What should I do while I'm in Boston?
December 26, 2004 4:53 PM Subscribe
I’m going to be in Boston for a few days. I’ve never been before & I want to make the most of it. [MI]
I put together a page of what I want to do here, and I think I have most of the major attractions covered that can reasonably be seen in 3 days time + that are reasonably close to each other. I grouped (or tried to) them by neighborhood.
But, I know I am missing a lot of wonderful places, where the food quality and the prices aren't completely spoiled by tourism.
I'll be with a group of ~8 people, all in their early-mid twenties, and I'd really like to find them some good bars/clubs/shows to go to at night. I'm completely clueless here.
So Bostonians, what's hot?
I put together a page of what I want to do here, and I think I have most of the major attractions covered that can reasonably be seen in 3 days time + that are reasonably close to each other. I grouped (or tried to) them by neighborhood.
But, I know I am missing a lot of wonderful places, where the food quality and the prices aren't completely spoiled by tourism.
I'll be with a group of ~8 people, all in their early-mid twenties, and I'd really like to find them some good bars/clubs/shows to go to at night. I'm completely clueless here.
So Bostonians, what's hot?
Go candlepin bowling for New England flavor. I don't remember the lane I went to in Boston, but Bostonians or Google-fu could tell you.
posted by pedantic at 5:18 PM on December 26, 2004
posted by pedantic at 5:18 PM on December 26, 2004
A few questions answered: unless it's unseasonably warm, skip the Public Garden. All Boston Public Library libraries have free WiFi for cardholders, email me if you'd like to use my card number, I won't need it for a few weeks. The Copley branch which seems like it's the one you're talking about has a great cafe inside and is really pretty if you like fancy old libraries. Duck Tours do suck. If you're in to history and the weather isn't crappy, the Granary Burial Ground is also near Copley and has the burial sites of some really well known American people like Sam Adams and Mother Goose. I find Legal Seafood somewhat overrated and very very busy, though I'm not much of a seafood eater, maybe someone else knows a better more local place. I wouldn't walk to Harvard Square, though you can, but the T goes right there. Good place to hang out, good places to eat, stuff to look at.
The Boston Phoenix is going to be the place to check for shows and good club scenes based on your interests. You can see by this list of what's happening on the night of the 2nd that you'll have a lot of good choices. I'm a big dork and like taking people from out of town to go candlepin bowling [tall narrow pins, small hand-sized bowling balls] because most people from other places just don't have it where they're from.
posted by jessamyn at 5:34 PM on December 26, 2004
The Boston Phoenix is going to be the place to check for shows and good club scenes based on your interests. You can see by this list of what's happening on the night of the 2nd that you'll have a lot of good choices. I'm a big dork and like taking people from out of town to go candlepin bowling [tall narrow pins, small hand-sized bowling balls] because most people from other places just don't have it where they're from.
posted by jessamyn at 5:34 PM on December 26, 2004
the funny thing about the duck tours is that they don't suck...
the entire 6-7 years I lived in boston I thought they did and would not go near one. then a year or two ago, I was visiting and a friend dragged me on one. it was actually quite entertaining. (maybe has to do with the combination of friends and alcohol and getting to drive the boat at one point)
btw the candlepin place in boston near kenmore/fenway is gone. not sure what other ones are in the city. last time I went, we ended up at the one in malden.
posted by dorian at 5:37 PM on December 26, 2004
the entire 6-7 years I lived in boston I thought they did and would not go near one. then a year or two ago, I was visiting and a friend dragged me on one. it was actually quite entertaining. (maybe has to do with the combination of friends and alcohol and getting to drive the boat at one point)
btw the candlepin place in boston near kenmore/fenway is gone. not sure what other ones are in the city. last time I went, we ended up at the one in malden.
posted by dorian at 5:37 PM on December 26, 2004
1. Harvard square = kind of lame, except for seeing Harvard, which is fun. Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage is really good though. Central Square is boring.
2. Instead of the MFA, go to the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum; it is more fun.
3. The Commons and the Gardens are beautiful. I recommend a walk like this: get out at Charles MGH; go to the river; walk down the river until you see a big bridge crossing the Charles; take a left; walk down Newbury Street or Commonwealth Ave.; walk through the gardens and commons; walk up to the state house and through Beacon Hill; get back on the T at Charles MGH.
4. The public library at copley square is a beautiful building and worth seeing.
5. the north end is cool, but not cheap. Rabia's restaurant is good. The union bay oyster house, though somewhat spoiled by tourism, is cool b/c it's so old and you can sit in JFK's favorite booth.
6. south boston is really fun and neat. you should go there.
7. Bostin is really, really small. You will be able to see a lot of it really easily, if you are willilng to walk!
Also, I think the duck tours *are* fun, even if they are a bit expensive; and I think the gardens are worth visiting, since they are very pretty. Get some coffee or cocoa and sit on a bench and watch the geese!
posted by josh at 5:39 PM on December 26, 2004
2. Instead of the MFA, go to the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum; it is more fun.
3. The Commons and the Gardens are beautiful. I recommend a walk like this: get out at Charles MGH; go to the river; walk down the river until you see a big bridge crossing the Charles; take a left; walk down Newbury Street or Commonwealth Ave.; walk through the gardens and commons; walk up to the state house and through Beacon Hill; get back on the T at Charles MGH.
4. The public library at copley square is a beautiful building and worth seeing.
5. the north end is cool, but not cheap. Rabia's restaurant is good. The union bay oyster house, though somewhat spoiled by tourism, is cool b/c it's so old and you can sit in JFK's favorite booth.
6. south boston is really fun and neat. you should go there.
7. Bostin is really, really small. You will be able to see a lot of it really easily, if you are willilng to walk!
Also, I think the duck tours *are* fun, even if they are a bit expensive; and I think the gardens are worth visiting, since they are very pretty. Get some coffee or cocoa and sit on a bench and watch the geese!
posted by josh at 5:39 PM on December 26, 2004
Trattoria Il Panino
11 Parmenter St.
(617) 720-1336
Off of Hanover St. in the North End, Haymarket T Stop on the Orange or Green Line.
Damn good Italian Food.
posted by spaghetti at 5:39 PM on December 26, 2004
11 Parmenter St.
(617) 720-1336
Off of Hanover St. in the North End, Haymarket T Stop on the Orange or Green Line.
Damn good Italian Food.
posted by spaghetti at 5:39 PM on December 26, 2004
Mapparium and the surrounding space and buildings. Some designed by Pei.
posted by anathema at 5:47 PM on December 26, 2004
posted by anathema at 5:47 PM on December 26, 2004
The middle east in cambridge has great food and great music. Check the phoenix. Harvard square is nice to walk around in, but has gotten more and more commercial. You can try Fire & Ice for food. Dali in Davis square in sommerville has excellent Tapas, but get there early.
You can also hit chinatown. Although small, there are some great places to eat in there, and it's a short walk from the common / downtown crossing.
Other fun things to do in boston? Check out the Maparium at the Christian Science Center.. The isabella stuart gardner museum, as well as the museum of fine arts are great.
Nightlife.. Well, the main area is landsdown st. Avalon, Axis, bills bar and Jillians are popular.
There's also The Rack, at Fanueil hall, for some pool, and trendy types.
Take the "T", but remember, it doesn't run all night. I think the last train is 12:40 or so, but check the stations.
Have fun!
posted by quibx at 5:51 PM on December 26, 2004
You can also hit chinatown. Although small, there are some great places to eat in there, and it's a short walk from the common / downtown crossing.
Other fun things to do in boston? Check out the Maparium at the Christian Science Center.. The isabella stuart gardner museum, as well as the museum of fine arts are great.
Nightlife.. Well, the main area is landsdown st. Avalon, Axis, bills bar and Jillians are popular.
There's also The Rack, at Fanueil hall, for some pool, and trendy types.
Take the "T", but remember, it doesn't run all night. I think the last train is 12:40 or so, but check the stations.
Have fun!
posted by quibx at 5:51 PM on December 26, 2004
The Van de Graaf generator at the Museum of Science.
Gotta like 5 megavolts!
posted by eriko at 6:08 PM on December 26, 2004
Gotta like 5 megavolts!
posted by eriko at 6:08 PM on December 26, 2004
2. Instead of the MFA, go to the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum; it is more fun.
It totally is. Go there instead of MFA, unless the MFA has a special show you really want to see.
posted by amberglow at 6:18 PM on December 26, 2004
It totally is. Go there instead of MFA, unless the MFA has a special show you really want to see.
posted by amberglow at 6:18 PM on December 26, 2004
If you have a meal in the North End, walk around to Caffe Vittoria on Hanover St. at #296. Wonderful atmosphere, marble floors, shiny espresso machines; have a coffee drink and a pastry to round out your evening.
posted by Miko at 6:19 PM on December 26, 2004
posted by Miko at 6:19 PM on December 26, 2004
You can use the "T" (MBTA subway) for getting around. Consider one of the visitor passes.
The Daily Catch (323 Hanover Street) is indeed a wonderful restaurant in the North End (as you note). It is small - and there's often quite a wait. If you can't get in ... head a few doors down to Pomodoro (319 Hanover Street) - a great place!
By all means check out the MFA...and as josh suggests - Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum .
For bars/clubs on Sunday (01/02) - Landsdowne Street is one of the happening spots. That evening (as every Sunday night) is Gay Night at Avalon. Other clubs on the street (just behind Fenway Park) are: Embassy, The Modern, Jillian's (three floors - bars - including Tequila Rain, dancing and bowling).
posted by ericb at 6:24 PM on December 26, 2004
The Daily Catch (323 Hanover Street) is indeed a wonderful restaurant in the North End (as you note). It is small - and there's often quite a wait. If you can't get in ... head a few doors down to Pomodoro (319 Hanover Street) - a great place!
By all means check out the MFA...and as josh suggests - Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum .
For bars/clubs on Sunday (01/02) - Landsdowne Street is one of the happening spots. That evening (as every Sunday night) is Gay Night at Avalon. Other clubs on the street (just behind Fenway Park) are: Embassy, The Modern, Jillian's (three floors - bars - including Tequila Rain, dancing and bowling).
posted by ericb at 6:24 PM on December 26, 2004
You might want to consider having dinner at Jasper White's Summer Shack (50 Dalton Street in the Back Bay, across from the Sheraton Hotel and the Hynes Auditorium). Afterwards, head downstairs for drinking and "rock-and-roll" bowling at Kings Bowling Alley.
"If you're looking to don your funkier garb, but still want to feel like you're going out in style, head over to Kings Bowling Alley, an adult fun house...complete with bowling, billiards, and a lounge. The vibe is more casual, but you can still order martinis and dishes like salmon, fondue, and steak. The 16-lane, disco-lit alley pumps in music that's a little less relaxing, but a lot more fun to dance to - especially in bowling shoes. Who knows - maybe the specialty-drink concoctions will help your score. And if you want to make even more of a fashion statement, you can always buy a bowling shirt in the lobby." (from Boston Magazine's Best of Boston)
posted by ericb at 6:38 PM on December 26, 2004
"If you're looking to don your funkier garb, but still want to feel like you're going out in style, head over to Kings Bowling Alley, an adult fun house...complete with bowling, billiards, and a lounge. The vibe is more casual, but you can still order martinis and dishes like salmon, fondue, and steak. The 16-lane, disco-lit alley pumps in music that's a little less relaxing, but a lot more fun to dance to - especially in bowling shoes. Who knows - maybe the specialty-drink concoctions will help your score. And if you want to make even more of a fashion statement, you can always buy a bowling shirt in the lobby." (from Boston Magazine's Best of Boston)
posted by ericb at 6:38 PM on December 26, 2004
If you want a fancy seafood meal, Summer Shack is definitely better than Legal Seafood. And I agree about Kings, although there is something to be said for heading over to Lansdowne Street and letting the evening develop as it will--there are dive bars, dance clubs, billiards and bowling all within a short walk of each other. But if everyone definitely wants bowling, Kings is great.
I am not a huge fan of Pizzeria Regina; there is much more interesting food to be had in the North End. The Daily Catch seats about 20 people, so if you have a group of 12 there's no way you'll be able to eat there.
Trattoria Il Panino has pretty good food and a convivial atmosphere; Carmen has fantastic, though pricey, food, and a neighborhood bistro feel; Trattorina di Scalinatella is an old-school Italian restaurant with good food and service; Antico Forno is one of the best values in the North End; and Mamma Maria's is another old-school place with very good service and a nice atmosphere.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:26 PM on December 26, 2004
I am not a huge fan of Pizzeria Regina; there is much more interesting food to be had in the North End. The Daily Catch seats about 20 people, so if you have a group of 12 there's no way you'll be able to eat there.
Trattoria Il Panino has pretty good food and a convivial atmosphere; Carmen has fantastic, though pricey, food, and a neighborhood bistro feel; Trattorina di Scalinatella is an old-school Italian restaurant with good food and service; Antico Forno is one of the best values in the North End; and Mamma Maria's is another old-school place with very good service and a nice atmosphere.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:26 PM on December 26, 2004
Do go to the Mapparium. It's really something. A trip to the Mapparium followed by a walk down Newbury Street is a very cool Boston experience. There's a great tapas restaurant on Newbury Street called Tapeo (owned by the son of the owner of Dali in Somerville--same great food in a larger and nicer space).
If you can only go to one art museum, it should be the Gardner Museum because it's such an incredible and unique building. The MFA has some wonderful things (don't miss the room full of Buddhas) but it's not all that different from other good museums.
Central Square in Cambridge is far from boring. The Middle East is one of the best music venues on the East Coast. The food there is good (have the pumpkin kibbeh) but if you're going to a show at either the Middle East or T. T. the Bear's, I highly recommend having dinner at the Green Street Grill (the food is MUCH better than that review--a couple of years old--suggests, and on Friday and Saturday nights there's a cool Cuban salsa band playing).
There's also a pretty funky bar called The Enormous Room which has yummy Moroccan appetizers and a bunch of cool twenty-somethings hanging out. Don't forget to have ice cream at Toscanini's.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:44 PM on December 26, 2004
If you can only go to one art museum, it should be the Gardner Museum because it's such an incredible and unique building. The MFA has some wonderful things (don't miss the room full of Buddhas) but it's not all that different from other good museums.
Central Square in Cambridge is far from boring. The Middle East is one of the best music venues on the East Coast. The food there is good (have the pumpkin kibbeh) but if you're going to a show at either the Middle East or T. T. the Bear's, I highly recommend having dinner at the Green Street Grill (the food is MUCH better than that review--a couple of years old--suggests, and on Friday and Saturday nights there's a cool Cuban salsa band playing).
There's also a pretty funky bar called The Enormous Room which has yummy Moroccan appetizers and a bunch of cool twenty-somethings hanging out. Don't forget to have ice cream at Toscanini's.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:44 PM on December 26, 2004
I saw The The Blue Man Group in Boston a few years ago, it was one of the most amazing live shows I've ever seen. Link has schedule and ticket info.
posted by beowulf573 at 8:15 PM on December 26, 2004
posted by beowulf573 at 8:15 PM on December 26, 2004
Sidhedevil's suggestions for Central Square are "spot on" - especially ice cream at Toscanini's
Boston "has one of the highest per-capita consumption rates of ice cream in the whole country."
By all means swing by Toscanini's Ice Cream, if in Central Square. If you are in Harvard Square, be sure to visit Herrell's. Steve Herrell was the founder of "Steve's Ice Cream" (1973) - which was the first "high cream" content purveyor of ice cream. He introduced the concept of "smoosh-ins"- i.e. grinding "Heath Bars" and other name brand candies and confections into ice cream. Ben & Jerry's (which has shops in Boston and Cambridge ), Emack & Bolio's and J.P. Licks all followed Herrell's lead - spawning a nationwide focus on premium ice cream.
BTW - the newest addition to this cadre of premium ice cream shops is a local franchise of Cold Stone Creamery in City Square ... on the Freedom Trail in Charlestown. Grab a treat before heading to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution (aka - Old Ironsides) ... and blocks away from where Paul Revere " went to git me a Horse; I got a Horse of Deacon Larkin" to start his famous ride on the evening of April 18, 1775.
posted by ericb at 8:33 PM on December 26, 2004
Boston "has one of the highest per-capita consumption rates of ice cream in the whole country."
By all means swing by Toscanini's Ice Cream, if in Central Square. If you are in Harvard Square, be sure to visit Herrell's. Steve Herrell was the founder of "Steve's Ice Cream" (1973) - which was the first "high cream" content purveyor of ice cream. He introduced the concept of "smoosh-ins"- i.e. grinding "Heath Bars" and other name brand candies and confections into ice cream. Ben & Jerry's (which has shops in Boston and Cambridge ), Emack & Bolio's and J.P. Licks all followed Herrell's lead - spawning a nationwide focus on premium ice cream.
BTW - the newest addition to this cadre of premium ice cream shops is a local franchise of Cold Stone Creamery in City Square ... on the Freedom Trail in Charlestown. Grab a treat before heading to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution (aka - Old Ironsides) ... and blocks away from where Paul Revere " went to git me a Horse; I got a Horse of Deacon Larkin" to start his famous ride on the evening of April 18, 1775.
posted by ericb at 8:33 PM on December 26, 2004
Random suggestions:
1) The candlepin bowling place to go is Sacco's in Davis Square, Somerville. Totally great atmosphere and more fun than you'd think. You can take the T to the Davis Square stop and walk. Davis Square itself is pretty cool - lots more so than Harvard Square. Among other things: the Someday Cafe, local boho-type cafe open late; RedBones barbeque, which is great food and a pretty down-home atmosphere, for Boston; Macintyre & Moore, a great used book store; and probably a bunch of other places to go that have opened up in the couple of years since I left.
2) If you are in Harvard Square, you MUST do this: go to Chez Henri. Its a little wine bar that has absolutely divine Cuban pork sandwiches. Seriously - they are worth making a pilgramage for. If there is one reason to cross the river, this is it. If you are in a large party (6 people), try to go early, as its a very small place.
3) Several Vietnamese places are great. Pho Pasteur in Harvard Square is a relatively cheap place, and has great lunch specials. Worth a trip if you're around there. Pho Republique is a funky restaurant/bar in the South End. Good food, reat drinks, and a pretty hip atmosphere. Arrive early if its on a weekend - it fills up pretty quickly.
4) Elephant Walk (2 locations) serves amazing French-Cambodian food and is extremely reliable.
5) A late-night trip to the North End is worth it, if only to partake of some excellent cannoli. The most popular (deservedly so) place is Mike's Pastry.
6) If you're downtown, I have a soft spot for the pizza at Figs on Charles St. Its a Todd English restaurant but is cozy and unpretentious, and the pizzas are fabulous and reasonably priced.
7) If you're in Central Square, I'd skip the Middle East for food, as its pretty bland, and head over to the Enormous Room instead. Much cooler atmosphere (its, well, a very very big room with lots of couches and pillows and stuff and DJs playing downtempo stuff). Then head over to the Middle East or TT's if there is a band playing that you really like.
8) Personally, I'd stay far far away from Landsdowne St., unless you find a very specific night that you want to check out at Avalon or Axis. Instead, I'd follow the earlier suggestion of grabbing a Boston Pheonix and checking out what it going on at various clubs around town.
9) As for museums, let me put in a plug for the ICA, which usually has pretty interesting modern art shows. Across the street is Bukowski's, a grungy little bar with tons of beers.
Have a great time!!!!
posted by googly at 8:50 PM on December 26, 2004
1) The candlepin bowling place to go is Sacco's in Davis Square, Somerville. Totally great atmosphere and more fun than you'd think. You can take the T to the Davis Square stop and walk. Davis Square itself is pretty cool - lots more so than Harvard Square. Among other things: the Someday Cafe, local boho-type cafe open late; RedBones barbeque, which is great food and a pretty down-home atmosphere, for Boston; Macintyre & Moore, a great used book store; and probably a bunch of other places to go that have opened up in the couple of years since I left.
2) If you are in Harvard Square, you MUST do this: go to Chez Henri. Its a little wine bar that has absolutely divine Cuban pork sandwiches. Seriously - they are worth making a pilgramage for. If there is one reason to cross the river, this is it. If you are in a large party (6 people), try to go early, as its a very small place.
3) Several Vietnamese places are great. Pho Pasteur in Harvard Square is a relatively cheap place, and has great lunch specials. Worth a trip if you're around there. Pho Republique is a funky restaurant/bar in the South End. Good food, reat drinks, and a pretty hip atmosphere. Arrive early if its on a weekend - it fills up pretty quickly.
4) Elephant Walk (2 locations) serves amazing French-Cambodian food and is extremely reliable.
5) A late-night trip to the North End is worth it, if only to partake of some excellent cannoli. The most popular (deservedly so) place is Mike's Pastry.
6) If you're downtown, I have a soft spot for the pizza at Figs on Charles St. Its a Todd English restaurant but is cozy and unpretentious, and the pizzas are fabulous and reasonably priced.
7) If you're in Central Square, I'd skip the Middle East for food, as its pretty bland, and head over to the Enormous Room instead. Much cooler atmosphere (its, well, a very very big room with lots of couches and pillows and stuff and DJs playing downtempo stuff). Then head over to the Middle East or TT's if there is a band playing that you really like.
8) Personally, I'd stay far far away from Landsdowne St., unless you find a very specific night that you want to check out at Avalon or Axis. Instead, I'd follow the earlier suggestion of grabbing a Boston Pheonix and checking out what it going on at various clubs around town.
9) As for museums, let me put in a plug for the ICA, which usually has pretty interesting modern art shows. Across the street is Bukowski's, a grungy little bar with tons of beers.
Have a great time!!!!
posted by googly at 8:50 PM on December 26, 2004
2nd the Blue Men, I was in town for a meeting a few years back and saw the show. It was wonderful.
posted by mmascolino at 8:53 PM on December 26, 2004
posted by mmascolino at 8:53 PM on December 26, 2004
wow, all this talk of boston has me pining to return to it. again i'd say il panino, mikes pastries (you'll see those little white boxes all over and have to kill the owners to steal the canoli), sacco's in davis (hit redbones, and blue shirt cafe for a shake). If you want to play some billiards i'd skip jillians and play at diesel or sacco's (since davis square is suddenly the place to be anyway). Also good is johnny's dinner on mass ave between harvard and MIT (a bit hard to spot). Johnny D's and the burren in davis square are also good for music. There's also a fun piano bar on landsdown which i'm spacing on the name.
go to quincy market on the weekends and stroll down the block to haymarket (one of my personal favorite examples of diversity). whatever you do, DO NOT EAT AT QUINCY MARKET.
walk down the esplanade (yeah, it's cold but a great view) and DO go to the gardens (the commons isn't much, but the gardens is very pretty).
if your really good at planning you can also do blue man group for free by being a usher/janitor (if you see the show you'll understand why i say janitor).
While your in boston i also suggest driving through at least one rotary (you damn tourist) and stepping out in front of traffic with the expectation that they will stop for you. Have fun you lucky bahstahd.
posted by NGnerd at 10:51 PM on December 26, 2004
go to quincy market on the weekends and stroll down the block to haymarket (one of my personal favorite examples of diversity). whatever you do, DO NOT EAT AT QUINCY MARKET.
walk down the esplanade (yeah, it's cold but a great view) and DO go to the gardens (the commons isn't much, but the gardens is very pretty).
if your really good at planning you can also do blue man group for free by being a usher/janitor (if you see the show you'll understand why i say janitor).
While your in boston i also suggest driving through at least one rotary (you damn tourist) and stepping out in front of traffic with the expectation that they will stop for you. Have fun you lucky bahstahd.
posted by NGnerd at 10:51 PM on December 26, 2004
Most of these suggestions fall under the category of "Hip For the Sake of Being Hip." Be forewarned.
And while it's a subjective call whether Duck Tours "suck," the fellow characterizing the North End as expensive is just wrong. The North End is a neighborhood, not a handful of restaurants. There's plenty of range with regard to price -- unless you're looking for McDonald's, I suppose.
posted by cribcage at 10:59 PM on December 26, 2004
And while it's a subjective call whether Duck Tours "suck," the fellow characterizing the North End as expensive is just wrong. The North End is a neighborhood, not a handful of restaurants. There's plenty of range with regard to price -- unless you're looking for McDonald's, I suppose.
posted by cribcage at 10:59 PM on December 26, 2004
NGnerd, the piano bar of which you speak is Jake Ivory's.
posted by damn yankee at 11:09 PM on December 26, 2004
posted by damn yankee at 11:09 PM on December 26, 2004
I've only lived in Boston since September, so I don't know how qualified I am, but...
Durgin Park, in the Faneuil Hall area, knocked my ever-lovin' socks off. Best damn' food I've had in years-- real Boston stuff. Somebody recommended it to me, and I'll be forever grateful.
posted by koeselitz at 11:33 PM on December 26, 2004
Durgin Park, in the Faneuil Hall area, knocked my ever-lovin' socks off. Best damn' food I've had in years-- real Boston stuff. Somebody recommended it to me, and I'll be forever grateful.
posted by koeselitz at 11:33 PM on December 26, 2004
I was going to suggest Durgin Park. You can get great ethnic food in a lot of places, even if Boston has as many standouts as any other city of its size and importance.
But if you're going to a place with regional cuisine, you can't beat the experience of having it there. Durgin Park IS New England food. It's a throwback to the times when eating in New England meant honest, hearty food made with cod, fresh shellfish, slow-cooked beans and simple cuts of meats. My grandfather and even my great-grandfather used to walk there from their offices and have lunch every Friday-- even though they were going to have a similar meal when they got home that night. It won't change the way you look at food, but you'll love it if you have any reverance for history.
And I strongly disagree with the suggestion that you skip the Public Garden. Bundle up well and walk through at dusk. You won't regret it.
posted by Mayor Curley at 4:02 AM on December 27, 2004
But if you're going to a place with regional cuisine, you can't beat the experience of having it there. Durgin Park IS New England food. It's a throwback to the times when eating in New England meant honest, hearty food made with cod, fresh shellfish, slow-cooked beans and simple cuts of meats. My grandfather and even my great-grandfather used to walk there from their offices and have lunch every Friday-- even though they were going to have a similar meal when they got home that night. It won't change the way you look at food, but you'll love it if you have any reverance for history.
And I strongly disagree with the suggestion that you skip the Public Garden. Bundle up well and walk through at dusk. You won't regret it.
posted by Mayor Curley at 4:02 AM on December 27, 2004
If you want to see a show, the Phoenix is OK, but if you're into whatever music the kids like these days (and, uh, some hip hop but not mainly hip hop) a great resource is the WZBC concert report (online here).
posted by rxrfrx at 4:37 AM on December 27, 2004
posted by rxrfrx at 4:37 AM on December 27, 2004
Make sure whatever you do, plan to abandon your car and take the T. There's snow on the ground right now which makes Boston, already a difficult driving city, ten times worse.
Irish bars abound and settling into one for a quiet, chill night (well, as quiet as an Irish bar gets, really) after running about to here and there is nice. If you're going up to Davis Square (my neck of the Hub) for bowling, go to The Burren - they usually have live music - or Sligo - for the real townie experience.
There are a few good microbrew pubs worth checking out (Boston BeerWorks is okay, John Harvard's is great, Rock Bottom is fine in a pinch), and if you have the time, it's just a daytime T ride down to JP (orange line) to see the Sam Adams brewery.
Pitty you won't be up around the 14th-ish. They're rumors in the ether of a Boston Meet Up 'round then.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:44 AM on December 27, 2004
Irish bars abound and settling into one for a quiet, chill night (well, as quiet as an Irish bar gets, really) after running about to here and there is nice. If you're going up to Davis Square (my neck of the Hub) for bowling, go to The Burren - they usually have live music - or Sligo - for the real townie experience.
There are a few good microbrew pubs worth checking out (Boston BeerWorks is okay, John Harvard's is great, Rock Bottom is fine in a pinch), and if you have the time, it's just a daytime T ride down to JP (orange line) to see the Sam Adams brewery.
Pitty you won't be up around the 14th-ish. They're rumors in the ether of a Boston Meet Up 'round then.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:44 AM on December 27, 2004
Most of these suggestions fall under the category of "Hip For the Sake of Being Hip." Be forewarned.
This suggestion falls under the category of "Snarky for the Sake of Being Snarky" (and too self-consciously 'hip' to bother to provide a positive suggestion). Be forewarned.
posted by googly at 7:06 AM on December 27, 2004
This suggestion falls under the category of "Snarky for the Sake of Being Snarky" (and too self-consciously 'hip' to bother to provide a positive suggestion). Be forewarned.
posted by googly at 7:06 AM on December 27, 2004
We recently had a friend visit from the west coast, she only had one night here, the highlite of the evening was definitely walking through a bit of the north end and over to the New England Aquarium at night. It was cold and closed, but there's a fantastic outdoor seal exhibit. At night nobody's there and you can hang out and interact with the seals right in front of your nose. Fun and cheap.
posted by soplerfo at 11:33 AM on December 27, 2004
posted by soplerfo at 11:33 AM on December 27, 2004
Trattoria Il Panino
Having not only lived, but been a waiter in Boston's North End, I find these constant huzahs for Il Panino a bit troublesome.
Il Panino is great for quick eats if you go to the Tratorria. The restaurant Il Panino is mediocre, really nothing special. If you want a nice experience, the top floor (request it) of Restaurante Saraceno is fantastic (between Caffe Pompeii and Vittoria). If you want good seafood, do what everyone else does and hoof it down to the water -- Legal Seafood is pretty much the best in town. There's one on the wharf, another in Back Bay (another, smaller take-out only one in Allston). If you've got cash to spend, the Chart House on the wharf also has great seafood, but personally I'd rather make it Legal.
Cafe Vittoria is a great place to get a cup of coffee, but if you want to get more "authentic," Cafe della Sport is a better choice for all the Italians watching soccer. Cafe Grafitti is another great coffee shop -- in many ways better than Vittoria (better people watching, at the very least).
The nice thing about the North End is the easy itinerary. Cup of coffee, some pastries (Mike's is way, way, way overrated, Modern Pastry is great if you just want canoles), then check out the old North Church and Copps Hill, then grab some pizza at Regina's Pizza (possibly the best in Boston, depending on your style).
If you're on Broad St., a great place to grab a quick lunch and have a couple of beers is The Times. Their Irish meatloaf is to die for.
As for nightlife, here are my recommendations. First, most importantly, stay off Lansdowne. Second, almost as important, stay away from Fanuel Hall, this includes the wretching Rack. If you want to play pool, Boston Billiards is where you go. Be careful, it's very close to Lansdowne. You don't want to get sucked in.
If music is your thing, there's fantastic jazz to be had at Wally's. Get there early, the place is the size of a shoebox and fills up quickly. Another great, slightly less-known place to grab a couple of drinks is the top floor of the Prudential. Note: don't go the restaurant, it's waay-lame. The top floor is just a bar, the drink prices are (surprisingly) reasonable, and the view can't be beat.
If you don't want to get lost in Southy, you'll have to head down to Allston for good Irish bars (do not, under any circumstance, go to the "Irish" bars around the Fleet Center.) The Kinvara is a haunt for Irish J-1'ers fresh off the boat. Most of the rest of Harvard Ave. Allston can be ignored; it's the epitomy of college ghetto. The sole exception is Our House on Comm. Ave. -- they have $2.00 bottles of huge beer, comfy places to sit, and one of the greatest burgers in Boston. There are better downtown, but none can be had for $5.00 (including all toppings and fries). Tons of college kids, though.
You'll have to head across the river if you want to see good rock bands. The Middle East in Cambridge is the best place in town, now that the Ratskeller is gone.
Let's see... what else? Don't bother going to Porter/Davis Square (Somerville) unless you have a reason (bands, for instance). South Boston is nice, but the brownstone/things-to-do ratio is pretty low. Same with Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Pretty places to stroll down sidewalks, though. Another great place to circumambulate would be Bay Village. And since nobody's ever heard of it, there aren't a bunch of tourists mucking it up. :)
The only place on Newbury St. worth talking about is Victor Hugo Booksellers. I'm not sure if they're still around, though, given the area's propensity towards crappiness. J.P. Licks (across the street) does have decent icecream, but then, lots of places of decent icecream in Boston.
Things to do: Duck Tours is much better than you might think. The Public Garden / Boston Common is a nice place to walk through, but that's about it. There's the Aquarium, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, MFA, Harvard Square (generally overrated, but the campus is quite fetching), three Olde Cemetaries, the Science Museum, Fanuel Hall, etc. The Constitution is neat, but you can see it from Copps Hill in the North End, so save your feet the trouble of walking over to Charlestown (as there's no other way to get there, save a taxi).
I guess I'll just finish off this diatrabe by repeating what someone else said. While the "farmer's market" may seem quaint and neato-roo, do not under any circumstances eat any of the food they sell. Those fruits and vegetables stay under a tarp for days and are n-a-s-t-y.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 11:54 AM on December 27, 2004 [2 favorites]
Having not only lived, but been a waiter in Boston's North End, I find these constant huzahs for Il Panino a bit troublesome.
Il Panino is great for quick eats if you go to the Tratorria. The restaurant Il Panino is mediocre, really nothing special. If you want a nice experience, the top floor (request it) of Restaurante Saraceno is fantastic (between Caffe Pompeii and Vittoria). If you want good seafood, do what everyone else does and hoof it down to the water -- Legal Seafood is pretty much the best in town. There's one on the wharf, another in Back Bay (another, smaller take-out only one in Allston). If you've got cash to spend, the Chart House on the wharf also has great seafood, but personally I'd rather make it Legal.
Cafe Vittoria is a great place to get a cup of coffee, but if you want to get more "authentic," Cafe della Sport is a better choice for all the Italians watching soccer. Cafe Grafitti is another great coffee shop -- in many ways better than Vittoria (better people watching, at the very least).
The nice thing about the North End is the easy itinerary. Cup of coffee, some pastries (Mike's is way, way, way overrated, Modern Pastry is great if you just want canoles), then check out the old North Church and Copps Hill, then grab some pizza at Regina's Pizza (possibly the best in Boston, depending on your style).
If you're on Broad St., a great place to grab a quick lunch and have a couple of beers is The Times. Their Irish meatloaf is to die for.
As for nightlife, here are my recommendations. First, most importantly, stay off Lansdowne. Second, almost as important, stay away from Fanuel Hall, this includes the wretching Rack. If you want to play pool, Boston Billiards is where you go. Be careful, it's very close to Lansdowne. You don't want to get sucked in.
If music is your thing, there's fantastic jazz to be had at Wally's. Get there early, the place is the size of a shoebox and fills up quickly. Another great, slightly less-known place to grab a couple of drinks is the top floor of the Prudential. Note: don't go the restaurant, it's waay-lame. The top floor is just a bar, the drink prices are (surprisingly) reasonable, and the view can't be beat.
If you don't want to get lost in Southy, you'll have to head down to Allston for good Irish bars (do not, under any circumstance, go to the "Irish" bars around the Fleet Center.) The Kinvara is a haunt for Irish J-1'ers fresh off the boat. Most of the rest of Harvard Ave. Allston can be ignored; it's the epitomy of college ghetto. The sole exception is Our House on Comm. Ave. -- they have $2.00 bottles of huge beer, comfy places to sit, and one of the greatest burgers in Boston. There are better downtown, but none can be had for $5.00 (including all toppings and fries). Tons of college kids, though.
You'll have to head across the river if you want to see good rock bands. The Middle East in Cambridge is the best place in town, now that the Ratskeller is gone.
Let's see... what else? Don't bother going to Porter/Davis Square (Somerville) unless you have a reason (bands, for instance). South Boston is nice, but the brownstone/things-to-do ratio is pretty low. Same with Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Pretty places to stroll down sidewalks, though. Another great place to circumambulate would be Bay Village. And since nobody's ever heard of it, there aren't a bunch of tourists mucking it up. :)
The only place on Newbury St. worth talking about is Victor Hugo Booksellers. I'm not sure if they're still around, though, given the area's propensity towards crappiness. J.P. Licks (across the street) does have decent icecream, but then, lots of places of decent icecream in Boston.
Things to do: Duck Tours is much better than you might think. The Public Garden / Boston Common is a nice place to walk through, but that's about it. There's the Aquarium, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, MFA, Harvard Square (generally overrated, but the campus is quite fetching), three Olde Cemetaries, the Science Museum, Fanuel Hall, etc. The Constitution is neat, but you can see it from Copps Hill in the North End, so save your feet the trouble of walking over to Charlestown (as there's no other way to get there, save a taxi).
I guess I'll just finish off this diatrabe by repeating what someone else said. While the "farmer's market" may seem quaint and neato-roo, do not under any circumstances eat any of the food they sell. Those fruits and vegetables stay under a tarp for days and are n-a-s-t-y.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 11:54 AM on December 27, 2004 [2 favorites]
Unfortunately Avenue Victor Hugo Bookshop on Newbury Street closed, but maintains an online shop. "The bookshop is currently looking for a new home as close to the present address as possible. The avenuevictorhugobooks.com web site will remain active through the move in January."
posted by ericb at 12:24 PM on December 27, 2004
posted by ericb at 12:24 PM on December 27, 2004
JOHNNY'S LUNCHEONETTE IN CAMBRIDGE HAS CLOSED! This is a heartbreaking development. The original in Newton is still open, though.
VICTOR HUGO BOOKSELLERS IS CLOSED! Another heartbreaking development.
Davis Square is much cooler than C_D thinks. There is a great Irish pub there called The Burren that alone is worth the trip.
There is a bus (#93) that goes right to the USS Constitution from Faneuil Hall.
And none of my suggestions are "hip for the sake of being hip". I was born in Boston, have lived in Massachusetts for 37 of my 40 years, and have never been accused of being a slave to the hip.
posted by Sidhedevil at 12:25 PM on December 27, 2004
VICTOR HUGO BOOKSELLERS IS CLOSED! Another heartbreaking development.
Davis Square is much cooler than C_D thinks. There is a great Irish pub there called The Burren that alone is worth the trip.
There is a bus (#93) that goes right to the USS Constitution from Faneuil Hall.
And none of my suggestions are "hip for the sake of being hip". I was born in Boston, have lived in Massachusetts for 37 of my 40 years, and have never been accused of being a slave to the hip.
posted by Sidhedevil at 12:25 PM on December 27, 2004
Cool things in Davis Square, as mentioned above, include: Johnny D's, The Burren, Redbones (the food is just okay by real barbecue standards, but it is a nice scene), Diesel Cafe (note--Web site makes a loud noise), the Someday Cafe, Sauce Bar & Grill, and various other spots (the Rosebud Diner, Picante, Joshua Tree).
Not to mention one of the world's great used-book stores (McIntyre and Moore). And there's a JP Licks in Davis Square now, if you want to fall in with the Bostonian ice cream jones.
posted by Sidhedevil at 12:36 PM on December 27, 2004
Not to mention one of the world's great used-book stores (McIntyre and Moore). And there's a JP Licks in Davis Square now, if you want to fall in with the Bostonian ice cream jones.
posted by Sidhedevil at 12:36 PM on December 27, 2004
I want to second C_D's suggestions as well as the Durgin Park recommendation. I lived in Boston for years before being taken out to Durgin Park by an older friend who hadn't been to Boston since he grew up there 50 year before and this was the place he wanted to go. The restaurant used to be a lone fixture among horse carts and stalls before Faneuil Hall was renovated in the 70's. If you go, prime rib is the specialty. Also, if it's someone's birthday they'll literally turn off all the lights in the restaurant for a moment to bring out a cake. That's class.
Also, I lived in the North End and never understood all of the Il Panino hype. And the cafeteria style Il Panino is kind of expensive for cafeteria style service. Plus, that place is always drafty and uncomfortable in the winter.
There are two great places for food and drink by your hotel: The Times (mentioned above) was one of my favorites, and Dooleys, an Irish bar next to your hotel has a great staff, nice atmosphere, traditional Irish fare and gets props for sometimes having the best burger in Boston ratings by Boston magazine.
For bars in Cambridge, I think that The People's Republik is worth checking out. If you happen to be in the Harvard/Central Square area, you might want to check it out. It's a bar run by Irish people decorated in a Soviet Motif, and is best at around 9pm until closing.
Lastly, I'll second recommendations for the Maporium and the bar atop the Prudential Center (Top of the Hub.) For some reason, it's always sort of empty but the view's fantastic and they serve coffee and appetizers as well as alcohol (if you happen to be there in the daytime.)
And, since you are only there for a few days, I'd stick to Back Bay, Downtown Boston and Cambridge, and bypass Allston, Somerville and Southie. (I don't understand what's special or unique about Somerville - sorry Somerville fans!)
posted by sophie at 6:09 PM on December 27, 2004
Also, I lived in the North End and never understood all of the Il Panino hype. And the cafeteria style Il Panino is kind of expensive for cafeteria style service. Plus, that place is always drafty and uncomfortable in the winter.
There are two great places for food and drink by your hotel: The Times (mentioned above) was one of my favorites, and Dooleys, an Irish bar next to your hotel has a great staff, nice atmosphere, traditional Irish fare and gets props for sometimes having the best burger in Boston ratings by Boston magazine.
For bars in Cambridge, I think that The People's Republik is worth checking out. If you happen to be in the Harvard/Central Square area, you might want to check it out. It's a bar run by Irish people decorated in a Soviet Motif, and is best at around 9pm until closing.
Lastly, I'll second recommendations for the Maporium and the bar atop the Prudential Center (Top of the Hub.) For some reason, it's always sort of empty but the view's fantastic and they serve coffee and appetizers as well as alcohol (if you happen to be there in the daytime.)
And, since you are only there for a few days, I'd stick to Back Bay, Downtown Boston and Cambridge, and bypass Allston, Somerville and Southie. (I don't understand what's special or unique about Somerville - sorry Somerville fans!)
posted by sophie at 6:09 PM on December 27, 2004
VICTOR HUGO BOOKSELLERS IS CLOSED! Another heartbreaking development.
It's official. Newbury St. now completely sucks.
As for Davis Sq. -- yes, there are some nice places to go, but there are nice places in the city as well. If you find you have to live in Somerville (i.e., you're a student / you want to buy cheap(er) property) then you won't be wanting for entertainment. But if you're already in the city, a 45 minute T-ride to Somerville (and back) is a waste of limited time.
Don't forget, the T is not 24-hour, so if you stay out till the bars close, you'll have to get a taxi back to the hotel. Ugh.
I mean, you might as well recommend Inman Square. There's plenty of decent things there, too. Of course, you'll have to take the T to Cambridge then walk for half an hour. But really, who wants to do that when you have all of Boston you haven't yet seen?
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 6:11 PM on December 27, 2004
It's official. Newbury St. now completely sucks.
As for Davis Sq. -- yes, there are some nice places to go, but there are nice places in the city as well. If you find you have to live in Somerville (i.e., you're a student / you want to buy cheap(er) property) then you won't be wanting for entertainment. But if you're already in the city, a 45 minute T-ride to Somerville (and back) is a waste of limited time.
Don't forget, the T is not 24-hour, so if you stay out till the bars close, you'll have to get a taxi back to the hotel. Ugh.
I mean, you might as well recommend Inman Square. There's plenty of decent things there, too. Of course, you'll have to take the T to Cambridge then walk for half an hour. But really, who wants to do that when you have all of Boston you haven't yet seen?
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 6:11 PM on December 27, 2004
No, Inman Square is a 30-something scene. Davis Square is the hot 20-something scene these days.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:55 PM on December 27, 2004
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:55 PM on December 27, 2004
"As for nightlife, here are my recommendations. First, most importantly, stay off Lansdowne."
Depends on what you and your friends/associates are up to. Since you'll be in Boston on a Sunday night ... and depending on what you want to do ... Landsdowne Street will be "happening", as will Davis Square (in Cambridge). Landsdowne - bigger crowds; Davis - smaller crowds; more "neighborhoody". Let your mood help you decide. If it's a factor ... you are staying at the Wyndham Boston. Landsdowne Street is closer...and full of options.
"whatever you do, DO NOT EAT AT QUINCY MARKET."
I respectfully disagree. Many favorites at Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall. The roasted chicken sandwich at "A La Carte" is incredible. A meal at Durgin Park (at 340 Fanueil Hall) should be on your list (as per the suggestion of koeselitz, Mayor Curley , sophie).
posted by ericb at 9:53 PM on December 27, 2004
Depends on what you and your friends/associates are up to. Since you'll be in Boston on a Sunday night ... and depending on what you want to do ... Landsdowne Street will be "happening", as will Davis Square (in Cambridge). Landsdowne - bigger crowds; Davis - smaller crowds; more "neighborhoody". Let your mood help you decide. If it's a factor ... you are staying at the Wyndham Boston. Landsdowne Street is closer...and full of options.
"whatever you do, DO NOT EAT AT QUINCY MARKET."
I respectfully disagree. Many favorites at Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall. The roasted chicken sandwich at "A La Carte" is incredible. A meal at Durgin Park (at 340 Fanueil Hall) should be on your list (as per the suggestion of koeselitz, Mayor Curley , sophie).
posted by ericb at 9:53 PM on December 27, 2004
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posted by fourstar at 5:06 PM on December 26, 2004