We are traveling to Boston in a few weeks and I am looking for suggestions for a romantic place to "pop the question". I have heard about some romantic restaurants in the North End, but am open to any ideas.

Bay Tower Room.

Hamersley's Bistro, a great French restaurant in the South End

The courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

A takeout picnic from a gourmet store, two glasses, a bottle of wine and an outdoor concert on the Esplanade

Excellent recommendation - courtyard at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. I would never have thought of that! "Romantic" dining experiences in Boston are mighty difficult to come by, as the conversation level in even the pricey places is reminiscent of the high school cafeteria (I am not exaggerating). Nicest (priciest, too) and most romantic dining destinations I've experienced are (in no particular order) The Bay Tower Room, L'Espalier and Julien at the Meridien Hotel. We especially enjoy Julien as the cocktail lounge afterward with the pianist afterward is quiet, cozy, and romantic. In fact, if you don't care for a huge dinner tab, you could always request a special song (the pianist has been there forever and knows every tune!), and propose in the piano lounge. Another spot, if the weather's nice, is the restaurant on the terrace, overlooking the harbor, at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Very romantic walking nearby.

Here's another recommendation for the Bay Tower Room. Worth the price. Wonderful views, gorgeous room, excellent food and service. And, there's a lovely mezzanine with a small orchestra for dancing cheek to cheek after she accepts (or you could pop the question during a dance?). I like the lounge at the Meridien idea as well. It's very romantic. The piano player has been there forever. I wouldn't describe any restaurants in the North End as "romantic". They're all really, really loud, unless you happen to be there when it's just not busy.

I vote for Bay Tower, too.

I used to live in Boston - I would recommend Davios in Cambridge at the Royal Sonesta. The patio seating on the river is very nice.

casual: Esplanade (near the Lonfellow Bridge/Hatch Shell) at sunset. This area consistently has the most beautiful sunsets. Bay Tower is nice too, but I don't think the tables for two are right near the windows. You will probably be in a booth facing other tables to share the view. The Public Garden is nice, too.

My son-in-law "popped the question" on the bridge in the Public Garden and my daughter and I both thought that was terribly romantic. Though in her case, this was partly because it was an anniversary of their first date and htey had walked there that ight, too. But it's a lovely place, anyway, especially around sunset. Personally, we don't think a restaurant setting is particularly romantic, too many other people sharing your moment.

Well, I would suggest going to a beach, take a nice long walk on say Revere Beach, which is just north of Boston, the sunsets views from there are really pretty.

Then you can head back into Boston for a nice dinner or head up to Swampscott or Marblehead to several nice restaurants there, like Anthony's which is right on the water.

I would also agree with the Boston Garden, maybe even on the swan boat or go over to the Back Bay pretty garden there too.

Of course there's always Fenway, and maybe you can get a "Marry Me", sign up on the board, lol. Something to remember always.

Another idea would be at the top of the Prudential Building, great view of the city.

There are a few nice restaurants also on Newbury St and the Back Bay that would also fit the bill.

I guess I would get a map of the city, put the ring in your pocket and when you get to someplace wonderful,......

Have a great time Boston is alot of fun.

tweedy

Another vote for the Bay Tower room.

An alternative IMO, would be the Boston Public Gardens. Absolutely beautiful at this time of year...

Hope she says yes!
Enjoy your trip.
Melissa

When my husband proposed, we had just sat down on one of the benches at the Public Gardens. It was a beautiful afternoon, not too crowded and there was a lovely view of the garden, pond & swan boats. He got down on one knee and popped the question. Afterwards, we ate at Aujourd'hui, which IMO is one of Boston's better (high end) restaurants. (located in the Four Season's hotel)

Years later we tried to find the same bench, but were never 100% sure if we found it. Do they ever move the benches around?

I would recommend the Spinnaker at Hyatt on the Memorial Drive, Cambridge. Great view + Great DJ music + a nice small center stage for dancing. Free parking, and yummy cocktails at a very reasonable price.

REVERE BEACH ARE YOU NUTS! He'll never want to come back to Massachusetts if you send him there! Where's he going to propose, Kelly's?

Trevor...I live in MA and Revere Beach has to be the worst and most ugly beach in the state. It's so seedy!!!! Please don't go there!

I know you didn't ask for it but if you really want a nice beach go to Singing Beach in Manchester-By-The-Sea or Cranes Beach in Ipswich.

For dinner I'd recommend Davide (since you mentioned Italian & North End) or Aujourd'hui. If you're open to a restaurant and inn outside of Boston I'd highly recommend the Stonehedge Inn in Tyngsboro and their restaurant Silks. (www.stonehedgeinn.com) It's quite a place!

DITTO DITTO DITTO - stay away from Revere Beach-- unless you drive a monte carlo ss and wear Mr. T like gold chains. Maybe the bride to be will have her hair teased up with AquaNet hair spray-- Oh please...
I vote for Public Gardens with a dinner to follow at the Bay Tower Room

Frasier court Restaurant at the Museum of fine arts. Inside, a piano player or outside by the fountain. L'espalier, off Newbury Street and The Hungry Eye on Charles Street. And then there are the Gondolas on the Charles river!

My husband proposed on the duck tour while we're on the river, and we had dinner afterwards at the L'Espalier.