Great places to eat near/in Boston, DC, New York?

Noizlanif

Heya guys and gals! I am going to be heading to the east coast at the end of this month, and I am looking for some great semi-holeish in the wall places that have something great foodwise. It doesnt matter which kind of food, im open to all suggestions while trying to build up my itinerary (sp?). I have a vehicle so distance isn't an issue, but I would like to stay near the city/cities if I can, in particular im looking for places near those listed in the thread title. No real budget issues, but im not trying to have my wallet gouged! The only thing im currently aware of is places from the show Diners, Drive-ins, Dives and Chowderfest. Thank you for your time!

Tl;DR Looking for great places to eat in Boston, DC, NY, Providence!

Pure Din

I currently live in Providence and love to eat out, so I'm going to come back and write more when I have more time.

But for Boston (which I know less well) there is one place I really love, called Highland Kitchen (it is actually in Somerville which is right next to Boston). Order the ricotta and motzerella Fritters with chili honey dipping sauce, buffalo fried brussels sprouts (if I had to pick a last meal the sprouts would definitely be in it), and the spicy coconut curried goat stew.

schuss

If you can put max price range, that would be cool, also your likes/dislikes.
Boston -
Sushi - Oishii (2 locations)
Modernish - LTK, Craigie on Main if you don't give a fuck about money
Rustic/Oysters - Citizens Public House (My fave in the city)
Tapas - Masa is pretty good

If you really want amazing food, get thyself to Portland Maine.

Noizlanif

Pure Din - That sounds amazing, I will place that on the list!
schuss - i'd like to keep a bill at less than 100, but 200 a sitting is probably the max. Is Tapas Mexican food? I am partial to Italian, as is the wife. Mexican, and BBQ would be great too if possible, but I am really open for anything new and different. Portland Maine is not on the list sadly.

schuss

Noizlanif wrote: »

Pure Din - That sounds amazing, I will place that on the list!
schuss - i'd like to keep a bill at less than 100, but 200 a sitting is probably the max. Is Tapas Mexican food? I am partial to Italian, as is the wife. Mexican, and BBQ would be great too if possible, but I am really open for anything new and different. Portland Maine is not on the list sadly.

Boston - BBQ - Blue Ribbon BBQ in Newton.
Italian - South End is stuffed with Italian places. I can't eat cheese, so I'm no expert.
Tapas is spanish for "small plates", and is generally small spanish/euro apps that you get a ton of different things of.

Shazkar Shadowstorm

Boston - Peach Farm in chinatown is pretty good

for ny... a ton of places BUT http://www.immaculateinfatuation.com/ i love this review site, i found out about many good things from here

Bagginses

I'm fond of the Cafe St. Petersburg by the Newton Centre stop on the green line, while Inna's Kitchen is supposed to be great if you want to walk a bit. Karoun is fantastic Armenian for an unbelievable price if you show up for their non-show hours (still good food if you come for the belly dancing, just not priced so you wonder how they make a profit). Paddy's Pub is fantastic, and tends to be full of old country accents, especially in the summer, when I suspect that young women from Ireland (possibly related to the owner) use waiting jobs to subsidize a vacation in America.

Tapas is basically Andalusian food served in the style of most Chinese restaurants ("family style").

minirhyder

Thai: Chili Thai in Midtown West (49th St. and 9th Ave.)
Sushi: Oyama in East Village (1st Ave. between 11th and 12th Sts.)
Mac & Cheese!: S'Mac in East Village (12st St. between 1st and 2nd Aves.)

Drop by St. Mark's Place (it's a street in the East Village (it's 8th St between 1st and 2nd Aves), there's a ton of foods there. You'll find falafel, ramen, moar sushi, little shops and stuff. It's a quirky street.

Edit: this is for NYC

minirhyder

Ugh post instead of edit

wonderpug

Where are you coming from, Noizlanif? Can try to steer you to some Boston places that offer things you can't find in your neck of the woods.

schuss - i'd like to keep a bill at less than 100, but 200 a sitting is probably the max.

If you want just one money splurge meal, I can vouch for Craigie on Main being just crazy crazy amazing. It'll push you closer to the $200 side of the spectrum, though. If that particular menu doesn't suit you, there are a lot of other fantastic restaurants to spend $200 at.

Is Tapas Mexican food?

Tapas involves lots of small delicious delicious dishes to be shared. Think Spanish, not Mexican. Dali or Tapeo (same thing, different locations) are well loved for that. Get the sangria, and expect to want a second (or third) helping of the pork with blue sheep cheese. Mmm...

I am partial to Italian, as is the wife.

The North End, as you may know, is Boston's Little Italy. Lots of great stuff there, but also a lot of mediocre stuff that gets by because they get enough tourist traffic. My favorite: Massimino's, which is off the main restaurant strip but still always busy. I always go for the most unique special of the day, but all their traditional options are also great.

Mexican,

Mostly Bostonians like their Mexican in the form of $6 burrito joints (Anna's, Qdoba, Chipotle, etc.). People swear by their favorite, but as a native Californian they're all kind of the same to me. If you want something more unique, though, I heartily recommend you go to Tu Y Yo (but you'll probably need a car to get there). Their menu lacks guacamole, margaritas, or even burritos. Instead, they have old world family recipes, often with dates of origin and original chefs listed. Think slow cooked, flavorful meats in sauces, accompanied by beans and rice. There's a second Tu Y Yo further away in Needham which features more of the "American Mexican" options, but also plenty of old world.

and BBQ would be great too if possible,

Red Bones is beloved and easy to get to. My typically recommended double feature is to hit up Sacco's Bowl Haven for some candlepin bowling after filling up on Red Bones ribs, but I haven't been to Sacco's since it changed ownership and remodelled. Previously recommended Blue Ribbon is also great, but it's tougher to get to.

Also consider going for Brazilian Barbecue, where you pay a flat fee and they come 'round to your table with assorted big hunks of meat and start carving until you tell them to stop. Delicious.

but I am really open for anything new and different.

Where are you coming from? Might help in pointing out things you've never tried. But here's a random assortment of other things to think about:

• Irish pubs - many options
• New England seafood - many options
• Dim sum - not uniquely Boston but if you've never had it we have some good options
• Mongolian BBQ - all you can eat, fill your bowl with noodles and raw meat, give it to people to cook with everyone else's food on a giant metal circular griddle. Fire & Ice is the Boston option, and while it's not the best in the country, it's still pretty neat if you've never tried it
• dueling menu places - Elephant Walk features both Cambodian and French cuisine. Sibling Rivalry features two brother chefs with differing styles, and a menu set up in a more literal dueling style
• Restaurant Row - pretty much the entire area in the South End near Sibling Rivalry is filled with amazing food options
• Azorean food - food from the Azores is its own unique version of Portuguese cuisine. Some Western MA cities have become focal points for Azorean immigrants, so you can find very authentic food here
• Celebrity chefs - Ming Tsai has the fantastic Blue Ginger, Toro is run by an Iron Chef guy, Todd English has some places, there's a few others as well

wonderpug

Some more Boston recs from a foodie coworker friend:

• Addis of the Red Sea (Ethiopian)
• Oiishi (sushi)
• Toro (tapas)
• Coppa (offal)
• Sportello (Barbara Lynch, weird 50s diner look)

MegaMan001

In Boston, or more specifically, the Allston neighborhood on Brighton Avenue is a little tiny, tiny hole in the wall Italian place called Carlos Cucina.

It will rival or beat any high end italian food in the North End hands down an be 1/2 the price. It wins a lot of the Boston Awards for best italian food, too.

Other places in boston:

Eastern Standard - French Cuisine - Kenmore Square
Toscano's - Italian - Charlesgate Street near the Boston Commons

If you go to the Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives Food Network website you can see a whole list of absolutely amazing places in Boston you might otherwise not run into.

wonderpug

Almost forgot. If Diners/driveins/dives are your thing, look into Mr. Bartley's Burgers in Harvard square. Small place, often a line out the door, but you'll see it on a good number of "Best Burgers in America" listings.

Noizlanif

Thank you for all of this fantastic information!
Wonderpug - I am coming from Phoenix, AZ. Lots of Mexican, New mexican, burrito joint's and fusion mexican food / chinese out here, too much even. Azorean food sounds interesting and different, definitely something we would try for sure.

Megaman001 - I've heard from a few other friends who have visited there to try Carlos Cucina, ( a while ago) thanks for the reminder / headsup!

Bagginses

I've had good food at Henrietta's Kitchen, which is good local-style cuisine. Given where you're coming from, you're going to want to check out the many seafood laces around Boston. Baked whitefish (esp. cod) is the most classic thing you can get around here, but you can find pretty much any preparation and type of north Atlantic seafood around here.

It seems like the best Mexican food you're going to get is in Lawrence (although I've read good things about the takout window of La Verdad in Fenway), although I should warn you that Lawrence is a bit of a hellhole. Lowell is similar if you like southeast Asian cuisine.
The best strip of international cuisine I've seen in the area is in Waltham due to the large immigrant population.

Organichu

i strongly recommend the beef wellington at marliave in boston. they're reasonably expensive but well below $200. it's probably about $40 per person if you split an appetizer. say $110 for two after tax and tip, assuming you don't get booze/dessert.

y2jake215

wonderpug wrote: »

Mexican,

Mostly Bostonians like their Mexican in the form of $6 burrito joints (Anna's, Qdoba, Chipotle, etc.). People swear by their favorite, but as a native Californian they're all kind of the same to me. If you want something more unique, though, I heartily recommend you go to Tu Y Yo (but you'll probably need a car to get there). Their menu lacks guacamole, margaritas, or even burritos. Instead, they have old world family recipes, often with dates of origin and original chefs listed. Think slow cooked, flavorful meats in sauces, accompanied by beans and rice. There's a second Tu Y Yo further away in Needham which features more of the "American Mexican" options, but also plenty of old world.

For Mexican, I'm a big fan of Cactus Club on Boylston St. Very reasonable price while being very tasty

bonus, it's completely accessible by public transportation

schuss

Casa Romero is my preferred back bay mexican, though I'll note that you should not go to Boston for good mexican food
Things you should eat in Boston - Oysters, Seafood, "New American"

Redbones is good, but Blue Ribbon is better. Redbones is more fun to hang out at though.
I've heard great things about Addis Red Sea, didn't get a chance to go before I left though.

MegaMan001

y2jake215 wrote: »

wonderpug wrote: »

Mexican,

Mostly Bostonians like their Mexican in the form of $6 burrito joints (Anna's, Qdoba, Chipotle, etc.). People swear by their favorite, but as a native Californian they're all kind of the same to me. If you want something more unique, though, I heartily recommend you go to Tu Y Yo (but you'll probably need a car to get there). Their menu lacks guacamole, margaritas, or even burritos. Instead, they have old world family recipes, often with dates of origin and original chefs listed. Think slow cooked, flavorful meats in sauces, accompanied by beans and rice. There's a second Tu Y Yo further away in Needham which features more of the "American Mexican" options, but also plenty of old world.

For Mexican, I'm a big fan of Cactus Club on Boylston St. Very reasonable price while being very tasty

bonus, it's completely accessible by public transportation

I forgot about the Cactus Club, yeah that place is cool and I think it has a roof deck?

Pure Din

Ok, food in Providence. The nice thing is that even the most expensive places are not nearly as expensive as Boston, and the parking is much cheaper as well. So if you want to do the "all out" experience your cash will go a lot further in Providence, and from my experience going to "high-end" places in Boston, I think you can get equal or better experience in Providence for 1/4 to 1/3 the price. However, on the mid to lower end, it's definitely a small city so the experiences can be hit or miss.

Keep in mind I don't really like Italian, so even though Providence (especially the Federal Hill neighborhood) is supposedly really good for things like Italian food and deep dish pizza and stuff, I'm not really the person to ask.

DOWNTOWN

Gracie's -- Seasonal tasting menus. Might be closed when you're in town though.

Small Point Cafe -- Nice, inexpensive soups and sandwiches for lunch, and near lots of good shopping.

Also a few bars that are pretty good but probably not any better than what you'll find in Boston.

WESTSIDE

Siena -- If I'm hosting someone from out of town and they really want Italian, this is where I'd go. They manage to do the heavy, cream based pasta and meat dishes expected from Italian restaurants, but with better ingredients and execution. This restaurant has won a bunch of awards and stuff. Valet parking.

Julian's -- Beer and munchies, good options for both vegetarians and non-vegs.

Nick's on Broadway -- Upscale diner food, good for breakfast.

EASTSIDE

Chez Pascal -- Cozy, seasonal, French. Best known for their sausages, which they also sell from a food truck (@ChezPascal).

Rue de l'espoir -- Brunch, especially for the fresh squeezed juices and baked goods.

Duck and Bunny -- Outdoor garden seating, great for tea, drinks, and their **amazing** cupcakes. I wouldn't get a whole meal there though, because the portions can be small.

Eastside Pockets -- Late night falafel and wraps.

Mills Tavern/Red Stripe -- Sort of "sister" restaurants, Mills Tavern has the upscale fine dining, while Red Stripe has a friendlier, more casual atmosphere. Both are good for seafood. If you go to Mills, don't skip the desert.

balerbower

http://www.yelp.com/biz/xian-famous-foods-new-york-2

if you don't hit this place up at least once while you're in nyc, then you're a tool

seriously. you won't get better noodles anywhere else. and it's incredibly cheap, too.

you must get either the liang pi noodles or the spicy cumin lamb noodles. also try the lamb burger.

Triiipledot

NYC:
Dinosaur BBQ
http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/

Mamouns Falafel
http://mamouns.com/

Bronx Alehouse
http://www.bronxalehouse.com/ordereze/default.aspx

The Stumble Inn (STUFFED BURGERS)
http://www.nycbestbar.com/stumble/

Noizlanif

Thanks a ton for your help everyone, plotting this out with the suggestions over the next few days with the wife. She was worried we'd be stuck eating Subway or some other chain thing since we both know little about what's out there. Again, thank you!

schuss

Noizlanif wrote: »

Thanks a ton for your help everyone, plotting this out with the suggestions over the next few days with the wife. She was worried we'd be stuck eating Subway or some other chain thing since we both know little about what's out there. Again, thank you!

Quick eats note:
Ana's is great in Boston if you want to just grab a burrito

minirhyder

Triiipledot wrote: »

NYC:
The Stumble Inn (STUFFED BURGERS)
http://www.nycbestbar.com/stumble/

Um. Wow! How did I never know about this place?
Will go at the earliest possible time!

Mr Obersmith

Pure Din wrote: »

Ok, food in Providence. The nice thing is that even the most expensive places are not nearly as expensive as Boston, and the parking is much cheaper as well. So if you want to do the "all out" experience your cash will go a lot further in Providence, and from my experience going to "high-end" places in Boston, I think you can get equal or better experience in Providence for 1/4 to 1/3 the price. However, on the mid to lower end, it's definitely a small city so the experiences can be hit or miss.

Keep in mind I don't really like Italian, so even though Providence (especially the Federal Hill neighborhood) is supposedly really good for things like Italian food and deep dish pizza and stuff, I'm not really the person to ask.

DOWNTOWN

Gracie's -- Seasonal tasting menus. Might be closed when you're in town though.

Small Point Cafe -- Nice, inexpensive soups and sandwiches for lunch, and near lots of good shopping.

Also a few bars that are pretty good but probably not any better than what you'll find in Boston.

WESTSIDE

Siena -- If I'm hosting someone from out of town and they really want Italian, this is where I'd go. They manage to do the heavy, cream based pasta and meat dishes expected from Italian restaurants, but with better ingredients and execution. This restaurant has won a bunch of awards and stuff. Valet parking.

Julian's -- Beer and munchies, good options for both vegetarians and non-vegs.

Nick's on Broadway -- Upscale diner food, good for breakfast.

EASTSIDE

Chez Pascal -- Cozy, seasonal, French. Best known for their sausages, which they also sell from a food truck (@ChezPascal).

Rue de l'espoir -- Brunch, especially for the fresh squeezed juices and baked goods.

Duck and Bunny -- Outdoor garden seating, great for tea, drinks, and their **amazing** cupcakes. I wouldn't get a whole meal there though, because the portions can be small.

Eastside Pockets -- Late night falafel and wraps.

Mills Tavern/Red Stripe -- Sort of "sister" restaurants, Mills Tavern has the upscale fine dining, while Red Stripe has a friendlier, more casual atmosphere. Both are good for seafood. If you go to Mills, don't skip the desert.

As a fellow Providence resident going to add a few here.

Bravo - It's in downtown and the Bravo burger is one of the best burgers I've ever had. Go for lunch though, it's cheaper than dinner.

Garden Grill - Not sure if this is of interest, but it's a vegetarian/vegan place that's really good. My wife is a vegetarian so we'll go once in awhile and even as a meat eater I can always find something good. I strongly recommend their grilled pizzas. There's also a vegan bakery in the same plaza that I think is run by the same folks (Wildflour or something like that). Some really tasty desserts there.

Rasoi/Kabob and Curry - Rasoi is our go-to for Indian food (same plaza as Garden Grill). They have a spicy fried cauliflower that's killer.

Spike's - Kind of off the beaten path but it's a local hot dog joint with lots of options.

If you don't mind pricey there's CAV which I would best describe as eclectic American. Doubles as an antique dealer.

For Italian you can check out Al Forno's. They're known nationally for their grilled pizza (Ok, so I really like grilled pizza) but again, a little pricey.

I would absolutely second East Side Pocket's. It's our go-to take out when we don't feel like cooking.

MegaMan001

schuss wrote: »

Noizlanif wrote: »

Thanks a ton for your help everyone, plotting this out with the suggestions over the next few days with the wife. She was worried we'd be stuck eating Subway or some other chain thing since we both know little about what's out there. Again, thank you!

Quick eats note:
Ana's is great in Boston if you want to just grab a burrito

Ana's fucking Taqueria is proof that God loves us.

Bagginses

For transit, Reinz Deli seems to be the classic lunch point between New York and Boston.

You may also want to try the various styles of pizza along your trip, as well as Connecticut's steamed burgers. Boston Greek pizza is one of the toughest to get right, so let's hope someone here has a good tip in an area you can get to.

wonderpug

I know Anna's has its diehard followers, but I think with Noizlanif being from Phoenix he'd be scratching his head wondering what the big deal is. There are just so many more awesome Mexican food options out west, and especially in the Southwest.

Triiipledot

minirhyder wrote: »

Triiipledot wrote: »

NYC:
The Stumble Inn (STUFFED BURGERS)
http://www.nycbestbar.com/stumble/

Um. Wow! How did I never know about this place?
Will go at the earliest possible time!

I tend to go to that whole nyc best bar chain (jakes dilemma, gin mill, stumble inn, down the hact, off the wagon) but only stumble inn has the stuffed burgers!

schuss

wonderpug wrote: »

I know Anna's has its diehard followers, but I think with Noizlanif being from Phoenix he'd be scratching his head wondering what the big deal is. There are just so many more awesome Mexican food options out west, and especially in the Southwest.

As I said, you don't go to Boston for the mexican food, but it's one of the best quick eats in the city. Most of the others on the list are only open midweek (Viga etc.).

Noizlanif

In ny now. Safe to assume things never close?

supabeast

Noizlanif wrote: »

In ny now. Safe to assume things never close?

Most things close.

Mai-Kero

I've got to Boston several times in the past couple years, and while I'm not a foodie, John Harvard's always had good eats while being rather affordable. I also checked out Asgard, which had some fucking delicious truffle-flavored tator-tots.

minirhyder

Noizlanif wrote: »

In ny now. Safe to assume things never close?

With the exception of bars, some restaurants, and pharmacies, things close 8-9PM.