Massachusetts
This classic beauty, built in 1948, was used as a showroom diner by Worcester Lunch Car Company, whose now-defunct factory sits across the street. Harleys…
Must-see restaurants in New England
Cambridge
Bon Me started as a food truck that catered to the Kendall Sq crowd, and you'll still see the trucks tooling around town. This little storefront sells the…
Boston
Flour implores patrons to ‘make life sweeter…eat dessert first!’ It’s hard to resist at this pastry-lover’s paradise. If you can't decide – and it can be…
Connecticut
Get in early and squeeze into a slightly uncomfortable cyan-colored booth for a taste of real old-school Americana at this ancient cafe that has hardly…
East Bay
There's a real buzz in Bristol about this beehive whose busy bees buy local wherever possible, bake their own breads and make everything (but the ketchup)…
Back Bay
Sample the creations of Boston’s most famous chefs without exhausting your expense account. The menu at Parish features a rotating roster of salads and…
The Berkshires
There's no better slice of blue-collar Americana in the Berkshires than Joe's Diner, at the north end of Main St. Norman Rockwell's famous painting of a…
Down East
This lively food-and-drink hall is a family-friendly, dog-friendly space that draws a good mix of locals and out-of-towners. Stop by for tasty sourdough…
Mount Desert Island
At this buzzing bar and eatery, pub grub comes with the occasional twist – think build-your-own burgers or mac 'n' cheese with gourmet toppings. Plenty of…
Charlestown
Dark and romantic, this hideaway is tucked into an off-street pedestrian walkway, allowing for comfortable outdoor seating in summer months. Inside, the…
Newport
With its wood-paneled booths, exposed-brick wall and vintage memorabilia, the Brick Alley Pub is fun and friendly. Lounge on the large patio and order a…
Nantucket
It's hard to find anyone who doesn't adore this petite, long-running, quietly gourmet place. At breakfast, try the sourdough French toast topped with…
Boston
Big buckets of crabs (snow, king, Dungeness etc), steamers dripping in lemon and butter, paper plates piled high with all things fried, pitchers of ice…
Midcoast Maine
Seared tuna, lobster cakes and potato pancakes are all on the menu at this upscale but casual seafood restaurant, but the main draw, as you might guess,…
Portsmouth
Not sure which chowder or stew you want with lunch? You can sample 'em before you decide at welcoming Geno's. For more than 40 years, this family owned no…
Boston
A Southie tradition since 1951, Sullivan's is beloved for hot dogs in the casing, known as 'Sully's snappers.' In 60-plus years, the price of those dogs…
Southeastern Connecticut
This coffee bar is the heart of the downtown lunchtime scene, serving a full coffee menu alongside generous sandwiches and pastries. The outdoor deck…
The Berkshires
On the Tanglewood campus, the eponymous cafe (open when performances are on) has a menu of locally sourced light fare. Alternatively, order online 48…
The Berkshires
Here's a welcoming breakfast spot where locals really do ask for 'the usual.' The stars themselves created the lunch sandwiches that bear their names. The…
Boston's Western Suburbs
Scrumptious salads, fresh, fantastic food and jubilant juices fill out the menu at this funky cafe. The choices can be overwhelming, but you can't go…
Boston
It's not often that we recommend leaving Chinatown for Chinese food, but Gene's is only a few blocks away. And it's worth the detour to this unassuming…
Midcoast Maine
Choose your lobster from the pound, or order from the short, simple menu, then tuck in at the waterside picnic tables – Young's has the no-frills lobster…
New Hampshire
Lake trippers are encouraged to dock their boats and come in for a meal at this casual waterfront spot. Located on Little Squam Lake near the bridge, the…
Boston
Although owner Paul Freddura long ago added a few tables and an open kitchen, this shoebox fish joint still retains the atmosphere of a retail fish market…
Massachusetts
With a snazzy interior and a wide porch overlooking the harbor, this upscale oyster bar is a fine spot for dinner or drinks. High marks for craft…
Connecticut
If you're a fan of 1950s Americana, you'll love this dark woodsy restaurant-cum-diner-cum-bar attached to an inn of the same name. It's delightfully olde…
South End & Chinatown
Offering a hands-on approach to dinner, 'shabu-shabu' is also known as hot-pot cuisine, where you cook your meal at your table in a big family-style pot…
Portland
A hip, inviting dining room caters to customers looking for French- and Spanish-inspired small and big plates, ranging from duck rillettes on duck-fat…
Midcoast Maine
We admit: we initially checked this spot out just because of its name. But then it turned out it had really great food! Freshly shucked oysters, smoked…
Southern Maine Coast
Flo's is a local institution: a little roadside shack doling out steamed hot dogs a few hours a day around lunchtime. What brings the crowds is the star…
Kenmore Square & Fenway
On the ground floor of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, this elegant cafe serves a seasonally changing menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads and…
Connecticut
For a quick and delicious bite, you can’t do better than Meli-Melo. Meaning ‘hodgepodge’ in French, Meli-Melo serves salads, soups and sandwiches, but its…
Martha's Vineyard
While the name may conjure up images of shortbread and tea cakes, the Scottish Bakehouse serves a wonderful variety of baked goodies in its cozy digs on…
Southern Maine Coast
One of Maine's most renowned high-end restaurants, the White Barn boasts country-elegant decor and a menu that changes weekly. Expect top-quality local…
Boston
Dating to 1885, the Marliave has all of its vintage architectural quirks still intact, from the mosaic floor to the tin ceilings. The wide-ranging menu…
Boston
The Zanti family has been fishing for three generations, so they definitely know their stuff. A relatively recent addition is this retail fish market,…
Southern Maine Coast
Noodle soup is practically perfect – the right bowl mixes broth, protein, veggies and just enough carbs. The folks at Anju have figured this out and offer…
Streetcar Suburbs
There are two menu listings you need to know: corned-beef Reuben; and sour pickle. That said, there are dozens of sandwiches on the menu and you really…
Streetcar Suburbs
The thing here is 'glory bowls' – a modern take on traditional Korean poke bowls. A glory bowl starts with noodles or rice, then heaps on fresh or pickled…
Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern
South Shore
You're in Whaling City: why not grab lunch at this friendly whaler's tavern, where you can feast on a well-stocked raw bar, divine cod cakes or 'monsta…
