24 Tempting Places Along the Boston Marathon Route To Satisfy Your Hunger
Time to line up along the Boston Marathon Route! The 128th running of the Boston Marathon is on Monday, April 15th. It’s a HUGE day in the city and along…
Time to line up along the Boston Marathon Route! The 128th running of the Boston Marathon is on Monday, April 15th. It's a HUGE day in the city and along the route, with lots of activities and excitement.
Spectator information along the Boston Marathon Route
Who knew that running was such a spectator sport? When it comes to the Marathon Monday, it definitely is. People line up along the Boston Marathon route hours in advance to grab a great spot to watch the runners come by. The Boston Athletic Association has a very handy Spectator Guide that you can check out to find out everything you need to know about: parking, road closures, the racing app, and more. They also show you the best places to watch in each city and town along the Boston Marathon route.
Gronk the Grand Marshall of the Boston Marathon
You're going to see a familiar face along the Boston Marathon route this year. Former Patriot Rob Gronkowski aka Gronk. Last month he was announced as this year's grand marshal. Gronk is also this year's recipient of the Patriots' Award. Each year the BAA presents the award to someone who is “patriotic, philanthropic, and inspirational, and fosters goodwill and sportsmanship.” He's being recognized for his work of the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, and for some current projects including the Gronk Playground on the Esplanade. As grand marshal, Gronk's duties include riding through the course and bringing the trophy to the finish line before the elite runners cross the finish line.
Everything you need to know
There are so many things you need to know if you plan on getting out there to support the runners, or you just want to be a witness to one of Boston's biggest events of the year. Check out the B.A.A website for all the info you need for race day including: how to get updates on your favorite runners, where to watch, social media, the race course, and more.
Let's eat!
Some of us run, and the rest of us watch, cheer on the runners, and eat! If you're looking for somewhere to eat in the cities that the race goes through, look no further. Even if you're not right near the action, there's always a special energy along the route. The race starts in Hopkinton and travels through: Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline, before ending on Boylston Street in Boston. Here are some recommendations for places to get something to eat and enjoy that big marathon energy.
Hopkinton - The Spoon
The Spoon in Hopkinton, who calls their customers Spooners, describes themselves as, "just a townie family trying to create a welcoming environment in the town we grew up in. Our goal is to provide modern takes on classic food and provide a warm, fun atmosphere for both our guests and staff. The Spoon has been part of Hopkinton history for 40 years and we look forward to another 40 with both new and old faces."
Hopkinton - 110 Grill
Yes it's a chain. And yes I love it. I've always loved the food no matter what location I've gone to. My personal favorite is the Kale Brussels Salad. It's delicious! Check out their menu HERE.
Hopkinton - Blue Square Pizza
If you're a fan of pizza, you might want to check out Blue Square Pizza. They have a Detroit-style pizza, a Grandma pie, and New York Style Pizza. Also, and I love this, all of their pizza dough is make with their own proprietary, organic sourdough starter.
Ashland - Stone's Public House
As we move along to Ashland, check out Stone's Public House for: lobster rolls, fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage egg rolls, vegetarian shepherds pie, and MORE.
Ashland - Mexico City Taqueria and Bar
This looks like a super fun place to spend the day eating and drinking. I mean, who wouldn't love a marathon day margarita?
Ashland - Kous-Kous
If you're looking for a little Mediterranean food, Kous-Kous looks delicious!
Framingham - J & M Diner
Gotta love a good diner right? Check out the delicious creations at J & M Diner in Framingham. Waffles, eggs benedict, milk shakes, pancakes, omelettes, and so much more! * Ramiro and Nicole approved.
Framingham - Bourbon's Kitchen & Cocktails
If you're looking for a cocktail to celebrate Marathon Monday, Bourbon's Kitchen & Cocktails has a great selection. Grilled Pineapple Margarita? Passion Fruit Punch? Yes, please! And on the food side, the menu looks just as delicious. Also *Ramiro & Nicole Approved
Framingham - Samba Steak & Sushi
True story. Ramiro loves this place but is banned from going there by his wife. Why? That's where he used to take ALL his dates! Lol
Natick - Comella's
Comella's in Natick is one of their many location that first opened in another marathon city, Wellesley. Whether you're looking for pizza, salad, wings, wraps, or pasta, they have it all. And if you're looking for gluten free, they have some choices there as well.
Natick - Buttercup
Buttercup in Natick is a contemporary American farm-to-table restaurant, owned and operated by husband and wife team, Dora Tavel-Sanchez Luz and Gabriel Sanchez Luz. From the buttermilk cornbread with lavender honey, to the tiger shrimp risotto and beef short ribs, there is something mouthwatering for taste.
Natick - Olga's Kafe
If you're looking for a yummy hidden gem, head to Olga's Kafe. In addition to their food menu of scones, sandwiches, wraps, and pastries, they have a wide variety of drinks. Things like Iced Banana Mocha, Caramel Apple Butter Latte, a Lavender London Fog Latte, and more.
Wellesley - Singh's Cafe
If Indian food is your thing, personally I love it, the food at Singh's Cafe looks delicious!
Wellesley - Laughing Monk Cafe
I've never been here, but it looks so fancy and beautiful and delicious. I will definitely be making my way to Laughing Monk Cafe.
Wellesley - The Cottage
Another "Ramiro and his wife Nicole Recommended" restaurant, The Cottage in Wellesley.
Wellesley - Blue Ribbon BBQ
If you're looking to get down and dirty for Marathon Monday, Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton is "Ramiro Recommended" and mouthwateringly delicious.
Newton - Season's 52
* Ramiro and Nicole Recommended...Season 52. I'm not super into desserts, but this tray of mini desserts looks tempting!
Newton - Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits
Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits in Newton serves traditional comfort food and trend setting specials. I don't eat a whole lot of beef, but this Irish beef stew looks delicious!
Brookline - Bab Korean Bistro
For the past year and a half, I've been obsessed with all things Korean, including Kdramas, the culture, and the food. One of my go-to spots is Bab Korean Bistro. Some of my favs are: kimchi jeon (pancake), tteok bokki (sweet and spicy rice cakes), dolsot bibimbap (rice bowl with veggies, egg, protein in a hot stone pot), and kimchi jjigae (fermented spicy kimchi and pork stew). SO delicious!
Brookline - Barcelona Wine Bar
Another spot I've been to several times and have never been disappointed. I went to Barcelona, Spain a few years ago and the food was next level delicious. When I want to relive my time sitting on the side of the street eating papas bravas (potatoes), jamon, and wine, I make a trip to Barcelona wine bar. They have delicious tapas and every single one that I've tried has been delicious!
Brookline - The Publick House
The Publick House is a popular Brookline spot to get some lobster nachos, burgers, fish & chips, and a pot of mussels bigger than your head.
Boston - Rochambeau
Right on Boylston Street is French restaurant Rochambeau. Melissa recently went with her food blogger friend Forking with Armani who has a great reel of his experience. Oh, and Melissa's hand makes a French onion soup appearance.
Boston - Little Whale
Little Whale on Newbury Street has a sidewalk patio as well as a 2nd-floor private room so you can have a front row seat to the action when the runners turn off Newbury Street. Throw in some oysters, chowder, lobster sandwich, white clam flatbread and more, and you have a deliciously fun day.
Boston - Buttermilk & Bourbon
Man listen! These warm honey-glazed biscuits look like they're more than worth a trip! Mac and cheese, fried chicken, cast iron roasted lobster & dumplings, and more!
