Restaurants in Massachusetts

SideBar Food and Spirits

Downtown pub with TVs, arcade games, and a jukebox dishes out food such as burgers, wings, sandwiches, and brick-oven pizza

Downtown

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Dining With Our Ancestors

Whenever I walk through the streets of Boston I always feel as though at any given moment a horse drawn buggy might cross my path, or a colonial woman carrying baskets stuffed with goods from the market my wander into my path. There is something about Boston that has somehow maintained the incredible history when it was founded and the centuries that have passed since despite its current modern state. Of course, it helps that we’ve maintained much of our architecture, and even some of our founding businesses right here in the city. Paul Revere’s home sits as it always has in the North End. The original State House, now surrounded by the skyscrapers of the financial district, still sits where it always has, in the center of it all, with an eye to the harbor. Better still, we still have restaurants in business that have long beyond withstood the test of time. Union Oyster House, located just across the street from the Holocaust Memorial in the heart of Faneuil Hall first opened its doors in 1826 and is the oldest continuously open restaurant in the United States. The building itself was built in the 1600’s before Boston’s landmass was redesigned and the harbor was just outside its door. It began as a dress goods business, and then reimagined its wares into those lovely shellfish in the 1800’s. Ever since, residents and visitors alike have flocked to its doors to enjoy its plentiful raw bar, and the rest of their uniquely New England menu. As a true testament to its prowess, it is a favorite haunt of the Kennedy clan (yes THOSE Kennedy’s) when they happen in from Kennbunkport, and is the post election dinner spot for Secretary of State, Boston native, John Kerry. Union Oyster House is a true institution in Boston, with its exterior preserved in true colonial spirit and it’s menu offering tastes treasured since that time. A bit more off the beaten path, Amhrein’s has occupied it’s space on West Broadway St in South Boston since 1890. Opened has a “neighborhood spot” Amhrein’s continues to be a place where neighbors go to enjoy a pint, and generous portions. Though it’s undergone several renovations over the years, both to it’s interior as well as modernizing it’s menu bringing it’s flavors up to the discerning palates of today, Amhrein’s is still home to the oldest hand carved bar in America (trust me- it’s gorgeous) and Boston’s oldest beer tap- a real claim to fame! No list of historical Boston restaurants would be complete without mentioning the Parker Omni House. Originally opened in 1855, and then reconstructed throughout the 1920s, the hotel, and self contained restaurant have been an icon to the Boston dining scene. The restaurant is tributed with first creating that heavenly concoction and the official state dessert of Massachusetts, the Boston Cream Pie, as well as the Parker House Rolls, a buttery way to start off a meal, and also is known for coining the term “scrod”. The Parker House has definitely made its impression on Boston dining. However, its not just what they’ve served over the years, it’s who they’ve served. It’s location close to the old city hall, and the new State House has made it a favorite meeting spot for politicians for centuries, but has also been a favorite spot of such literary masters such as Charles Dickens (who resided within the hotel for two years) as well as such famous names as Longfellow, Emerson and Holmes. Of course, it was also the site of John F. Kennedy’s Congressional candidacy announcement, and his bachelor party. This place has some amazing history. Today, go visit and sit in its gorgeous hallowed rooms and enjoy truly elegant service, delicious rolls and a slice of Boston Cream Pie- or their cocktail of the same name. Boston is ripe with historical gems, spots that have seen wars, hard times and great times. These are magical places within the city, places where modern fun can be had with a nod to our ancestors. These are definitely spots to sit back, enjoy a pint and watch the world pass you by. Explore even more Boston restaurants.

Guide to North End's Italian Dining

The North End is Boston’s Little Italy, an area of sheer bliss for any Italian food lover. This is Boston’s oldest neighborhood, with buildings dating back to the 17th century. In the 1800’s, it was the first stop for many Italian immigrants; generations later, you can still hear Italian spoken in shops and on the streets. Today its narrow and twisty streets are chock-a-block with cafés, restaurants, bakeries, gelato shops, bars and Italian specialty stores. It’s an adventure just to stroll through the neighborhood and read the menus displayed outside the restaurants. But as true aficionados know, “Italian” is too generic a term. Here, you can narrow down what type of food experience you want by region: Napoli, Sicily, Abruzzi, Lombardy, Piedmont and so on. Cozy, romantic, and upscale, Mamma Maria has been serving Northern Italian cuisine in its gorgeous row house setting for more than 40 years. Five dining rooms of differing sizes make the space feel very intimate, and the familial service is always topnotch. Though the menu changes daily, diners can usually count on the delicious and classically-prepared osso buco with saffron risotto, considering its popularity among local eaters. While Mamma Maria feels like a hidden gem, Ristorante Villa Francesca feels like a warm embrace, especially when its full-size windows on the street are wide open, and passersby get to glimpse the tempting Italian seafood on patrons’ plates. The prix fixe seafood dinner is one of the best deals around, offering dishes like lobster ravioli and cioppino (a mixed seafood stew of clams, mussels, calamari, fish and shrimp), plus a dessert for a very reasonable price. Perhaps less upscale, but no less beloved, is Regina Pizzeria, which has been serving up pies since 1926, each one cooked in its brick ovens. For many, the North End simply means a slice at Regina’s, and though there are other branches, the North End outpost is a classic, where nothing but pizza, sbeer and wine) is available. Some restaurants in the North End don’t serve dessert, allowing the numerous pastry shops and cafés to own that course. Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street is world-renowned for its cannolis, and just one block away, also on Hanover, is Modern Pastry, which can hold its own against Mike’s and usually has much shorter lines. Though, in this part of the city, it’s easy to stumble upon a gelateria, pastry house or low-key Italian joint that serves up superior versions of hearty foods you’ve been eating your whole life. That’s why locals and tourists alike flock to the Italian-centric North End.

Exploring Chinatown’s Restaurant Wonders

Chinatown can be a bit intimidating. The myriad of streets over lapping each other in a haphazard fashion, all lined with bustling restaurants adorned with colorful awnings decorated with their names, menus in the windows listing their fare in both English as well as Chinese, or Cantonese. But how do you tell which is good and which is better passed by? Even more so, once you’re seated, how do you know what to order? Some spots make it easy on their clientele. Gourmet Dumpling House is widely regarded as one of the best places in Chinatown, and here I let the name guide me when ordering - their dumplings are out of this world. They specialize in a variety of types of dumplings, steamed to pan fried, with vegetarian fillings to meat fillings, however, I have to guide you to the Juicy Dumplings. Often called Soup Dumplings, these little steamed pockets of perfection contain either crab meat and pork or just pork with a healthy addition of broth. One does need to take some care when eating these treasures, as the broth can make for a messier experience, but the combination of the dumpling with the filling and the soup makes a perfect bite every time. Perhaps you’re more of a Steamed Pork Bun fan? A sandwich of sorts with a “bun” so pillowy soft that it feels like a cloud encompassing artfully seasoned pork, sometimes accomplanied by veggies or a spicy mayo, and sometimes served clean, as is. Mei Sum is the go to spot for these, with very honorable mentions at Chau Chow City and China Pearl. Looking for a good first date spot? Head to The Q Restaurant for their Mongolian Hot Pot. Hot Pot allows diners to choose their broths, their vegetables, their meats and create their own unique dinners right at their own table. Differing a bit from the standard fare, Hot Pot is incredibly interactive, fun for a group or to help smooth out any awkward corners in the dating world. Chinatown is a large section in the city and is comprised of much more than just the restaurants listed here. It’s streets contain many markets, pharmacies and the like all stocked with imported goods from China, each with their own unique feel. If you are interested in learning more, there are phenomenal tours offered through Boston Food Tours that will guide you through the neighborhood and offer answers to all those questions you have. No matter what you’re looking for, I urge you to get out and explore the great Chinatown, treasures are sure to be found. Hungry for more? Explore all of our Boston restaurant deals.

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Dining With Our Ancestors

Guide to North End's Italian Dining

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Restaurants in Massachusetts

SideBar Food and Spirits

50% Off at SideBar Food and Spirits

Dining With Our Ancestors

Guide to North End's Italian Dining

Exploring Chinatown’s Restaurant Wonders

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