Alternate venue near Neptune Oyster

[bluedog]

I am visiting Boston in May for a conference and previously posted on places to take business colleagues for dinner. Now I have another problem.

On Monday May 24, I'm neeitn colleagues for lunch at Neptune Oyster, just 3 or 4 of us. Now I learn they don't take reservations.

So my question is, what are some good alternatives near Neptune (say 5 minute walk) if we get there and the lineup is unreasonable. The alternate venue needs to be suitable for a business lunch, so no take-out, fast food, regardless of how Chow-ish.

Not too hung up on cuisine though, so any suggestions are welcome outside of the above (i.e. no take out, fast food).

Thanks in advance!

PS You Boston Hounds are really helpful!

-----
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[BBHound]

The Monday special at Neptune is Lobster Spaghettini. It's pricey but worth every penny. Check the all-day menu: http://neptuneoyster.com/menu.html

[Pegmeister]

I agree with the OP, it's a Monday and I would be very surprised if it were a problem. In any event, you'll be right there in the North End so drop in on any place that looks good to you. Just a few doors down is Antico Forno and I love their chicken parm, or any dishes cooked in their brick oven. Rabias is there as well, just check the websites and make sure they're open on Monday. Mother Anna's is just around the corner on Hanover as well.

-----
Antico Forno
93 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

Mother Anna's
211 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

[bluedog]

Thanks Everyone. I may go 15 minutes early and grab a table. What worries me is that it may be Monday but this conference I'm has got about 8000 people attending, or so I'm told, so I reckon premium restaurant space will be up for grabs.

[bluesjack]

yeah but out of the 8000 you are the only one using Chowhound :-) so take a shot and go to Neptune Oyster, well worth it

-----
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[twentyoystahs]

I agree with other posters, if you get there right at noon you should be fine. Especially on a Monday. However, if you are looking for backup, Antico Forno (as recommended above) is a great choice, and it's literally a couple doors down.

-----
Antico Forno
93 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

[purple bot]

They won't seat you until your entire party is there. Don't worry, all the other conventioneers will be going to Union Oyster House like the guidebooks tell them. ;-)

-----
Union Oyster House
41 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108

[bluedog]

You guys are hilarious. Ok, Neptune it is with Antico Forno or Rabia as a backup. That sucks about not seating us until the entire party is there. I really hate this no reservation trend in restaurants these days. Its plaguing Toronto too.

-----
Antico Forno
93 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

[phatchris]

You can always sit at the bar.

[Pegmeister]

I actually prefer the bar.

[phatchris]

I've gone at least once a month since they have opened and only sat at a table once.

[rlh]

When they are busy, they won't let you sit at the bar without a full party, either - at least that was the case a couple of weeks ago late (9p) on a Tuesday night when everyone at the bar was also having dinner - maybe not as much so off peak.

[LeoLioness]

They won't let you sit at the bar without a full party? Or they won't let you sit at the bar and hold seats/hold off ordering?

[rlh]

The latter - you are welcome to sit solo and order - it's not a hang out and have a glass of wine bar while you wait for a table or the rest of your when it's busy - they fully use the bar for meal service.

[purple bot]

Oh yeah, and you must get fried clams. Really. Don't miss them.

[purple bot]

You'll likely be fine going for lunch at Neptune on Monday, particularly if you time it a little off the "normal" lunch time. Definitely lunch is not as busy as dinner there.

[bluedog]

Thanks, though we're meeting there at noon :-(.

[purple bot]

I still think it will be okay. I doubt they will completely fill between 11:30 when they open and noon. Give it a shot, it's worth it.