“Just check ‘Yelp’”! If you’re thriving in Boston with many brunch plans and weekend fun, you’ve probably heard this phrase a billion times. Most times, your “Yelp”-led adventures are a hit! Then there are the times where the site leads you astray. I’ve gone on “Yelp” to find my favorite (or not so favorite) restaurants in Boston to separate fact from fiction.
1. Myers & Chang: FACT
“I love it when a contemporary restaurant is smart enough to offer a variety of allergy-friendly menus, which Myers & Chang does effortlessly without sacrificing flavor or quality.“- Katie B.
From brunch to dinner, “Myers & Chang” gets everything right. The ambiance is not too hipster but still enough to make you feel proud for eating at an adult-esque establishment. From the founder of “Flour” comes this wonderful Asian fusion eating experience. The “Yelp” comments are definitely true, too; they have options for any and every dietary restriction but also remain wonderfully flavorful. My favorite meal there was dinner; as the site expresses, their bao is out of this world. Also, they make a mean Thai tea. This is the most believable “Yelp” page in existence and I will forever stand by this.
2. Sweet Cheeks: SORT OF FICTION
“The food certainly is what kept my rating of this place up- because I did not like the atmosphere. Granted, we went on a frigid evening… it was cold outside and it felt like the same temperature inside!” -Jodi G.
If you love some good ole’ barbecue and classic sides like mac and cheese, then you will thoroughly enjoy Sweet Cheeks. According to what “Yelp” presents, however, I think their portrayal is a little to bias on both sides. The ambiance is cute and adds to the comfort food feel, but can be difficult to grab a seat quickly, especially in the winter months. Service can also be extremely slow on certain nights just because the place is always popping. Despite this, I will always support their brisket and fresh-baked biscuits.
3. Nud Pob: FICTION
“It seems definitely overrated here. I would avoid going here if possible. I tried some noodles and fried rice, ONLY because it’s close to campus. Not worth money.” -Susan H.
If you’re a Comm Ave. native, then you understand how false this comment is. The food at Nud Pob is exceptionally amazing for a restaurant on a college campus and its reasonable prices. Their pad thai is the cure to all your cold-weather woes and the spring rolls are always crispy and ready to fix your cravings. Plus, they have take out which is necessary for those busy, on-the-go days. I will sip my thai tea in the haters’ faces because this “Yelp” is totally fiction.
4. Mr. Bartley’s Gourmet Burgers: FICTION
“A perfectly acceptable burger place, but not something I would recommend or choose over other burger places in the area.” -Priyanka N.
Have you ever wanted to know what sitcom college shows feel like with their hangout pub, cafe, etc? Mr. Bartley’s will give you this experience exactly, along with good food and nifty memorabilia. Yes, they may not accept cards. Yes, it is a pretty small place. But at the end of the day, it’s a great place for simple burgers WITH vegetarian and gluten-free options. Plus, their apple pie frappe is life-altering. If I lived across the river, I would go there religiously.
5. Friendly Toast: FACT
“Whether it’s with my local friends and I, or I have friends and family visiting from out of town, we end up here for what I know will be an incredible brunch. Not only is the menu extensive, but everything on it has been delicious.” – Chris L.
If you live in Boston, you live for brunch. The Friendly Toast gets that. They have a huge menu amazing dishes. If you’re craving a simple egg and bacon, they’ve got you; if you’re craving a whacky wild mountain of pancakes, they also have what you’re looking for. With a bunch of locations around the area mimicking the original’s unique interior design. I stan making the Toast your usual weekend feast! Tip: get the “Nowait” app to get yourself the same day reservation.
I hope I’ve busted some of the “Yelp” myths that you’ve always wondered about! May your brunches be bomb and your tummies be happy!
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