As we greet February with slightly warmer and less icy weather, it has become a common occurrence for Concord Academy students to schedule a spontaneous trip—solo or with friends —to Boston over the weekend. Sounds like you? Here are some tried and true restaurants in the Boston area beyond the typical locations like the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and Chinatown.
For me, the most prominent reason behind my Boston trips is to get some good food. While you may be thinking about visiting restaurants like the trendy Yume Ga Arukara in Porter Square (don’t get me wrong, it is good), nobody likes waiting an hour and a half for a bowl of noodles.
Bar Vlaha, a Greek restaurant in Brookline, may scratch your itch. With seasonal and local ingredients incorporated, the menu features everything from classic Greek street food like pitas and gyros to traditional dishes such as Pestrofa, a whole charcoal-grilled rainbow trout with topped with herbs,Greek lemon, and olive oil. With their additional vegan options, reasonable prices, and a warm atmosphere, Bar Vlaha is perfect for any audience.
If you’re not looking for a full meal, that’s okay. Boston has a plethora of dessert shops and cafes, which are essential for any outing. As a fanatic for Asian-style pastry, I recommend Peipei’s Bakery in Waltham. Operated jointly with Mister Monut, a mochi donut store, it has everything from trendy bites like the Dubai chewy cookies and kroffles to taro pudding, sea salt Thai tea, and mochi puddings. It also sells beverages such as matcha and hojicha lattes alongside many seasonal items with adorable decorations. No matter the time of year, I would recommend paying Peipei’s a visit!
Oh, no! With all of these fun stops planned, it seems like you’ve ended up with an endless amount of work this weekend. If you are in need of a place for studying, eating, and chatting, pay a visit to Central Perk Cafe on Newbury Street. Inspired by the popular TV show Friends, its bright color scheme helps prevent slumber, and the cafe is spacious with many seating options, like huge tables near power outlets to power your essay-writing and note-taking. The cafe also serves various drinks, primarily coffee, and healthy brunch/snack options, making it a good spot for overachievers who want a fresh setting to study in while still being locked into the world of academics.
These are just a few of the many underrated food stores that Greater Boston has to offer. While prior research and asking friends for recommendations may make the trip less chaotic and more efficient, it is also rewarding to explore without a map. Spontaneous visits to small and local restaurants without huge lines often serve the best food. So, instead of going to Starbucks or Dunkin on these special outings, why not just enter a cute little cafe during your trip? You might find your new favorite spot.