Boston Food and Drink

So a few Saturdays ago we headed out to meet up with some friends, watch some football, and bar hop around the city.  After downing some Mojito’s at Houston’s, Guinness’ at Anthem, and even more Guinness at the Harp we needed some food in the ‘ol belll-ayyy.  Since we were in North Station, we decided to walk over to the North End…yes on a Saturday night at 8pm…

We usually have pretty good luck with getting bar seats or something similar, being barflys we like to be as close to the alcohol as humanly possible.  A real shocker that every place was packed, probably due to the fact Boston looks like the moon and everyone has been cooped up for so long.  We strolled around when we decided to walk off the beaten path and head to a “diamond in the rough” where my girlfriend had been for a quick lunch a week prior.

So first off it is a family run restaurant and I swear to god I have seen it on Kitchen Nightmares…yep, dead ringer.  So we sit at the bar and there isn’t anyone there…obviously a bad sign but I could eat one of those North End rats right now so whatever, just give me the food.  The guy sitting at the bar was the Big Cheese of the place, the father that oversees everything…or just drinks and yells at the bartender (which I think is his grandson).   We order an antipasti to start, turned out that I could have made a better one with various items from my girlfriend’s Chanel bag.  Fine, pick at a few things then put it aside.  We place our order with the bartender and hope for the best.  At that point the Big Cheese heads into the kitchen (we have a view right in) and lights up a cigarette and smokes the entire thing down to the filter as he talks football bets with his son, who I am sure has spent a significant amount of his years at the Jersey Shore.  He was actually very nice but the conversation and the wafting cigarette smells didn’t lead to a great experience.  The food came and it was average, I stuck with a chicken parm which didn’t have much taste…she went with a fish plate and was in and out of the bathroom for most of the night.  The couple next to us was playing with their food and couldn’t get out of there fast enough…either could we.  I paid the bill and we were OUT. The restaurant’s initials were RR…my girlfriend is scared they will come after so we can’t divulge anything else

What would cure this miserable experience? A couple of B-52′s and a cannoli from Cafe Vittoria…still one of the best places around.  Back on Hanover St, back to reality.

Zocalo, 35 Stanhope St, Back Bay, we love it for the guacamole that they make fresh right at your table…also try the margaritas

Post 390, 406 Stuart St, Back Bay, we love this spot for the fireplaces in the bar area, a perfect spot for some fall and winter drinks…

Stella, 1525 Washington, South End,we love Stella for the Bolognese, still the best in town.  They also have 2 great bar areas and are open well past 1, great spot for late eats and people watching.

Myers+Chang, 1145 Washington St, South End, we love it for the Mama Chang’s Pork Dumplings along with everything else on the menu, go early and sit at the bar facing the kitchen and you can usually have a nice convo with Joanne!

Cafe Vittoria, 296 Hanover St, North End,we love a spot where you can get a great Cappuccino and a fantastic Cannoli, feels like an old cafe and has plenty of locals that play the part well

Douzo, 131 Dartmouth St, Back Bay, we love great sushi and this is still the best sushi in town…

The Gallows, 1395 Washington St, South End, we love it for the boiled dinner and for having one of the coolest menus around!

Prezza, 24 Fleet St, North End, everyone should love Spaghetti Wednesday’s, a great pasta meal for 6 bucks!

Back Bay Social Club, 867 Boylston St, Back Bay, nothing better than their Bloody Mary menu…

Abe and Louie’s, 793 Boylston St, Back Bay, we love the fact that people still don’t know about the upstairs bar…until now

To be continued….

The biggest and baddest feast of them all starts Friday in the North End and runs through the weekend.  Great food, great music, and a ton of people ready to party…looks like great weather too!

“Begun in 1919, by Italian immigrants from the small town of Montefalcione in Avellino, Saint Anthony’s Feast has become the largest Italian Religious Festival in New England. Named the “Feast of all Feasts” by National Geographic Magazine”

Check out the site, get there early! http://bit.ly/a2VCCP

Well not the Material Girl, but next weekend is the North End Fisherman’s Feast!  This annual event is starting 8/12 continuing to 8/15.  Vendors serving food, games, and of course the Madonna statue through the streets.  Always fun.

http://www.fishermansfeast.com/

1/2 priced apps from 4-7 Monday-Friday, Coors Light drafts 2.50 anytime, Team Trivia Tuesdays 8-10, Saturday and Sunday brunch 11-3, and as always cocktails ’til close.  One of our favorite spots.