Beth1096

We are thinking about a last minute day trip into Boston tomorrow (Thurs Dec 18). We've just moved to Massachusetts and would appreciate any advice.

Other than just walking around and exploring, including Fanueil Hall, we were thinking about eating at the Parker restaurant in the Omni Parker House for its old world charm. We're into history & trying to experience a taste of a New England Xmas. Is this a good or bad idea? Are there any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Ackislander

Haven't eaten lunch there in years, but their breakfasts are fabulous and the setting is everything you hoped. But you should check to see whether lunch is served in that main dining room.

Another place nearby with much Olde Boston ambience is Locke Ober's, in a lane off Summer Street. They admit women now.

Finally, for a bit lower price, check out Cafe Marliave, between the two. It is an ex speakeasy, hangout for politicians and even statesmen for many years.

boyney

I had a very nice dinner about 6 years ago at that restaurant. But that's too long ago to really rely on. What I wanted to say was that the bar at the Parker House is my favorite in Boston for a cocktail. Very nice, not loud, no attitude.

Ruth's Chris is across the street in Old City Hall. Don't go there - the worst service ever.

djkbooks

Within the Omni Parker House there are three dining options: Parker's Restaurant, Parker's Bar, and The Last Hurrah. We prefer the latter for the traditional ambience and more casual menu (and lower prices), where you can order as you please rather than courses. Food is excellent. The Parker House Rolls, Boston Cream Pie, etc., are offered at all three.

You can find menus for all three

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel...se/Dining.aspx

Loche Ober is nicely traditional, but the menu is pricey and the food is quite heavy (though generous). When we go, we "dine" at the bar.

cigalechanta

No, No not the Marliave. Abby and I were there last week. The place was shut down for A VERY LONG TIME UNTIL THE NEW OWNWERS MOVED IN.
The place was never refurbished so it's very seedy and expensive for not so good food. Example: oysters $3.75 each, least expensive bottle of wine $34. My casserlet was so salty, once home I drank almost two bottles of water. The bread pudding desert tasted too much of flour.

yk

cigale - I presume you dined at the Marliave Upstairs? I read that the Downstairs is quite a lot cheaper, though completely different menu and atmosphere.

cigalechanta

The oyster bar is below the staircase(ugly!)we dined on the first level. I didn't look upstairs where the menu was more pricey.

gyppielou

Had I seen this thread earlier, I would have suggested taking in the 4pm Christmas Pops show at Symphony Hall. It is a fantastic show. The highlight is a newly commissioned '12 Days of Christmas' - it is sure to become a classic!!!!

Today I had mussels at Eastern Standard - other than mrlou , they are some of the best mussels I had! Bada bingbang!

Beth, there is a great bunch of people who adore Boston and the countless daytrips of this New England area. There is much to explore!

Safe journeys and Happy Holidays

laughingpoodles

While you are at Fanueil Hall, try the Baked Beans or some chowder at Durgin Park. Its corny and touristy but that's the point!

Ackislander

Cigalechanta, thanks for letting us know that the Marliave changing hands didn't improve the food.

I always thought the seedy was part of the experience, but who wants to recommend seedy and bad food?

Off the list, no matter how much atmosphere.

Beth1096

Thanks to all for responding, I really appreciate it.

We did wind up going into Boston and the weather that day was really nice. Crisp & clear, with little wind. Always heard how walkable Boston is and it really was...at least once you manage to park your car! Trying to figure out those one way roads was a real treat (just kidding). After feeling like I'd been on a merry-go-round too much, I think I finally started to figure it out!

Anyway, we did do lunch at the Parker Restaurant and the ambiance, service & food were very nice. Getting to eat a bit of history, Parker House rolls & Boston Cream Pie, was an added perk.

Fanueill Hall was great & we really enjoyed watching the ice skaters in the park. We recently moved from South Florida and you don't get to see that too often there! Anyway, Boston is certainly a town I'm looking forward to getting to know better. I hadn't heard of most of your suggestions & will most certainly look into them. I've noticed that you Fodors' Bostonians really know your stuff, so I'll probably be back with other questions at a later date.

Once again, thanks. And Happy Holiday!

bachslunch

I always recommend that people not dine at the Parker House. The ambiance is certainly nice, and yes, they did invent Boston cream pie there (which they still do quite well) -- but outside of this, neither the food nor the service are good there. And that goes double for the Union Oyster House.

Durgin Park does classic old fashioned Yankee style cooking notably better than either place.