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Best Places To Carb Load Before The Boston Marathon

Many of the 27,000 Boston Marathon runners will be filling up on carbs the day before the race. So where should you go to carb load before the big run? Here are our top suggestions.
Giacomo's South End
(credit: Giocomo's Blog)

Giacomo's

431 Columbus Ave. (South End)
617.536.5723
Website

If you are looking for fine Italian at reasonable prices, head to Giacomo's on Columbus Ave. Customers rave about their buttnernut squash ravioli and squid ink papardelle with swordfish and tuna. You probably won't be drinking the night before your big race, but for the rest of your party – wine and beer prices here are super low. Know before you go – this place is cash only! If you have plenty of time to wait, you could check out Giacomo's highly regarded North End location, which does not take reservations.

Dave's Fresh Pasta
(credit: davesfreshpasta.com)

Dave's Fresh Pasta

81 Holland Ave.
Davis Square, Somerville
617.623.0867
Website

Don't feel like getting prettied up to eat out? Dave's has great, fresh food to take home or back to your hotel. Their menu features handmade pasta and homemade sauces. Get it prepared, or buy some fresh noodles or ravioli to cook yourself. While you're there, check out their selection of wines, cheeses and chocolates to stash away for after race day.

Carlo's Cucina Italian
(credit: carloscucinaitaliana.com)

Carlo's Cucina Italian

131 Brighton Ave. (Allston)
617.254.9759
Website

Right upfront it needs to be said that Carlo's is not about atmosphere, but about quality food. I saw it best described by one reviewer as "a paper placemat kind of place." But if you're not the type to let that turn you off, the food here is fresh, authentic, delicious, and plentiful. It's a hidden gem in a neighborhood most wouldn't head to for good Italian food, and as a bonus – they're open for lunch. Reservations are only accepted for parties of 6 or more.

Trattoria Toscana
(credit: Google Street View)

Trattoria Toscana

130 Jersey St. (Fenway)
617.247.9508

For runners in Boston from out-of-town, the big plus for this tiny Tuscan spot (beside, or course, the food) is the neighborhood. It's just a few blocks from either the Museum of Fine Arts or Fenway Park. Trattoria Toscana is Tiny (yes with a capital T) and does not take reservations, so come prepared to wait for a table. But the atmosphere and food make the wait worth it.

Spaghetti
File image (credit: AP)

The Official Pre-Race Dinner

City Hall Plaza

Official marathon entrants and their guests can eat their fill at this giant carb party held the Sunday night before the race. Just to give you an idea of its size, last year they prepared more than 11,000 pounds of pasta, more than 3,000 pounds of fresh vegetables and passed around 35,000 Powerbars and 18,000 packets of Powergel.

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