Dining Guide to
Bostonwhere the locals eat
Boston’s food scene offers much more than lobster rolls and clam chowder (though they are delicious). We created a comprehensive list of some of the best Boston has to offer, from authentic Italian, to upscale pub fare, to innovative Spanish tapas. Enjoy!
Created for the NABE/NCBP/NCBF Annual Meetings August 5-9, 2014
Recommendations from the Boston Bar Association WHERE TO GO
From the Back Bay to the North End, Boston’s dining scene has something for everyone.
WHAT TO ORDER The Boston Bar Association’s 11,000 members have tried content nearly every dish in this city. WHAT TO DO Bon appetit! Look for suggestions on things to see and do in the different neighborhoods of Boston. Want to go for a run? We’ve got you covered.
PAGE 4 Back Bay PAGE 25 Classics PAGE 31 Culture
PAGE 8 Beacon Hill PAGE 26 Fresh Air PAGE 32 Live Entertainment
PAGE 12 Downtown & Seaport PAGE 27 Sights PAGE 33 History
PAGE 16 North End PAGE 28 Shopping PAGE 34 Back Bay Hotspots
PAGE 20 South End PAGE 29 Tours PAGE 35 Irish Pubs
PAGE 24 Around Town PAGE 30 Breweries
2 welcome Getting Around
oston, nicknamed “America’s BWalking City,” is composed of 23 diverse neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics and tradi- tions. To make it easy for our guests, we’ve focused our Dining Guide on five areas: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Downtown & Seaport, South FROM THE UMBRELLA- End, and North End. We hope SHADED SIDEWALK PATIOS OF you enjoy our suggestions, TRENDY NEWBURY STREET TO THE but keep in mind there ITALIAN-AMERICAN TRATTORIAS OF are many other areas to THE NORTH END TO THE BEER-FUELED explore, so if you are feel- STUDENT HAUNTS OF ALLSTON- ing adventurous, go for it! BRIGHTON AND THE DIM SUM PALACES OF CHINATOWN, BOSTON IS NOW A CITY OF GREAT DINING.
--Matt Schaffer, Epicurious
3 Back Bay Accessible by: GREEN LINE are here; the finish line of the Bos- ORANGE LINE ton Marathon is also located here. ith a median age of 32 and ack Bay is named for exactly Wnearly 90% of the popula- Bwhat it was before the 19th cen- tion holding a bachelor’s degree tury “land-making” project: a large or higher, Back Bay is largely young body of water that, when filled with and professional, which somewhat dirt and gravel, added 450 acres explains the success of restau- of land to the city. It’s now trans- rants and retailers along Newbury, formed to an upscale commercial Boylston, and Huntington Streets. district lined bordered by resi- You’re in the neighborhood already, dential streets of classic Victorian so there aren’t many excuses not brownstone houses. The Boston to take a quick stroll down these Public Library, Hatch Shell concert streets and discover some hidden venue, and John Hancock Tower gems.
4 JACK CLYMER, NIXON PEABODY LLP
f Continental cuisine with a tilt toward Italian is your goal, Sorellina is Ithe place. The food is wonderful - imaginative without being undeci- pherable, - the service is impeccable, and the restaurant is simple, elegant and feels private and moderately quiet; an excellent choice for a special evening. 1 Huntington Ave. • Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 412-4600 Cuisine: Italian • Open for: Dinner • Entrees: $15-35
PAUL CUSHING, PARTNERS HEALTHCARE
or a warm summer night, Tapeo Restaurant and Tapas Bar on Newbury FStreet is the perfect spot to relax with some Sangria and a wide variety of tapas offerings. It is always a nice crowd and the bustle of Newbury Street makes it a fun, lively place.
266 Newbury St. • Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 267-4799 Cuisine: Tapas • Open for: Dinner • Tapas: $8-12, Shared plates: $30-60 Vegetarian options available
RACHNA MATHUR, ERNST & YOUNG LLP Back Bay Back he service at Basho is wonderful and their specialty sushi rolls and spicy Tedamame are delicious! It’s priced well and they have Paint Nights on Wednesday and are starting Trivia Nights on Sundays. It’s a great place to go casually with friends or with someone special. Next time you’re in Fen- way, you have to try it out! 329 Columbus Ave. • Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 536-2632 Cuisine: Japanese • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $15-25
TONY FROIO, ROBINS, KAPLAN, MILLER, & CIRESI LLP
ood, view and service at the Top of the Hub are really terrific and truly Funique. I have never had a bad lunch or dinner there, and any visitor to Boston has to experience the terrific views of Boston, Cambridge and the Charles River. 800 Boylston St. • Boston, MA 02199 • (617) 536-1775 Cuisine: American • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $30-50
HILARY VAUGHT, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
a Voile is a small French brasserie with a good wine list and fresh, deli- Lcious food. 261 Newbury St. . • Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 587-4200 Cuisine: French • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $30-60
5 back bay
ABE & LOUIE’S
793 Boylston St. “A WIDE VARIETY OF MEALS AND Boston, MA 02116 APPETIZERS, TERRIFIC FOOD (617) 536-6300 AND ATMOSPHERE - AND THE SERVICE IS VERY GOOD AND Cuisine: Continental PROFESSIONAL. GIVES A VERY Open for: Dinner GOOD FEEL OF BOSTON AND ITS Entrees: $25-50 CULTURE. IT IS ALSO A PLACE THAT IS FREQUENTED BY CELEBRITIES.” -TONY A. FROIO; ROBINS, KAPLAN, MILLER & CIRESI L.L.P.
FLOUR
THIS CAFE BOASTS STICKY BUNS 131 Clarendon St. THAT BEAT IRON CHEF BOBBY Boston, MA 02116 FLAY’S ON IRON CHEF AMERICA. (617) 437-7700 DON’T MISS OUT!
Cuisine: American NOTE: GLUTEN FREE & VEGETARIAN Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, OPTIONS AVAILABLE Dinner Entrees: $8-15
DILLON’S RESTAURANT AND BAR
955 Boylston St. DILLON’S IS HOUSED IN AN 1887 Boston, MA 02115 POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND ALSO (617) 421-1818 BOASTS ONE OF THE BEST PATI- OS ON BOYLSTON STREET. GREAT Cuisine: American FOR CASUAL DINNER OR BRUNCH. Open for: Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch Entrees: $10-$15
6 back bay
DOUZO
131 Dartmouth St. IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO EAT Boston, MA 02116 SOMEWHERE BOTH BEAUTIFUL (617) 859-8886 AND DELICIOUS, THIS IS IT: THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS MODERN, Cuisine: Japanese SLEEK, AND DRAMATIC, AND Open for: Lunch, Dinner DOUZO’S TANTALIZING MENU Entrees: $15-30 INCLUDES DISHES LIKE MONKFISH PATE AND BLACK COD MISOYAKI.
TICO
222 Berkeley St. VIBRANT HOT SPOT WHERE LAT- Boston, MA 02116 IN AMERICAN-INSPIRED SMALL (617) 351-0400 PLATES ARE PREPPED IN AN OPEN KITCHEN. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE Cuisine: Latin American THE VARIOUS TACOS, CEVICHE, IN- Open for: Lunch, Dinner, Sun- NOVATIVE COCKTAILS AND FULL day Brunch MENU OF TEQUILAS. Entrees: $15-28
MET BACK BAY
279 Dartmouth St. SNAZZY LOCAL CHAIN OF UP- Boston, MA 02116 SCALE STEAKHOUSES, ALSO (617) 267-0451 KNOWN FOR ITS GOURMET BURG- ERS AND WEEKEND BRUNCH. Cuisine: American Open for: Lunch, Dinner; Weekend Brunch Entrees: $20-40
7 Beacon Hill Accessible by: RED LINE “Boston Brahmins” it has also since GREEN LINE been home to authors Louisa May Alcott, Robert Frost, and Sylvia verything from restaurants to Plath as well as political figures Ted the state government to the E Kennedy, John Kerry, and U.S. Su- Massachusetts General Hospital is preme Court Justice Oliver Wendell barely a hop, skip, and a jump away Holmes Jr. for Beacon Hill’s 10,000 residents. ave for Charles and Cambridge Beacon Hill is officially a historic Streets, Beacon Hill is predomi- district, one-half square mile into S nantly for living and enjoying. which is packed the Massachusetts Head this direction to experience a State House, beautiful residential quaint, charming village steeped in areas, and antique shops. Once historical significance. home to the discreetly upperclass
8 PHOTO BY: DONNA DEBORAH MANUS, NUTTER, MCCLENNEN, & FISH LLP ’d send any visitor from out of town to dine on Charles Street because IBeacon Hill provides a wonderful window into Boston’s rich history. Try Hungry I for a quaint French meal. 71 1/2 Charles St. • Boston, MA 02114 • (617) 227-3524 Cuisine: French • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $25-35
GALEN BYRNE, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
he Paramount is a very popular breakfast and brunch spot that’s known Tfor its banana and caramel French toast. Get there early or you’ll be waiting in line in the sun--the line usually goes out the door, and they don’t take reservations! 44 Charles St. • Boston, MA 02114 • (617) 720-1152 Cuisine: American • Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $8-25
SONIA SHAH, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION Hill Beacon
stumbled into Artu’s for the first time over a decade ago looking for a I good restaurant in the North End and it has been my go-to ever since. Their eggplant parmesan is amazing! 89 Charles St. • Boston, MA 02114 • (617) 227-9023 Cuisine: Italian • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $15-25
JOHNATHAN SCHREIBER, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
f you’re in Beacon Hill, celebrity chef Lydia Shire’s Scampo, located inside Ithe Liberty Hotel, offers a hip and creative twist on traditional Italian food with hints of middle and far east influences. I recommend tacking on a few extra minutes to your meal to explore the hotel, formerly home to one of the most notorious jails in Boston, which was meticulously restored to maintain many of its original features including jail cells in the base- ment lounge, Clink. Everything I’ve tried at Scampo was impressive, but a meal here without a side order of their Duck Fat Fries would be downright criminal. 215 Charles St. • Boston, MA 02114 • (617) 536-2100 Cuisine: Italian • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $25-45 Note: Gluten-free options
KATIE D’ANGELO, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
s its name suggests, Tip Tap Room is famous for its beer and meat tips. AIt’s a great place to grab a beer or enjoy a casual dinner. If you’re a fan of craft beer, be sure to check out the extensive beer list. While I’d recom- mend the steak tips, Tip Tap Room also serves ostrich and antelope for more adventurous eaters. 138 Cambridge St. • Boston, MA 02114 • (857) 350-3344 Cuisine: American • Open for: Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch • Entrees: $15-30 9 beacon hill
75 CHESTNUT
329 Columbus Ave. 75 CHESTNUT’S OLD-WORLD Boston, MA 02116 DECOR AND ATMOSPHERE AND (617) 536-2632 ITS SIMPLE RECIPES PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE SPOT FOR A COZY Cuisine: American LUNCH. Open for: Lunch, Dinner Entrees: $11-$30
LALA ROKH
97 Mt. Vernon St. TRADITIONAL PERSIAN CUISINE Boston, MA 02108 SERVED IN A ROMANTIC SPACE (617) 720 -5511 DECORATED WITH VIBRANT TAPESTRIES AND ARTWORK. THE Cuisine: Persian SAFFRON ICE CREAM IS HIGHLY Open for: Lunch, Dinner RECOMMENDED. Entrees: $10-25
SEOUL
156 Cambridge St. THE STONE POT BIBIMBAP IS AS Boston, MA 02114 POPULAR AS IT IS ADDICTING. (617) 421-1818 ALONG WITH TRADITIONAL KORE- AN DISHES, SEOUL ALSO SERVES Cuisine: Korean SUSHI AND OTHER ASIAN FUSION Open for: Lunch, Dinner DISHES TO SATISFY ANY OTHER Entrees: $10-$15 CRAVINGS.
10 beacon hill
TOSCANO
47 Charles St. TOSCANO’S RUSTIC AMBIANCE Boston, MA 02114 AND AUTHENTIC TUSCAN DISHES (617) 723-4090 MAKE IT A POPULAR DESTINATION FOR THOSE SEEKING A NICE NIGHT Cuisine: American OUT. Open for: Lunch, Dinner Entrees: $15-35
FIGS
42 Charles St. A SMALL, GOURMET PIZZERIA Boston, MA 02114 THAT SERVES UNIQUE THIN- (617) 742-3447 CRUST PIES TOPPED WITH FIGS, PROSCIUTTO, CALAMARI, AND Cuisine: Italian MORE. Open for: Lunch, Dinner Entrees: $10-25
FILL-A-BUSTER
142 Bowdoin St. HALF HOLE-IN-THE-WALL GREEK Boston, MA 02108 EATERY, HALF TYPICAL AMERICAN (617) 523-8164 DELI, FILL-A-BUSTER HAS BECOME KNOWN FOR ITS CRISPY, DENSE Cuisine: Greek FALAFEL AND HEARTY MUFFINS. Open for: Breakfast, Lunch (only weekdays) Entrees: $5-10
11 Downtown & Seaport Accessible by: RED LINE cafés, and street vendors. Public tion to make our guide a little more SILVER LINE art and public spaces abound, and concise. Also known as the Inno- BLUE LINE in the summer street performers vation District, Seaport is home to he bustling center of financial entertain visitors with impromptu thriving start-up companies, resi- Tand governmental activity in concerts and exhibitions on City dential high rises, and restaurants Boston, Downtown also contains Hall Plaza. with spectacular views of Boston the walkable shopping district of hough a neighborhood in its Harbor. Downtown Crossing, which con- Town right, we’ve also included ith so many great restaurants tains quite a few department stores, Boston’s new bustling Seaport Dis- Wand such enlivening activity, trict as part of our Downdown Sec- there’s every reason to check it out. 12 NAVJEET BAL, NIXON PEABODY
’d recommend Sam’s on the waterfront - great views of the harbor; great Ifood and cocktails. 60 Northern Ave. • Boston, MA 02110 • (617) 295-0191 Cuisine: American • Open for: Lunch, Dinner. Weekend Brunch • Entrees: $20-35
JULIA HUSTON, FOLEY HOAG LLP
y favorite restaurant is Legal Harborside, which is near my office in Mthe Seaport District. It has a wonderful, open-air feeling with plenty of seating on the dock by the water. The food is authentic, well-prepared and never disappoints me. Try the white clam pizza appetizer – it sounds awful, but is really great! Waterfront & Downtown
270 Northern Ave. • Boston, MA 02210 • (617) 523-8567 Cuisine: Seafood • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $25-45
MARIA A. DORNEY, CITY OF CAMBRIDGE SOLICITOR’S DE- PARTMENT
he Oceanaire: the food and service are excellent, they take care of you Tin a unique way, and I think is the best seafood in Boston. It’s a special place to me because I have spent casual meals, birthdays, graduations, an- niversaries and New Year’s Eve there, and I always find it enjoyable! Get the shrimp cocktail, seafood mixed grilled, baked Alaska, and a mojito....yum yum! 40 Court St. • Boston, MA 02108 • (617) 742-2277 Cuisine: Seafood • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $35-55
E. ABIM THOMAS, GOODWIN PROCTER LLP
hether you know it by its old name, Houston’s, or its new name, Hill- Wstone, the dark cozy restaurant tucked under 60 State Street at the entrance to Faneuil Hall remains one of my favorite places to eat. Regard- less of your taste, you can always find something there that you like. The spinach and artichoke dip and the kale salad are not to be missed. The service is outstanding and they finally take reservations! 60 State St. • Boston, MA 02109 • (617) 573-9777 Cuisine: American • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $20-35
SARA JANE SHANAHAN, SHERIN AND LODGEN LLLP
t Les Zygomates, the French food is wonderful, the wine list is interest- Aing, and the waiters are enthusiastic about recommending a glass of wine for your dinner or dessert. In the evening, they often have live music. It has been my favorite sport for a night out for nearly 17 years. 129 South St. • Boston, MA 02111 • (617) 542-5108 Cuisine: French • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $15-35 13 downtown
FALAFEL KING
48 Winter St. A STAFF FAVORITE FOR LUNCH, Boston, MA 02108 THE “KING” SERVES UP FRESH, (617) 338-8355 TASTY WRAPS, SALADS, AND PLATES; EACH ORDER COMES Cuisine: Mediterranian WITH FALAFEL AND HUMMUS. Open for: Lunch Entrees: $8-10 NOTE: VEGETARIAN OPTIONS
TRADE
540 Atlantic Ave. TRADE’S MENU IS GLOBALLY Boston, MA 02210 INSPIRED; ITS SMALL PLATES (617) 451-1234 ARE PARTICULARLY DISTINCTIVE AND TASTY. FOR A MORE FILLING Cuisine: Eclectic MEAL, THERE ARE BIG PLATES AND Open for: Dinner CHEWY, CRUSTY FLATBREADS. Entrees: $25-$50
TAVERN ROAD
222 Berkeley St. MORE UPSCALE THAN YOU MIGHT Boston, MA 02116 EXPECT A “TAVERN” TO BE, TAVERN (617) 351-0400 ROAD OFFERS EXCELLENT COCK- TAILS, DELICIOUS FOOD, AND A Cuisine: American HIP, HIGH-ENERGY ATMOSPHERE Open for: Lunch, Dinner Entrees: $15-28
14 downtown
PASTA BEACH
30 Rowes Wharf THE HOT, COAL-FIRED PIZZAS AND Boston, MA 02110 THE WINDOWS OVERLOOKING (617) 439-6900 THE WATERFRONT MAKE PASTA BEACH AN ANCHOR IN SEAPORT Cuisine: Italian RESTAURANT. PATIO SEATING IS Open for: Lunch, Dinner ALSO AVAILABLE. Entrees: $15-30
SAM LA GRASSA’S
44 Province St. A WORLD-FAMOUS SANDWICH Boston, MA 02108 SHOP THAT HAS BEEN FAMILY- (617) 357-6861 OWNED FOR HALF A CENTURY. SAM LA GRASSA’S MOST POPULAR Cuisine: Deli SANDWICHES INCLUDE THE Open for: Lunch (only week- BBQ PASTRAMI MELT AND THE days) CHIPOTLE PASTRAMI. Entrees: $10-15
MARLIAVE
10 Bosworth St. DON’T MISS THE HALF-PRICE Boston, MA 02108 OYSTERS AND CLAMS, 4-6 PM (617) 422-0004 AND 9-10 PM EVERY DAY!
Cuisine: French Open for: Lunch, Dinner Entrees: $20-35
15 North End
Accessible by: ORANGE LINE topher Columbus Waterfront Park. GREEN LINE This small, dense neighborhood is full of historic sites, public art, gela- or the greater part of the 19th terias, cafes, and eateries. Fand 20th centuries, the North hile visiting, be aware that End was home to many Irish, Jew- Wmany of the restaurants and ish, and Italian immigrants who lat- bakeries in the North End are cash er settled down in large numbers to only and some do not take reser- give the neighborhood its Europe- vations. But the wide array of au- an-American village feel. Now, the thentic Italian food and the good narrow streets are often crowded company of everyone else explor- with locals and visitors, either head- ing the North End will make the trip ing for the famous Mike’s Pastry or worthwhile. following the Freedom Trail toward the Paul Revere Statue in the Chris-
16 LAURA M. UNFLAT, LAW OFFICES OF LAURA M. UNFLAT
y go-to restaurant is Maurizio’s – an intimate, casual place serving au- Mthentic Sardinian food (and a downstairs which also accommodates larger parties). 364 Hanover St. • Boston, MA 02113 • (617) 367-1123 Cuisine: Italian • Open for: Dinner • Entrees: $20-30
MARGARET DEMOURA, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
olce Vita Ristorante located in the heart of the North End offers de- Dlicious, traditional Italian dishes, specializing in their authentic pasta and seafood entrees. The owner, Franco, treats each table like family and the wait staff is extremely accommodating. The menu offers a wide range of options and there is an extensive list of imported Italian red wines. Rea- sonable pricing and reservations available.
221 Hanover St. • Boston, MA 02113 • 617-720-0422
Cuisine: Italian • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $20-35 End North
GABRIELLE GUARRACINO, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION f you’re looking for a classic New England hot buttered lobster roll that Iwill change your life, Neptune Lobster is absolutely the place to go. 63 Salem St. • Boston, MA 02113 • (617) 742-3474 Cuisine: Seafood • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $20-35
IAN MITNICK, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
n nice days Villa Francesca opens its large windows, which is perfect Ofor people watching and enjoying a summer evening. The service is very accommodating and the prices are moderate (for the North End). I would recommend their seafood appetizers like the calamari; their limon- cello, ice cream, and Italian desserts are all exceptional. 150 Richmond St. • Boston, MA 02109 • (617) 367-2948 Cuisine: Italian • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $15-35
RICH PAGE, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
a Summa is a low-key, intimate little restaurant located off the beaten Lpath in the North End. We always start with an order of arancini; all the pasta is fresh, with the fusili, gnocchi and tagliatelle being particular favorites.
30 Fleet St. • Boston, MA 02113 • (617) 523-9503 Cuisine: Italian • Open for: Dinner • Entrees: $15-25
17 north end
MARE
135 Richmond St. A RELATIVELY NEW OYSTER Boston, MA 02113 BAR WITH FLOOR-TO-CEILING (617) 723-6273 WINDOWS. IT’S OFTEN CROWDED DUE TO ITS POPULARITY, BUT THE Cuisine: Seafood FRESH, SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD Open for: Dinner ENTREES ARE SURE TO PLEASE. Entrees: $20-35
MAMMA MARIA’S
3 N Square FOR A FANCIER EXPERIENCE, YOU Boston, MA 02113 CAN’T GO WRONG WITH MAMMA (617) 523-0077 MARIA’S. NORTHERN ITALIAN AT ITS BEST. Cuisine: Italian Open for: Dinner Entrees: $25-40
QUATTRO
264 Hanover St. A MODERN ITALIAN RESTAURANT Boston, MA 02113 FEATURING MARBLE TABLETOPS, (617) 720-0444 A ROTISSERIE OVEN IN THE BACK WALL, AND DELICIOUS HOUSE- Cuisine: Italian MADE PASTAS. Open for: Lunch, Dinner Entrees: $15-25
18 north end
ANTICO FORNO
93 Salem St. ACCORDING TO THE BOSTON Boston, MA 02113 GLOBE, “IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A (617) 723-6733 FANCY-SCHMANCY, WHITE LINEN TABLECLOTH RESTAURANT WITH Cuisine: Italian NOUVEAU ITALIAN FOOD AND Open for: Lunch, Dinner QUIET DINNER CONVERSATIONS, Entrees: $15-25 GO ELSEWHERE. OTHERWISE, ANTICO FORNO IS A GREAT NORTH END SPOT-- AFFORDABLE, DELICIOUS, AND VOID OF ANY PRETENTIOUSNESS.”
AL DENTE
109 Salem St #1. ORDERS CAN SOMETIMES TAKE A Boston, MA 02113 WHILE TO COME OUT: ALL PASTA (617) 523-0990 IS COOKED TO ORDER, BUT WELL WORTH THE WAIT.
Cuisine: Italian NOTE: GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS Open for: Lunch, Dinner Entrees: $15-25
LUCCA
226 Hanover St. GREAT FOOD AND A LIVELY AT- Boston, MA 02113 MOSPHERE & BAR SCENE. OR 116 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 742-9200
Cuisine: Italian Open for: Dinner Entrees: $25-35
19 South End
Accessible by: ORANGE LINE ative spirit that permeates much of the neighborhood; the presence of rendy restaurants, diverse Boston College, the Boston Center neighbors, and a vibrant arts T for the Arts, and the Boston Ballet scene: you could do worse than don’t hurt either. spending an afternoon or evening he restaurant choices are just as in the South End’s dynamic neigh- diverse as the South End’s resi- borhood. There are restaurants, T dents, and most of them are deli- boutiques, and shops galore here, cious. To help you narrow the field, and the neighborhood itself was we’ve provided some suggestions designed by Charles Bulfinch, who here, but further exploration of this also designed the State House, Bos- energetic neighborhood may yield ton Common, and the Massachu- some discoveries of your own. setts General Hospital. The SoWa (South of Washington) district con- tains delightful art galleries and studios that contribute to the cre- 20 ERICA SOUTHERLAND, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION ot all the best Italian food is confined to the North End. The South End Nlocation of the North End staple Giacomo’s offers up the same out- standing homemade and handcrafted Italian food that people will stand in line around the block for—except at the Columbus Avenue location you can make a reservation! 431 Columbus Ave. • Boston, MA 02118 • (617) 536-5723 Cuisine: Italian • Open for: Lunch, Dinner • Entrees: $15-20
MEGAN LEPPERT, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
amersley’s Bistro is a chic, elegant bistro serving up creative French Hfood and wine. Seasonal and local cuisine in a refined atmostphere. 553 Tremont St. • Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 423-2700 Cuisine: French • Open for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch • Entrees: $25-45
SOLANA GOSS, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION End South
he Beehive is a bohemian eatery known for creative food, daily live mu- Tsic, and eclectic atmosphere. Lauded by many for having the best lo- cal, national and international jazz performances, this is a must see for jazz fans who enjoy contemporary American dining. Check out their Beehive Honey Brew on tap – a local brew exclusive to this restaurant. Reservations recommended, but there is plenty of seating at the bar, the dining room, near the performance area, and the patio.
553 Tremont St. • Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 423-2700 Cuisine: French • Open for: Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch • Entrees: $25-45 ERIC FULLERTON, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
he Gallows is quintessential South End. At this trendy, yet neighbor- Thood gastropub, enjoy delicious craft cocktails courtesy of some of the city’s most inventive bartenders and nosh on seasonal small plates with ingredients sourced from local farms. For heartier fare, try their creative take on poutine, sample boards featuring house cured meats and seafood, or burgers often lauded as Boston’s best. 1395 Washington St. • Boston, MA 02118 • (617) 425-0200 Cuisine: American • Open for: Lunch & Dinner (Th-Sat), Dinner (Sun-Wed)• Entrees: $15-30
JACKIE QUERUBIN, BOSTON BAR ASSOCIATION
aslight Brasserie du Coin is a trendy restaurant that offers delicious GFrench cuisine. The steak frites are must have! Gaslight is famous for them. Top your dinner off with the crème brulee – it’s classic.
560 Harrison Ave. • Boston, MA 02118 • (617) 422-0224 Cuisine: French • Open for: Dinner, Weekend Brunch • Entrees: $20-30
21 south end
MASA
439 Tremont St. A SOUTHWESTERN BAR AND Boston, MA 02118 GRILL FEATURING UNIQUE AND (617) 338-8884 FUN TAPAS AND A FANTASTIC BRUNCH SPECIAL. Cuisine: Spanish Open for: Dinner Entrees: $20-35
METROPOLIS CAFE
584 Tremont St A COZY AND CASUAL EATERY Boston, MA 02118 OVERLOOKING THE BUSTLING (617) 247-2931 TREMONT STREET OF BOSTON’S HISTORIC SOUTH END. Cuisine: Mediterranian Open for: Dinner Entrees: $17-27
MELA
578 Tremont St. THE TRENDY SOUTH END’S FIRST Boston, MA 02118 INDIAN BISTRO FEATURING BOS- (617) 859-4805 TON’S ONLY DO-IT-YOURSELF HOT STONE COOKING. Cuisine: Indian Open for: Lunch, Dinner Entrees: $10-20
22 south end
TORO
1704 Washington St TORO IS A BARCELONA-STYLE Boston, MA 02118 TAPAS RESTAURANT SERVING (617) 536-4300 TRADITIONAL AND MODERN SPANISH-STYLE SMALL PLATES Cuisine: Tapas MADE WITH LOCALLY SOURCED Open for: Lunch, Dinner. Sun- AND SUSTAINABLE INGREDIENTS. day Brunch Entrees: $15-25
COPPA
253 Shawmut Ave MEMORABLE ITALIAN RECIPES Boston, MA 02118 DESIGNED BY ACCLAIMED CHEFS (617) 391-0902 KEN ORRINGER AND JAMIE BISSONETTE. COPPA’S DESSERTS Cuisine: Italian ARE EQUALLY OUTSTANDING Open for: Lunch, Dinner, Sun- (RICOTTA GELATO, OLIVE OIL day Brunch CAKE, PEACH GALETTE, TO NAME Entrees: $15-25 A FEW).
FRANKLIN CAFE
278 Shawmut Ave. THIS NEIGHBORHOOD HOTSPOT’S Boston, MA 02118 STEAK FRITES ARE WIDELY AND (617) 350-0010 ENTHUSIASTICALLY PRAISED. IT’S ALSO OPEN LATE, MAKING IT A Cuisine: American FAVORITE PLACE FOR LOCALS TO Open for: Dinner UNWIND. Entrees: $10-25 NOTE: GLUTEN-FREE AND VEG- ETARIAN OPTIONS
23 oston is the ultimate combination of old and Bnew. Explore a diverse city with a rich history and timeless architecture that embraces technol- Around ogy, research, and innovation.
hile many guests will be interested in Bos- Wton’s old standbys like Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail, we’ve provided a few other options Town for you to explore if you have a spare moment. 24 classic
FENWAY PARK
4 Yawkey Way Boston, MA 02215
(877) 733-7699
Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ ballpark/index.jsp
FREEDOM TRAIL
Begin in the Boston Common, which is bound By Tremont, Bea- con, Charles, Park & Boylston Streets
www.thefreedomtrail.org
FANEUIL HALL
1 Faneuil Hall Square Boston, MA 02109
(617) 635-3105
Hours: 10 AM - 9 PM
www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
25 fresh air
THE ESPLANADE
Storrow Dr. Boston, MA 02116
MARLBOROUGH STREET
Marlborough St. Boston, MA 02116
BOSTON PUBLIC GARDEN
69 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02108 (617) 635-4505
26 sights
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 700 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-5400
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 9 PM; Friday-Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM; Sunday 1 PM - 5 PM
www.bpl.org
The Sargent Gallery, inside the Bos- ton Public Library, showcases John Singer Sargent’s Triumph of Reli- gion mural series. www.sargentmurals.bpl.org/ TRINITY CHURCH
206 Clarendon St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-0944
Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM
www.trinityinspires.org
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
465 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-9300
Hours: 10 AM - 4:45 PM
www.mfa.org
27 shopping
NEWBURY STREET Newbury St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-2224
Hours: Vary by vendor
www.newburystreetleague.org
SUMMER STREET MARKETS 125 Summer St. Boston, MA 02116
Hours: Wednesday and Friday, 11 AM - 6 PM
Catch live concerts by Berklee Col- lege of Music students from 12-2 PM.
CHARLES STREET
Charles St. Boston, MA 02114
Hours: Vary by vendor
Browse the wealth of independent- ly owned antique shops and bou- tiques on this charming Beacon Hill street.
28 tours
DUCK TOURS Multiple Locations
(617) 267-3825 Call for tour times and reservations.
www.ridetheducks.com/boston
GHOST TOURS (617) 908-8230 Call to make reservations.
Hours: 7-9 PM, every half hour
www.ghostsandgravestones.com/ boston
BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL
Start at Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial, Beacon and Park Streets (Boston Common)
(617) 725-0022
www.afroammuseum.org/trail.htm
29 breweries
SAMUEL ADAMS BREWERY 30 Germania St. Boston, MA 02130
(617) 368-5080
Hours: 10 AM - 3 PM
www.samueladams.com
HARPOON BREWERY 306 Northern Ave. Boston, MA 02210
(617) 456-2322
Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM (Beer Hall); Tours from 12 PM - 5 PM
www.harpoonbrewery.com
TRILLIUM
369 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210
(617) 453-8745
Hours: 4 PM - 7:30 PM; 12 PM - 7:30 PM Fridays
www.trilliumbrewing.com
30 culture
INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART 100 Northern Ave. Boston, MA 02210
(617) 478-3100
Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM; 10 AM - 9 PM Thursday and Friday
www.icaboston.org
JFK LIBRARY Columbia Point Boston, MA 02125
(617) 514-1600
Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
www.jfklibrary.org
BOSTON TEA PARTY MUSEUM
306 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210
(617) 338-1773
Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
www.bostonteapartyship.com
31 live entertainment
HOUSE OF BLUES 15 Lansdowne Street Boston,MA 02215
(888) 693-2583
Hours: Contact for showtimes.
www.houseofblues.com/boston
WILBUR THEATER 246 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 248-9700
Hours: Contact for showtimes.
www.thewilbur.com
SHAKESPEARE ON THE COMMON
Boston Common Boston, MA 02116
617-426-0863
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday at 8 PM
www.commshakes.org
32 history
NEW ENGLAND HOLOLCAUST MEMORIAL 98 Union Street Boston, MA 02129
617-457-8755
www.nehm.org
OLD NORTH CHURCH 193 Salem St. Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-6676
Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM
www.oldnorth.com
OLD STATE HOUSE
206 Washington St Boston, MA 02109
(617) 720-1713
Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
www.revolutionaryboston.org
33 back bay hotspots
OAK LONG BAR & KITCHEN 138 St James Ave. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 585-7222
Hours: 7 AM - 1 AM
www.oaklongbarkitchen.com
BACK BAY SOCIAL CLUB 867 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02199
(617) 247-3200
Hours: 11:30 AM - 2 PM, 5 PM - 11 PM
www.backbaysocialclub.com
LOLITA COCINA & TEQUILA BAR
271 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 369-5609
Hours: 5 PM - 2 AM
www.lolitatequilabars.com
34 irish pubs
MR. DOOLEY’S 77 Broad St. Boston, MA 02109
(617) 338-5656
Hours: 11:30 AM - 12 AM
www.mrdooleys.com
GREEN DRAGON TAVERN 11 Marshall St. Boston, MA 02108
(617) 367-0055
Hours: 11 AM - 1:30 AM
www.somerspubs.com/green- dragon.html
THE BLACK ROSE
160 State St. Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-2286
Hours: 11 AM - 2 AM
www.blackroseboston.com
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