Coast to Coast: Boston Grub and Pub

Feature photo by ensh

Preface: To me, there is nothing greater than being able to get in an airplane, train, or automobile and end up somewhere completely new in a matter of hours. To me, traveling is what it’s all about. Earlier this month, I had the distinct privilege of traveling to one of the great American cities, the birthplace of The Revolution, the site of the original Boston Tea Party, home of Paul Revere, Beantown, Boston, Massachusetts. Here’s a quick snapshot of what I discovered about the Food and Drink of Boston. The overall vibe from a Chicagoan’s viewpoint goes a little something like this:

I stepped into Boston’s Marriott in Copley Square the same way I step into most places: with high hopes for the best and reserved expectations for the worst. I am happy to report that the former won out once again with Boston playing host to one of the best East Coast trips yet.

Champions
I didn’t even need to leave the hotel to find the rowdiest bar in Boston. Since the Marriott is connected to two swanky malls and this gargantuan lobby bar that makes all the other lobby bars look like little lobby bar bitches, I was able to sit down, grab a drink and enjoy some sweet World Cup action with total international strangers! A couple delicious Long Islands in, we ebbed and flowed with the game, roared after each rare goal, and feasted on some delicious grub. Everyone may not know your name like at this other local bar I heard about, but at Champions the fervor for sports and excellent menu make for an unforgettable experience.

The Pour House
After a day of museum going (find my reviews on previous Boston post) and light shopping (which we’ll get to later this week in the Lifestyle Section), I found myself wandering down Boylston Street wanting a place to rest my loins and catch the Spain/Germany semifinal. Low and behold, The Pour House. Aside from its clever name, this usual dive within earshot of Fenway Park was filled to the brim with a Standing Room Only crowd. Two local Ad Men and I began to pound down some cold brews together, and they informed me that they’d never seen more than a handful of people in the joint. Oh well, the place was lively enough, and I found myself with a nice, vacation worthy “afternoon buzz” and a stomach full of par nachos.

The Historic North End
My Italian blood would not let me leave Boston without checking out their version of Little Italy. We ate at Maggiano’s, even though I swore to everyone that this would be a “no chain restaurants allowed” trip. We made an exception for Maggiano’s, because well, it’s freakin’ delicious. I started off with an Italian Mojito, cruised toward that Bruschetta/Fried Mozzarella/Mushroom Ravioli feast that was quite frankly fit for el rey, and left to walk the beautiful streets back to the Marriott.

That is one thing Boston has in its downtown area that I can’t say enough good things about: the magnificently lined streets full of al fresco dining options, local boutiques plus the recent additions of more recognizable names for out of towners, places staying open late, and the unique vibe you get just walking down the street. I hope next time I visit Boston, I’ll be able to check out more of their grub and pub. Until then Bostonians, you can drop us a line with your favorite spots in the city…