Lunch near Mass general

[AEOC]

I need suggestions for a lunch with old friends on Cambridge Street in Boston or the back of Beacon Hill. Something near Mass General would be great. Someplace where we can sit and talk, but not overly expensive.

I know there is an old gas station that has been turned into a restaurant in that area. Can't remember the name. Can you help? Is it any good? What kind of food?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[hotoynoodle]

pierrot bistro is a charming little place, with decent wine and reasonable prices. the phoenician serves perfectly serviceable middle-eastern stuff. both on cambridge st. right across from mass general.

[powerfulpierre]

For something a little bit different I'd suggest Lala Rokh on Mt. Vernon Street - I believe they also own Bin 26. I've had lunch there a couple of times and the the atmosphere is elegant but pleasant and the (Persian) food is excellent - and it won't break the bank.
http://www.lalarokh.com/

[takeoutgirl]

The King & I is just around the corner on Charles Street and serves wonderful Thai at reasonable prices. Their Pad Thai is excellent.

[nasilemak]

second their pad thai. their curries are closer to mediocre though.

[chowfdf]

was in bin 26 for dinner a couple of nights ago. They are promoting a casual lunch for relatively cheap that's starting this summer. from what i gathered, think it's like an antipasto bar kind of thing with all sorts of lunch options that can be eaten in or to go. Also, they were also promoting a specially priced lunch at lala rokh but can't remember the details...just remember the name, Persian Immersion, b/c thought was kinda cute.

[glenn mcdonald]

Villa Mexico, the mexican place in the back of the gas station's convenience store, is really terrific. If the weather is good, you can take your burritos over to the river, or into the pleasant outdoor courtyard at MGH...

[SaraASR]

Antonio's is great. It's right next to the gas station you were talking about. AWESOME Italian food and they have the most amazing lunch prices ever (with the same huge portions as dinner). One of the my favorite places on the Hill.

Villa Mexico, in the gas station, is amazing Mexican food. There's really not anywhere to sit, but it's good to take away. I highly recommend their salsa, guacamole, and chicken burrito.

[digga]

Perhaps Panificio might be the kind of place that you and your friends are looking for?

http://www.panificioboston.com/

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Panificio
144 Charles St, Boston, MA

[finlero]

Grotto is an Italian restaurant on Beacon Hill. The food is very good, it's significantly less expensive than a similar type of restaurant in the North End, and the subterranean digs make a nice place to sit.

[Guinness02122]

The Whole Foods market has a decent selection of food. The pizza is decent. Nice and quick.

[iamsam]

An old gas station turned into a restaurant? I wonder if you mean Grampy's... which is definitely still a functioning gas station, just with a (divey but delicious) place to pick up to-go Mexican food.

Regardless, unless it's a nice day and you want to grab Grampy's to go and eat on the Esplanade, it sounds like you want more of a sit-down meal.

Beacon Hill Bistro or Bin 26 are both on Charles St towards Beacon, and I would recommend either. BHB, in particular, is a nice place to linger and talk.

Other ideas:
Paramount, on Charles St (no table service)
Toscano, on Charles St (never been but have heard good things since its recent redo, may be too $ for what you're looking for)
Figs, also on Charles (I don't love, but if you're in the mood for interesting pizzas, it's not bad)

A tier down, both on Cambridge St:
Harvard Gardens (food is actually pretty decent, I like the tuna tartar in particular)
Hill Tavern (food isn't anything special but better than it needs to be, outdoor seating available if it's a nice day, great sweet potato fries, definitely won't be crowded out)