The Big Deals: 10 More Value Dishes
Dining deals can be found all over our fair city. So, we set our intrepid staff on the hunt for the best-tasting and least inexpensive dishes available at local restaurants right now.
Tanya Pai, Assistant Managing Editor
Dish: The No Name, $12.45
Where to get it: Grasshopper, 1 North Beacon St., Allston, 617-254-8883; grasshoppervegan.com
Why: I've been a vegetarian since I started college, and the only meat dish I missed was this amazing sesame chicken from a now-closed Chinese place back home in Texas. Imagine how stoked I was when I moved here and found something that tastes exactly the same but is completely veggie and comes in a portion huge enough to feed me for three days.
While uncovering the city’s tastiest bargains, we also found quite a few outrageously overpriced bites. Examples: The Back Bay Social Club’s $21 burger just doesn’t cut the mustard for its price tag. And $38 for three bites of bluefin tuna topped with caviar? Thanks, O Ya, but we’ll pass. There are steals to be found, but these ain’t them.
HEY READERS!
What are the worst food deals in the city? Tell us in the comments section!
What are the worst food deals in the city? Tell us in the comments section!
Dish: Steamed vegetable dumplings, $5.95
Where to get it: Gourmet Dumpling House, 52 Beach St., Boston, 617-338-6223; gourmetdumpling.com
Why: Ten freshly-made piping hot orbs arrive at the (occasionally sticky) table with a mini bowl of soy dipping sauce on the side (they’re good for takeout, too). The dumplings more than fill me up, because these babies are loaded: noodles, herbs, and greens so hearty, they’ll satiate a carnivore.
Katherine Brooks
Dish: Croque Monsieur, $9.25
Where to get it: Mike and Patty's, 12 Church St., Boston, 617-423-3447; mikeandpattys.com
Why: You’re not only supporting a tiny (we mean closet-sized) mom-and-pop but you’re also getting a reliably excellent sandwich for less than $10. It actually makes a decadent breakfast sandwich or, for lunch, I like eating it with sliced Granny Smith apples to counter the richness.
Anne Vickman, Associate Editor
Dish: Lemon Ricotta pancakes (weekends only), $8
Where to get it: Uncommon Grounds, 575 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, 617-924-9625; myuncommongrounds.com
Why: Straight value. Three of these outrageously delicious pancakes (Seriously. The. Best.) cost $8, and you can order a short stack of two (which is plenty; they're huge) for $7. The place gets cranking on weekends and the staff is always patient, kind, and quick. The lemon flavor is light and the ricotta makes these cakes just a tad richer than the regular buttermilk variety.
Anne Vickman
Dish: Pisco Sour, $7
Where to get it: Machu Picchu, 307 Somerville, Ave., Union Square, 617-628-7070; machupicchuboston.com
Why: Quite simply, it's stunning, and everything you want in a good, sour, egg-white drink: tart, foamy, with just enough sweetness.
