Hambone Willy's Profile
Neptune Oyster Owner Really Unpleasant!
Interesting thread. I have been to neptune probably a dozen times and my GF has probably been two dozen. For wahat it's worth she always gets better service when she is with other females. We have discussed this a lot btwn us and actually find it funny, doesn't stop us from going back, just provides us with a chuckle when we go together and Jeff ignores us (she goes enough that he remembers her trust me).
Alternatives to local favorites
DDL - Have you been to Rino's in East Boston on Saratoga Street? I think I understand the genre of neighborhood family italian restaurants that you are talking about. I am on the fence about Vinny's, I have had good and bad experiences with the food and recently went there and wondered why I bother to go back. For my money, Rinos classic dishes like saltinbocca, marsala and braccilotini are outstanding and they usually have a long list of specials that can get more adventurous and interesting than the standard dishes you would expect.
Impossible to find dive bars downtown?
The Sail Loft is dirty and grimey but the clientele most definetly a Vineyard Vines, madras shorts, polo shirt going on thursday b/c we'll be in Nantucket on Friday crowd.
The beer selection and dive bar is tough as I can't come up with great suggestions but Conor Larkin's on Huntington Ave not too far away is college/divey ish and I would concur with Last Drop and Crossroads.
Need ideas for a first date in boston
I think the North End is definetly a "safe" play for a first date. Who cares about the crowds and places to avoid b/c it's weekend or the Sox are in town. It will provide some people watching fodder and at least be interesting if your date is not. It's not your wife or a long time girlfriend and you are in your mid 20's, not your mid 70's. Go where it's crowded and enjoy the scene. I would suggest Bricco, decent food, nice scene, entrees on the smaller side so you don't feel like a swin on a first date. get a drink at the bar while you wait and then head to Living room for post dinner cocktails.
Artu, N. End -- an unfortunate (and HUGE) disappointment
I only get their roast chicken and sandwhiches, Favortito, roast pork, which are pretty good. Not a place I'd venture into full blown dinner.
Vinny's at Night??
They take reservations for 4 or more. I went last Friday night at 7:30 and walked right in and there were a few tables open. Surprising. I had Chicken stuffed with spinach, prosciutto and cheese. it was solid but not great. I have been to Vinny's several times and I always am more satisfied when I get something with marinara sauce so it is my fault, lesson learned. Stick to anything with the marinara. pasta al forno is fantastic too.
Client Friendly North End Restaurant
No brainer, Prezza is by far the best option although you will probably be almost exaclty $200 including the tip.
Favorite Iced Coffee
Of course, it is in the actual Faneuil Hall, I am just so used to people using the term Faneuil Hall as a catch all for anything in Quincy Market, North and South Market etc. I had an iced coffee there this AM, it was really good, thanks for the suggestion. That is directly on my way to work and has all the makings of becoming a regular stop for me.
What's BETTER UNCLE PETES OR BLUE RIBBON
No, I am game though. Also, this weekend I went to Uncle Pete's and Soul Fire. I am a fan of the overall BBQ, sides, ribs, brisket, at SF but man their ribs this weekend were completely devoid of smoke and rub. Big downer. pete's on the other hand is a truly odd place. The menu is schizophrenic BBQ and all over the map. That being said, the straight up comparison of rib to rib, I'll tell you, Uncle pete's was tops. Now this was my first trip their so I am reserving the right to check for consitency in the future b/c this is where SF has lost me at times.
What's BETTER UNCLE PETES OR BLUE RIBBON
For me, it's the sides at Red Bones that I don't like, and I mean all of them. Slaw, beans, hush puppies etc. just bring down the whole package for me.
Favorite Iced Coffee
Where in Faneuil hall is it? I walk through there every day and that sounds like a good idea to stop.
Nebo?
I have been once and while not completely dissapointed, I was evidently underwhelmed and havene't been back despite the fact that I live around the corner. The baby back ribs were pretty good I recall and i would definetly reccomend those. I thikn the pizzas were OK, I go the fig, proscioutto one and it definetly suffered in comparison to Figs. I don't know, prices seemed high, plates were small and not in a good way (See: Toro). Curious to hear your thoughts on it. I guess the ultimate indictment is that living so close we never have even mentioned it again for where to go to dinner, just kind of checked it off the list.
Anyone try Caliterra in financial district
If I didn't get dragged there for work lunches a couple of times a year I could certainly live without ever going there again. Don't bother, spend time and energy elsewhere.
Help me check off my must-see/must-do restaurant list!
Spike's??? Have you ever been to Speed's for a dog? Not even close.
Power Lunch Scene near Hancock
When I take clients to steak power lunches in Back Bay it depends on the client as to where I go. Older PE clients I take to Oak Room and younger PE clients to Abe & Louie's. If it is mixed or it doesn't matter, go to A&L and get the filet mignon club. Oak room is where Judge Smails from Caddyshack would do lunch.
Red Sauce Italian in North End
I agree with the Monica's call. IMO it does not get any love on CH, their list of specials is extensive to say the least. Nice atmosphere too.
North End, Ristorante Fiore
Fiore is a truly awful, expensive, and lousy food and worse service. I have had awful service and been told that I can't get tap water at Il Panino and I just think it has generally gone downhill in the last 5-8 years so this place falls into "trap" for me. when I entertain clients and collegues in the North End Prezza is my first choice (veal chop and beef tartare there this weekend that were both phenominal, cod cheeks - less impressive but still fab) and Mama Maria.
Assaggio disappointing
I had chicken broccoli ziti there once that was awful (Dino's CBZ is much better) and just was way underwhelmed by the place. For a comparable meal in atmosphere, price, menu Pagliuca's and Ida's is usually where I'd head first. Better luck next time!
breakfast pizza?
Halftime Pizzaon Causeway Street has it on the menu. I generally like their pizza although I have never had the breakfast version.
Speed's new dog
He does catering....but I dont' know if he brings the hot dog truck or the scallops wrapped in bacon to those gigs.
East Coast Grill - Skip if You Like Barbecue
If this were my post I would have entitled it "Skip if you like authentic southern BBQ". ECG has decent BBQ but it is not a BBQ joint, it is an inventive, unique resteraunt that combines seafood and defeinelty passable BBQ.
Best Italian sandwich in Boston?
When I hear "grinder" I think Sub Sandwich, "NY Style" - I have no idea what that means. For a "Sub" - my faveorite is Bova's bakery on Salem Street in the North End, consitency varies greatly depending on who is behind the counter. Tutto Italiano on Fleet Street has an excellent italian cold cut sandwich but I guess I wouldn't consider it a "grinder" or a "sub" but that may be splitting hairs and I wouldstill highly reccomend it.
high end and open for lunch
As for the steak places I would reccomend the fFilet Mignon BLT @ Abe and Louie's. One of my go to plces for expense tab lunches.
Feedback and Advise on Chowtinerary
Noting that none of your other restaurants are in the North End neighborhood, I would say you have to go to Regina's. It is true there are no reservations (there used to be no credit cards until recently) and the waitresses are surly (although I have noticed a trens in the last year or so towards more pleaseant service). Especially if you don't get good pizza where you are from I would go to PR. it fits all of your requirements, price, relaxed etc. Some may disagree, but I always order small pizzas "well done", even in groups. Avoids soggy middle of pizza and they only way to go IMO.
What's BETTER UNCLE PETES OR BLUE RIBBON
memphis style in either baby back or spare ribs. I prefer their spareribs. I will say that I have probably eaten there 7 times, the rub can be inconsitent, cometimes heavy, sometimes light, but the smoke is always pretty good. I actually like their sides. Collard greens have nice chunks of meat in there and the fried mac and cheese dipped in their hot bbq sauce is the way to go. They serve good beers too, PBR, High LIfe, Brooklyn Ale, that you don't see everywhere. I can't help but think this place suffers being in a college section and a place with no parking but then again, the same is true for redbones and I just think that pace literally doesn't do ONE thing right with the BBQ (beer list another story).
What's BETTER UNCLE PETES OR BLUE RIBBON
I have long been a BR fan dating back to the late 1990's when they opened and have noticed that the ribs I have been getting from the Arlington location have slipped a little in the last few visits. Much drier than usual. By way of background, I have been to Memphis -in May, Rendevouz, Jim Neely's etc, in Memphis and I have to say my new go to in Boston is SoulFire. Their ribs have now surpassed BR, Uncle Pete's etc. in my book. How come no love for SF here? itis a tough spot to get to, no parking etc. but do people not think it compares?
North End Pizza
The thing to keep in mind about the Waterfront is that IMO they are remarkably consitent (which is critical for a neighborhood joint) and they do a couple of things very well (steak tips, burgers, pizza) but you are on you're own if you stray from that triumvirate. Another bouns is that it is close to the Garden, but not TOO close. I always bring guys there before Bruins games and they say they never knew it existed but now it is in their Garden bar rotation for pizza and tips.
El Presidente Beer
I have seen it on Yawkey way, outside in a stand alone booth in the street and also sold at El Tiante Cuban Sandwich stand. Haven't had one yet this year but I have never seen it "inside" the park, just on Yawkey Way.
