Boston, Massachusetts is one of my favourite cities in the United States of America. Rich history, wafts of fresh seafood and ocean air, blended with friendly locals and their charming Beantown accent. Every neck of this charismatic city brings you a unique cultural flare.
Seasons
I have been lucky enough to visit Boston eleven times; eight times in the fall for the infamous Head of the Charles regatta, and now as a marathon runner, I have been fortunate to experience the patriotic Boston Strong love of the city for three recent Spring visits for the Boston Marathon.
Both the fall and spring are two wonderful times of year to visit. The fall, especially with the change of season and rich fall colours. Both the fall and spring can be a gamble as I have experienced everything from snow, wind, rain or beautiful sunshine and temperatures soaring into the 80’s during both seasons. With close friends who live Boston, their recommendation is certainly, avoid winter. It is harsh and cold (though I am certain it is also beautiful so if you do go then bundle up with ear muffs and hot chocolate and enjoy!)
Areas to stay
I have stayed all around Boston; from the funky brick brownstones of the Back Bay, to Harvard and Cambridge and now for my Fourth Boston Marathon this coming spring we will stay (for the fourth time) in the North End at my favorite hotel The Battery Wharf Hotel. The North End of Boston has captured a piece of my heart. This Italian neighborhood Boston’s most historic and brings you a unique cocktail of delights. It’s harbourfront peace and quiet, the smell of the ocean mixed with countless delicious Italian restaurants bakeries, and picturesque waterfront restaurants and pubs, cobblestone streets and tons of history. Be prepared to walk a ton, and of course, to get lost!
Our 10 Favourite Restaurants and Pubs in Boston
Here is a list of our top 10 favorite Boston restaurants and pubs with the comfort food, good drinks and friendly vibe we crave:
This is a quaint, friendly Irish Pub and the perfect spot to stop for a pint during your hours you must spend shopping and watching the buskers in Quincy Market. Hit it up at the right time and awesome live music will await!
Craving pizza? This is a super cool spot in Back Bay with eclectic pizza choices and unique cocktails. We had the Fungi, it was very different and tasty!
Down in the growing area bordering on South Boston, this pub attracts a bit of a younger crowd but as usual, we sat down at the bar ordered some bevies and met some awesome locals.
Right on Boylston, we have yet to visit Boston without hitting up this pub at least once, nothing fancy whatsoever, it’s a classic dive bar. Sit at the bar, order a pint and a cup of clam chowder and chat with your neighbor. The best was sitting next to a bartender who just gets off shift and orders “the regular with two sides…aka a beer with two shots of Jamieson”
While roaming the streets of Harvard, find this place, go downstairs and meet some super friendly staff and chat with the locals. Check out their happy hour menu, some great deals!
We recently discovered this magical venue on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center with spectacular views of the Boston skyline and amazing (amazingly strong!) cocktails. We did not eat but the food looked delicious. It is a perfect place for a night cap.
This is a large modern and buzzing restaurant set right on the harbourfront near Seaport is the perfect place to stop on a sunny afternoon and gaze out at the passing boats.
Set on the waterfront in the North End, this is my go-to place the night before the Boston Marathon. Their fish and chips (yep that’s what I eat before a marathon), are delicious! My husband loves their lobster mac and cheese. Nothing fancy but great comfort food.
On the pricey side but worth every penny, their classic prime rib is delectable. This is my favorite post-marathon treat. Chase it down with their unique blends of mojitos.
Tucked on an unassuming locale in North End, prepare for the most delicious breakfast you can find in Boston. They start you off with the best EVER banana bread. Get their early, it is tiny and squishy inside but worth the intimacy.
Enjoy your next trip to Boston, and I would love any feedback from you on your favorite spots in Beantown! We will be back again this spring for the 2019 Boston Marathon already booked in at Battery Wharf, can’t wait!
