Boston a Bargain Travel Guide
By: Steve PerlowMade famous by Revolutionary events infamous by cold winters and both by the WorldSeries winning Red Sox Boston has its fair share of reasons to visit. With such a reputation however comes high prices and it has become increasingly difficult to find bargain deals in the city. That is why we created a list of budget restaurants bars and activities that both locals and tourists can use when going out in Boston. Spanning the unique Boston neighborhoods we have suggestions whether you are with family friends or single. We also provide ideas for dates that wont break the bank great especially for a first outing yet perfect also for a change of pace in the old routine.
Restaurants
Grendels Den (89 Winthrop Street Harvard Square) Stop by for the happy hour food specials from 57:30pm and after 9:30pm at this popular Harvard Square bar. The entire menu (normally very reasonable) is half priced giving the diner on a budget some great options. Try the Mediterranean platter for steak tips and hummus for only $5 during happy hour. Also stop by on Sunday evenings for the special dollar menu featuring items such burgers and pasta. There is a minimum drink purchase of $3 required for the discount prices.
Brother Jimmys BBQ (96 Winthrop St. Cambridge) Enjoy some of the best BBQ you can find north of Memphis and east of St. Louis. While the entrees can get pricey you can enjoy a great BBQ sandwich and a side for under $10. Try the pulled Chicken with the Eastern Carolina sauce and the mashed potatoes with gravy. If youre looking to splurge try a Swampwater; this fish bowl of liquor is $15 but does come with its own alligator. On Wednesdays be sure to check out the Ladies Night specials and receive $1 domestic beers and $1 margaritas. Also on Wednesdays receive a 25% discount on your food purchases with a valid Southern ID (States south of the MasonDixon Line and east of the Mississippi). On Saturdays there are $0.35 wings and $8 pitchers from 124pm. For those really looking to eat stop by on Sundays for allyoucaneat ribs and allyoucandrink drafts for $22.95 (two hour max) or on Mondays for allyoucaneat wings and rib tips and allyoucandrink drafts for $14.95.
Fajitas and Ritas (25 West St. Downtown or 1237 Hancock St. Quincy) Its easy to stuff yourself with fresh TexMex food here without spending too much cash because Fajitas and Ritas is one of the few places around that serves dinnersized fajitas for less than $10. For those who prefer the Tex instead of the Mex you can get a BBQ pulled pork sandwich accompanied by slaw beans and corn bread also for under $10. And even though you might be trying to save money its hard not to splurge on a Raspberry Margarita for a bit over $4. No matter your budget you wont be hungry when you leave!
McCormick and Schmicks (North Market Building Faneuil Hall) This upscale seafood restaurant can normally cost a pretty penny but at happy hour anyone can afford to enjoy some of McCormick and Schmicks great food. From 3:30 to 6:30pm Monday through Friday and 10pm12am on Saturday and Sunday the bar features a $1.95 menu featuring standby favorites such as burgers chicken wings and cheese quesadillas as well as seafood choices such as oysters and clams. The menu changes daily and there is a minimum drink purchase required. Reservations are suggested. For more info take a look at their website here.
Drink Specials
Sunset Grill and Tap (130 Brighton Ave. Allston) While this bar doesnt have any drink specials the sheer vastness of its beer selection makes it worth checking out. Offering 112 beers on tap and 380 types of bottled beer Sunset is truly a beer drinkers heaven. The prices range based on the brand but try the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. This one is 9% alcohol so at about $4 per pint it can be a pretty good deal. For the drinker living on the edge theres the 120 Minute IPA which is 21% alcohol by volume. The Sunset also offers a menu of tasty relatively cheap food to accompany your beer selections. You might want to get here early; the lines and wait can get long. For more information take a look here.
Roggies Brew and Grille (356 Chestnut Hill Ave. Brighton) While this is definitely a Boston College bar any one looking for a fun scene and young crowd can enjoy this Brighton hotspot. Roggies offers 52 beers on tap and martinis for only $5. Also stop by between 47pm for $0.15 wings. For those with a larger crowd or perhaps looking to not remember their night try the 64 once bowls of mixed drinks for around 17 dollars. As an added bonus Roggies also has a pizza shop right next door for anyone looking for some great cheap eats after a night of heavy drinking.
Pour House Bar and Grill (909 Boylston Street Fenway Kenmore) Well known as a college students dream bar this place offers a fun crowd and cheap prices. The deals on food can be exceptional. On Wednesdays after 6pm try the $2.50 chicken sandwich and Saturdays after 6pm all burgers are half priced. This bar offers a pretty standard selection of drinks which are also reasonably priced. The service is seatyourself but this bar can fill up pretty quickly.
Beacon Hill Pub (149 Charles Street Beacon Hill) If you are looking to relive your college years then Beacon Hill Pub is the place to go. Start with the $1.55 Bud draft pints in plastic cups. Then challenge your buddies to a game of foosball or pinball. Within minutes youll feel as if youre 21 again (or even 18). Wednesday nights are best if youre looking for a fun but chill scene make sure to introduce yourself to Garrett the bartender (and of course tip him) and hell be sure to remember your poison and prepare it for you as soon as you approach the bar. Thursdays through Saturdays tend to be more crowded but fun all the same especially if that is more your scene. Dont worry about driving and trying to find a parking
spot in the impossible Beacon Hill neighborhood a T stop and a cabstand are only a few steps from the door.
Activities
Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Downtown) More commonly referred to as Quincy Market this marketplace offers all kinds of food shopping and live entertainment. Hungry Try one of the 17 restaurants or 40 eateries serving up everything from famous New England clam chowda to ethnic Indian and of course delectable deserts. Looking for something new There are multiple retailers from recognized apparel stores to local gift shops for you to browse. Just want to be entertained The musical and variety acts put on by the street performers provide free amusement for passerbys of all ages. Or check out The Comedy Connection (see writeup below) for a more organized comedic routine. Located on the waterfront and easily identified by the cobblestone walkways and 19th cen