By Mitch Fahey, Staff Writer, Emerson College
I’ve been living in Boston for almost two years now, and through exploring the city, I’ve discovered many cool and fun places and attractions to visit, as well as delicious restaurants to eat at. I’ve compiled a list of my twenty favorite places in Boston that I’ve come to love over these last two years!
I’ve been living in Boston for almost two years now, and through exploring the city, I’ve discovered many cool and fun places and attractions to visit, as well as delicious restaurants to eat at. I’ve compiled a list of my twenty favorite places in Boston that I’ve come to love over these last two years!
1. The North End
“Little Italy” is a fun place to get delicious and authentic Italian food and enjoy the Italian culture with its unique architecture and history. It is a beautiful place to walk around at any time of the year with its unique yet classical Italian neighborhood look and feel. There is nothing more fun and relaxing than just walking around taking in the culture and views and then grabbing a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurants. My two favorites places I’ve been to are Antico Forno’s (93 Salem St.), which offered all the great pasta, pizza, and bread I could ask for, and Mike’s Pastries (300 Hanover St.), where I can get absolutely delicious desserts. I’ll be living in the North End next year and I couldn’t be more excited to be in such a beautiful and rich place, with all the Italian food and desserts and wonderful streets and views I could want.
“Little Italy” is a fun place to get delicious and authentic Italian food and enjoy the Italian culture with its unique architecture and history. It is a beautiful place to walk around at any time of the year with its unique yet classical Italian neighborhood look and feel. There is nothing more fun and relaxing than just walking around taking in the culture and views and then grabbing a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurants. My two favorites places I’ve been to are Antico Forno’s (93 Salem St.), which offered all the great pasta, pizza, and bread I could ask for, and Mike’s Pastries (300 Hanover St.), where I can get absolutely delicious desserts. I’ll be living in the North End next year and I couldn’t be more excited to be in such a beautiful and rich place, with all the Italian food and desserts and wonderful streets and views I could want.
2. Coolidge Corner
Full of great restaurants, delis, sushi joints, and cultural touchstones, Coolidge Corner is a great place to go on a lovely date. My favorite places I’ve gone to involve some deli foods, some sushi, and some motion pictures. Zaftig's Deli (335 Harvard St.) has some of the best Jewish food I’ve ever eaten including delicious Matzoh ball soup, huge pastrami and corn beef sandwiches, potato pancakes with apple sauce, and banana stuffed waffles (maybe not Jewish food but still tasty as hell). Osaka (14 Green St.) is like dinner and a show. It has some absolutely amazing food and is spectacular to watch. The way the chef performed with the hibachi is an art form. Speaking of shows, Coolidge Corner Theater (290 Harvard St.) is a fantastic theater and I couldn’t have had a better time there. It has cozy and spacious seats, is clearly equipped with great technology, and there is even a section for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Full of great restaurants, delis, sushi joints, and cultural touchstones, Coolidge Corner is a great place to go on a lovely date. My favorite places I’ve gone to involve some deli foods, some sushi, and some motion pictures. Zaftig's Deli (335 Harvard St.) has some of the best Jewish food I’ve ever eaten including delicious Matzoh ball soup, huge pastrami and corn beef sandwiches, potato pancakes with apple sauce, and banana stuffed waffles (maybe not Jewish food but still tasty as hell). Osaka (14 Green St.) is like dinner and a show. It has some absolutely amazing food and is spectacular to watch. The way the chef performed with the hibachi is an art form. Speaking of shows, Coolidge Corner Theater (290 Harvard St.) is a fantastic theater and I couldn’t have had a better time there. It has cozy and spacious seats, is clearly equipped with great technology, and there is even a section for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
3. Downton Boston
Since I attend Emerson College, I live in Downtown Boston and have been to many different places around campus and the city. My favorite places to go to or eat at have to be Chinatown, the Boston Common and the Public Garden, and Fin’s Sushi and Grill. Chinatown is a blast to walk around and see the different restaurants (which have pretty good cheap Chinese food that are some of the only things open late at night) and thrift stores that encompass so much culture. I love walking through the Boston Common and Public Garden and taking in all of their nature and beauty. They’re both great places to hang out in with your friends or significant others as well as a great place to play some fun sports like Quidditch and football. Fin’s Japanese Sushi & Grill (62 Boylston St.) is my favorite place to eat in all of Downtown because it is cheap and delicious. I love nothing more than getting a delicious bento box and ordering a Fin’s roll (with mango, avocado, and spicy tuna. It's fried, with tasty sauces) and leaving satisfied and with a smile.
Since I attend Emerson College, I live in Downtown Boston and have been to many different places around campus and the city. My favorite places to go to or eat at have to be Chinatown, the Boston Common and the Public Garden, and Fin’s Sushi and Grill. Chinatown is a blast to walk around and see the different restaurants (which have pretty good cheap Chinese food that are some of the only things open late at night) and thrift stores that encompass so much culture. I love walking through the Boston Common and Public Garden and taking in all of their nature and beauty. They’re both great places to hang out in with your friends or significant others as well as a great place to play some fun sports like Quidditch and football. Fin’s Japanese Sushi & Grill (62 Boylston St.) is my favorite place to eat in all of Downtown because it is cheap and delicious. I love nothing more than getting a delicious bento box and ordering a Fin’s roll (with mango, avocado, and spicy tuna. It's fried, with tasty sauces) and leaving satisfied and with a smile.
4. Newbury Street
Newbury Street is a lot of fun because it is tourist haven. It has so many different types of places to go to and see with its various restaurants and eateries, upscale clothing shops, beautiful architecture, street vendors, and many other interesting stores. My favorite places I’ve visited in Newbury have to be Max Brenner’s (745 Boylston St.) and Cafeteria Boston (279a Newbury St.). What’s not to like about Max Brenner’s? They have so many delicious chocolate options, how can anyone ever choose? I’d highly suggest getting one of the many tasty hot chocolates or shakes, the s'mores pizza (bananas, white and milk chocolate chunks, peanut butter, and walnuts), or any of the fondues where you can dip foods like banana tempura and strawberries in warm, melted white or milk chocolate. The great part about Max Brenner’s is how it’s not just a great chocolate restaurant, but a great eatery in general with delicious sandwiches and burgers. The Cafeteria Boston is also a great place for a lovely lunch or brunch, with great breakfast staples and scrumptious sandwiches, and a great view of the wonderful streets and shoppers passing by. Nothing beats strolling up and down the streets of Newbury on a sunny spring afternoon.
Newbury Street is a lot of fun because it is tourist haven. It has so many different types of places to go to and see with its various restaurants and eateries, upscale clothing shops, beautiful architecture, street vendors, and many other interesting stores. My favorite places I’ve visited in Newbury have to be Max Brenner’s (745 Boylston St.) and Cafeteria Boston (279a Newbury St.). What’s not to like about Max Brenner’s? They have so many delicious chocolate options, how can anyone ever choose? I’d highly suggest getting one of the many tasty hot chocolates or shakes, the s'mores pizza (bananas, white and milk chocolate chunks, peanut butter, and walnuts), or any of the fondues where you can dip foods like banana tempura and strawberries in warm, melted white or milk chocolate. The great part about Max Brenner’s is how it’s not just a great chocolate restaurant, but a great eatery in general with delicious sandwiches and burgers. The Cafeteria Boston is also a great place for a lovely lunch or brunch, with great breakfast staples and scrumptious sandwiches, and a great view of the wonderful streets and shoppers passing by. Nothing beats strolling up and down the streets of Newbury on a sunny spring afternoon.
4. Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall is a fascinating place to visit and is one of the first urban historic shopping districts. Every time I’ve gone here I’ve had a great time enjoying the popular food courts inside, the vendors, the restaurants, the street performers outside, and just the wonderful feeling in the air as I walk throughout the marketplace. My favorite places I’ve been to are Newbury Comics (Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 South Market St.) and Dick’s Last Resort (Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 N Market St.). The Newbury Comics here is fun and exciting (I know the original one is on Newbury St. but I’ve only been to the one here). On both levels there is so much to look at and take in. Whether you like TV shows or funny shirts or music or shoes or figurines or even comics themselves, there is something for everyone. Dick’s Last Resort is a lot of fun; I recently went there for my birthday and I knew I made the right choice to go there right off the bat. The food is good and not too pricey, but the best reason to go there is for the staff. They act rude and treat you like you’re nothing, but it’s in a fun way and it’s so different from any other place that you can’t help but have a great experience with your friends and the staff.
Faneuil Hall is a fascinating place to visit and is one of the first urban historic shopping districts. Every time I’ve gone here I’ve had a great time enjoying the popular food courts inside, the vendors, the restaurants, the street performers outside, and just the wonderful feeling in the air as I walk throughout the marketplace. My favorite places I’ve been to are Newbury Comics (Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 South Market St.) and Dick’s Last Resort (Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 N Market St.). The Newbury Comics here is fun and exciting (I know the original one is on Newbury St. but I’ve only been to the one here). On both levels there is so much to look at and take in. Whether you like TV shows or funny shirts or music or shoes or figurines or even comics themselves, there is something for everyone. Dick’s Last Resort is a lot of fun; I recently went there for my birthday and I knew I made the right choice to go there right off the bat. The food is good and not too pricey, but the best reason to go there is for the staff. They act rude and treat you like you’re nothing, but it’s in a fun way and it’s so different from any other place that you can’t help but have a great experience with your friends and the staff.
6. New England Aquarium (1 Central Wharf)
A fun place to spend a wonderful afternoon at on the weekends. There are so many creatures to gaze upon and take pictures of as you have an enjoyable walk throughout the entire aquarium and gift shop. If you enjoy cute and weird looking sea critters, especially my personal favorite, the sea otter, then this is the place to go visit.
A fun place to spend a wonderful afternoon at on the weekends. There are so many creatures to gaze upon and take pictures of as you have an enjoyable walk throughout the entire aquarium and gift shop. If you enjoy cute and weird looking sea critters, especially my personal favorite, the sea otter, then this is the place to go visit.
7. Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Avenue)
Similar to the aquarium, the art museum is another splendid place to explore on a weekend afternoon. There are floors upon floors of beautiful and odd art to stare at, appreciate, and sometimes gawk at, and there is something for everyone who enjoys any form of art. My favorite exhibit I’ve seen is the Asian Arts with grand and stunning sculptures and pictures.
Similar to the aquarium, the art museum is another splendid place to explore on a weekend afternoon. There are floors upon floors of beautiful and odd art to stare at, appreciate, and sometimes gawk at, and there is something for everyone who enjoys any form of art. My favorite exhibit I’ve seen is the Asian Arts with grand and stunning sculptures and pictures.
8. Museum of Science (1 Science Park)
Another great place to visit on a weekend morning or afternoon, the science museum has many exciting exhibits and interactive sections for science nerds, as well as those who are only mildly fond of science. My favorite parts are the space and dinosaur ones, which I always love no matter which science museum I’m at, as well as the huge IMAX theater that plays so many great films.
Another great place to visit on a weekend morning or afternoon, the science museum has many exciting exhibits and interactive sections for science nerds, as well as those who are only mildly fond of science. My favorite parts are the space and dinosaur ones, which I always love no matter which science museum I’m at, as well as the huge IMAX theater that plays so many great films.
9. Franklin Park Zoo (1 Franklin Park Road)
The zoo is my final suggestion for a fun place to visit on the weekend afternoons and is just as exciting as any other place I’ve listed so far. If you like watching animals of the land act and react, a stroll through the park is the right and fun choice for you. My favorite exhibits have to be all of the jungle cats and the monkeys as well as the cute gift shop.
The zoo is my final suggestion for a fun place to visit on the weekend afternoons and is just as exciting as any other place I’ve listed so far. If you like watching animals of the land act and react, a stroll through the park is the right and fun choice for you. My favorite exhibits have to be all of the jungle cats and the monkeys as well as the cute gift shop.
10. Fenway (4 Yawkey Way)
The Red Sox, our World Series champs! You can’t explore Boston right without a trip to one of the most historic sports parks in all of the country. It’s a great time for any day of the week during baseball season in the spring and summer. There ain't nothing like a day at park with some hot dogs and beers. You’re guaranteed to have a wicked awesome time.
The Red Sox, our World Series champs! You can’t explore Boston right without a trip to one of the most historic sports parks in all of the country. It’s a great time for any day of the week during baseball season in the spring and summer. There ain't nothing like a day at park with some hot dogs and beers. You’re guaranteed to have a wicked awesome time.
11. TD Gardens (100 Legends Way)
Talk about historic. The Garden is home to the Celtics, who have won the most titles in all of basketball (18) and the Bruins, who have won many championships themselves (6). Whenever I can make it out for a basketball or hockey game, I always have a fun and exciting time. I love the Celtics and I would say that getting out to TD Garden is just as important to getting out to Fenway for any person living in Boston.
Talk about historic. The Garden is home to the Celtics, who have won the most titles in all of basketball (18) and the Bruins, who have won many championships themselves (6). Whenever I can make it out for a basketball or hockey game, I always have a fun and exciting time. I love the Celtics and I would say that getting out to TD Garden is just as important to getting out to Fenway for any person living in Boston.
12. Taipei Tokyo Cafe (7 Holland Street)
Located conveniently right off the T stop at Davis Square, Taipei Tokyo Cafe has, by far the freshest, tastiest, and best sushi I’ve had in Boston. It’s not just great sushi either; the Chinese food is delicious, with scrumptious mango chicken and authentic stir-fry. My favorite dishes are any of the sushi rolls, especially the spicy rolls and batman rolls as well as the best mango chicken I’ve ever had.
Located conveniently right off the T stop at Davis Square, Taipei Tokyo Cafe has, by far the freshest, tastiest, and best sushi I’ve had in Boston. It’s not just great sushi either; the Chinese food is delicious, with scrumptious mango chicken and authentic stir-fry. My favorite dishes are any of the sushi rolls, especially the spicy rolls and batman rolls as well as the best mango chicken I’ve ever had.
13. Cafe 472 (472 Commonwealth Avenue)
One of my favorite places in all of Boston. Cafe 472 offers huge, and I mean huge, portions of frozen yogurt with more flavors and choices of toppings than you can imagine and the best part is it’s only $6. My favorite flavors to combine are vanilla with pumpkin pie and oatmeal cookie. It also has delicious cheap sandwiches like the turkey apple with walnuts and the three cheese grilled cheese.
One of my favorite places in all of Boston. Cafe 472 offers huge, and I mean huge, portions of frozen yogurt with more flavors and choices of toppings than you can imagine and the best part is it’s only $6. My favorite flavors to combine are vanilla with pumpkin pie and oatmeal cookie. It also has delicious cheap sandwiches like the turkey apple with walnuts and the three cheese grilled cheese.
14. Fogo De Chao (200 Dartmouth Street)
I went here for Valentine’s Day with my girlfriend and I couldn’t have asked for a better night stuffing my face with delicious Brazilian food and meats. There is a huge salad bar with various veggies, cheeses, and other nice foods. Then you sit down and have an amazing dinner with amazing food quality. The waiters just come around with seventeen cuts of meats of all kind like sausage, chicken, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, filet mignon, and so many others. You can eat as much as you want and as you scarf down meat, other workers bring you caramelized bananas, Brazilian cornbread, and cheesy mashed potatoes. As Louie C.K. would say, “the meal isn’t over when you’re full, the meal is over when you hate yourself.” Although I didn’t hate myself, I was stuffed to capacity with my favorite meat being the bacon wrapped filet mignon and top sirloin. It’s pricey, but worth it for a special occasion. My favorite place I’ve been to in Boston and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
I went here for Valentine’s Day with my girlfriend and I couldn’t have asked for a better night stuffing my face with delicious Brazilian food and meats. There is a huge salad bar with various veggies, cheeses, and other nice foods. Then you sit down and have an amazing dinner with amazing food quality. The waiters just come around with seventeen cuts of meats of all kind like sausage, chicken, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, filet mignon, and so many others. You can eat as much as you want and as you scarf down meat, other workers bring you caramelized bananas, Brazilian cornbread, and cheesy mashed potatoes. As Louie C.K. would say, “the meal isn’t over when you’re full, the meal is over when you hate yourself.” Although I didn’t hate myself, I was stuffed to capacity with my favorite meat being the bacon wrapped filet mignon and top sirloin. It’s pricey, but worth it for a special occasion. My favorite place I’ve been to in Boston and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
15. Boston Burger Company (37 Davis Square)
Boston Burger Company had fair prices and some of the most delicious burgers I’ve ever had. What sets it apart from other burger joints is its unique and diverse options of burgers and toppings and absolutely huge portions. The toppings are loaded onto the big burgers with combinations that no one could ever imagine. My favorite burgers are the 420 burger (with mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese balls, onion rings) and the Hot Mess burger (cole slaw, thousand island dressing, sweet potato fries).
Boston Burger Company had fair prices and some of the most delicious burgers I’ve ever had. What sets it apart from other burger joints is its unique and diverse options of burgers and toppings and absolutely huge portions. The toppings are loaded onto the big burgers with combinations that no one could ever imagine. My favorite burgers are the 420 burger (with mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese balls, onion rings) and the Hot Mess burger (cole slaw, thousand island dressing, sweet potato fries).
16. India Quality (484 Commonwealth Avenue)
India Quality is the best Indian food I’ve had in Boston and some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The prices are pretty cheap and the service is quick. My favorite things to get are the delicious spicy chicken tikka masala, the samosas, and the chicken vindaloo.
India Quality is the best Indian food I’ve had in Boston and some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The prices are pretty cheap and the service is quick. My favorite things to get are the delicious spicy chicken tikka masala, the samosas, and the chicken vindaloo.
17. Super 88 Market (1 Brighton Avenue)
Super 88 gives you the best bang for you buck with the best cheap and delicious chicken pad thai and pineapple friend rice for only $10. You won’t find a cheaper, quicker way to enjoy some tasty pad thai and friend rice.
Super 88 gives you the best bang for you buck with the best cheap and delicious chicken pad thai and pineapple friend rice for only $10. You won’t find a cheaper, quicker way to enjoy some tasty pad thai and friend rice.
18. Fire and Ice (205 Berkeley Street)
Fire and Ice is a really fun place to go out with friends. It’s just like Osaka and Benihana where it’s more than dinner, it is also a show. The food is delicious and interacting with the cooks and watching them cook your food right in front of you is fun to watch and just a cool experience.
Fire and Ice is a really fun place to go out with friends. It’s just like Osaka and Benihana where it’s more than dinner, it is also a show. The food is delicious and interacting with the cooks and watching them cook your food right in front of you is fun to watch and just a cool experience.
19. Maria’s Taqueria (226 Tremont Street)
A great place to visit after a drunken night in Boston, Maria’s has cheap ($7), quick, and delicious steak burritos (rice, guac, sour cream, beans, sauce), shrimp tacos (rice, beans, special cilantro sauce), and nachos (cheese, beans, sour cream, salsa) decked out with tasty fillings.
A great place to visit after a drunken night in Boston, Maria’s has cheap ($7), quick, and delicious steak burritos (rice, guac, sour cream, beans, sauce), shrimp tacos (rice, beans, special cilantro sauce), and nachos (cheese, beans, sour cream, salsa) decked out with tasty fillings.
20. Raising Canes (949 Commonwealth Avenue)
Another great place to go after a night of drinking in Boston, Canes has some of the best, cheap fried chicken and Texas toast anywhere in the city. The fries are also pretty tasty and the dipping sauces for the chicken are to die for.
Another great place to go after a night of drinking in Boston, Canes has some of the best, cheap fried chicken and Texas toast anywhere in the city. The fries are also pretty tasty and the dipping sauces for the chicken are to die for.
I don’t know about you but I am salivating at the mouth thinking of all of these places and I hope you do the same when you go out and visit and eat out at these places. Boston is a great city, so explore it and discover your own adventures for yourself and your taste buds!
Mitch was born in a lab in wrong island New York, blessed with a donk the size of Texas. He is a writing for film and TV sophomore who enjoys the tender touch of a sea otter and long walks on the beach. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
Images: Igougo.com, Wikipedia, Yelp, NEAQ.org, MFA.org, MOS.org, Zookingdoms.com, Wikimedia.org, Boston.com, FogoDeChao.com, BostonMagazine.com, 10best.com
Mitch was born in a lab in wrong island New York, blessed with a donk the size of Texas. He is a writing for film and TV sophomore who enjoys the tender touch of a sea otter and long walks on the beach. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
Images: Igougo.com, Wikipedia, Yelp, NEAQ.org, MFA.org, MOS.org, Zookingdoms.com, Wikimedia.org, Boston.com, FogoDeChao.com, BostonMagazine.com, 10best.com