Time was when refined men (and women) could gather at the dining club to enjoy a meal and each others company.
And while the golden age of dinner clubs may have gone the way of attentive customer service, it is good to know that both are still available in certain locales.
One of those is the Metropolitan Club in Chestnut Hill.
Michael T. “Nuf Ced” McGreevy was the founder of Boston’s legendary Royal Rooters and godfather of Red Sox Nation. For thousands of fans, his Third Base saloon was literally “the last place before home.” No matter whether the Boston Americans (as they were known when America’s first “sports bar” was originally established in 1894) won or lost (as they often did), fans and foes were equally welcome at this more fan-friendly bar. And if any trouble or shenanigans broke out (as they often did), the owner would earn his own nickname by lawing down Boston law with a hardy “Nuf Ced.”
Today, fans of the AL East’s most storied team still gather at McGreevy’s both before and after games and also before and after work and other life-sustaining events.
There are some eateries that are so welcoming and comfortable, you feel like you are on a first-name basis.
Johnny’s Luncheonette is one such place!
There are two truisms of restaurants – A chain is never as good as a stand-alone and nothing that good ever lasts.
Leave it to the industrious people of the East to prove both wrong!
A few blocks off the beaten path in a garden level location that makes it perfect for a quiet dinner or a “secret” rendezvous is the warm glow of Gaslight. Helmed by Chef Christopher Robins, this subtly glamorous bistro mixes warm woods with cool marble, high ceilings and low murmurs, monochromatic staff uniforms with colorful personalities and some of the most complementary cuisine combinations in town.
As more and more steakhouse chains join the fray in Boston, a few stand out for having stood by their principals and their quality for a long time and for being more neighborhoody than national.
At a well-aged but never old-fashioned 12 years old, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has been one such venue.
Wrapped in majestic golds and crimsons reminiscent of the robes worn by Cambodian monks, The Elephant Walk has been offering its neighbors choices that are just a bit off the beaten path for over 10 years. Once the home of a local bank, the Walk has survived a gutting fire and now once again stands proudly on the corner of Beacon Street and Park Drive. And though it may be just over the border in Boston, with its combination of French, Cambodian, and Continental selections, the Walk is well worth…well, the walk!
Just on the outskirts of the North End neighborhood is a neighborhoody pizza place that is well worth leaving your own neighborhood to visit.
With its exposed brick and crackled paint and simple wooden tables, Italian posters promoting everything from the menu to favorite products and politicians, a large communal table at its center and a mouthwateringly fragrant open oven at its heart, Ducali Pizzeria & Bar is a comfortable place to drop by for lunch or dinner or just a drink with paisanos before, after or even during one of the games happening around the corner at the Garden.
Combining warm woods and cooling palm leaf fans, a cool outdoor patio overhung with radiant heaters and light, refreshing drinks with warm, friendly foods and a hot nightlife, Dillon’s is a good place for after work, before, after, or during a game, or anytime you want to get away while still being right in the middle of it all.
Located just off the corner of Boylston Street and Mass Ave in the former Division 16 police station, Dillon’s (which is named for a former chief of the BPS) is a good hideout or a place to be seen. With its multiple levels, bars, and seating arrangements, Dillon’s offers choices as to where to set up for the night and with its creative but comfortable menu, it offers at least as many options for when it comes time to get down to business.
To get the night lubricated, Dillon’s offers an array of light and fruity cocktails, including the Hawaiian Punch-y Tea Time and three flavors of mojito, as well as about a dozen reds and as many white, and a solid selection of mostly local beers. As far as the food, there is no small plate baloney here- Even the appetixer “snacks” – which range from Dillon’s tots and whipped edamame hummus, to the house specialty spinach and artichoke dip (which actually has more gooey cheese than ether of the titular ingredients), the shrimp and pork lollipops and the short rib grilled cheese sandwiches- are substantial. The restaurant also offers soups, chili and a selection of salads that range from simple greens to raspberries, goat cheese, tuna, and other toppings. For more meaty fare, Dillon’s attempts a Philly steak, adds lobster to mac and cheese, dips fried pickles in ranch dressing and serves up a frialator basket of fries with herbed mayo. They also have pizzas and a board of burgers that includes the turkey and goat cheese Cell Block burger, the smoky, coffee-rubbed bison meat of the Cowboy Burger and sets of beef, chicken, and pork sliders. Desserts include PB&J cupcakes and the more standard brownie sundaes and chocolate chip ice cream cake.
If brunch is more your speed, Dillon’s serves it up both weekend days. Though people come from far and wide to take in the Back Bay scene, Dillon’s also shows special appreciation for their neighbors with a weekly “Locals Night” that offers food and drink discounts every Monday.
Though the Fenway-inspired scoreboard on the patio does not actually work, there are enough tvs in the place (including two flanking the mirror-topped upper bar and one bigger one above the downstairs fireplace) to catch the highlights from pretty much anywhere. However, you may be more interested in the games being played in the place than on those played a few blocks away. Either way, Dillon’s is a comfy spot to eat and hang no matter who is scoring.
Dillon’s
955 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
617 421 1818
www.dillonsboston.com
As it is owned and operated by the same team that handles Abe & Louie’s just down Boylston Street, it may be little surprise that Atlantic Fish Co. does for seafood what Abe & Louie do for steak. But Atlantic Fish is so much more than just a great seafood restaurant! Continue reading