Best of Boston

Kitschy pan-southern spots keep popping up to capitalize on our thirst for whiskey and the idea that everything benefits from a dip in the fryolator. Yet Tupelo remains the most reliable hideaway for Cajun comfort cuisine. The soundtrack of Dixieland and faded records decorating the walls help, sure, but the pleasantly mouth-numbing blackened catfish, fried alligator on a heavenly bed of cheddar grits, and desserts from co-owner Renee McLeod’s Petsi Pies are why we keep coming back.