reviews from our vacation

[drcmk]

Thanks to advice from this board I was a real hero during our recent trip to Boston for guiding my family to great restaurants. I'll try to return the favor by posting some reviews. Our group was two adults and three children (ages 9-11).

Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage--Definitely our most unique dining experience--an elderly gentleman took our orders outdoors in the rain while waiting for a table to empty. The burgers and frappes were delicious, as advertised, and we definitely got all of the "atmosphere" we could ask for.

Durgin Park--This fulfilled our desire for traditional Boston fare. The food was good and plentiful and the service was fine. We were again greeted by an elderly gentleman as we entered the restaurant. He gave us advice about how much food to order for the kids.

Lizzie's (ice cream parlor on Moody St. in Waltham)--Huge variety of homemade ice cream, put together creatively with home-baked goodies if you desire. Plenty of seating.

Pizzeria Regina (on Thacher St)--I can't believe how much pizza the kids ate! We had to order another pie after we devoured two. The next time I crave pizza, I will be thinking of Pizzeria Regina. The pizza reminded me of Marra's in Philadelphia--in case anyone will be visiting my hometown in search of pizza.

We also ate at two chain restaurants that we don't have available in the Philadelphia area:

PF Chang's (Prudential Center)--We liked this food very much. Kids were impressed by the Great Wall of Chocolate dessert.

Margarita's (Moody St in Waltham)--Nice menu, we all enjoyed our food. I'd go there again. Menu had fish tacos, which are not typically available in Philadelphia.

[yumyum]

You did a great job of guiding your group around some of Boston's favorites (there's nothing like Regina's). Thanks so much for reporting back.

[Blumie]

That old man taking orders in the rain was Mr. Bartley himself. I've been going to Bartley's for 30 years and always think of him fondly, even if he can be curmudgeonly!

[finlero]

Sounds like you did a pretty good job hitting some truly Bostonian spots.

FYI, you actually do have two P.F. Chang's branches in the Philadelphia area, one in Glen Mills, and another in Marston, NJ. Obviously not the most authentic of destinations, but its populist charm is almost undeniable. On nice Boston summer days, dining on the patio at the Park Plaza location is something of a chowhound guilty pleasure for me.

[drcmk]

finlero,
Yeah, my daughter is begging me to take her to one of the PF Chang's we found on the website because she loved our Boston visit so much. Even though both are in the "Philadelphia area", both are about an hour drive from us, which is probably too far to drive for that dinner.