Where in Boston are you staying, and are you looking for fine dining, bar food, or somewhere in-between? There are lots of places I wouldn't consider touristy--just stay away from Cheers, for instance, and most of the restaurants in the Faneuil Hall area :)
I know you said not touristy, but if you have a chance, go to Pizzeria Regina in the North End. Best pizza in the city, good mix of tourists and locals. Make a stop at Mike's Pastries or Cafe Vittoria too. Take a walk around the North End - it's the Italian section of town.
Oooh... I love Silvertone and Pizzeria Regina, too! Also good bar/food - Jacob Wirth. It's actually a historic bar, but I've never found it to be "touristy."
I have also found you can't go wrong in Harvard Square. There are tons of choices, but my absolute favorites are the Border Cafe and Fire + Ice (one of those mongolian grill things - I had never been to one before, so it may be why I love it so). The Border cafe is a bit noisy but it has huge margaritas and blends tex mex with southern comfort food, so its always interesting. Plus did I mention the margaritas are huge?
Harvard Square is a big shopping area (lots of fun, cute stores that boasts a lot of suburban/urban tastes) and the subway runs through it so its accessable to any without a car.
I would put in a third vote for Silvertone--awesome cocktails, awesome mac 'n' cheese. It's right near the Park Street station. If you head into Cambridge, Christopher's in Porter Square (one stop past Harvard) has nachos to die for (try the "yuppie" nachos with guac and goat cheese) and a wide beer selection. Grendel's Den in Harvard Square has half-price food with a drink purchase 5-7:30--yum on the cheap!
Definitely second Fire + Ice and the North End! The North End also has a great improv place, the Improv Asylum, if you're looking for dinner & a show.
I went to school in Boston and one of our favorite bars was the Sunset. They have two locations: Sunset Cantina (across from the BU Agganis Arena) and the Sunset Grill & Tap (further down the B line, a little harder to find). Both places have great food and a Huge selection of liquor! The Cantina specializes in tequila/margaritas, and the Grill & Tap has a book of beers to choose from.
hello boston bees!
i am going to boston for a *gasp* non wedding related weekend and i want to know good local restaurants & bars that aren't "touristy"
any suggestions?
thanks!
posted by virginia 66 posts 4 months agoWhere in Boston are you staying, and are you looking for fine dining, bar food, or somewhere in-between? There are lots of places I wouldn't consider touristy--just stay away from Cheers, for instance, and most of the restaurants in the Faneuil Hall area :)
posted by Smithie71 31 posts 4 months agobar food & in between is what we had in mind. i think we're staying in the middle of the city so we don't have to drive a lot? i wish i knew excatly.
posted by virginia 66 posts 4 months agoIf you are in the city, you might try Silvertone for good bar food. They have a lot of comfort foods - their mac & cheese is delish!
http://silvertonedowntown.com/home.html
I know you said not touristy, but if you have a chance, go to Pizzeria Regina in the North End. Best pizza in the city, good mix of tourists and locals. Make a stop at Mike's Pastries or Cafe Vittoria too. Take a walk around the North End - it's the Italian section of town.
Have fun!
posted by futuremrslerman 28 posts 4 months agoOooh... I love Silvertone and Pizzeria Regina, too! Also good bar/food - Jacob Wirth. It's actually a historic bar, but I've never found it to be "touristy."
posted by toucan 79 posts 4 months agoThe north end = a must for boston food.
I have also found you can't go wrong in Harvard Square. There are tons of choices, but my absolute favorites are the Border Cafe and Fire + Ice (one of those mongolian grill things - I had never been to one before, so it may be why I love it so). The Border cafe is a bit noisy but it has huge margaritas and blends tex mex with southern comfort food, so its always interesting. Plus did I mention the margaritas are huge?
Harvard Square is a big shopping area (lots of fun, cute stores that boasts a lot of suburban/urban tastes) and the subway runs through it so its accessable to any without a car.
posted by finbladez 34 posts 4 months agoI would put in a third vote for Silvertone--awesome cocktails, awesome mac 'n' cheese. It's right near the Park Street station. If you head into Cambridge, Christopher's in Porter Square (one stop past Harvard) has nachos to die for (try the "yuppie" nachos with guac and goat cheese) and a wide beer selection. Grendel's Den in Harvard Square has half-price food with a drink purchase 5-7:30--yum on the cheap!
posted by Smithie71 31 posts 4 months agommmm...silvertone mac and cheese.... so. amazingly. good.
posted by corn 152 posts 4 months agoDefinitely second Fire + Ice and the North End! The North End also has a great improv place, the Improv Asylum, if you're looking for dinner & a show.
I went to school in Boston and one of our favorite bars was the Sunset. They have two locations: Sunset Cantina (across from the BU Agganis Arena) and the Sunset Grill & Tap (further down the B line, a little harder to find). Both places have great food and a Huge selection of liquor! The Cantina specializes in tequila/margaritas, and the Grill & Tap has a book of beers to choose from.
Have fun!!!
posted by Trebuchet 48 posts 3 months ago