Re: Dining in Boston
 

I ate at the Temple Bar in Cambridge on Mass. Ave. between Harvard and Porter Sqs. They serve dinner until pretty late, and parking is better than Harvard Sq./downtown.

Inside, it has a very NYC feel. Very dark with exposed brick IIRC. The bar talent it attracts is above average, in the 24-40 range. I think the room is very comfortable - half the tables are semi-circle booths; I could easily spend an evening drinking with a group here. Also, our server was very good, very knowledgeable.

I had:
MAINE CRAB CRUSTED OYSTERS - $12
WELLFLEET OYSTERS, MISO AIOLI, TOBIKO, PICKLED RADISH
This was very good. Not exceptional, but certainly not disappointing.

GRILLED PORK LOIN “RECADO ROJO” - $19
GREEN CHILE MASHED POTATO, QUESO FRESCO, CHIMICHURRI SAUCE
This was fantastic. The pork loin was a bit fatty, but cooked perfectly. Also, a very healthy portion.

PINK PEPPER SCALLOPS - $23
PARISIAN GNOCCHI, ENGLISH PEAS, CHANTERELLE MUSHROOMS, MEYER LEMON BUERRE NOISETTE
My girlfriend's order. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the gnocchi were very good.

MOLTEN VALRHONA CHOCOLATE CAKE - 9
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE, PEANUT BUTTER CUP ICE CREAM POP
Surprisingly good. Stay for dessert.

All in all, I think this place is one of the better values around and a solid place to bring a date. The kitchen obviously knows what they're doing, and the menu is varied but not overambitious. There isn't anything on the menu I wouldn't order.

Re: Dining in Boston
 

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The Boston Beer Works is a good choice for microbrews if that's your cup of tea.

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Bukowski's is good for Belgian beers if that's your thing.

Re: Dining in Boston
 

Capital Grille on Newbury St. if you love steak. Also, the best pizza in town is at a restaurant called "Pizzeria Regina" in the North End.

Re: Dining in Boston
 

Them's fightin' words, lol...best pizza is Santarpios! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Dining in Boston
 

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Them's fightin' words, lol...best pizza is Santarpios! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

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not anymore, last time I went it was actually not good at all and that was last summer. I think the guy gave it over to his brother\son\someone else and its nto the same or something. Lamb is still tasty though

Re: Dining in Boston
 

There are a million places to get good pizza in boston.

IMO, you have to find a place that makes a great roast beef sandwich. I've heard riley's roast beef is good, although I hvaen't had it.

Re: Dining in Boston
 

Mike's roast beef in Everett is really good in a trashy sort of way.

Re: Dining in Boston
 

the publick house in washington square (brookline). really great beer selection, terrific food (sort of more interesting pub food), and it's a cool atmosphere. it was selected as the best beer bar in the country by beeradvocate.com a year or two ago.

Re: Dining in Boston
 

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in the non-steakhouse category:

Oleana (in Cambridge) (Mediterranean fusion)
No. 9 Park (Italian/French)
Troquet (French mostly)
Salts (in Cambridge) (American..the duck for 2 is amazing and will be cute on your date)
Petit Robert (French bistro)
B&G Oysters (Seafood)
Hamersleys (French)
Toro (Spanish)
East Coast Grill (in my hood in Cambridge, seafood, a step down from the others but it's a great place in my awesome neighborhood!)
Mooo is a cool new steakhouse/bar. I ate at the bar a couple weeks ago. it's not Abe & Louis, but if you are looking for a scene it's a bit cooler

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Thanks. My parents live in Boston and I've started giving them gift certificates to nice restaurants for christmas/birthdays. I'm gonna copy/paste this list and the others mentioned in this thread and I guess I'll be set for the next few years.

stealthcow-

Re: Dining in Boston
 

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Any more steak recommendations?

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I think someone mentioned it already, but as far as unique, non-chain steakhouses go I'd also highly recommend The Oak Room, which is in the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. The adjacent Oak Bar is also cool if you're looking for an upscale, more sophisticated place to get a pre-meal beverage.