5 Popular Boston Area Dining Reviews

Few major cities in the United States have more in the way of history than Boston does. Indeed, there are countless historic landmarks and structures throughout the city and its suburbs, including some that are known throughout the country. Similarly, a number of restaurants in and around the city are famous in part for being located in historic structures (The Chart House at Long Wharf, for example), but there are plenty of other dining spots that either reside in beautifully restored old buildings or have been in business for a long, long time–in some cases, for more than a century. What are some of these restaurants? Well, we could list pages and pages of such spots, but have limited it to five of the more interesting ones in the Greater Boston area.

MARLIAVE, BOSTON: One of Boston’s oldest restaurants (though not continuously running, as they closed for a time awhile back before being reopened by new owners), Marliave in the Downtown Crossing section of the city first started out in 1885. The three-story Bosworth Street space is wonderful for history lovers, especially the middle floor, which includes a cozy bar, a pressed tin ceiling, a cracked black and white mosaic floor, and old-fashioned pendant lamps. The eclectic menu features mostly continental cuisine, including a delicious Welsh rarebit.

“Henry Marliave, a French immigrant from Paris, arrived in Boston with a collection of recipes and the dream of finding success in the United States. Henry Marliave achieved his American dream by opening his namesake: Restaurant Marliave at 10 Bosworth Street in 1885. The Boston dining landmark has been reopened by Grotto chef/owner, Scott Herrit.”

Address: Marliave, 10 Bosworth Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

MORSE FISH, SOUTH END: One of the oldest continuously running restaurants in Boston happens to be a relatively little-known one, and even for those who know about the place, they may not realize that it has been in business since the start of the 20th century. But Morse Fish on Washington Street just happens to be the oldest fish market in the entire city, dating back to 1901. The little spot is also a restaurant, with all kinds of fried and broiled seafood available to customers for dining in or for takeout. Address: Morse Fish, 1401 Washington Street, Boston MA, 02118.

“Morse Fish, located in the historic South End of Boston is the oldest fish market in Boston, MA. We are located directly across the street from the well known Holy Cross Cathedral Church on historic Washington Street. Since 1903, Morse Fish has had only 3 owners, which goes to show the quality in their seafood and customer service. Morse Fish offers a great menu of broiled or fried seafood ranging from haddock and chips, battered shrimp, and scallops.

Any meal can be ordered to go, and each dinner comes with coleslaw, French fries, onion rings, or rice. All our fried food is made with 100% vegetable oil with zero tran’s fat. Morse Fish also offer a fresh assortment of seafood ranging from wild Salmon to live Lobsters and everything in between. Morse Fish is nationally recognized and people from all over the world come to try our fresh seafood every day. Please come by and see for yourself.”

AMRHEINS RESTAURANT, SOUTH BOSTON: Formerly a classic old-Boston spot that politicians and families from the neighborhood called their home, Amrheins Restaurant near the Broadway T stop in Southie has become a bit trendy and upscale since the dining spot was renovated several years back, but it still has a ton of character. The restaurant, which has been in operation since 1890, features what may be the oldest hand-carved bar in the entire country, and the cozy side room to the left continues to give a taste of the history of the building. Address: 80 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127.

“Amrheins has been a Boston tradition since 1890. For over a century diners throughout the city of Boston have been welcomed into Amrheins to enjoy quality meals amongst friends and neighbors. Today that tradition continues in our updated facility. Despite the renovations in 2005, Amrheins is still full of history.

Amrheins is the proud home of the oldest hand carved bar in America and still has the first Draft Beer pump in Boston on display. But what really makes Amrheins special is its dedication to quality cuisine and superior service. We hope that you join us again soon.”

THE LYCEUM, SALEM: Housed in a building that dates back to 1843, The Lyceum resides in what used to be a lecture hall visited by such historic figures as Henry David Thoreau and Alexander Graham Bell. Recently renovated and reopened, The Lyceum is an attractive, casual spot with exposed brick walls, working fireplaces, and a menu that features Mediterranean cuisine. Address: The Lyceum, 43 Church Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

“George Harrington established the original Lyceum Bar & Grill in 1989 in an historic former lecture hall made famous by the likes of Thoreau, Hawthorne, Emerson, and Alexander Graham Bell. Twenty years later, together with a new generation of partners and a new vision, another chapter of the Lyceum’s storied past begins: a classic bistro in historic Salem serving Mediterranean-inspired favorites in a contemporary yet casual atmosphere.”

DALYA’S, BEDFORD: A rustic old spot in a section of the Boston area filled with history, Dalya’s has the feel of a rural farmhouse (the structure dates back to 1850), with chandeliers, a working fireplace, and antiques giving its dining area a special charm. The menu at Dalya’s features mostly Mediterreanan and New American fare, including beef sirloin carpaccio, pappardelle with lobster, seafood stew, and lamb chops. Address: Dalya’s, 20 North Road, Bedford, MA, 01730.

The above restaurants give just a taste of what the Boston area has to offer in the way of restaurants with some history behind them. If you have any favorite historic restaurants in the Boston area, please feel free to comment on them here, thanks!

Dining review by Hidden Boston.

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