Where should I eat before I take the train?
I'll be up in New England over the weekend, and I'm returning south Monday night via the overnight train that leaves South Station at 9:45 PM. I'll be returning my rental car at about 4:30, and I wonder what might be a good place to have a "typical" Boston dinner that withing walking or transit distance or even a short cab ride from South Station. I've been told that the North End is known for its Italian restaurants, and I wouldn't be adverse to lobster and other seafood, or just some really good cuisine of any type. While it doesn't have to be cheap, I'm not going to be dressed for any really fancy places. Any suggestions?
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Thanks to those who replied, all of whom seemed to be unanimous on the Neptune Oyster, which is where I ate. I had a very good grilled bronzini with a half dozen of various varietal oysters. My Mid-Atlantic regional pride was wounded a bit, however, when I asked about the lack of Chincoteagues, and the waiter didn't know what I was talking about. Apparently they don't consider oysters from south of Connecticut as being worthy of notice. I had a very nice Italian chardonnay at $11 a glass.
The atmosphere and service were excellent, but it was a bit pricey. Some of the fried seafood sandwiches I saw being served to other patrons looked impressive, but them if I'm looking for fried seafood in New England, I want to find the little hole-in-the-wall places where they'll serve fried clams to die for for cheap. (Like the place I found 25 years ago somewhere near the junction of US 1 and I-95 north of Boston.)
But all-in-all, I was pretty happy. Afterward, I went around the corner to Hanover St. and found a coffee shot where I had a latte and a shot of grappa, then I went to Mike's Pastry and got a box of cookies for my co-workers, which were much appreciated.
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Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113 -
Definitely a second recco. My favorite restaurant in Boston. You don't have to be dressed up there at all. There are frequently lines, even early in the evening, although on a Monday in this cold it shouldn't be too bad.
it's an easy cab ride from there to South Station, or a five minute walk from the restaurant to the subway ("T") Haymarket stop. I'd allow 20-25 minutes if you decide to take the T.
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Definitely Neptune Oyster. My family from the midwest, who all love seafood and have been to Legal's and all the other routine places in Boston, DEMAND to go there every time they visit. Recco would be to get there fairly early after you turn your car in, at least by six, as it's small and they don't take reservations... there are sometimes long lines on the weekends. From there it's a short cab ride or an easy trek on the T to South Station. As Leo said, it's not cheap, but it's also not a place where you'd have to worry a minute about showing up in cold weather wearing jeans, thermal underwear, and the thickest sweatshirt you own.
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