Allston, MA is known for two things: hosting crazy parties and getting scary after dark. One more thing should be added to that list—its amazing food.
If you’re willing to venture past the edge of West Campus, you’ll find that there are many hidden gems within Allston. Take a friend and go explore because there is an insane number of restaurants to choose from. All it takes is a bit of legwork.
Here are five options to start off with on your quest to delicious food and a content stomach:
1) SoulFire
182 Harvard Ave. Allston, MA 02134
You can easily get there by taking the T to Harvard Ave station.
SoulFire place specializes in BBQ, with a huge variety of meats to satisfy any craving. This place is also known for their BBQ sauces, which include their house SoulFire sauce among others. If you have vegetarians in your party, no need to fret. They have a decent amount of salads and a main entrée to choose from. In addition to regular desserts like pie and cheesecake, SoulFire has fried dough, a confectionary delight to end a good meal.
2) Carlo’s Cucina Italiana
131 Brighton Ave. Allston, MA 02134
To get to this restaurant via the T, take it outbound towards Boston College till you hit Harvard Ave station.
Not up to trekking all the way to the North End for amazing Italian food? Look no further than Carlo’s. With a comfortable, family atmosphere, this is the place to have a dinner with good friends. This restaurant has the staples such as chicken parmesan and chicken ziti, but it also makes meals such as lobster ravioli and gnocchi (a type of thick pasta). At the end of your meal, Carlo’s has an array of desserts–from tiramisu to peach sorbetto.
3) Garlic n’ Lemons
133 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Head to Granby St. and take the 57 MBTA bus to Watertown Yard via Brighton. Get off on Brighton Ave at Linden St. and walk to this little place.
If you’re looking for Mediterranean food, stop by Garlic n’ Lemons. Most customers know this place for its outrageously good shawarmas, in chicken and beef with varying levels of spiciness. Though a bit pricey, the enormous portions are worth it. They also have options for vegetarians, such as the veggie plate, which includes three to five choices of vegetables. This place is quick to get out orders, so it would be good to stop by for a lunch break.
4) Infusions Tea Spa
110 Brighton Ave. Allston, MA 02134
Similar to Garlic ‘n Lemons, take the 57 MBTA bus from Granby St to Brighton Ave on Linden St.
Though this place does not necessarily count as a restaurant, I included it anyways because of Infusions’ reputation for amazing bubble tea. Bubble tea, otherwise known as boba milk tea, includes chewy tapioca balls that can be included in almost any drink. This place has a massive menu of drinks to choose from. The best part is you can customize whether or not you want boba and the sweetness. While it is moderately expensive for a drink, you won’t be disappointed.
5) Bon Chon
123 Brighton Ave. Allston, MA 02134
Take the 57A bus from Granby St that goes towards Oak Square via Brighton. Get off around Brighton Ave at Linden St. and make the short walk to this establishment.
Bon Chon boasts to-die-for chicken wings in two flavors: garlic soy and spicy. Neither will disappoint. Just be sure to come on an empty stomach, otherwise you will surely not be able to finish all the wings they give you. They do carry other foods such as typical fried rice and sushi, but most people go for the wings. Beware that this place does not take reservations, so getting there early is an absolute must if you don’t want to be waiting outside to be seated.
Hopefully this is a starting point to the discovery of new restaurants in Allston. Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment a little, because you never know what you could find as a result.