Eating
Boston has a vast array of eating options from great bakeries for a quick snack to something a little more swanky. Quincy Market is a great place to start for its food stalls. You’ll find the stallholders cooking up all kinds of treats and it’s a great place to head with fussy kids since there’s bound to be something to suit. Not only that, but you get to eat outside and be entertained by street performers…oh, and there’s also an amazing ice cream stall for dessert!
The inspiration for Cheers, Boston
Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are surrounded by restaurants, some better than others. Try Hillstone for really well done American dishes, it’s very child friendly too, even though it doesn’t look it. If you’re with kids you might also consider Joe’s American Diner, there’s one on the Waterfront and another in Back Bay. Near Boston Common you’ll find JMCurley, another place famous for its burgers and for some very direct rules for customers!
In Beacon Hill, 75 Chestnut is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant that cooks up regional American classics for a reasonable price.
For picnics or a quick lunch pitstop try one of the branches several branches of Flour Bakery across Boston and Cambridge for homebaked, freshly made sandwiches large enough to share.
If it’s seafood you’re after, and why wouldn’t want to sample some famous New England seafood, then Atlantic Fish Company is the place for you. The Barking Crab near the waterfront is also popular, particularly for the atmosphere on its outdoor deck. Legal Sea Foods is also a reliable option with several branches in Boston.
Over in Cambridge there’s a really vibrant food scene serving all those academics and students. The industrial feel to Catalyst makes it a trendy spot but the food gets good reviews too. Puritan & Co claims to have a welcoming atmosphere and the reviews certainly back it up, it serves mostly New England food with a modern twist and would be a good spot to take children. For something quite special try Bondir, also in Cambridge with a daily changing menu of local ingredients but you’ll need to book ahead.
Drinking
It would be remiss to write about the food scene in Boston and not mention the beer scene! Boston has a great brewing tradition which can be sampled, often along with good food, in one of it’s many craft beer bars. Here you can sample local brewing delights as well as some more unusual beers from around the world. We’ve listed a few to get you started.
Bukowski’s – Back Bay http://bukowskitavern.net/boston/
Cambridge Brewing Company – Cambridge
Publick House – Brookline
Lord Hobo – Cambridge