Boston has some vibrant, interesting, and charming neighborhoods where people can do their holiday shopping in a much more enjoyable manner, and there are typically plenty of cozy little local spots to duck in out of the cold to grab a bite to eat or drink.
FIRST LOOK: HORSE THIEVES TAVERN, DEDHAM
While some places simply say that their takes are inventive or modern and then offer what everyone else is offering, this spot really does have some interesting takes on New England classics.
PLYMOUTH ROCKS: HIKING, EATS, AND MUCH MORE ON THE SOUTH SHORE
This will take you to the town wharf and with it, a whole lot of good stuff, including a breakwater that goes more than half a mile out into the ocean, various walkways and boardwalks with more views, several restaurants and food spots like the Lobster Hut and Cupcake Charlie’s.
FIRST LOOK: AVENUE KITCHEN + BAR, SOMERVILLE
Its menu includes mostly new American fare and modern takes on old-fashioned items, including black garlic hummus, maple chili duck wings, roasted beets, beer-steamed mussels, a Cobb salad, burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, steak frites, and, well, you get the picture.
KRISTIN’S, BRAINTREE: A BREAKFAST SPOT FOR PEOPLE WITH A (VERY) SWEET TOOTH
The slightly quieter Braintree Square a short distance to the north is where you’ll find Kristin’s, and it often has much longer lines than the other places in town.
DOYLE’S LAST CALL: WHY IT MEANS SO MUCH TO SO MANY, AND WHAT IT MAY MEAN FOR OTHER ICONIC SPOTS
I worry about Santarpio’s. And J.J. Foley’s. And Jeveli’s. And No. 9 Park, Marliave, Regina’s, the restaurants and bars in the Parker House, and yes, even such touristy places as the Barking Crab, the Chart House, Giacomo’s, and the Union Oyster House.
FROM SAVIN HILL TO SOMERVILLE: 10 MORE WELCOME-BACK WALKS OFF OF THE EATEN PATH
This time there are options for food and drink along the way—plus we included other communities in the region as well.
HOME TASTE, ARLINGTON: SECOND TIME’S A CHARM FOR HUMBLE LITTLE NOODLE SPOT
When Home Taste first opened in Arlington Heights, its menu was quite limited, but now there is much to choose from, though for many the menu begins and ends with hand-pulled noodles.
SALONIKI, CAMBRIDGE: GREEK FAST FOOD FROM A JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER
Jody Adams and her team have what’s basically a farm-to-table concept at Saloniki, with locally sourced ingredients used whenever possible, while they try to go with the best vendors possible in general, be it local or outside of the region.
BLUE HILL METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATORY: A LANDMARK HIGH ABOVE BOSTON (AND ON THE CITY’S DOORSTEP)
Here you’ll find jaw-dropping views, rugged trails, steep cliffs, bubbling brooks, deep woods, an observation tower with picnic tables at the base, and a weather observatory that’s easily one of the true hidden jewels of the Greater Boston area.
