Interested in getting the lowdown on the newest businesses to open downtown? From a bakery to a seafood spot, read on for the newest eateries to open in this part of Boston.
Sons of Boston
19 Union St.
Sons of Boston is a cocktail bar and New American restaurant. Housed in the former Tap Trailhouse space at 19 Union St., you'll find a menu of starters (curried cauliflower, clam chowder), salads and flatbreads, as well as heartier fare like the grilled chicken sandwich, lobster roll and fish and chips.
You can also build your own mac and cheese by starting with a base cheese sauce of asiago, cheddar, Gouda, manchego and Parmesan, and then adding options like lobster, truffle oil, broccoli and fried eggs.
The drinks menu features cocktails like the house punch made with spiced rum, and the West End mule with Deep Eddy cranberry vodka, ginger beer and lime. There are also both craft ales and American lager beers on tap, plus wine and sangria.
Sons of Boston is off to a promising start with four stars out of five reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Gina G., who reviewed it on July 7, wrote, "Stumbled upon this new place by accident and glad we did. Pretty amazing hot buttered lobster roll. Definitely would recommend it."
Bill C. noted, "Fun spot right in the middle of everything in Boston. Staff and bartenders are fantastic and friendly. Drinks are good, especially the signature cocktails."
Sons of Boston is open from 5 p.m.–2 a.m. daily.
Legal Fish Bowl
4 S. Market St., Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market Building
Legal Fish Bowl is a fast-casual version of the Legal Sea Foods chain. It offers six signature bowls and the option to create your own.
Choose a base from rice, noodles or mixed greens. Then identify three supporting ingredients, like roasted cauliflower and shallots, spicy roasted sweet potatoes, and chickpea salad. In addition to seafood, protein options include chicken and kung pao tofu. Finish it all off with a dressing, from oil and vinegar to orange chipotle.
Yelpers are excited about Legal Fish Bowl, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of six reviews on the site.
Yelper Stacey H., who reviewed the eatery on July 7, wrote, "Great choices, semi-reasonable price, large portions and fresh. Recommendation: zucchini noodles, sweet potato, cauliflower, broccoli, shrimp, seaweed salad."
Tim S. noted, "Everything I've gotten has been amazing, so many choices. The tuna poke is incredible. So cold and melts in your mouth. I've never been able to finish any bowl as they give you so much food."
Legal Fish Bowl is open from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sunday.
Magnolia Bakery
200-299 Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Magnolia Bakery is New York-based dessert spot. A wide array of sweet treats are on offer from specialty cakes (devil's food, red velvet), cupcakes, pies and cookies to brownies, muffins and scones.
But Magnolia Bakery is perhaps most famous for its banana pudding. You'll find a special Boston Cream Pie Banana Pudding at this location only.
Magnolia Bakery is developing a local fan base with four stars out of 42 reviews on Yelp.
Bruce K. noted, "Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, coffees and sodas, Magnolia is in the Quincy Marketplace at the end closest to Faneuil Hall. Long glass counter with some very pretty pastries available."
Magnolia Bakery is open from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sunday.
The White Bull Tavern
1 Union St.
The White Bull Tavern is a bar and restaurant specializing in modern American fare.
Look for personal-sized pizzas like the tomato-free White Bull, with a garlic olive oil base, mozzarella, prosciutto, caramelized onions, sliced golden delicious apples, drizzled with a balsamic glaze and topped with arugula. Or try skillet bites like bacon and bourbon Brussels sprouts and seared lamb chops with mint chimichurri. Salads, lobster rolls and oysters round out the food menu.
For drinks, you'll encounter 24 beers on draft and signature cocktails. Evenings bring DJs and dancing.
The White Bull Tavern's current rating of 3.5 stars out of 33 reviews on Yelp indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days.
Derek W. noted, "It's loud enough but not too loud and not in Faneuil Hall, which is a win, if you are trying to stay away from the tourists. The bartenders are nice, even photo bombed us at one point. Place is clean, well lit and has a simple menu."
Yelper Ed B. wrote, "The pizza was awesome. It was really delicious and cooked perfectly, and the bacon topping was cooked exactly right and so tasty. Good beer selection. We sat at the bar and had good service."
The White Bull Tavern is open from 11 a.m.–2 a.m. daily.
