3 days in Boston-restaurant recommendations?

[The Londoner]

Hey-I'm going on a fun weekend with a few friends (all in our 30s) from college and need to know where we should go for great/unique/fun food-we don't want to break the bank and we don't want to get stuck in tourist traps. I've heard about Giacomo's but would like some more suggestions. Thanks!

[The Londoner]

Thank you, thank you!!! We leave tomorrow and I'm so looking forward to discovering Boston!!! I'm looking forward to trying as many suggestions as I can, but there are only so many hours in a day! We'll try, though!!!

[opinionatedchef]

Hope you have a great time and plse let us know your experiences so we can help others!

[cambridgedoctpr]

if you like oysters, there are many places that have them for a buck; my favorite place is Rialto in the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square. Mondays from about 6 until they run out. That is probably about cost as Island Creek Oysters cost 1.50 at New Deal Seafood.

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Island Creek Oyster Bar
500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

[tammyh]

I'm going to add more casual fare options in case you need lunch (which I'm sure you do) ... Flour (for sandwiches and sweets), Chacarero (for a Chilean sandwich--I suggest the beef), Galleria Umberto (cheap Italian eats), and Parish Cafe (sandwiches crafted by various Boston chefs). If you can make it out to Huron Village in Cambridge, there's Formaggio Kitchen's Saturday street BBQ.

Haven't been to Darryl's myself, but I've heard about their Sunday brunch with live jazz.

Also, I know that No Name is a tourist trap, but I'm in love with their fish chowder.

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Formaggio Kitchen
244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Chacarero
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

No Name Restaurant
151-2 Fish Pier, Boston, MA 02210

[Bellachefa]

I love NoNames chowder! It is the only thing I will eat there.

[lunchout]

Where is Chacararo now that the one near School St. closed?

[tammyh]

101 Arch St, Boston. :)

IMO, the best time to go for a beef sandwich is in the late afternoon for an early dinner because they make the beef to order. I miss working a block away ...

[opinionatedchef]

hope this might be helpful:
Guide to Boston by Areas and Restaurants:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/781155

for a 'hip' fun brunch, you can't do better than the East Coast Grill in Cambridge. Lots of threads on them.

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East Coast Grill and Raw Bar
1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[Jolyon Helterman]

Eastern Standard, an American-style brasserie, for a festive brunch.

Second Coppa and Russell House Tavern recs.

Would also add:
Myers + Chang, a hip, urban Chinese and pan-Asian place
Gaslight, a lively, straightforward French brasserie with good food
Erbaluce (chef-owner, ingredients-driven Italian, though with the starter/pasta/entree set-up, you could end up spending lots more, or lots less, than your budget)

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Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

Erbaluce
69 Church Street, Boston, MA 02116

Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[LeoLioness]

I agree with all of these and will add Toro for Spanish/tapas and Island Creek Oyster Bar (which may blow the budget a tiny bit).

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Toro
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

Island Creek Oyster Bar
500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

[The Londoner]

Also, any suggestions for a yummy brunch? We are in the Copley area but will have a transit pass.

[kimfair1]

The Gallows brunch is great (lower end), as is the brunch at Craigie on Main (more expensive, but worth it).

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Craigie on Main
853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

[nachovegas]

Russell House Tavern in Harvard Sq. , Deep Ellum in Allston, both have great cocktail's and interesting food featuring local ingrediants (hosemade charcuterie, pickle's etc. ) for under $25. The Gallows in the South End , Coppa in the South End, there are actually alot of places i Boston these days that could fit the bill!

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Deep Ellum Bar
477 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134

Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[The Londoner]

Those sound up my alley! Thanks!

[LeoLioness]

Giacomo's serves straightforward Italian-American fare, hardly anything most people would call unique (and "great" is probably stretching it too). So, what do *you* consider unique and what does breaking the bank mean to you?

[The Londoner]

Giacomo was the one recommendation that was given from a friend that lived in Boston for a few years. I am not stuck on it, but she liked it! I usually like places that are independent, using locally sourced ingredients, that hopefully reflects the local culture. Not super fancy, more hip. Does that help? Entrees around 25 and lower would be ideal. Thanks!

[Bellachefa]

Actually, Giacomo's in the Northend is a bit of a tourist trap with long long lines and really tight tables and a get em in and get em out thang. The one in the southend is a great neighborhood place with better food imho.