Where to eat in Boston?

My parents, brother, SIL, niece (2), FI, and I are heading up to Boston this weekend. I'm looking for an inexpensive family friendly place to eat dinner up there (no chains). We're staying in Newton but will be over by Fenway for most of the day on Saturday. Anyone have any suggestions?

My dad is from Boston, and it's one of my favorite cities (eventhough I've only been there once) Honestly, everywhere we ate was fabulous. I left my dad a message about where the best places are to eat. I will post as soon as he tells me BTW what kind of food is your favorite?

ok, it's not for like actual FOOD, but if you have time you have to go to mikes. the best cannoli in the world. YUM!

These particular family members are not very adventurous eaters, so probably something along the "American" style would be best. My brother and SIL are pretty light on cash right now, so cost will definitely be a major factor. My dad's a New England guy, so I'm sure he'd like a place with some good ol' Boston baked beans.

On a side note, FI and I are heading up the night before them, so I'm open to hearing about some great bars or a good place to grab dinner at like 9:00 since that's probably when we'll get there.

Andrea, that was really sweet of you to contaact your dad. Thanks!

Sorry it took me a day to get back to you! My parents were busy and I just had a chance to ask my dad where to go. He said for the best Italian go to the "North End" of Boston. Locals actually refer to it as the North End, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting there, just tell your cab driver or ask someone. Also, you MUST go to Quincy Market. They have AWESOME food, and tons of little places to shop. I LOVED it there! I can't wait to go back and visit! Have fun!

Ditto on the North End. You can walk there from Fenway and it is real authentic italian. All the places are small and quaint. and yes you HAVE TO go to Mikes Pastries for a cannoli. Yum! If you don't want italian, then you can walk in Fanuiel Hall area and there are also plenty of places to eat, without the chain places. Seafood, american whatever. Good Eats in both locations. And you can walk to both.

Another family and budget-friendly place in Boston is b.good. It's basically healthy fast food, but REALLY good. There are a few locations there (not a chain though!), but Newbury St and Dartmouth St would be closest to Fenway. This was our favorite place for quick, cheap, healthy food when we lived in Boston. b.good

Also, if you want FANTASTIC brunch on Sunday, go to Zaftig's in Coolidge Corner (Brookline). If you're in Newton, it's a quick trip down Beacon Street. Or from Fenway, it's a few stops on the C-line from Kenmore Square on the T. Zaftig's also serves dinner, but I have to admit that I've only ever been there for brunch! Zaftigs - Brookline Jewish Deli

The North End is great, but on a Saturday night you'll have a really long wait for a table just about anywhere. If I were you, I would eat dinner at b.good on Newbury, then walk to Mike's in the North End for a cannoli . Best of both worlds!

For bars, I would try Kenmore Square, Newbury Street or Boylston Street. There are several places near Faneuil Hall, too, depending on the scene you're looking for.

To get True boton Flava you should go to Boston Beer Works - Right across from Fenway. The north end is pretty far from Fenway - Opposite ends of the city - You c hop on the T if its not nice out, if its a nice day you can walk.

You can always go to Newbury street they have lots of resturants - some are not too expensive. Charlies ( i think - has a great outdoor patio and Stephanies - a little more upscale). If you head out onto Boylston ( it runs parallel to Newbury) there are lots of places: Cactus Club, Whiskeys, Poor House...those are all inexpensive and fun. Let me know if you have any other questions - I am really familiar with the city.

I was going to say the same thing as Kriswim. You do not want to walk from Fenway to the North End, it's not even close. I do recommend the North End also, anything there is good and get that cannoli from Mikes!

Hmmm, the North End is sounding pretty good. Is that like NYC's Little Italy? Since we'll have a 2 year old with us, I was planning on hoping the T to go to dinner anyway, so that's not a problem. Would you guys recommend the North End over Newbury (that's where I was looking)?