Usually, throughout the year, I update my Boston Guide, removing places that are sadly no more, but also adding in new hotels, restaurants, cafes, and favorite parts of the city to see. However, upon reviewing my guide recently, I realized that I have been slacking. Like…massive slacking! After the pandemic, Boston has changed a lot, with quite a few of my favorite restaurants going away and new ones arriving to dazzle the city.
As my mission is to keep this up as a valuable resource for locals and travelers alike, here is what I removed – and what I added!
Here’s what I removed – RIP my former favorites:
- Cafeteria
- Liquid Art House
- MET Back Bay
- Red Lantern
- Snappy Sushi
- Tapeo
- The Brahmin
- Towne
- Beat Brasserie – which is apparently now Beat Brew Hall but I haven’t been!
- Craigie On Main
- Cuchi Cuchi
- Green Street Grill
- Highball Lounge at Hotel Nine Zero – RIP #duckierose
- Boston Beer Works
- Island Creek Oyster Bar
- The Hawthorne Bar
- Bond
- Bastille Kitchen
- Legal Test Kitchen
- Cinquecento
- Gaslight
- Stella Restaurant
- Stephi’s on Tremont
That was somewhat traumatic….
On a more positive note, here’s what I added:
All places featured I have visited on my visits to Boston. Even though I now live in London, I love experiencing places that I have not been to before when I am back in town.
Buttermilk & Bourbon
Buttermilk & Bourbon – I had the most epic dinner here with my dear friend C.C., filled with unique Southern inspired dishes like fried chicken, incredible buttermilk biscuits and cocktails to match. Don’t plan on this being a healthy meal, but it’s one that’s good for the soul.
Clover Food Lab
Clover Food Lab – Clover started as a food truck, parked on the MIT campus, and has risen to be a super-successful fast casual vegetarian restaurant concept. I dream of their chickpea fritter sandwich and always have one when I am in town. They also have locations now all over Boston! Great for a casual bite to eat or takeaway. I didn’t have a photo, so I’ve included a short video to really celebrate how good this sandwich is. Enjoy!
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Flour Bakery + Cafe – Always a go-to for coffee, lunch, brunch, breakfast or an epic baked good. Pro tip: download their app for online ordering and other offers and thank me later!
The Colonnade Hotel
The Colonnade Hotel – This hotel has quickly become my favorite in Boston. It has large rooms which are filled with natural light, a great table and chair set-up for working remotely, plus in-room Kuerig and mini-fridge. Did I mention it has the ONLY rooftop pool in Boston and an excellent gym? Read my blog post here or watch my YouTube hotel room review and tour of the property below!
Tony And Elaine’s
Tony And Elaine’s – An old-school, no frills Italian restaurant in Boston’s North End. Imagine epic Italian comfort food with a red booths and red and white checkered tablecloths type vibe to match. Pro tip: they have a great outdoor patio in the warmer months and it’s slightly off the tourist track but I would still book during peak season.
Final Thoughts
I have a LOT more to add to my Boston guide. I promise that I won’t wait another 1-2 years before the next update :). You can find my full Boston Guide here.
Hungry for more Boston travel tips? Watch my most recent Boston travel vlogs featuring these restaurants!
Jessica Gioglio is founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.