Seetheworld - that is too bad about Sonsie's I didn't know that was their reputation - the few times we had rezzies we were seated within 5 minutes - and on Easter Sunday we had a rezzie and didn't have to wait more than a few minutes ! Maybe I had some lucky star following me those times

It's the law here in Boston that you must have food with drinks if sitting outside.. If you want a gourmet meal skip Stephanies and Sonsies but both are fuin and to people watch.

I think you are on to something cigalechanta, especially with Sonsie's. People watching takes time, lol. So no one ever leaves their table. I think the food is good though.

escargot, yes I think you have a lucky star (or I think I might be slightly impatient, lol).

I live in Downtown Boston. Here are some thoughts.

1) Catch a play at The Lyric Stage

2) To eat trendy 33
To eat Neighborhood The Paramount
To eat in a bar/rowdy happening place The Hill

3) If you're sports fans, there are tours of Fenway Park

4) One if my land two if by sea. Go see the Old North Church in The North End. Have some Italian food while you're there, anywhere. You can't go wrong.

5) Harvard Square. Harvard on The Red Line on the subway, aka the "T". Walk through Harvard Yard. As for eats, Try The Red House or if you're looking for something more upscale, either "OM" or "Upstairs at the Park"

Have fun

We will be staying in Western Suburbs at the end of summer dropping daughter off at college. We want an Italian meal in the North End (Saraceno). Where would someone recommend parking? Or, should we take the T to Haymarket and walk to Salem?? There will be 5 of us.