Restaurants in Merrimack

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

The past few years, especially here in Boston, have seen the rise of the abnormal.  Menus throughout the city are now featuring dishes designed outside the “box”, incorporating proteins from exotic animals and using every edible piece of those animals.  The idea that is being utilized, to let nothing to go to waste, is not new. Countries all over the world have been making use of the “less desirable” cuts of meat (think tongue, brain, etc) for centuries, while the US remained largely mainstream.  However, as we began to look more at the idea of farm to table, the imaginations of our chefs opened up and started incorporating more nose to tail dishes, and exotic, unexpected meats on their menus. Trying some of these dishes can be incredibly intimidating at first.  Heart, tail, kangaroo…there are some very understandable nerves that may pop up when ordering.  Have no fear though, Boston’s chefs have been doing an incredible job of creating dishes that are both approachable and delicious. Barbara Lynch is widely known throughout the city for her incredible mastery of refined Italian and French cuisine.  She has a unique knack for blending both styles into artistic and beautiful dishes that are both simple and distinctive.  Her work at Sportello, located in the Seaport district combines her classic refinement with the comfort of a classic diner.  Here you’ll find true Italian dishes like gnocchi and agnoletti paired with more exotic accompaniments such as rabbit, or veal cheeks.  My favorite here though is a small plate featuring slices of toasted baguette, topped simply with lardo and candied walnuts.  Lardo is an incredible treat, richer than butter, harvested from pigs who feasted on apples and walnuts.  Sweet, nutty, and paired perfectly with the crunchy walnuts – it makes an incredible snack on its own or to awaken the palate before a big meal. Ken Oringer and Jaime Bissonette together run two of the most well known small plate restaurants in the city:  Toro, and Coppa, both with a concentration on preparing incredible dishes utilizing as much of each animal as possible.  My personal favorites are the Pig’s Tail at Coppa (Ossa di Maiale) and the Asado Huesos at Toro.  The pig’s tail combines the tail with other bones from the pig and roasts them with a mustard glaze.  The result is a deeply smoky, salty,  sweet and tangy dish that takes the best parts of ham and the best parts of bacon and marries them together.  The Asado Huesos concentrates on the insides of the bones, pairing the Marrow with a tart citrus and radish salad and a sweet oxtail marmalade.   A decadent dish, but when combined with the refreshing salad it has a perfectly “light” feeling. Of course we wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the king of the exotic meats, Brian Poe who runs the kitchen at the Tip Tap room.  First perusals of the menu show a concentration on classic menu items like steak tips or turkey tips and burgers, but if you look deeper, specifically at the specials board, the real beauty comes alive.  Chef Poe finds incredible proteins like Kangaroo, Yak and Wild Boar and creates classic dishes out of them.  Kangaroo burgers hit the spot frequently, and a Wild Boar Osso Bucco recently dominated my plate.  If you have a hankering to walk on the wild side, The Tip Tap Room is the place to do it, Chef Poe will gladly lead your way calmly and safely. Explore more Boston restaurants.

Peanut butter and jelly, steak and potatoes, burgers and beer—the world’s most perfect pairings. What is it about a thick, juicy burger with all the fixin’s that screams to be washed down with an ice-cold brewski? The world may never know, but here’s a few Boston restaurants that get this combo oh-so-right. Classic: The Gallows | 1395 Washington St. This South End restaurant rotates its burger menu often to include the freshest ingredients and the most unusual combinations. The burgers here are simple flat patties, so don’t go customizing the temperature—but The Gallows proves that simple really is best. A menu staple is the Our Way, a traditional backyard combination of american cheese, iceberg lettuce, pickles, and grilled onions that evokes memories of summer barbecues where the beer is flowing and the friends are plentiful. Speaking of beer, The Gallows presents a short yet comprehensive list that shows off some of the best craft brewers in Massachusetts, New England, and beyond. Novel-Length Beer List: The Tip Tap Room | 138 Cambridge St. This Beacon Hill bar takes the “tap” in its name seriously—it has 36 of them. The beer list also features 45 different beers in bottles and 7 in cans and is one of the most diverse collections in the city. Choices range from the seasonal and highly sought-after Stone Brewing Co. ales to small brewers that haven’t yet made a name for themselves. And The Tip Tap Room’s spin on dining, which incorporates exotic meats and hard-to-find ingredients, ensures an unforgettable burger. Besides the standard beef, turkey, and lamb burgers, you’ll often find a fun twist on their board such as caribou or alligator. Vegetarian’s Choice: The Publick House | 648 Beacon St., Brookline The Publick House in Washington Square is one of my all-time favorite spots to grab a brew. It is regarded as one of the best local beer bars, with an incredible list of local and European labels. The burgers are spot-on, too, but reigning supreme here is the veggie burger. The Publick House isn’t trying to mimic a “regular” burger with its veggie patty, which is chock-full of carrots, green peas, and zucchini. Instead, the eatery makes a sandwich that stands deliciously on its own—and will make any meat lover swoon. Beer Garden of Eden: Charlie’s Kitchen | 10 Eliot St., Cambridge Year-round. Outdoor. Beer garden. Let that sink in for a moment. In a city where outdoor seating is limited and unheard of in the winter months, Charlie’s Kitchen in Harvard Square serves its rotating list of beers al fresco in every season. There’s also a wallet-friendly menu of classic burger combinations, with patties that can be doubled or even tripled. So get in there, roll your sleeves up, and dig in. Student Standby: Sunset Grill & Tap | 130 Brighton Ave. A staple for the many, many college students of the city, Allston’s Sunset Grill & Tap is far from gourmet. In fact, it runs much closer to a greasy spoon, but the menu’s beer-steamed burger offers a unique experience time and again. However, let’s not forget about the restaurant’s more than 100 brews. There’s always a great group of samplers that let diners try different styles without committing to a full pour.   Photo by Fiona Coxe