Hellobee Boards

Oh man so many Boston mama's and no one has piped in yet!

I am assuming that you aren't coming for very long? I would find a hotel that's downtown so it has access to everything. Like near downtown park area or more back bay. In regards to restaurants there are so many and so many of them are good. Even now I yelp a lot. But I always do think Italian in the north end is a must.

If it's early November leaves might be peaking then. They tend to peak a bit later in the city than in the countryside, usually late October into November. A stroll around anywhere would be lovely. I don't each much in Boston proper, in Cambridge Sarma, Oleana, Alden and Harlow, and so many other places are great. I love Comedor in Newton. Tripadvisor is great for figuring out what's good...

What type of food do you like and what type of dining are you looking for? (i.e. are you interested in certain types of ethnic foods? fancy tasting menus? something specific, like tapas or seafood or the best pizza etc?)

I have so many favorites that I would overwhelm you if I listed them all, so it's helpful to know what you like.

@LadyDi: It really depends on what you want to do. I'll give you a few ideas and areas to stay in and then you can research... Early November will hopefully still be nice, not too cold yet - but I think the leaves will pretty much have fallen by then. Like @catlady: said, I also could give you a millions recommendations, but don't want to overwhelm

So, narrowing by area. Classic Boston would be staying near the Boston Common or Copley Square. You'll be near the park, Newbury Street and Downtown. Newbury street is cute, shops and restaurants, the park is beautiful, and Beacon Hill, Charles Street is right on on side of the park.

Also very close to Copley and this area is Boston's South End which is great for walking and shopping and some more great restaurants and bars.

An up-and-coming area is the Seaport/Fort Point/Waterfront area. It's a good option to stay at one of the bigger hotels in the area, like @Looch: mentioned the Boston Harbor Hotel, or the Intercontinental are in a good spot on the water. You can walk across the bridge to Fort Point which has some of the best new restaurants in the city. The Seaport district is also fun, it's a little more "hopping" in the summer and warmer weather but it's basically a row of restaurants, but a lot of new construction as well. There is a brand new Hotel over there called the Envoy which is like a W-style hotel and in a good spot to be near Fort Point.... Also right near this area is Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. Very touristy, but worth a walk through... Especially if you're interested in doing any historical sightseeing.

ALSO right near this area is the North End, mentioned above which is the Italian area - Hanover street is the main drag, definitely some good pastries. Some of the restaurants are 'meh' so just look up online. One of my favorite restaurants of all time in Boston is Neptune Oyster - which is in the North End. It's EXCELLENT. It's tiny, there is always a wait, but it's totally worth it. Especially if you want the best lobster roll of your life. haha. I love it. If you go slightly off hours the wait won't be as bad, and they'll take your cell so you can keep walking around.

Restaurants in the Seaport/Fort Point area that are great:
Row 34 (oysters)
Committee (greek tapas, soooo good)
Oak + Rowan (just went, very good)
Legal Harborside - Legals is a Boston establishment, it's a local chain, but it's always pretty good, there is a good bar here.
MENTON - if you want a super fancy TOP restaurant, i've heard amazing things. Make a reservation now. It's supposed to be incredible. Very pricey.
Sportello/Drink - next door to Menton, sportello is good for lunch, great quick italian food. Drink is a great bar below it.
Tavern Road is also really solid.
(I work in this area which is why i know it best, haha)

/end novel.

@LadyDi: For fancy, if you want a real splurge, I can't recommend any place higher than Tasting Counter in Somerville. Seriously one of the best meals of my life. If you'd rather stay in Boston, Menton in Seaport or L'Espalier in Back Bay are also incredible. Keep in mind, these are all super expensive. If you want a fancy meal that is not quite as over the top as those, I'd recommend No. 9 Park near the Boston Common or Craigie on Main in Cambridge. For great food that isn't quite so fancy, I love Myers + Chang (asian fusion) and Toro (tapas), both in the South End. Definitely hit up the North End for both seafood and Italian, there are some great choices like Union Oyster or Daily Catch, although you will need to wait in a line outside. I'll also put in a plug for one of my favorite restaurants, Oleana in Cambridge, which has middle eastern/turkish food (tapas style).

I don't think Boston really has a single food that it is known for these days, but definitely take advantage of the seafood if you are coming from a place where you don't get as much. Not a dumb question though. I think we used to be known for baked beans?! Lol. Maybe clam chowder. I'm partial to the chowder at Legal Seafood, even though it's a chain restaurant.

There are lots of great coffee places around, if you want something a little different, try Tatte (several locations, including Beacon Hill) and get a shakshuka for brunch. If you want the best donut ever, try out Union Sq Donuts (several locations, including inside Boston Public Market near the North End).