouts in the hotel room while traveling). If you pay the full price up front (non-refundable) the rate is discounted, which will usually make up the difference in price for the Deluxe room.
The hotel also has a great on-site restaurant and bar (Nix’s Mate). Good food and drink, plus a fun atmosphere in the evenings.
The hotel also has a great on-site restaurant and bar (Nix’s Mate). Good food and drink, plus a fun atmosphere in the evenings.
Food and Drink in Downtown Boston
- Omni Parker House (60 School St, Boston, MA 02108) for Boston Cream Pie. This place claims to have invented the Boston Cream Pie, so naturally it is a must-try.
- Legal Seafood (255 State St, Boston, MA 02109) for, well, seafood.
- Umbria Prime (295 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110) for house-made pasta and quality steaks. The tab will not be cheap, but it will be worth it. Try their Carpaccio for an appetizer, and a homemade gnocchi for your entrée.
- Sakurabana (57 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109) for sushi. This is some really decent sushi. I get the Chirashi Zusi, which comes with a variety of sashimi, plus rice and miso soup.
- The Black Rose (160 State St, Boston, MA 02109) for drinks and apps. This is a charming Irish pub with delicious food. Trust me and try the corned beef and cabbage spring rolls. I know, it sounds odd, but it is delicious.
- Mr. Dooley’s (77 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109) for drinks. Irish pub with a great vibe.
- Warehouse (40 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109) for strong drinks and great appetizers. The potato chip nachos with dill ranch dipping sauce are OMG-good.
- Market (21 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109) for drinks and hanging out. A great spot to socialize.
Boston cream pie from Omni Parker House. I forgot to take a photo before I started digging in! |
Lobster Bake at Legal Seafood Boston – Long Wharf |
Corned Beef and Cabbage Spring Rolls at The Black Rose |
North End
The North End (famous for Italian eateries) is a short walk from downtown. I haven’t done a ton of exploring here yet, but can recommend these two spots:
- Mike’s Pastry (300 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113) for cannoli. This place was recommended to me by more than one person on my first visit to Boston, and the cannoli did not disappoint! Note that it is cash only.
- Regina Pizzeria (11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113) for pizza. I know there’s a debate to this, but some would say Regina’s is the best pizza in Boston. I haven’t tried any others, but I can attest that Regina’s makes a pretty dang good pie.
Some of the cannoli selection at Mike’s Pastry in the North End |
Out of the Area Recommendations
As I said, I don’t get outside of downtown much, but there are a few places that I have tried that are definitely worth recommending.
- The Friendly Toast (1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139) near MIT for a funky brunch. Holy cow, the Smoked Salmon Benny (eggs benedict) here was so good that it still haunts my dreams. They also have a great selection of hot teas. It gets busy on the weekends, so be prepared to wait.
- Almost as iconic as Boston itself is Fenway Park and the famed Green Monster. If you have an opportunity to catch a Red Sox game at Fenway, you will never forget the experience. I have been to many baseball games in my day, and I have never seen fans more into it, and packing the house as much, on a random Tuesday. The park is so full of history, and the game experience is so full of tradition.
Iconic and historic Fenway Park |
Cod and Clams at the EMC Club restaurant in Fenway Park. Yes, that is bacon. And yes, it was glorious. |
I am sure I will be sharing more about Boston in the future as I find more great spots, and when I finally get to venture outside of the downtown area a bit more. Do you have any recommendations for places I need to try next time I am there? If so, comment below or hit @fabeveryday up on social media!
Lobster (lobstah) Roll at Phillips Seafood Express at Boston Logan airport |
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