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What readers said about the best food and drink in 2023
It's been a year of great culinary experiences.
It has been a satisfying year of dining out for Boston.com readers. The Greater Boston area — and let’s face it, Massachusetts — is home to a host of vibrant restaurants, and readers have not been shy about sharing which ones are their favorites. Our reader-recommended food guides helped determine where to find some of the top dishes and drinks across the region.
We’ve rounded up what readers had to say about the best food and drink in 2023. From telling us about the ultimate slice of pizza to the most eclectic tacos in the city, readers had strong opinions about the area’s culinary scene. Below, find their comments on some of the most popular offerings from restaurants in Boston and beyond.
“That special crunch.”
Over the summer, we asked readers where they get the best fried clams in Massachusetts, and we heard back from 238 people. They also shared whether they prefer fried clams from Essex or Ipswich. Reader M.J.L. from Waltham told us, “[Both] Essex and Ipswich bring out the full flavor of the clams with the special way they batter their fried clams. The batter gives the clams that special crunch that is so appealing, and we do enjoy ours with their yummy tartar sauce. Both Essex and Ipswich have the know-how when it comes to frying their delicious fried clams. Best of all, they’re never greasy tasting, which can be a real turn off!”
“Like a piece of art.”
Roast beef is an essential part of Boston’s culture, which is why we wanted to find out where to get the best roast beef sandwiches in Massachusetts. Over 500 readers voted, and Nick’s Famous Roast Beef and Harrison’s Roast Beef (now closed) landed the top two spots. Jamie’s Roast Beef, with a location in Peabody and a recently opened spot in Manchester, came in third place, known for putting a “high end” twist on the lunch item. Reader Corey F. from Attleboro said, “Every sandwich is crafted like a piece of art. Most places around just slop it together, but Jamie’s gives you the visual too. The quality of food is also impeccable, not just the roast beef. Everything! The fried chicken sandwich is also a favorite for me. Everything is handcrafted.”
“Kind of a miracle of a [doughnut].”
Last May, more than 800 readers told us where to find the best doughnuts in Greater Boston. They let us know their favorite flavors, from Boston cream to Maine blueberry and Bismark, sharing strong opinions about where to get the treat. Kane’s Donuts, which has multiple locations, came in first place. Reader Rick B. said, “I order the honey dipped at Kane’s. It’s kind of a miracle of a [doughnut], perfectly light, sweet, and flavorful. I used to pick up a doughnut from Dunkin’ in Back Bay Station, on my way to NYC, but switched to a bagel once I discovered Kane’s. It ruined me for other [doughnuts].”
“They have mastered the New England IPA style.”
Summer is a great time to meet friends for a beer, and last July, over 500 readers told us about their favorite breweries in Massachusetts. Tree House Brewing Company came in first place, recognized for Julius, their popular IPA. Reader Nicholaus L. from Hopkinton said, “I feel that they have mastered the New England IPA style with the super juicy and hazy characteristics. They have a great outdoor space with bands, food trucks, etc. in Charlton, MA, but have expanded to the Cape, along the ocean, and to several others. So for beer that you can only buy at their locations, there sure are a lot of locations to choose from at this point.”
“Old school, no frills.”
When it comes to bagels, Boston.com readers agreed that the city has some delicious options. Nearly 2,000 people told us about the best bagels around Boston, and Katz Bagel Bakery in Chelsea was voted in third place. The family-owned restaurant offers pizza bagels, which are a hit among customers, our guide revealed. Reader Kath from Revere said they are, “Old school, no frills, but hands down the best! Incredible bagels and different spreads for them and the pizza bagels — no words can describe these. No one, and I mean no one, can do these like Katz.”
“You can’t even see the actual bread.”
No summer would be complete without a seafood fix, and last August, we asked readers for the best places to get a lobster roll in New England. We received 315 recommendations, through the form on our call-out and over social media. While some may argue whether they are best served hot or cold (Boston.com readers prefer a chilled one), a consensus was reached on where the best ones are prepared: Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine. Reader Brian L. from North Carolina shared, “Red’s gives so much lobster that when you first get your roll, you can’t even see the actual bread because of the heaping amounts of lobster included. After that, they give you the drawn butter to drizzle on yourself, which helps keep the roll fresh and not soggy.”
“Simple perfection.”
Where do you get the best pizza in Greater Boston? Nearly 400 Boston.com readers had some ideas, when we asked them last June. Coming in third place was Galleria Umberto in the North End, where they serve Sicilian slices, paired well with arancini and a Coke. Reader Joshua G. from Boston said, “James Beard Award winner for simple perfection. Cheese slices straight from the pizza gods. No frills, no complications, just absolutely amazing pizza, every time. It’s a secret because they close when they run out of pizza, never later than 2:30 p.m. So many people don’t know about this treasure.”
“Unbelievably cheesy, in the best way.”
A flavorful taco is a great thing, and Boston.com readers know this well. In May, almost 500 readers shared their favorites, which helped us compile the ultimate guide to tacos in Greater Boston. Yellow Door Taqueria, which has multiple locations, was voted as the top pick. Reader Lizzy L. from Dorchester shared, “Birria tacos are unbelievably cheesy, in the best way, and the sauce to dip them in is perfect! Their elote is unmatched. Queso is flavorful and addicting. Tequila selection is [top] notch, and the margaritas are the best around. Not to mention great service every time.”
“Taking in the breathtaking views.”
While grabbing drinks with friends is always fun, making your destination above the ground elevates the experience. Last June, nearly 100 readers told us about the best rooftop bars in Greater Boston. RTP at The Colonnade Hotel was ranked in first place, and reader Zakary P. from the South End told us, “There’s just no place like the RTP at The Colonnade Hotel in Boston. Spending summer days lounging by the water, taking in the breathtaking views, chatting with the friendly servers as you sip on their famous Summer Blues cocktail, and taking a dip in the refreshing water once things start heating up — it’s the perfect place to get away from it all. Or rather, above it all.”
“Nary a menu item that I wouldn’t order, honestly.”
This fall, Boston.com explored places where you can order a birthday cake or just grab a croissant and coffee to go. Over 700 readers shared what they think are the best bakeries in Greater Boston. Butternut Bakehouse in Arlington took the top spot. An Honorable Mention went to Eva’s Little Kitchen in Bedford, and reader Nick Z. from Bedford told us why he loves the spot. “The [chef/owner] Eva and her staff make absolutely delicious food — there is nary a menu item that I wouldn’t order, honestly… During the pandemic when they were offering a meal delivery service as well (which became very popular in our area), Eva herself delivered a few meals to our doorstep; given how magical her food is, it felt like having a famous movie star ring your doorbell. This business is truly special.”
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