Boston Attractions and Things to Do

1369 Coffeehouse

1369 Cambridge St, Inman Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 617-576-1369

Description: CAMBRIDGE. This trendy little coffee house attracts an artsy, eclectic crowd who come to enjoy coffee or tea on a work break or with friends in the morning or evening. 1369 also offers a menu of light fare, including soups, sandwiches, and scones. A perfect place for quiet conversation and catching up with an old friend or for an intimate chat with someone special. Get there early to catch a table, which fill up with students and laptops.
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Artisan Bistro

10 Avery St, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common, Boston, MA 02111 617-574-7100

Description: DOWNTOWN. The Artisan Bistro, located inside the Ritz-Carlton, is popular among young professionals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features fresh, local ingredients in all of their dishes like steamed Maine lobster, smoked pork chops, steak frites, gourmet hamburgers and flatbread pizzas. The comfortable banquette seating overlooking Avery Street is the perfect spot to enjoy one of the many microbrews available while people-watching.
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Brasserie Jo

120 Huntington Ave, Colonnade Boston Hotel, Boston, MA 02116 617-425-3240

Description: BACK BAY. Enjoy a French meal without ever leaving Boston ­ Brasserie Jo transports you to Alsace, France, with the very first bite. The menu focuses on "les fruits de mer" (seafood) and includes clams, shrimp, and lobster. Additional entrees include filet of skate, mussels Riesling, and sautéed sea scallops. Of course, landlubbers can enjoy classic dishes such as steak, chicken, and lamb. Nice wine list. Outdoor sidewalk dining available.
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Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe

429 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116 617-536-7669

Description: BACK BAY. Billed by some as a "greasy spoon," Charlie's is proud of this title and lives up to it by regularly serving guests the finest in home-cooked breakfasts and lunches. It's hard to beat the comfort food that comes from this kitchen, in business since 1927. Try the turkey hash and eggs for breakfast or the meatloaf for lunch. You're sure to walk away making a mental note to come back soon. Seats are available at the bar or around communal tables-but don't worry everybody's friendly at Charlie's. Takeout available. Cash only policy. Casual dress.
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Chau Chow City

83 Essex St, Boston, MA 02111 617-338-8158

Description: CHINATOWN. Chau Chow City is just the sort of place you'd expect to find in Chinatown, and its fine reputation is recognized by business types, in-the-know tourists, and neighborhood locals alike. The basic decor is completely overshadowed by traditional Chinese dishes of shrimp, pork, and chicken. Lobster dumplings and rice crepes packed with shrimp also draw raves. Plus, according to regulars, Chau Chow's dim sum can hold its own against anyone else's in the city.
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Clio

370 Commonwealth Ave, The Eliot Hotel, Boston, MA 02215 617-536-7200

Description: BACK BAY. A unique interior of leopard prints and earth tones immediately catches your eye when you step inside Clio. The menu also calls for attention, as you'll see with one bite. Start out with one of Clio's signature items ­ Jerusalem artichoke soup ­ and then try lobster, caramelized swordfish, or venison. The wine list is extensive and includes red, white, and sparkling vintages. The chef also offers a much-recommended tasting menu nightly.
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Flour Bakery + Cafe

1595 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118 617-267-4300

Description: SOUTH END. This cafe is small on size but big on charm. The interior can be described as friendly and the home-baked goodies as delectable. You can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth pastries and oh-so-sweet cakes (try the raspberry jam one) and cookies. The menu also includes a nice selection of coffees and teas that accent the goodies perfectly. Heartier items can also be found at this South End favorite--roast chicken and beef sandwiches, soup and quiche.
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Henrietta's Table

1 Bennett St, The Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-661-5005

Description: CAMBRIDGE. This eclectic restaurant, located in the elegant Charles Hotel, emphasizes New England-inspired dishes, and the use of fresh local ingredients has become one of Henrietta's most enduring qualities. That said, their Sunday brunch buffets have garnered numerous awards over the years, thanks no doubt to the omelet, carving and grilled vegetable stations. Farmhouse-chic decor distinguishes the interior, and sidewalk seating is available, weather permitting. A three-course, à la carte brunch is featured on Saturdays.
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Hi ­ Rise Bread Co.

1663 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-492-3003

Description: HARVARD SQUARE. This Harvard Square bakery turns out some of the best homemade breads in all of Boston. They often incorporate dried fruits, nuts, grains, orange zest, and fragrant spices and are as beautiful as they are tasty. Regulars stop by often to grab a gourmet sandwich for lunch or a sweet pick-me-up during the mid-afternoon lull. Hi-Rise does both exceptionally well. Just be prepared to pay for your indulgence since prices can be a bit steep.
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L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop & Cafe

52-D Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-491-4340

Description: CAMBRIDGE. For those living or visiting Harvard Square, this is a must. Known for their amazing hot chocolate, L.A. Burdick also offers rich desserts and sweets like their signature chocolate mice. A popular spot for young and old alike. Great treats to enjoy in the cafe or take home with you after a night on the town.
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Lyndell's Bakery

74 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA 02139 617-576-3530

Description: CAMBRIDGE. Just down Prospect Street from Central Square, this neighborhood bakery is perfect for a quick cup of Joe and dessert. Serving from the early AM, Lyndell's coffee is excellent as is the variety of fresh baked pastries and tarts they offer. Try a Boston cream doughnut at breakfast, or for an afternoon fix indulge in one of their half moon cookies or rich fudge brownies.
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Mooo....

15 Beacon St, XV Beacon Hotel, Boston, MA 02108 617-670-2515

Description: BEACON HILL. Located in the charming XV Beacon Hotel, this steakhouse is famous for its giant selection and Kobe beef. The menu offers high-end appetizers like steamed PEI mussels and beef sirloin carpaccio for patrons to enjoy before digging into a tantalizing filet mignon, rib eye or NY sirloin. For those who'd rather skip the beef, grilled Alaskan King salmon and skillet roasted Cornish game hen make excellent alternatives.
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Panificio

144 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 617-227-4340

Description: BEACON HILL. Delicate pastries and tasty Italian sandwiches, pastas and pizzas make this cafe a desirable spot to fuel up any time of day.
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Pavement Coffee House

286 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 617-859-9515

Description: BACK BAY. This busy little coffee shop's funky interior features painted tables and walls of exposed brick covered with artwork by local artists. The large selection of coffees and teas goes nicely with the menu's list of scones, bagels and croissants. Heartier sandwiches are also available. Plus, two tables accommodate outdoor seating in a small garden area.
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S & S Restaurant

1334 Cambridge St, Inman Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 617-354-0777

Description: CAMBRIDGE. A popular Cambridge landmark, S&S Restaurant serves breakfast all day long and at reasonable prices too. Choose from a selection of bagels, pancakes, egg dishes, omelets, and other must-have breakfast items. If you come by later in the day, don't miss their famous desserts (cakes, cheesecakes, and ice cream pies!). The casual, pleasant interior features large windows along the walls and light wood accents, which impart a slightly modern tone.
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Sound Bites Cafe

704 Broadway, Ball Square, Somerville, MA 02144 617-623-8338

Description: SOMERVILLE. All those die-hard regulars can't be wrong, can they? In the case of Somerville's Sound Bites, the answer to that question is a resounding "No!" Breakfast is served until 3pm each day here, and folks clamor over one another for a chance to dig into challah French toast, waffles smothered in sweet maple syrup, or to-order omelets. And, if you find you're not in the mood for one of those at lunch time, their burgers, sandwiches and Middle Eastern plates are tasty enough options.
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South End Buttery

314 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 2118 617-482-1015

Description: SOUTH END. Winner of Boston's Best for several years, South End Buttery Bakery & Café is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and blueberry muffin while your furry pal enjoys the outdoor patio. Marble countertops and warm lighting give this place a cozy feel that makes diners want to stay for one of the real meals the Café serves at lunch and dinner. Dropping by after dinner? Pick up a sweet potato blondie or whoopie pie.
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Tealuxe

00 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-441-0077

Description: HARVARD SQUARE. Diminutive Tealuxe offers limited seating in a quaint atmosphere and is ideal if you want time to yourself or with a good friend. An extensive list of teas and coffees provides something for everyone, and scones, pastries, and cookies offer a bit of solid sustenance. Jazz music playing softly in the background prompts customers to relax, and the gift shop sells accoutrements to help with hosting your own tea party.
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Trident Booksellers & Café

338 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 617-267-8688

Description: BACK BAY. Trident Cafe is a quick, delicious stop for breakfast. You can order coffee, tea, or juice with such delightful entrees as eggs benedict or malted Belgian waffles. If you're looking for food on the run, they sell bagels, muffins, toast, and English muffins. Before or after dining, browse the bookshelves or the collections of music and local artwork. Be sure to come back for tempting lunch or dinner items too.
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Zaftigs Delicatessen

335 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446 617-975-0075

Description: BROOKLINE. In the heart of Brookline's Coolidge Corner, this neighborhood eatery stands out as one of the best. If you're in the mood for good eats, breakfast (served all day) will hit the spot. Try standards like challah French toast with a side of homemade turkey sausage or a Macintosh apple and Vermont cheddar omelet. Zaftigs also serves gigantic sandwiches at lunch and more traditional fare like turkey pot pie at dinner. It's a favorite haunt of the political elite, and US Senator Ted Kennedy was spotted here on more than one occasion.
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