Adjust your waistband, the Boston Marathon is a week away.
Marathon Monday (April 15) offers a chance to cheer on incredible athletes, as well as indulge in a nosh along the race route. And the choices are plentiful. Ringing those bells and cheering demands sustenance, after all.
Because the crowds are massive, it’s a good idea to plan now for where you’ll stand and how you’ll map out your day of eating all long the way. Here are some favorites to consider:
Greco (grecotrulygreek.com ) brings a taste of Greece Boston and on Marathon Monday, the perfect pick me up is the combo of their amazing loukoumades – luscious little Greek doughnuts. (We love the ones made with hazelnut praline and Oreo cookies.) Pair that with one of their Frappes – a Greek iced coffee. Just a block from the finish line.
What could be more Bostonian than an lunch break in a classic Back Bay brownstone during the marathon? Little Whale (littlewhaleboston.com) opens at 11 a.m. and will have a $20 Rose and Sammy special – with a choice of four different sandwiches – while supplies last. An easy walk from the race route.
Lucie(luciebackbay.com) is always a great spot to eat, especially on Marathon Day. They’ll have both carbo load and healthy option specials, and their outdoor patio will be open. Want to make it a whole thing? Check into the hotel for Marathon night.
Seafood and pasta are the calling card for this Back Bay spot, Saltie Girl (saltiegirl.com) focuses on sustainable dining with fresh and environmentally conscious creative dishes (lobster bolognese or octopus empanada anyone?) Far enough from the cheering throngs to give you a (delicious) break.
For a great set up for all things Marathon, check into the Hotel Commonwealth (hotelcommonwealth.com). Set on the last mile of the course, the hotel has an awning and hands out bells for cheering. Their lobby serves as fan and runner family central, putting you in the middle of things.
Food-wise, they have everything from sushi to burgers to cocktails and more. You can drop in for a meal, order room service for a break (and many rooms look over the course), and it’s close to Fenway as well as the finish line.
Just after mile 23 you’ll find this classic bar. The Publick House (publickhousebrookline.com) has lots of great beers on tap, classic pub fare (P-house poutine), elevated dishes (try the Monk’s Frites) and a great Boston bar vibe.
Want to grab and go? Head to Time Out Market (timeoutmarket.com/boston/) just steps off the race route. Feed your cravings with tacos, bbq, lobster rolls, pizza, Middle Eastern fare and more. You can eat there or pack it up for a spectator’s picnic.
