150 things to do in Boston that are all about eating and drinking
You may have heard about our seafood. We’ve also got secret burgers, cannoli wars, and sandwiches you’ll want to start relationships with. Here are 150 ways to taste what Boston has to offer right now.
(Oh, and for 150 things to see, hear, and experience full-throttle, head here. For 700 things to check out in the rest of New England, click this way.)
• • •
Quick and Casual
1. Eat pizza at Dudley Dough
This Dudley Square pizzeria is creative and delicious, and its profit is shared among the staff as part of Haley House’s ongoing commitment to erasing economic disparities in Boston. (2302 Washington St., Boston)
2. Cure a hangover with the “Double Awesome” at Mei Mei
The scallion-pancake sandwich, stuffed with poached eggs, Vermont cheddar, and homemade pesto, is a staple at this food truck, restaurant, and shipping container. (506 Park Drive, Boston; 23 Drydock Ave., Boston; streets of Boston)
3. Make room for the lobster mac and cheese at Yankee Lobster
Pasta plus lobster plus cheese. Done. (300 Northern Ave., Boston)
4. Tuck into a savory pie at KO Catering and Pies
The Aussie-inspired fare at KO stars 5-inch meat and vegetarian pies. Flavors include braised lamb shank, curried vegetable, and beef with cheddar and Parmesan. (87 A St., Boston; 256 Marginal St., Building 16, Boston)
5. Take a picture with the giant Hood Milk Bottle, then eat a hot dog
Because what goes better with a Sully’s hot dog than a big bottle of milk? The iconic Castle Island eatery recently took up shop in the Fort Point landmark. (308 Congress St., Boston)
6. Chow down on a whole lobster at James Hook & Co.
They’ve got other New England staples, too, like lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fish to cook at home. (15 Northern Ave., Boston)
Cheese Pizza at Santarpio’s.
7. Make an informed decision in the everlasting battle between Santarpio’s Pizza and Regina Pizzeria
Two Boston institutions. Two passionate fan bases. Choose your pizza carefully. (Original locations for each: 111 Chelsea St., Boston, 11½ Thatcher St., Boston, respectively)
8. Go for the El Guapo at El Pelón Taqueria
Just be prepared to feel stuffed after the grilled steak and fried plantains burrito. (92 Peterborough St., Boston; 2197 Comm. Ave., Boston)
9. Learn what a “hand pie” is at the Roving Lunchbox food truck
Spoiler: It’s a hand-sized stuffed pastry. The truck’s rotating menu of hand pies includes Cornish pasty (beef, potatoes, and onion), along with French onion “soup,” curried lentil, and salted caramel apple. (Streets of Boston)
10. Tear into a Vietnamese sandwich without breaking the bank at Banh Mi Ba Le
This modest Vietnamese deli is a hidden gem, selling freshly baked baguettes stuffed with pate, mayonnaise, and pickled veggies for only $3.50. (1052 Dorchester Ave., Boston)
11. Raid the raw bar at Eventide Oyster Co. — soon
We’re still waiting for this Portland, Maine, standout to open its Fenway location, but the restaurant’s reputation alone suggests it will be a winner. (1321 Boylston St., Boston)
12. Nab a Sicilian-style slice for under $2 at Galleria Umberto
This tiny North End lunch spot almost always has a line out the door for a reason. Just make sure you take cash. (289 Hanover St., Boston)
13. At a Red Sox game, make a beeline for a Fenway Frank
The ballpark dog is as iconic as peanuts and Cracker Jacks. (4 Yawkey Way, Boston)
A Red Sox fan soups up a Fenway Frank before the game.
14. Grab one of the area’s most popular sandwiches at Cutty’s
The everyday bestseller is the “Roast Beef 1000,” but the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich is available one Sunday a month — and worth some advance planning. (284 Washington St., Brookline)
15. Munch on the Greek fries at Saloniki Greek
You can’t go wrong with the choices of pita sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls at this fast-casual Greek spot from James Beard Award-winning Chef Jody Adams. But whatever you order, you must get the fries. (4 Kilmarnock St., Boston; 181 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
16. Grab a Tom Brady burger at Mr. Bartley’s
The quarterback probably wouldn’t eat his namesake burger during the season (the cheese and tomatoes are a no-no for TB12), but don’t let that stop you. (1246 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
17. Order the lobster sandwich — and don’t call it a lobster roll — at Alive & Kicking
With a generous serving of fresh lobster meat packed between two pieces of toasted bread, this off-the-beaten-path seafood shack has a loyal patronage. (269 Putnam Ave., Cambridge)
18. Taste the chicken tikka masala at Punjabi Dhaba
Or go for the myriad of other spicy options at this Inman Square treasure. (225 Hampshire St., Cambridge)
19. Eat through the streets of Cambridge at Darwin’s Ltd.
Whether you’re in the mood for roast beef, prosciutto, or pesto, you’ll find it at this shop that names its deliciously-packed sandwiches after streets in Cambridge. (148 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge; 313 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 1629 Cambridge St. Cambridge)
20. Tear into a T-Rex at Bagelsaurus
The lines at this Porter Square spot can be daunting, but the T-Rex (your choice of bagel with house-made almond butter, honey, banana, and bacon) is worth the wait. (1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
21. Eat the ultimate summer pizza at Ciao! Pizza and Pasta
Nothing says summer like fresh corn and squash. At this beloved Chelsea restaurant, you can get both on your pizza with chorizo and truffle oil. (59 Williams St., Chelsea)
22. Get your pizza bagel fix at Katz Bagel Bakery
Have an adult version of your favorite after-school snack. Delicious plain bagels are topped with tomato sauce, herbs, and mozzarella, then broiled. (139 Park St., Chelsea)
23. Grab a heaping box of fried clams at Tony’s Clam Shop
A Wollaston Beach fixture since 1964, the Clam Shop’s sizable portions are enough for a crowd. (861 Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy)
24. Devour a roast beef sandwich at Kelly’s Roast Beef
This beachside eatery dates back to 1951 and even got a shoutout in Good Will Hunting. (410 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere; additional locations)
25. Order the Ohana meal at Manoa Poke Shop
This Somerville poke shop serves a meal with macaroni salad, fried chicken, a green salad, and a side of poke for two that will take you straight to the Pacific. (300 Beacon St., Somerville)
26. Chow on the famous chickpea fritter sandwich at Clover
The signature item at Clover, the catalyst for Boston’s food truck scene, is a whole-wheat pita stuffed with falafel and veggies, topped with hummus and tahini sauce. (Various locations)
Out with Friends
Neptune Oyster.
27. Brave the wait for a hot buttered lobster roll at Neptune Oyster
Loyal patrons don’t mind sticking it out for two hours at this cramped North End oyster bar, which popularized the “Connecticut-style” hot buttered lobster roll in the city. (63 Salem St. #1, Boston)
28. Almost burn your tongue on the xiao long bao at Dumpling Café, Dumpling Palace, and/or Dumpling Kingdom
This trio of Chinese restaurants is known for its soup dumplings (on the menu as “mini juicy buns with pork”), a Shanghai specialty. (695 Washington St., Boston; 179 Massachusetts Ave., Boston; and 137 Harvard Ave., Boston, respectively)
29. Test your adventurous side at Poe’s Tip Tap Room
This upscale pub is known for featuring a diverse menu ranging from roast chicken to antelope, kangaroo, and even rattlesnake. (138 Cambridge St., Boston)
30. Gather a group for dim sum at Hei La Moon
One of the city’s most popular spots for dim sum, this enormous restaurant draws a festive crowd as the well-stocked carts of small plates weave between tables. (88 Beach St., Boston)
31. Experience Senegalese cuisine at Teranga
Teranga (meaning “hospitality” in the Senegalese language Wolof) offers dishes from the West African country, such as thiébou djeun, an herb-stuffed white fish cooked in tomato stew. (1746 Washington St., Boston)
32. Combat a chilly day with hot pho at Pho Basil
Though the menu spans Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, the star is the namesake: pho (pronounced “fuh”), steaming bowls of flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup. (177A Massachusetts Ave., Boston)
33. Take in a casual or fancy, large or small, quick or long dinner at Eastern Standard
Boston Globe food critic Devra First proclaimed “big, bustling brasserie” Eastern Standard a “perfect restaurant” for its ability to be all things to all diners. (528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)
34. Join the crowd for tapas at Toro
As one of the city’s trendiest eateries specializing in one of the hottest food trends, this tapas restaurant is regularly and understandably mobbed. (1704 Washington St., Boston)
The Paella Valencia at Toro.
35. Escape to Havana at El Oriental de Cuba
With menus in English and Spanish, the authentic Cuban food and tropical shakes keep this Hyde Square restaurant buzzing. (416 Centre St., Boston)
36. See how they like “dem apples” at the L Street Tavern
Southie has changed, but the L Street Tavern, home to a profane scene from Good Will Hunting, has not. (195 L St., Boston)
37. Sample yakitori, sashimi, and more at Ittoku
Sip on sake and beer, and share the pan-fried squid legs, pork belly, and Japanese-style pan-fried noodles at this izakaya. (1414 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)
38. Eat at America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, Union Oyster House
This mainstay has been serving hungry Bostonians since 1826. Ask to sit at “the Kennedy Booth” in the upstairs dining room, President John F. Kennedy’s favorite table. (41 Union St., Boston)
39. Treat yourself to potato gnocchi at Sportello
Pillowy potato gnocchi are enveloped in a cream sauce accented with peas and pieces of lobster meat at this Italian diner. (348 Congress St., Boston)
40. Devour deep-fried, head-on shrimp at Peach Farm
This subterranean seafood temple is a favorite of chefs and diners, who are particularly drawn to the live shrimp that are fished out of a tank when ordered, deep fried, and tossed with peppers for heat. (4 Tyler St., Boston)
41. Visit the ultimate New England diner at Redd’s in Rozzie
Local produce, meat, and seafood fill the menu at this low-key go-to. Save space for the pecan or chocolate chess pie. (4257 Washington St., Boston)
42. Discover tinned seafood at Saltie Girl
Anchovies, octopus, mackerel, tuna — this seafood restaurant boasts the largest collection of tinned seafood in New England, served with bread and salted butter. (281 Dartmouth St., Boston)
Tinned trout at Saltie Girl.
43. Follow in famous footsteps and relish the house-made pasta at Trattoria di Monica
From Jimmy Fallon to Dennis Seidenberg, this North End staple attracts a wide array of well-known fans. And not to worry: If you can’t get in the intimate restaurant, Monica’s also has an acclaimed sandwich shop just across the intersection. (67 Prince St., Boston)
44. Enjoy homemade pastas at Mida
This Italian restaurant is less than a year old and has already become a favorite, thanks to dishes like the lobster scampi with fresh basil and mascarpone. (782 Tremont St., Boston)
45. Pair late-night drinking with duck fat fries at Shojo
Take already amazing duck fat fries up a notch by making them “shadowless” with bolognese and cheese sauce. (9A Tyler St., Boston)
46. Inhale the barbecue offerings at Sweet Cheeks Q — and don’t skip the biscuits
Order trays of pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken. Pair with collard greens, fried okra, and fluffy biscuits. Chase with an oversized nutter butter. (1381 Boylston St., Boston)
47. Endure the infamous wait at Rino’s Place
Block off some time for dining at this Eastie hole-in-the-wall that serves massive portions of Italian food and gives traditional North End spots a run for their money. (258 Saratoga St., Boston)
48. Dive into dim sum at Myers + Chang
Go for the cold Taiwanese dan dan noodles and house-made pork and chive dumplings. (1145 Washington St., Boston)
49. Go to SRV just to hang out back
Yes, the food and wine are unanimously stellar. But for these fleeting weeks of summer, snag an outside table, step away from your Instagram feed, and enjoy simply being on the most tranquil patio in the South End. (569 Columbus Ave., Boston)
50. Have a Hong Kong-style breakfast at Double Chin
Tuck into this Chinatown favorite for a breakfast hash made with taro root seasoned with five spice and unagi glaze, served with char siu pork belly. (86 Harrison Ave., Boston)
51. Eat your weight in Indian and Bangladeshi dishes at Shanti
Pick whatever fragrant sauce you’re in the mood for — mango-ginger patia, nutty korma, creamy tomato tikka masala — and your protein. Don’t miss the naan. (1111 Dorchester Ave., Boston; 4197 Washington St., Boston; 7 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge)
52. Get a taste of the border at Lone Star Taco Bar
Highlights of Lone Star’s Tex-Mex cuisine include the carnitas taco, grilled street corn smothered in garlic-lime aioli, and margaritas. (479 Cambridge St., Boston; 635 Cambridge St., Cambridge)
A plate of barbacoa, carnitas pork, and Baja fish tacos at Lone Star Taco Bar.
53. Try to finish a freak frappe at Boston Burger Company
Whether you call it a frappe or a milkshake, you’ve got to try BBC’s dessert-topped desserts with names like Frappe, Crackle, and Pop and Shamrock Your World. (1100 Boylston St., Boston; 1105 Mass Ave., Cambridge; 37 Davis Square, Somerville)
54. Satisfy your cravings at Tenoch
It’s known for its tortas: a sandwich of sorts, featuring Telera bread, meat, avocado, cheese, and more. (3 Lewis St., Boston; 382 Highland Ave., Somerville; 24 Riverside Ave., Medford; streets of Boston)
55. Tuck into a Freebird pie at Brewer’s Fork
The wood-fired oven is the star of the show at this Charlestown pizza and craft beer haven. Don’t miss the Freebird pizza, with Alabama white sauce, smoked chicken, and pickled collard greens. (7 Moulton St., Boston)
56. Go to Zaftigs for the delicatessen-style food, stay for the complimentary bagel chips
Breakfast is served all day, and between the banana-stuffed French toast and pastrami sandwich, you may need to ask your server for a few minutes. (335 Harvard St., Brookline)
57. Satisfy all your cravings at Stoked Wood Fired Pizza Co.
Not only can you eat freshly crafted pizza, you can guzzle down one of Stoked’s boozy milkshakes, which can be made vegan or non-alcoholic. (1632 Beacon St., Brookline; streets of Boston)
58. Devour a bowl of ramen at Yume Wo Katare
This Porter Square hideaway serves pork ramen and only pork ramen, but the omnipresent queue out the door proves its menu needs nothing else. (1923 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
59. Cook your own Korean barbecue at Koreana
Koreana’s Korean cuisine includes a litany of beef offerings for the do-it-yourself barbecue, where hungry diners cook the meat over a flame at the table. (158 Prospect St., Cambridge)
60. Enjoy the crazy maki and the music at Thelonious Monkfish
This Central Square spot offers “fairy tale” maki (e.g., the Rumpelstiltskin Roll and the Red Riding Hood Roll), as well as a schedule of jazz performances. (524 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
61. Take the fam to brunch at Full Moon
With a small play area carved off inside the restaurant, this lively, welcoming spot in Huron Village is bringing brunch back for parents. (344 Huron Ave., Cambridge)
62. Get a New York bagel in Cambridge at Mamaleh’s
Mamaleh’s offers all the staples of a great Jewish deli — matzah ball soup, bagels with lox, and potato latkes — plus a variety of house-made sodas. (1 Kendall Square, Building 300, Cambridge)
63. Get a burger at The Blue Ox
This restaurant was the readers’ choice for general excellence for restaurants in 2016 in North Shore Magazine’s Best of the North of Boston awards. The magazine noted its neighborhood vibe, tasty burgers, and craft cocktails. (191 Oxford St., Lynn)
64. Soak up the Americana vibes at Steel & Rye
Set in an old garage next to the Mattapan trolley, this industrial-chic restaurant serves up locally inspired fare, including squid ink pasta, wood-fired pizza, and oysters. (95 Eliot St., Milton)
65. Eat all of the brunch at Novara
New Kids on the Block member Jordan Knight is an investor at this Milton restaurant that hosts a brunch with classics like French toast and eggs Benedict, plus Italian favorites like meatballs and Italian sausage. (556 Adams St., Milton)
66. Have a (sloppy, spicy) seafood feast at Shaking Crab
Fresh seafood is steamed and tossed with a blend of signature spices, then served in a bag and with gloves at this New Orleans-style seafood restaurant. (203 Adams St., Newton; 18 Cottage Ave., Quincy)
67. Feast, then laugh, at Kowloon Restaurant
This 1,200-seat restaurant on Route 1 has been a mainstay since 1950. Order from a variety of Asian cuisine, including Szechuan, Cantonese, Thai, and Japanese. Stay for the comedy club on weekend nights. (948 Broadway, Saugus)
Sarma.
68. Get a spread of small plates at Sarma
This Middle Eastern restaurant has too many outstanding dishes to limit yourself, with Eater praising its “herbaceous, sun-baked flavors” in naming it one of the best restaurants in America. (249 Pearl St., Somerville)
69. Blow off work for Monday brunch at Trina’s Starlite Lounge
With comfort food like homemade Pop-Tarts, sloppy joe eggs, and PB&J French toast, this retro diner on the Cambridge-Somerville border is a hit among millennials. (3 Beacon St., Somerville)
70. Go all-vegan at True Bistro
The creative cooking at this nationally recognized vegan oasis includes cashew cheese and a “Death by Chocolate” cake topped with whipped coconut cream. (1153 Broadway, Somerville)
71. Dive into a bowl of goat stew at Highland Kitchen
The spicy coconut curried goat stew is a standout among the offerings at this neighborhood standard in the heart of Somerville. (150 Highland Ave., Somerville)
72. Eat ribs under black lights at Redbones
Locals pack this longtime barbecue restaurant for plates of smoky pork ribs and North Carolina-style pulled pork served in an eclectic atmosphere. (55 Chester St., Somerville)
73. Go candlepin bowling and eat pepperoni pizza at Flatbread Company at Sacco’s Bowl Haven
Eat delicious wood-fired pizzas at this industrial-chic Davis Square joint, which conveniently combines two family favorites: candlepin bowling and pizza. (45 Day St., Somerville)
74. Eat the fanciest rotisserie chicken ever at Branch Line
As soon as you enter the dining room at this beloved Watertown restaurant, you’ll see (and smell) the rotisserie chickens, cooking in the open kitchen and served with a side of drippings for your bread. (321 Arsenal St., Watertown)
75. Slurp some New England clam chowder at Legal Sea Foods
A small seafood shop in Kendall Square blossomed over decades into a massive restaurant chain, its creamy clam chowder even served at presidential inaugurations. (Various locations)
Cafes and Desserts
76. Do up a variety plate of cookies at Cookie Time Bakery
Known as Lakota Bakery until July, Cookie Time still has the same owner and recipes for its 40 varieties of cookies. (1375 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington)
77. Pick a side in the cannoli debate between Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry
Located a scant minute’s walk apart on the same North End street, these Italian bakeries have a natural rivalry for the city’s favorite ricotta-filled pastry. (300 Hanover St., Boston; and 257 Hanover St., Boston, respectively)
All 18 varieties of cannoli from Mike’s Pastry.
78. Customize your brain freeze at Ice Age
Create a combination of ice cream, unlimited toppings, and a Hong Kong-style egg waffle at this Chinatown newcomer, located upstairs from popular bubble tea house Tea-Do. (8 Tyler St., Boston)
79. Satiate your 3 a.m. pastry craving at Bova’s Bakery
This family-owned North End bakery has cases upon cases of pastries like cannoli and lobster tails available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (134 Salem St., Boston)
80. Eat a flower-shaped treat from Amorino Gelato
Create your own “rose” with a variety of yummy flavors at this popular spot, then stroll down Newbury Street while admiring the pretty creations. (249 Newbury St., Boston)
81. Hang out at Dudley Cafe
Skip the national coffee chains and slip into this quintessential neighborhood coffee shop that hosts open mic events and a lively jazz brunch. (15 Warren St., Boston)
82. Eat an ice cream and doughnut sandwich at Blackbird Doughnuts
Choose your favorite doughnut, and they’ll cut it in half and add any flavor of ice cream in the middle for an unparalleled sugar high. (492 Tremont St., Boston; 20 Kilmarnock St., Boston)
83. Make like Willy Wonka with an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet at the Langham Hotel
Yes, this is a real thing. Try more than 100 chocolate desserts and dip into the chocolate fountain at the sweetest brunch in town. (250 Franklin St., Boston)
84. Taste a bit of history — and Massachusetts’s state dessert — at the Omni Parker House
Parker’s Restaurant has been serving up Boston cream pie since the late 1800s. (60 School St., Boston)
85. Sip single-origin espresso at Gracenote
This tiny, ultra-modern coffee shop downtown selects some of the best espresso available and takes time to craft the perfect coffee. (108 Lincoln St., Boston)
86. Relive your childhood with a banana boat at Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream
This ice cream parlor has become a staple thanks to its selection of fun flavors and banana boats with three scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, cherries, and whipped cream. Oh, and the Hyde Park location doubles as a bowling alley. (1231 Hyde Park Ave., Boston; 559 High St., Dedham)
87. Savor a hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop & Café
This gourmet chocolate store’s café serves the best hot chocolate in the city, according to Boston.com readers. Choose from dark, milk, white, spicy, or a special monthly option made from exotic beans. (220 Clarendon St., Boston; 52 Brattle St., Cambridge)
Maple bacon doughnuts from Union Square Donuts.
88. Butter up your colleagues with a haul from Union Square Donuts
The fluffy pieces of magic regularly put Union Square Donuts on lists of best doughnut shops in the country. The maple-bacon is especially a crowd-pleaser. (409 Harvard St., Brookline; 20 Bow St., Somerville)
89. Taste un peu de France at the Paris Creperie
This cute Coolidge Corner café specializes in the thin French pancakes, stuffed with every savory or sweet filling you could dream up. (278 Harvard St., Brookline)
90. Eat delicious pastries at Tatte Bakery and Cafe
Break the rules and let the whole family have sugary cinnamon rolls for breakfast. At the Brookline original, be sure to snag an outdoor table while you chow down. (1003 Beacon St., Brookline; additional locations)
91. Hone the art of timing a sugar crash with an ice cream from Toscanini’s
Regularly named the city’s best ice cream, this Cambridge icon boasts flavors like the B3, as in: brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies. (899 Main St., Cambridge)
92. Fall in love with the smell of the Zinneken’s Waffles food truck
The secret to Zinneken’s superiority? The real Belgian waffles, made by real Belgians, are also Liège waffles, meaning they’re made with dough, not batter. (1154 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; streets of Boston)
Zinneken’s Waffles.
93. Show someone how much you love them with sweets from EH Chocolatier
Inside a nondescript Somerville warehouse, this locally and nationally recommended chocolatier is churning out ethereal caramels, tea-infused chocolates, and perfected bars. (561 Windsor St., 2nd floor, Somerville)
94. Indulge in black raspberry Oreo ice cream at Pizzi Farm
Head to this ice cream stand for thick and creamy black raspberry ice cream studded with chunks of everyone’s favorite chocolate cookie. (549 Lincoln St., Waltham)
95. Start the morning off right with a sticky bun at Flour Bakery + Café
James Beard Award winner Joanne Chang’s ever-expanding bakery empire is known for its sticky buns, which bested Bobby Flay’s on TV. (Various locations)
96. Order the avocado ice cream at FoMu
The local company’s plant-based ice cream may sound like sacrilege to purists, but your taste buds won’t mind. (Various locations)
97. Order a double-cupped iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts
You don’t have to order your iced coffee “regular” (three creams, three sugars), but getting it with a Styrofoam cup to keep your hand dry is a New England tradition. (Many, many locations)
Celebration-Worthy
No. 9 Park.
98. Commemorate a special occasion at No. 9 Park
The elegant food and extolled wine program is still a mainstay of the city’s food scene, years after launching chef Barbara Lynch’s restaurant empire. (9 Park St., Boston)
99. Eat edible art at Uni
The long bar at this recently renovated izakaya in the bottom of the Eliot Hotel is the perfect place to pair stunning sushi and sashimi with an excellent sake and wine list. (370A Commonwealth Ave., Boston)
100. Chase an oyster (or a dozen) with a diverse selection of beers at Row 34
From German Pilsners to New England IPAs, this chic seafood joint has worldly beers, while keeping its food — fish, lobster rolls, pastas — local. (383 Congress St., Boston)
101. Taste your way through France, Italy, and Spain at The Butcher Shop
Self-described as a “tribute to old world European boucheries,” this shop has house-made charcuterie and more than 100 wines on the menu. (552 Tremont St., Boston)
102. Splurge in a big way on sushi at O Ya
Extensive omakase, wine, and sake offerings can run up a tab, but critics say the sushi destination is worth it. (9 East St., Boston)
103. “Eat your art out” at Liquid Art House
Those are the instructions on the website, and they’re apropos, given that the place is part restaurant, part gallery. (100 Arlington St., Boston)
104. Finish a Mediterranean dinner with Baked Alaska at Oleana
Ana Sortun’s flagship restaurant is a favorite of local critics, national critics, and the crowds, as is pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick’s signature cake-ice-cream-meringue delicacy. (134 Hampshire St., Cambridge)
105. Swoon over the pasta dishes at Giulia
This Italian restaurant’s rustic dining room includes an oak table where the crew prepares fresh pastas. (1682 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
Giulia restaurant chef/owner Michael Pagliarini fluffs piles of freshly cut tagliatelle noodles.
106. Line the bar at Cafe Sushi
This humble Cambridge restaurant serves a creative omakase menu that pairs fresh fish with creative touches like seared mackerel with cilantro and lime. (1105 Massachusetts. Ave., Cambridge)
107. Try a Top Chef tasting menu at The Table at Season to Taste
Former contestant Carl Dooley presents seasonal tasting menus at this restaurant in Cambridge. (2447 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
108. Order the secret burger at Craigie on Main
The burger with cheddar cheese and mace ketchup isn’t listed on the menu, but it has a cult following at this beloved French bistro. Arrive early — the restaurant serves only 18 burgers per night. (853 Main St., Cambridge)
109. Or order the secret burger at Alden & Harlow
Only 36 of these burgers — made on a Parker House roll, doused with a special dressing, and topped with a Parmesan cheese crisp — are whipped up nightly. But shhh: You can also nab one if you return for the 11 p.m. late-night menu. (40 Brattle St., Cambridge)
110. Go back in time at Loyal Nine
Everything is homemade at this cafe and restaurant in East Cambridge that specializes in Colonial New England fare, like cold-smoked striped bass with green tomatoes. (660 Cambridge St., Cambridge)
111. Cozy up to wood-fired dishes at La Brasa
Chef Daniel Bojorquez brings his distinct sensibility to the menu with dishes like grilled skirt steak with pickled mushrooms and serrano chiles. (124 Broadway, Somerville)
Drinks (and More)
Yvonne’s.
112. Sip on modern cocktails in a classic “supper club” at Yvonne’s
When you walk inside, you’ll feel transported to another era. The large selection of mixed drinks, ranging from the “Sherry Cobbler” to the “Trinidad Sour,” only contribute to the ambiance. (2 Winter Place, Boston)
113. Dream of Spain at Barcelona Wine Bar
The perfect sharing opportunity comes courtesy of this bar’s extensive tapas, charcuterie, cheeses, and larger plates for two. You’ll also find more than 400 wines from all over the world. (525 Tremont St., Boston; 1700 Beacon St., Brookline)
114. Hang with friends at Dorchester Brewing Co.
Head to this tap room for house beer, along with made-on-site pints from other regional brewers and lots of fun events, such as Trivia Tuesdays and Yappy Hours. (1250 Massachusetts Ave., Boston)
115. Imagine you’re relaxing in a modern living room at The Hawthorne
If fun cocktail names aren’t enough to get you to this bar inside the Hotel Commonwealth, the cozy atmosphere inside might. (500A Commonwealth Ave., Boston)
116. Have a cup of coffee followed by a beer at Coppersmith
A cafe in the morning and a bar at night — with some overlap in the afternoon — you can spend all day at this industrial warehouse-turned-restaurant with two food trucks parked inside and a sick rooftop patio. (40 W. 3rd St., Boston)
117. Join the Scotch Club at Wink & Nod
Every Tuesday, head to this modern speakeasy for a scotch flight, handpicked by the beverage director. (3 Appleton St., Boston)
118. Pretend everyone knows your name at Cheers
Both locations — the original Bull & Finch Pub whose exterior was made famous by the NBC sitcom (Beacon Street) and the new one with an interior designed to mimic the show (Faneuil Hall) — are worth the trip down memory lane. (84 Beacon St., Boston; 1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston)
119. Sip juicy New England IPAs on the Rose Kennedy Greenway at the Trillium Beer Garden
Not only is it in the middle of downtown, on the Greenway, overlooking Rowe’s Wharf, it’s also where you’ll find brews from the third best brewery in the world. (Atlantic Avenue and High Street, Boston)
120. Go for the brunch, stay for the beer at Lulu’s Allston
Its infamous “white trash hash” helped make it a neighborhood institution. Its list of sours, stouts, and IPAs from top breweries keep people coming again and again. (421 Cambridge St., Boston)
121. Sip a drink on the rooftop of the Envoy Hotel
Whether you’re on a date or hanging with friends, the Envoy’s picturesque roof deck is a great spot for a drink on a sunny afternoon. (70 Sleeper St., Boston)
122. Have yourself a cocktail flight at Bully Boy Distillers
Sometimes it can be hard to decide which mixed drink you’re craving. No need to choose when you can just sample. (44 Cedric St., Boston)
123. Savor Harpoon Brewery‘s pretzels, made fresh with beer and malted barley
Along with your brew, take a bite out of a warm, doughy pretzel in any of three flavors: salted, cinnamon sugar, or Parmesan. (306 Northern Ave., Boston)
124. Tell the bartender your likes and dislikes at Drink
Eager patrons aren’t constrained by a cocktail menu — you can make your own drink with the help of the knowledgeable staff. (348 Congress St., Boston)
Drink.
125. Teleport to Belgium without leaving Massachusetts at The Publick House
This bar’s beer list is bigger than its also excellent food menu, filled with moules frites, mac and cheese, and more. (1648 Beacon St., Brookline)
126. Make some tough decisions at Lord Hobo Beer Bar
The beer list is long, ranging from coast to coast. When in doubt, you can always order brews from the Lord Hobo Brewery in Woburn. (92 Hampshire St., Cambridge)
127. Enjoy a glass of wine at Waypoint
You can get everything from caviar to pizza at this Harvard Square hotspot, which has also earned raves for its eclectic wine list since opening in 2016. (1030 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
128. Party with Portuguese Party Mix at The Automatic
This cozy bar describes its party mix as, “like Chex Mix but better.” There’s also Frito Pie from Hell, and cocktails like Devil’s Left Hand and Man With No Name. (50 Hampshire St., Cambridge)
129. Be amazed at Cafe ArtScience
You’ll have “art, science, and design experiences” while dining and drinking at this experimental bar, restaurant, and culture lab. Some of the crazy cocktails are literally on fire. (650 E. Kendall St., Cambridge)
130. Discover the holy trinity of grilled cheese, beer, and arcade games at A4cade
This collaboration between Roxy’s Grilled Cheese and Area Four is a 21-plus arcade bar with comfort food, comfort drinks, and comfort entertainment: the promised land. (292 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
131. Dine (and party) dockside at The Water Club at Quincy’s Marina Bay
Pair fried calamari with a Moscow Mule, then watch the sun go down and the club transform into a lively nightspot. (319 Victory Road, Quincy)
132. Sample local foods and drink wine from far away at Spoke Wine Bar
After a brief closing and a reopening in May, this Davis Square spot serves new-American small plates and has an extensive and diverse wine program. (89 Holland St., Somerville)
133. Have a cocktail at Backbar during its 4-6 p.m. “genius hour”
This Davis Square watering hole is hard to find — it’s located behind a hidden door — but you’ll be rewarded with free WiFi. Finish your work with an afternoon cocktail. (7 Sanborn Court, Somerville)
134. Nerd out over the cocktails at The Baldwin Bar
Many people make the trek to Woburn from Boston to enjoy nationally known bartender Ran Duan’s tiki cocktails and scorpion bowls. (2 Alfred St., Woburn)
Markets, Tours, and Festivals
Tomatoes at the Boston Public Market.
135. Explore the foodie heaven that is the Boston Public Market
This sprawling indoor market on Hanover Street operates year-round. The stands, which sell produce and meat, baked goods, and specialty products, offer something for everyone. (100 Hanover St., Boston)
136. Eat lots of seafood at the Boston Seafood Festival
If you’re seeking a New England seafood staple, chances are the annual Seafood Festival — on Aug. 13 this year — will have several varieties of it prepared just the way you like it. (306 Northern Ave., Boston)
137. Take a free tour of Samuel Adams Brewery, one of the first American craft breweries
During a tour of the brewery that’s been supplying Boston for more than 30 years, learn the history behind while sampling some suds. (30 Germania St., Boston)
138. Wander through Quincy Market
The expansive hall — also known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace — is lined on both sides with one tiny eatery after another, always full of tourists and townies alike. (4 South Market St., Boston)
139. Pack the ultimate picnic with goods from American Provisions
Create a spread using the selection at this South Boston store that specializes in curating the best of New England products. (613 E. Broadway, Boston)
140. Traverse the Prudential Center’s hub of Italian cuisine at Eataly Boston
This 45,000-square-foot behemoth has four restaurants, 10 eateries, two cafes, three bars, five fresh production counters, 500-plus employees, and 10,000 products. Here’s a map. (Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston)
Eataly Boston.
141. Snag some VIP tickets to the Copenhagen Beer Fest
Though there are cheaper ways into this September’s international beer fest, this package guarantees you’ll get to try all the beers you’d like before they run out. (1 City Hall Square, Boston)
142. Go over budget buying cheese and other specialty foods at Formaggio Kitchen
The meticulously labeled domestic and imported cheeses, not to mention the legitimate cheese cave, make Formaggio a mecca for any cheese enthusiast. (268 Shawmut Ave., Boston; 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge)
143. Indulge your carnivorous side with the meat, poultry, and housemade sausages at Savenor’s Market
From pasture-raised lamb and pork to USDA prime beef and organic chickens, Julia Child’s favorite butcher shop should be a favorite of everyone else, too. (160 Charles St., Boston; 92 Kirkland St., Cambridge)
144. Try the apple pie at Wilson Farm
One of the oldest and most successful farms in the MetroWest area, you can’t go wrong with any pie (or other food item, really) at this family-run operation. (10 Pleasant St., Lexington)
145. Scoop up specialty foods at Dave’s Fresh Pasta
This Davis Square hotspot is, unsurprisingly, known for its fresh pasta and ravioli. The food-and-wine retail store also has a lunch counter for paninis, salads, and the like. (81 Holland St., Somerville)
146. Take a tour with the owner at Somerville Brewery
On Saturday afternoons, jump on a 15-minute free behind-the-scenes tour, then enjoy some Slumbrew beer on tap and a charcuterie board. (15 Ward St., Somerville)
147. Tour the Taza Chocolate factory
The local company is beloved for its stone-ground, bean-to-bar chocolate, as well as its dedication to ethical cacao sourcing. (561 Windsor St., Somerville)
Chocolate at the Taza Chocolate Factory.
148. Ask “What the Fluff?” at the Fluff Festival
Marshmallow Fluff celebrates its centennial this September. At the annual festival in its honor, you can eat lots of the white stuff prepared in sugary, creative ways. (Union Square, Somerville)
149. Nab some Trillium-infused Salami at Moody’s Delicatessen & Provisions
Alongside Melcher Street IPA salami, Moody’s sells lots of others cured meats and sundries, plus some of the best sandwiches in town. (468 Moody St., Waltham)
150. Shop at 100-year-old Russo’s
This specialty grocery store is a longtime favorite of chefs and in-the-know locals looking for a top-quality trifecta of produce, meats, and cheeses. (560 Pleasant St., Watertown)
What’s your favorite thing to do in New England? Tell us on Facebook.
Nicole Fleming is a Boston Globe metro correspondent and writes about restaurants for Boston.com. Follow her on Twitter.
Korsha Wilson is a culinary school grad, freelance writer, and avid restaurant goer. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Meghan Barr, Hayden Bird, Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Dialynn Dwyer, Gary Dzen, Jasmine Heyward, Kaitlyn Johnston, Kristi Palma, John Waller, and Erica Yee also contributed to this article.
