Lobster, Chowder, Steak—Oh My! Eating Our Way Through Boston’s Seaport

Theresa Downs
Nov 5
2 min read

Updated: Nov 5

I love Boston. I love prowling around Beacon Hill, admiring the old brick homes and cobblestone streets and soaking up that incredible sense of history. I love the Freedom Trail, the 2.5-mile path that winds through Boston Common and, of course, Faneuil Hall—where you can devour lobster bisque for lunch and never regret it. Boston is a lovable place, full stop.

Here are five more fun facts to love—or at least contemplate:

Fig Newton cookies are named after a Boston suburb. (Newton, Massachusetts—the town, not the scientist.)
Boston is known as the “Cradle of Liberty.”Paul Revere (yes, the “Redcoats are coming!” guy with the great boots) rode through the night from Boston. The first shot of the Revolutionary War was fired in nearby Concord.
Bostonians were exempt from taking a driving test until 1920.
Boston’s nickname “Beantown” came from its early obsession with baked beans.
Boston is the only place where a boat can sail under a train that’s going under a car while driving under a plane—all at the Boston University Bridge. Iconic chaos.

Three More Reasons to Love Boston: The Seaport District

A recent visit—specifically to the magnificent Seaport—gave us three new reasons to adore this city. All food-centric, of course.

Reason #1: Legal Sea Foods

New England’s iconic seafood house has been serving up coastal goodness since 1950. Locals told us it was a must-do, and they were right. We sat upstairs with spectacular Harbor views and had a great time sipping, chipping, and dipping. No wine this time (shocking!), but the cocktails were inventive and delicious.

Order these:

Mango Lemon Drop
Red Sky at Night
French Fry Sampler—because who doesn’t love fancy fries?
Shrimp Tempura Roll—what dreams are made of.

Details:

Legal Sea Foods270 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210

(617) 477-2900

www.legalseafoods.com

Price: $$

Reason #2: Row 34

Once a textile warehouse, now a buzzy brick-lined restaurant full of energy and seafood happiness.

We ordered the New England Clam Chowder—and it instantly ruined all other chowders for us. The Pan-Seared Monkfish is divine and might even convert non-seafood eaters. Don’t skip the cornbread—perfect for soaking up every drop of chowder.

Details:

Row 34

383 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210(

617) 553-5900

www.row34.com

Price: $$$

Reason #3: Eddie Merlot’s

If you love wine, how could you skip a restaurant named after one of your favorite varietals?

Eddie Merlot’s is a classic, white-tablecloth steakhouse—warm lighting, polished service, and steaks that deserve applause. The Filet was sublime, and the sides were show-stoppers: