This restauranteur has come full circle with her newest venture in the Boston Seaport

Voice of Boston is our series where we interview local tastemakers on their favorite neighborhoods, restaurants and hangouts around the city. If you missed our last one, catch up on our chat with Jen Royle who owns Table in the North End.

This week we are headed to the Seaport to speak with Nia Grace, owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and Grace by Nia. Grace By Nia is a 5,000-square-foot dining and entertainment venue in the Seaport and includes a stage and lounge on the main floor with adjacent restaurant seating.

What are your favorite neighborhoods in Boston?  

Roxbury for the culture, artists, history, jazz and soul music clubs; it is also the place where my grandparents settled and raised their children; the neighborhood I was born in and currently call home; which - fun fact - is the actual geographic center of Boston. Jamaica Plain where I spent my high school and early post-college years - also the neighborhood I got my first restaurant job at The Purple Cactus (Hey Marie!); and the Seaport - a neighborhood I frequented daily 20 years ago for my second hospitality job on the Spirit of Boston; and a neighborhood that’s giving me a full circle moment with my newest venture. 

Where is your favorite place to go for a walk in the city?  

Jamaica Pond; to me it represents the freshness, fluidity and abundance of life.

Where do you go for a late-night bite?  

City Bar or Solas at The Lenox Hotel in Copley are my go-tos when I get off a late night shift. Pro Tip: you can order from either menu at both venues. I’m a regular for their housemate potato chips and spicy dip, onion soup gratinée, dublin dog, and spicy bolognese; not all in one sitting of course!

What do you think is the best thing about Boston right now? 

The booming food scene is exciting for sure. I love an adventure and dining out is my ‘mini escape’ locally. I never get bored! 

What do you think is the worst thing about Boston right now? 

The worst thing about Boston now and undoubtedly forever more - the potholes.  

What is your go-to Dunkin Donuts coffee order? 

Medium Dark Roast, Sugar Free Coconut and Toasted Almond Flavor (No Sugar. No Cream)