I get this question all the time: where is your favorite place to eat and drink? Whether it is from friends I have made while traveling who are visiting Boston for the first time, friends who live in Boston who have friends or relatives visiting and are wondering where to go, or people who are generally curious about what my recommendations are. This is not an easy response because there are too many types of places and categories. I do, however, have a selection of places that I adore. Before I get into my general roundup for the everyday occasion, I think it is important you know a bit more about me to understand whether these recommendations make sense for you.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST ME AND MY RECOMMENDATIONS?

Hi, I’m Brenda. I was born at one of the many Boston hospitals in the Longwood Medical Area, and grew up north of Boston in a town where the Salem Witch Craft Trials took place. I went to university in Boston for my Bachelors of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (full circle, my school was in the Longwood Medical Area), and now I live in Boston Proper. In other words, why wouldn’t you trust me? Boston is in my blood.

WHAT DO I LIKE?

I am someone who prefers savory items over sweet items (seriously, I am fine with just a bite, and I really don’t care for chocolate). I love noodles. I am a cocktail aficionado. On the topic of cocktails, I enjoy gin and whiskey, and prefer spirit forward cocktails versus sweet or spicy beverages. When it comes to eating, I am a grazer, and prefer to eat smaller portions of a lot of items because I enjoy variation, and I also enjoy the opportunity of trying new things. Of course, I gauge this accordingly because I also do not want to promote food waste, so I try to make sure the portions make sense for whether I am dining alone (which I do often) or dining with friends.

WHAT DO I NOT LIKE OR DO NOT GRAVITATE TOWARDS?

I only recently started trying beers. For most of my adult life, the smell of beer really put me off. Now that I understand what wines, whiskeys, and even coffees I enjoy, I am giving beer a go. That being said, do not look to this list through the lens of a beer lover. I also am not incredibly partial to “mushy” foods. I prefer textural variation. Therefore, an incredibly unpopular opinion: I do not care for burritos. Burritos essentially embody all which I do not enjoy: a lot of food at once, and a lot of one texture (on the mushier spectrum). I have had burrito bowls because I eat them with tortilla chips and can save them for later if I do not finish!

Okay, without further ado, here goes the list. Please also note that the below compilation is not sponsored and are of my own opinion, however I may reference some historical partnered or gifted experiences. Scroll down if you’d like to see the compiled Google Maps.

CASUAL EATS AND SNACKS

TATTE BAKERY

Multiple Locations
I first went to Tatte Bakery after college when I started working at a company in One Kendall Square. Around the corner on Broadway was a small and cozy spot with delicious palmiers: one of my favorite sweet items. But Brenda, you don’t like sweets? I don’t, usually, unless they are in the form of delicious, buttery, flaky layers of goodness. Tatte was also the location which introduced me to Shakshuka. I have since developed my own recipe and make this dish quite frequently. Tatte is great for brunch, lunch, a coffee break, or a dessert stopover.

JAHO COFFEE AND WINE

665 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 | (857) 233-4094
This is one of three locations in Boston proper. I used to go to the original Salem location back in high school and college, but since moving to Boston, I am quite partial to this location. Between the beautiful coffee equipment and industrial look at this Chinatown spot, there is also a wine and beer list in case I decided to transition my casual daytime coffee outing to a night time romp. Seats fill up quickly, but don’t be afraid to sit in any of the community spaces, or ask to share a table with someone. That’s what I do at least.

MEI MEI

506 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215 | (857) 250-4959
A sibling-owned and operated food truck turned brick and mortar in the Fenway neighborhood serving up Chinese-American cuisine with local ingredients. Not only does this establishment embody equality in the hospitality industry, but also fights to support living wages and has a training program to teach staff the fundamentals of how to manage their own small business. I have had a fantastic time making dumplings at Mei Mei at their dumpling making classes (and eating the dumplings they offer). Not to mention they have this sandwich called the Double Awesome: Vermont cheddar cheese, two slow poached then fried eggs, and local green pesto sandwiched between two crispy fried scallion pancakes. Yes please.

SUN KONG

275 Eastern Ave, Malden, MA 02148 | (781) 388-9900
This has become my new favorite spot for dim sum. I am a sucker for dumplings, specifically well-made shumai. Not only is the shumai amazing, but the BUNS. The salted yolk buns are freshly made, steaming as I pull apart the beautiful, fluffy pastry, and bite into the sweet and salty yolk filling.

GALLERIA UMBERTO

289 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 | (617) 227-5709
For $2, cash-only, you are going to get a delicious square slice of Sicilian pizza. Also available are their cheesy arincini and calzones. This is a spot beloved by both locals and tourists alike. For me, I love heading in to pick up a slice before I romp around the historically rich North End.

UNION SQUARE DONUTS

20 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143 | (617) 209-2257
If you ask me where is my favorite donut shop in Boston, Union Square Donuts will be the answer. There are multiple locations now at this point, between a second Brookline location, a spot in Boston Public Market, and a spot in the newly opened Time Out Market. Maple Bacon Donuts have become a bit of a trope in the donut world, but these maple bacon donuts have some THICK pieces of bacon pairing quite well with the maple glaze. I also cannot speak more highly of the Vietnamese Coffee Donut they have.

TOSCANINI’S ICE CREAM

159 First St, Cambridge, MA 02139 | (617) 491-5877
But Brenda, you don’t like sweets? Oh, I know, you ask this question again, so I think it is kind of a big deal if this ice cream spot somehow ended up on my list. There is this one flavor that has defied all of my expectations when it comes to sweets. The B3: brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies. It is the flavor I somehow always find myself getting. I also appreciate that there are a rotation of flavors on a daily basis, including some delightful savory ice cream variations.

FUTAGO UDON

508-512 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02115 | (617) 505-6157
Neighbor to Mei Mei, but home to delicious noodles. The bowls of udon are larger than the size of my head, and if I am being quite frank with you, I have a fairly round head. A personal favorite of mine is the pork & kimchi udon. The broth is rich, with spice from the kimchi, and the udon is as fresh as I could dream. Admittedly, I tend to take home the bowl of udon because I often times cannot finish this bowl.

YUME WO KATARE

1923 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140
This cash-only shop brings both ramen and dreams alive. Don’t let this small establishment fool you, there will more than likely be a line out the door. I have had my fair share of cold winter days standing out (and shivering) waiting to be warmed with the super garlicky tonkotsu ramen so I can ultimately stand up and share my dreams. The team will rate how you’ve finished your bowl. I almost always end with a “better luck next time.” Every time I think I am going to finish, I can’t - the bowls are that large, and incredibly delicious.

Across the street is their sister location Yume Ga Arukara to enjoy some delicious bowls of udon that should not be missed.

LOVE ART SUSHI

1 Haviland St, Boston, MA 02115 | (617) 982-6953
The Love Art team truly are creating something special in Boston. The team unites their passion of telling stories through food and art. Love Art Sushi focuses on the art of the sushi rice, with delicious toppings so you can build your own bowl, or they have a set menu of pre-curated bowls. One of my favorites is the Fenway Special: White Sushi Rice, Spring Greens, Corn Kernels, Avocado, Ahi Tuna, Salmon, Spicy Mayo, Unagi Eel Sauce, Scallions, and Katsuo Furikake. The best part: you can order these bowls in snack sizes.

BANH MI BA LE

1052 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, Massachusetts 02125 | (617) 265-7171
With the rise of Vietnamese food in the trendiest of restaurants, I would like to take a moment to highlight this gem I grew up with in Dorchester. They make their banh mi (baguettes) fresh. The pate and aioli, sometimes my cousin will surprise me and bring me tupperwares from Ba Le just so I can indulge in this the way I would charcuterie because IT IS SO DAMN DELICIOUS. The pate is peppery and flavorful, and the aioli has a slight sweetness to it. I tend to get the cold cut banh mi because that’s my personal preference, but there are options for the roughly $4 banh mi. Worth the trek (and the line inside).

BOSTON CHOWDA CO

1 Faneuil Hall Market Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
You have not made it, as either a local or a tourist, until you indulge in a decadent bowl of clam chowder in a bread bowl within Faneuil Hall. If there is anywhere to get a clam chowder in the city… THIS. IS. THE. SPOT.

RESTAURANTS WITH DELICIOUS FOOD AND AMAZING BEVERAGE PROGRAM

SARMA

249 Pearl St, Somerville, MA 02145 | (617) 764-4464
Try to snag a reservation at this ever-busy establishment in Somerville. Alternatively, if you arrive as a walk-in, put your name in at the bar and they’ll save you a seat when one is available, or see if seats at the communal table are up for grabs. Not only are the cocktails amazing, but the Mediterranean selection on their menu has never ceased to impress. Don’t get too full from their menu selection because they also have passed daily specials a la dim sum style. Snag the fried chicken if you can, you will not regret it.

BAR MEZZANA

360 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118 | (617) 530-1770
I started coming to Bar Mezzana for the crudo selection, but how could I say no to the PASTA. I return on Monday’s for the ParMezzana specials since I not only love a good pun, but I also love a deliciously cheesy crust smothered in tomato sauce.

If you want to change the scenery, and still want to indulge in more beverages, run across the street to Shore Leave for some fun tiki drinks.

ALDEN AND HARLOW

40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138 | (617) 864-2100
Tucked away downstairs on Brattle Street, Alden and Harlow serves up creative American cuisine. Primarily portioned in small plates for sharing, this location has some of the best chicken liver pate I’ve had in a while. Plus, if you can get your hands on the burger, you’re in for a treat.

Also make a point to go upstairs and check out their newest establishment: Longfellow. You will not be disappointed as this innovative cocktail program rotates by the record which will ultimately curate the “track list” (various beverages).

EASTERN STANDARD

528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 | (617) 532-9100
French-American cuisine that does their due diligence with a classic cocktail program that also includes beverages of their own variety. On Monday’s, they have industry wine night specials that cannot be missed. When I was in college, Eastern Standard was the first fine dining restaurant I saved up to explore in Boston. All of these years later, I still come back for the bone marrow, steak tartare, and (wait for it) the butterscotch bread pudding. Fun extra: if you order the bone marrow at the bar, you can order a shot then luge it down the bone marrow to pick up all of the remaining fatty goodness left on the bone.

ROW 34

383 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 | (617) 553-5900
If you’re looking for somewhere to slurp oysters and indulge in a decadent raw bar, look no further. I am enamored by the shrimp the size of my head (exaggeration, but trying to emphasize here), and as soon as I walk through the doors, am I immediately greeted by their raw bar selection. Let’s not turn a blind eye on their wine selection either.

BLOSSOM BAR

295 Washington Street, Brookline, Massachusetts 02445 | (617) 734-1870
I come for the chilled cucumber with garlic sauce dish, I stay for the cocktails. I have felt comfortable going to Blossom Bar solo, while catching up with friends, over a group dinner, with family. The cocktail program here excites me every time I step foot as I take a look at the array of garnishes waiting to be utilized. Also not to be missed: Chengdu Dry Hot Chicken Wings. But Brenda, you don’t like spicy? Oh, but these wings make the spice worth it.

If you are able to head out to Woburn (easy by way of commuter rail), I highly suggest getting reservations to their sister location: Baldwin Bar. Specifically, get a reservation upstairs to The Baldwin & Sons Trading Co. for an immaculate beverage program. The Tuk Tuk is both beautiful and delicious, and the All Hail the Queen: glorious.

SRV

569 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118 | (617) 536-9500
I come to SRV when I am really, truly craving pasta. Or I will come to the bar and simply indulge in a negroni and the tiramisu. The tiramisu. I could single handedly eat the entire serving of tiramisu, which is actually quite a large portion, while sitting at the bar. Its layers are delicate, but delightful as I dig my spoon down through the layer of cocoa. They have a front patio, and a large, beautiful back patio when the weather allows. I haven’t taken one yet, but SRV offers pasta making classes if you are looking for an activity to get a bit more hands-on with your food experience.

BLR by SHOJO

1903, 13-13A Hudson St, Boston, MA 02111 | (617) 338-4988
I remember the day I first went to BLR by Shojo. It was downpouring, leaving residual snow to melt and merge with the filth of the streets. My friends and I hadn’t caught up in a while. One by one, we met at the cozy establishment in Chinatown, each of us drenched and arriving with our own stories of how the weather delayed us. Between the five of us, we ordered 12 (read: TWELVE) plates. Every time the server thought I was done ordering, I named another dish. The front of house and back of house team came out to check on us often, helping us shift around plates so we could make room for the next wave of dishes to come. We joked that we needed a whole other table just for the plates we ordered. I couldn’t say more positive things about the hospitality of the establishment. It felt both cozy and catered simultaneously. The whole fish was certainly my favorite of the evening that has brought me back wanting more.

BEVERAGES (COCKTAILS AND WINE)

DRINK

348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210 | (617) 695-1806
Downstairs from Sportello is this industrial establishment with low ceilings and exposed brick and pipes, yet intimate nonetheless with no formal bar menu. Let the team know how you are feeling, what spirits you enjoy, flavors you may want, and they will tell you that they have something for you.

BACKBAR

7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143
I was introduced to Backbar because I was going on a date with someone from one of the many dating apps when I first moved to Boston post-college. The location was recommended as the point of meetup because I was new to exploring cocktails (read: I did not start drinking until I was 21, and even then I had no educational parameters of what I liked and I am pretty sure I just drank vodka sodas because I was scared of what I did not know. I can confidently say I am no longer “new” to the world of cocktails), but then I turned down the alley and thought, “am I walking behind the dumpster?” Plot twist: he stood me up, and I never heard from him again, but I am pretty sure he follows my Instagram. So if you are reading this, thanks for recommending me to my now favorite bar in Boston because I have come back solo to read or work or just hang, on (other) failed dates, catching up with friends, bringing colleagues who are looking to explore the cocktail world. The interior is decked out with Star Wars decor and what looks like Tetris shelving. The menu rotates, but the team can basically make whatever you fancy.

If you are whiskey aficionado, make sure you check out the whiskey room tucked inside of Backbar, too. If you can snag a seat, that is.

YVONNE’S

2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108 | (617) 267-0047
What can I say about Yvonne’s. I have had slow nights where I sit at the bar and read (this is a weeknight, usually a Monday or Tuesday), and I have had crazy nights with friends where I sit at the bar and watch flaming cocktails be made right in front of me. I have even brought my work team here for dinner and drinks. In other words: this location is versatile. This supper club has a gorgeous interior where the surroundings are dark, moody, with library shelving and a painting of Bill Murray dressed in colonial garb, or in the other room there are majestic chandeliers and naked women painted on the walls. Pick your poison, and expect to wait in line to get in on Friday or Saturday nights.

HALEY.HENRY

45 Province St, Boston, MA 02108 | (617) 208-6000
Located in downtown Boston, this intimate wine bar will open any bottle if you commit to two glasses. Perfect for just me, or perfect for if I am with someone who wants to try some glasses with me! The team has taught me more than I could ever imagine when it comes to wine. From coming to haley.henry, wine has become significantly more approachable for me as the team discusses each glass and bottle in full. When I was (and still am) trying to understand what flavor profiles I’d enjoy, the team reviews the bottles currently opened and allowed me the opportunity to sip and see if there was a glass available for me. And then there are the tinned seafood selections that bring me back to my travels in Lisbon with perfectly toasted bread.

In Fenway, the slightly larger sister location nathálie opened recently and should not be missed if you find yourself in that area instead.

FOOL’S ERRAND

1377 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
This adult snack bar is a standing room-only bar in Fenway, but do not let that deter you. Here, you can find finger sandwiches, croquettes, and put caviar on anything. I have had the most enticing conversations here over drinks with friends, and even other people standing and frequenting the bar. The establishment, due to its cozy standing space, calls for an environment that naturally tears down the personal walls we as strangers may place, and build a sense of comradery with one another. Head over to the bathroom to find a frame of Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg hug it out.

HOJOKO

1271 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215 | (617) 670-0507
I have never had a night at Hojoko I didn’t enjoy. Between the delicious bites, the wasabi roulette (it is exactly as it sounds: do you are to see if you are the one who eats into all of the wasabi?), and the frozen cocktail machine, Hojoko considers itself a Japanese Rock and Roll Tavern, and I believe it. Come out here on a Friday or Saturday night as you watch everyone sling drinks and move some tables around to dance. On Sunday’s, the People’s Karaoke cycles through if you are up for some good ol’ ballads. My go-to karaoke song is “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith.