Westcoasters are doing Boston in 2 days next Saturday and Sunday. Never been but we are well-seasoned travelers and can get around anywhere. We are staying at the Omni Parker House but we can walk, taxi or subway to an establishment. Looking for what you would recommend are eateries, dives, middle of the road or high-heeled places. Ice cream, chowder, filet mignon. It does not matter. What in Boston is worth craving? Thanks for your help. I know, I know, only 2 days?

The North End is great! Try Forno di Legna on Salem St for excellent Italian food. Its a great neighborhood to stroll and have some canolis and capucinos. Also, try Legals for seafood and Laurels for really good and very reasonable Bistro fare(Berkely St.)
Warning: Dont be put out by Bostonians, we aren't the friendliest lot especially to each other. All the same, welcome!

Do walk the Charles and stroll thru the Public Gardens, and consider -invest 15 minutes to a Swan Boat ride since it's as ridiculous as going to a luah, just something you have to do.A duck tour on a Sunday early may be cool - no traffic... no stupid hotel buffetts, if you're into sunday brunch head to the southend - Tremont Street has a few great places 647 and Aquitaine to name 2. Just up the street from you is Number9Park - local chef who just won the best chef northeast James Beard award....avoid Todd English places - he has lost focus and his staff is poorly trained.
And of course, one night do the Northend...either make reservations or show up at opening to Sage,Prezza,Bricco, Giacoamos, or just stroll the streets and wander into whatever reads well, and stop for a cannolli at Mike's and Modern and do a taste test! You may be there for one of their festivals. Also, I wouldn't bother with Legal, no love in that cooking unless you must have a lobster, otherwise to me it is food coming off a conveyer belt, and yes I have dined there many times, just don't think with 2 nights I'd bother. One last note, if you're walking the city and want something light since you'll be saving up you app for dinner, stop by Upper Crust on Charles just past the Public Gardens for a slice, they do pizza right, and just may be the best way to not ruin you appetite for something grander...Good Luck

quick post...

a wonderful tapas place in cambridge/somerville called Dali. you will need to take a cab, it's on beacon street and is worth every dime. it's not cheap but it's FANTASTIC.

fiasco

rgucla-

DEFINITELY have Legal Seafoods CLAM chowder- it is the best ever-

As the other post said to avoid it since you only have 2 days, I WOULD do it for LUNCH....

Massachusett's is the ice cream capital of the world! Around Cambridge try Herrell's, Toscanini's, Christina's and JP Licks!

I second Dali. We went there to celebrate the anniversary of our engagement (we got engaged in Spain last July 4th) and had an outstanding time. Excellent sangria, the tapas was wonderful. Strongly advisable!

I don't really know Boston anymore but -- does Durgin Park still exist? It used to be the one place you had to go, and it's a favorite place of mine in the world.

Supposing it does exist: check out the validity of this old advice: to avoid the lines (if there are still lines!), go have a drink in the bar downstairs, and then they'll send you up the back stairs.

Order ONLY the prime rib roast.

Enjoy the rude service & your seat at a crowded table with random strangers. And the building which I think is form the 18th century.

Agree with an earlier post about DALI in Somerville. Take a cab and enjoy their potent sangria. A fun, eclectic place. Also, KingFish Hall at Quincy Market is most excellent and much better ambiance than Legal Seafood. Its walking distance from the Omni Parker House. Skip Durgin Park.

If you want to splurge on dessert, and I do mean splurge (about $15/head without coffee), then indulge yourself at Finale on Columbus Avenue, across the Four Seasons. By the way, sharing is permissible. The desserts are decadent.

For clam or fish choulder, yes at Legals, where you can taste it in Kendell Sq. Harvard Sq., Downtown, or the Waterfront. The Troquet on Boylston St. , a short walk from your hotel has excellat food. Grill 23 on Berkley St for Filet Minon, Th Barking crab for fun funky by the water, toscannis ice cream in central square, Sit out side in Harvard Square, Cambridge, at the Harvest($$) or Henriettas table ($)
Bu I prefer Orleana in inman Sq .

If you have not been to Boston before, I also suggest Durgin Park at the Market. It is fun and family style seating, good food and VERY Boston.

Little Italy, (the N. End) is just on the other side of Quincy Market, and almost any restaurant will be great, so many in that area, just pick one that looks good to you.

I would also say the Union Oyster House is worth a visit, it is one of the oldest restaurants in the area, and the clam chowder is wonderful.

YOu might do the "tour" of Boston, which starts at the State House (state capital building) and winds around the downtown area, and you will see alot of historic buildings, and you can go as fast or as slow as you like. Some of the buildings charge a small fee, some do not. The Boston Tea party started from a meeting hall just a block away from the State House, and the Boston Massacre, has a plaque in the center of the street again a block from Quincy Market.

Have a great time while you are there, Boston is a beautiful city.
(my hometown)

We ate at Durgin Park 2 years ago. Used to eat there regularly in the early '60's. Enjoyed it.
John

My son and I went to Boston in June -- a Red Sox pilgrimage -- but while we there we had one of the best Italian meals I've ever eaten. The restaurant is Giaccamo's (sp?. It's on the main drag of the North End - i've forgotten the street. It's a small restaurant, lines are the norm and they don't take credit cards. But, oh my, for a very reasonable price, you'll have a wonderful meal. I just realized, you've already taken your trip. Well I hope you had some good food; and for anyone reading this string at a later date...enjoy!

rqucla:

For the latest and greatest go tO
www.chowhound.com. Home of a group of hard core 'foodies'!
JOHN

topping

Jacab Worth's on Stuart street, is a VERY old German restaurant, they now have a sing-along.