Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kids
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Like chocolate and champagne, well-behaved children are welcome almost
everywhere. Most Boston-area restaurants can accommodate families, and
many youngsters can be stunned into tranquility if a place is fancy enough.
If your kids can't or won't sign a good-conduct pledge, here are some
suggestions.
The nonstop activity and smart-mouthed service at Durgin-Park (p. 115)
will entrance any child, and parents of picky eaters appreciate the straight-
forward New England fare. Other good non-chain choices are Redbones
(p. 137), the Barking Crab (p. 107), and Jasper White's Summer Shack (p. 135)—
especially the Cambridge location.
The Bertucci's chain of pizzerias (www.bertuccis.com) appeals to children
and adults equally, with wood-fired brick ovens that are visible from many
tables, great rolls made from pizza dough, and pizzas and pastas that range
from basic to sophisticated. There are convenient branches at Faneuil Hall
Marketplace ( & 617/227-7889 ), on Merchants Row off State Street; in the
Back Bay at 43 Stanhope St. ( & 617/247-6161 ); at 533 Commonwealth
Avenue, Kenmore Square ( & 617/236-1030 ); and in Cambridge at 21 Brat-
tle St., Harvard Square ( & 617/864-4748 ), and 799 Main St. ( & 617/661-
8356 ), a short walk from Central Square
highest quality, expertly prepared. Steak au poivre and lamb chops are perfectly grilled,
crusty, juicy, and tender. Fish dishes aren't quite as memorable as the meat offerings,
but hey, it's a steakhouse. The bountiful a la carte sides include out-of-this-world gar-
lic mashed potatoes, ginger beets, and “tater tots” drizzled with truffle oil. Desserts are
toothsome but (this is not your father's steakhouse) don't always include cheesecake.
The service is exactly right for the setting, helpful but not familiar.
Caveats: The excellent wine list is pricey, and the noise level rises as the evening
progresses. Still, you probably won't realize that you're shouting until you're outside
yelling about what a good meal you had.
161 Berkeley St. & 617/542-2255. www.grill23.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $25-$49 (most
more than $33); Kobe beef $59. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 5:30-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm; Sun 5:30-10pm.
Valet parking available. T: Green Line to Arlington.
EXPENSIVE
Tapéo, 266 Newbury St. ( & 617/267-4799 ), has the same owners and menu as Dalí
(p. 134). Jasper White's Summer Shack (p. 135) has a branch at 50 Dalton St.
( & 617/867-9955 ), across the street from the Sheraton Boston Hotel and the Hynes
Convention Center.
The Bristol AMERICAN The Bristol is to a regular restaurant as the Four Sea-
sons is to a regular hotel: It looks about the same, but everything is just better.
Columns and cushy banquettes break up a large space with floor-to-ceiling windows,
red-leather accents, and plenty of wood paneling; there's seating in the lively bar and
the stylish dining area. The all-day menu extends from pricey breakfast items to tasty
bar bites to sophisticated versions of classic dishes. The juicy burgers are famous, the
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