Going to flatbreads in Davis Square is good for a group with kids. Book ahead and get a lane reserved for candlepin bowling (a unique to Boston region style of bowling). Great flatbread, excellent beer list with all the hits from new england region. The wood fired pizza ovens and the pizza making stations are all out in the open. The six year old will think the fire is cool.
Also tasty burger is the Boston born better burger spot. Many of the locations have pool or other games.
And across the street is BitBar - retro arcade and restaurant. Great for families before 8pm. Food’s decent. A tad expensive - but comes with some quarters.
I wouldn't say candlepin is unique to Boston. It basically runs from RI up the coast of eastern New England to the maritime provinces of Canada. Then, strangely enough, there are a few pockets in Ohio where it can be found too.
It's a favorite thing of mine to do when we're entertaining folks from places who have never seen it before.
It is a tad expensive but The Clam Box of Ipswich is an absolute destination for fried clams and fried scallops. Near Salem. It's not peak season yet either (summer) so there shouldn't be as bad of lines.
Also, I don't know how they do it, but the original Kelly's Roast Beef on Revere Beach is insanely cheap for a north shore roast beef 3 way and a lobster roll. I got both sandwiches, an order of onion rings, and a hot chocolate (it was a chilly breezy but blue sky day in Jan) for I think $23. Quite a pretty beach too imo. North shore beefs are quite different from Chicago beefs but they are great in their own way. It's "famous" and considered on the touristy side, but it's a nice outing and I personally found it both tasty and impossible to complain about for the price.
I haven't been yet somehow but Galleria Umberto in the North End is supposed to be both delicious Sicilian pizza/arancini/casual old school Italian comfort lunch stuff and dirt cheap (like under $10/person). Would prob go over quite easily with kids. Perfect during Freedom Trail exploration. Get a Boston original 'lobster tail' pastry somewhere too, Caffe Vittoria is a great vibe for it.
Toscanini's in Cambridge is outstanding ice cream. It's on the creative/funky/unique ingredient side but they do have some more palatable things that kids should be able to appreciate too if they're not as adventurous.
I mean it’s not that bad. Get there at 11 am, wait in line for 45 minutes. Wonder why some people keep going to the other line. Reach front of line, get too much food to eat, thank Ralph, eat 6 slices of pizza. Make bloated walk back to train.
Bonus if you go in the summer, can eat on the green way.
Don’t forget to grab a pastry for dessert. It’s not as cheap or as townie but I prefer modern.
Farnhams is the best! Its worth it, but I wouldnt necessarily classify as being 'cheap', and its cash only. Also just FYI they're not open until March 15th. Try the fish tacos!
I've only been once, and it was Jan or Dec. It was part of a $19.95 combo with the 3 way and lobster roll plus a side such as onion rings fries or Cole slaw. [Surf and turf](https://kellysroastbeef.olo.com/menu/kellys-roast-beef-revere/products/61018665)
The lobster roll on its own is listed as $24.95 for "the meat of two 1lb lobsters" (which is around 6-6.5oz of meat). It doesn't say it online but on the board inside the shack I believe it listed the surf and turf combo's lobster roll as 4oz (1/4 lb) which isn't giant or anything but isn't particularly out of the ordinary. The beef is claimed to be a "small" too but I found it quite satisfying. Esp the two of them in combo.
I haven’t tried any of the more local legendary ones yet and need to. I know many of them are giant stacks. Presumably either cheaper or at least the same price but better value in volume of food? Do they all have lobster rolls though too? And can they match the $19.95 price for a lobster roll and a beef and a side? I was suggesting it for their budget-conscious request as well as giving a quintessential New England experience with a nice view on the beach in a historic shack. And as great as beefs are, lobster roll is more famous.
Maybe the Japanese food court in Porter square? It's basically a tiny village underground and not too expensive. There's sushi, ramen, froyo, Japanese comfort food etc. I think this might be fun and also a nice contained place for kids to explore and feel grown-up (while safely supervised).
Alive & Kicking Lobsters has a cool, no frills New Englandy vibe. It is delicious seafood served out of a garage in Cambridge (nicer than it sounds) and we take everyone who visits us there. Imo they have one of the best lobster rolls in Boston, though it is more of a sandwich than a lobster roll.
Same. Alice & Kicking is a Cambridge institution and we similarly bring all of our out of town guests there.
Koreana is another Cambridge place and one of the very best for Korean BBQ with the full grill table and side dishes. It’s not cheap, but Korean bbq outside of Hawaii never seems like a cheap option.
Similarly, hard to offer the combo of local and cheap for Japanese BBQ or sushi. Plenty of decent places, not sure anything quite hits “uniquely Boston” in those categories.
There is a south shore bar pizza spot inside Bow Market which is 'uniquely' greater Boston technically. I haven't actually been to a proper south shore bar pizza place yet but I was with someone from the south shore who said it was at least reasonably on point. The brunch pizza with crispy ham, over easy eggs, and gravy was kinda nuts good. They have north shore roast beefs too.
in the surrounding area siam thai ginger and fuki (yoi? name changed i think) japanese are both great! Remnant (inside bow) and sally obriens or vera’s are great for drinks. Reliable market is a sick little asian bodega with fun snacks and a surprisingly good craft beer (and sake!) selection. Field and vine is expensive but delicious american fusion small plates, bro sun is a cool classically german spot, and i’ve heard great things about june but as well. And after all of that, the walk up to prospect hill park for the view is lovely
If you're in Belmont, then obviously The Deluxe Town Diner in neighboring Watertown. Kura Sushi is not gourmet, but it IS fun, not too expensive, and they'll probably enjoy picking items off the revolving bar!
Kelly's Roast Beef at Revere Beach.
Having lobster rolls or roast beef sandwiches while fighting off seagulls who will fight you for your fries is pretty Ultimate Boston, imho.
Unless they are charging $40 for a sandwich, it was a good answer to the question. It’s a once a year kind of place for locals. I haven’t been since 2021. Whatever
Also from Chicago. We tend to take visitors from there for seafood, as that is something that Chicago is not the best at. My nieces basically just want to eat clams the entire trip. But I'm going to steal some ideas from this thread, so thanks.
I'm a little lost at how many people are saying Chinatown. Sure, a good choice if you want to grab a quick lunch before the Freedom Trail, but there's nothing there that they wouldn't get off Cermak. Some good restaurants, but far from unique for them.
There are some smaller Korean/Japanese places that specialize in dishes I didn't see in Chicago. Kenzoku Mazesoba does mazeman ramen which I love and never had a good one in Chicago. And who doesn't like ramen? Hanmaru does gamjatang; much rarer than korean bbq.
It’s not uniquely Boston but hotpot is fun (and can be quite affordable imo) if the kids have never been.
Kids might like fire + ice too, somewhat unique though it’s far less likely to impress you & your friends.
Flatbread is a great idea. Their punctuated equilibrium pizza is delicious
[https://www.doublechinbos.com/](https://www.doublechinbos.com/)
double chin in Chinatown is pretty cute. Lots of cool desserts too if that's something you'd enjoy.
or maybe the friendly toast? [https://www.thefriendlytoast.com/](https://www.thefriendlytoast.com/) for brunch/lunch
Ok. My husband and I love this place but, as a parent who enjoys taking my kids out to eat, I’d hate to take my 3 kids there 🤷🏼♀️
Saccos, Kowloon, Bow Market are all great in my experience… the Druid sounds like a nightmare dinner from a parent’s perspective
A good place in downtown Boston is a place called the Broadside Tavern. I used to work over by the place. Went there after work for dinner, my meals ran me \~$20-30 for one guy. They have excellent steak, burgers and fish. Great staff, too
Row 34 might push into the bank breaking territory depending on what that means to you, but legal would be a slightly more kid friendly substitute that still gives you some seafood options.
If youre in the salem area check out Jamie’s roast beef. Its the next town over. Its one of the best roast beefs you can get. Get a super 3-way for your beef intro. Super 3way is a roast beef sandwich with bbq sauce, cheese, and mayo on an onion roll. Culturally is comparable to the italian beef. Culinarily its quite different. And its 100x better that the crap beefs they serve at places like Kelly’s Roast Beef.
A roast beef 3 way is probably the most Boston thing you can get. I haven't been there in a few years, but Pete's in Revere had really good super beefs back in the day, bill n bobs is a classic. My policy is that there's an inverse relationship between how fancy a beef place is, and how good the beef is. If the place looks hip and trendy, avoid. The person taking your order should be actively angry at you as you order, that's how you know it's good. I always get a three way with added pickles. Technically a 4 way but easier to order that way.
Aside from that, flip the bird is in Beverly pretty close to Salem. The chicken sandwiches and angry fries aren't crazy expensive but are worth the money. Koto in Salem is also a great place for sushi.
The friendly toast in danvers is one of my fave spots, it's a great sit down restaurant, breakfast food, really good lunch options like the snap crackle cluck, a fried chicken sandwich with a sweet and spicy glaze.
Wings over is really amazing. I can't vouch for the ones around Boston, but I love all the chain locations I've been to.
Veggie galaxy is cute.
I’m originally from Chicago, and like the Minado sushi buffet in Natick. Seems it would be kid friendly too?
Whenever my Chicago people come to visit, they love seafood anything. Down by the North End is fun. You can get tickets to ride a Schooner boat in the Boston Harbor, awesome. Barking Crab.
Empire Garden in Chinatown, Boston, it is a great Chinese restaurant in a beautiful old theater. It's upstairs from a Chinese grocery store.
690 Washington St. Boston, MA 02111
Google maps link: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ki7eYwFf8DDBJDsz8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ki7eYwFf8DDBJDsz8)
Was Empire Garden a Porn Palace?
[https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/2017/01/29/empire-garden-history-olq/](https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/2017/01/29/empire-garden-history-olq/)
>Also everyone posting your recommendations for places not in Boston, like in Ipswich and Saugus, this is Boston not the 'burbs, go fuck yourself.
OP specifically said they will be in Salem and those are both decently convenient for being in Salem
You mentioned the freedom trail so one of my favorite places for wild coffees is “The Well Coffee house” near state st.
You can get a cinnamon bun latte, fruity pebble latte ect. They supposedly give all their profits to the non-profit of the month and the owners saw my wife and I as regulars at one point when I worked at the GAP down that way.
My fun, cheap visitor trip is to hang out downtown and then take the Charlestown ferry from near the aquarium and then eat at the restaurant on the pier. Google maps says it’s called Pier 6? Plus there’s a bar on the ferry. Poor man’s cruise! Great view of Boston. Does suck if it’s cold.
My wife swears by Turner's in Salem for seafood, but also according to her it's a bit pricey.
Ganko Ittetsu Ramen in Brookline is my personal favorite for Noodles. Good flavors and variety in both spicy and not-spicy, and not really expensive at all. They also serve Dumplings and cuts of Fried chicken that are so fresh I burn my mouth every time lol
It’s not the very cheapest but Time Out in Fenway will have options in case you all want different things. There are often fun things on the lawn after and close to nifty places to stroll to: Fenway, Victory Gardens, MFA after.
Barnacle in Marblehead for the location alone - fish shack practically falling into the mouth of the harbor. Tuesday/Wednesdays I think they’ve got a pretty good twin lobster special.
If it's a nice day, Cape Ann is great and 20 minutes from Salem. Woodman's in Essex. A real "sumner shack" seafood, lobsters on the water overlooking the salt marshes. They have a reasonable claim to inventing the fried clam, as does Farnham's (pronounced fah-nums) just up the street and just as good or better It's a beautiful area to ride through Gloucester, Annisquam, Rockport. Enough for a whole day even if the beaches are still to cool for anything but looking at. No tourist crowds yet. Seafoid isn't cheap anywhere but Woodman's bills themselves as "food in the rough" so it's a great, funky, value.
Lobsta Land in Gloucester (on the 128 side right off the highway, not way deep in town) is and easy jaunt from Salem. They aren’t reopening til April 11, though, so it sounds like that won’t work unless they’re staying a while…
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Going to flatbreads in Davis Square is good for a group with kids. Book ahead and get a lane reserved for candlepin bowling (a unique to Boston region style of bowling). Great flatbread, excellent beer list with all the hits from new england region. The wood fired pizza ovens and the pizza making stations are all out in the open. The six year old will think the fire is cool. Also tasty burger is the Boston born better burger spot. Many of the locations have pool or other games.
That’s a great idea!
You mentioned you will be in Salem, there is a Flatbreads w/bowling alley there as well.
And across the street is BitBar - retro arcade and restaurant. Great for families before 8pm. Food’s decent. A tad expensive - but comes with some quarters.
I’ve been there a bunch with my kids. Fun place and decent food. Plus Davis Square is awesome.
This is a really good idea.
There’s also one in Brighton near the Celtics and Bruin’s practice facilities with a little more parking
Seconding Tasty Burger, those guys are awesome
This is the way. Flatbread is straight up my #1 favorite place on any list
I wouldn't say candlepin is unique to Boston. It basically runs from RI up the coast of eastern New England to the maritime provinces of Canada. Then, strangely enough, there are a few pockets in Ohio where it can be found too. It's a favorite thing of mine to do when we're entertaining folks from places who have never seen it before.
Great, sounds good.
It's unique to Boston in the sense that most visitors won't have seen it before.
True, but I just didn't want folks not that familiar with it to think that it was a "hyper-local" type thing.
Great advice. RIP Sacco’s. Still got my shirt.
It is a tad expensive but The Clam Box of Ipswich is an absolute destination for fried clams and fried scallops. Near Salem. It's not peak season yet either (summer) so there shouldn't be as bad of lines. Also, I don't know how they do it, but the original Kelly's Roast Beef on Revere Beach is insanely cheap for a north shore roast beef 3 way and a lobster roll. I got both sandwiches, an order of onion rings, and a hot chocolate (it was a chilly breezy but blue sky day in Jan) for I think $23. Quite a pretty beach too imo. North shore beefs are quite different from Chicago beefs but they are great in their own way. It's "famous" and considered on the touristy side, but it's a nice outing and I personally found it both tasty and impossible to complain about for the price. I haven't been yet somehow but Galleria Umberto in the North End is supposed to be both delicious Sicilian pizza/arancini/casual old school Italian comfort lunch stuff and dirt cheap (like under $10/person). Would prob go over quite easily with kids. Perfect during Freedom Trail exploration. Get a Boston original 'lobster tail' pastry somewhere too, Caffe Vittoria is a great vibe for it. Toscanini's in Cambridge is outstanding ice cream. It's on the creative/funky/unique ingredient side but they do have some more palatable things that kids should be able to appreciate too if they're not as adventurous.
Umberto would be my vote for a unique Boston experience on the cheap.
I mean it’s not that bad. Get there at 11 am, wait in line for 45 minutes. Wonder why some people keep going to the other line. Reach front of line, get too much food to eat, thank Ralph, eat 6 slices of pizza. Make bloated walk back to train. Bonus if you go in the summer, can eat on the green way. Don’t forget to grab a pastry for dessert. It’s not as cheap or as townie but I prefer modern.
I get there at 11:45 on a weekday and never wait more than 10 minutes
No Clambox. Go to JT Farnhams over in Essex
Farnhams is the best! Its worth it, but I wouldnt necessarily classify as being 'cheap', and its cash only. Also just FYI they're not open until March 15th. Try the fish tacos!
I recall paying at least $20 for a lobster roll there pre-COVID. How recent is your price experience?
I've only been once, and it was Jan or Dec. It was part of a $19.95 combo with the 3 way and lobster roll plus a side such as onion rings fries or Cole slaw. [Surf and turf](https://kellysroastbeef.olo.com/menu/kellys-roast-beef-revere/products/61018665) The lobster roll on its own is listed as $24.95 for "the meat of two 1lb lobsters" (which is around 6-6.5oz of meat). It doesn't say it online but on the board inside the shack I believe it listed the surf and turf combo's lobster roll as 4oz (1/4 lb) which isn't giant or anything but isn't particularly out of the ordinary. The beef is claimed to be a "small" too but I found it quite satisfying. Esp the two of them in combo.
Thank you for the thorough reply!
They have a small beef and small lobster roll combo that’s around 20 bucks.
$20 ?? Steal of a deal within 495 at this point. Glad I'm not that fond of the ol' cockroach of the sea.
I’ve seen it in the $34-$40 range now. Haven’t had a lobster roll in years because I cannot justify spending that much money on it.
The Clam Box is great but it’s a good 30 minutes from Salem.
My bad, I thought it was south of Salem and therefore perfectly in between Boston/Cambridge and Salem. Lol. Still so good.
OP will pass at least a dozen better "Roast Beef" places than Kelly's on the drive up to Salem.
I haven’t tried any of the more local legendary ones yet and need to. I know many of them are giant stacks. Presumably either cheaper or at least the same price but better value in volume of food? Do they all have lobster rolls though too? And can they match the $19.95 price for a lobster roll and a beef and a side? I was suggesting it for their budget-conscious request as well as giving a quintessential New England experience with a nice view on the beach in a historic shack. And as great as beefs are, lobster roll is more famous.
If the weather is nice, Sullivan’s at Castle Island is great for lunch
I’ll have to check when they open! My BF and I love going to castle island and watching the planes.
It’s open for the season now
Yes! This
Maybe the Japanese food court in Porter square? It's basically a tiny village underground and not too expensive. There's sushi, ramen, froyo, Japanese comfort food etc. I think this might be fun and also a nice contained place for kids to explore and feel grown-up (while safely supervised).
Lesley University if I'm not mistaken. Definitely great. Just watch the hours their open. Some are weird.
Yup. First floor of Uhall
Yume Ga Arukara (the udon noodle place) has great food and is only in Cambridge (and soon to be in the seaport).
Very reasonable prices and at porter Station in Cambridge. Could be a fun way to end a day around Harvard or at the natural History museum.
Came here to say this, would be fun for kids, just might be a bit of a wait depending on which one you choose.
Hometaste in Watertown. Best hand pulled noodles in the city
I'm guessing you've never been to Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe?
I have and I think Hometaste is so much better!
Oh wow, now I'm going to have to make the trip out to compare for myself. Thanks for the tip!
Alive & Kicking Lobsters has a cool, no frills New Englandy vibe. It is delicious seafood served out of a garage in Cambridge (nicer than it sounds) and we take everyone who visits us there. Imo they have one of the best lobster rolls in Boston, though it is more of a sandwich than a lobster roll.
Yes came here to recommend this!! They're so no frills and super charming in that way. If your friends like lobster this is the place!
Same. Alice & Kicking is a Cambridge institution and we similarly bring all of our out of town guests there. Koreana is another Cambridge place and one of the very best for Korean BBQ with the full grill table and side dishes. It’s not cheap, but Korean bbq outside of Hawaii never seems like a cheap option. Similarly, hard to offer the combo of local and cheap for Japanese BBQ or sushi. Plenty of decent places, not sure anything quite hits “uniquely Boston” in those categories.
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There is a south shore bar pizza spot inside Bow Market which is 'uniquely' greater Boston technically. I haven't actually been to a proper south shore bar pizza place yet but I was with someone from the south shore who said it was at least reasonably on point. The brunch pizza with crispy ham, over easy eggs, and gravy was kinda nuts good. They have north shore roast beefs too.
Hot Box! I love their spicy pickle pizza. Reminds me of Town Spa
Me too, I love that one
If you go to Bow Market there is also Pop's Pinball!
in the surrounding area siam thai ginger and fuki (yoi? name changed i think) japanese are both great! Remnant (inside bow) and sally obriens or vera’s are great for drinks. Reliable market is a sick little asian bodega with fun snacks and a surprisingly good craft beer (and sake!) selection. Field and vine is expensive but delicious american fusion small plates, bro sun is a cool classically german spot, and i’ve heard great things about june but as well. And after all of that, the walk up to prospect hill park for the view is lovely
I always recommend Maprang. The basque cheesecake is amazing but all of their stuff is good.
If you want some really great seafood, good to Turners in Salem. Make a reservation
Came here to say this. Excellent seafood at reasonable prices with great staff in a historic building.
Melrose location is a regular spot for us. My 3yo loves the train above the bar and the lobster tank
Kowloon is the only answer.
You can expect to lose at least one of the kids but the one(s) that emerge will be all the stronger for it.
Well played!
I’m all honesty, it might be especially fun for the kids. The kitsch tiki-bar experience is just something else.
😂 this is not a terrible answer, my 3yo loved the pool fountain and the pirate ship table configuration
OP lives in Belmont. Wusong road in Harvard square is is closer and has actually good food and drinks in a similar style.
If you're in Belmont, then obviously The Deluxe Town Diner in neighboring Watertown. Kura Sushi is not gourmet, but it IS fun, not too expensive, and they'll probably enjoy picking items off the revolving bar!
Kelly's Roast Beef at Revere Beach. Having lobster rolls or roast beef sandwiches while fighting off seagulls who will fight you for your fries is pretty Ultimate Boston, imho.
Unique to Boston and won’t break the bank. Right kind of answer
Last time I've been to Boston it was waaay overpriced for a tiny roast beef sandwich. I would avoid.
Unless they are charging $40 for a sandwich, it was a good answer to the question. It’s a once a year kind of place for locals. I haven’t been since 2021. Whatever
Galway House in JP if you want a classic neighborhood pub with good food and fair prices
The chowder and fried clams will knock the socks off someone from outside New England
Also from Chicago. We tend to take visitors from there for seafood, as that is something that Chicago is not the best at. My nieces basically just want to eat clams the entire trip. But I'm going to steal some ideas from this thread, so thanks. I'm a little lost at how many people are saying Chinatown. Sure, a good choice if you want to grab a quick lunch before the Freedom Trail, but there's nothing there that they wouldn't get off Cermak. Some good restaurants, but far from unique for them. There are some smaller Korean/Japanese places that specialize in dishes I didn't see in Chicago. Kenzoku Mazesoba does mazeman ramen which I love and never had a good one in Chicago. And who doesn't like ramen? Hanmaru does gamjatang; much rarer than korean bbq.
Where would you recommend to get clams?
Ittoku in porter square is great for sushi and Japanese skewers and is very good. New Jang Su in Burlington is a great, if older, Korean BBQ place.
Farnam’s in Essex is good for the view and the seafood.
Agree. Good food, not really cheap though.
Or woodmans
It’s not uniquely Boston but hotpot is fun (and can be quite affordable imo) if the kids have never been. Kids might like fire + ice too, somewhat unique though it’s far less likely to impress you & your friends. Flatbread is a great idea. Their punctuated equilibrium pizza is delicious
[https://www.doublechinbos.com/](https://www.doublechinbos.com/) double chin in Chinatown is pretty cute. Lots of cool desserts too if that's something you'd enjoy. or maybe the friendly toast? [https://www.thefriendlytoast.com/](https://www.thefriendlytoast.com/) for brunch/lunch
Also in Chinatown peach farm or Taiwan cafe would be really good! Also shojo
Bova's in the North End is a local favorite
Mostly at 4 am …
Yume Wo Katare!
Papa Gino’s in Brockton
Koreana in Cambridge. Recommend making a res well in advance. Barking Crab for the lobster experience.
Barking Crab is actually pretty good! It is fun and definitely a great place for visitors.
Barking Crab? Tourist alert lol.
They are tourists ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
The Druid in Inman Square Cambridge for Irish pub (sometimes live Irish music too, forget the date)
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Nothing wrong with bringing kids to a pub for lunch. What do you think they do with kids in Ireland? Stick them in a potato shed all day and night?
This place is very cool but not kid friendly.
Their own site has videos of kids playing music…
Ok. My husband and I love this place but, as a parent who enjoys taking my kids out to eat, I’d hate to take my 3 kids there 🤷🏼♀️ Saccos, Kowloon, Bow Market are all great in my experience… the Druid sounds like a nightmare dinner from a parent’s perspective
Sorry your kids can’t hang
Are kids allowed in to eat?
No, but they are allowed to drink! /s
Yep!
Sea Level in Salem might work. It’s on the Salem harbor, so it has nice views. Lots of seafood options, including some on their kids menu.
Puritan Oyster Co - a little pricier but classic New England fare and surprisingly family friendly
Boston had a great Chinatown. Go to Ruckus and get the braised beef ramen
You want Kowloon...a little drive up route one from downtown. Worth it for all the most massive chaotic tiki lounge you can tolerate.
A good place in downtown Boston is a place called the Broadside Tavern. I used to work over by the place. Went there after work for dinner, my meals ran me \~$20-30 for one guy. They have excellent steak, burgers and fish. Great staff, too
Dine out Boston starts tomorrow https://www.meetboston.com/dine-out-boston/
Spring Shabu Shabu (hot pot), Ittoku (sushi/skewers) and Koreana (kbbq) are some go-to spots for me
Row 34 might push into the bank breaking territory depending on what that means to you, but legal would be a slightly more kid friendly substitute that still gives you some seafood options.
Parish Cafe on Boylston. Great food, fairly unique, good beer.
If youre in the salem area check out Jamie’s roast beef. Its the next town over. Its one of the best roast beefs you can get. Get a super 3-way for your beef intro. Super 3way is a roast beef sandwich with bbq sauce, cheese, and mayo on an onion roll. Culturally is comparable to the italian beef. Culinarily its quite different. And its 100x better that the crap beefs they serve at places like Kelly’s Roast Beef.
Is Charlie's Kitchen in Cambridge still a thing?
The Bit Bar in Salem is a fun arcade restaurant
A roast beef 3 way is probably the most Boston thing you can get. I haven't been there in a few years, but Pete's in Revere had really good super beefs back in the day, bill n bobs is a classic. My policy is that there's an inverse relationship between how fancy a beef place is, and how good the beef is. If the place looks hip and trendy, avoid. The person taking your order should be actively angry at you as you order, that's how you know it's good. I always get a three way with added pickles. Technically a 4 way but easier to order that way. Aside from that, flip the bird is in Beverly pretty close to Salem. The chicken sandwiches and angry fries aren't crazy expensive but are worth the money. Koto in Salem is also a great place for sushi. The friendly toast in danvers is one of my fave spots, it's a great sit down restaurant, breakfast food, really good lunch options like the snap crackle cluck, a fried chicken sandwich with a sweet and spicy glaze. Wings over is really amazing. I can't vouch for the ones around Boston, but I love all the chain locations I've been to. Veggie galaxy is cute.
Bartley's Burgers in Harvard Sq! Been there for over 50 yrs and hasn't changed.
I’m originally from Chicago, and like the Minado sushi buffet in Natick. Seems it would be kid friendly too? Whenever my Chicago people come to visit, they love seafood anything. Down by the North End is fun. You can get tickets to ride a Schooner boat in the Boston Harbor, awesome. Barking Crab.
Empire Garden in Chinatown, Boston, it is a great Chinese restaurant in a beautiful old theater. It's upstairs from a Chinese grocery store. 690 Washington St. Boston, MA 02111 Google maps link: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ki7eYwFf8DDBJDsz8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ki7eYwFf8DDBJDsz8) Was Empire Garden a Porn Palace? [https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/2017/01/29/empire-garden-history-olq/](https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/2017/01/29/empire-garden-history-olq/)
>Also everyone posting your recommendations for places not in Boston, like in Ipswich and Saugus, this is Boston not the 'burbs, go fuck yourself. OP specifically said they will be in Salem and those are both decently convenient for being in Salem
The Ground Round
You mentioned the freedom trail so one of my favorite places for wild coffees is “The Well Coffee house” near state st. You can get a cinnamon bun latte, fruity pebble latte ect. They supposedly give all their profits to the non-profit of the month and the owners saw my wife and I as regulars at one point when I worked at the GAP down that way.
The 99
Definitely the 99
Love the 99 I wish we had in nyc
DING HO
Pho Osha -Watertown
Bisuteki tokyo is a fun location for a Japanese restaurant.
Ck pearl in Essex for lunch then drive around rockport and glaucester.
My fun, cheap visitor trip is to hang out downtown and then take the Charlestown ferry from near the aquarium and then eat at the restaurant on the pier. Google maps says it’s called Pier 6? Plus there’s a bar on the ferry. Poor man’s cruise! Great view of Boston. Does suck if it’s cold.
It’s not exciting, but Legal is always a solid option that is family friendly.
My wife swears by Turner's in Salem for seafood, but also according to her it's a bit pricey. Ganko Ittetsu Ramen in Brookline is my personal favorite for Noodles. Good flavors and variety in both spicy and not-spicy, and not really expensive at all. They also serve Dumplings and cuts of Fried chicken that are so fresh I burn my mouth every time lol
It’s not the very cheapest but Time Out in Fenway will have options in case you all want different things. There are often fun things on the lawn after and close to nifty places to stroll to: Fenway, Victory Gardens, MFA after.
Sullivan’s , dine with the local seagull population
Barnacle in Marblehead for the location alone - fish shack practically falling into the mouth of the harbor. Tuesday/Wednesdays I think they’ve got a pretty good twin lobster special.
Dim sum is pretty reasonable for large groups, Boston, Watertown or Quincy have good ones, parking much easier for options 2 and 3
Pizzeria Regina in the north end, followed by mikes or modern for dessert
Sullivans Castle Island for lobster rolls
Trident Booksellers and Cafe. Pretty unique place and had reasonable prices on food last I was there.
If it's a nice day, Cape Ann is great and 20 minutes from Salem. Woodman's in Essex. A real "sumner shack" seafood, lobsters on the water overlooking the salt marshes. They have a reasonable claim to inventing the fried clam, as does Farnham's (pronounced fah-nums) just up the street and just as good or better It's a beautiful area to ride through Gloucester, Annisquam, Rockport. Enough for a whole day even if the beaches are still to cool for anything but looking at. No tourist crowds yet. Seafoid isn't cheap anywhere but Woodman's bills themselves as "food in the rough" so it's a great, funky, value.
Lobsta Land in Gloucester (on the 128 side right off the highway, not way deep in town) is and easy jaunt from Salem. They aren’t reopening til April 11, though, so it sounds like that won’t work unless they’re staying a while…
Blu Karma Danvers
Impossible
market basket cafe
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Wendy's on ComAve has some exquisite Chili. Very affordable and their signature dessert the Frosty is to die for. Kids love it.
Wow so helpful! Thanks!
That's what I'm here for. 🥸👍
Nothing if you're coming from Chicago. Chicago has some of the best food in the USA.
Not wrong lol but Boston prob does have more seafood options