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Best Dining Bets
Durgin-Park, 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace (tel. 617/227-2038). This Boston institution has packed 'em in since 1827. It serves classic New England fare in abundant portions at communal tables, delighting everyone from local tycoons to visiting toddlers. Well, almost everyone: The famously crotchety staff is so much a part of the legend that some people are disappointed when -- quite often -- the waitresses are courteous and pleasant.
Legal Sea Foods, 255 State St. (tel. 617/227-3115), and other locations. Like the culinary equivalent of a medical specialist, Legal's does one thing and does it exceptionally well. It's a chain for a great reason: People can't get enough of the freshest seafood around.
Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage, 1246 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (tel. 617/354-6559). Trends in food and fashion come and go, and this neighborhood sees them all. Luckily, Harvard Square has a place that puts the "comfort" in comfort food. Bartley's is famous for its juicy burgers, incredible onion rings, and a down-to-earth atmosphere that's increasingly rare in these parts.
Pizzeria Regina, 11 1/2 Thacher St. (tel. 617/227-0765). With its red-and-white-checked tablecloths and fiery oven, Regina's does look like Hollywood's idea of a pizza joint. After one bite of that slightly smoky crust, you'll be sending Martin Scorsese to the back of the line.
Ye Olde Union Oyster House, 41 Union St. (tel. 617/227-2750). Wise guys sneer about all the tourists, but the Union Oyster House is a local favorite for a reason -- the unbeatable combination of historic atmosphere and traditional food that's drawn crowds since 1826.
Best Seafood: Legal Sea Foods, 255 State St. (tel. 617/227-3115) and other locations, does one thing and does it exceptionally well. It's a chain for a great reason: People can't get enough of the freshest seafood around.
Best Raw Bar: The raw bar at Ye Olde Union Oyster House, 41 Union St. (tel. 617/227-2750), is a tasty blend of new and old: The shellfish is ultrafresh, and the restaurant has been a Boston institution for the better part of 2 centuries.
Best Place for a Classic Boston Experience: Durgin-Park, 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace (tel. 617/227-2038), has packed 'em in since 1827. From tycoon to out-of-towner, everyone is happy here except the famously crotchety waitresses. It's a classic, not a relic.
Best Place for a Classic Cambridge Experience: The East Coast Grill & Raw Bar, 1271 Cambridge St., Cambridge (tel. 617/491-6568), is a colorful blur of a place that deserves its national acclaim. When New York Times food critic Frank Bruni wanted "a taste of what servers go through," he spent a week on the staff here.
Best Spot for Romance: Soaring ceilings, colorful decor, and (seasonally) a roaring fire make the atmosphere in the Monday Club Bar at Upstairs on the Square, 91 Winthrop St., Cambridge (tel. 617/864-1933), perfect for a rendezvous.
Best Spot for a Celebration: Cool your heels at the bar at Dalí, 415 Washington St., Somerville (tel. 617/661-3254), and toast your good news with sangria while you wait for a table. The dishes on the tapas menu are perfect for sharing, and the atmosphere is lively and festive.
Best Spot for a Business Lunch: Plenty of deals go down at private clubs and formal restaurants, but that can take hours. Leave an impression with your no-nonsense approach and a quick but delicious meal at Così Sandwich Bar, 53 State St. (tel. 617/723-4447), 14 Milk St. (tel. 617/426-7565), or 133 Federal St. (tel. 617/292-2674).
Best Wine List: Organized by characteristics (from light to rich) rather than by vintage or provenance, the excellent offerings at The Blue Room, 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge (tel. 617/494-9034), are arranged in the most user-friendly way imaginable.
Best Value: You'll do a double-take when the check arrives after dinner at the Helmand, 143 First St., Cambridge (tel. 617/492-4646). Yes, you're really that satisfied for that little money.
Best for Kids: The wood-fired brick ovens of the Bertucci's chain are magnets for little eyes, and the pizza that comes out of them is equally enthralling. Picky parents will be happy here, too. Try the locations at Faneuil Hall Marketplace (tel. 617/227-7889); 43 Stanhope St., Back Bay (tel. 617/247-6161); 533 Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square (tel. 617/236-1030); 21 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (tel. 617/864-4748); and 799 Main St., Cambridge (tel. 617/661-8356).
Best American Cuisine: Maybe it's not "cuisine," but what's more American than a burger? Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage, 1246 Mass. Ave., Cambridge (tel. 617/354-6559), is famous for its burgers, its onion rings, and a down-to-earth atmosphere that's increasingly rare in Harvard Square.
Best French Cuisine: The bistro craze that has Boston in its grip started at Brasserie Jo, in the Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Ave. (tel. 617/720-1300), and all of the copycats fall short. The long hours make it a good respite during a Back Bay shopping spree.
Best Italian Cuisine: The best restaurant in the North End, Mamma Maria, 3 North Sq. (tel. 617/523-0077), is one of the best in town. In a lovely setting, it offers remarkable regional Italian fare in a spaghetti-and-meatballs neighborhood.
Best Brunch: The insane displays at many top hotels are well worth the monetary and caloric compromises. If you're looking for a delicious meal that won't destroy your budget and waistline, join the throng at the S&S Restaurant, 1334 Cambridge St., Cambridge (tel. 617/354-0777).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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