Food & Drink in Attleboro

In Boston, a sunny day is not complete without a delicious meal or cocktail on the patio. Of course, man’s best friend loves the warm weather as well, but not every place allows pooches to hang out with the patrons. Here are three spots that have their welcome mats and doggie treats ready to go. The Terrace at Tamo Bistro & Bar | 1 Seaport Ln. All summer long, the Seaport Hotel’s Tamo Terrace welcomes furry friends for Cocktails and Canines, held on Wednesdays through August from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. They roll out the red carpet with plenty of fresh and organic dog treats, plus a delightful selection of human-only cocktails. The Yard at the Liberty Hotel | 215 Charles St. The Yard at the Liberty Hotel hosts Yappier Hour every Wednesday night from April through October. From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy a cocktail from the full bar while your dog sips a pup-tini. A snack menu from Clink seals the deal, though the comfy couches certainly don’t hurt. Flour Bakery + Cafe | 1595 Washington St. Of course, it’s easy enough to create your own puppy picnic by taking advantage of the patio spaces all around Boston. Start the day off right with a latte and a sticky bun at the South End location of Flour, where dogs can sun out on the patio. Still hungry? Check out Groupon’s latest deals on restaurants in Boston.

Save for Love Story, movies that paint Boston in a romantic light are few and far between. It's a stunning notion, considering the city's Georgian architecture, cobblestone streets and intimate eateries. From the artistically presented French cuisine at L'Espalier to the cozy ambiance and shared tapas at Dali, you can literally taste the romance in this town. Inman Square: Farm-Fresh Fare by a Cozy Fireplace  Bondir | 279 Broadway, Suite A Chef Jason Bond’s sustainable approach to seasonal farm-style fare helped Bondir earn a spot on Bon Appétit’s list of the best new restaurants of 2011. And while housemade breads and a daily changing menu are sure to impress a date, it’s the crackling fireplace and endless supply of wine that really kindles the romance. Inman Square: James Beard–Nominated Turkish Restaurant Oleana | 134 Hampshire Street If the weather permits, you’ll want to snag a spot on the patio at this Turkish oasis, where a trickling fountain and a live fig tree forms an exotic backdrop for a James Beard–nominated menu. While carnivores dive into pork belly or Moroccan fluke, vegetarians can enjoy the popular tasting menu. North End: Seasonal Italian in a Victorian Row Home Mamma Maria | 3 North Square Perched on a small hill, this 19th-century structure’s floor-to-ceiling windows reveal gorgeous views of the historic North Square. If that’s not romantic enough, the chefs source their seasonal ingredients solely from New England farms and purveyors, meaning everything—from the carpaccio to the osso buco—is crafted in homage to the area. Multiple Locations: Ode to the Seasons Ten Tables This ultra-cozy spot really has just 10 tables. Luckily, one of those is the chef’s table, which grants glimpses of culinary masters in action as they honor the season with ingredients from Boston-area farms, such as littleneck clams from Woodbury Shellfish or roasted root vegetables from Allandale Farm. Even the cocktails include local fruits, which are puréed in house. Back Bay: Upscale New French Dining L'Espalier | 774 Boylston Street Head to “The Library”—one of L’Espalier’s four dining rooms—for a tranquil and intimate meal. Amid the dim lighting and shelves of books, you’ll find sophisticated yet accessible French cuisine crafted from local ingredients and served with a bit of flair. Try the rib eye for two, carved tableside and paired with mushroom ragout. Wellington/Harrington: Southern Comfort Food Turns Upscale Hungry Mother | 233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue A 2013 James Beard nominee, Chef Barry Maiden marries classic French culinary techniques with traditional Southern recipes. The result? Wagyu beef tongue, crayfish and grits, and spring lamb meat pies with saffron aioli—each born from a foundation of New England ingredients. End the meal with a shareable slice of buttermilk chess pie. Beacon Hill: Modern Italian in a Subterranean Setting Grotto | 37 Bowdoin Street Situated in the basement of a Beacon Hill brownstone, this softly lit date-night hot spot features contemporary Italian cuisine infused with local undertones. Cherry-pick items from the three-course prix fixe menu, such as garlic and black-truffle soup, grilled beef tenderloin in a red-wine sauce, and panna cotta for dessert. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always order the eatery’s simple signature: spaghetti and meatballs. Area IV: Lavender-Honey Duck for Two Salts | 798 Main Street What’s more romantic than a bistro run by a husband and wife? Perhaps that husband and wife’s most popular dish: a whole roasted boneless duck kissed with a lavender-honey glaze for two. Order the meal in advance, and enjoy it with one of their carefully selected small-production wines from France, Spain, or Uruguay. Ward Two: Intimate Spanish Tapas Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar | 415 Washington Street Flickering candlelight illuminates colorful Spanish decor and low tin ceilings at Dali, but there are plenty of dark corners for canoodling. Each small plate of baked goat cheese, cured Spanish ham, and saffron-battered shrimp is meant to be shared and enjoyed with housemade sangria. Beacon Hill: James Beard Award-Winning Wine Program No. 9 Park | 9 Park Street Win over your beloved via Chef Barbara Lynch’s seven-course tasting menu, three-course prix fixe menu, or à la carte dishes. Whichever you choose, you’ll encounter elegant Italian- and French-inspired cuisine made from local ingredients, from prune-stuffed gnocchi to berkshire pork loin. As for the wine, the James Beard Foundation approves of the sommelier’s small-batch European picks.

If you look at the ground in downtown Boston, chances are you might see a red line beneath your feet. This crimson path, famously known as the Freedom Trail, snakes from Boston Common up to the glinting dome of the State House, as many Bostonians already know. It travels past the Old South Meeting House, meanders through Faneuil Hall, and then winds through the North End, eventually leading over the bridge into Charlestown. Created in 1951, the Freedom Trail links all the city’s major historical sites together and makes them easy to visit for residents and tourists alike. But you may not know that there are also some pretty darn delicious food spots along the way. Here are a few: Fuel Up in Beacon Hill While visitors tend to flock to the Faneuil Hall area for fast food, I’d urge you to break away from the crowds and check out Piperi Mediterranean Grill (1 Beacon St.), located across the street from King’s Chapel and Burying Ground. Everything on the casual spot’s menu—whether it’s falafel, a full-on mezze plate, or a flavorful salad—is incredibly fresh, as the chefs make all of their dishes in small batches. The menu also accommodates vegetarian, gluten-free, and other diets, and the plates can be customized to fit your cravings. Ample portions and energy-boosting fare will definitely keep your spirits up for a full day of exploring. Cool Down in the North End For obvious reasons, the Freedom Trail is very popular in the summertime. Boston’s summer temps can soar into an uncomfortable territory, which makes cooling off a necessity. In my mind, there is only one option when the heat is bearing down and refreshment is needed: gelato from Caffe Paradiso (255 Hanover St.). The trail will take you right past it, and it would probably be an offense to our forefathers if you didn’t stop and have a taste of the gelato, especially my favorite flavor, pistachio. This sweet treat is sure to keep you cool through your journey. Unwind with Wine in Charlestown The best way to end a day on the Freedom Trail is dinner at the Navy Yard Bistro and Wine Bar (1 First Ave.). This little tucked-away gem offers incredible food, from appetizers such as buttermilk-fried oysters and duck wings to entrees like my personal favorite, a rum- and rosemary-brined pork chop so succulent and flavorful that you’ll feel like you’ve gone to pork heaven. Beyond the food, however, there is an impressive wine list, which won acclaim from Wine Spectator. The list is a perfect combination of affordable and splurgy, with a glass or bottle for every taste and price point. The bistro is cozy and inviting, and with something for everyone, it’s a delicious place to relax after a long walk through the city. Check out more restaurants in Boston. Photos by Fiona Coxe