| Boston has an extremely impressive array of dining and
drinking choices. A city filled with a variety of people, this ethnic
melting pot in New England brings to the table an eclectic selection of
menus. Known for having a high mortality rate among restaurants,
eateries do come and go. But there are also legendary spots that have
been with this city for decades. Seafood is a Boston favorite. So is the
traditional Yankee boiled supper. From authentic to modern, you're bound
to find something to entice your palate.
Drinking is another favorite pastime. Bars and pubs fill up during
the week when the after-work crowd comes out in full force. College
students add to the population of drinking connoisseurs in laid-back
establishments that serve more draft beer than martinis. On almost every
corner of urban Boston you can find a casual pub or a swanky,
retro-style lounge or nightclub. And even though this is a small city,
there is an impressive club scene, you just need to know the right
places.
Waterfront
Seafood rules the dining scene in Boston, enticing visitors with clam
chowder and lobster. Jimmys Restaurant and Anthonys Pier 4 on Northern
Avenue are two popular spots. Legal Sea Foods is the finest seafood
chain around, with a casual atmosphere. Barking Crab has beer and
crabcakes galore, and Daily Catch entices with gourmet specialties from
the sea.
Faneuil Hall
In Faneuil Hall you'll find Yankee suppers, Irish fare, seafood spots
and traditional pubs. Durgin-Park has pot roast and boiled dinners. The
Black Rose is a good spot for a pint of Guinness. Marketplace Cafe has a
little bit of everything and a great view of Faneuil Hall. There are
also food courts and stalls for a quick bite. For a stunning view of the
city you might want to try The Bay Tower Room.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is known for its intimate and romantic places, including The
Hungy I, Todd Englishs famous Figs and Torch.
A cozy atmosphere with innovative menus is what the 'flat on the
hill' offers. There are also cafes and markets with specialty foods you
won't find anywhere else.
North End
This famous neighborhood isn't just where you'll find Paul Reveres home
but also the greatest Italian restaurants around. Hanover Street packs
in popular establishments such as Pomodoro, Mama Marias, Mikes Pastry
and Caffe Vittoria.
Chinatown
Chinatown has eateries that are crowded and ornamental and keep late
hours. Many people leave closing nightclubs on weekends to catch a late
night snack in this district. Chau Chau City, East Ocean City and
Chinatown Eatery have traditional and authentic menus.
Newbury Street
On Newbury Street you can't go wrong with several ethnic restaurants,
endless cafes, and nouvelle establishments. Stephanies of Newbury,
Sonsie Bistro & Cafe and The Capital Grill are swanky spots for the
dining elite.
Davios is prim and proper with great authentic Italian food. Jewel of
Nebury is where you go for Moroccan cuisine, while 29 Newbury and the
Armani Cafe is best for celebrity spotting and chic dining in a intimate
setting. Don't forget L'Espalier, for a truly romantic French restaurant
with all the right ambiance. You'll find this Back Bay Street is always
alive with dining activity.
South End
The South End with its quaint row houses and manicured buildings has
welcomed several new restaurants. Bistros, Vietnamese food, and swanky
dining favorites can all be found in this quiet neighborhood. Pho
Republique has Asian fare and a handsome bar. Mistral is for the
trendsetting scene of the social elite, and Apetito has a quaint setting
and excellent Italian food. Seafood nouvelle is served in the Grillfishs
beautiful dining room.
Cambridge
On the other side of the Charles River, Cambridge has many hidden jewels
that are worth being discovered. Themed restaurants with nouvelle
cuisine and simple diners and cafes run the gamut in this Bohemian
neighborhood. Casablanca is a mecca for Humphrey Bogart fans and Chez
Henri is French cuisine with a South American twist, and more. Upstairs
at the Pudding is known for its amazing rooftop dining floor. The Border
Cafe is the place for margaritas and quesadillas.
Scenery Large and Small
Being the City on the Bay, there are plenty of restaurants known for
spectacular views, among them Top of the Hub, The Bay Tower and the
Spinnaker. For a romantic spot head to Aujourd'hui,L'Espalier or
Ambrosia on Huntington. Parties large and small gather at Brasserie Jo
and The Palm. And to eat at local favorites try The Deluxe Cafe &
Bar, the Other Side Café, and Charleys Eating & Drinking Saloon.
Dining Impressions
When on business or in the mood to dress and impress, theres Mortons and
the Capital Grille, which have wine storage units for regular patrons.
Anago, inside the Lenox Hotel, is small but has a beautiful dining room
and an intimate lounge. Clio run by award winning chef Ken Oringer at
the Eliot Hotel, is another spot for well-heeled diners with discerning
palates. The intimate dining room is filled with zebra prints and lots
of top shelf liquor.
Upscale
There are always places to see and to be seen. These swanky, upscale
hotspots have ingenious menus by well-known chefs, fabulous decor, and
lounges filled with ultra-chic Bostonians. Be prepared to dress to
impress in your best all-black attire. To hang with models, Gucci-laden
internationals and other social elite head to Mistral in the South End
or to Oskars in the Leather District. Or check out Sophias, a
multi-level bistro with a dance floor and rooftop deck.
There are endless choices in Bostons dining establishments. No matter
what your budget you can find something to satisfy your palate. There
are several cheap eats with good food and no lines. Just ask around. As
for well-known establishments, make reservations whenever possible and,
if driving, ask about valet parking. Sometimes the best way to find a
good meal is by exploring on your own. Every neighborhood in Boston has
something unique to offer whether its gourmet or pub grub. Asking a
hotel concierge or tour guide about dining choices is another way to
extract excellent suggestions.
Laura Carlson
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