Restaurants in Westford

Boston is steeped in history, and so are its restaurants. By way of example, consider Union Oyster House. The seriously old-school eatery is located directly on the Freedom Trail, just minutes from Faneuil Hall. Not only is this tourist destination still serving fresh seafood, it offers several nationwide distinctions: it’s the oldest continually operating restaurant in the entire United States, and it’s the birthplace of the toothpick as a post-dinner teeth-cleaning tool. President John F. Kennedy himself was a long time regular, where he would linger over a bowl of lobster stew every Sunday evening as a state senator. Not much has really changed inside this historic restaurant since it opened its doors in 1826. The colonial décor includes old wooden booths and a semi-circle oyster bar with wooden seats, where friendly shuckers enjoy telling diners the tale of Daniel Webster, a daily customer, who used to sit at the bar with a brandy and half dozen oysters. Listen long enough and you may hear other tales of former customers, some of whom went on to do great things. For anyone looking to experience a little Kennedy nostalgia, head upstairs, where a simple wooden booth comes adorned with a plaque dedicated to the former President, reading simply “Kennedy Booth.” Curious diners can request a cozy seat in this booth year–round. As for the food, come here expecting – what else – oysters. Look for the half-shelled bivalves to arrive grilled, fried or freshly briny and still sitting on the half shell. Hearty diners receive a complimentary basket of corn bread, which pairs up even better with a cup of creamy clam chowder. For a true taste of Boston, try the New England feast, which brings together clam chowder, steamers, boiled lobster and Indian pudding. The bold flavors may surprise you, especially for a restaurant that opened fifty years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Trade, a restaurant from Chef Jody Adams of Rialto fame, is my one of my favorite restaurants in Boston, and a place I find myself again and again. Living in the Leather District, it is also luckily (and dangerously!) close to home, and when we get home to find the fridge bare we often take the short walk to Congress Street. Because we have tried the menu so many times, I’d like to share some of what I’ve found to be the best dishes on the menu. The space, by Fort Point Channel at the intersection of Congress Street and Atlantic Avenue, is airy and industrial, with lots of warm wood and exposed brick. The long bar area is a favorite of the after-work crowd, and is often filled with people from downtown looking for a drink before heading home. And with good reason: the drinks are delicious, especially their gingery cockney mule. As great as the bar scene is, it is so worthwhile to stay for dinner. The menu is served in the bar area as well as a more formal seating area at the front of the restaurant. While there are larger entrees on the menu (between $22 and $28), sharing the small plates ($7 to $15 each) is a delicious way to try several dishes. In line with the aim of using fresh local ingredients, the menu shifts with the seasons to feature the best produce available. There is always a crudo, and it has been delicious every time I have tried it. One memorable version featured fluke in a delicate coconut broth. The current menu includes a tuna crudo with wasabi, radish, chilli, and yuzu – yum! A perennial favorite of mine and a constant on the menu is the black bean enchilada with Taza mole, cabbage, and avocado. It is cooked in a small cast iron skillet in the huge pizza oven, which also crisps up several varieties of flatbreads. Another favorite is the crispy potatoes with paprika and cumin, simple but oh-so satisfying. Vegetables really shine, including avocado served with an addictive green mango-tamarind-peanut chutney, Brussels sprouts with harissa and dukkah, and gingered beets in a grainy mustard vinagrette. The menu often features burrata, a fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream. A version we tried recently paired a zingy quince jam and toasted nuts with the rich cheese, for a perfect decadent forkful. While there are several interesting deserts on the menu, we always come back to the baked Alaska. The flavor of ice cream or sorbet changes with the seasons, but the meringue shell is always crisped beautifully in the hot pizza oven. It has consistently been a perfect ending to some of my favorite meals in Boston. If you try Trade, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  

In an era of hip eateries with a focus on craft cocktails, celebrity chefs and complex, locally foraged dishes, there’s something so comforting about eating at a classic diner. Hopefully, there’s a neon sign outside, although it doesn’t have to work, and the worn-out banquettes and counter stools are never so full you can’t find a place to eat. At the very least, breakfast should be served all day, portions should be hearty and coffee should be refilled without having to ask. One of Boston’s standout spots is Mike’s City Diner in the South End, which has been serving up homemade food for almost two decades. Giant portions, daily lunch specials and a very friendly vibe make this a local favorite, but has also drawn the attention of former President Bill Clinton, professional athletes and the occasional visiting celebrities. Out-of-towners aside, plenty of locals will tell you that Mike’s serves the best hash in the city. Although a rarity in Boston, The South Street Diner is open all night, and the giant coffee cup sign atop the building is a beacon for late night revelers looking for a place to land after dancing and drinking. The diner special, with three eggs, two pancakes or French toast, home fries and bacon is a bargain at $12, as is the $20 carafe of mimosas. Service can be brusque, but food comes fast, which is a good thing for many late-night eaters needing to soak up their experiences. Plus, the quick pace means you won’t have to wait in line long for a table. Two more Boston diners worth checking out are Victoria’s Diner, on Massachusetts Avenue, and Mul’s Diner, in South Boston. Mul’s is the sort of chummy local spot where everyone seems to know each other – Southie is that kind of neighborhood – while Victoria’s puts you elbow to elbow with people you just can’t wait to meet. With a friendly atmosphere and round-the-clock weekend service, Victoria’s is the absolute representation of a classic Boston diner, from the plate of eggs on down. But really, with quality, quantity and service like this, any one of these diners can be a great respite for tired and hungry locals, or out-of-towners looking for a simple bite to eat.