City Guide: Boston, Massachusetts

Photo copyright Charleston Area CVB

The best spots to eat and drink in New England’s culinary crown jewel. Enjoy our city guide to Boston, Massachusetts.

Bursting with gorgeous Federal-style architecture, beautiful public gardens, and an unmistakable accent, Boston’s charm will win your heart. Then, after you’ve seen the sights, it’s innovative yet relaxed dining scene will win your taste buds!

We spent 72 hours exploring this historic and bustling city. Here are our top picks for grabbing a bite or beverage in Beantown.

Photo copyright Bon Appetit

BackBar

7 Sanborn Ct

Tucked behind Journeyman beer garden, BackBar is making waves in the hip Somerville district. The talented team is led by VOLT alumni, Carlo Caroscio, and they aren’t afraid to push the envelope. When we visited, the drink of the day was the Forager’s Flotsam – a concoction of Glendalough Irish Gin with grapefruit shrub, pineapple, lime, almond, and Boker’s classic bitters. We suggest going with the week’s featured libations, but you can also work with the bartenders to get a drink tailored to fit your tastes.

Photo copyright Tiger Mama

Tiger Mama

1363 Boylston St

Located right down the street from Fenway Park, this Southeast Asian restaurant serves up some of the hottest food in Boston. The decor is as bold as the flavors, take a minute to soak in the mirror ball elephant and living wall covered in tropical plants. We sat at the tiki bar and enjoyed a Devil’s Den cocktail while perusing the menu. Ask your server for help selecting a variety of dishes, depending on your tolerance for spice. No matter what you order, make sure get a side of coconut sticky rice, the perfect sweet accompaniment.

Photo copyright Boston Magazine

Brewer’s Fork

7 Moulton St

Calling all beer lovers! This Charlestown spot is the place for you. With over 25 craft brews on tap and wood-fired pizzas coming out of the kitchen, it’s anything but a tough sell. The bar menu boasts hard-to-find releases from New England’s best breweries (like Foundation, Night Shift, and Jack’s Abby). We loved the knowledgeable bartenders who were happy to help us select draughts from the extensive list. In case you need another reason to visit, did we mention they have an amazing brunch?

Photo copyright Neptune Oyster

Neptune Oyster

63 Salem St

Don’t be discouraged by the long line at this famous raw-bar joint. Neptune Oyster’s fabulous oyster selection and seafood-centric dishes are well worth the wait. We suggest strolling down the nearby Freedom Trail after your name is on the list. The small space can get pretty packed, some guests affectionately describe it as a “sardine tin”. Cozy up with your neighbors and embrace the raucous because this spot lives up to the hype. Try a warm, buttery lobster roll or go over-the-top with the Neptune Plateau tower.

Photo copyright Blackbird Doughnuts

Blackbird Doughnuts

492 Tremont St

Okay, so maybe this isn’t a full-fledged restaurant, but we promise it’s a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Gourmet doughnuts are baked on site from scratch, all from natural and locally sourced ingredients. They offer raised brioche styles, as well as old-fashioned cake doughnuts. Go with a friend so you can try more than one flavor! We love the namesake flavor, a vanilla bean dream, and the Boston cream Bismark.

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