Summer Eatings in Boston

Posted: July 14, 2010

By: Jess Marra

I’m a foodie, obsessed with discovering tasty eateries. From the time I’ve spent living in Boston, I have determined that the restaurants here satisfy even the pickiest of palettes, whether you’re craving spicy or tangy, salty or sweet.

During those rainy days we experienced a few months ago, I sought out cozy restaurants that served a hearty soup. Now that the sun is constantly shining in Boston, I’ve moved on to pinpointing the best places for two New England summer classics: seafood and ice cream.

Sure, everyone loves to get fresh lobster up in Maine or ice cream from the Cape. But now that the 4th of July has passed and the next long weekend isn’t until September, busy Bostonians just don’t have enough time to leave the city for leisurely trips. That’s perfectly fine though, because I’ve found restaurants that cater especially to city dwellers that crave these treats.

The Barking Crab, a short walk from Government Center, is the place to eat for a casual seafood meal. It’s a crab shack, covered with a bright yellow and red canopy that’s draped with decorative lights. Diners enjoy tasty lobster rolls and crab cakes while experiencing a sweet summer breeze off the Charles River. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable on the catch of the day. Most importantly, the combination of picnic bench seating arrangements, moderately priced dishes and live music (four nights a week), draws in a lively and youthful crowd.

Jacqueline Pereira, a Boston student argues that the entrees served at Atlantic Fish Co. on Boylston rivals all other seafood restaurants in the city. She comments on her dining experience saying, “the food is always fresh and satisfying. Every time I eat here, I try something new and there are always creative additions to the menu.” The location of the restaurant couldn’t be better located, for it is parallel to Newbury Street and 10 feet away from the Prudential Center.

Despite the fullness following a full lobster meal, there is always room for dessert. With an expansive array of flavors, J.P. Licks is the best homemade ice cream café around. What’s distinctive about J.P. Licks compared to competitors is the intensity of their flavors. Founder and Owner, Vince Petryk claims, “you’ll always know what flavor you’re tasting, from the esoteric (tomato basil) to every kid’s delight (cake batter oreo), we create flavors for all tastes.” I personally recommend trying one of the July flavors, such as Fresh Lumpy Primate. Chock full of walnuts, chocolate and banana, a cone of this is sure to be the cherry on top of your day.