Citizen or Coppa?

[the_sneeb]

In a bit of a dilemma. I've been excited to try Coppa ever since I booked my ticket to Boston. However, I'll be dining with a party of four, two of which haven't had a lot of experience with offal, anchovies, urchin, and the like. Someone had recommended going to Citizen Public House. I don't know much about the atmosphere at either, but we're in our mid 20's and looking for something lively and fun. Also, this outing will likely be after 9 on a Sunday which I assume will factor in. Someone help me out!

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Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[Kinopio]

I'm a pescatarian so obviously I don't eat offal and I found plenty to enjoy on Coppa's menu. There vegetable dishes are great, and they have pasta and pizza options that are fairly common. Despite the fact that they don't have a full liquor license, I enjoyed the cocktails. So I would say go to Coppa if you can score a reservation.

I actually think the menu at Coppa would satisfy a broader range of people than Citizens would because Citizens menu is very heavy and meat focused. I usually just drink when I go to Citizen. They have a killer Whiskey list and $3 Fernet.

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Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[sallyt]

Kinopio -have you ever tried any of the fish at Citizen? I don't eat meat either, but I LOVE their fish - some of the best that I've had in Boston.

[the_sneeb]

Thanks for the input, this affirms what I was thinking. Can someone give me an idea on the size of both places?

[robwat36]

They're both pretty small. If you're doing Coppa, make a reservation (they just started taking them). I think Citizen only takes reservations for large parties. Also, it's Fenway-adjacent, so avoid it if the Sox are in town.

[LeoLioness]

If you eat during the game, many places around Fenway aren't busy at all.

[LeoLioness]

I vastly prefer the food at Coppa (though to be fair, I've only been to Citizens once). There's enough on Coppa's menu to satisfy a more pedestrian palate (pizza, arancini, cured meats, chicken, etc) but I think the small plates concept allows people to leave their comfort zone a little, since their whole meal (and price for an entree) isn't on the line if they don't like it.

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Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[robwat36]

I'm a fan of both, although Coppa is better for food and Citizen is better for drinks. Both will be lively even after 9 on a Sunday. I think even less adventurous eaters can find something at Coppa; you can always show the online menus to your guests and see what they think.

[sdwr98]

I ate at Citizen this weekend and was not very impressed. The food was OK, although the bourbon selection was excellent. If you're going for food Coppa is a much better bet. If you're after lively and fun, Citizen might be better.

If you want a lively atmosphere and more "normal" food you might check out Toro, by the same guys who run Coppa. The food there is fantastic.

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Toro
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118