I love Boston and previously wrote about Boston with kids. I have great childhood memories of my time in Boston, but as I have gotten older it’s clear that Boston (especially at night) is most enjoyable without kids. The city is full of ambitious, hard-working professionals who work hard and play hard nights and weekends. You can find a little more detail about the city and day-time activities in my other post, but here are my picks for adults-only with an emphasis on food and drinks.
Where to stay:
Boston Marriott Copley: (Back Bay) Connected to an indoor mall, which is perfect for rainy day activities or just getting to the pedestrian areas without having to cross busy traffic.
Boston Harbour Hotel: (Downtown) Beautiful and luxurious. A fixtures the Boston Harbour skyline.
The Liberty: (West End) A short walk to Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, the Common and Back Bay. It’s an old jail, and one of the coolest hotels in Boston.
The Seaport Hotel: Right on the Seaport and a short walk to Back Bay and Downtown.
The Taj: (Back Bay) Formerly the Ritz and just as glam.
Where to eat:
Breakfast:
Tatte. (Beacon Hill and Back Bay): Let’s just say that I may have planned a “surprise trip” to Boston to see family just so I could go to Tatte.
The Paramount (Beacon Hill and Southie): You may see some locals at this legit diner. Don’t be overwhelmed by the line – Bostonians know how to get in and get out, so you’ll find a seat.
Brunch/Lunch:
South End Buttery (South End): I famously notoriously got picked a very big fight with my now-husband here and we still had a great meal. See, for brings people together.
Stephanie’s on Newbury (Back Bay) or Stephie’s on Tremont (South End) or Stephie’s in Southie: Their tagline is “Sophisticated Comfort Food”… sign me up.
Salty Pig: (Back Bay) Meats and cheeses. Where can that go wrong?
Figs: (Beacon Hill) Pizza, but better.
Dinner:
Note: Make reservations!
Fool’s Errand (Fenway) Adult-snacks and drinks in the Fens.
Mistral:(South End) French and fancy.
75 Chestnut: (Beacon Hill): Cozy and delicious fine dining.
Neptune Oyster: (North End) Not Italian, but amazing seafood.
O Ya: (Downtown) New York’s best sushi came to Bean Town and is just as delicious.
Panza: (North End) Really. Good. Italian.
Row 34: (Seaport) The hottest reservation in town.
Libations:
Beacon Hill Pub (“BHP”) (Beacon Hill): One of the many places to pop in an out of for drinks all night long. #college
The Liberty Boston (West End): I once saw Larry David here, so it’s cool.
Top of the Hub: (Back Bay) Bostonians originally believed that Boston was the center of the universe, so they called it the Hub. Atop the “Pru” (the iconic Prudential Building) is a great bar with a 365 degree view of the “Hub.”
The Grand Boston: (Seaport) If you want to dance.
Sweet Endings:
Modern Pastry: (North End): Everything you would expect from world-famous Mike’s Pastry, but better.
What to do:
Catch a Game at Fenway: Even from the nose-bleeds, being in the presence of the Green Monster is totally worth this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Walk the Freedom Trail: It’s not as long as it appears and it’s totally free! (Don’t get tricked into paying for a tour) Start in the Common, and you’ll pass some incredible land marks. Make a detour at Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market for lunch. Don’t miss the street performers too. Finish at Paul Revere’s house in the North End so you can have a great reason to have dinner there.
What you cannot miss:
A walk down Comm Avenue in Back Bay. Some of the most incredible homes line the avenue, which has a beautifully tree-lined walking trail in the middle. Very romantic.
The Public Garden: not to be confused with the Common (just across the street) is glorious in summer. The swan boats can take you for a ride around the lake and there are some picture-perfect spots all over the garden.
Pastries in the North End: (See above) Enjoy the rich Italian culture of the North End with some home-made pastries.
Seafood: There are so many great restaurants. Everything is fresh and delicious.
What to do is weather ruins your plans:
Sam Adams Brewery Tour: (Outside the city): You may need to grab an Uber or hop on the Orange line, but its the perfect rainy-day activity if you like beer.
A museum: The Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Tea Party Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, Museum of African History, Harvard Museum of Natural History… JFK Library, Old North Church…so many. History is so well-preserved in Boston. Learn something new!
Going to Boston? Tag me @mrsmakeitrainka and let me know what you liked, what you didn’t. Safe travels!
When I was little we lived near Boston for a few years. This is making me want to bring my kids up visit. Thank you!
You totally should!!