The Best of Boston: Food, Fun & Experiences
617 Living is more than just real estate. We’re working to curate and share the best experiences Boston has to offer, whether you’re new to town or a seasoned local. We want to bring you the best shops, dining, recreation, and tips to enrich your lifestyle. We look forward to hearing what you enjoyed most!
Drinks
Back Bay
Abe & Louie's — martinis with a sidecar in an atmosphere that screams "old money"
Long Bar & Terrace — legendary cocktails with a view of the Boston skyline at Raffles Hotel
Beacon Hill
1928 — hidden Gem with a Storied Past. We like to pop in for just a drink, the Wet Martini is our favorite
Roxanne's — an eclectic cocktail lounge with tropical decor and vibrant atmosphere
North End
Bricco — classic spot for Italian wines and a lively bar scene
Mare — sit at the fire pits out back after 5:00 pm
Ward8 — late-night…which is after midnight in Boston
Seaport
Envoy Hotel Roof Deck — skyline views, cocktails, and a high-energy vibe
Marcelino's — intimate, stylish bar known for craft cocktails and a cozy atmosphere
South End
The Franklin Cafe — late-night restaurant industry spot
Barcelona Wine Bar — chain, but usually has a vibe
Lunch/Brunch
Back Bay
Contessa — we prefer brunch, typically reservation only, unless you get there around 5:00 for dinner and go to the bar
Bistro du Midi — right on Boston Common
Charlestown
Monument Restaurant & Tavern — Sunday brunch, locals, townies, great food, possibly sports on TV — no reservations, but they run a waitlist in person
North End
Alcove — waterfront spot for elevated brunch
Seaport
Row 34 — we like to go in and sit at the bar
South Boston
Petula’s — rustic bistro-style restaurant serving creative brunch favorites and elevated comfort bites
Dinner
Beacon Hill
Toscano — Italian - handmade pastas, rich sauces, and an old-world wine list
Cambridge
Pammy's — New American (Italian-inspired) - creative pastas and warm, neighborhood feel
Fenway
Eastern Standard — American brasserie - elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and a vibrant, all-day dining atmosphere
Financial District
Mariel — Cuban / Latin-inspired - bold Latin flavors, inventive cocktails, and a high-energy, upscale vibe
Leather District
Troquet — French-inspired fine dining - seasonal dishes and a sophisticated, tucked-away charm
North End
Mamma Maria — Classic Italian - authentic Italian cuisine in a historic townhouse overlooking the city
Mare — Seafood - fresh seafood, crudos, and elegant pasta dishes in a chic setting
Prezza — Upscale Italian - bold flavors, stylish interiors, and a menu that balances tradition with creativity
Seaport
Boqueria — Spanish tapas - classic small plates, paella, and a lively, social atmosphere
Nautilus — Asian fusion / seafood - inventive small plates, creative cocktails, and a buzzing waterfront energy
SAVR — Coastal Mediterranean / Italian - shareable plates, sleek design, and a lively, upscale dining experience
South End
Baleia — Portuguese coastal - seafood-driven dishes, bright flavors, and a beautifully designed space
KAVA — Greek / Mediterranean - fresh, flavorful bowls, vibrant ingredients, and a fast-casual, health-forward approach
Toro — Spanish tapas - known for bold flavors and a buzzing atmosphere
Waterfront
Nebo — Italian - modern takes on classic, coastal-inspired dishes
Sweets
Back Bay
Levain Cookies — famous for thick, gooey, oversized cookies
Dorchester
Lazy Bear — small-batch ice cream with creative, local flavors
North End
Modern Pastry Shop — everyone from out of town thinks they should go to Mike's, but Modern is on the same block and so much better
Bova’s Bakery — late-night North End staple for Italian pastries
South End
Madeleine's Candy Shop — wide variety of imported & domestic pick-n-mix confections plus soft serve ice cream
Activities
Back Bay
Duck Tour — so cheesy, but a fun and easy way to see the city
Mappariam — walk inside a stained-glass globe for a unique global perspective
Beacon Hill
Take your picture of Acorn Street
Fenway
Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum — eclectic art collection set around a stunning courtyard garden
Museum of Fine Art — world-class museum spanning ancient to contemporary art
North End
Boston Harborwalk — I would start at #11 by the Aquarium and go over #12, it takes about an hour but that's the best stretch to walk
SHOPPING
Back Bay
Newbury Street — iconic street for boutique shopping, cafes, and city energy
Prudential Center & Copley Place — connected shopping hubs with top brands and dining
Downtown
Faneuil Hall Marketplace — historic marketplace with shops, eats, and street performers
Somerville
Assembly Row — modern waterfront spot for outlets, dining, and entertainment
GYMS
Barry’s - Back Bay or Downtown — high-intensity strength + cardio in an energizing studio
B/SPOKE - Downtown or Southie — boutique spin, strength, and yoga with strong community vibes
SoulCycle - Back Bay or Seaport — music-driven cycling workouts
CorePower Yoga - Back Bay or Downtown — heated yoga classes blending strength and flow
Planet Fitness - Back Bay or Downtown — affordable, no-frills gym with a judgment-free approach
