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Where to eat and drink in the West End
Readers recommended 20 of the neighborhood's best bars and restaurants.
Both residents and visitors of Boston wind up in the West End for many reasons. Maybe you’re about to go to the planetarium at the Museum of Science or are heading to TD Garden to cheer on the Bruins or Celtics. Perhaps you just hopped off the Commuter Rail at North Station, ready to take on the city but need a quick meal before you do so. Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered.
We recently asked readers to share their go-to spot for the best places to eat and drink in the neighborhood. Most of the restaurants from last year’s guide remained favorites in 2024. New to the list this year is Tony and Elaine’s on North Washington Street. Ma Maison was also a new reader recommendation, but they are technically located in Beacon Hill — we left them off this neighborhood guide. We have incorporated reader quotes from both 2023 and 2024.
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Keep scrolling for the full reader-recommended list and map of restaurants worth visiting when you’re in the West End.
Where to eat and drink in the West End
A&B Kitchen and Bar
The menu at A&B is reflective of the kitchen’s mission to re-define what people view as a “casual restaurant.” Go for the popular dishes, such as chicken parmesan, grilled salmon, and burgers which are brought into the sphere of fine dining to create a unique dining experience.
115 Beverly St.
Alcove
Alcove was a popular pick among Boston.com readers this year, with Rose from South Boston saying that Alcove is a “delicious surprise” that has “something on the menu for everyone.” Sit out on the restaurant’s patio in warmer months and enjoy both the views of the water while dining on entrées such as blue crab crusted halibut or duck breast.
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50 Lovejoy Wharf
Banners Kitchen and Tap
This multi-level sports bar isn’t just known for their giant LED TV, but also for their versatile food lineup, which features classic bar food, such as nachos and pretzels with beer cheese, and unique desserts, like the churro doughnuts and sticky toffee pudding.
82 Causeway St.
Bodega Canal
This “rustic glam” Mexican spot serves up fajitas, bowls, enchiladas, and offers up taco specials every Tuesday. Bodega Canal also has a tequila list featuring over 60 unique spirits.
57 Canal St.
Causeway Restaurant and Bar
It’s not hard to remember this restaurant’s name, located snugly at the end of its namesake street. Causeway offers dining and drinking on two-levels, and dishes out a full day of dining. Try the lemon ricotta pancakes in the morning or the barbacoa bowl at night. Reader John P. from Kingston says this spot has a “great, old school Boston ambience.”
65 Causeway St.
City Winery
While live music and wine are the core of City Winery’s identity, their unique dishes make this a restaurant worth visiting. Check out the raspberry chipotle wings, saffron lobster risotto, or reader Scott F.’s recommendation: the “amazing burger — always cooked perfectly, and great fries!”
80 Beverly St.
Filippo Ristorante
This Italian restaurant is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a sit-down dining experience on the first level or a private event on the second. Select from one of the restaurant’s many menus and choose your appetizers, main dish, and dessert to your liking. Try the bruschetta, farfalle primavera, and tiramisu.
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283 Causeway St.
The Greatest Bar
Another multi-level sports bar in the area, The Greatest Bar offers a myriad of activities, such as watching a game or dancing the night away. Order a few appetizers before digging into The Greatest Steak Tips, which one reader says is among the “top six…in Boston. And hands down the best tips in the West End.”
262 Friend St.
Halftime King of Pizza
Right outside of the Garden is Halftime King of Pizza, where you can grab a quick slice of pizza, a salad, or some chicken wings before a game. Reader Ed R. from Somerville said, “A must for Bruins/Celtics pre games. Two slices and a tall beer: can’t go wrong with that.”
115 Causeway St.
The Harp
This spot is a triple threat, providing customers with casual dining, a sports bar setting, and an entertainment venue. Order the buffalo chicken flatbread, steak and cheese sandwich, or award-winning clam chowder and pair with a draft beer or cocktail.
85 Causeway St.
Hub Hall
This food hall located adjacent to TD Garden and North Station has plenty of different dining options to choose from. Check out Mida Apizza, Lily P’s Fried Chicken, Momosan Ramen Boston, and Mike’s Pastry.
80 Causeway St.
Hurricane’s at the Garden
Hurricane’s is the place to be if you’re looking for a high-energy location to watch a game happening at TD Garden. Take a seat at the bar and enjoy classic pub food, such as the loaded waffle fries and the Canal Street burger, with an ice-cold beer.
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150 Canal St.
Massimino’s Cucina Italiana
Right off of Causeway Street is Massimino’s, an intimate restaurant where you can order classics such as antipasto, linguine bolognese, or chicken cacciatore.
207 Endicott St.
Night Shift Brewing
This brewery and restaurant on the water has many varieties of beer, like IPAs and stouts, as well as a fruity hard seltzer. For food, order the local fish tacos, whirlpool wings, or the “great Detroit-style pizza,” according to reader Andy E. from Charlestown.
1 Lovejoy Wharf, #101
Porters Bar and Grill
Porters serves up traditional dishes like build-your-own burgers and pizza, clam chowder, and mozzarella sticks. Order one of their many specialty cocktails like the Tropics in the Triangle Martini, a mixture of Tito’s vodka and passionfruit and pineapple juices. Reader Dorothy D. from Cambridge puts it simply: “[R]eally great bar with really great food.”
173 Portland St.
Sullivan’s Tap
Open since 1933, Sullivan’s Tap has a dozen offerings of draft beers and features classic bar games and large TVs for watching games at the Garden. Reader Lyndon from Quincy recommended ordering a classic Budweiser, and wrote, “This place is unpretentious.”
168 Canal St.
Tavern in the Square
This local chain has a location in North Station that serves up casual bites. Order one of the many bowls or burgers on the menu and, if you’re dining with friends, order a seltzer or margarita tower for the table. Reader Bob from Somerville said that they have “great food and craft beer options.”
120 Beverly St.
Tony and Elaine’s
This Italian spot is just a 5-minute walk from TD Garden and offers hearty Italian dishes to customers. Stop by before or after a game and order eggplant parmesan or their award-winning meatballs.
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111 N Washington St.
Ward 8
This cocktail bar and restaurant puts a unique spin on both their bites and mixed drinks. Check out Ward 8’s maple chili duck wings or the ahi tuna sandwich. If you just want a drink, order one of their many original cocktails, like the Road to El Dorado, made from dark rum, banana, and mole bitters. Reader Ellen B. from East Boston has been a customer of Ward 8 for over a decade and said that they have a “great brunch menu and dinner” along with “creative cocktails and a great atmosphere.”
90 North Washington St.
West End Johnnie’s
This hangout restaurant is a great place to watch a Garden game with friends. While you wait for your chipotle fries or pineapple chicken sandwich, check out the chunks of sports history scattered around. Reader Joyce P. from Tyngsboro praises this eatery for their “delicious food, amazing beverages, historical sports and Boston memorabilia!”
138 Portland St.
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