Boston/ Food & Drinks
Published on March 06, 2018
Hungry For American Eats? These 6 New Boston Spots Have You CoveredBootleg Special. | Photo: Stephen C. /Yelp

If you've got American fare on the brain, you're in luck: we've found six new Boston eateries that will quell your craving. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for American eats.

Southern Proper

600 Harrison Ave. (between Monsignor Reynolds Way & Union Park St.), South End

Photo: Donald S./Yelp

North Carolina native and chef Jason Cheek (Toro, Coppa) recently opened Southern Proper, a restaurant "designed to feel like "grandmother’s living room,” according to its website.  

The new eatery offers modern takes on traditional Southern fare. Diners can expect offerings like pulled pork shoulder with slaw and pickles, signature fried chicken and charred okra. To complement your meal, Southern Proper offers sides that include grits and butter, corn on the cob and buttermilk biscuits. (Take a look at the full menu here.)

With a four-star Yelp rating out seven reviews, Southern Proper has been getting positive attention.

Yelper Sasha M., who reviewed Southern Proper on March 2nd, wrote: "We shared the hot fried chicken, pimento mac 'n cheese, collard greens and deviled eggs. Everything tasted really good. "

And Donald S. wrote: "This is honestly instantly catapulted into the top two southern spots in Massachusetts, as far as I'm concerned. Overall 4.5, rounding down. After a few minor tweaks, easily a five."

Southern Proper is open Tuesday–Saturday from 5pm–11pm. (It's closed on Sunday and Monday.)

Bootleg Special

400 Tremont St. (between Arlington St & Appleton St.), South End

Photo: Stephen C./Yelp

Bootleg Special, a new seafood boil spot that specializes in Cajun/Creole fare, also recently opened in the South End. Billed as a "good old Southern crawfish joint," Bootleg Special is the brainchild of chef Christos Tsardounis (Washington Square Tavern), Eater reported. 

For boils, diners can expect offerings like the "Bootleg Special," a boil that includes lobster, clams and mussels. Customers can also create their own boils with a wide array of seafood options such as Alaskan king crab legs, lobster and crawfish. 

There are also four different kinds of po'boys; and small plates like onion rings and Cajun fried rice. 

To complement your meal, Bootleg Special also offers signature cocktails, beers and wines. (Take a look at the full menu here.)

Yelp users are generally positive about Bootleg Special, which currently holds four stars out of 10 reviews on the site.

Yelper Lauren W., who reviewed Bootleg Special on March 4th, wrote: "First off, major kudos to the interior decorator that decorated this place. From the outside, it's pretty unassuming, but the interior is stunning!"

And Amaliena P. wrote: "This place is definitely awesome: from the decor, food and drink selections! I was sitting bar side and ordered two drinks and the Cajun fried rice—they were all so good!"

Bootleg Special is open Thursday–Saturday from 4pm–1am, and Sunday–Wednesday from 4pm–11pm.

Tasty Burger

1 Nashua St., West End

Photo: Tasty Burger/Yelp

Local fast food chain Tasty Burger recently opened its sixth location in Boston, inside the Avalon North Station development.

As its name suggests, the eatery offers several different kinds of burgers, including "The Hubba," with chili, cheese sauce and scallions; the "Rise 'n Shine," which comes with bacon and egg; and the spicy jalapeño with pepperjack cheese.  

Sides include fries, tater tots and onion rings. To round out your meal, look for a house salad and shakes. (Take a look at the full menu here.)

With a 3.5-star Yelp rating out of six reviews on Yelp, Tasty Burger is still finding its way, but it's early days.

Oanh P., who reviewed it on February 5th, said, "Burgers were delicious! The meat patty and quality of the burger is definitely restaurant comparable. It was melting with oil. Each burger was nicely packed!"

Lily Q. wrote, "Both burgers were great and the location is very convenient (for me especially) so will definitely stop by often, especially if the staff is as friendly as they were on the day I went."

Tasty Burger is open daily from 11am–2am.

Barracuda On The Fly

55 Bromfield St. (between Arlington St & Appleton St.), Downtown

Photo: Thai-Johnathon V./Yelp

Previously a food truck, Barracuda On The Fly is settling into a brick-and-mortar spot. The fast-casual eatery is a spin-off of Barracuda Tavern on Bosworth.

On the seafood-focused menu, look for the 'Cuda roll, which comes with shrimp, crab and lobster on a buttered brioche; deep fried conch fritters with spicy aioli; and a shrimp boil with chorizo and corn on the cob, wrapped in plantain leaves.

Yelp users are excited about Barracuda On The Fly, which currently holds five stars out of one reviews on the site.

Yelper Anjie T., who reviewed Barracuda On The Fly on February 27th, wrote: "I want everyone reading this to immediately head over there and get the Hungry Man Sandwich—I think that's what it's called—and some fish tacos. You're welcome."

Barracuda On The Fly is open Monday–Saturday from 11am–2am, and Sunday from 4pm–2am.

Shaking Crab

140 Boylston St. (between Hadassah Way & S. Charles St.), Boston Common

Photo: Idy T./Yelp

Local chain Shaking Crab, which specializes in Vietnamese/Cajun seafood boils, recently opened its seventh location in Boston Common. Founded in Newton, it also has several locations in New York and one in Cambridge. 

Diners put on bibs and get ready to dig into steaming bags of seafood, including shrimp, crawfish, mussels, clams and more. They can also choose from several different kinds of spices, such as Cajun and Korean chili miso.

Yelp users are excited about Shaking Crab, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 18 reviews on the site.

Yelper Evelyn F., who reviewed Shaking Crab on March 4th, wrote: "Being a big fan of Cajun food, this is a must check-out place if you want cheap tasty seafood in Boston. It was such a big portion for the price compared to similar places in NYC and Chicago."

And Melissa L. wrote: "So so in love with this restaurant! My first time ever trying anything like this, and it is now one of my favorites. This location is fairly new since it has only been open for one month, and they sure left a lasting impression. Great selection of seafood, prices and drinks."

Shaking Crab - Boston Common is open Monday–Thursday from 5pm–11pm, Friday from 5pm–midnight, Saturday from noon–midnight, and Sunday from noon–10pm.

Hopsters Brewing Company

51 Sleeper St. (between Northern Ave & Congress St.), South Boston Waterfront

Photo: Hopsters Brewing Company/Yelp

Newton-based Hopsters Brewing Company recently expanded with a Boston location in the Seaport. In addition to offering modern takes on classic American fare, beer fans can try brewing their own craft beers.

For food, look for the Hopsters burger with bourbon onion and thick cut bacon, as well as a roasted duck and fig pizza with arugula and maple glaze. (You can check out the full menu here.)

The brewery also offers nearly 20 beers brewed in-house. 

Hopsters Brewing Company's current Yelp rating of four stars out of 31 reviews indicates positive attention from users.

Yelper Lori D., who reviewed Hopsters Brewing Company on January 27th, wrote: "For dinner we started with the wings. They had the perfect balance of spice and tang with a chunky blue cheese to dip on the side. Hubby had the lobster grilled cheese and I had the fish and chips. My only complaint is that there was too much to eat."

Bruce K. noted: "Nice spot in the Seaport part of town, three of us were here for dinner. Burgers, beers, fries. All the usual good stuff. Try the pickle fries!"

Hopsters Brewing Company is open daily from 11am–1am.