BostonFoodGuy

Archive for the ‘Cheap Eats’ Category

The perfect pickle.  That’s how I would describe Grillo’s pickles which you can pick up at the crazy low price of 2 spears for $1.  Yea that’s right for one buck.  I’ve paid more for a pack of gum.

Anyway, the price doesn’t matter.  Eating a Grillo’s pickle is like having a taste of a fresh garden – it’s crisp – it’s light – it’s seasoned perfectly and most of all it’s refreshing.  I have had both the ‘hot’ pickle and the ‘regular’ – I am a huge fan of spicy foods and this hot pickle is just hot enough to get you thinking about it.  Great job.  But the highlight is the regular – with fresh herbs and a wonderful fresh taste – it’s like the standard that all other pickles shall be judged. All of this and the guy is selling them out of a cart no less… crazy.

So you out there – if you are by Park Street this summer – head over and splurge on a fantastic pickle.

This fast paced lunch spot in downtown crossing certainly delivers on value.  The selections are vast – with everything from pizza, to tons of different sandwiches.  This place certainly caters to the thousands of cubical workers surrounding the area – be prepared to order quick and know what you want.  The bread with the sandwiches is a great baguette – in which I give it high marks.  The cold cut sandwiches seem fresh and lively, while the hot dishes seem a bit – stale.  Overall a great deal as the sandwiches come up to 20 inches big for a good price (around $7 bucks for the large – $5 for a small).  Stop in – you wont’ be disappointed.

I know – some of you really love these burgers.  I have read the reviews on all the other sites and magazines – so I had to try it.  The burger is like a big meatball at this Somerville institution.  Yes you know the drill, the owner says that it’s up to you to squish the burger and that’s just how he makes them.

What everyone forgets to tell you is that the burger is as dry as cardboard.  I’ve tried two burgers there – both were unseasoned – dry- and boring.

The service was curt – and unfriendly.  We went on a very unbusy Sunday around 2ish – there was only about 6 other people in the place.  And still – service was slow – our glasses were dirty and the burgers were boring.

I actually don’t mind the roundness of the burger – that’s cool – but the lack of flavor and juices is what bothered me the most.

I don’t think I’ll be going back – there are much better burger places out there. 

This old time Jamaica Plain watering hole is a political spot for the ages.  You feel like at any moment a Mayor Flynn or Billy Bulger might walk in and order a point.  While the charm is still there – Doyles itself is showing it’s age.  The pints still flow – and the food – well the food is what you expect.  They have the basics down – the fish and chips – a burger- but what sells the place is the vibe.  It’s a walk down history lane with the Menino Room and some great pictures on the wall.  Anyway, Doyles has always had a special place in our hearts and it always will.

This downtown crossing lunch spot is not a bad spot for a quick bite of Italian food.  Nothing here will wow you, but for the price you get a pretty good deal.  The lines always look intimidating – but they know how to quickly move a crowd.  The baked zita is one of their better items, as well as the chicken parm.  Again, this is Italian food cooked for a large hungry lunch crowd – don’t expect something you’ll get in the North End.  The sitting area is what you’d expect with the basic tables squeezed together – with lots of loud noise from the folks on their lunch break.  The pizza is underwhelming.  But if you need some Italian and find yourself in Downtown Crossing, eh give Rico a shot.

What is there to say about the No Name that hasn’t already hasn’t been said in it’s what 93 year history? It’s still owned by the same family too, the Contos family which makes it even more special. But what about the food? Fresh and fantastic. No – you’re not getting white linen tables – paper cups are the norm here, but you will get perfectly cooked seafood – that is quick – priced just right and perfect for the whole family. The must try dish is the fish chowder – it goes perfect on a cold winter day with a Bud (dip the bread – magic!). The scallops are always tasty and cooked just right – not a lot of extra toppings to effect the flavor – just pure good fish. Plus you can never go wrong with a fried seafood plate – heaping with fish.