Boston peeps - recommendations.

[just]

I'm dog sitting in Somerville this long weekend and trying to decide what to do. We live only an hour away and get there regularly but I love any opportunity to do fun stuff. It's just me, which is extra exciting so that I don't have to pander to DH. 

Love food recs as always. Thanks in advance!

-------------------------------

Some info ...

arriving early Saturday, leaving sometime tuesday afternoon
will be bringing my bike and excited to be outside biking and walking as much as possible
staying in somerville
will have a car but prefer not to use it in place of public/bike/walk
love touristy/geeky stuff - done library tour, freedom trail (history and pirates) trinity church tour

Plans / semi plans / thoughts?

got a reservation for lunch at tasting counter for tomorrow lunch
Harvard college tour
check out a (a couple) Boston harbor island - George's, spectacle?
bike to Lexington / concord do that whole thing
sowa market / holiday market thing
Would like to gawk at eataly
would like some seafood, tapas, sandwiches, izakaya, lighter fare
bike emerald necklace?

[underwaterrhymes]

Oooh!

Okay, since you're in Somerville, I will tell you my faves in that town (or close to it).

Go to Davis Square and get flatbread and go bowling at Sacco's and Flatbread Company.

www.flatbreadcompany.com/sacco/

Saloon is a great place to get cocktails.

And the Somerville Theater is awesome. It's super old and has creepy stuffed owls but also beer and popcorn with real butter.

[underwaterrhymes]

Also favorite lobster rolls are at Neptune because I liked mine hot with butter rather than cold with mayo. (I don't eat seafood anymore and I live in the Chicago area now, but I miss them desperately.).

The Green Dragon is a fun little pub.

Giaccomo's has great Italian in the north end, but bring cash.

Pick Modern over Mike's for cannoli.

I'm sorry. My suggestions are all about food.

[janegold]

Your plans sound great! For other geeky stuff to do, the Athenaeum is pretty cool.

You could also bike to and around Castle Island, which is not really an island but is an old fort next to Pleasure Bay in Southie. I haven't been, but the Tea Party Museum sounds interesting and then you could spend some time at the Seaport . I like the Harpoon Brewery and Legal Harborside best over there. You would also be close to the Lawn on D for drinks and fun, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway which has lots of public art exhibits and a beer garden.

For tapas, I would do Toro or Barcelona in South End, or Banyan if you prefer an Asian flair. The Gallows (also in South End) is a great gastropub with a fun bar and good atmosphere. And Coppa in the South End is really, really good (and the cheese shop across from it, Fromaggio, is awesome). (Can you tell what neighborhood I live in? But it's really the best for restaurants.)

I know Cambridge and Somerville have a lot of amazing options but I don't get over there as much; I'm sure someone on this board could give better recommendations there than I. (Paging scm1011 but I think she's still on vacation.)

[underwaterrhymes]

Also, in the summer, they have free Shakespeare on the Common.

[bugmeetsworld]

If I had the weekend by myself in Boston, I would go to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts.

[fryjack2]

The Museum of Science does really cool light shows set to music. I think this weekend is Coldplay.

SOWA is now pretty big and in two locations. One is down the street almost across from the Whole Foods.

Go inside the artist studios if you go. There is a lot of good art.

If you get lucky and can get in, Sarma is really good middle eastern. Les Sablons is really good too.

The JFK museum is really interesting.

The ICA has a pretty awesome observation deck. Plus the art is great.

[compassrose]

Sofra, Sarma, and Oleana! Turkish breakfast and pastries at Sofra. They are all farm to table Turkish restaurants with very creative food.
Go get happy hour oysters and beer at the Red House in Harvard Square. Have brunch at Ball Square Cafe. I love the goat cheese stuffed French toast. Have cocktails at Craigie on Main. Check out the Robotics museum at MIT.

[janegold]

Jun 30, 2017 21:36:44 GMT -5 fryjack2 said:

SOWA is now pretty big and in two locations. One is down the street almost across from the Whole Foods.

It's back to just the original market by the art studios now.

[starlily]

I'll echo the recs for lobster rolls w/ butter at Neptune, a meal at Coppa, and visiting the JFK museum.

[tiki]

Food:
- The lobster rolls (well, giant lobster sandwiches?) at Alive & Kicking Lobsters are amazing. It's very casual, seating is picnic tables outside.
- I love the Helmand Restaurant in Cambridge (even more than Sarma for my favorite meal around, which is saying a lot)
- If you're into creative flavors, try Union Square Donuts in Somerville
- Another vote for cocktails at Saloon, note that it is below street level & all that marks the door is a small round lamp.
- Craigie on Main is now doing Sunday brunch
- Beer, food, and brewery tours: Slumbrew Taproom, Night Shift Brewing, Harpoon (in Boston)

- Memorial Drive (along the river) is closed to cars on Sundays in the summer so pedestrians, bikes, kids, dogs etc can use it. www.cambridgema.gov/traffic/engineeringplanning/memorialdriveclosing

- For a harbor island, I like Georges' Island. There is an old fort on the island you can explore. www.bostonharborcruises.com/harbor-islands/

[underwaterrhymes]

Fuck, I miss Boston.

[MixedBerryJam]

Jun 30, 2017 20:52:32 GMT -5 bugmeetsworld said:

If I had the weekend by myself in Boston, I would go to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts.

FYI the ISGM is going to free next Friday, 7/7.

OP, if you're around for 7/4 and want to see fireworks but avoid the masses you can see the Boston fireworks on the Charles River from Prospect Hill in Somerville.

[fryjack2]

If you like craft beer, try Lamplighter Brewery on Mass Ave, Lord Hobo and Mead hall in Kendall Square.

[just]

Just got in and loving these suggestions! I'll report back on where I end up going!

fryjack2, thanks for the beer suggestions. Lord hobo has been on our radar for a while, but excited to check out lamplighter and meadhall, although my dh loves  beer too so might wait for a joint visit for some of theses. Sarma  is our favorite place down here, I was thinking of trying one of her other places? Any thoughts? Also thinking Ica could be a great choice for this weekend (sans dh)

MixedBerryJam, I'm leaving Tuesday afternoon, but thinking about trying to see the rehearsal on Monday night. 

tiki, omg Helmand looks awesome. On the list! Been to union a few times but I tend to sleep too late and miss all the crazy flavors. Done harpoon a couple times, one of our favorites to bring visitors to. Night shift just popped onto our radar, but my dh loves them so relegated for another trip.  Thanks for the George's island recommendation! 

underwaterrhymes, saloon is now on my list. Looked at the menu for Neptune and looks delish I'm new to oysters so always excited to try those at good places. I know it's weird but I'm not a huge Italian food fan - should I make an exception? I love going to movies by myself, thinking maybe going to see Wonder Woman again at Somerville theatre. 

janegold, castle island looks fun.. legal has been on my list forever, is it as good as people say? We had brunch at gallows last year and were disappointed. Worth another try? After looking at menu, banyan is now close to top of my list. 

bugmeetsworld, I did both of those last year, and loved them. Could def spend time there agin though, since only scraped surface

compassrose, we LOVE sarma, definitely thinking of trying one of her others. Thinking of craigie for this evening actually!

starlily, all the love for the JFK museum has me intrigued!

[janegold]

Jul 1, 2017 11:21:29 GMT -5 just said:

Just got in and loving these suggestions! I'll report back on where I end up going!

fryjack2, thanks for the beer suggestions. Lord hobo has been on our radar for a while, but excited to check out lamplighter and meadhall, although my dh loves  beer too so might wait for a joint visit for some of theses. Sarma  is our favorite place down here, I was thinking of trying one of her other places? Any thoughts? Also thinking Ica could be a great choice for this weekend (sans dh)

MixedBerryJam, I'm leaving Tuesday afternoon, but thinking about trying to see the rehearsal on Monday night. 

tiki, omg Helmand looks awesome. On the list! Been to union a few times but I tend to sleep too late and miss all the crazy flavors. Done harpoon a couple times, one of our favorites to bring visitors to. Night shift just popped onto our radar, but my dh loves them so relegated for another trip.  Thanks for the George's island recommendation! 

underwaterrhymes, saloon is now on my list. Looked at the menu for Neptune and looks delish I'm new to oysters so always excited to try those at good places. I know it's weird but I'm not a huge Italian food fan - should I make an exception? I love going to movies by myself, thinking maybe going to see Wonder Woman again at Somerville theatre. 

janegold, castle island looks fun.. legal has been on my list forever, is it as good as people say? We had brunch at gallows last year and were disappointed. Worth another try? After looking at menu, banyan is now close to top of my list. 

bugmeetsworld, I did both of those last year, and loved them. Could def spend time there agin though, since only scraped surface

compassrose, we LOVE sarma, definitely thinking of trying one of her others. Thinking of craigie for this evening actually!

starlily, all the love for the JFK museum has me intrigued!

So I don't eat meat or seafood so I can't say for sure if it is amazing seafood but the views are awesome!

I've actually only done dinner and drinks at Gallows but we like it a lot. Probably worth trying something new though! Banyan is the same ownership group.

[MixedBerryJam]

Jul 1, 2017 11:36:21 GMT -5 janegold said:

Jul 1, 2017 11:21:29 GMT -5 just said:

... 

tiki , omg Helmand looks awesome. ...

...

janegold , castle island looks fun.. legal has been on my list forever, is it as good as people say? We had brunch at gallows last year and were disappointed. Worth another try? After looking at menu, banyan is now close to top of my list. 

...
compassrose , ... Thinking of craigie for this evening actually!
...

...

If Helmand is open (or reopened) you've (thought I was quoting OP) just made me the happiest girl in the world. I love that place but thought I had heard it closed a couple of years ago. And I used to live across the street from Craigie when it was on Craigie Street in Cambridge and it damn near bankrupted me. Legal is excellent seafood but possibly not worth the price, esp if you'll have a long wait. But omg the make the best lobster bisque on the planet. George's Island is great but I'm not sure I'd do it alone. It's more fun with people. 

Also, if you head into Harvard Square the Glass Flowers at the HU Natural History Museum is a must not miss. The whole museum is. My husband wanted to get married in front of the Mars meteorite but I nixed that.

[liveintheville]

Welcome to somerville! I'm in Union Sq. Not sure where you're staying. But I'll plug our local stuff.
Breakfast Neighborhood there will be a wait but the food is fantastic and you eat on a patio under grape vines.
Coffee is Bloc 11 for me. You might want to go more locally though.
Union Square Donuts. My favorite is the brown butter hazelnut.
Drinking. Back Bar. It's down an ally by the independent metal door no sign. Again maybe a wait but if you go earlier it's not a problem.
Previous mentioned of the Idependent. Also good for drinks and it's a full on restaurant with outdoor patio.
Saccos is good for bowling and pizza. But I'd recommend Emma's in Kendall Sq has the better pizza I'd say.
Casa B has great tapas as does Dali.Dali is over by Harvard Sq. It's the line between Somerville and Cambridge.

[just]

Just a short update.

Had an awesome lunch at tasting counter. I think it was actually pretty good value for the deliciousness and quality of the food, especially with drink pairings.

Then walked into Harvard square but the tours were full for the weekend. Walked down to the river and along for a while trying to catch a breeze.

Stopped at the red house for some oysters and a beer. It was good though I found the oysters pretty gritty. But for 50c I can clean my own!!

Got back to the house to hang with the dogs. Then hopped onto my bike and came to Trina's Starlight Lounge. I had a burger craving and this place was on my list and after Tasting Counter I needed something where my sweaty face was welcome!!. Spicy margarita is my whole world right now.

Gonna swing by Whole Foods for some snacks and then head back for some dog snuggles while I plan tomorrow.

Even if I'm not taking all the advice for this weekend, we're her 4/5 times a year so loving all your ideas. Thanks so much!

[just]

Jul 1, 2017 13:35:14 GMT -5 liveintheville said:

Welcome to somerville! I'm in Union Sq. Not sure where you're staying. But I'll plug our local stuff.
Breakfast Neighborhood there will be a wait but the food is fantastic and you eat on a patio under grape vines.
Coffee is Bloc 11 for me. You might want to go more locally though.
Union Square Donuts. My favorite is the brown butter hazelnut.
Drinking. Back Bar. It's down an ally by the independent metal door no sign. Again maybe a wait but if you go earlier it's not a problem.
Previous mentioned of the Idependent. Also good for drinks and it's a full on restaurant with outdoor patio.
Saccos is good for bowling and pizza. But I'd recommend Emma's in Kendall Sq has the better pizza I'd say.
Casa B has great tapas as does Dali.Dali is over by Harvard Sq. It's the line between Somerville and Cambridge.

I feel like my friend who I'm dog sitting must know you cos they've brought us to a ton but f these places! Union, back bar, independent, the German place on that corner, Dali, casa B!! We're on the same wavelength. We especially LOVE back bar.

[liveintheville]

Jul 1, 2017 17:02:59 GMT -5 just said:

Jul 1, 2017 13:35:14 GMT -5 liveintheville said:

Welcome to somerville! I'm in Union Sq. Not sure where you're staying. But I'll plug our local stuff.
Breakfast Neighborhood there will be a wait but the food is fantastic and you eat on a patio under grape vines.
Coffee is Bloc 11 for me. You might want to go more locally though.
Union Square Donuts. My favorite is the brown butter hazelnut.
Drinking. Back Bar. It's down an ally by the independent metal door no sign. Again maybe a wait but if you go earlier it's not a problem.
Previous mentioned of the Idependent. Also good for drinks and it's a full on restaurant with outdoor patio.
Saccos is good for bowling and pizza. But I'd recommend Emma's in Kendall Sq has the better pizza I'd say.
Casa B has great tapas as does Dali.Dali is over by Harvard Sq. It's the line between Somerville and Cambridge.

I feel like my friend who I'm dog sitting must know you cos they've brought us to a ton but f these places! Union, back bar, independent, the German place on that corner, Dali, casa B!! We're on the same wavelength. We especially LOVE back bar.

Yup sounds like you're in union!. Oleana on hampshire in Kendall Sq ish area if fantastic. Back bar now servers ramen I believe. But Love that place.
If you are willing to wander into Chinatown HaiLa moon is great for dim sum.
I love aqautaine in the south end. To hit Harvard Sq take the 85 to Kendall
And you're on the read line 2 stops inbound from downtown. Or head outbound on the redline to harvard Sq..