If you are coming to Fenway for the 4th of July, welcome to my hometown! You can always grab a sausage with onions on Lansdowne Street outside the park, but walk just 10 minutes away and you will find some local gems. Here are a few spots close to my heart and close to Fenway Park – and click here for a Google Map with many more recs.
Mei Mei, 506 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215: Creative Chinese-American cuisine made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, humanely raised meat and small farm produce. Mei Mei catered my wedding, MBA graduation party, and I helped edit their new cookbook Double Awesome Chinese Food, so clearly I’m totally biased, but this truly is one of my favorite restaurants! Service is quick and they have an excellent selection of wine and local beer. Don’t miss the scallion pancake sandwiches (my go-to is the Porko Rosso with pulled pork, shiitake mushrooms, cranberry hoisin and pickled slaw) or divine dumplings.
Sol Azteca – 914 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215: Perfect for big groups, this was one of Boston’s first Mexican restaurants founded in 1974. I love the carne asada, rich mole sauces, and the chiles rellenos with cheese, tomato, mushroom, almond, and raisins. Lots of vegetarian options and creative margaritas.
Japonaise Bakery & Cafe, 1020 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446: Get a quick coffee and pastry or grab a sandwich to go at this family bakery that has been in the neighborhood for over three decades. The variety of freshly baked breads and sweets is astounding.
Taberna De Haro- 999 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446: For a swanky little pre-show date night head to this Spanish tapas restaurant. Grab a spot on the patio and open a bottle of wine (they boast one of the most extensive wine lists in Boston), then dig into tons of tapas while watching the world go by.
Audubon- 838 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215: The bars around Fenway Park will all be mobbed, so try this one nearby instead for excellent cocktails and a solid menu of snacks.
Fest Food 