Boston’s Seaport District continues to see an explosion of development and growth. From the early days of 1991 when the federal courthouse relocated there from the Financial District, this South Boston enclave is evolving into one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. Home to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and loads of private law and accounting firms, the Seaport is teeming with activity.
And with all that activity naturally comes condos. Lots and lots of condos. It seems every week there is a new wave of cranes and construction teams breaking ground on a new skyscraper. The Seaport has become one of the most desirable locales to call home.
Boston’s restaurateurs have also taken notice, and now residents and visitors alike have an abundance of choices spanning a wide range of cuisines and price points. From thick, aged steaks to moussaka, the Seaport has something for everyone. Here are five of our favorite dining options in the booming area.
The Barking Crab
This friendly seafood shack has been serving up delicious coastal dishes in a comfortable, casual environment since 1994. The Barking Crab originally opened under the name Venus - Seafood in the Rough. After a few years, they expanded into the neighboring Neptune Lobster and Seafood Market, added a wood-fired stove, and opened year-round. The rest is history.
Nearly three decades later they are still a waterfront institution. The hot crab dip is still awesome, the fire-roasted lobster is still nearly addictive when smothered in melted butter, and the fried whole-belly clams still scream summer. Grab a seat at a picnic table under the red-and-yellow tent, order a cold beer or custom cocktail, and dig in.
88 Sleeper St., 617-426-2722, barkingcrab.com
Temazcal Tequila Cantina
Looking over Temazcal Tequila Cantina’s menu, it’s difficult to know where to focus your attention first. The mouth-watering array of starters like lobster guacamole or the crispy plantain empanadas? The array of traditional house specialties like mole poblano or chile relleno?
Maybe you’re like me and make your first order of business to head straight for the list of roughly 220 tequilas. Extensive selections of blanco, reposado, añejo, and reserve tequilas and mezcal mean you’ll never run out of options. When you do get around to ordering dinner, make sure to save room for the churros.
250 Northern Ave., 617-439-3502, temazcalcantina.com
Committee Ouzeri & Bar
Inspired by modern Greek dining venues called cuzeri, Committee Ouzeri & Bar offers guests a vibrant menu, creative cocktails, and a comfortable environment. The interior is a gorgeous combination of richly-colored wood, brick, and metal. Snag a table or a seat at the bar and start your night with a crafted libation or choose a sip from one of the best Greek wine menus in Boston.
Then dive into the menu. Try the tzatziki trio (toasted coconut, spicy pepper, and traditional or artichoke moussaka appetizers, then hit the entrees. Choices like souvlaki (marinated lamb with lemon) and grilled branzino served whole keep the party going. Opa!
50 Northern Ave., 617-737-5051, committeeboston.com
Also featured in Where To Eat Greek Food In Boston.
Lookout Rooftop and Bar/Outlook Kitchen at the Envoy Hotel
The Envoy Hotel not only has a show-stopping rooftop bar going for it, it can also boast having Chef Tatiana Rosana lead the charge in the Outlook Kitchen. Winner of the recent Chopped! television cooking competition on The Food Network, Chef Rosana creates an amazing menu of dishes inspired by her culinary travels, and presents them with an unmistakable flair. Try the mexican street corn hush puppies, duck confit croquettes, or Bay of Fundy salmon.
Once you’ve settled on what to eat, pick something to sip on while waiting. Cocktails like Elevation (gin, limoncello, soda and watermelon) and Green Peace (gin, Chartreuse, snap peas, lime, and fennel) will captivate your attention and make the time fly.
70 Sleeper St., 617-530-1559. outlookkitchenandbar.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
This premium steakhouse located on Liberty Wharf has a lot going for it. Sleek and modern on the inside, Del Frisco’s features an elegant, circular main bar, expansive outdoor patio, stellar views, and even private dining rooms.
Once you’ve settled on where in the restaurant to sit, the real tough choices begin. Like, which of the hand-cut steaks and chops to get? Will it be the 45-day, dry-aged prime strip? The bone-in filet? Maybe the evening calls for some Japanese Wagyu beef. Add in some thick-cut onion rings, potatoes au gratin, or any other of their fantastic sides and you have a meal fit for any special occasion.
Don’t rush to pick, however. Take a moment to decide. Lean back in the comfortable chairs, sip on a crafted cocktail or glass of wine from their thoughtful wine list, order up a round of oysters on the half-shell, and consider the possibilities. The opulence of dining at Del Frisco’s is sure to inspire.
250 Northern Ave., 617-951-1368, delfriscos.com
Also featured in
Our Favorite Boston Restaurant Patios Are Now Open.
