Boston is brimming with indie restaurants. These establishments really go out of their way to be welcoming and to provide delicious fare, cooked from scratch. Whether you’re seeking a homey atmosphere, comfort food, or a little of both, you’ll want to visit these 11 “mom and pop” eateries in Boston.
1. Theo’s Cozy Corner (North End)
If the prospect of chocolate French toast doesn’t make you want to put down roots in Theo’s, then the corned beef hash and home fries sure will! This small, bustling joint is located at 162 Salem Street in Boston.
2. Next Step Soul Food Café (Dorchester)
For the ultimate comfort food served in a homey environment, head to this soul food restaurant. There, you can dig into mac and cheese and cornbread that are so delicious you’ll wonder why you ever ate anything but carbs! Next Step Soul Food Café can be found at 657 Washington Street in Boston.
3. Chilacates Mexican Street (JP)
For legit Mexican Street food, Chilacates can’t be beat. Everything here is fresh and homemade, with perfectly balanced flavors. You have to try the chicken tinga. Visit 224 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain or 658 Centre Street (also in Jamaica Plain) to see for yourself.
4. Mi Pueblito Restaurant (East Boston)
This inviting restaurant specializes in Central American cuisine from El Salvador, and Guatemala, as well as Mexican fare. Mi Pueblito is known for its seafood and authentic pupusas. Admittedly, this place is underwhelming from the outside, but once you set food inside, you’ll feel right at home. Mi Pueblito is located at 333 Border Street in Boston.
5. Izzy’s Restaurant and Sub Shop (Kendall Square)
Izzy’s is a family-owned and operated eatery that’s been going strong since 1980. If you’re searching for a mom and pop that serves incredible Puerto Rican food, then look no further. The Jamaican patties and empanadas are as scrumptious as they are budget-friendly. Izzy’s can be found at 169 Harvard Street in Cambridge.
6. Mike and Patty’s (Bay Village)
While this spot is more of a to-go place than a dine-in restaurant, simply take your breakfast to one of the nearby parks and soak in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. When it comes to breakfast sandwiches, Mike and Patty’s is legendary. Order the Fancy or the Breakfast Torta – the latter is a wonderful mélange of egg, cheddar, black beans and avocado. Discover this adorable eatery at 12 Church Street in Boston.
7. Cucina Mia Café and Deli (Quincy)
For meatballs that surpass nana’s (just don’t tell her that), check out Cucina Mia Café and Deli. The folks at this Italian café-meets-deli are so friendly, and whether you opt for a sub or a cup of soup, you’ll want to return to this special spot. The restaurant is located at 94 Washington Street in Quincy.
8. Southern Kin Cookhouse (Somerville)
Stick to standard comfort fare like chicken and waffles or branch out with Bayou tacos, which feature slow-cooked gator tail! At Southern Kin Cookhouse, down home food is accented with unexpected touches such as cheddar and chives incorporated into the waffle batter and the addition of a fresno-pepper maple syrup. The restaurant is located at 500 Assembly Row in Somerville.
9. Rondo’s Sub Shop (South Boston)
This family-run sub shop is something of a South End institution. For unbeatable cheese steak subs, you can’t go wrong with Rondo’s. Check it out at 134 W. Broadway in Boston.
10. Ciao! Pizza and Pasta (Chelsea)
You’ll feel like part of the family in no time at Ciao! Pizza and Pasta, which is the first wood-fired pizzeria in Chelsea. It’s tough to choose between the Salsiccia- a pizza topped with fennel sausage, cherry peppers, and pecorino- or the Uovo, which is essentially breakfast on a pizza! Definitely don’t miss out on the Nutella dessert pizza. This restaurant is located at 59 Williams Street in Chelsea.
11. La Famiglia Giorgio’s (North End)
La Famiglia Giorgio’s offers family-style dining that feeds both your soul and your stomach. Start your meal off with homemade pumpkin ravioli in marsala sauce before moving on to the delectable chicken parmigiana. At this point, you’re likely to be stuffed, so take some cannoli to go. La Famiglia Giorgio’s is located at 112 Salem Street in Boston.
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