Best of Boston

As my time in Boston comes to a close, I want to take a moment to share my personal version of the “Best of Boston” (in no particular order of preference):

1.  Gourmet Dumplings (Chinatown-52 Beach Street)

Offering mouth-watering delicious cheap food, this small restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown is a gem! Whether you sit in the back corner right next to the fish tank where waiters will carefully reach over you to net up live fish to bring into the kitchen; or you sit towards the drafty and often crowded front of the room, your food will be amazing!  First timers, I recommend the pan fried dumplings, scallion pancakes, and julienne chicken wonton soup.   Split the meal by two people, and it comes under $10/person!  

2. South End Buttery (South End-314 Shawmut Ave)

A neighborhood coffee shop that offers great place to sit and unwind.  I have spent many Sunday afternoons at the Buttery reading, people watching, and chatting with friends

 

3. Franklin Cafe (South End-278 Shawmut Ave)

Simply put—a neighborhood bar that offers amazing gourmet food, a great beer selection and a wonderful atmosphere!  It usually gets crowded by 7:30 each night

4. Formaggio (South End-268 Shawmut Ave)

I like to browse the different cheeses, cured meats and other gourmet foods.  The staff are very generous when giving out samples and extremely helpful in sharing cheese recommendations. 

5. Boston Public Library (Back Bay-700 Boylston)

I have spent many many hours in here studying for the MCAT exam; however, aside from the great studying environment, the library is architecturally amazing! I often find myself taking study breaks and walking around the old library in awe.

 

 6. Old South Church (Back Bay-645 Boylston)

Come experience the majesty of God through the beautiful Sunday service at Old South!  The music is awesome, the people are amazing, and the church is extremely welcoming.  There is no better way to describe Old South than to say that it is an open church—open to people from all walks of life, open to a spirit of service to the world, open to a philosophy of social justice—it is a church that promotes that the love of God not be confined within church walls, but rather, be open to the world.

7. Commonwealth Books (Downtown Crossing-9 Spring Lane)

One of the oldest bookstores in Boston, this used book shop offers three levels of fun browsing and guaranteed good finds

     8. Jacob Wirths (Theater District-31-37 Stuart Street)

Friday nights, Mel plays the piano while you and 50 of your new best friends sing along to the music from songbooks--while drinking beer!