Olivia Vanni

Dating in Boston will usually hit the wallet pretty hard. Paying for pricey nights out and regular date nights can add up if you’re not careful. However, despite Boston’s expensive reputation, there are plenty of affordable options out there as well—you just need to know where to look. We’ve compiled a list of cheap date ideas that are thoughtful, romantic and all cost less than $30. But if you are looking to splurge be sure to check out our list of the most romantic restaurants and most romantic bars in Boston. And if you’re seeing someone for the very first time, peruse our suggestions for the best first date spots.  RECOMMENDED: Guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Whether you're still hunkered down at home working remotely or have already made your triumphant return to the office, you're going to need one thing: a lunch break. Fortunately for both Bostonian residents and out-of-towners here on business, Time Out Market Boston offers so many options for everyone's afternoon meal. From light bowls and vegetarian bites to hearty soups and satisfying sandwiches, there's a dish for any midday mood. Check out the best lunch dishes you’ll find at the kitchens of Time Out Market Boston and refuel with some food that’s sure to get you through the rest of the day. RECOMMENDED: The full food guide to Time Out Market Boston

Between the ever-rising rent prices and overall cost of living here, Boston is by no means a cheap city. While you'll struggle to find a cocktail under $13 and paying for parking here is just plain painful, there are still a number of ways to enjoy our little piece of New England paradise while sticking to a budget. Believe it or not, there are many free things to do in Boston, as well as plenty of activities and outings that will usually cost less than $12. When you want to save your dough, stick to our list of the best cheap things to do in Boston—from cheap eats to cheap activities—and then splurge on the best fine dining in Boston or Boston’s best shopping with all of that extra cash. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Whether you’re a serious aficionado or merely curious, Boston is brimming with some of the best bars where you can wet your whistle with whiskey. With extensive selections of the brown stuff, these spots offer the unique opportunity to sip rare and special bottles as you socialize. Even if you don’t know the difference between rye and bourbon, Scotch and Japanese, the knowledgable staff at these hangouts will be happy to explain. Looking for a guaranteed whiskey-friendly atmosphere with fewer frills? You can always check out one of the best Irish pubs in Boston. Prefer drinking your whiskey in a fanciful form? Head to one of the best cocktail bars in Boston. And if you’re looking to pair your whiskey consumption with some suitable eats, chow down at one of the best steakhouses or burger spots in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston

The sheer cost of living in Boston is enough to send any college newcomer into a state of complete sticker shock. While pricey aspects—like ever-rising rent prices and a total absence of happy hour deals—make our city slightly less student friendly than other places across the country, a number of local spots still have a soft spot for our university population. If you find yourself at one of the 35 or so colleges located throughout the Greater Boston area and want something to do, be sure to take a break from your studies—and partying at the best college bars in town—to take advantage of these special discounts. In need of more money-saving inspiration? Check out our list of the best cheap eats and free things to do in Boston—all perfect for folks on an academic budget. RECOMMENDED: Guide to the best things to do in Boston

There’s more to Boston than what first meets the eye. In a city where square footage is a scalding hot commodity, Bostonians manage to make the most of every nook, cranny and dark corner we can possibly find and, as a result, we have a number of hidden bars and restaurants to our name. The trouble is, sometimes actually locating these elusive hangouts can prove challenging even to the people who walk these streets each day. Here’s a guide to help you locate those more concealed watering holes around town—whether it’s a lounge located down an unassuming alleyway, an eatery discreetly situated down a flight of stairs or an arcade positioned behind an unmarked door (all in a hip and totally not sketchy way). Looking for more under-the-radar fun? Check out the best speakeasies and best secret spots in Boston.  RECOMMENDED: Best restaurants

Boston is ready to welcome back tourists with open arms (well, as open as they’ll ever be)—especially when it comes to visitors from overseas, who can once again travel to the U.S. as of November 8. Obviously, our city is slowly descending into chillier temps, which means we aren’t exactly the seafood-loving, beach-hopping tourist hotspot that we are in summertime (and we’ve yet to reach winter, with its cute skating rinks and holiday light displays). However, there’s still plenty of cool things to do in Boston right now. Whether it’s posting up with a drink in one of our oldest bars, escaping the wind at one of our world-class museums or even just chilling at some of our finest live music venues, you’ll have no shortage of activities when you’re in town. Need more persuading? Take a look at several suggestions below and start to plan your next trip to The Hub.

If the past year has shown us anything, it’s that Boston truly has the strength and grit we always knew it had. Our people and our businesses have dealt with pretty much every adversity that the pandemic has thrown our way, both with and without grace. When our restaurants didn’t have patios to accommodate social distancing, we made them, transforming any sidewalk, parking lot or alleyway into an outdoor dining oasis. And when the city reopened this summer, residents didn’t hesitate to return to their favorite haunts and explore local newcomers, slowly restoring our neighborhoods to their former vibrant glory—all in the safest ways possible, of course. While we still can’t even see each other’s faces behind our mandated masks, it’s not hard to see that we need to celebrate everything that has made Boston beautiful over the last 12 months. Along with our other Time Out teams around the globe, we’re announcing Boston’s Best of The City award winners for 2021. Check out all of the places, people and things that we think deserve a round of applause—from that Back Bay eatery that’s bringing French food into the modern era to that show that’s taken opera on the road.

Hey, Boston: We want you to choose that one local place that you love the most. (Besides our beloved Time Out Market Boston, of course). You've sent us all of your nominees and now, it's time to determine the winner. Maybe it's that little corner coffee shop in the North End where Italian men gather to yell over soccer. Or that fantastic independent art gallery in Brookline, with clean lines and quirky vibes. It could be that wine bar in Back Bay that only offers Greek-made libations. Or even that sweet spot in Harvard Square known for its live music and patio drinks.  If you love it, show it. Cast your vote for the winner of this year's Time Out Love Local Awards. And because it’s been a rough 18 months for all of us, we’ll offer your most-loved spot—the Time Out Love Local Award Winner of 2021—a free marketing and advertising package to help it thrive. Let’s share the love! Olivia Vanni, Boston Food + Culture Editor  // window.beOpAsyncInit = function() { BeOpSDK.init({ account: "5f69f55f46e0fb0001fde886" }); BeOpSDK.watch(); }; //

It’s time for the annual Time Out Love Local Awards: your chance to vote for your favorite local small businesses and independent venues. If you have questions about how the process works, how to nominate a place, how to vote for it, when the nominations and voting close, or anything else about it, read on. If you have any additional questions that aren't addressed below, reach out to awards@timeout.com.

Kids shouldn’t have all of the fun when it comes to Halloween—and they don’t have to. Leave the little ones to do the trick-or-treating, and we adults can celebrate spooky season the way it should be with some of the best things to do for Halloween in Boston. Whether you’re a horror movie buff, a thrill-seeker with an affinity for craft beer or just a basic witch looking to get her brunch on, here’s our list of the city’s must-do events this Halloween. Looking for more eerie activities to do before October ends? Check out the best places to go pumpkin picking near Boston, scream your way through the best haunted houses in New England, visit the most haunted places in Massachusetts or explore Salem, home of the infamous Witch Trials.   RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Nueva normalidad. Probablemente hayas escuchado mucho esa frase durante los últimos 18 meses. Cuando la pandemia golpeó el año pasado, la humanidad entró en una nueva era. Y la vida cotidiana de los habitantes de la ciudad, tan acostumbrados al aspecto social de la vida urbana, cambió con ella. Pero ahora, muchos de nosotros hemos logrado deshacernos de esos grilletes. Las restricciones fronterizas se están aflojando. Se reabren bares, restaurantes e incluso clubes. Y mientras la pandemia aún continúa, todos estamos tratando de llegar tentativamente a algo que se asemeja a una mejor normalidad. Entonces, ¿qué es eso exactamente? Para averiguarlo, debes mirar lo que sucede a tu alrededor, en la calle, en el parque, en tu patio trasero. A lo largo de 2020 y 2021, nuestras ciudades han prosperado. Contra todo pronóstico, las comunidades se unieron, pasaron el rato, hicieron cosas. Mostraron la misma energía, resistencia e ingenio de base que les permitió surgir en primer lugar. Ellos sobrevivieron. Y ahora llegamos a nuestra clasificación anual de los vecindarios más geniales del mundo. Este año, no pudimos evitar cambiar nuestras prioridades. Comida, bebida, vida nocturna, cultura: importante. Espíritu de comunidad, resiliencia, sostenibilidad; igual de importante, especialmente si vamos a salir de esta pandemia con cosas de las que podemos estar orgullosos y contarle al resto del mundo. Al igual que lo hemos hecho durante los últimos tres años, llevamos los resultados de nue

Brato will be serving up its Sunday best this weekend, when the Brighton brewhouse hosts its latest supper club—and this time, it’s celebrating everything June. The evening, whose food will be "an ode to open fire cooking," will start off strong with some welcome beers, before everyone sits down to a five-course meal commences. There will be an option for both an omnivore (think dishes like grilled bluefish with ratatouille, crispy potatoes and pesto) as well as a vegetarian feast (i.e. a charred watermelon gazpacho with feta, radish and cilantro). No matter which meal you choose, there will be beer pairings to accompany each course—and grilled strawberry and peach cobbler for dessert. Secure your spot by buying a ticket ASAP.

Have breakfast with a bang at vomFASS Brookline this Sunday for its Whiskey & Waffles tasting. This Coolidge Corner store will be serving warm, fresh Belgian waffles topped with primo Vermont maple syrup and/or homemade berry compote—and all alongside a flight of small batch whiskies that this gourmet grocer has procured from all over the world. This boozy breakfast event will be private, so be sure to secure your spot beforehand.

Earn that soft pretzel and a pint of IPA with this Sunday sweat sesh at Harpoon. The Seaport brewery will be partnering with B/SPOKE, having the local fitness chain host a HIIT class that’ll be crammed with strength, core and cardio exercises sure to get your heart pumping—sans bike. The workout will be held from 11am, and you can spend some time cooling down and rehydrating at Harpoon’s beer hall and tented patio. The event itself is free, but you still need to preregister to secure your spot.

SoWa is giving us more Sundays to love. The South End complex and artist guild is building upon its Second Sundays tradition, now opening its doors to the public every single weekend of the month. Just like before, folks will be able to head to the studios at 450 Harrison Ave (most of them, anyway) Sundays from 11am—4pm. Meet local artists, explore their latest works and buy pieces directly from them.

Head to The Rockwell for the 5th Anniversary of its celebrated Smoke & Shadows show. This burlesque and variety show takes over the stage at this Somerville venue each month, giving guests two hours of live music, dancing that's both seductive and bawdy, and plenty of comedy. Snag tickets beforehand and don’t forget to pop by this place’s adjoining, subterranean bar Saloon to pregame with craft cocktails and light bites.

Located inside Faneuil Hall, Ned Devine’s is a favorite amongst both tourists and young locals alike for more than a decade. It’s a modern Irish pub, serving fish and chips, award-winning clam chowder, corned beef, Guinness onion soup and other classic comforting dishes by day. The dining room and bar are expansive, offering ample space for out-of-towners to collapse, rest their feet and have a bite to eat—alongside a beer, of course—after exploring the Freedom Trail and other famous sites downtown. The seasonal patio is a popular choice, when weather permits. On the weekends, Ned Devine’s transforms into lively nightlife spot for college kids and recent grads, with rooms filled with live music and dancing.

Card enthusiasts rejoice because Big Night Live will be holding its signature Causeway Card Show once again this weekend. The music venue and club will be opening its doors to more than 100 card vendors, who’ll be peddling their highly collectible inventory on both Saturday and Sunday from 9am—5pm. While you may be totally tuned into buying, selling and trading cards, you can also expect booming tunes from the DJ booth, a full bar, live card breaks and special guests, including DJ Steve Aoki. Admission is $5, and tickets can be purchased ahead of time.

Mooncusser may have started as a fish house, but nowadays, this Bay Village spot has become so much more. Under the direction of Chef Carl Dooley, this restaurant has undergone a culinary makeover, with a new focus on offering four-course tasting menus. The prix fixe selection, which comes with optional wine pairings, changes every month, allowing guests to always discover new plates and fresh perspectives with each visit.Yes, seafood absolutely still plays a role here, but now fish dishes—like barbecue unagi or potato gnocchi with salt cod—share the spotlights with other, internationally inspired stars, such as Sichuan pork sausage consomme and venison with Hungarian dumplings. Perched above Stuart Street, folks can rest assured that the view from the dining room is just as delicious as the parade of edible delights coming out of the kitchen. Patrons looking for something lighter can visit the Moon Bar, and for those in a hurry, there's Cusser's, a street-level takeaway spot specializing in seafood and roast beef. (Or, to experience the latter eatery's greatest hits in a buzzy culinary-focused environment, stop by the Cusser’s at Time Out Market Boston).

Tucked inside The Charles Hotel, this Italian eatery is a culinary homecoming for renowned New York chef Mark Ladner (of Del Posto and Pasta Flyer fame). The Bay State native, who’s originally from Belmont and started his food career right here in Boston, is going back to his roots as he brings this playful osteria to Harvard Square. Sit down at the dimly lit bar for the perfect aperitivo with friends—order off the negroni menu and pair your amaro-heavy libations with satisfying snacks, like crunchy, cheese-filled saffron suppli, for the full effect. Guests seeking sustenance beyond just cocktail hour nibbles can post up at a marble table and dig into some more substantial fare. Dinner is broken down into traditional Italian courses, starting with an assortment of antipasti, before going into the carb-heavy primi and meat-centric secondi, finally ending on a sweet note with dolci. Each stage of the meal is Italian in essence but also shows that the kitchen doesn’t take itself too seriously, with unconventional versions of familiar favorites, like a giant meatball smothered in Smoke Shop BBQ and tomato sauce, and tuna carpaccio with salsa verde and onion rings.

If you’re looking for a bowl of pure, slurpable comfort at a no-frills spot, this Somerville joint is your place. Situated in the Spring Hill neighborhood, this relatively unassuming restaurant dishes out some of the finest Vietnamese food around—especially when it comes to the country’s famously alluring aromatic soups. The menu boasts a number of brothy, noodled beauties to behold, ranging from the straightforward yet so flavorful Pho Ga (chicken) and Bo Vien (meatballs) to the more complex Bun Bo Hue (a spicy, lemongrass-laced soup served with flank steak and tendon)—all of which feel like the food equivalent of a warm hug. Non-soup specialties include an array of authentic bun bowls brimming with vermicelli noodles and bright, fresh ingredients, in addition to plates from other Southeast Asian nations, like Laotian Larb and Pad Thai. No matter which dish you decide, be sure to start your order with the house short ribs, which are sliced into tender, Korean-style strips, marinated in homemade barbecue sauce and charcoal-grilled for a sweet, savory and smokey result.

Hidden away from the chaos of Union Square, Field & Vine is kind of like Somerville’s own secret garden. Wander down the alleyway between Bronwyn and The Independent, and you’ll find this New American eatery specializing in locally sourced farm fare—all prepared and served in small plate format. Given its laser focus on seasonal ingredients, Field & Vine has an ever-changing menu that offers guests items ranging from lighter nibbles (think raw oysters) to heftier bites (like squash loaded with bacon and feta), all prime for sharing. The Scandinavian-esque interior of sleek seating and light wood furnishings is filled with foliage and flowers (fresh blooms sit in bud vases atop the tables, while dried bouquets and branches embellish every other surface that can be seen). At the center of this spot, marked by a dramatic web of gnarled vines overhead, there’s an open kitchen that gives guests a front row seat to all of the culinary action while awaiting their parade of small plates. Sips of its curated beers and wines keep folks occupied in between amusing mouthfuls.

There’s nothing quite like the Gulu-Gulu Cafe; it perfectly embodies the funky little slice of bohemia that is current-day Salem. Part sandwich shop, part craft coffee and beer bar and part live music venue, Gulu-Gulu simultaneously feeds your inner artist and your stomach from morning to night. Take a seat inside (look for the building with the bulldog sign) or on its patio (right in front of the Bewitched statue), and order up a fresh crêpe, gourmet sandwich or some snacks, like spiced pickled eggs or Hermelin aka marinated brie. This place is made for prime people-watching, so be sure to grab a coffee (spiked or sober), seasonal cocktail or wine special, or a beer from its extensive list of mostly local brews. As far as entertainment goes, you can expect to find live bands, old school vinyl nights, drag brunches and open mics on its jam-packed calendar of eclectic events.

It is no secret that Massachusetts is filled with people of Irish American heritage. But whether you have Irish blood in your veins or not, we are all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. And it is also no secret that there are lots of shenanigans every March 17. From the Southie Parade to saying sl​​áinte from sunup to sun, there are some rules that all Bostonians can follow if they want to have a fun, safe and successful St. Patrick’s Day each year. Whether you’re shipping down to Southie or posting up at your neighborhood bar, these 12 rules should help you survive St. Patrick’s Day in Boston. And for maximum fun, check out our list of the best Irish pubs in town and the best St. Patrick’s Day events going on this year. 1) Don’t drink anything dyed green. It may feel festive going down, but it’s like a scene from The Exorcist when it comes back up. 2) Don’t carry around open containers. The cops probably know that the soccer mom thermos you’re clutching doesn’t contain coffee, but it’s much less conspicuous than flagrantly taking a swig straight from the bottle. 3) If you want to party at an Irish pub, be ready to arrive as soon as the doors open and stay all day. Most places almost immediately reach capacity, and you don’t want to spend your St. Paddy’s Day waiting in line, staring longingly through the windows. Instead, plan ahead and pick a place to hunker down and plan to drink your Guinness in one location only. 4) Don’t fight with the bouncer. Nor that guy at the bar you didn

Even to our fellow New Englanders, Bostonians can sometimes sound like we are speaking a different language. Whether you’re a college student with four years ahead of you, you just married a local or are simply here for a vacation, everyone new to Boston could use a crash course on our local lingo. From our colorful terms of endearment to the nicknames we’ve bestowed upon our favorite neighborhoods, there’s so much more to Boston slang than dropping your “Rs.” So, when you ask for directions to the Freedom Trail or to the best Irish pub in town, listen carefully and you may be able to translate a few of our favorite Boston sayings. Bang a uey (v.): to make a U-turn, likely an illegal one because that’s just how we do. Bubbler (n.): a drinking fountain. B’daydas (n.): a term of endearment for potatoes. The Cape (n.): Cape Cod, where tourists and preppies flock during the summer months, causing hours of traffic delays south of the city.  Carriage (n.): a shopping cart that you use to get your groceries, most likely at Market Basket.  Cellar (n.): the basement; pronounced “cell-ah.” The Charles (n.): The Charles River, which is no longer flowing with its infamous “dirty water”... but you should still probably close your mouth ASAP, if you ever fall in.  Clicker (n.): the remote control; pronounced “click-ah.” Coogans (n.): where you get dollar drafts.   Comm Ave (n.): no one has time to say Commonwealth Avenue. Dollar Drafts (n.): see Coogans. Dungarees (n.): jeans (exclusively

We’ve got some pretty sweet news: La Saison Bakery is officially open at Time Out Market Boston! The celebrated bakery has been calling Cambridge home since 2020, after owner Soheil Fathi brought over the business from Tehran, Iran. Since coming stateside, La Saison has won the hearts (and stomachs) of Greater Boston with its remarkable selection of baked goods, many of which boast bold Middle Eastern flavors as a not-so-subtle nod to its beginnings abroad. Now, La Saison is bringing its freshly baked fare across the river, from Fresh Pond to The Fenway. From its kitchen at 401 Park Drive, the bakery offers all of the fan favorites you’d find in Cambridge to guests frequenting Time Out Market.  Most lauded for its loaves of bread, La Saison will surely keep the downtown masses satisfied with its array of sourdough hits, including its coveted fig and walnut, and yogurt varieties (amongst many others). Savory enthusiasts can rejoice over the shop’s famous feta-za'atar scones, as well as sheets of homemade crackers perfect for snacking. Meanwhile, sweet teeth will be equally as pleased, thanks to its wide selection of cookies–from brown butter chocolate chip to pistachio-rosewater–as well as cakes available by the slice or whole, fruity tarts and classic viennoiserie (kouign-amann, anyone?).  No longer will you have to trek literally all the way down the Red Line to get your La Saison fix; stop by its Time Out outpost weekdays from 8:30am⁠—4:30pm and weekends from 9am⁠—4:30pm to

There are some new things brewing over at Time Out Market Boston—all thanks to the arrival of Say Coffee Co. Now open within our Fenway space, Say is the most recent concept coming from restaurateurs Yeanie Bach and Phi Pham, a powerful pair who’ve already been wowing Bostonians with their Vietnamese drinks and dishes at both Phinista (also in The Fenway) and Banh Mi Oi (West Roxbury). With their latest addition, the duo is now letting folks get their caffeine fix—and accompanying bites—at 401 Park Drive with Say’s selection of coffee, tea and crepes.  Starting at 7:30am on weekdays and 9am on weekends, guests can swing by Say and snag any number of refreshing beverages. The new spot offers a whole section of colorful signature drinks featuring creative Vietnamese touches (i.e. ube latte and crème brûlée boba) for imbibers searching for something a little extra. Meanwhile, people hoping for more traditional, straightforward sips can also find beloved barista staples—from espresso go-tos like cappuccinos to purist javas like cold brews.  No coffee run is ever complete without grabbing a bite to eat alongside your cuppa, and Say delivers with an assortment of crepes and pastries. Its French pancake offerings come with sweet and savory fillings—like the fruit-forward Banana Sundaze or the Day at Say, which is crammed with bacon, egg and cheese—while baked goods include croissants, Danishes and muffins. No matter which item you choose, these treats will serve as the perfect pair

Let’s all raise a slice because SOURCE and its impeccable wood-fired pizza (one of the best pizzas in Boston) has officially opened at Time Out Market Boston! First opening its doors in Harvard Square during the pure chaos of the pandemic in 2020, SOURCE instantly won the hearts (and stomachs) of locals with its Neapolitan-style pizza—and it’s not too hard to figure out why.  The name SOURCE isn’t just some jazzy moniker here; owner Daniel Roughan and executive chef Brian Kevorkian have essentially established it as their motto. The seasoned duo have made it their mission to source fresh ingredients from local farmers and food purveyors for all of their dishes, and their pizza is no exception.  While the toppings that grace SOURCE’s selection of pies sing sweet symphonies of flavor, the true scene-stealer time and time again is their dough. Made everyday using their very own “sister” sourdough starter, their dough lends itself to perhaps the most spectacular crust found throughout Greater Boston: a creation boasting perfectly charred bubbles that’s somehow simultaneously crispy yet chewy.  Up until now, loyal downtowners have had to make the pilgrimage over The Charles and into Cambridge to get their SOURCE fix. However, now that this modern pizza pub has opened its outpost at Time Out Market, Bostonians and visitors alike will be able to find all of their favorites right here in The Fenway.  Photograph: Courtesy SOURCE Amongst the menu items that featured at 401 Park Drive

The global Time Out Index is back! In last year’s survey, 80 percent of people proclaimed that Boston was expensive, while another 80 percent sang our city’s praises as a great place for “taking a walk in a green space.” Now, we once again want to know how folks find The Hub—so why don’t you tell us?  We’ve just launched the Time Out Index 2022, our fifth annual poll of city-dwellers around the world, and we want to find out all about life in Boston post-pandemic. What’s the restaurant scene like? The bar circuit? How easy is it to date? To make friends? What do you think of the art and the nightlife here? Plus where, dare we say it, is the coolest part of town? How have things changed in Boston now that we can all detect the sweet smell of normality? For those of us who live in cities, that hint – still stronger in some places than others – of a return to the good times is a big relief. Doing stuff is why we’re here, after all. We came for the food, for the culture, for the nightlife. We came to find new friends or because our friends were already here. And many of us stuck around throughout the pandemic for all those very legit reasons, too. The survey only takes five minutes, and at the end we’ll tell you exactly how much you love your city. As ever, we’ll be using all your responses to come up with our annual rankings of the world’s best cities and coolest neighborhoods. So go ahead, do your city some justice – and take part in the ultimate stock take of city living in 20

Oh, the MBTA! Boston’s public transit is both the bane of our existence and the butt of our jokes. (Honestly, we try to laugh so that we don’t scream). Locals who have long endured the trials and tribulations of the T have, over time, learned the unwritten rules of the rails here. So it’s no surprise that when a novice happens to hop on our city’s subway system, they usually stick out from the crowd.  Whether you’re a college student who’s new to the area, a tourist bouncing around town for the weekend or simply someone who’s absolutely clueless, beware of our unspoken, underground code of conduct. The next time you’re riding the Red Line to Harvard Square or you’re bound for Fenway on the Green, here are 19 ways for you to handle the T like a local… and not piss everyone off in the process.  1. Don’t pay for a ticket using large bills. The machine will spit back a tsunami of $1 coins that you then have to haul around like you’re Scrooge McDuck.  2. When boarding, let people off first. You’re not a lineman for the Patriots.  3. The doorway is not a place for standing. Get in and then quickly move to the back of the car, we beg of you.  4. If the car is full, just accept that it is full. Don’t hold up an entire train trying to cram yourself into a nonexistent nook as the door repeatedly fails to shut on your obviously protruding body.  5. For the love of God, take off your backpack. No one wants to take a beating from your bag when they’re just trying to get to work.  6. Don’t

In New England, there are certain rivalries we’ve come to know since birth: Red Sox vs. Yankees; Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks; and—perhaps the most controversial of all—the cold lobster roll vs. hot lobster roll.  It’s fair to say that in The Hub, many of us would unequivocally scream “Yankees suck!” into a crowd of overly proud New Yorkers and would rather sip a regular iced coffee from Dunkies than some dinky venti drink any day of the year. However, it seems that the Great Lobster Roll Debate remains a point of contention in our city and has created a rift between us and some of our fellow Bostonian brethren.  So which is it? Does the Maine-style roll, served perfectly chilled and slathered in mayonnaise, reign supreme in these parts? Or is the Connecticut-style roll, in all of its warm and buttery glory, actually king around here, kid?  We decided to settle this deep-seated dispute once and for all, asking chefs and restaurateurs from some of the best seafood spots throughout the Bay State to sound off on this issue and share how they take their lobster rolls. Opinions vary—from the seemingly diplomatic to the clearly staunch—so read on to see where everyone stands… and be prepared to be wicked judgmental with some of their answers.  Jeremy Sewall, Chef-Partner at Row 34: I don't really have a preference. For me, the cold roll has a sense of nostalgia to it—it was the one I grew up eating. It is hard not to be transported back in time to the Maine coast every time I eat one. The

Want your Kowloon cocktail fix without having to trek halfway up Route 1? Well, now you can down some libations from this longtime Saugus institution right here in the center of the city. Moxy Boston Downtown is launching a 2Faced Tiki Pop-Up with Kowloon on the weekends, when it’ll be serving specialty drinks from the iconic suburban eatery. The Tremont Street hotel will be shaking up a selection of these fruity, rum-laced cocktails at its lounge and bar, Bar Moxy, between 7 and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Amongst the available tiki beverages borrowed from Kowloon: a traditional Mai Tai, White Mai Tai and Scorpion Bowl for One. The only downside? You’ll have to sip those drinks sans those Saugus Wings (or any of the other cult classic bites from Kowloon, for that matter). In addition to these tropically inspired offerings, Moxy Bar will also be pouring playful, champagne-centric cocktails. These fun and fancy bubbly beverages will include options like the Make Lemonade (limoncello, Cointreau and prosecco, garnished with a lemon macaron) or the Watermelon Sugar (prosecco, Absolute Watermelon, lychee puree, cold pressed watermelon and lime juice, topped with watermelon Red Bull and cotton candy).  Word to the wise: Skip the brutal gridlock traffic up north and spend more time downing these boozy beverages in Boston. 

While Boston is peppered with a handful of pet-friendly businesses, none seem to be quite as amenable to our city’s four-legged population as the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Welcoming furry friends from far and wide as guests, the Back Bay hotel one-ups everyone else by also having quite possibly the goodest lobby dog, Cori Copley, greeting visitors and locals alike. “She’ll do anything for treats,” Joe Fallon, concierge at the Fairmont, says of his black lab, who serves as the luxury spot’s Canine Ambassador. “It’s very hard to keep her looking in good shape because her weight keeps going up because she gets too many treats from people,” he adds. Holding court from her bed right across from the front desk, Cori is the third Canine Ambassador at our Fairmont since the program started there in 2004, following her beloved predecessors Catie and Carly. Like both doggos before her, Cori was trained as a service dog for the blind, but didn’t make the final cut and instead found her calling in hospitality.  Now a few years on the job, this iconic pooch has settled into her day-to-day schedule, which includes activities both inside and outside the hotel.  “We have to go to Dunkin’s—I have to get my coffee in the morning,” Fallon says of his and Cori’s daily routine of duties. “We see all of the people that she knows at the Back Bay train station.” “One gentleman at the Back Bay train station—an MBTA police officer—that’s one of her best buddies,” he continues. “When she goes to the Back

Thousands of people gathered in Boston on Sunday to protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, voice their support for the Ukrainian people and call for peace. Organized by Northeastern University student and Ukrainian native Diana Zlotnikova, the demonstration brought crowds through the streets of the Back Bay. Folks—many of whom were carrying the flag of this currently war-torn nation (as well as signs criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin)—made their way from the Public Garden to the Common during the afternoon.  The march ended at the State House, where everyone stood and shared how this act of aggression has impacted them. People participating included Ukrainians who are fearful for their friends and family members back home, Russians who are criticizing their country’s government and other protestors from around the world.  Here are some of the best images giving a look into Boston’s march in support of Ukraine this weekend. While local voices were heard, there is still much more action to be taken to support Ukraine, so do consider these ways to help.    View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 (@major.moment) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julia Baranova-Faktorovich (@skin_insights) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Callie Krosin (@calliekrosin8) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lasha Tsatava | DipWSET (@lasha.tsatava) View thi

There’s so much more to Irish food in Boston than just the obligatory corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day. While Eire seems to get a bad rap in terms of its culinary culture (a perception that’s been gradually changing over recent years), plenty of pubs around the Hub prove otherwise. Some dishes hailing from the island nation will always have a soft spot in our hearts, conjuring up feelings of comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Not to mention, they’re just begging to be washed down with a beer. We’ve scoured the city for these tried-and-true treasures to see who offers the best of the best—from a full Irish breakfast and soda bread to Guinness stew and Jameson-laced coffee.    Shepherd’s pie From Mr. Dooley's: We think more meals should be covered in mashed potatoes. Just put one forkful of the shepherd’s pie at Mr. Dooley’s and you’ll understand our sentiment. The kitchen at this beloved Broad Street establishment makes a masterpiece out of this simple classic. A medley of ground beef, veg, herbs and Irish brown gravy is lovingly topped with a cloud of creamed potatoes and baked ever so slightly to form that crisp crust. This ramekin of pure comfort is served with freshly baked bread—brown, of course—and pads of salty Irish butter to fully lull you into a food coma of bliss. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mr Dooleys (@mrdooleys) Guinness stew from Emmet's: Why simply sip a Guinness, when you can eat it, too? The Irish know their wa