Boston Restaurant Blog -- March, 2010

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. 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.

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.

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.

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! [Note: Thanks to Zagat for some of the information included here.]

Related Blog Entries: historic restaurants

Posted by MH, Boston's Hidden Restaurants, on March 11, 2010.
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