251 Benefit St (btwn College & George), Providence, RI
Library · College Hill · 11 tips and reviews
Al S: A must-visit spot for Lovecraft and Poe fans, as both men spent significant time here. Get there early and grab one of the desks on the balcony overlooking the main floor. Read and people-watch.
Thai Restaurant · Downtown Portland · 61 tips and reviews
Al S: I was blown away by the unique and inspired Thai food here. Every dish we tried was exceptional. It's also very vegetarian/vegan friendly. (You're a damn fool if you don't try the sticky rice ball.)
Bagel Shop · Downtown Portland · 6 tips and reviews
Al S: Best bagel I've found in Portland. Servers could definitely be more pleasant but I'm OK with cranky hipsters as long as the bagels don't disappoint.
Al S: Atmosphere is somewhat lacking but the Maine-focused tap list makes up for that. Food is average pub grub but you shouldn't come here for the food. It's all about the beer. Drink something Bissell.
Pizzeria · Fenway - Kenmore - Audubon Circle - Longwood · 15 tips and reviews
Al S: Pizza here is solid. Very thin crust with an array of possible sauces, cheeses and toppings. Simple pizzas are reasonably priced but they get expensive as you add toppings. They have vegan cheese too.
Mexican Restaurant · South Side · 8 tips and reviews
Al S: I'm a fan of the papusas and tostadas for appetizers. Chicken a la Mexicana is great too. Ask for flour tortillas with it. Prices are very reasonable too.
Indian Restaurant · Coolidge Corner · 16 tips and reviews
Al S: Vegetarian appetizer sampler is surprisingly good, as are the garlic naan and mango chicken. Prices are reasonable and the servers friendly. A solid little Indian joint near Coolidge Corner.
Al S: Known as "the Prado," this unique park is tucked into the North End just below the Old North Church. It was opened in 1933 and is a great spot to sit with a coffee on a nice day and people watch.
100 Hanover St (btwn Sudbury & Congress St), Boston, MA
Market · Downtown Boston · 76 tips and reviews
Al S: So many great retailers in one small space. Levend Bagelry is one of my favs. Stow Greenhouses is a great place to grab small plants and flowers. Union Square Donuts is also worth a stop.
Coffee Shop · Seaport District · 7 tips and reviews
Al S: Best thing about this cafe is the atmosphere, which is uniquely Fort Point. Relatively spacious too. The coffee is better at Barrington, though, which is one block over on Congress St.
Coffee Shop · East Cambridge · 40 tips and reviews
Al S: One of the coolest coffee shops in the Boston area. Staff is friendly and efficient. Coffee is solid, if fairly average. Liege waffles are fantastic. Both soy and almond milk for you non-dairy folks.
Sculpture Garden · Fenway - Kenmore - Audubon Circle - Longwood · 2 tips and reviews
Al S: The statue's not only an homage to Ted, Bobby, John and Dom but also to David Halberstam's '03 book about them, "The Teammates: A Portrait of a Friendship." Read it. And touch the statue for good luck
Al S: Drip coffee here is fairly average but the espresso drinks are quite good. They also offer both almond milk and soy milk options for vegans and non-dairy folk.