By Zafirah Mohamed Zein, News Correspondent
Labeled Boston’s “steadfast hottest street” by Zagat Survey, the world’s leading provider of consumer survey-based information for restaurants, Boylston Street presents a string of new and classic restaurants at which patrons can enjoy a delectable meal. From burgers to burritos, sushi to shakes, top-notch chow is steps from campus.
Forum
755 Boylston St.
Step into the dimly lit first floor of Forum and you’d never guess this swanky restaurant boasts the “best fish tacos in town.” With its sleek bar area and outdoor patio, Forum provides a comfortable setting for all kinds of crowds to indulge in some upscale comfort food. The island bar is a perfect place to socialize or watch a game, while the second floor dining room is ideal for those in search of a more mellow, intimate experience. Football lovers, in particular, might want to make a reservation soon; Forum is currently giving a chance to anyone who spends $50 on Sunday brunch to win a trip for two to catch the Patriots versus Dolphins game in Miami Dec. 2.
Happy’s Bar & Kitchen
1363 Boylston St.
A colorful, lively restaurant, Happy’s certainly lives up to its name, as well as the reputation of its owner, Top Chef Masters season one contender Michael Schlow. The newest addition to his line of well-loved restaurants it’s a great place to enjoy the famous chef’s take on classic American comfort food such as “Petra’s Super Mac N Cheese,” and “Old School Chicken Parm.” Graffiti-covered walls and mismatched printed sofas accentuate the hip and funky vibe which has attracted a student customer base. You might also bump into a fellow Husky or two while you’re there – Kayli Versteeg, a third year student on co-op serves as the restaurant manager and Shanna Maclasso, who graduated from Northeastern last spring, is currently Michael Schlow’s personal assistant.
Tasty Burger
1301 Boylston St.
Located right next to Fenway Park, Tasty Burger is more than an average burger joint. This gas-station-turned-restaurant charms with its retro interior, pulsing jukebox and array of char-grilled burgers. With burger prices ranging from $4 to $6, customers need not worry about biting into a great quality burger and losing a good amount of cash in the process. Tasty Burger further caters to the penny-pinching college student with its “Starvin’ Student” deal where students can get either a hamburger or cheeseburger with fries and a beer with for just $10.
Basho
1338 Boylston St.
Simply translated to mean “place,” Basho is a modern Japanese restaurant known for its excellent sushi. This restaurant might be reserved for special occasions or die-hard sushi and sashimi fans, as it is slightly on the pricey side. However, Basho’s manager, An An, assures that the restaurant is worth it, and suggests the signature Phoenix roll, a crab stick with spicy mayo wrapped with seared salmon. “The Phoenix is really good,” she says. Do not be fooled by its simple exterior in comparison to the other eateries flanking it on Boylston – the chill atmosphere inside is great, and the food is even better.
Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar
1310 Boylston St.
A pearl among neighborhood pubs, Citizen Public opens its doors into big, cozy booths and a great bar space perfect to crowd into after a trip to Fenway Park. Despite its minimalist menu, this fancy yet low-key American pub won’t disappoint with well-cooked food, a spectacular raw bar, and an impressive cocktail list. Citizen Public’s signature English toffee bread pudding has quite the reputation and is the current destination favorite. For a large, hungry (and ambitious) bunch, the restaurant offers a “Family Style Pig Roast” which includes one whole roasted pig.
Sweet Cheeks Q
1381 Boylston St.
Sounding more like a cupcake cafe than a barbecue joint, the finger-licking goodness of Sweet Cheeks Q’s southern-style barbeque is as sweet as it gets. Offering a sampling of traditional southern cuisine, Sweet Cheeks Q is an attempt by Top Chef’s first season runner-up Tiffani Faison to bring the tastes of her childhood backyard to the plates of those eager to dig into some quality pork belly and brisket. It has an outdoor space where patrons can enjoy a drink or two while leaning on one of the bar’s whiskey barrels. Sweet Cheeks Q puts a down-home twist on an average backyard cookout, serving all drinks in a mason jar.