West End Johnnie's sits in a corner perch of the West End, where nightlife and restaurants are popping up everyday to serve not just the hoards of people making their way to an event at the TD Garden, but also locals and visitors looking for a night out. A popular night spot that often has long lines (some claim for show rather than overcrowding), West End Johnnies is jamming on Garden game days. Offering more than just dinner, West End Johnnies has a brunch menu that makes for a great pre- game pick me up. The menu can be best be described as American, with a focus on pub fare, you'll find crisp wings, clam chowder, Burgers, salads and steak tips that are a step above the basic bar food you'll find around the Garden. Opening at 5pm most nights and at 11am on Sundays (closed Mondays unless there is a Garden event), West End Johnnies is good place to stop for pre game food and post game drinks.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: Steps from the TD Garden, West End Johnnies serves pub food a step above the basics.
Jessica's expert tip: If you like a good Rueben West End Johnnies is the spot to have it, they pile the corned beef, swiss, 'kraut and Russian dressing high on rye.
Scampo, in Boston's Liberty Hotel, has a place in a lovely space on the hotel's first floor. Chef Lydia Shire redefines flavors by combining elements of Italian fare with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. A hot spot for the famous crowd, you never know who you'll see at the table beside you. Serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and even a late night menu, you can pop in almost anytime to try chef Shire's creations. Popular dishes include mozzarella bar selections, chef Shire's pasta,and the weekend specials that often sell out. Enjoy the scene on a weekend night as the cool crowd enters the Liberty, and often Scampo prior to drinking at one of the hotel's popular bars.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: Scampo is an upscale escape from the rowdy sports bars right next to the Garden yet close enough to get to the game on time.
Jessica's expert tip: Be sure to sample from the mozzarella bar and try a plate of chef Shire's amazing pasta.
Finch, located inside the Boxer Hotel, is a West End hidden hot spot where dining and drinking come together in a cozy, classy atmosphere that sets it apart from neighboring peers. Serving breakfast, dinner and light bites daily, Finch offers guests of the hotel, as well as those popping in for a before or after Garden bite the chance to sample New England favorites. Simple, elegant food is prepared for your dining pleasure in the kitchen of Finch and where the chowder is some of the best you'll get near the Garden. Finch is a great spot for a sandwich, salad or simple meal for less than the cost of a hot dog in the Garden ($14 in some spots). Add a craft cocktail and a seat at the farmhouse style communal tables and you may want to scalp your tickets.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: Finch offers Garden area diners simple New England classics at affordable prices in an upscale setting.
Jessica's expert tip: Finch closes early, 10pm for food and 11pm on weekend for cocktails.
The Harp is known for its late night following; a laid back atmosphere and dancing lets locals let loose without pretense. However, the Harp is a must for pre-Garden pub style dining. Located across form the TD Garden, the Harp let's you eat, drink and get to the game on time. Known for their large portions, oversized burgers and excellent selection of beers, the Harp will fill you up for a fraction of the price of the food sold at the game. A hearty selection of appetizers include fired favorites like calamari, and wings and their nachos have just the right balance of toppings to please you. Don't forget to check out the entrees because the selection offered to diners includes killer steak tips, fish n' chips, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, soups and salads. All of which are prepared exactly as pub fare should be.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: Across from TD Garden you'll find the perfect setting for pub grub and drinks at the Harp.
Jessica's expert tip: Portions are large, those with small appetites may want to share.
Ducali serves pizza, appetizers, salads and sandwiches on the edge of the North End, near the TD Garden. Offering a variety of gourmet toppings and specialty combinations, for their authentic Italian pies, Ducali's menu is big on flavor. With a winning selection of beer, including 4oz tasting options, you can enjoy a brew or two before making your way to the big game without being in the middle of the wild Garden crowd. Unique offerings include their Patate pizza: a charred crust topped with potato, rosemary, mozzarella, gorgonzola and pancetta, the Bistecca e Gorgonzola: a grilled steak, arugula and gorgonzola topped crust, and a favorite among those who typically fall for pepperoni: The Porcellini: Ducali's crust topped with sausage, salami, pancetta, mozzarella and tomato sauce.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: Ducali is the spot for gourmet pizza and beer near the Garden.
Jessica's expert tip: Be sure to order a pizza, even if just a small one, this is what Ducali is known for.
The Tip Tap room skirts the edge of Beacon Hill heading into Boston's West End, where the TD Garden makes its home. An ideal spot for pre or post game food and drinks, the Tip Tap Room welcomes diners for lunch and dinner daily, serving food until the early morning hours.Helmed by Brian Poe, you'll find a selection of wild game that sets this unpretentious upscale dining experience apart from neighboring peers. Order something exciting at this neighborhood stand out like the antelope meatloaf or bison short rib, or stick with a more familiar meat and savor their steak. For those who seek a more refined experience in the area, the Tip Tap Room delivers.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: The Tip Tap Room specializes in wild game, and offers Garden visitors an experience that is more refined than they'll find in most area pubs.
Jessica's expert tip: You can't miss the Potato appetizer, this seven-bacon tip wonder is only made better by the addition of a beer cheese sauce, fried oysters & pickled Serrano pico.
Porter's is a bar and grill in Boston's West End that serves the pre-Garden crowd. Offering lunch and dinner, as well as drinks, Porter's is a good choice for those seeking good grub on game day at the garden. With reasonable prices (entrees are about $15.00) you'll find well-done American pub fare like wings, burgers and pizza, as well items you may not expect to find at a neighborhood bar such as sausage cacciatore and a darn good tuna melt. Enjoy a few appetizers or dive into a large juicy burger and nibble on their crisp fries while you enjoy a pint or two before you make your way to TD garden. The environment is simply decorated with the feel of being in a neighborhood bar. Porter's plays host to a large late night crowd looking to drink rather than eat long after the sun sets.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: Porter's is a West End hot spot with a good menu just moments from the TD garden.
Jessica's expert tip: Burgers at Porter's are amazing! If you have the appetite order up.
Open daily at 11am and closing late, with a kitchen that stays open as long as they are, Beers Works makes getting good eats easy near the TD garden. A large menu even has a children's section and is popular with families heading to the TD Garden for the variety of options, child friendly service and the great beer on tap. You'll find spectacular appetizers, excellent sandwiches and burgers and main course offering that will have you returning the next time you're near the Garden. Nothing here is fancy because at Beer Works the focus is on fun, yet somewhat familiar food. Try their special creations like Beer Dough Bites and Stout Cheese: warm bites of "spent grain" dough with stout sea salt served with a Dubliner cheese dip made with Buckeye Oatmeal Stout, clover honey and mustard, a bucket of their Sour Cream and Onion Fries or their Beer Basted BBQ Steak Tips.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: Beer Work is TD Garden's family friendly dining spot that serves craft beer and has a kids menu.
Jessica's expert tip: The beer is what makes Beer works famous, order one of their on-tap specialties; the seasonal ales are always fan favorites.
Regina Pizzeria in Boston's North End has been serving the best pizza in town since 1926. Drawing a consistent crowd looking to enjoy their simple menu items-pizza and salad, this no frills pizzeria is consistently delicious. Their crisp thin, perfectly browned crust, topped with the ideal amount of sauce, cheese and other toppings of your choosing wins rave reviews from locals who make this a regular spot for a slice or their Friday night to go order. Enjoy your pizza with a beer at the bar and remember that the waitstaff is not trying to be anything other than who they are- surly Bostonians with hearts of gold.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: Regina Pizzeria serves the best pizza in Boston, and is close enough to the Garden to go for a pre game pizza.
Jessica's expert tip: Extremely popular with locals and tourists, you may want to phone in an order and eat outdoors on a nice day. The Greenway and Christopher Columbus park are within walking distance.
The Fours is a Sports Bar through and through, but that does not mean you should not pop in to grab a burger or another tasty bite to eat. Just stick to the basics and enjoy the surroundings. Located close to the Garden, this is a prime location for viewing most Boston sporting events, especially those you were not so lucky to score tickets to around the corner. The Fours offers a decent social scene, so don't be afraid to saunter in alone and find a solo seat at the bar. You'll be sure to find someone to talk to in no time.
Recommended for Restaurants near TD Garden because: A Garden area hot spot for pre game food and post game drinks, the Fours serves up great bar bites.
Jessica's expert tip: At its best on Garden game days, but also at its most crowded.