Boston is a city steeped in history. Founded in the early 1600s by Puritans, it is one of the oldest colonial cities in the United States. The city played a large part in the American Revolution, with both positive (Boston Tea Party) and negative (Boston Massacre) outcomes. In the present day it’s the capital of Massachusetts as well as the financial and cultural hub of New England. As a city with a large immigrant population, you’ll find that reflected in its food scene. There’s Italian-American cuisine in the North End, Irish-American in the South, and lots of Chinese and Vietnamese spots in Chinatown. It’s safe to say if you can’t find somewhere great to eat in Boston, then you’re doing something wrong.
Like much of New England, seafood is king in the Boston area. Thanks to it’s proximity to the ocean, you’ll find menus full of chowders and lobster rolls – much like in Portland, Maine. As the home to the oldest baseball stadium in the country, Boston has its own unique take on the hotdog: a Fenway Frank. While most traditional hotdogs are either steamed or grilled, Fenway Franks are boiled then grilled giving the hotdog a unique texture. They’re then served on a split-top bun instead of the traditional side-cut variety. If you’re more of a sweets person, Boston is also the home of the state dessert of Massachusetts – the Boston Cream Pie.
While the options may seem a bit overwhelming, these are my go-to spots whenever I’m in Boston!
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Planning a trip to Boston? Check out these things to do during your visit!
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Need somewhere to stay? Check out my rundown of all the Boston hotels I’ve stayed in.
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Looking for a caffeine boost? Check out all the coffee shops I’ve visited in Boston.
Breakfast & Coffee
South Street Diner – 178 Kneeland Street.
While it maybe doesn’t look like much from the outside, this old-school diner has surprisingly good mimosas (by the glass or carafe!). It’s the only 24/7 dining option in Boston, making it a great late night pitstop on your way home from the bar as well.
Phin Coffee House – 10 High Street.
A Vietnamese cafe within walking distance of South Station serving baked goods and banh mi sandwiches. Their Boston Cream Latte is SO GOOD – it’s super strong and perks me right up after a long train ride. The only negative? Service can be a little slow sometimes.
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar – Multiple Locations Across Boston.
This modern coffee shop has lots of coffee and tea options (including boba), plus sandwiches and light bites. There are so many flavored coffee options that it can be hard to choose! They’re an all-day cafe, so in the afternoons you can also stop in for a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe – Multiple Locations Across Boston.
This bright and airy bakery chain is a popular spot known for its baked goods and brunch dishes, including shakshuka and massive slices of French toast. There are so many great options on the menu that it can be tough to choose!
Bars
haley.henry – 45 Province Street.
I stumbled upon this cute little wine bar specializing in small production/natural wines and small plates, and now it’s one of my favorite places in Boston. They have such an extensive list of wines to choose from, which may seem daunting, but the staff is so knowledgeable and more than happy to recommend a glass based on your preferences.
Moon Bar – 129 Columbus Ave.
If you’re a fan of unique tropical cocktails and seafood dishes served in a fun colorful space, Moon Bar is the spot for you. The menu and space are both on the small side, so don’t go in expecting a ton of options. The staff is super friendly and I love the vibes here!
Harpoon Brewery – 306 Northern Avenue.
Harpoon is one of my favorite beer brands, so of course their Boston Beer Hall at the Seaport makes the list. The brewery offers guided tours and has a massive tasting room to grab a drink or two afterwards!
Downeast Cider House – 256 Marginal Street, Building 32 – East Boston.
Unlike me, my husband prefers cider over beer (unfiltered cider especially) and Downeast is hands down his favorite. Thursday through Sunday they turn the production floor into a tasting room. It looks like they’ve stopped offering the facility tour with tasting, which is super unfortunate because we loved it!
Restaurants
Ruka Resto Bar – 505 Washington Street.
I wasn’t sure about Peruvian and Asian fusion at first, but now I’m sold. My personal favorites are the phoenix roll and pork belly buns, and they also serve some amazing (and beautiful) cocktails. My last visit was at 8pm on a Wednesday night so I didn’t expect to need a reservation, but boy was I wrong. The place was packed and I just managed to snag the last available bar seat!
Krasi – 48 Gloucester Street.
This Greek meze and wine bar in the heart of Back Bay is known for their modern takes on traditional Greek dishes. They have a massive wine list and I was thrilled to be able to order a glass I’d tried during my Santorini wine tour! They are a small plates restaurant, and from my experience 4-5 dishes is the perfect amount for 2 people.
Kings Draft Room – 60 Seaport Boulevard.
Anywhere with a massive soft pretzel on the menu is a winner in my book. If you’re looking for a way to kill some time, this restaurant/bowling alley/arcade/sports bar combo is the place to go.
Map Room Lounge – 700 Boylston Street.
Books, cocktails, and small bites = a match made in heaven. This cozy teahouse and cafe is located inside of the Boston Public Library’s Central Library location in Copley Square. Definitely order their espresso martini, it’s a 10/10!
Yvonne’s – 2 Winter Place.
While the food at this New American restaurant is solid (just not anything amazing), it’s the drinks, decor, and service that really shine here. I highly recommend stopping in and grabbing a seat at the bar for pre- or post-dinner drinks and light bites.
Still can’t decide what to eat in Boston? Check out one of these food tours!
For Next Time
It always seems to be that just after I’ve left Boston, a new place pops up on my radar that I wish I’d known about sooner. Below are some spots that I can’t wait to eat at on my next visit to Boston!
Gracenote Coffee – 108 Lincoln Street.
Small gourmet espresso bar near South Station that tops many ‘Best Coffee in Boston’ lists.
Mooncusser – 304 Stuart Street.
A higher end local seafood restaurant offering a 4-course tasting menu. The same group also runs Moonbar, the more casual a la carte cocktail bar located on the first floor.
Table Mercato – 441 Hanover Street.
Italian market in the North End selling fresh pasta and focaccia sandwiches.
o ya – 9 East Street.
Sushi and contemporary Japanese small plates restaurant with a 20 course omakase dinner option, housed inside a former Boston firehouse.
Modern Pastry Shop – 257 Hanover Street.
This family-run Italian bakery has had a line down the street every time I’ve walked by! They’re cash only and known for their selection of cannoli.
Where is your favorite place to eat or drink in Boston?
Let me know in the comments so I can try it during my next visit!
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