NERAX 2025

Looking forward to it (like every year). I use it as a sign that we have transitioned from winter to spring!

 

I went to the first ever RIFRAF (Rhode Island's Finest Real Ale Fest) in Pawtucket back in January. It was awesome. My sense was that it was tiny compared to NERAX, which, for reasons I can't explain, I seem to miss every year. Perhaps this is the year I finally get to it. We shall see.

 

Looks like this may finally be the year I go. Anyone got recommendations for good restaurants in the area? Something I could hit post-festival. @AlcahueteJ, you've always been a great resource on such matters.

 

Highly recommend Fox and the Knife. Get reservations now if you can. If not maybe something opens up or a bar seat. One of the best places, if not the best place in Boston for pasta in my opinion.

Failing that you’re not terribly far from the Seaport where there’s a litany of options.

 

If you're down to hang out with some "riff raff", I would humbly submit Rondo's subs as a cheap and easy option for food pre or post festival. Saw it on an episode of No Reservations a lifetime ago and Tony has never steered me wrong. It's always a part of my NERAX routine. Just make sure you bring cash, as it's cash only!

 

I feel much more comfortable around riff raff than non-riff raff.

EDIT: Crap, they close at 6 PM on Fridays.

 

That’s a loaded question. People rave about Neptune, but I thought it was just ok. And you’re going to wait forever to get in.

Row 34 is solid, plus they’ll have a great draft list, and maybe Cantillon bottles. I’m also partial to Luke’s lobster (I like their crab roll even more). You could pop over to Fenway for Eventide’s as well, and Trillium and Mighty Squirrel are there too.

 

Row34's is really good, it's just criminal how much they charge for it (like everything at Row 34, and this is coming from someone who loves that place.)

 

I mean…Seaport.

I don’t recall what Eventide’s costs, but it’s probably up there too.

 

I’m not as well versed in that area. Notch makes good ones but they’re over in Brighton. I’d recommend going there regardless if you can fit it in.

 

No idea how good they are, but looks like some place called The Fox Den will be selling pierogi at NERAX.

 

Castle Island Southie has awesome south shore bar-style pizza down the road.

there’s a polish section of Dorchester that I bet has some good pierogis somewhere.