The Cask n Flagon is a welcoming place, with lots of room to enjoy the big game, and an outdoor patio to savor a little sunshine on a nice afternoon. Serving standard sports bar favorites, it never hurts to indulge in a a few of the menu items. Basic burgers get beefed up with special toppings while pizzas and salads attempt to be a bit fancy. Probably not the place to get healthy, enjoy their fried favorites and save your serving of greens for later in the day. Oddly enough, this Fenway bar that's always jam packed with pre and post game revelers, is quite kid friendly. If you can get through the doors pre game, stop in for a bite that's offered at a much lower price than the food you'll find inside Fenway.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Cask n' Flagon's kids menu includes staples like burgers and dogs, as well as more meal type treats like steak tips and fish n chips.
Jessica's expert tip: Cask n' Flagon draws a good age mix, but caters to a 20 something crowd post game.
Rosa Mexicano may pack the crowds due to its location in the popular seaport District, but customers return because of the stellar service, excellent eats and upbeat atmosphere. Enjoying a meal in this busy spot may require a wait, even during lunch, but a seat at the bar is just as pleasant as in the dining room. Their servers are not afraid to make a recommendation, that you should take because they know the menu well.The table-side guacamole is a must, as is the tuna ceviche and an order of tacos. The decor is more modern Mexican, think subdued tones. Pair their food with a specialty beverage or beer cocktail and you'll have a complete Mexican meal that you won't soon forget.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Rosa Mexicano's lively atmosphere and kids menu keeps it packed with kids, especially in the afternoon.
Jessica's expert tip: You'll find a lively crowd as the night wears on and a packed bar at Rosa Mexicano.
Traditional Italian baked in a brick oven make this kid friendly, North End pizzeria a favorite. Serving some of the best pies around, Antico Forno carries a large selection of toppings to help you make your pizza a balanced meal. One pizza could easily feed a few people, but stopping with the pizza would be a crime. Antico Forno also offers an excellent selection of baked pasta dishes and tasty appetizers. Most meals are under $20 and are big enough to share. The casual setting of this inviting neighborhood trattoria provides a truly authentic Neapolitan experience. And you'll be able to get your fix of Italian red specialties that could move your Italian Grandma to the second best "gravy" you've had.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Although Antico Forno does not have a kids menu, kids will love the food fired specialties, like pizza and pasta.
Jessica's expert tip: Order as a group and share. Antipasto, pizza and baked pasta are all so good that you should not choose only one.
The Atlantic Wharf location of Smith & Wollensky overlooks the historic Fort Point Channel. Their outdoor dining scene is bustling during the warmer months when diners can score a seat for dinner or just drinks at their outdoor bar and take in the sweeping waterfront views. Offering diners prime dry aged steaks, premium seafood, award-winning wines and an extensive cocktail list, it is a hot spot for a business lunch or special dinner. Indulge in their coffee cocoa rubbed filet or one of their dry aged favorites like the melt in your mouth rib eye. Located near the Children's Museum and Tea Party Ships, Smith & Wollensky welcomes families (10% discount for those showing a Children's Museum receipt). Request your steak sliced family style and share a few bites, make a meal of their appetizers, or let kids enjoy their special kid friendly options and save your steak for yourself.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Upscale food for the family: Smith & Wollensky offers child friendly options like sliders, flatbreads, chicken and pasta.
Jessica's expert tip: Smith & Wollensky welcomes little ones with smiles and is happy to make kids feel special with drinks like a Shirley Temple.
There's a reason locals prefer Mr. Bartley's to the chain joints, Mr. Bartley's churns out burgers made fresh, and to order, topped with quality ingredients and alongside frappes that will allow you to satisfy both your sweet and salty craving. Having opted out of becoming a large scale chain and keeping their focus on this one restaurant inspired by dorm room decor, Mr. Batley's Burger Cottage remains the best in the Boston area. Topping range from simple cheese to more gourmet concoctions named after current pop icons, cultural items and area haunts, and served on everything from buns, to beds of lettuce. Mr. Bartley's does not stop at burgers, they also offer a small entree menu, a selection of sandwiches, salads, and even an array of appetizers that include killer fried to order onion rings, gravy fries and even fishcakes. Add a frappe and dinner and dessert is done.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Mr. Bartley's super casual atmosphere is ideal for families who want a great burger. THe kids menu offers simplified favorites.
Jessica's expert tip: Mr. Bartley's does not serve beer, wine or liquor.
Summer Shack has consistently good food, excellent blackboard specials, stiff drinks and a seasoned wait staff. The laid back atmosphere is family friendly, but also offers a bar in another room for those looking to leave the kids behind. Excellent daily specials combined with a variety of classics make Summer Shack a place to return to over and over again. Not a seafood fanatic, the land lover's menu allows all an equally exciting dining experience, especially the fried chicken and corn dog. Kids are fans of Summer Shack as well, with crayons, write on table cloths, and special events on Sundays just for families (free Sundae bar and balloon animals while you eat), you can get your lobstah' fix while the kids are entertained.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: The Summer Shack family friendly, a perfect place for great seafood with kids; the atmosphere is lively and laid back.
Jessica's expert tip: The Summer Shack gets packed; make reservations or be ready to wait.
Redbones serves Southern food that Southerners would eat. A menu filled with bbq favorites, like pulled pork and baby back ribs, are rave worthy, and served in large portions to satisfy even the largest of appetites. The relaxed, casual setting is the perfect place to toss back a couple craft beers. With more than 20 to choose from, Redbones makes it easy to enjoy a cold one while you wait for your table (reservations are not accepted). If dinner were not enough of a bargain (most meals fall in the low to mid teens) go for lunch, at 8.99 the combo plate can't be beat. Families can enjoy a meal at Redbones as the acoustics are amped up and a little extra noise will not be noticed. Plus, the $6.00 kids meal menu offers your young ones lots of options, includes a side dish and a drink.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: At Redbones, for only $6.00 your kids can choose from familiar favorites like hot dogs or try something new like ribs.
Jessica's expert tip: Parking near Redbones is tough, if you can take the T, and be prepared for long waits during prime dinner hours.
Legal Harborside is hot, and very good reason. It is casual, fun, family friendly (avoid prime times with a young family), moderately priced, has a spectacular view and, good basic seafood. Located in the Seaport District's Liberty Wharf, Legal Harborside is the flagship location for Legal Seafood. Offering many legal classics as well as newer additions the food often gets overlooked as patrons are focused on the view. Boasting floor to ceiling windows you cannot help but enjoy the waterfront scene unfolding a few feet before your eyes.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Guest 12 and under can fish in Legal Harborside's trout pond from 11am-1pm on weekends.
Jessica's expert tip: Aside from seafood staples like freshly shucked oysters, lobster, and clams, menu items worth a try include the stuffed artichoke and the lobster and wild mushroom pizza.