Time Out Boston Staff

Time Out Boston Staff

Articles (29)

The best Boston attractions

The best Boston attractions

Boston has a whole host of amazing attractions to suit every individual. From storied landmarks to world-class museums, there's a range of experiences both indoor and outdoor. You could spend the better part of a day exploring the Art of the Americas wing of the Museum of Fine Arts, or a couple days checking out all the historical sites along the Freedom Trail. For a more intimate cultural experience that’s unique to Boston, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, or a short walk along the Emerald Necklace. For those with little ones, check out the best things to do with kids in Boston. One big bonus about these Boston attractions? They’re all close to some of Boston’s best restaurants—so make a day, or night, of it. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best fried chicken in Boston

The best fried chicken in Boston

While nothing beats authentic fried chicken from the South, several Boston-area chefs and restaurants are doing a pretty good job bringing the flavors up North. The best fried chicken in Boston can be found in casual joints focused on Southern cuisine as well as high end spots doing their classiest take on the dish. Get your fried bird with all the Southern-style fixins, try a version with Asian flavors, or grab a portable sandwich to enjoy fried bird on the go. For more comfort food options, seek out the best burgers in Boston, best pizza in Boston, and best diners in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
Time Out Boston Newsletter: All of Boston, straight to your inbox

Time Out Boston Newsletter: All of Boston, straight to your inbox

Welcome to the Time Out Boston newsletter, a gathering place for the best things to do and know about in the city—whether you're stuck at home or going out. Here, you'll find news about restaurants and bars, happenings in the city and more. Fight boredom, find inspiration and feel a connection with what's going on in The Hub with these ideas and stories from the best city in the world: Every edition comes jam-packed with the best things to see and do, the latest news you've got to know, and much, much more. Sign up to make sure you never miss an issue.
21 ways to achieve wellness in Boston in ‘21

21 ways to achieve wellness in Boston in ‘21

Wellness in Boston comes in different forms and shapes. The Hub offers myriad activities and things to do that can be considered healthful for the body, mind and/or spirit. Now that 2021 is here, you owe it to yourself to carve out time for wellness and self-improvement. Whether it's a popular outdoor activity, a meal at one of the best restaurants in Boston, or something more adventurous (like awesome skiing and thrilling snowboarding), here's how to invest in yourself over the coming months while enjoying the best of The Hub.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
Guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston

Guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston

Nothing can stop us from having a festive countown to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021. While you might not be able to watch fireworks in person or attend other New Year's Eve events, you can still have a responsible shindig with bubbly, snacks, and fancy outfits. You can make a reservation at one of the best restaurants in Boston if they're open, or just rock the countdown at home with loved ones. This year, why not go big and surprise that special someone with an overnight package at one of the best hotels in Boston. Here's our guide to having the best New Year's Eve ever. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year's Eve in Boston
The best bagels in Boston

The best bagels in Boston

You’ll find extreme loyalty when it comes to favorites, but the common denominator of the best bagels in Boston is that they are satisfying in both texture and flavor—dense and chewy, with a slightly crispy exterior. Flavors run the gamut from classic plain to flavor-bomb everything to more extreme options like chocolate chip or jalapeno-cheddar. Top it off with a cream cheese spread or go all in with a bagel sandwich. 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
Future Boston, now! The 10 people, places and things shaping a better city today

Future Boston, now! The 10 people, places and things shaping a better city today

Let’s fast-forward. What will Boston look like next year? In a decade’s time? In 2050? To predict what the future’s going to look like, we’re taking a look at the present. Here, we track the most innovative changes happening in the city right now—the people, places and things working towards a better future for the Hub. Boston truly is a life-size lab where we’re seeing better ways of working, playing, loving and living. The city is adapting to the times in ways impossible to imagine even just a few months ago, and here we’re bringing you a snapshot of those changes. It’s time to take stock and take a stand: what kind of city do we want to live in? And who are the most exciting, most creative innovators emerging now, pointing the way to a better city of the future? It’s all here. Here's a look at the people, places and things shaping a better city right now. This is Future Cities, Now! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
Food envy at Time Out Market Boston

Food envy at Time Out Market Boston

Time Out Market Boston spreads out across more than 29,000 square feet of prime Fenway real estate. Inside the expansive space are a tasty assortment of eateries that combine to form a best-in-the-city roster, including some of Boston’s best restaurants and chefs. With so many tempting dishes to choose from—and, we presume, only one stomach—you’ll want to know which items to prioritize if you're looking to inspire food envy and get some serious likes. Whether it's a masterpiece of modern gastronomy or a creative, gut-busting bite from a James Beard Award winner, here are the Time Out Market Boston dishes your followers will be lusting over. 
The best Greek restaurants in Boston

The best Greek restaurants in Boston

Boston offers a wealth of Euro-accented dining and drinking options—there are the city's best Italian restaurants and best Mediterranean restaurants, for starters—but there's nothing like some comforting Hellinic fare. Fortunately, when it comes to delicious tzatziki and souvlaki, not to mention sticky-sweet baklava, these local eateries will satisfy all your Greek food cravings. A filling Greek feast is perfect for groups, while many Greek favorites like gyros and spinach pies are great to grab and go while checking out some of the best things to do in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
Allston neighborhood guide

Allston neighborhood guide

With its population split between students, millennial post-grads and international transplants, Allston doesn’t exactly scream must-visit destination. But trust us—beneath that veneer of spilled cheap beer and outdated concert posters lies a wealth of hidden gems, including some of Boston’s best cheap eats and wallet-friendly vintage stores. One thing’s for sure—this well-worn, enduring neighborhood will always be home to an eclectic assortment of only-in-Allston characters. Once you’ve had your fill of funky, youthful Allston, keep the fun going by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Boston and best museums in Boston.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best gluten-free restaurants in Boston

The best gluten-free restaurants in Boston

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s heartening to know that Boston restaurants are happy to make accommodations. There are even a good number of dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurants. For celiacs and those on a gluten-free diet, many Boston restaurants offer gluten-free menus. Not just an afterthought, these menus offer delicious dishes, so you and your gluten-eating friends can dine together in style. While it’s fairly easy to find gluten-free options at the best seafood restaurants in Boston and the best steakhouses in Boston, here are the best gluten-free restaurant options in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The best dishes in Boston

The best dishes in Boston

Baked beans, Boston cream pie, fried clams. If you go by consensus, it seems the rest of the country thinks the best Boston food is all the same old New England dishes. Truth be told, there are quite a few other dishes that define the city’s tastes. Check out these places that give you a bit of local flavor, minus the culinary clichĂ©s. Locals and visitors alike flock to these top eateries—covering a range of cuisine types—to get a taste of what Boston’s food is really all about. After trying all these dishes, delve deeper into the best seafood in Boston, the best Italian in Boston, or the best sushi in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Listings and reviews (358)

Puritan Oyster Bar

Puritan Oyster Bar

3 out of 5 stars
Puritan Oyster Bar is the seafood-centric neighbor to Will Gilson’s Puritan & Co. in Inman Square, opened in early 2023 as a lean, oyster-forward spot with fresh raw bar offerings, seasonal seafood plates and an easygoing yet thoughtful beverage program. It carries forward the group’s commitment to local New England sourcing in a more casual setting next door to its flagship. The vibe: A sliver of a space with a long marble bar and minimalist touches, the bar feels approachable and unpretentious with a quiet energy that’s perfect for drinks and a shared tower of shellfish. Tables are limited and reservations are available but walk-ins are encouraged, making it as comfortable for an impromptu stop as it is for a planned dinner. The food: The menu centers on oysters and fresh seafood with rotating varieties from New England waters, crudos, chilled shellfish and shareable small plates that highlight clean, coastal flavors. Alongside what you’d expect from a raw bar, you’ll often find seasonal touches and Gilson-inspired riffs like lobster toast and bluefish melts that nod to broader seafood traditions while keeping the focus on freshness and texture. The drink: A full bar of cocktails, wine and beer supports the seafood program, with a selection that skews bright, light and seafood-friendly rather than heavy. Oyster-friendly wines, chilled beers and citrus-leaning cocktails fit the menu’s flavors, and there’s a sense of balance across pours meant to enhance rather than overwhelm
Spoke Wine Bar

Spoke Wine Bar

3 out of 5 stars
Spoke opened in 2013 as a compact Davis Square wine bar with a chef-driven small plates menu that leans seasonal, local, and creative. Since then it’s stayed true to that ethos: thoughtful food alongside a well-curated, eclectic beverage list drawn from close relationships with farmers, winemakers, and brewers. The vibe: This intimate dining room feels like a cozy neighborhood haunt with a bit of style — low lights, friendly service, and enough buzz to make it feel like a place people return to week after week. Guests drift in for both standout plates and glasses, and the bar never feels like an afterthought. Most nights you’ll find a crowd that cares about wine and conversation more than noise. The food: The menu is compact but adventurous, anchored in seasonal ingredients and small-plate sharing. Sunchoke donuts with powdered leeks show the kitchen’s knack for twists on familiar things, while rotating items — from burrata with verdant accoutrements to crudos, dips, and house-made charcuterie — reflect the season and the team’s creative instincts. Vegetarian and vegetable-centric options are plentiful and thoughtful. The drink: Wine is the point. The list is intentionally compact and carefully chosen, with an emphasis on balance, food-friendliness, and producers the team genuinely likes. Expect a mix of classic regions and less obvious bottles, plus beer, cider, and a short cocktail list that mirrors the kitchen’s approach—measured, thoughtful, and quietly confident rather t
Grace by Nia

Grace by Nia

3 out of 5 stars
Grace by Nia is a swanky Seaport supper club from Roxbury-born restaurateur Nia Grace of Darryl’s Bar & Kitchen, created in collaboration with Big Night Entertainment. One of Boston’s splashier openings of 2023, the concept has since expanded beyond the city with an outpost at Foxwoods Resort Casino, cementing its place as dinner and nightlife rolled into one. The vibe: Loud, glamorous and unapologetically theatrical. The room is built around a stage, with live performances setting the tone on nights when the restaurant is in full swing. Expect a dressed-up audience, dim lighting and an energy that ramps up as the evening goes on. The food: The menu puts a modern spin on Southern comfort food, designed to hold its own once the music starts. Dishes lean rich and crowd-pleasing, with favorites like “sweet heat” chicken wings glazed in gochujang-honey syrup, oxtail grits and the signature carrot-cake chicken and waffle. It’s food meant for sharing, lingering and bone-sticking.  The drink: Cocktails are bold and high-impact, with martinis and espresso drinks playing a starring role alongside wine and spirits. The bar keeps pace with the room, delivering drinks that match the spectacle without feeling like an afterthought. Time Out tip: Live music runs Friday and Saturday evenings, plus Sunday brunch and dinner. An entertainment fee—typically $10–$25 per person, depending on seating—applies during performance hours, so check the calendar and plan your timing accordingly.
Fallow Kin

Fallow Kin

4 out of 5 stars
Fallow Kin is the newest project from Talulla owners Conor Dennehy and Danielle Ayer, expanding their ingredient-first philosophy into a more exploratory, sustainability-minded format. The restaurant centers vegetables, whole-animal cooking and thoughtful sourcing, with a menu that shifts frequently and reflects what’s available rather than what’s expected. The vibe: Quietly confident and unfussy. The room feels modern and warm, with natural materials, soft light and a low hum that encourages conversation. It’s polished without feeling stiff and relaxed without tipping into casual—easy to settle into, hard to rush through. The food: Vegetables lead most plates, but the cooking never feels dogmatic. Dishes are built around seasonality, balance and technique, with meat and fish appearing selectively and purposefully. The menu evolves often, but the throughline is consistency of thought: clean flavors, careful construction and a sense that restraint is part of the point. The drink: The beverage program mirrors the kitchen’s mindset. Wines lean toward expressive, smaller producers while cocktails stay structured and food-friendly, often pulling from aperitif traditions. Nothing feels showy; everything is meant to sit comfortably alongside the food rather than compete with it. Time Out tip: This is a good place to let the staff guide the order, especially if it’s your first visit. Fallow Kin works best when you trust the pacing and allow the menu to unfold naturally.
Field & Vine

Field & Vine

3 out of 5 stars
Hidden just off the bustle of Union Square, Field & Vine feels like Somerville’s own secret garden. Tucked down the alleyway between Bronwyn and The Independent, the New American restaurant focuses on locally sourced farm fare served primarily in small-plate format. With a tight commitment to seasonality, the menu changes often, reflecting what’s coming in from nearby farms and waters rather than sticking to a fixed lineup. The vibe: The space leans Scandinavian in spirit, with light wood furnishings, sleek seating, and an abundance of greenery throughout. Fresh blooms sit in bud vases on tables, while dried branches and bouquets soften the room and reinforce the garden-like feel. At the center of it all is an open kitchen, crowned by a dramatic web of gnarled vines overhead, giving diners a front-row seat to the action as plates move steadily from pass to table. The food: Field & Vine’s menu is built for sharing and evolves constantly. Dishes range from lighter nibbles—like raw oysters—to more substantial plates, such as seasonal vegetables paired with rich sauces, bacon, or cheese. Vegetables often lead the way, elevated through careful seasoning, herbs, and depth of flavor, while seafood and meat play supporting roles that add balance rather than excess. The kitchen also offers a tasting-menu option for those who want a more guided experience. The drink: The beverage program is curated with food in mind, featuring a focused selection of beers and wines designed to compleme
Moëca

Moëca

3 out of 5 stars
You don’t have to look far for seafood around this town, but MoĂ«ca stands apart. This Cambridge restaurant approaches the day’s catch with a global perspective and a clear commitment to traceable sourcing, resulting in a menu that feels thoughtful rather than showy. Dishes change frequently—often nightly—tracking what’s freshest and best, with seafood at the center and vegetables and pasta playing equally important roles. The vibe: The room strikes a balance between polished and relaxed, making it as comfortable for a casual weeknight dinner as it is for a longer, celebratory meal. There’s a quiet confidence to the space that mirrors the kitchen’s approach: focused, unfussy, and grounded in craft. It’s the kind of place that fills up with people who know what they’re eating and why. The food: The menu is built for sharing and moves with the seasons. One night might bring crudo dressed with summer herbs and stone fruit; another, smoked trout layered onto a potato flatbread, udon noodles with curried mussels, or an elevated take on fish and chips. Seafood leads, but the supporting cast matters just as much—vegetable dishes and pastas are treated with the same care, keeping the meal balanced and varied from start to finish. The drink: The beverage program is designed to complement the food rather than compete with it, with wines and cocktails that pair easily with both lighter raw dishes and richer preparations. It’s a measured, food-first approach that keeps the focus on what’s
Select Oyster Bar

Select Oyster Bar

3 out of 5 stars
Set inside a luxuriously updated Back Bay townhouse, Select Oyster Bar is chef-partner Michael Serpa’s first solo venture—and a destination for seafood lovers who want something polished but personal. Formerly the chef at Neptune Oyster, Serpa brings a deep understanding of New England seafood to a menu that blends local catch with Mediterranean technique. The restaurant’s thoughtful approach has earned it a Michelin Guide recommendation, underscoring its consistency and quality without tipping into fussiness. The vibe: The space feels intimate and refined, with the layout of a private townhouse rather than a bustling seafood hall. It’s elegant without being intimidating, making it equally suited for date nights, special occasions, or a leisurely lunch that turns into something longer. The energy is calm and confident, with the raw bar acting as a quiet focal point. The food: Seafood is the clear star, beginning with an impressive raw bar offering both East and West Coast oysters alongside peekytoe crab salad and dressed Maine lobster. For groups, the grand seafood towers make sense—and a statement. Beyond the raw bar, the kitchen often pairs New England ingredients with Mediterranean ideas, best seen in dishes like blue prawns a la plancha and the signature “taverna-style” whole-roasted sea bream meant for sharing. Crudo selections change regularly and reward attention, showcasing pristine fish with restrained, thoughtful accompaniments. The drink: The wine list is curated b
Mooncusser

Mooncusser

4 out of 5 stars
Mooncusser has evolved far beyond its origins as a straightforward fish house. Under the direction of chef Carl Dooley, the Bay Village restaurant now delivers a regularly changing four-course tasting menu that feels ambitious, polished, and distinctly personal. The dining room sits above the street, offering a sense of remove from the bustle below—an elevated setting that matches the thoughtful, progression-driven meal. The vibe: Elegant but not intimidating, the room leans classic: white tablecloths, candlelight, attentive service, and wide windows that frame the neighborhood outside. It’s the kind of place that feels special the moment you arrive, yet relaxed enough to settle into once the first course lands. The mood skews celebratory, making it a natural choice for anniversaries, milestones, or any night you want to feel slightly dressed up. The food: The tasting menu refreshes frequently, often monthly, giving Dooley room to explore new ideas while staying grounded in seasonality. Seafood remains central, but the cooking has widened its lens, folding in global influences and unexpected combinations. One menu might pair barbecue-glazed unagi with silky potato gnocchi and salt cod, while another ventures into Sichuan-spiced pork sausage consommĂ© or venison served with Hungarian dumplings. The throughline is balance: bold flavors delivered with restraint and clarity. The drink: A $65 curated wine pairing is available for those who want the full experience, designed to move
Amar

Amar

4 out of 5 stars
Set on the 17th floor of the Raffles hotel, Amar is chef George Mendes’ modern take on Portuguese cuisine, delivered in a dining room that feels unmistakably special. Named for the Portuguese word for “love,” the restaurant leans into classic, seafood-driven dishes Mendes grew up eating, refined with a light, contemporary hand. It’s polished without being stiff, and designed for nights when dinner itself is the destination. The vibe: The room is elegant and composed, with sweeping city views that immediately raise the stakes. Warm lighting and attentive service keep things grounded, while the height and setting lend a sense of occasion. Amar is the kind of place that works best when you lean into it—dress up a little, settle in, and let the evening unfold. The food: Seafood anchors the menu, with Portuguese classics reworked just enough to feel current. Plates like JamĂłn IbĂ©rico, uni toast, Carabineros prawns, Gomes de SĂĄ cod, and arroz de mariscos for two speak to Mendes’ roots while showcasing precision and restraint. Richer dishes appear alongside lighter ones, creating a menu that feels balanced rather than heavy. Desserts are a highlight, especially the made-to-order pĂŁo de lĂł sponge cake—an airy Iberian egg-yolk cake paired with smoked cinnamon ice cream that’s worth saving room for. The drink: The beverage program is built to complement the food rather than compete with it, with wines and cocktails that play well with seafood and richer sauces alike. It’s a measured, t
o ya

o ya

4 out of 5 stars
Since opening in 2007, o ya has helped redefine special-occasion dining in Boston. Owned by Tim and Nancy Cushman, the restaurant has consistently earned national attention and local reverence for its meticulous approach to omakase, positioning itself as a destination for diners willing to commit fully—financially and otherwise—to the experience. This is luxury dining by design, unapologetic about its price point and exacting in its execution. The vibe: The room is contemporary and Japanese-inspired, striking a balance between sophistication and intimacy. Soft lighting, sleek finishes, and a subtly playful soundtrack keep the atmosphere from feeling overly reverent. Despite the formality of the meal, the space remains warm and focused, with an undercurrent of excitement that builds as the courses progress. The food: The omakase menu unfolds as a tightly choreographed progression of sushi and Japanese-influenced bites, each course treated as its own moment. Pristine fish, luxurious ingredients, and inventive techniques drive the experience, from foie gras nigiri to delicately prepared bluefin tuna and smoked salmon sashimi. For diners looking to push indulgence further, the A5 Aragawa-style striploin—served with frites and priced accordingly—delivers excess without irony. The drink: A full beverage pairing is available for those who want the complete experience, adding significantly to the total but thoughtfully matched to the menu’s pacing and flavors. The program is anchored
Brassica Kitchen + Cafe

Brassica Kitchen + Cafe

4 out of 5 stars
Brassica Kitchen + CafĂ© is a neighborhood anchor built by classically trained chefs Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta, grounded in the idea that serious cooking doesn’t need to feel stiff. The menu leans global bistro, often accented by house-made hot sauces and unexpected flavor combinations. A recent expansion into the former Dogwood CafĂ© space next door has given the restaurant room to grow, adding a larger footprint, expanded hours, and a brick oven that’s now central to the kitchen’s rhythm. The vibe: The new space is brighter, more open, and noticeably more energetic. Increased seating is spread across multiple areas, while an expansive bar and the visible brick oven give the room a clear focal point. Despite the added scale, Brassica hasn’t lost its laid-back, neighborhood-first feel. It’s lively without tipping into chaos and casual without feeling careless — the kind of place that works equally well for brunch, a relaxed dinner, or a long night at the bar. The food: The kitchen pulls freely from global influences, prioritizing bold flavor and balance over strict genre. Longtime favorites still anchor the menu, but the addition of the brick oven has opened the door to a rotating lineup of pizzas that feel fully integrated rather than tacked on. Plates are designed for sharing, but the cooking has enough confidence and range to carry a full meal from start to finish. The drink: Cocktails here are playful, bold and memorable, often leaning into color and unexpected ingredien
Comfort Kitchen

Comfort Kitchen

4 out of 5 stars
Comfort Kitchen is a chic, soulful neighborhood restaurant in Dorchester that balances intention with joy. Co-owned by immigrants and local industry veterans Biplaw Rai, chef Kwasi Kwaa, and their partners Nyacko Pearl Perry and Rita Ferreira, the restaurant draws on the group’s shared experiences to explore cross-cultural connections through food and drink. Housed inside a historic rest station near Upham’s Corner, Comfort Kitchen has earned widespread praise for its confident cooking, thoughtful hospitality, and ability to feel celebratory without ever tipping into formality. The vibe: The space is warm, intimate, and quietly striking, with a compact dining room that feels lively but never overwhelming. A bold bar shares space with the open kitchen, reinforcing the sense that food and drink are equal partners here. Outside, peaceful patios on both sides of the building offer a rare bit of calm along Columbia Road, especially welcome in warmer months. The overall feel is polished yet welcoming—a place that feels special without losing its neighborhood footing. The food: The menu shines a deliberate light on ingredients and traditions central to BIPOC communities, presented with confidence rather than explanation. Dishes are expressive and flavor-forward, often weaving together influences from across the African diaspora, the Caribbean, and beyond. Standouts include brown-butter–seared okra with masala-spiced yogurt and plantain chips, jerk-roasted duck confit served with ric

News (8)

Time Out Market Boston closed tonight and Friday nights for private events

Time Out Market Boston closed tonight and Friday nights for private events

Time Out Market Boston is hosting a private events on Thursday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 13, from 4–10pm both nights. The Fenway food hall will be open to the public from 8:30am–4pm for breakfast and lunch both days. See you then!  The market is open regularly from 8:30am–10pm (11pm Fridays and Saturdays). To inquire about hosting private events with us, email Jordan Karnes via this form.
45 things that will definitely happen when you move to Boston

45 things that will definitely happen when you move to Boston

1. Without trying, you will end up learning the words to “Shipping Up to Boston,” “Dirty Water,” and “Sweet Caroline.” 2. You will eat a lot of so-so Italian food in the North End until someone clues you in to the real gems. 3. Your landlord will ask you to renew your one-year lease
one month after you have moved in. 4. You will recoil when someone says the word “packie” before learning it’s slang for “package store.” 5. You will start following Only in Boston and BostonTweet on Twitter. 6. You will learn who to call when your windshield’s busted. (1-800-54-GIANT!) 7. You will try to go to the Legal rooftop in the Seaport District and spend half of your night waiting in line to get in. 8. You will be sad to realize that happy hour and "bottomless" drink specials are illegal here. (At least there are some sweet food happy hours and oyster happy hours.) 9. You will furnish your apartment during Allston Christmas, the period from late August to early September when everyone's lease is up and people moving discard freebies on every street corner. 10. You will go to Market Basket to stock-up on cheap groceries and household goods. 11. You will drink your body weight in Dunkin's and learn that "a regular" coffee means something entirely different here compared to the rest of the country. 12. You will walk a mile in sub-freezing temperatures when one of the T lines goes down. 13. You will go to Quincy Market once and then never again. 14. You will be sworn enemies with anyone who ke
21 things Bostonians do better than everyone else

21 things Bostonians do better than everyone else

Long after you’ve moved to Boston and checked off various rites of passage, you’ll start to notice the city-specific habits and skills at which you weirdly excel:     1. Elocution. People can make fun of our accents all they want, but when a Bostonian tells you what they’re really thinking, you’ll get the point. 2. Avoiding car accidents while driving at breakneck speed down narrow, twisty streets without using turn signals.  3. Grumbling about our broken, underfunded public transit system while refusing to put more taxpayer money into it. 4. We also deal with the T in very direct ways. If we’re on a train and it starts to fill up with smoke, we will bust out the windows and find our own way to safety. 5. Irish pubs. Because you're never far from one that would be the best in just about any other city. 6. Finding creative places to put enormous snow accumulations, such as on top of the car parked next to the one you’re shoveling out. 7. Sports. The Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins have won every championship that matters in the past decade.  8. Loyalty. Fans of each of those teams, if they’re old enough, remember clearly when the team had a losing streak that seemed endless, but they kept cheering. 9. Provincialism. A lot of us grew up here and never left. The rest moved here and never want to leave. 10. Turning history into commerce. One of the country’s most important historic sites, Faneuil Hall, is now surrounded by tourist-filled chain stores. 11. Swimming in water
Set your feed on fire: What to post from Time Out Market Boston

Set your feed on fire: What to post from Time Out Market Boston

Give your feed a boost with some seriously 'Gram-worthy bites at Time Out Market Boston, the best-looking spot for fine food and drink in all of the Hub. The stunning space, which anchors the revitalized 401 Park complex in the Fenway, houses a tasty collection of eateries run by some of the city's most lauded chefs and restaurants. With lots of open space, strong lighting and a buzzy atmosphere, the huge interior provides a perfect backdrop for taking pics of artfully composed dishes and gourmet bites that are guaranteed to inspire food envy. Not sure what to post from your visit? Here's a look at the best options that are sure to thrill your followers and bring in the likes: At more than 6,000 sq ft, Time Out Market Boston's wrap-around outdoor space is one of the city's biggest, and coolest, spots for alfresco dining. Post proof of an outdoor foodie feast with your crew and you're bound to make everyone jealous: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Market Boston (@timeoutmarketboston) on Sep 2, 2020 at 2:56pm PDT   Remember to post a pic of the Market's enhanced safety protocols to let everyone know you're dining out in a safe and responsible fashion: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Market Boston (@timeoutmarketboston) on Sep 13, 2020 at 9:00am PDT   Libation lovers are well served at Time Out Market. Head to the craft-focused Time Out Market Bar and sample from an enticing varie
Boston is the second-best city in the U.S. for pandemic dating

Boston is the second-best city in the U.S. for pandemic dating

Dating is hard. Add to it a global pandemic that has quite literally forced us into extended at-home stays and you've got yourself a pretty tough situation. Apartment List recently decided to look at how hard the situation is for singles across America by coming up with a map that illustrates the top towns for dating in the midst of a pandemic. To come up with the results, the site used three metrics: local dating satisfaction, the percentage of singles in any given area, and overall satisfaction with outdoor activities in a city (given our general inability to spend time outdoors, of course). Austin, TX, came out on top. "The city is the prime spot for pandemic dating, with its ample outdoor opportunities and prolonged summers and temperate winters," reads the study. Boston landed at number two, boasting a pretty high dating satisfaction score. "42.1% of single renters report satisfaction with the metro's dating scene," according to the data. The very worst city for pandemic dating? Drum roll, please... Jacksonville, Florida. "Although we’d expect the outdoor dating opportunities to be similar to top-ranking Miami, Jacksonville fell in our rankings," reads the site. "Only 14.8% of Jacksonville singles were satisfied with its dating scene." One thing is clear: the past eight months have not been kind to those looking to find a mate but, hopefully, given recent vaccine-related news, the worst is behind us. Do keep in mind, though, that cuffing season is sure to look slightly d
Boston is one of the best cities for vegans in America, according to a new study

Boston is one of the best cities for vegans in America, according to a new study

From dining destinations solely dedicated to vegan cuisine to menus highlighting plant-based offerings amid a sea of meat- and fish-based dishes, it seems like vegan diets have become part and parcel of Americans' gastronomical essence. But are certain cities more attuned to the requests of vegans than others? According to a new study by sports nutrition brand Myprotein, yes. Specifically, the research focuses on TripAdvisor data to figure out which one of the most populated cities in each state offers the most vegan takeout and delivery options. That focus has renewed importance amidst a global pandemic that has all but demanded we stay home as much as possible and really make use of to-go options. Topping the list is—pretty unsurprisingly—New York City, home to 527 vegan restaurants that currently offer take-out, a number that amounts to 40% of the total eateries in the city with to-go options. Atlanta, Seattle, Chicago and Portland round up the top five, with Boston coming in 6th. Need further proof? Check out our killer list of the best vegan restaurants in Boston. Here's the top ten: 1. New York City, New York2. Atlanta, Georgia3. Seattle, Washington4. Chicago, Illinois5. Portland, Oregon6. Boston, Massachusetts7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania8. Las Vegas, Nevada9. Los Angeles, California10. Denver, Colorado As we put this year behind us (can't wait!), may we suggest you consider plant-based eating your next New Year's resolution? Clearly, restaurants all around the United
Remember, it’s illegal to take a selfie with your ballot in Massachusetts

Remember, it’s illegal to take a selfie with your ballot in Massachusetts

With every passing day until Election Day, our social media feeds have been flooded with countless images of people heading to the polls and posing with their ballots. But as innocent of a trend as that may seem to be, taking a selfie with your ballot is actually illegal in certain states. To be clear: you're allowed to snap a picture of and with a sealed envelope but it is illegal to show off your marked ballot because it might lead to vote challenges, for example. Specific laws differ by state, as do the repercussions of a potential offense. In Massachusetts, it is illegal to post a photo of your completed ballot—according to Chapter 56-Section 25 of the state's law books, it is unlawful to allow the “marking of his ballot to be seen by any person for any purpose not authorized by law.” (Penalties max out at up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $100. This also applies to those who complete mail-in ballots. All of these pictures are banned in Massachusetts—your vote could be invalidated if caught! Photograph: Shutterstock Certain states have recently been taking the popularity of social media into account and have changed their laws. In California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nebraska, Oregon and Utah, for example, the local governments have passed legislation to actually allow voters to snap and publish photos with their marked ballots. "The explosion of social media and 'selfie' culture has also challenged the traditional thinking that voters should not disclose how they
20 things that make you a true Bostonian

20 things that make you a true Bostonian

Bostonians are a specific kind of breed, but not everyone who lives here is truly a native. The city is filled with students and transplants who all contribute to the city's charm, but there are definitely some characteristics shared by most local natives. Here are 20 things you know, think and do if you're a Bostonian. 1. You cross the street whenever and wherever you feel like it. 2. The only time you say "Hahvahd Yahd" is when trying to impersonate a Kennedy. 3. The tour guides who dress up in colonial garb annoy you. 4. You've debated with friends and family over whether Regina’s or Santarpio's makes the best pizza pie. 5. You can drive a rotary without panicking. 6. You know the difference between a frappe and a milkshake. 7. You know that a sub is a sandwich and tonic is soda. 8. You believe Larry Bird is the greatest basketball player of all time, Bobby Orr is the greatest hockey player of all time, and Tom Brady is the greatest athlete of all time. 9. You've said “wicked good” or “pissah” to describe something you really like, though you'd never admit to it. 10. Every year you hope for a mild winter, but know deep down we’ll get slammed with snow, freezing temps, or worse. 11. You know that the roast beef sandwich and fried clams were both invented in Massachusetts. 12. Summer is your favorite season because all of the students leave town. 13. No matter what, you root against whatever team is playing the Yankees. 14. You take pride in coming from one of the most