Historical lunch spot betw. Boston and Concord.

[ichiban]

My mother is visiting from California, so we're going to Concord for the day to visit Walden Pond and various other historical sites. She mentioned wanting to have lunch someplace atmospheric -- an old inn with Revolutionary vibes, low ceilings, for instance. I would assume that most such places are tourist traps and have awful food. Does anyone have any recommendations that are the exception to the rule?

[Blumie]

If it's a nice day, the best option (IMHO) is to grab a sandwich from Verrill Farms and picnic at Walden Pond. There are plenty of historic sites in Concord; no reason to the Colonial Inn or the Wayside Inn just to have a bad meal.

[lergnom]

To set the scene, if you're physically in Concord, the choice noted in this thread, The Colonial Inn, is right there, not far from North Bridge, Hawthorne's house, the Alcott's house, etc. The Wayside is about 12-14 miles away.

[chuck s]

If they just want to have lunch and do not care that much about the quality of the food, that would be the choice. It does have atmosphere and location.

[taxi]

Warren Tavern at the foot of the Bunker Hill Monument.

[kelly001]

I would avoid the Colonial Inn at all cost except for a photo opportunity on a sunny day. For food, in Concord: La Provence on Thoreau St, Cheese Shop on Walden Street, Farfalle Italian Market (across the street from La Provence) or Sally Ann on Main St (but no sitting.)

[three of us]

But mom wants the colonial ambience and Colonial Inn wouldn't take kindly to take-out from La Provence being brought into their dining room.

It's a trade-off. My out-of-town relatives want the Rev War feel over food, I take them to Wayside Inn. However, that's beyond the between-Boston-and-Concord parameters.

[Alcachofa]

The chicken pot pie at the Colonial Inn is fine. Stick to stuff like that and you'll be OK.

The food is even worse at Warren Tavern.

[hiddenboston]

Either the Colonial Inn or the Wayside Inn should fit the bill. In my opinion, the Wayside Inn's food is better, but a lot of people really like the Colonial Inn's food as well (I prefer it for drinks).

[three of us]

Not helpful for now but if mom comes back in the summer, the boathouse/canoe rental in Concord has given small cruises that include lunch. It's pleasant enough but not a meal for the ages.

[rubysdad]

The Colonial Inn will fit Mom's vibes, but also fulfill your fears about the food quality. My suggestion would be to take her there for a drink, soak up some atmosphere, then drive a few blocks to La Provence (http://www.laprovence.us/) and let Robert serve you some rabbit or other tasty tidbit for lunch.

[LindaWhit]

I might have to take a drive here if I take a mental health day on Friday!

[chuck s]

You might try the Concord Inn. There is a dining room fair food and a pub with just the right atmosphere. It is less than a mile from the Old North Bridge.

[Gio]

Probably The most historical place along the route to Concord via Sudbury is Longfellow's Wayside Inn.... as in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It is steeped in history dating back to the early 1700s, and is on the equally historic Boston Post Road. (Rte, 20) Also known as the Revelotionary War Road. The food is American blah but the atmosphere is everything one would want in an "national historic landmark." It's a very nice place to take out of town visitors wanting to connect with history.

http://www.wayside.org/