(My) Best of Boston – Part 2 – Less Formal Favorites

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August 24, 2019

In this post I continue with my tour of favorite Boston restaurants.

Zaftig’s Delicatessen

Zaftigs in Brookline is a great place for all-day breakfasts and deli sandwiches. I also enjoy the burgers and steak tips and when I’m sick there’s nothing better than a quart of Zaftig’s chicken soup with matzoh balls. One of my favorite things is the loaded latkes – potato pancakes with a crisp outside, stacked with chili and cheese or bacon, sour cream, and scallions. Inevitably I leave with my belly fully, a bag of leftovers, ready for a nap.

Zaftigs - loaded latkes — Loaded latkes with chili and cheese

Zaftigs Delicatessen
335 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446
617-975-0075
Instagram: @zaftigs

Sweet Cheeks Q

weet Cheeks Q is one of Tiffani Faison’s restaurants in Boston. Located in the Fenway area, it’s the perfect place to go for a meal before a Red Sox game. My favorite is the beef short rib but if that’s not available I will happily get the brisket. The hot scoops, like mac & cheese and broccoli casserole, are dense and filling and my favorite cold scoop is the farm salad. And when there’s a group of us we make sure to get a bucket of biscuits. I’ve never had enough room to try a dessert but I’ve seen the giant nutter butter cookie and it looks amazing!

Sweet Cheeks - Beef Rib — The big, beautiful beef short rib – my favorite

Sweet Cheeks - Biscuit with honey butter — The big, beautiful beef short rib – my favorite

Sweet Cheeks Q
1381 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-266-1300
Instagram: @sweetcheeksbbq

Lolita

Lolita is a great place for small groups (it’s impossible to hear each other if you have too many people). They start off the meal with a boozy granita followed by fun cocktails and delicious, sharable Mexican tapas. And to top it off, cotton candy with pop rocks! I love the vibe at both restaurants. It’s a fun way to spend the evening with friends.

Lolita - cotton candy and pop rocks — Boozy granita to start the meal

Lolita
Back Bay
271 Dartmouth Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-369-5609

Fort Point
253 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
617-369-0931

Instagram: @lolitateqbars

The Courtyard Tea Room

I recently discovered the Courtyard Tea Room and it’s a hidden gem. Located at the Boston Public Library, the tea room is an oasis in a busy city. The restaurant serves a delicious selection of traditional tea sandwiches, pastries, and scones. They are also very accommodating of food allergies (gluten, dairy, seafood). It’s a perfect place to catch up with friends or to celebrate a special occasion.