Need advice for 4 days in Boston during late December!!

Hi there!

My girlfreind and I are going to Boston on Dec. 27th for 4 days 5 nights in the City. We are staying at the Omni downtown and would love suggestions on cool places to go, good restaurants and funky,cool beer or dive bars! We have never been and have heard great things so we just booked a trip. We are both 29 yrs old and from Austin, Tx. Thanks for any info!!

BD

Need advice for 4 days in Boston during late December!!

In general, I would recommend you check out the Harvard and Central Square areas of Cambridge. Both are easily accessible on the Red Line (MBTA Subway, 3-4 stops from Park St station). Inman Square (also in Cambridge, but not directly on the Red Line, but walkable from Central Sq) is also a consideration.

Cambridge has all sorts of dining and drinking options... far too many to list. Some are upscale, but many more cater to the international or student clientele that is so prevalent in the neighborhood. Harvard Square, in particular, is also loaded with shopping options.

As far as individual recommendations... The Plough and Stars; The Middle East; Green Street Grill; East Coast Grill.

Need advice for 4 days in Boston during late December!!

It does not appear as if you will be in Boston for December 31st, New Years Eve. If you are, then you should plan to attend events that are part of the First Night celebration occurring all over the city that evening.

Check the events at www.firstnight.org

The cost is a $15 for a button the allows each prson entry into all events that evening.

There is a fireworks display over Boston Harbor at midnight and a family display in Boston Common around 7 P.M.

Thanks! This forum has been really helpful. Do you have any insight on a few reataurants by name that we should definately try?? Thanks!

BD

update... sorry, i didn%26#39;t see the suggestions in the first reply to restaurants..I specifically would like a opinion on where to take my girlfriend for her birthday while there! THanks!!

BD

Ruth%26#39;s Chris just opened a location in the ';Old City hall'; on School St. It%26#39;s supposed to be wonderful... the building is a gem... though being from TX, a steakhouse may be less than exciting for you.

Perhaps the Bay Tower Room at 60 State St.? Spire, located at the Nine-Zero Hotel is WONDERFUL, as is 15 Park.

Legal Seafood in Park Square,

Hammersley%26#39;s Bistro, Aquitaine, Sibling Rivalry, Tremont 647, Grille 23, Icarus or Davio%26#39;s are all in the South End (arguably the highest concentration of ';upscale'; restaurants in the city)

Here are a couple websites...

http://www.craigiestreetbistrot.com/

http://www.spirerestaurant.com/

The Bay Tower Room closed about a year ago. It re-opened about 9 to 10 months ago as The State Room and does not serve the general public. It is now dedicated to business and social functions only by pre-arranged contract.It is managed by Longwood of Brookline as are several other similar venues in Boston such as the Ballroom Veronique,(a Tudor castle ballroom), Club Longwood at Longwood and the Boston University Club.

www.stateroom.com

Thanks for the suggestions! Yes, I would rule out the steakhouse, since we have a Ruth Chris and jsut about every kind of staeka house imaginable here! What about live music in Boston? I am definately a big fan, being from Austin, and would like to catch a show or two. Could you suggest a couple places that have good bands?? Thanks!

You could probably get more up-to-date info about what bands are playing by ';Googling'; a couple of the local entertainment rags...

Boston Phoenix

Stuff@Night

Improper Bostonian

You could also check out http://www.clubvibes.com/index.asp?city=12

No. 9 Park is a great restaurant within walking distance from your hotel. I would also try Sibling Rivalry in the South End, Spire at the Nine Zero Hotel (also within walking distance from your hotel) and Davio%26#39;s in Park Square.

Funk/Beer/Dive bars - The littlest Bar on Province Street. Great small (hence the name) Irish pub where you will often hear Gaelic being spoken. It is closing soon due to development. The Tam on Washington Street (great jukebox and a cast of characters - students to some of Boston%26#39;s more colorful inhabitants). The Fanuel Hall area has some pretty decent bars - Bell in Hand, The Black Rose, etc.

Central Square and a lot of the pubs in Somerville are good for live music.

I do agree with the Dive bar choices above. I have a couple other suggestions; Anchovies, 433 Columbus Ave, just a quick cab ride from where you are staying, Side Bar on Bromfield St. has $6 pitchers of beer. As for a Birthday dinner, I recommend Grille 23, 161 Berkeley Street, www.grill23.com

Lastly, I hear there are live bands at the newly renovated Linwood Grill in the Fenway Area (81 Kilmarnock St), they also serve BBQ. Curious to know how Boston fares.