Boston area eats

How nice? The Publick House is a bit upscale, has a great beer list, and delicious food, but it's not where I would take my girl for a night on the town.

 

Eastern Standard is a bit more upscale than Publick House (I think? in all honesty I've never been). I also gather they have a decent beer selection- maybe another Boston BA could weigh in

 

If you want very upscale incredible food definitely check out Craigie on Main... they have 2-3 craft lines rotating as well as a few fresh bottles and cans (last time I had 3 beans) so they won't completely disappoint you on that front. Craigie is absolutely my favorite restaurant by a mile in the Boston area (it's in Cambridge), but I spend all my money on beer so I can only afford to go once or twice a year.

Pro-tip: If you get there early and sit at the bar they'll verbally offer you their burger- they only make something like 20 a night. I promise you it will be the best burger you've ever had...

 

Eastern Standard is definitely more upscale than Publick House. I absolutely love ES, and their beer selection is solid, but I can never bring myself to recommend it as a beer place. If you don't order the cocktails there, you're really missing out.

 

I would seriously consider hitting up West Bridge.

 

I also second Easter Standard and Craigie on Main and I'll throw in Citizen Public House in the Fenway.

 

Just a heads up, the Sox have a home game on Tuesday. So unless you want to deal with that, I'd suggest not going to the Fenway area. But if you don't care, check out Church.

http://www.churchofboston.com/restaurant.html

 

Picco in the south end. Pizza, ice cream. Upscale but not pretentious. Good draft list and some random beer specials. Nice vibe

 

If you want something really nice, fancy, interesting - check out Bogie's Place, a mini steakhouse inside jm Curley's in downtown crossing. It was just reviewed in the Globe yesterday and only has 20 seats, so might be tough to get a reservation, but I ate a fantastic meal there a few weeks ago for my wife's birthday. jm Curley's has a strong beer list, and you can get anything they have at the main bar in Bogie's, too.

For less fancy/expensive but still really good food and beer - consider Russell House Tavern in Harvard Sq.

 

Craigie on Main
Menton
Hungry Mother
No. 9 Park

 

Hungry Mother had a small but nice list last time I was there.

 

Post 390, while not as upscale as abe and louise is a pretty good option as well.

Edit, their beer list is actually really good but a bit on the expensive side.

http://post390restaurant.com/

http://post390restaurant.com/pdf/Post390_BeerList_4.18.13.pdf

 

I would look into Hungry Mother, great food, always solid beer and great atmosphere. Plus hobos is around the corner for a nightcap

 

Eastern Standard was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a while. The seafood place on the other end of the hotel was fantastic as well. I believe it was called island creek oyster co. Either way try had great service, great food, great cocktails and a solid beer selection.

 

I really wish I remembered my bartender I had at ES. He was amazing and took the time to really make cocktails which catered to my tastes.

 

If you go to Hungry Mother make reservations today and I always ask the chef what beer he recommends to the dish I am getting.

 

Wise advice - stay away from Fenway when the Sox are playing.