That was a big mess up. Still, I think it was better than last year when we all got a "hot tip" and then had our rooms canceled. Now the anticipation of the actual event begins!
Last year, I was put in the right line, lol.
Haha fair. But what is a PAX without the anxiety and horror of getting tickets/hotels! Hope you were able to grab what you needed!
Quite true. Fortunately, I only go Thurs/Fri, so the chances of those selling out today are null. Finally got my tickets, though. It was more about completely unnecessary stress and drama. The people who got screwed trying to get a hotel room are way worse off. For them, I sure hope some type of compensation is made, but that's going to be hard to confirm who did get screwed and who is just trying to ride the free train.
While I agree that being insensitive is an issue, so is being oversensitive.
damn really? I had about a 15 min wait and just thought it was me being slow and thus cannot see Westin/Aloft/Element.
To be fair, I was searching for Wed-Mon reservations, which have lower inventory to begin with, but it was still surprising to see so many options gone so quickly. At the end of the day I'm just glad to have a reservation, even an imperfect one.
To be fair, I was searching for Wed-Mon reservations, which have lower inventory to begin with, but it was still surprising to see so many options gone so quickly. At the end of the day I'm just glad to have a reservation, even an imperfect one.
yeah, that's my mindset right now, that at least I have a reservation. It looks like it's a 20 min walk, so it's not that bad or anything terrible.
I guess I'll be checking in the days to come to see if anyone release their reservation so that I can update it. for now, this is fine.
So I managed to secure a Saturday pass for a friend even though said sold out.. refreshed and let me buy it. There was no more queue.
Once you are through the queue, you are through the queue for some predetermined amount of time. You can only purchase up to your allotment of badges though regardless, so even with multiple orders, do not go over the imposed limits in cumulative total.
Badge purchase at 3PM was super easy, albeit after like a 5 minute queue. Hotel, despite being in very early (I had less than 40 ahead of me in queue), still wasn't able to choose Westin/Seaport/Aloft/Element. I've got an okay reservation locked in, but looks like yet another year of trying to upgrade my room for a few months...
So my friend did the same thing, went in the hotel queue instead of the ticket queue (I kept refreshing the website, so I ended up in tickets by default). He said Westin was available, but he was only staying Saturday night. So it might be that multiple nights were blocked because Friday or Thursday was sold out.
This happened to me last year, so I took a Westin room for Wed check in and Thurs check out. Then each day, I would modify the booking to the next day. Then so on. Sure enough, it took a couple months, but I got to PAX with a Wed-Mon booking.
Got rooms and badges for my group! Excited for another PAX East!
I clicked the hotel link once it popped up, thinking I was in the badge queue. Looks like that turned out to be a good thing anyway, because it helped me secure a good hotel! Not sure how true the numbers were, but the page claimed I was 8th in the queue. I may have missed it in the list, or maybe this was already known, but I was surprised to find that the Hilton Downtown-Faneuil Hall wasn't listed. I've stayed there the past 4-5 years, and have gotten pretty used to it after after not being able to get rooms in the Renaissance my fourth year. I knew the seaport was a good spot, and managed to grab some rooms there, so everything worked out! Excited to be so close to the convention center for what is likely to be a very cold PAX!
So I managed to secure a Saturday pass for a friend even though said sold out.. refreshed and let me buy it. There was no more queue.
Once you are through the queue, you are through the queue for some predetermined amount of time. You can only purchase up to your allotment of badges though regardless, so even with multiple orders, do not go over the imposed limits in cumulative total.
I had already purchased my 4 day pass. I needed a second to help a friend out and hit another queue. Managed to score another 4 day. Then he needed a Saturday and being at work is difficult for him so I said I would try.
The website said sat sold out but I clicked link anyway to buy tickets. There was no queue and it said sat sold out. I refreshed and sat was available. I went through and bought it. Its sitting in my showclix account now.
So I managed to secure a Saturday pass for a friend even though said sold out.. refreshed and let me buy it. There was no more queue.
Once you are through the queue, you are through the queue for some predetermined amount of time. You can only purchase up to your allotment of badges though regardless, so even with multiple orders, do not go over the imposed limits in cumulative total.
I had already purchased my 4 day pass. I needed a second to help a friend out and hit another queue. Managed to score another 4 day. Then he needed a Saturday and being at work is difficult for him so I said I would try.
The website said sat sold out but I clicked link anyway to buy tickets. There was no queue and it said sat sold out. I refreshed and sat was available. I went through and bought it. Its sitting in my showclix account now.
Yup, that will happen. The sold-out includes badges in carts, so someone likely timed out or cleared a cart, and so it shows up again. It's super fickle right around when they are getting to that ultra-low spot.
can someone who has experience with connections housing help me understand something?
so I got Hyatt Regency. I plan on keep checking back to see if anyone released any Element/Aloft/Westin. how easy is it to cancel my Hyatt Regency and rebook? I've never done it before (even before the change) because I never had to, but if there's a chance I wonder if it's worth the trouble?
can someone who has experience with connections housing help me understand something?
so I got Hyatt Regency. I plan on keep checking back to see if anyone released any Element/Aloft/Westin. how easy is it to cancel my Hyatt Regency and rebook? I've never done it before (even before the change) because I never had to, but if there's a chance I wonder if it's worth the trouble?
Use a second email to secure your second booking, then cancel the first after secured. It's actually easier to do with connections than the old system. Close friend did it last year.
The issue a lot of us ran into with this new service was it not communicating to the hotel and some people losing their bookings. There weren't many, maybe a couple, but enough to raise pitchforks.
Use a second email to secure your second booking, then cancel the first after secured. It's actually easier to do with connections than the old system. Close friend did it last year.
The issue a lot of us ran into with this new service was it not communicating to the hotel and some people losing their bookings. There weren't many, maybe a couple, but enough to raise pitchforks.
so essentially, when I see an opening to the hotel I want, use another email to book it. Wait for confirmation email before cancelling my first one?
I did read about people losing their booking. so what guarantees do I have with my second booking? I guess it's about the same?
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MarinoGiant Bomb Moderator / League of Heels WebmasterMacon, GARegistered Userregular
can someone who has experience with connections housing help me understand something?
so I got Hyatt Regency. I plan on keep checking back to see if anyone released any Element/Aloft/Westin. how easy is it to cancel my Hyatt Regency and rebook? I've never done it before (even before the change) because I never had to, but if there's a chance I wonder if it's worth the trouble?
I did this for West. You'll have to create a separate reservation. If you can book even 1 day at the hotel you want, book it. Then email them at PAX@connectionshousing.com and ask to add the other dates you want. It's a f'n archaic system but it's how they do it.
I will say though, the Hyatt is great. It's not "close" to the CC, but it's much more conveniently located to literally anything else you want to do. I've stayed there many times and walking to the CC isn't too bad. If it's super cold, there's always Uber or whatever.
I did this for West. You'll have to create a separate reservation. If you can book even 1 day at the hotel you want, book it. Then email them at PAX@connectionshousing.com and ask to add the other dates you want. It's a f'n archaic system but it's how they do it.
I will say though, the Hyatt is great. It's not "close" to the CC, but it's much more conveniently located to literally anything else you want to do. I've stayed there many times and walking to the CC isn't too bad. If it's super cold, there's always Uber or whatever.
That...is more work and complicated than I would like. If you’re recommending Hyatt, then I probably will stick with Hyatt. I’ll never forget how extremely helpful and awesome you were to me several years ago and thus, your words = the way to go.
I did this for West. You'll have to create a separate reservation. If you can book even 1 day at the hotel you want, book it. Then email them at PAX@connectionshousing.com and ask to add the other dates you want. It's a f'n archaic system but it's how they do it.
I will say though, the Hyatt is great. It's not "close" to the CC, but it's much more conveniently located to literally anything else you want to do. I've stayed there many times and walking to the CC isn't too bad. If it's super cold, there's always Uber or whatever.
That...is more work and complicated than I would like. If you’re recommending Hyatt, then I probably will stick with Hyatt. I’ll never forget how extremely helpful and awesome you were to me several years ago and thus, your words = the way to go.
If its the Hyatt in downtown then I agree while not "close" to the CC you'll be in the heart of Boston's financial district which is near Faneuil, Boston Common, Chinatown so lots of stuff within walking distance.
While the area near the CC is 'better' than its been in the past (aka its no longer a wasteland of literally nothing except Gillette) its still kinda sparse.
If its the Hyatt in downtown then I agree while not "close" to the CC you'll be in the heart of Boston's financial district which is near Faneuil, Boston Common, Chinatown so lots of stuff within walking distance.
While the area near the CC is 'better' than its been in the past (aka its no longer a wasteland of literally nothing except Gillette) its still kinda sparse.
It’s Hyatt Regency. I guess that’s the downtown one? I am considering doing the Freedom Trial which will take me through all the sites soooo that’s exciting to know! Honestly, a lot of this hotel business is just too much work and more convoluted than it seems. I’m more than likely going to keep the Hyatt.
If its the Hyatt in downtown then I agree while not "close" to the CC you'll be in the heart of Boston's financial district which is near Faneuil, Boston Common, Chinatown so lots of stuff within walking distance.
While the area near the CC is 'better' than its been in the past (aka its no longer a wasteland of literally nothing except Gillette) its still kinda sparse.
It’s Hyatt Regency. I guess that’s the downtown one? I am considering doing the Freedom Trial which will take me through all the sites soooo that’s exciting to know! Honestly, a lot of this hotel business is just too much work and more convoluted than it seems. I’m more than likely going to keep the Hyatt.
Yeah that's the one,. Yeah from there you can start at boston commons and walk the freedom trail up to faneuil and the north end. Given its March, you're probably not going to want to walk over to Charlestown unless you're a glutton for being cold, or you really really really want to see the USS Constitution. But all the 'big tourist' stuff part of the Freedom Trail is in Fanueil/NorthEnd so you'll be fine.
I did read about people losing their booking. so what guarantees do I have with my second booking? I guess it's about the same?
There were two regulars in particular who shared horror stories that when they called the hotel 2 weeks prior to PAX they had no record of their reservations. IIRC, they were able to get things sorted out. But once the word spread, we took the initiative to call our hotels and make confirmations.
The new system is very archaic and ancient in function, but as a result it has more ways to work around the system to secure the room you want. If that makes sense (it doesn't).
And keep checking the forums! A lot of times people will post in a dedicated thread when they're releasing reservations for others to have. We try to look out for each other. :biggrin:
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MarinoGiant Bomb Moderator / League of Heels WebmasterMacon, GARegistered Userregular
That...is more work and complicated than I would like. If you’re recommending Hyatt, then I probably will stick with Hyatt. I’ll never forget how extremely helpful and awesome you were to me several years ago and thus, your words = the way to go.
Hey, thanks!
If you're flying in, you can take the Silver Line for free from the airport all the way to South Station. From there, it's less than half a mile walk up Essex Street to the Hyatt.
If you're flying in, you can take the Silver Line for free from the airport all the way to South Station. From there, it's less than half a mile walk up Essex Street to the Hyatt.
Mannnnn! Thank you so so much for the tip! Really appreciate it!
So long as you don't plan on frequent trips to your room the Hyatt is a pretty dope spot actually. I'll have friends in there.
nah, generally when I'm doing con stuff, I'm just out all day. After looking at the map and see whats around, I do like how centralized Hyatt seems to be. I'm probably going to hit up that chinatown more than I think I will be.
If you're flying in, you can take the Silver Line for free from the airport all the way to South Station. From there, it's less than half a mile walk up Essex Street to the Hyatt.
Mannnnn! Thank you so so much for the tip! Really appreciate it!
Please note that in true Boston fashion, the Silver "Line" you may be think to be some kind of subway or perhaps even a streetcar. After all we call the subway the Red and Orange Line, and the streetcars the Green Line.
But oh boy we sure do like screwing over poor people! So the "Silver Line" is in fact a glorified bus. Which they gave all the poor people after they ripped up an existing rail line and 'promised' them an actual you know subway/train system. hahah dumb poor people did you really think they were going to do that. hahaha!
0
MarinoGiant Bomb Moderator / League of Heels WebmasterMacon, GARegistered Userregular
If you're flying in, you can take the Silver Line for free from the airport all the way to South Station. From there, it's less than half a mile walk up Essex Street to the Hyatt.
Mannnnn! Thank you so so much for the tip! Really appreciate it!
Please note that in true Boston fashion, the Silver "Line" you may be think to be some kind of subway or perhaps even a streetcar. After all we call the subway the Red and Orange Line, and the streetcars the Green Line.
But oh boy we sure do like screwing over poor people! So the "Silver Line" is in fact a glorified bus. Which they gave all the poor people after they ripped up an existing rail line and 'promised' them an actual you know subway/train system. hahah dumb poor people did you really think they were going to do that. hahaha!
For a free ride to downtown from the airport, it's fine by me. There's only like 3 stops on the way around the Trade Center area. Plus, I always like getting some Regina Pizza first thing.
So long as you don't plan on frequent trips to your room the Hyatt is a pretty dope spot actually. I'll have friends in there.
nah, generally when I'm doing con stuff, I'm just out all day. After looking at the map and see whats around, I do like how centralized Hyatt seems to be. I'm probably going to hit up that chinatown more than I think I will be.
There's some good eats around Chinatown. Note hotpot is like all the rage now so the lines for that are gonna be insane. If you need some food tips let me know. Bonus forum points will be awarded for pics of you eating dim sum with a chicken foot in one hand, and intenstines in the other had
So long as you don't plan on frequent trips to your room the Hyatt is a pretty dope spot actually. I'll have friends in there.
nah, generally when I'm doing con stuff, I'm just out all day. After looking at the map and see whats around, I do like how centralized Hyatt seems to be. I'm probably going to hit up that chinatown more than I think I will be.
There's some good eats around Chinatown. Note hotpot is like all the rage now so the lines for that are gonna be insane. If you need some food tips let me know. Bonus forum points will be awarded for pics of you eating dim sum with a chicken foot in one hand, and intenstines in the other had
food tips would be great! I'm Taiwanese sooooooo chicken feet and intestines are nothing weird to me LOL!
So long as you don't plan on frequent trips to your room the Hyatt is a pretty dope spot actually. I'll have friends in there.
nah, generally when I'm doing con stuff, I'm just out all day. After looking at the map and see whats around, I do like how centralized Hyatt seems to be. I'm probably going to hit up that chinatown more than I think I will be.
There's some good eats around Chinatown. Note hotpot is like all the rage now so the lines for that are gonna be insane. If you need some food tips let me know. Bonus forum points will be awarded for pics of you eating dim sum with a chicken foot in one hand, and intenstines in the other had
food tips would be great! I'm Taiwanese sooooooo chicken feet and intestines are nothing weird to me LOL!
If you're looking for dim sum the top place I know is the empire garden restaurant.
690 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
I haven't been in years but this was always the go to spot when I was living more city adjacent.
So long as you don't plan on frequent trips to your room the Hyatt is a pretty dope spot actually. I'll have friends in there.
nah, generally when I'm doing con stuff, I'm just out all day. After looking at the map and see whats around, I do like how centralized Hyatt seems to be. I'm probably going to hit up that chinatown more than I think I will be.
There's some good eats around Chinatown. Note hotpot is like all the rage now so the lines for that are gonna be insane. If you need some food tips let me know. Bonus forum points will be awarded for pics of you eating dim sum with a chicken foot in one hand, and intenstines in the other had
food tips would be great! I'm Taiwanese sooooooo chicken feet and intestines are nothing weird to me LOL!
Hmm most of the good Taiwanese places are outside of downtown Boston. According to my HK expat friends and wife places worth eating in Chinatown
Dimsum
- Windsor Dim Sum Cafe (no carts)
- China Pearl (carts)
Regular Chinese
- Peach Farm
- Jade Garden
Bakery
- Crown Royal Bakery - this is a bit weird to find but like all the old local chinese people pack this place like its an old age home so you know its good. Also the only place that makes good HK styled milk tea.
Other Stuff
- Pho Pasteur (vietnamese noodles) : As this is now I think the only vietnamese restaurant in chinatown its kinda busy
- Penang (Malaysian) : Not sure why but this place isnt as busy as it used to be, but the food is good so its a good backup place
- Ding Ho : ok this is literally like a hole in the wall place with greasy chinese street food. BUT they do have fresh rice noodle rolls!
- Bubble Tea : somehow this has made a second coming in Boston and you can't throw a boba bubble far enough before it hits 5 different places. I'd probably recommend Royaltea Boston, or Gong Cha
- Beard Papa - A Japanese chain of puff cream pastries
Things to Avoid
- Anything hotpot : this is now some kind of 'trendy' thing now so while there are a ton of these places, they will all be packed to the rafters with people lining up outside to freeze to death.
- Gourmet Dumpling House : This is like a 'tourist' place. I mean the food is good, but the line is out the door and isnt like 'knock your socks off' amazing. If you can get in without much of a wait that's fine. But dont line up for this place. There are plenty of other options that dont involve freezing to death outside.
Given you're in downtown here are some places to eat depending on where you end up
Lobster Rolls - note that these are all kinda expensive, but they're gonna be like $22-25 no matter where you go, and at least at these places you're gonna get fat juicy tail meat and not 50% coleslaw 50% 'stuff that looks like it might have been lobster before'
_ Paulis' - get the heated buttered roll! If you do the freedom trail you'll end up in the North end so its on the way
- James Hook and Co
Other
Lady M - If you've never had a mille crepe cake, you definitely want to get this
Eataly - kind of an 'experience' thing, its an italian shopping mall with restaurants and food inside.
Santouka - Probably the best ramen in downtown, the problem is mostly its a tiny place so seating is an issue
LA Burdick - Their hot chocolate is to die for. And I think they literally just melt a 1lb bar of chocolate into the cup because this is stuff is thick and rich and pours thicker than motor oil. and its amazing. Great for a winter day.
Ogawa Coffee - A coffee shop from Kyoto. They don't mess around. Sit down for a good good cup of coffee
Boston Public Market - You might want to eat at Fauniel Hall but its always crowded. I prefer going over to this smaller market. Easier to walk around, find seating etc
Saus - Get the liege waffles
Avoid:
Mikes Pastry. Given you'll end up in the North End if you do the Freedom trail, this is a famous tourist hell hole and every tourist will have a box of this stuff walking around. You might be tempted to go in. DO NOT. Instead go literally next door to Cafe Vittoria which is way better. I mean take a picture in front of it so you can 'say' you went there, and just walk away.
Union Oyster House - This is a tourist trap and expensive. Its 'rustic' and all but not really worth spending money to eat. Again just take a picture, and pretend you sat in the booth JFK used to.
Thanks for the list Satoru! A couple of places you mentioned we have it here in Dallas where I am (like Beard Papa, GongCha and Pho Pasteur), but I'm adding all the other stuff to my map right now!
Posts
To be fair, I was searching for Wed-Mon reservations, which have lower inventory to begin with, but it was still surprising to see so many options gone so quickly. At the end of the day I'm just glad to have a reservation, even an imperfect one.
PAX East Attendee since 2011
yeah, that's my mindset right now, that at least I have a reservation. It looks like it's a 20 min walk, so it's not that bad or anything terrible.
I guess I'll be checking in the days to come to see if anyone release their reservation so that I can update it. for now, this is fine.
Same here man I live in Newton so like yeah dont need a hotel so I was VERY VERY CONFUSED looking for where the tickets were on that hotel page
Did get the needed 4-day passes, though!
PSN: L00nyEclip
Steam: Loony Eclipse
Twitter: @Loonyeclipse
So my friend did the same thing, went in the hotel queue instead of the ticket queue (I kept refreshing the website, so I ended up in tickets by default). He said Westin was available, but he was only staying Saturday night. So it might be that multiple nights were blocked because Friday or Thursday was sold out.
This happened to me last year, so I took a Westin room for Wed check in and Thurs check out. Then each day, I would modify the booking to the next day. Then so on. Sure enough, it took a couple months, but I got to PAX with a Wed-Mon booking.
I clicked the hotel link once it popped up, thinking I was in the badge queue. Looks like that turned out to be a good thing anyway, because it helped me secure a good hotel! Not sure how true the numbers were, but the page claimed I was 8th in the queue. I may have missed it in the list, or maybe this was already known, but I was surprised to find that the Hilton Downtown-Faneuil Hall wasn't listed. I've stayed there the past 4-5 years, and have gotten pretty used to it after after not being able to get rooms in the Renaissance my fourth year. I knew the seaport was a good spot, and managed to grab some rooms there, so everything worked out! Excited to be so close to the convention center for what is likely to be a very cold PAX!
I had already purchased my 4 day pass. I needed a second to help a friend out and hit another queue. Managed to score another 4 day. Then he needed a Saturday and being at work is difficult for him so I said I would try.
The website said sat sold out but I clicked link anyway to buy tickets. There was no queue and it said sat sold out. I refreshed and sat was available. I went through and bought it. Its sitting in my showclix account now.
so I got Hyatt Regency. I plan on keep checking back to see if anyone released any Element/Aloft/Westin. how easy is it to cancel my Hyatt Regency and rebook? I've never done it before (even before the change) because I never had to, but if there's a chance I wonder if it's worth the trouble?
Use a second email to secure your second booking, then cancel the first after secured. It's actually easier to do with connections than the old system. Close friend did it last year.
The issue a lot of us ran into with this new service was it not communicating to the hotel and some people losing their bookings. There weren't many, maybe a couple, but enough to raise pitchforks.
so essentially, when I see an opening to the hotel I want, use another email to book it. Wait for confirmation email before cancelling my first one?
I did read about people losing their booking. so what guarantees do I have with my second booking? I guess it's about the same?
I did this for West. You'll have to create a separate reservation. If you can book even 1 day at the hotel you want, book it. Then email them at PAX@connectionshousing.com and ask to add the other dates you want. It's a f'n archaic system but it's how they do it.
I will say though, the Hyatt is great. It's not "close" to the CC, but it's much more conveniently located to literally anything else you want to do. I've stayed there many times and walking to the CC isn't too bad. If it's super cold, there's always Uber or whatever.
That...is more work and complicated than I would like. If you’re recommending Hyatt, then I probably will stick with Hyatt. I’ll never forget how extremely helpful and awesome you were to me several years ago and thus, your words = the way to go.
No....maybe?
https://tenor.com/view/cliffs-spy-peeping-george-clooney-ocean-gif-5797030
8-)
If its the Hyatt in downtown then I agree while not "close" to the CC you'll be in the heart of Boston's financial district which is near Faneuil, Boston Common, Chinatown so lots of stuff within walking distance.
While the area near the CC is 'better' than its been in the past (aka its no longer a wasteland of literally nothing except Gillette) its still kinda sparse.
It’s Hyatt Regency. I guess that’s the downtown one? I am considering doing the Freedom Trial which will take me through all the sites soooo that’s exciting to know! Honestly, a lot of this hotel business is just too much work and more convoluted than it seems. I’m more than likely going to keep the Hyatt.
Yeah that's the one,. Yeah from there you can start at boston commons and walk the freedom trail up to faneuil and the north end. Given its March, you're probably not going to want to walk over to Charlestown unless you're a glutton for being cold, or you really really really want to see the USS Constitution. But all the 'big tourist' stuff part of the Freedom Trail is in Fanueil/NorthEnd so you'll be fine.
There were two regulars in particular who shared horror stories that when they called the hotel 2 weeks prior to PAX they had no record of their reservations. IIRC, they were able to get things sorted out. But once the word spread, we took the initiative to call our hotels and make confirmations.
The new system is very archaic and ancient in function, but as a result it has more ways to work around the system to secure the room you want. If that makes sense (it doesn't).
And keep checking the forums! A lot of times people will post in a dedicated thread when they're releasing reservations for others to have. We try to look out for each other. :biggrin:
Hey, thanks!
If you're flying in, you can take the Silver Line for free from the airport all the way to South Station. From there, it's less than half a mile walk up Essex Street to the Hyatt.
Mannnnn! Thank you so so much for the tip! Really appreciate it!
nah, generally when I'm doing con stuff, I'm just out all day. After looking at the map and see whats around, I do like how centralized Hyatt seems to be. I'm probably going to hit up that chinatown more than I think I will be.
Please note that in true Boston fashion, the Silver "Line" you may be think to be some kind of subway or perhaps even a streetcar. After all we call the subway the Red and Orange Line, and the streetcars the Green Line.
But oh boy we sure do like screwing over poor people! So the "Silver Line" is in fact a glorified bus. Which they gave all the poor people after they ripped up an existing rail line and 'promised' them an actual you know subway/train system. hahah dumb poor people did you really think they were going to do that. hahaha!
For a free ride to downtown from the airport, it's fine by me. There's only like 3 stops on the way around the Trade Center area. Plus, I always like getting some Regina Pizza first thing.
There's some good eats around Chinatown. Note hotpot is like all the rage now so the lines for that are gonna be insane. If you need some food tips let me know. Bonus forum points will be awarded for pics of you eating dim sum with a chicken foot in one hand, and intenstines in the other had
food tips would be great! I'm Taiwanese sooooooo chicken feet and intestines are nothing weird to me LOL!
If you're looking for dim sum the top place I know is the empire garden restaurant.
690 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
I haven't been in years but this was always the go to spot when I was living more city adjacent.
Hmm most of the good Taiwanese places are outside of downtown Boston. According to my HK expat friends and wife places worth eating in Chinatown
Dimsum
- Windsor Dim Sum Cafe (no carts)
- China Pearl (carts)
Regular Chinese
- Peach Farm
- Jade Garden
Bakery
- Crown Royal Bakery - this is a bit weird to find but like all the old local chinese people pack this place like its an old age home so you know its good. Also the only place that makes good HK styled milk tea.
Other Stuff
- Pho Pasteur (vietnamese noodles) : As this is now I think the only vietnamese restaurant in chinatown its kinda busy
- Penang (Malaysian) : Not sure why but this place isnt as busy as it used to be, but the food is good so its a good backup place
- Ding Ho : ok this is literally like a hole in the wall place with greasy chinese street food. BUT they do have fresh rice noodle rolls!
- Bubble Tea : somehow this has made a second coming in Boston and you can't throw a boba bubble far enough before it hits 5 different places. I'd probably recommend Royaltea Boston, or Gong Cha
- Beard Papa - A Japanese chain of puff cream pastries
Things to Avoid
- Anything hotpot : this is now some kind of 'trendy' thing now so while there are a ton of these places, they will all be packed to the rafters with people lining up outside to freeze to death.
- Gourmet Dumpling House : This is like a 'tourist' place. I mean the food is good, but the line is out the door and isnt like 'knock your socks off' amazing. If you can get in without much of a wait that's fine. But dont line up for this place. There are plenty of other options that dont involve freezing to death outside.
Given you're in downtown here are some places to eat depending on where you end up
Lobster Rolls - note that these are all kinda expensive, but they're gonna be like $22-25 no matter where you go, and at least at these places you're gonna get fat juicy tail meat and not 50% coleslaw 50% 'stuff that looks like it might have been lobster before'
_ Paulis' - get the heated buttered roll! If you do the freedom trail you'll end up in the North end so its on the way
- James Hook and Co
Other
Lady M - If you've never had a mille crepe cake, you definitely want to get this
Eataly - kind of an 'experience' thing, its an italian shopping mall with restaurants and food inside.
Santouka - Probably the best ramen in downtown, the problem is mostly its a tiny place so seating is an issue
LA Burdick - Their hot chocolate is to die for. And I think they literally just melt a 1lb bar of chocolate into the cup because this is stuff is thick and rich and pours thicker than motor oil. and its amazing. Great for a winter day.
Ogawa Coffee - A coffee shop from Kyoto. They don't mess around. Sit down for a good good cup of coffee
Boston Public Market - You might want to eat at Fauniel Hall but its always crowded. I prefer going over to this smaller market. Easier to walk around, find seating etc
Saus - Get the liege waffles
Avoid:
Mikes Pastry. Given you'll end up in the North End if you do the Freedom trail, this is a famous tourist hell hole and every tourist will have a box of this stuff walking around. You might be tempted to go in. DO NOT. Instead go literally next door to Cafe Vittoria which is way better. I mean take a picture in front of it so you can 'say' you went there, and just walk away.
Union Oyster House - This is a tourist trap and expensive. Its 'rustic' and all but not really worth spending money to eat. Again just take a picture, and pretend you sat in the booth JFK used to.