The Ultimate HCC Food Lover's Guide to Boston

By John, Resident Food Lover at the HCC

I am about to take you on a culinary journey like no other. Whether it is a dive bar, casual dining, upscale, or even a Speakeasy (secret knock required), Boston has it all. Let's start with the restaurants located in the Prudential Center and those attached to the Hynes Convention Center (HCC).  

Around the Boylston St. Entrance

Let us start withThe Capital Grille, located just outside, on the left, of the Boylston St. entrance. Here you will find a classic steakhouse with a vast array of steaks, chops, and seafood. The impressive wine list and a solid cocktail program make this a must-try. (Pro-tip: If you ask for Chris, the manager, tell him John from the Hynes sent you—he will take diligent care of you.)  

To the right of the Boylston St. entrance, you haveRochambeau, a classic French bistro. There you will find freshly baked baguettes, steak frites, and some of the best French onion soup on the planet.  

Across the street, a newcomer to Boylston St. is A.T. O'Keeffe's, a traditional Irish Pub. Their pub-style fish and chips and Italian Beef (Think The Bear tv show) are a must.

Across from the Hynes, on Gloucester Street, you will find Select Oyster Bar and Krasi, which serves incredible Greek cuisine and was recently a James Beard Award finalist. Across from Krasi, down Public Ally 442 (look for the sign on your left that reads WINE), you will find a Paris-inspired wine bar with bar bites and a full menu. Try the mozzarella sticks with caviar. It's decadent but worth it

Across the street and to the right, you will find two relatively new neighbors to the neighborhood.First Watch serves breakfast and lunch, and next door is Swingers, an indoor golf and entertainment complex. (Please don't make the same mistake that I did and walk in wearing puka shells and a Nehru jacket, asking people what their sign is. It's not that kind of Swingers place!)  

Newbury Street Highlights

At the end of Gloucester Street, you will find the world-famous Newbury Street, with its trendy shops and restaurants—too many to mention, but I will include some of my favorites:  

• Trident Booksellers & Cafe: To the left of Gloucester and at the end of Newbury St., you will find one of the last independent bookstores left. Inside is an amazing cafe with a fantastic menu. I always start with their jumbo tater tots filled with cheese, then either their French toast or the Monte Cristo sandwich.  

• Pho Real: To the right of Gloucester and Newbury, you will find this spot specializing in traditional Pho dishes. You can't go wrong with their Banh Mi sandwich (I tend to get the roasted pork). Be sure to try the grilled chicken vermicelli bowl as well.  

• DeLuca's Market: A little further down Newbury, you will find an old-school Boston stalwart. This is as traditional as they come, with a wide variety of specialty foods, chocolates, and great deli sandwiches.  

• Union Park Pizza: By far the best place for a quick slice I have ever had. I go there at least three times a week!  

Inside the Prudential Center (The Mall Entrance)

Now we go to the other side of the HCC, better known as the mall entrance. There are almost too many options to count:  

• Shake Shack: Standard burgers, fries, and shakes.  

• Clover Food Lab: To the right is this local place perfect for those with a vegetarian or vegan diet (they have great falafel and hummus). Remember to try their homemade sodas.  

• Sweetgreen: Specializing in salad bowls with fresh vegetables, salmon, and chicken.  

• Eataly: Further in the mall is Eataly, an Italian specialty market with freshly baked pastries and sandwiches.  

• The Food Court: Just to the right of Eataly, there is a small food court with Anna's Taqueria (a local chain with authentic Mexican fare) and Cava (known for its rice bowls—try the jasmine rice with spicy lamb meatballs).  

• Wagamama: Try their Tokyo Fries!  

• Earls: A hip-vibe gastro pub where I recently had their fantastic Street Corn Avocado Dip.  

• More Staples: You will also find California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, Eddie V’s, and my go-to, Pressed Cafe. Pressed serves breakfast all day (the L.A. Steak and egg is a must-try), and they even have a private meeting room available.  

Dalton St. & Beyond

Now we will travel just a bit outside the HCC and beyond.  

Bukowski's Tavern. Folks, this is a straight-up dive bar with a huge beer selection and some of the best burgers ever. I go there all the time. If you want a standard burger and beer to watch the game, this place is for you.  

Also on Dalton St., you will find a taco place called El Barco. They have some of the best fish tacos I have ever had, and they even have a pick-your-own salsa bar with heat ranging from mild to "these peppers were harvested in the darkest depths of Mordor."  

To the left of the Sheraton and at the bottom of the street, you will findFlour Bakery, owned by cookbook author and restaurateur Joanne Chang. You will find a wide selection of sandwiches and pastries. If you go, try the roast beef sandwich, house-made raspberry seltzer, and their take on an Oreo.  

The North End (Little Italy)

People always ask me where Little Italy is and what I recommend. There are many restaurants in that area—some catering to tourists and others that locals visit. I will tell you where I go when I want delicious Italian food (besides my Nonni’s!):  

• Trattoria Il Panino: All of their pasta dishes are served in the pan they are prepared in and are awesome. My favorites are the Fried Zucchini Flowers for an appetizer and the Cacio e Pepe (fresh, homemade pasta with Parmigiano and cracked black pepper).  

• Neptune Oyster: Another must-try, where I always get the Razor Clams Casino.  

The Great Pastry Debate: I could send you to either Mike's Pastry or Modern Bakery for dessert, but that is like going to Gino's or Sal’s for steak and cheese (sorry, Philly). While both are good, I told you I would send you to where the locals go, and for that, I sayBova's. They have the best cannoli in Boston, and for the love of God, try their sfogliatelle (just say "squiga telle"—they will know what you mean).  

Boston's Food Halls

For something a little different, Boston has recently seen the opening of three Food Halls (think of an adult food court) where local chefs can showcase their most popular dishes.  

1. Time Out Market (Fenway): Just steps from Fenway Park. There you will find places like Anoush Ella, which serves some of the best Mediterranean food I have ever had. If sushi is more your thing, try Gogo Ya—they have excellent Bento Bowls and my favorite: crispy nori sushi tacos.  

2. Hub Hall (TD Garden): If you are near the Boston Garden (Gahdin), try Hub Hall. There you will find a small version of a Southie favorite, Sullivan's (great fried seafood, hot dogs, and burgers). You also have Iron Chef's Momosan for sushi and ramen.  

3. High Street Place (South Station): A newcomer to the food hall scene. Check out Dive Bar Seafood, where I recently had their fish and chips served with something called suppa (dinner in Boston) fries. Trust me, they are a must-get. Also located there is Tenderoni’s Pizza, where you can sample slices such as the Chickie Boom.  

The Speakeasy Experience

Now for the moment I'm sure some of you have been waiting for: The Speakeasy.  

There is a bar called J.M Curley’s—named after our notorious mayor, James Michael Curley—located on Temple Place in Downtown Crossing, with a fun, hip dive-bar feel. Located in the back is an old-time, hush-hush speakeasy called Bogie's Place, with an incredibly old-school cocktail menu (think sand and fog) and a great steak selection.  

Unfortunately, it's reservations only through OpenTable. But if you can get in, it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

I hope you all enjoyed the information provided and try some of the restaurants I listed. Thank you, and once again, welcome to Boston!