2012 Tasted Good: Boston's Best New Restaurants Of The Year
Rosa Mexicano
155 Seaport Blvd.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 476-6122
www.rosamexicano.com
Right near the Waterfront and Seaport, a new upscale Mexican restaurant opened its doors in May. This restaurant chain was established in 1984 in New York City and now has more than 15 locations including right here in Boston. There are 300 seats at the Rosa Mexicano, with tables available both in and outdoors. The restaurant has signed a lease for 15 years, so its tableside guacamole, fish tacos, enchiladas and signature pomegranate margaritas should be here to stay.
Empire Restaurant & Lounge
One Marina Park Drive
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 295-0001
www.empireboston.com
Big Night Entertainment, which also opened Red Lantern in Boston not too long ago, created Empire this past June. Another Seaport restaurant in the area, Empire has quickly become an after-work hang out or weekend meeting spot for both lounging and drinking. It boasts a menu heavy on Asian cuisine with a variety of places to dine throughout the spacious restaurant and bar, which includes seating for 350 guests. Highlights on the menu include lobster rangoon and other Chinese-inspired appetizers; sushi including a hamachi tartare roll featuring cucumber, avocado, gobo and spicy yellowtail; noodle dishes, and to wash it down, classic mai-tais or the Royal Saketini featuring Geikkekan Classic with Ketel One and cucumber.
Granary Tavern
170 Milk St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 449-7110
www.granarytavern.com/
Newcomer to the Financial District, Granary Tavern, which is run by Glynn Hospitality Group — which also owns a variety of Boston bars including The Black Rose and Coogan's — serves up American classics as of June 2012. From fish and chips, chicken and waffles to flatbread pizzas, it too has become a popular gathering place after work or on weekends. It serves brunch and lunch, and features a convenient location right by the Greenway. Beyond just tasty food with appealing options, the beer list highlights satisfying selections from local breweries in Nantucket, Westport and Boston alongside worldwide beer favorites such as Guinness. Food, drinks,and an outdoor patio, with a variety of places to sit inside as well, make it a lively place and welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Related: Bostons Best Autumn Desserts
75 on Liberty Wharf
220 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 227-0754
www.75onlibertywharf.com
For fresh seafood in the Seaport, 75 on Liberty Wharf, which opened October, does not disappoint. With gorgeous water views in a cozy setting, it has 35 seats available for diners to feast on clam chowder, crab cakes, mussels, seafood stew and other New England cuisine. 75 on Liberty Wharf is the sister restaurant to Beacon Hill's 75 Chestnut and immediately became a notable dining option in this area. Look out for its seasonal drink concoctions including warming winter creations such as the peppermint hot toddy or spiked hot apple cider.
Tip Tap Room
138 Cambridge St.
Boston, MA 02114
(857) 350-3344
www.thetiptaproom.com
Right on Beacon Hill, chef and owner Brian Poe's Tip Tap Room brings a new concept to Boston, as of June. It serves up lamb, steak, chicken or swordfish, with a variety of special game meats on rotation as well. From the tap, enjoy a long list of beers to satisfy guests' thirst, including Peak Organic IPA, Abita Purple Haze, Lindeman's Framboise or Cisco Grey Lady. Whether you want dinner in the restaurant area to catch up with old friends or to hang by the spacious bar for cocktails, Tip Tap accommodates.
Michelle Levine is a creative energetic, young professional that is passionate about everything Boston has to offer. She loves to attend local events, dine out, and cook and wants to share her findings with you. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
