Dining around Bulfinch Hotel and Museums

[dagkrauzog]

Hi,

I will be doing museum tours for three days and I'm interested in good spots for breakfast and early dinner around the Bulfinch Hotel (near North Station) and breakfast and lunch near Museums of Fine Arts, Science, Aquarium, Skywalk and Children's. I will be with a five year old so kid friendly a must. We are willing to jump off the T if it's an easy off/on.

Thank you.
Dag

[BBHound]

That's a lot of ground to cover. Help us out a bit: what kind of food do you want? price range? how are you getting around?

There is an additional museum that should be on your list: the Isabella Stuart Gardner museum in the Fenway quite close to the MFA. It also happens that the Gardner has an excellent cafe, superior to the places at the MFA and the surrounding area.

[dagkrauzog]

We're foodies from Maine so we are usually up for just about anything except seafood. Keep in mind we have a five year old so romantic or unusual places with little to offer a five year old will not be useful this trip. We are taking the train down, so no car. Mass Transit, walking and cabs is how we will get around. We always try to avoid chains and anyplace with a lengthy wait. We thought the Gardner would be too much to fit in for this trip but going for lunch would work.

Thank you for the response.
Dag

[BostonZest]

BB Hound is right. We just discovered lunch at the Gardner and were pleasantly surprised by how good it was. And, if you just want to go in for lunch, you can enjoy the courtyard for free. Just tell the person at the door you are just there for lunch.

They do take reservations for the first seating each day and I would recommend reserving. There can be a long wait for tables. It's a tiny space.

We just wrote about it for Valentine's day - Photos and more here:
http://www.bostonzest.com/2010/02/romance-at-the-gardner-museum-valentines-weekend-destination-.html

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

[hotoynoodle]

most of boston is t-accessible, but i'm not really sure i understand the request. are you basically looking for kid friendly places then? because a board search will turn up plenty of good options in those neighborhoods that are more adult-centric.

your hotel is an easy walk to the north end.

children's and the aquarium are close to sel de la terre, flour bakery and chinatown.

the mfa also has a cafe and a more fine dining room, both of which are surprisingly good.

[dagkrauzog]

When I suggested we would jump off the T, I meant on the way to those museums. I have looked around the boards and Google and found both sel de la terre and flour bakery. I think what I will do is assemble all my finds and then post with the list of what I've found and see if anyone has a big thumbs down on my choices. Kid friendly is important but my son is OK in most places. I guess what I was hoping for most was a couple of cozy neighborhood places near the museums or the Bulfinch that are off the radar.

Thank you.
Dag

[BostonZest]

When are you coming to town? If it's now, we'll think of indoor spots. If this is for late spring or early summer, we can add the great patio places.

Se de La Terre is perfect for the Aquarium. There is also a Sel de la Terre in the Prudential Center where the Skywalk is located. But, you could also consider Brasserie Jo (across the street to the south) or La Voile ( a block over to the North) for your Skywalk visit.

The North End is near your hotel and you'll find a ton or ideas around the board for that location. you might enjoy the original Pizza Regina- it's an experience and the pizzas are excellent. Go for a simple pizza and enjoy the great crust. There are some discussion here about how to order it.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/153454

Photos here:
http://www.bostonzest.com//2009/12/the-original-pizzeria-regina-our-first-visit.html

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

[justbeingpolite]

Nice pics! Is the Regina brick oven really coal-fired?

[hotoynoodle]

yup. it was grandfathered in when the city changed that ordinance.

[dagkrauzog]

We will be in next week. Brasserie Jo and La Voile look great. Jo for breakfast before starting our day will be perfect. Regina for lunch one day too.

Thank you Penny!