Boston University Joins the Gourmet Guide

If you're headed to the City on a Hill -- Boston, Massachusetts -- on your college road trip, we've now got you covered when it comes to where to dine -- North End Italian, Pad Thai, frozen yogurt at Fenway, and the oyster house where you can sit in President John F. Kennedy's old booth. Of course, it wouldn't be Boston without some great deli and we've got recommendations for that, too. (Full disclosure: the editor of this blog is a Boston University graduate and misses delicatessen. There is none to be found in northern California.) These recommendations come courtesy of Boston University's Admissions Office and they've been very generous with their inside knowledge. So you'll be good through a road trip that takes you to visiting any combination of the many colleges and universities in the greater Boston area, such as Simmons College, MIT, Boston College, Harvard, Tufts, Brandeis, Suffolk, Pine Manor, or the New England Conservatory. Boston University From Scott Dyer, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions: Nud Pob Thai Cuisine 738 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA If looking for a truly tasty and generous portion for lunch or dinner, Nud Pob is a must-try.  While remaining affordable on a student budget, this newly renovated restaurant has an expansive and enticing menu.  A top recommendation is their Crispy Chicken Basil on Pad Thai noodles --spicy, hot, and sweet all at the same time. Garlic N Lemons 133 Harvard Avenue Allston, MA Relatively new to the neighborhood, Garlic N Lemons is also a must-try.  Tagged as a Lebanese restaurant, it nevertheless serves foods from throughout the Mediterranean region.  Having traveled throughout much of the Middle East and Mediterranean, I feel right at home when ordering the Spicy Chicken Saj wrap -- very tasty and a great balance of flavors.  With a number of side dishes readily available, it is a great place to go, especially if you are unfamiliar with this type of cuisine. From Dan Cassely, Assistant Director of Admissions: UBurger - Kenmore Square 636 Beacon Street Boston, MA Not only is it inexpensive, but the burgers can’t be beat.  My favorite is the Yuppie Burger.  It comes smothered in Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms.  Pair it with their own hand cut French fries and a Dr. Pepper and that is lunch at its finest.  It was recently voted by Boston.com readers as the best burger in Boston! From Andrea Chivakos, Assistant Director of Admissions: Max Brenner 745 Boylston Street Boston, MA The best dessert in Boston! I highly recommend the Spectacular Melting Chocolate S’mores Sundae. It is decadent milk chocolate ice cream, pure vanilla cream, milk chocolate fondue, pure chocolate chunks, marshmallow fluff & whipped cream, garnished with a toasted marshmallow, and served with white chocolate ganache. (Yum! Now I’m hungry for dessert!) And it's the perfect size for two people to share! From Samantha Fifield, Admissions Advisor: Brown Sugar Café 1033 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA One of my favorite restaurants in town.  When I go, I love ordering their Chicken Pad Thai or Yellow Curry with a cold Thai Iced Tea. To die for!  =) From Stephanie Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Admissions: BerryLine at Fenway 1377 Boylston Street Boston, MA You’ll quickly fall in love with this Boston-based frozen yogurt parlor.  No matter the flavor – peanut butter, pomegranate, or the classic original – be sure to top it off with some fruit, nuts or candy and enjoy a sweet treat! From John Gursky, Assistant Director of Admissions: Zaftig’s Delicatessen 335 Harvard Avenue Brookline MA The fact that it’s called a “delicatessen” is misleading—it’s a nice sit-down restaurant.  Great Jewish specialties, nice atmosphere, breakfast served all day—the Challah French Toast is delicious!  The only downside is that you’ll likely have to wait for a table…especially if you go for brunch or on the weekends. From Christine Kyle Johnson, Assistant Director of Admissions: Zaftig's Delicatessen 335 Harvard Street Brookline, MA Zaftig’s is one of the best brunch places around Boston University. Located in Coolidge Corner and about a 10 minute walk from campus, this Jewish deli serves delicious breakfast all day, lunch and dinner. Their Banana Stuffed French Toast and Macintosh Apple and Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese Omelet are out of this world! Be sure to arrive early because Zaftig’s is the place to be for Sunday brunch! From Tim Kelly, Assistant Director of Admissions: Maurizio’s 364 Hanover Street Boston, MA Located alongside many other great Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End, Maurizio’s is a less popular (and thus less-crowded) option for an evening out. In addition to a great menu, the restaurant features seating on the first floor (great for people-watching), and on the lower level adjacent to their wine cellar, which is prime for a quieter and more serene setting. From Pat McNally, Senior Associate Director of Admissions: Sam LaGrassa’s 44 Providence Street Boston, MA Best sandwich place in Boston.  Everything there is terrific, but their pastrami is the best in the city!  Expect lines out the door at lunch time. Legal Harborside in the Seaport District 270 Northern Avenue Boston, MA It’s easy to find and has great views of the harbor.  The seafood is very fresh, and even non-seafood lovers can find something on the menu.  I’ve never had bad service, and it’s always been a consistently good meal.  Really, my favorite part though is that it’s right on the water. Sweet Cheeks Q 1381 Boylston Street Boston, MA This is hands down the best BBQ I’ve found in Boston, let alone on the East Coast since moving from Kansas City ten years ago. They even serve their drinks in mason jars! I highly recommend ordering the pulled pork, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Don’t skip the fried okra for an appetizer either. They make their own BBQ sauces: a traditional sauce (that isn’t too sweet or too tangy, just perfect), a traditional Carolina vinegar sauce (which is very hard to find in the North), and a hot sauce. All of them are great!  It’s a very crowded and busy place, and it just opened about two months ago. So you definitely want to make reservations. From Stacey Milton, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions: Regal Beagle 308 Harvard Street Brookline, MA Nestled in artsy Coolidge Corner, this neighborhood spot has an ever-changing menu, but is a must for a tasty brunch – try the delicious Beagle Benedict if you fancy a classic take on breakfast, or venture out on a limb with Duck & Waffles (a nice kick of maple-Sriracha will get you moving for sure!). Eastern Standard 528 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA A favorite of Bostonians for a pre-Red Sox game burger or a swanky night of cocktails and French-inspired cuisine. Whether you are in the mood for a leisurely dinner or a light lunch before a stroll downtown, you’ll be able to find something delectable. Not to miss is the shamefully indulgent Butterscotch Bread Pudding.  Skip dinner altogether if you must – it’s that good. From Duffy Moran, Associate Director of Admissions: Neptune Oyster - North End 63 Salem Street Boston, MA Neptune Oyster has some of the best seafood in Boston.  As the name would suggest, Neptune has an excellent raw bar, but they serve a wide range of amazing seafood dishes.  The hot lobster roll is my favorite meal in Boston.  The restaurant is walk-in only and, while it can get fairly busy in the evening, it’s a great spot for lunch or an early dinner. From Lauren Vildostegui, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions: Giacomo’s Ristorante—North End 355 Hanover Street Boston, MA This tiny spot in the historic north end offers authentic Italian fare with that would make your Sicilian grandmother’s mouth water.  Get there early to avoid waiting in the line that can stretch around the block.  Once you make it inside, try their famous lobster ravioli or anything with the Giacomo sauce.  Come prepared—its cash only. The Friendly Toast 1 Kendall Square Bldg 300 Cambridge, MA The Friendly Toast is fantastic for brunch, but I’d recommend it for lunch and dinner too.  The restaurant is decorated with retro garage sale finds and collector’s items, giving the space a playful and eclectic feel.  The menu consists of unique and original takes on traditional diner fare.  The Guy Scramble with Cayenne-Cheddar Toast (homemade!) and King Cakes are a must. Union Oyster House 41 Union Street Boston, MA Open since 1826, Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the United States. Known for serving some of the freshest New England seafood around, this spot is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of clam chowder while sitting in JFK’s favorite booth. From Kelly A. Walter, Assistant Vice President & Executive Director of Admissions: Cuchi Cuchi 795 Main Street Cambridge, MA This restaurant isn’t just about great food, but a total dining experience.  If you like the idea of an international menu (not Tapas) in an environment that is best described as la belle epoch combined with early Hollywood, this is your place.  It’s a fun, festive, and quirky restaurant in Cambridge where menu items can be shared by one and all!  They don't take reservations so arrive early (6:00 p.m.) or come prepared to enjoy a vintage cocktail or a glass of pink champagne while you wait for a table.  It’s a must-do while in Boston! Angora Café 1024 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA While visiting BU, a stop at the Angora Café is an absolute must!  It’s not the most elegant café in town, but they offer the best frozen yogurt in Boston.  And in over 40 different flavors.  Personally, I love the raspberry yogurt, but other flavors include Twix, peanut butter, cinnamon, caramel, and chocolate fudge.  Indulge yourself!