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Boston

Restaurants in Boston

  1. Capitol Grille

    This warm, inviting restaurant and bar has tasty pub fare, with a decent selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. The other specialty here is a juicy steak, hand-cut and aged in house. In the evening the lounge often hosts karaoke, live music, or less fussily a sporting event on TV.

    reviewed

  2. Hermanos Cocina Mexicana

    Just off Main St in an unlikely historic brick building, Hermanos serves authentic and creative Mexican dishes, from pork taquitos (mini-tacos) to chimichangas (filled, deep-fried tortillas). Head to the upstairs bar for excellent margaritas and catch some live jazz (from 6.30pm to 9pm Sunday to Thursday).

    reviewed

  3. In a Pinch Cafe

    Located east of the center near the Centennial Inn, this popular joint serves good sandwiches, soups and salads. Grab some picnic fare or relax on the sun porch.

    reviewed

  4. 80 Thoreau

    Understated and elegant, this modern restaurant is an anomaly in historic Concord – but that's a good thing. The menu – short but sweet – features deliciously unexpected combinations of flavors, mostly using seasonal, local ingredients. There's also a busy bar area, which offers a short selection of classic cocktails and long list of wines by the glass.

    reviewed

  5. All-American Diner

    You are here in America's Hometown, what better place to eat than the All-American Diner? It's a classic red-white-and-blue place, with a breakfast menu that reads like a novel. From corn-beef hash to eggs Benedict and amazing omelets, all of the breakfast items get rave reviews (especially the home fries). If you prefer lunch, try the Thanksgiving sandwich.

    reviewed

  6. Bella Verona

    The striped awning and overflowing flower boxes are the perfect gateway into this romantic trattoria in the heart of Salem. Owner Giogio Manzana has brought the flavors from his home region (Verona, of course) and the results are delightful. Aside from the impeccable food and service, this place is cozy, ie crowded. Don't plan on discussing anything too private over your plates of pasta.

    reviewed

  7. Blue-Eyed Crab

    There are a few tried-and-true seafood restaurants clustered around Town Wharf. But if you like a little innovation with your fish (and perhaps a cocktail or a glass of wine), head a bit further east to this fun and funky joint, with sea-blue walls and fish floating from the ceiling.

    You can still get clam chowder and lobster rolls, but you can also try shrimp and bacon tacos, pan-seared scallop salad or a crispy crab burger.

    reviewed

  8. Country Kitchen

    At lunchtime, this little yellow house often has a line out the door, which is testament to its tiny size, as well as its amazing sandwiches. The Thanksgiving sandwich is the hands-down favorite, with roasted turkey carved straight off the bird. They don't accept credit cards and there's no seating, save the picnic table out front.

    reviewed

  9. Old Spot

    It's pub food, to be sure, but so perfectly prepared that it becomes a dining experience – a meat pie with beef and lamb in a Guinness stew, a slow-roasted pork sammie where the pork melts in your mouth, irresistible sweet potato fries. Dim lighting and plush pillows make the place extra comfortable and cozy.

    reviewed

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  11. Rockmore Floating Restaurant

    That’s right: floating. Set on a barge in the middle of Salem Harbor, this clam shack is the ultimate place to refuel on a hot summer day. Catch the free shuttle boat from the Congress St bridge, but don’t forget to tip the captain.

    reviewed

  12. A

    Color

    The walls in this small eatery are painted bright yellow, and the food emerges from the kitchen through a set of closet doors. For a twist on ‘KFC,’ try Color’s Korean fried chicken, or clear your sinuses with the classic Korean stew, kimchi chigae.

    reviewed

  13. Lexx

    This contemporary kitchen takes things upscale, with decor that is sophisticated but not stuffy. The creative menu incorporates international elements into its classic dishes.

    reviewed

  14. B

    Herrell’s

    Will it be malted vanilla or chocolate pudding?

    reviewed

  15. C

    Toscanini’s

    People come from miles around for Tosci's burnt caramel ice cream, which apparently was invented as the result of an accident (you can imagine). Besides the dozens of delicious ice cream flavors, there is also excellent coffee.

    reviewed

  16. D

    A Taste of Cilantro

    This is great for a quick, inexpensive Mexican meal.

    reviewed

  17. E

    Christina’s

    It's a bit of a hike from Central Sq, but it's worth it to sample Christina's eclectic ice cream flavors such as adzuki bean or ginger molasses. There is always a selection of seasonal flavors such as fresh mint in summer and pumpkin in fall. All-time favorite flavor: coconut almond chip. Most unusual: fresh rose.

    reviewed

  18. F

    JP Licks

    It’s a toss-up between white coffee and caramel apple ice cream. The original outlet is in namesake Jamaica Plain (JP).

    reviewed

  19. G

    Gelateria

    For dessert, head to the Gelateria for a dish of gelato, ice cream’s Italian cousin.

    reviewed

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  21. H

    Emack & Bolio’s

    An old-timer on the local gourmet scene, it makes the definitive Oreo-cookie ice cream (and good nonfat yogurt creations).

    reviewed

  22. I

    Sonsie

    Upstairs, Sonsie is a trendy spot that continues to attract devotees with its interesting, eclectic menu, not to mention the eye candy that patronizes the place. Tiny, cafe-style tables are crammed into the front of the restaurant, offering a fabulous view through French windows onto Newbury St.

    If you're not into the scene, descend into the Wine Room @ Sonsie for a wonderful selection of wine, and bartenders that really know their stuff.

    reviewed

  23. J

    Top Dog

    More than a dozen kinds of dogs, from a German Shepherd (with fresh sauerkraut) to a Chihuahua (with jalapenos, salsa and cheese).

    reviewed

  24. K

    Daily Catch

    Spacious Seaport District outlet of the Daily Catch. Cash only.

    reviewed

  25. L

    Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe

    If you prefer cupcakes over cannolis. Red velvet? Boston cream cupcake? Salted caramel? Yes please. Formerly a 'bake shoppe,' this place has reopened as a 'sweet shoppe,' which means they now have old-fashioned candies and homemade chocolates. We don't know whether to be happy or sad that this cutesy place has reopened on the site of the former Dairy Fresh Candies.

    reviewed