NEW ENGLAND TRAVEL ’10

 
 

MASSACHUSETTS

 

DINING: Restaurants, Cafes, Bars/Lounge

Toro
Boston, MA
It's a hot spot for tapas and a favorite of the South End's in-crowd. But high-ceilinged, brick-and-beam Toro's... Read more
French Memories
Duxbury, MA
Paris-born bakers are the secret behind the most decadent pastries on the South Shore. Flaky napoleons, rich éclairs... Read more
Arthur & Pat's
Marshfield, MA
Though a ramshackle façade and handmade signs may seem no-frills, the breakfast at this Marshfield phenomenon is downright... Read more
Sweet Life Cafe
Oak Bluffs, MA
The menu and ratcheted-up service at this indoor-outdoor Oak Bluffs boîte has made the Sweet Life experience much... Read more
Straight Wharf
Nantucket, MA
Boston transplants Gabriel Frasca and Amanda Lydon have transformed this into one of Nantucket's finest eateries. But “finest&rdquo... Read more
Formaggio Kitchen
Cambridge, MA
There are two kinds of people: those who love stinky cheese, and those who don't. If you're the... Read more
Bizen
Great Barrington, MA
At this always-crowded Japanese joint, chef Michael Marcus's obsessiveness translates into the kinds of rigorously fresh sashimi, nigiri... Read more
Hungry Mother
Cambridge, MA
Perhaps the best neighborhood restaurant in the Hub, this Kendall Square gem is famous for its French-southern fare... Read more
Franklin Cape Ann
Gloucester, MA
With all the same delicious nuances as its Boston siblings — quality ingredients, unfussy presentations, excellent New American... Read more
Slice of Life
Oak Bluffs, MA
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Slice of Life also has a bakery case that's always stocked with... Read more
La Provence
Concord, MA
Concord's haute spot for takeout serves up golden croissants and buttery brioche for breakfast, pâté-and-cheese sandwiches and creamy... Read more
The Bite
Menemsha, MA
The Bite makes its mostly fried meals with fresh flounder, oysters, scallops, and clams. If seafood isn't your... Read more
Sonoma
Sonoma-Princeton, MA; Princeton, MA
The California-heavy wine list is enough of a reason to visit this elegant Princeton restaurant. But it's the... Read more
Woodman's of Essex
Essex, MA
This shack takes credit for inventing that iconic New England specialty, the fried clam. First or not, its... Read more
Harbor View Hotel & Resort
Edgartown, MA
Overlooking Edgartown Harbor, the 114-room Harbor View has long been one of the Vineyard's premier destinations. Now, thanks... Read more
Blue Heron
Sunderland, MA
Occupying two floors of a refurbished 1868 town hall, the Blue Heron serves spicy global dishes that impress... Read more
Marion's Pie Shop
Chatham, MA
Martha has nothing on Marion. The blackboard on the lawn of the unassuming bakery is updated daily with... Read more
Company of the Cauldron
Nantucket, MA
Each week, Al and Andrea Kovalencik post a fresh prix fixe menu outside their one-room, ivy-covered restaurant. But... Read more
B&G Oysters
Boston, MA
With its pearly gray walls and open kitchen, this is more than a fancy clam shack: Master oyster... Read more
Blue Ginger
Wellesley, MA
Chef-owner (and television star) Ming Tsai mixes Asian ingredients with European techniques to create dishes that are now... Read more
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
West Newton, MA
Hit either of Blue Ribbon's suburban locations for authentic and award-winning pulled pork, chicken, and other dishes spiced... Read more
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
Arlington, MA
Hit either of Blue Ribbon's suburban locations for authentic and award-winning pulled pork, chicken, and other dishes spiced... Read more
Tosca
Hingham, MA
With a creative chef and an inventive menu, Tosca fulfills its goal to serve as "an oasis of... Read more
East Coast Grill
Cambridge, MA
When spice-loving Cantabrigians need an endorphin rush, they flock to this loud, high-energy Inman Square favorite, where spicy... Read more
Flour Bakery + Caf
Boston, MA; Boston MA 02210, MA
Baked goods at this popular spot are fresh and homemade, and the prices are reasonable. There's also a... Read more
Hamersley's Bistro
Boston, MA
Famous for sporting a Red Sox hat instead of a toque, Gordon Hamersley has a reputation for quality... Read more
Summer Shack
Cambridge, MA
This fun-loving seafood restaurant feels like a combination clambake, roadside diner, and family reunion, serving up fresh, simple... Read more
Legal Sea Foods
Chestnut Hill, MA
At this seafood mainstay for New England diners and a Boston tradition for over 40 years, more than... Read more
L'Espalier
Boston, MA
When Frank McClelland moved his team out of a charming but cramped townhouse on Gloucester Street and into... Read more
Neptune Oyster
Boston, MA
You might think the last thing Boston needs is another cute oyster bar. But now that we’ve got... Read more
Ol Mexican Grill
Cambridge, MA
Delicious proof that true Mexican cuisine rarely involves either the words "chimichanga" or "Tabasco," Olé's menu is weighted... Read more
Oleana
Cambridge, MA
It’s tempting to stick with chef-owner Ana Sortun’s sumptuous small plates such as tuna–black olive deviled eggs and... Read more
Saporito's
Hull, MA
The tiny café's motto — ci mangia bene, vive bene — instructs visitors to indulge in the simple... Read more
Sintra
Braintree, MA
Chef-owner Brian Jenkins whips up innovative Portuguese cuisine in a low-key but sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoy new twists on... Read more
Ten Tables
Jamaica Plain, MA; Cambridge, MA
Last year this romantic go-to added a second location, giving Hub cuddlers the choice of intimacy (the tiny... Read more
Uni
Boston, MA
Chef-owner Ken Oringer’s sashimi bar turns out jewel-like arrangements of raw fish, luxe ingredients, and complex sauces. Go... Read more
Summer Shack
Boston, MA
This fun-loving seafood restaurant feels like a combination clambake, roadside diner, and family reunion, serving up fresh, simple... Read more
The Beachcomber
Wellfleet, MA
Beachcomber of Wellfleet Surfer dudes, bathing beauties, and families hang at this sand-on-the-floor, surfboards-on-the-walls after-beach spot. Early evening... Read more
Bedford Farms Ice Cream
Bedford, MA; Concord, MA
While this 130-year-old Bedford farmstand (which has a satellite location in Concord) sells 60 gourmet flavors of high-butterfat... Read more
Chillingsworth
Brewster, MA
One of the Cape's most elegant restaurants, Chillingsworth serves fancy (and pricey) fare like foie gras, escargot, and... Read more
Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar
Eastham, MA
Harrison Ford look-alike Nate Nickerson is the brains behind this glorified seafood shack on the Cape Cod Rail... Read more
902 Main
South Yarmouth, MA
The bathroom alone is worth a visit. The ladies’ powder room sports a chandelier covered in strings of... Read more
Alchemy
Edgartown, MA
This French bistro is the place to be seen in Edgartown—especially if you snag the coveted front window... Read more
Sayle's Seafood
Nantucket, MA
If it's true that everything good is better fried, you can't lose at Sayle's. Diners choose from tasty... Read more
The Juice Bar
Nantucket, MA
On Nantucket, the only ice cream of consequence is at the Juice Bar, where blackberry, peanut butter, mint-chocolate... Read more
Sfoglia
Nantucket, MA
An Italian-influenced menu—like homemade gnocchi and chocolate-hazelnut semifreddo—and low-key ambiance solidify this spot's place on the island's great-dining... Read more
Duckworth's Bistrot
Gloucester, MA
Whether it's with just-caught seafood or produce from local farms, chef Ken Duckworth supports area purveyors. His passion... Read more
Belfry Inne & Bistro
Sandwich, MA
Guests may feel moved to say a prayer before retiring at this lovely former church. Rooms are named... Read more
O Ya
Boston, MA
At their award-winning high-end sushi spot, husband-wife team Tim and Nancy Cushman have created a gastronomic jewel box... Read more
A&J King Artisan Bakers
Salem, MA
Salem may be best known for its historic witch hunts, but fans of hand-formed boules and crusty baguettes... Read more
Great Barrington Bagel Company
Great Barrington, MA
The best bagels north of New York come in more than 20 flavors at this indoor-outdoor bagelry, which... Read more
Soco Creamery
Great Barrington, MA
Despite its urban moniker, this year-round treat shop brims with local flavor. Homemade ice cream varieties include velvety... Read more
Detente
Edgartown, MA
It's not easy for island chefs to get au courant ingredients or experienced staff. But Kevin and Suzanna... Read more
The Beacon Room
Orleans, MA
Vacationers can play it two ways as they settles into this welcoming, wood-filled space for a midday meal... Read more
Captain Frosty’s
Dennis, MA
Abandon all hope of squeezing into that teeny bikini after feasting at Captain Frosty’s, a pocket-sized clam shack... Read more
Raw Bar
Mashpee, MA
Mashpee’s New Seabury is one of the Cape’s tiniest communities, brimming with shops, picture-perfect lawns, and crushed-seashell pathways... Read more
Art Cliff Diner
Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Owner Regina Stanley's quirky diner is definitely worth the 30-minute-plus wait in summertime. Her creative take on breakfast... Read more
Lola 41
Nantucket, MA
Named for the latitudinal line on which Nantucket sits, Lola 41 is the perfect spot to toast the... Read more
Drink
Boston, MA
For years, cocktail aficionados hit the tiny bar at Barbara Lynch's No. 9 Park, where the city's best... Read more
American Seasons
Nantucket Island, MA
Big shots jonesing for '82 bordeaux should look elsewhere. Instead of stocking the obvious (and expensive) bottles, co-owner... Read more
Allium
Great Barrington, MA
Get your fill of local flavor at Allium, a New American bistro where chef Michael Pancheri rewrites the... Read more
The Chatham Squire
Chatham, MA
In the heart of preppy Chatham, this tavern woos tourists and locals with the promise of a cold... Read more
Blue Willow Fine Foods and Bakery
Wellfleet, MA
Save the formal service and immaculate silverware for your power lunches in the city. On the Cape, you... Read more
Inaho
Yarmouth Port, MA
Sushi aficionados know they’ve stumbled onto authenticity when there’s a certain something missing: silverware. There’s not a fork... Read more
The Island Merchant
Hyannis, MA
Three years after Joe and Beverly Dunn left Washington, DC, for the Cape to open the Island Merchant... Read more
Orleans Inn
Orleans, MA
As the only waterfront restaurant in town, the Orleans Inn has reason to brag. But the humble’s the... Read more
Persy’s Place
Mashpee, MA
Bring your reading glasses: The Persy’s brunch menu lays out more than 100 possible orders, ranging from the... Read more
Sundae School
Harwich Port, MA
Started as a reason for Paul and Andrea Endres to spend their summers on the Cape, this erstwhile... Read more
The Newes from America
Edgartown, MA
We’re channeling Frances Rivera here to deliver our special report: The best burgers and beers are at... Read more
Slice of Life
Oak Bluffs, MA
Though some of us may wish otherwise, island eating is not, in fact, limited to fried sea-things. Set... Read more
Something Natural
Nantucket, MA
Gigantic sandwich? Or gigantic cookie? Such are the tough choices at Something Natural, an out-of-the-way Nantucket eatery with... Read more
Atria
Edgartown, MA
With starters like island lobster with mascarpone gnocchi and foie gras, it's understandable if you don't make it... Read more
Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium
Oak Bluffs, MA
While every scoop shop on the Vineyard proffers a rainbow of flavors, none do so with as much... Read more
Topper's Restaurant at the Wauwinet
Nantucket, MA
A quick ferry ride from Straight Wharf drops Sunday morning gourmands at the Wauwinet, where the garden at... Read more
Berkshire Ice Cream
Lee, MA; Lee, MA
You’re hot; it’s cold. Ice cream in the summer is a no-brainer. Ordering Berkshire Ice Cream, on the... Read more
Offshore Ale
Oak Bluffs, MA
It might be the free peanuts that give cause to celebrate this boathouselike old brewery. It could also... Read more
Provisions
Nantucket, MA
This homey café makes the island's most tempting sandwiches, like the aptly named Turkey Terrific—home-baked wheat bread topped... Read more
Sconset Café
Siasconset, MA
Hidden away on the eastern end of the island, the Sconset isn't fancy and serves no alcohol (it's... Read more
Legal Sea Foods
Boston, MA
At this seafood mainstay for New England diners and a Boston tradition for over 40 years, more than... Read more
The Barker Tavern
Scituate Harbor, MA
According to legend, the Barker Tavern was built in 1634 by one of Oliver Cromwell's relatives, making it... Read more
Blue Ginger
Wellesley, MA
Chef-owner (and television star) Ming Tsai mixes Asian ingredients with European techniques to create dishes that are now... Read more
Summer Winter
Burlington, MA
Created by the team behind the Ogunquit foodie mecca Arrows, this upscale eatery easily transcends its ho-hum mall... Read more
Martin's
Great Barrington, MA; Great Barrington, MA
The Martin’s formula—cozy atmosphere plus simple, delicious food—lures regulars out of bed to feast on crisp veggie omelets... Read more
Schoolhouse Ice Cream & Yogurt
Harwich Port, MA
This seasonal parlor makes super premium ice cream—which is richer and creamier than most—in Cape-inspired flavors. Read more
Café Ona
Hull, MA
Designed by Pino Calaeria, who built churches his whole life, the café is filled with hand-carved woodwork, gold... Read more
Abbicci
Yarmouth Port, MA
In a region filled with fried clams, a little Mediterranean flavor goes a long way. Try the scallion-and-pistachio-stuffed... Read more
Belfry Bistro
Sandwich, MA
Chef George Willette’s menu of New England–with-a-twist fare is murder on decision-making. Should we start with Hudson Valley... Read more
Box Lunch
Falmouth, MA
Deli meats and seafood salads are rolled in light, flannel-soft pitas to form what are known as “rollwiches&rdquo... Read more
Impudent Oyster
Chatham, MA
You might wait an hour to be seated at the bar at this Chatham fixture, but the lively... Read more
21 Federal
Nantucket, MA
Inside an 1847 Greek Revival building, 21 Federal has a chic bar downstairs and a cozy one upstairs... Read more
Café Latino
North Adams, MA
A cross between a tapas bar and a futuristic-looking dance club, Café Latino (inside Mass MoCA) frequently hosts... Read more
Mission Bar and Tapas
Pittsfield, MA
Pittsfield's recent renaissance is due in part to places like Mission Bar and Tapas, a spot so hip... Read more
Bookstore and Restaurant
Wellfleet, MA
Yes, this eatery has a bookstore where you can peruse old and new tomes, but the best near-fictitious... Read more
Brax Landing
Harwich Port, MA
Wrangle a sought-after table on the outdoor patio and be rewarded with views of tranquil Saquatucket Harbor. Regulars... Read more
Fanizzi's Restaurant
Provincetown, MA
A beachside location and recession-friendly pricing makes Fanizzi's a hit with both visitors and regulars. The dining room's... Read more
Caf Lebanon
Springfield, MA; East Longmeadow, MA
At the casual Café Lebanon, a full Middle Eastern menu winds leisurely from mdardara (lentils and rice) to... Read more
Rubi's Sandwiches
Great Barrington, MA
Who in their right mind would drive two hours and 21 minutes west for a sandwich shop? Anyone... Read more
Orta
Pembroke, MA
A spacious Italian joint friendly to foodies, families, and wallets in equal measure, Orta offers a menu celebrating... Read more
Black Cow Tap & Grill
Newburyport, MA
Nothing caps off a beach day better than an ice-cold brew. And at the Black Cow’s Newburyport location... Read more
Cooke’s Seafood
Mashpee, MA
Get a seafood fix at this cafeteria-style clam shack, where all sorts of strips and bellies are battered... Read more
The Hot Chocolate Sparrow
Orleans, MA
A self-described “coffee and chocolate bar,” this café specializes in hot chocolate (the frozen version is a summer... Read more
The Juice
Wellfleet, MA
This veggie-friendly place has a make-your-own smoothie menu with a long list of fresh and unusual ingredients. They’ll... Read more
Mac’s Seafood
Wellfleet, MA
The world-renowned Wellfleet oysters are as authentic and fresh as they come here—delicately fried, the battered morsels need... Read more
Red Nun
Chatham, MA
Founded five years ago by a transplant summer bartender from the Squire down the road, this little pub... Read more
School House Ice Cream & Yogurt
Harwich Port, MA
This seasonal parlor makes super premium ice cream—which is richer and creamier than most—in Cape-inspired flavors. Read more
Jimmy Sea's Pan Pasta
Oak Bluffs, MA
Do not order your own entrée here—the portions are enormous. Not in the mood to share? Consider yourself... Read more
Hot Dog Annie's
Leicester, MA
This walk-through shack has been enticing families for generations. Try the dogs with "sauce," an addictive barbecue-onion mixture... Read more
The Sole Proprietor
Worcester, MA
Founded more than 30 years ago, this upscale seafood restaurant is still reeling 'em in. Maybe it's due... Read more
Clam Box
Ipswich, MA
There's nothing pretty about the Clam Box, whose wooden structure was built to look like a takeout container... Read more
The Atlantica/Olde Salt House
Cohasset, MA; Cohasset, MA
A harbor view is the Atlantica's biggest draw, but its swank interior and superlative seafood up the ante... Read more
Red Inn
Provincetown, MA
If you're all about water views, you'll adore this rambling 200-year old Provincetown inn. Inside, the floors slope... Read more
20 Railroad Street
Great Barrington, MA
Located in the Berkshires' Restaurant Row, 20 Railroad Street is the perfect restaurant to grab Sunday brunch in... Read more
House of Blues
Boston, MA
Occupying the former Avalon nightclub space on Lansdowne, this live-music spot offers up soul-warming southern classics for famished... Read more
Vienna Restaurant & Historic Inn
Southbridge, MA
The antiques-adorned suites here are as charming as the folks who oversee them, Lisa and Jonathan Krach. Old... Read more
Ike's Den
Shrewsbury, MA
At this rather incongruously named boutique, teen girls comb racks upon racks of Jessica McClintock and Alyce frocks... Read more
Alicante
Mendon, MA
Every Wednesday through Sunday night, parked cars line Route 16 in Mendon. Their drivers are chowing down at... Read more
Simon Pearce
Boston , MA
Located in a converted mill building overlooking a waterfall, Simon Pearce's factory and showroom is prized for its... Read more
Verdura Cucina Rustica
Great Barrington, MA
For some, comfort food begins and ends with buttery grilled cheese. But for many palates, the craving is... Read more
The Old Inn on the Green
New Marlborough , MA
Yes, there is electricity in the quaint Berkshire village of New Marlborough--it's not quite that far removed from... Read more
All Star Sandwich Bar
Cambridge, MA
This is a sandwich bar, plain and simple, where every option, from the tangy BBQ pork layered with... Read more
The Pearl
Nantucket, MA
New England chefs take seafood seriously. So seriously, in fact, it seems they're afraid to do much more... Read more
Bistro Zinc
Lenox, MA; Lenox, MA
High on arts, low on nightlife, Western Mass. was never known for its cocktail scene. At least, not... Read more
Pearl's
Great Barrington, MA; Great Barrington, MA
Some might suggest brunch is a wee bit early for molten chocolate cake. Especially when there are equally... Read more
Spice
Pittsfield, MA; Pittsfield, MA
Pittsfield, once derided as the underarm of the Berkshires, has made a turnaround in recent years, thanks in... Read more
Block Five Bistro
Worcester, MA; Worcester, MA
Located in the trendy Blackstone Canal district, Block Five Bistro is owned by a group of young men... Read more
Cedar Street Restaurant
Sturbridge, MA; Sturbridge, MA
Chef William Nemeroff’s focus on freshness has consistently yielded him both critical acclaim and satisfied customers. His cinnamon... Read more
ChloE
Hudson, MA; Hudson, MA
Chloé is a rare find for those looking for exceptional dining in out-of-the-way places. Chef Matthew Landry serves... Read more
Romaine’s Wood Grill and Bar
Northborough, MA; Northborough, MA
Chef/owner Richard Romaine creates award-winning wood-grilled and roasted entrees that regularly garner critical acclaim. Louisiana-born Romaine sets the... Read more
Westport Rivers Vineyard
Westport, MA
Charming local wineries are all well and good, but around New England they don't often turn out products... Read more
Beach Plum Inn
Menemsha, MA
You are not a Kennedy. Your chances of getting asked to the family’s compound are, frankly, slim. So... Read more
The Granary Gallery at the Red Barn
W. Tisbury, MA
The Granary Gallery at the Red Barn showcases an eclectic mix from artists who either live on the... Read more
The Colonial Hotel
Gardner, MA
The overnight getaway specials at this tasteful hotel are so popular, they frequently attract guests who live just... Read more
Apollo Grill
Easthampton, MA
Apollo fills its soaring space with first-rate cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Local meat and produce inspire lunch... Read more
Brenden Crocker's Wild Horse Café
Beverly, MA
Truth be told, we rarely make it past the nachos smothered with homemade guacamole, cheese, beans, and salsa... Read more
Mandrake Bar & Bistro
Beverly, MA
There's much appealing about a restaurant that doesn't take itself too seriously (other than its great food), so... Read more
The Corner Café
Marshfield, MA
"Will trade coffee for gossip," reads a sign hanging above the coffee machine at this Marshfield café. Indeed... Read more
Four Seas Ice Cream
Centerville, MA
This ice cream shop gets high honors for its commitment to hiring only honor-roll kids. You can't go... Read more
Hot Stove Saloon
Harwich Port, MA
The Harwich Mariners won the Cape Baseball League last year in part, maybe, because of the wings and... Read more
Mattakeese Wharf Restaurant
Barnstable, MA
Timing is everything at the Mattakeese. Plan to disembark from your whale watch tour—the docks are next door—and... Read more
Old Harbor Café
Chatham, MA
For some reason, eggs and sausage taste better here than just about anywhere else. Sidle up to the... Read more
Lola's Southern Seafood
Oak Bluffs, MA
A Vineyard eatery with a twist, Lola's delivers regional seafood with Bourbon Street flavor. Options like peach-glazed pork... Read more
Water Street
Edgartown, MA
The Harbor View Hotel eatery has become one of Edgartown's most popular. Chef Levon Wallace creates dishes, such... Read more
Boarding House
Nantucket, MA
Wine director Jamie Nickerson's "red, white, and green" attitude translates into an array of biodynamic vintages. Not that... Read more
The Downy Flake
Nantucket, MA
If the parking lot full of pickups doesn't tip you off, the hearty breakfast (homemade doughnuts!) will: This... Read more
Jetties Beach Restaurant
Nantucket, MA
Sunup to sundown, this Jetties Beach fixture serves everything from coffee to lobster rolls to umbrella drinks. Go... Read more
Kitty Murtaghs
Nantucket, MA
Finally, an Irish bar filled with actual Irishmen! Kitty's isn't fancy, but it does offer Emerald Isle expats... Read more
The Nantucket Pharmacy Lunch Counter
Nantucket, MA
Lunch at the Main Street pharmacy counter is as cheap and cheerful as a lunch with Normal Rockwell... Read more
SeaGrille Restaurant
Nantucket, MA
You may think you've had chowder, but until you have it at Nantucket's SeaGrille, you haven't got a... Read more
Cisco Brewers
Nantucket, MA
Randy Hudson turned a hippie dream into a hoppy utopia complete with a Sonoma-style outdoor tasting bar. Pick... Read more
The Brewster Fish House
Brewster, MA
The Brewster Fish House is a solid option for chowder, fish sandwiches, and burgers. Read more
 
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