This summer, we had the pleasure of working with intern Jenna Berry, who will be a senior this year at Boston University. Jenna had the chance to learn an enormous amount about the meetings industry, as well as the city of Boston. This week she shares with us some of her favorite affordable restaurants in Boston.
If you’ve ever traveled, you know that visiting a top-tier destination is no cheap endeavor. No matter where in the world you go, it can be challenging to find quality food in affordable restaurants. In Boston, however, it is quite simple. With ease, you can find unique food at high-quality restaurants that will not come anywhere close to breaking your bank. Read below to find a list of restaurants that will allow your attendees the chance to get the most bang for their buck in Beantown.
1) Barcelona Wine Bar—Brookline & South End
With two locations in Brookline and the South End, and located not very far from the Hynes, Barcelona Wine Bar has a lot to offer. The Mediterranean, South American, and Spanish-inspired menu encourages tapas-style dining and is catered toward sharing. Servers suggest about two plates per person, averaging at roughly $8 per plate. This makes it easy for guests to try several plates for an inexpensive price and it gives them the opportunity to experience a variety of flavors in one sitting. With over 400 wines and world-class sangria, Barcelona Wine Bar will make visitors feel like they are dining in Spain and looking out over the Mediterranean, while in reality they are eating affordably in a cozy Boston neighborhood.
2) Yankee Lobster—Seaport
This waterfront gem, featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” is a classic example of Boston seafood dining. Nestled right next to the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion event venue, nearby the BCEC, guests can enjoy outdoor seating with an ocean breeze or opt to dine inside. The extensive menu at Yankee Lobster is similar to that of a seafood shack you might see on the shores of Cape Cod. Offering a mix of seafood and American-style cuisine, Yankee Lobster has everything from lobster mac and cheese to fish and chips to fried clams and lobster rolls, with everything in between. In other words, Yankee Lobster has something for everyone. The best part about the restaurant is that guests can dine comfortably and take full control over the diverse menu without spending hundreds of dollars.
3) The Barking Crab—Seaport
With a prime location overlooking the Harbor, the Barking Crab provides diners with a uniquely Boston eatery experience. Choosing between fish tacos, a steaming bowl of clam chowder, and a fried shrimp platter is no easy feat, but the Barking Crab makes this an affordable experience for customers. The Barking Crab is nestled into the South Boston Waterfront District, Boston’s hottest neighborhood, which is home to many unique and thriving seafood-based restaurants. The restaurant is hard to miss with its signature red and yellow striped outdoor tent, where guests can enjoy live music and a true seaport experience on the banks of the Fort Point Channel. The Barking Crab is surely something you do not want to miss if you desire an affordable experience in the hustle and bustle of Boston’s waterfront!
4) Gre.co—Newbury Street
Conveniently located just a five minute walk from the Copley T Station, Gre.co is a modern take on traditional Greek food. Founded just a few years ago, this restaurant caters to both guests who want to grab and go and guests who like a sit down dinner. The menu offers a wide range of selections, from traditional gyros, salads, and soups to an infamous Greek dessert called loukoumades. These fried dough balls are the hallmark of Gre.co and they act as one of the restaurant’s main selling points. While classic style loukoumades involve just honey, walnuts, and cinnamon, Gre.co offers customers embellished versions of this tasty treat and a chance to create your own combination. From Oreos and toasted coconut to marshmallows and chocolate sauce, diners have the freedom to be creative and curate their own tasty treat. With no item on the menu costing more than $12, Gre.co allows guests to enjoy quality Greek food for extremely reasonable prices.
5) Giacomo’s Ristorante—North End & South End
Walking through Boston’s North End has the power of making people feel as though they have been transported to the streets of Venice, Florence, or Rome. This unique area is well-known for being Boston’s Italian quarter. Nestled near the water and in close proximity to the infamous Mike’s Pastry, Giacomo’s Ristorante provides diners with a truly unforgettable Italian experience. The menu is extensive, offering a variety of appetizers, pastas, and parmigianas, amongst many other signature Italian dishes. With no menu item over $20, guests will leave Giacomo’s feeling full and satisfied, and their bank accounts happy too.
Dining in Boston is made easy and affordable through an array of high-quality restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. No matter which street you turn on, you will find a restaurant that allows you to explore a full menu without spending hundreds of dollars. Come visit us in Boston if you want to experience unforgettable dining opportunities!
Discover the diverse selection of bars and restaurants available near the BCEC and the Hynes by viewing our neighborhood Dining Guides for local favorites and by checking out the Restaurant section of our Interactive Map.