Food & Drink
Everything you need to know about the hottest places to eat and coolest places to drink in Boston
Summertime equals seafood
Taste the world with these cuisines
Keep it light and plant-based
Keep tabs on the local beer scene
Boston’s top breweries are offering delivery and beer to-go
Given the current conditions, times are tough for Boston’s craft beer scene, as local beer lovers are currently prohibited from visiting their favorite taprooms to sip on their favorite brews or flights of new ones. Just when we need beer most, several of the area's top breweries are keeping our fridges packed with growlers and bottles thanks to new delivery services and curbside pickups. Here’s where you can still stock up from some of your favorite beer makers, even from the comfort of your own home: Night Shift Brewing: Order ahead online and stop by Night Shift's Everett (2-8pm) or Lovejoy Wharf (9am-4pm) locations, both of which offer no-contact pick-ups daily. View this post on Instagram While our Whirlpool cans may have gone rogue, we can assure you that our taproom teams are taking #socialdistancing seriously. No contact pick-ups available at Everett (2-8PM) + Lovejoy (9AM-4PM) daily. Link in bio to order ahead. A post shared by Night Shift Brewing (@nightshiftbrewing) on Mar 23, 2020 at 9:48am PDT Trillium Brewing Company: Order online and pickup from Trillium's Canton location. View this post on Instagram We've got some important updates for you this week. Under the newly enacted closures for non-essential business here in Massachusetts, we are still able to service to-go pickup from Trillium Canton and delivery orders: 1. Delivery will continue this week to five regions, one per day. Swipe to view each day’s delivery
The best breweries and taprooms in Boston
You can sample a wide range of beers and share insight with fellow beer afficionados at the best craft beer bars in Boston, but there's something about getting a pint fresh from the source. Boston’s local brewers are making some of the best beers around, and spending time at these breweries is a must for beer lovers. Newer upstarts are gaining attention by incorporating innovative ingredients (local herbs, rare fruits), historic techniques and funky experiments, while old standbys like Sam Adams and Harpoon remain popular and worth a visit. Explore more top-notch drinking options at one of the best Irish bars in Boston or best cocktail bars in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston
The 23 best bars in Boston
December 2019: Joining this iteration of the DRINK List are the likes of Better Sorts Social Club, which has instantly become one of the city's most sophisticated hotel bars, and the South End tiki den Shore Leave, home to wickedly creative, multi-component concoctions. Raise a glass to best bars in The Hub. Boston is no longer the no-frills, old-school drinking town it once was. More than just Irish pubs and dive bars, Boston now boasts innovative cocktail destinations, classy wine haunts, and popular beer bars. Whether you're looking for a perfect martini, cold pint of something familiar, mind-blowing cocktail with innovative ingredients, or celebratory glass of wine, there's a bar for you. Boston's top bars suit every mood too, from buzzy to cozy to divey. Go big or go small, celebratory or casual, at these drinking dens. Before or after, consider visiting one of the best restaurants in Boston. Drank somewhere on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDrinkList. You can also find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews bars here.
The best cocktail bars in Boston
While Boston may be better known for its classic dive bars, legendary Irish pubs, and lively sports bars, the number of cocktail-driven bars is on the rise. The best cocktail experiences in the Hub can be found everywhere from a discreet hideaway and sophisticated hotel haunt to a friendly neighborhood hangout. Learn about regional spirits, try out house-made mixers, and enjoy inventive concoctions prepared by highly-skilled mixologists. And if all you seek is a bone dry martini prepared to your specifications without fanfare, well, they’ve still got you covered. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston
The oldest bars in Boston
It’s not surprising that one of the America’s oldest settlements boasts some of the country’s oldest bars. A handful of Boston’s historic taverns played host to Colonial gatherings that fomented a revolution, while others stand in defiance to the rapid development surrounding them. All have a cool vibe and stories to tell. Some of these hangouts also rank among the best Irish pubs and best dive bars in Boston. If you’re looking for something a little fancier and more modern, check out our list of the best cocktail bars in Boston. RECOMMENDED: See the full list of the best bars in Boston
The best coffee and baked goods
The best coffee shops in Boston to try right now
As the weather gets warmer, Bostonians continue to consume copious amounts of fine coffee; many simply switch from hot to iced. Fortunately, however you like it, a good cup of coffee is never far away in The Hub. Whether you’re a student in need of a caffeine jolt, an aficionado looking for the latest in latte concoctions, or just someone who enjoys a sit-down at a nice cafe, there’s a coffee shop for you. The best coffee purveyors in Boston feature top-notch beans and the kind of welcoming atmospheres (and free Wifi) that make you want to pull up a chair and spend the afternoon. Give yourself a jolt before heading to one of the best places for pie, best donut shops, best breakfast spots or brunch spots in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The best bakeries in Boston
It’s hard to beat the flavor and texture of a warm loaf of bread fresh from the oven. You’ll find excellent baguettes, challah, Irish soda bread, and sweet pastries at the best bakeries in Boston. Make someone’s morning by picking up a few breakfast treats, or try a sandwich on a flaky, fresh-baked croissant. If your bakery goals are more specific, check out our list of the best bagels in Boston and the best places for pie in Boston. For a more substantial carb-forward meal, try one of the best brunch spots in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The best donuts in Boston to try right now
Get your morning sugar fix at one of these superior donut purveyors. Boston's best donuts can be found at old-school mom-and-pops, trendy bakeries, and even lauded restaurants. Snag one of these delicious donuts to start your weekday or hold out for a special weekend-only treat. Unusual flavor combinations— blackberry lavender, s'mores, tahini brown butter—mean they’re not just for a morning treat anymore. Looking for something more substations? Check out the best breakfast and best brunch spots in Boston. And if you have a serious sweet tooth, check out the best desserts and best pies in Boston. Whether you’re seeking a traditional honey glazed or a pricey, new-school option, read on to find out where to get your next donut fix. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The best bagels in Boston
Dense and chewy, with a slightly crispy exterior, the best bagels in Boston are satisfying in both texture and flavor. After choosing a variety—maybe a classic plain or messy everything, or something more extreme like chocolate chip or jalapeno-cheddar—top it off with a flavorful cream cheese spread for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack. And don’t sleep on bagel sandwiches—these bagel spots know how to stuff theirs with delicious ingredients that are sure to satisfy. If you’re looking for a heartier breakfast option, check out the best breakfasts in Boston. For different sort of circular treat, try one of Boston’s best donuts. Or for something different yet equally carb-o-licious, peruse our list of the best bakeries in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The best places for pie in Boston
You’ll find Boston’s best pies served up in style at diners, coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants. Some are new school, with creative fillings and balanced flavors, while others offer up classic dessert flavors, heavy on the sweetness. Pair a cup of quality coffee with a warm slice of pie topped with a scoop of ice cream and you might just have the perfect dessert. Whether you’re a fan of classic apple pie or or something more indulgent like chocolate bourbon pecan, here are the places to enter into your culinary GPS. Once you’ve played the pie field, there’s always room to try the best donuts in Boston or the best ice cream in Boston, or take a breather and walk off all those sweets at one of Boston’s best parks. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston