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Good To Know, Good To Go

Sometimes it the simple things that help you get the most out of a weekend. Where to get the morning paper, the best breakfast spot, where to have cocktails before dinner, what to do after dinner? We ask ourselves “what do you need to know? And then we go out and find the answers for you. "Good To Know" helps you experience the destination like a local.

Food & Drink

Breakfast/Brunch

Hungry I, 71 1/2 Charles Street. Down a few steps and through a little alley, just off Charles Street in a very romantic and intimate basement setting, complete with fireplaces, brick walls and sidewalk level windows. While the brunch is expensive $32, you just can't beat the surroundings and the food is delicious. Sunday only.  Sel de la Terre, 255 State Street at Long Wharf. From the owners of the esteemed L'Espalier, this delightful bistro in the waterfront area offers a wonderful a la carte brunch at a very reasonable price ($5-$14). Artisian cheeses, crab cakes, pomme frites, delicious soups and homemade breads. Sit at the mahogany bar or in the comfortable dining room. Saturday and Sunday. (See Jim's Scrapbook) Sonsie, 327 Newbury Street. This is the happening place, especially in the warm weather when tables spill into the street. Great music, a wonderful mahogany bar, and delicious, delicious food. Saturday and Sunday. (See Jim's Scrapbook)  East Coast Grill 1271 Cambridge Street in Cambridge. Sunday brunch. “Largest Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar”. Try the cornbread crusted French Toast.

Lunch

Carmen's, 33 North Square (North End). Charming little spot with a wine bar facing the street at which you can enjoy a hearty lunch. Good wine choices by the glass. Have the crespelle with porcini mushrooms and caramelized onions, served with maybe the best Bolognese sauce I have ever tasted…..or try the baked penne with tiny Apulian meatballs, fresh mozzarella and a roasted tomato sauce served in a puff pastry. How will I ever have room for dinner? Abe & Louie’s, 793 Boylston. Wonderful steak house. Fireplace. Sidewalk dining. Booths. Perfect place to while away an afternoon. B&G Oysters. 550 Tremont. Owned by the people of No. 9 Park. Delightful white wine list. Oysters, of course and the Lobster Roll is the best in Boston, maybe anywhere. Also try the Lobster BLT. Intrigue Cafe. Boston Harbor Hotel. Rowe’s Wharf. Outside. Great views of the harbor.

Burger

Mrs. Bartley’s Burger Cottage, 1246 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge. You dine on communal pine tables, it’s crowded and loud, but oh, those burgers. Absolutely worth the trip to Cambridge. 30 different types like the John Kerry, “only flipped once”, or the Ted Kennedy, “a plump and liberal burger”, or the Dick Chaney, “only a heartbeat away”. Award winning frappes and onion rings. I can’t wait to go back. Cash only.

Ice Cream

Bostonians are almost as crazed about their ice cream as they are about the Sox. There’s an on-going debate as to who makes the best ice cream. Many pick Steve’s, the guy who invented adding things like heath bars and oreos to ice cream, located at Faneuil Hall. Or try Christina’s in Cambridge, specially if you are going to Mrs. Bartley’s for a burger.

Chowder

I don't think you can beat the chowder at the Union Oyster House, 41 Union Street, although last year's "Best of Boston" winner from Boston Magazine was Times Bar and Restaurant, 112 Broad Street.

Steakhouse

12 year “Best of Boston” Winner, Grill 23 & Bar, 123 Berkeley Street is getting a run for its money from newcomer, Abe & Louie's, and while Grill 23 is still wonderful, I agree that A&L may be the new king. I think the menu is a little more creative, it has a fireplace, outdoor seating and wonderful booths that remind me of the old Hollywood restaurants

Martini

The Ritz Carlton, 15 Arlington Street makes the best dirty martini, Via Matte, 79 Park Square makes a delicious basil martini and it’s a fun and lively place for any drink, and Clio, 370 A Commonwealth Ave. makes a wonderful saketini; sake, Ketel One and fresh cucumber.

Irish Pub

There are certainly more authentic Irish pubs than the Black Rose, but I’ve been stopping here for years to hoist a Guinness and listen to Irish bands. Critics claim there are too many fanny pack tourists….but let them complain.

Cocktails

See “Best” Martinis above PLUS:

Top of the Hub, 800 Boylston Street, at sunset. 52 stories up with panoramic views of the City. Whew! The Living Room, 101 Atlantic Ave. Nude abstracts, comfortable sofas, fireplace stoves and good appys. 75 Chestnut, 75 Chestnut Street in Beacon Hill. If you are in the Beacon Hill area, this delightful little place is perfect for a pre or post dinner drink. Cozy and warm and a favorite of the locals. I hear the food is excellent as well. The Oak Bar at the Copley Plaza, 138 James Avenue. Dark, cavernous, sexy and elegant. Last visit, there was a line waiting to get in on a Saturday night. The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston Street.
Sophisticated and stylish overlooking the Public Garden. Fireplace and intimate nooks. The Bar at the Taj Boston, 15 Arlington Street. If you don’t belong to an exclusive, private club, you’ll feel like you do here. Raised wood paneling, comfortable chairs and couches, a roaring fire and great drinks make this a favorite of travelers and Bostonians alike. Roof Top Pool Known locally as RTP. Colonnade Hotel. One of Boston’s “hot” spots Memorial Day-Labor Day. 11 stories up with great views of the City. Excelsior. 272 Boylston. Hot spot overlooking the Public Garden. Great martini menu. Try the White Peach Bellini.