Jacqueline Cain

Whether you're ready for it or not, it's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season in Boston! Once you've made your Thanksgiving reservations or put in your orders for pies, check out what's going on this weekend. Our on-the-ground editor and writers traverse the metro area looking for the best of the best things to do, updated each week. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Time Out is a global authority on having fun in your city, and we hand-pick restaurants to represent that mission at Time Out Market. Boston is home to one such food hall and cultural market, with more than a dozen dining options—from authentic tacos to 'roni cup pizza—plus two bars serving local craft beer and seasonal cocktails. RECOMMENDED: How to order at Time Out Market Boston But just like on our website, showcasing the best of the city under one roof goes beyond food and drink. Time Out Market Boston also hosts frequent events like pop-up markets, free fitness, local beer fests, drag brunch and more. Here's an updated list about what's going on this month. 

Friendsgiving can look like a lot of different things, but essentially, it’s getting together with friends, usually the week of Thanksgiving to celebrate without all the formality and family obligations. It's a time to come together, enjoy good food and drink, and honestly, relax in the run up to the holiday. While some friends go out for a big meal, there are also drag brunches, Thanksgiving-themed hot dogs, brewery tap takeovers and more on the calendar this year.  Of course, you can also celebrate Thanksgiving in Boston with a traditional holiday meal and the pies from the best in town.

Don’t let yourself fall victim to apartment fever this season. Instead, consider retreating to some of New England's most picturesque cabins available on Airbnb. The region provides a wealth of activities for you to choose from—leaf-peeping in the fall, skiing in the winter, or simply taking a break from city life during any season. In fact, weekend getaways provide welcome respite all year round. So, take a chance to reconnect with nature; it'll do you some good. Make the most of it in one of these cozy cabins near Boston for rent (some offering opportunities to unwind in front of a roaring fire!). For other unique accommodations near nature, explore the best secluded Airbnbs near Boston and the best waterfront Airbnbs near Boston. Updated November 2024: Trust we're always on the hunt for the most extraordinary holiday rentals for your next adventure, so you never have to miss out. This season, we simply couldn't keep this cool A-frame to ourselves any longer, nor this New Hampshire treehouse. No need to thank us; it's kind of what we do.  RECOMMENDED: 🌇See our guide to weekend getaways near Boston🛏Stay in the best Airbnbs in Boston🎭check out the best things to do in Boston Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links

It’s no surprise that a city nestled on the Atlantic coast has one of the greatest bounties of seafood out there. While visitors certainly come to Boston seeking out our classic seafood dishes– think fried clams, chowder, and baked cod– these days, they’re also likely to find boundary-pushing options in addition to the classics. From the classic seafood shacks to haute cuisine, Boston’s seafood restaurants are plentiful. Fishing for more inspiration? Check out the best clam chowder in Boston, the best lobster in Boston or the best oyster bars in Boston. And when weather permits, grabbing a seat at one of Boston's best places for waterfront dining will let you add serious coastal ambiance to your already amazing seafood experience. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

From help with the big meal to outdoor activities and ways to give back, these seasonal happenings help you savor Thanksgiving season. To eat day-of, check out our guide to Boston restaurants open on Thanksgiving. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

November in Boston brings shorter days, cooler temps and increasing holiday cheer with every passing day. Winter is just around the corner, so everyone wants to get outside whenever they can. (Before you know it, you'll be thinking about the best skiing spots near Boston.) Along with classic stick-season activities like checking out the best museums in Boston and planning the best Thanksgiving in the city, here's what to do this month. RECOMMENDED: How to have an amazing fall in Boston

Is there anything like a great pie this time of year in New England? Boston has some amazing pies that pair well with a cup of coffee and a scoop of ice cream. Whether you’re a fan of classic apple pie or something more indulgent like chocolate bourbon pecan or perhaps a Boston Cream we have gathered all the places to pick up a pie this year. And if you are still in a sweet mood why not visit a few stops from our best donuts in Boston or the best ice cream in Boston lists. But after all that sugar, a walk in one of Boston’s best parks may also be in order! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Fall in Boston is off to a glorious start with plenty of sun and beautiful foliage. As the seasons change, so do cravings for heartier comfort food—and those cooler days and nights are coming. At Time Out Market, more than a dozen local kitchens are cooking up plenty of choices, no matter your appetite or taste. From warming bowls of ramen to pumkin pie ice cream, savory crêpes and more, here are 13 treats to try at Time Out Market Boston this fall. RECOMMENDED: 30 best restaurants in Boston

Thanksgiving falls late this year on Thursday Nov. 28, and if you do not want to be responsible for the big meal, consider a quiet night out, care of Boston’s finest chefs. Many city hotels and select neighborhood restaurants are open on the holiday. Ranging from bar snacks to traditional Thanksgiving feasts—often prepared with a bit more flair than you might see in a home cooked meal—there are options for small and large parties ready to welcome you and yours. Bonus: There will be no dirty dishes for you to tackle after. For other Turkey Day ideas and holiday happenings, also be sure to explore our guide to Thanksgiving in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Where should I eat in Boston? is a question the editor and writers at Time Out Boston get a lot. The best answers take into account the occasion, vibe and even time of year for what you’re looking for—maybe it’s a cozy fireplace or wine bar this fall?  RECOMMENDED: Boston’s best bars Choosing where you should eat right now is the way we like to look at it, as we compile our list of Boston’s best restaurants each season. From casual choices for seafood, pizza and wine-friendly small plates to occasion-worthy celebrations of seasonal cuisine, each of these places is a draw for its own reason. To compare them is literally apples to oranges sometimes, but we rank it anyway. Comprising restaurants we want to return to again and again, here are 30 best restaurants to book in Boston right now.  Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free bi-weekly newsletter to get the latest in Boston culture and dining news.

Whether you like your coffee black and in a big mug, chilled over ice with a pump of caramel or a big frothy latte, it’s an essential part of many Bostonians mornings (and afternoons, to be honest). We’re not going to tell you to never go to Dunkin, but there are so many small, independent Boston coffee shops and cafes worth seeking out for a change of scenery. Here are some of our favorite places to grab the best coffee in Boston. And if you take your java with food, be sure to check out the best doughnut shops, best breakfast spots or brunch spots in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston

A Route 1 North landmark in Saugus, The Kowloon is a massive Chinese restaurant with an outsize impact in the Boston area. Family-owned for more than 70 years, it's a true tiki-style spot with an expansive, pan-Asian American menu and cocktails. The owners have said the next generation is not taking over, so The Kowloon's days are numbered in its current form. (Plans call to shrink the restaurant from 1,200 to 350 seats and build housing on the site, according to reports.) Its glory days may be behind it, but The Kowloon is a real experience worth checking out while you still can.

Blue Ribbon has been smoking meats in Greater Boston for nearly 30 years. Representing all Southern traditions of barbecue with a variety of sauces, side dishes and desserts as well, Blue Ribbon has a loyal following for its locations in Arlington, West Newton and Dedham. The Time Out Market Boston outpost has all the classics, like fall-apart-tender North Carolina pulled pork, Kansas City-style burnt ends and dry-rubbed St. Louis-style ribs. Trays with two or three meats and sides are great for sharing, sandwiches are great for lunch, and the sweet cornbread pudding is an anytime treat. Blue Ribbon Barbecue is open daily for lunch and dinner.

PRB Boulangerie plants a flag for French cuisine at Time Out Market Boston, serving some of the city’s best—and most beautiful—croissants, baguettes and seasonal viennoiseries (breakfast pastries). Sibling bakery and bread supplier to some of Boston’s best French restaurants, including Petit Robert Bistro in the South End, PRB Boulangerie also offers coffee, espresso and specialty drinks such as cortado, cappuccino and matcha lattes. On weekends, look for specials like the “crookie,” a viral sensation which bakes a chocolate chip cookie inside the buttery layers of a croissant. To complement the tableau of breakfast, lunch and snack options from PRB Boulangerie at Time Out Market Boston, crêpes are also made to order. PRB Boulangerie is known for some of the city’s most authentic French pastries and breads, and traditional techniques and tastes also inform this exclusive new offering. With buttery, crispy edges, the thin, street food-style pancakes are the perfect vehicle for sweet and savory fillings, such as Nutella, caramel beurre salé (salted butter caramel), ham and cheese and more.

Blue Ribbon has been smoking meats in Greater Boston for nearly 30 years. Representing all Southern traditions of barbecue with a variety of sauces, side dishes and desserts as well, Blue Ribbon has a loyal following for its locations in Arlington, West Newton and Dedham. The Time Out Market Boston outpost has all the classics, like fall-apart-tender North Carolina pulled pork, Kansas City-style burnt ends and dry-rubbed St. Louis-style ribs. Trays with two or three meats and sides are great for sharing, sandwiches are great for lunch, and the sweet cornbread pudding is an anytime treat. Blue Ribbon Barbecue is open daily for lunch and dinner.

PRB Boulangerie plants a flag for French cuisine at Time Out Market Boston, serving some of the city’s best—and most beautiful—croissants, baguettes and seasonal viennoiseries (breakfast pastries). Sibling bakery and bread supplier to some of Boston’s best French restaurants, including Petit Robert Bistro in the South End, PRB Boulangerie also offers coffee, espresso and specialty drinks such as cortado, cappuccino and matcha lattes. On weekends, look for specials like the “crookie,” a viral sensation which bakes a chocolate chip cookie inside the buttery layers of a croissant. To complement the tableau of breakfast, lunch and snack options from PRB Boulangerie at Time Out Market Boston, crêpes are also made to order. PRB Boulangerie is known for some of the city’s most authentic French pastries and breads, and traditional techniques and tastes also inform this exclusive new offering. With buttery, crispy edges, the thin, street food-style pancakes are the perfect vehicle for sweet and savory fillings, such as Nutella, caramel beurre salé (salted butter caramel), ham and cheese and more.

Hey, Celtics fans: What are you doing at 4:30 pm today? You might want to head to the Sam Adams Boston Taproom at Faneuil Hall for the first taste of the legendary brewery's new (Derrick) White Ale. A collab with the NBA Champion, Sam Adams just announced that White himself will actually be at the taproom pouring beers for fans on a first-come, first-serve basis from 4:30–5pm on Friday, Nov. 15.  "Continuing our partnership with our other 'cousin' from Boston, we worked with Derrick to craft a beer that embodies his smooth yet unique style on and off the court," a Sam Adams representative tells Time Out. Fans will certainly recall White's Sam Adams ad from the postseason, in which the All-Defensive icon got his teeth fixed up then met Sam's everyman pitchman, Your Cousin From Boston, to purchase his own Duck Boat. (Derrick) White Ale is a refreshing take on the classic style, flavored with coriander, orange, rose hips and tamarind. The 5.3% beer is a taproom exclusive available only at Sam Adams' downtown and Jamaica Plain taprooms while supplies last. It's on draft and in cans, featuring a cartoon version of the smiling guard. From 5–7:30pm Friday night at the JP brewery, Sam Adams will also host a happy hour in honor of the new beer, with light bites and a raffle to purchase signed cans of the limited-edition (Derrick) White Ale.

The holiday pop-ups are defrosting for the season! Santa's Cantina at Loco Fenway debuted this week at Loco Taqueria’s Fenway location and it sets the bar high for holiday decor. The gigantic venue just off Lansdowne Street has decked the halls with more than 1,500 sparkling baubles, festive pink and green trees, decorative avocados (look for them!), a fly Santa statue and so many more holiday goodies. To pair with the vibes, a new cocktail menu has launched for the season, including Griswold Family Tree—a blend of blanco tequila, lime, agave, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur and cranberry, served in an ornament you pour yourself—and Glen Cocoa, a frozen treat with Grey Goose, chocolate liqueur. whipped cream and mini marshmallows. Special desserts are on the a la carte menu, including a peppermint-flecked chocolate Swiss roll. Santa’s Cantina supplements the typical Loco Fenway experience and continues through January.

Here’s to a new year in all its glowing potential. Time Out Market Boston is going out with a Glow Up into 2025. The radiant New Year’s Eve party has DJ Cammy V spinning tunes and setting the vibe. Alongside glowy cocktail specials from the two bars, the Fenway food hall will host a UV body painter, an aura photographer and a photobooth where you can shine. Tickets are $90 and include $40 to spend at the market’s 14 food vendors or two bars, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. The first 200 tickets sold will be entered to win a free stay at The Verb Hotel.

Time Out Market’s Cocktail for a Cause honors veterans throughout the month of November.  Sweet Salute is a silky martini made with chocolate and coffee liqueurs, vodka, house-made caramel syrup, and a balancing pinch of sea salt. One dollar from each $16 drink sold this month goes to Home Base, an organization that supports military service members of all eras, and their families, with no-cost clinical care, wellness, education and research, toward its mission to ensure a brighter future for warriors and their families. The non-profit serves people across the country, but Home Base was founded in Boston by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox. Since 2009, it’s served more than 35,000 beneficiaries and trained more than 85,000 clinicians. Home Base is also hosting its annual Veterans Day Lunch at Time Out Market Boston on Monday, Nov. 11. In addition to lunch, live music, appearances by Red Sox mascots Wally and Tessie and the team’s World Series trophy will make it a memorable day for folks in Boston who have served our country. And everyone can say cheers to military service members this month by ordering November’s Cocktail for a Cause. Sweet Salute is available exclusively at Time Out Market Boston.

Among the nation's top gourmet shops, Formaggio Kitchen continues to dazzle connoisseurs with its vast, gem-studded collection of artisanal cheeses from the world over—and cornucopia of accouterments. The Huron Village shop moved up the block recently into a larger, easier-to-navigate store. It boasts the same unmatched selection of condiments, charcuterie—both made in-house and imported—confectionery and speciality ingredients that made Julia Child a devotee of the orginal location. Plus, this location has a butcher counter, deli, patisserie, prepared foods, specialty seafood selection and beer and wine. Formaggio Kitchen also has outposts in Boston's South End and outside Kendall Square in Cambridge.

Try your hand at pies: Northern Spy is a restaurant in Canton named for a variety of apple, situated on the site of a former copper mill owned by Paul Revere’s descendents. What better place to visit before the holidays in New England to shore up your baking skills?! Northern Spy pastry chef Marissa Rossi hosts a Thanksgiving apple pie class on Monday, Nov. 18, beginning at 5:30pm. From crafting a flaky crust to the spiced apple filling, Rossi will share tips and tricks and ensure attendees leave with confidence to impress this holiday season. Tickets are $70 and light snacks are included. Rossi also hosts a cookie-making workshop on December 16.

La Padrona is located in Boston's luxe new Raffles Hotel and exudes high-end hospitality. The latest restaurant from A Street Hospitality (Porto, Saloniki), a supergroup which includes multi-time James Beard award-winning chef-owner Jody Adams and operator Eric Papachristos, La Padrona does authentic, regional Italian cuisine, from Tuscan-style flatbread to broiche gelato sandwiches for dessert. With hand-made pastas, humanely harvested seafood and meats, farm herbs and vegetables on the menu and top-shelf spirits on the bar, it was named the best new restaurant of 2024 by Boston magazine. The multi-level restaurant, meanwhile, is drenched in dark woods, rich fabrics and other design details inspired by an upscale villa.

I’m definitely a little biased, seeing as though my coworkers and I often work from a table at Time Out Market Boston… but, you really can’t go wrong with the Fenway food hall as a meetup place for your friends. The expansive space has ample seating and never requires reservations, plus the lineup of 14 kitchens from Boston chefs and restaurants means that everyone really can find something they’ll enjoy. Add in the bars’ awesome seasonal beer and cocktail menus, and Friendsgiving plans are sorted! In that vein, many of the Time Out Market vendors craft specials for the holidays. Alongside menu staples and seasonal favorites, here’s what’s happening for Friendsgiving at Time Out Market Boston, now through the end of November. Photograph: Courtesy A&B Burgers The Day After Turkey Burger at A&B Burgers What is it: A turkey patty topped with mashed potatoes, stuffing and homemade cranberry sauce, finished with turkey gravy. Served with a side of sweet potato fries. When is it available: Now through November 27 beginning at 11:30am daily Order now Turkey Stew at Blue Ribbon Barbecue What is it: Turkey stew over cornbread stuffing with cranberry chutney. A special side of butternut squash is also on the menu. When is it available: November 22–30 beginning at 11:30am daily Order now Photograph: Courtesy Union Square Donuts Seasonal Doughnuts at Union Square Donuts What is it: From classic apple cider (tossed in cinnamon-clove sugar) to pumpkin pie or brown sugar-fig brioche an

Instagram moments never-before-seen-in-Boston arrive in the city this season—just in time for winter break with the kids. The Museum of Illusions Boston opens Saturday, Nov. 23, near Faneuil Hall. Elsewhere, the Museum of Ice Cream is getting ready for a December 14 debut in the Boston Seaport. Tickets are now on sale for both sensory-driven experiences. Here's what you need to know about the Museum of Illusions: What is it? Created in Croatia in 2015, the Museum of Illusions has become a phenomenon with more than 50 locations globally. Boston is its first in New England, though locals may be familiar with New York’s Museum of Illusions, which has been around since 2018. Or maybe, at least, photos of your friends seemingly climbing on ceilings and up walls of a high-contrast room in one of the New York’s sites exhibits. At each Museum of Illusions, installations like perspective-changing rooms and image galleries play with light, physics and how we interpret what we see. Think of it as a science-meets-art experience, the creators say, and a leisurely thing to do for families, school groups, date nights and any other curious minds bopping around Boston. What to expect from Museum of Illusions Boston About 10,000 square feet, Boston is one of the largest Museum of Illusions anywhere. Some of the exhibits nod to the city’s history and culture, such as a basketball-themed Reversed Room and a Building Illusion modeled after a local cast iron-facaded landmark. Where is Museum of Il

Instagram moments never-before-seen-in-Boston arrive in the city this season—just in time for winter break with the kids. The Museum of Illusions Boston opens Saturday, Nov. 23, near Faneuil Hall. Elsewhere, the Museum of Ice Cream is getting ready for a December 14 debut in the Boston Seaport. Tickets are now on sale for both sensory-driven experiences. Here's what you need to know about the Museum of Ice Cream: What is it? You know that photo opportunity where people are basking in a ball pit made of lifesize rainbow sprinkles? That’s the Museum of Ice Cream. Well, it’s one of the most famous installations at the “immersive ice cream playground.” With five other permanent locations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Austin and Singapore, the Museum of Ice Cream is a truly multisensory experience—there are unlimited ice cream samples!!—centered on the universally beloved frozen confection.  There’s that Insta-famous sprinkle pool to explore (accessed via a whimsical slide), interactive playscapes, a café and exclusive treats available in each city.  What to expect from Museum of Ice Cream Boston Installations at every Museum of Ice Cream are “crafted to celebrate ice cream and local culture,” according to a press release. In Boston, that obviously translates to sports: “FunWay Park” is an exclusive exhibit featuring carnival games and cotton candy in flavors that recall ballpark snacks, like buttered popcorn.  Cookie Living Room, meanwhile, is a cozy place made of “cookie motifs”

One of Boston’s biggest names in seafood is returning to a hallowed hall of oysters and lobster rolls. Row 34—helmed by chef-owner Jeremy Sewall—will open a fifth location next summer at 498 Commonwealth Ave., the former site of Island Creek Oyster Bar at the Hotel Commonwealth. Sewall had been the executive chef at Island Creek Oyster Bar since it first opened in 2010, and was a partner when ICOB shuttered during the pandemic. Before that, Sewall had opened the restaurant’s predecessor, Great Bay, a Michael Schlow-led seafood spot that earned national acclaim in the aughts. Sewall was also behind the bygone Brookline fine-dining institution, Lineage. He has penned several cookbooks, including Oysters: A Celebration in the Raw (2016) and The Row 34 Cookbook (2021). “Returning to Kenmore Square is surreal, without a doubt,” Sewall said in a press release announcement about the news. Photograph: Courtesy Row 34Shore Gregory (L) and chef Jeremy Sewall of Row 34 The chef and business partner Shore Gregory co-founded Row 34 in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood in 2013. At the time, they had additional partners, including Island Creek Oyster Farm founder Skip Bennett and Eastern Standard restaurateur Garrett Harker, who both exited the Row 34 group in 2021, when ICOB closed. Since then, Bennett has focused on hospitality at his South Shore oyster farm, debuting a year-round raw bar there as well as the Winsor House restaurant across the street. New York City's Blue Ribbon Hospital

On top of other things going on so far this November, Massachusetts is monitoring a “red flag warning" for increased fire risk. The entire state is at risk for brush and wildfires due to dry conditions, warm temperatures and gusty winds. Following red flag warnings during election week, the National Weather Service alerts "all of Massachusetts east of the Berkshires, northern Connecticut, and all of Rhode Island." “Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly,” the NWS said in an updated statement on Thursday, Nov. 14. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”  More than 200 brush fires started across Massachusetts in October, and more than 50 have already been addressed in the first week of November, the Boston Globe reported—figures way higher than the Bay State’s average 15 wildfires in a typical October. This fall has been anything but typical, with just more than 2 inches of rain seen in Boston since September.  Photograph: Courtesy Friends of the Blue Hills “As we confront an unprecedented fall fire season, I’m asking all our residents to protect themselves, their neighbors, and their communities by refraining from any outdoor activities that involve open flames, sparks and embers, or other heat sources,” Governor Maura Healey said in a statement. Nearly 500 acres across Massachusetts burned in early November, including “significant” fires in Salem and Lynn, Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Northampton in Western Mass. and elsewhere.  “We have seen truly remarkab

Time Out Market Boston is known for an enticing array of cuisine from some of the coolest kitchens in the city. But the food hall’s two house-run bars are among the best-kept secrets in the Fenway neighborhood. From a top-shelf selection of local craft beer to seasonal cocktails and mocktails, Time Out Market’s bars please every drinker’s palate—and the expansive space means you and your crew will (almost) always find seats. Visitors to Time Out Market may not realize that all the cocktail ingredients (besides the spirits!) are made in-house, says assistant general manager Meghan Murphy, who creates the seasonal cocktail menus. “It's such a good team effort. Without our bar backs and bartenders, it's all just words on a page until they show up and bring it to life,” she says. For this season’s selection, Murphy started by considering the flavors of the season—warm spices, sweet fruits, festive textures, etc. The holiday-ready menu debuted this week: Here’s what you’ll be sipping on this season at Time Out Market Boston. Photograph: Jacqueline CainThe Prickly Pear The Prickly Pear What’s in it:  Meili Vodka, Orchard Pear Liqueur, vanilla, lemon What it’s like: Grown-up lemonade vibes. Autumnal pear and vanilla tempers the citrusy brightness and makes it super seasonal. Jason Mamoa’s vodka, Melli, meanwhile, is smooth with a clean flavor. Apple Pie Rum Fizz What’s in it: Planteray Original Dark Rum, autumnally spiced apple cider, lemon, cinnamon, honey What it’s like: It’s

In a harrowing scene of Titanic, the 1997 movie I’ve seen dozens of times, a string quartet of musicians begins to play the song, “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” on the deck of the sinking ship.  That vignette turns out to have some truth to it, according to one of the many informative signs hanging up inside Boston’s new "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition." Placed deep into the walk-through exhibit—once the lights in the galleries have dimmed and the piped-in soundtrack has turned from spirited music to ominous sounds of sloshing water and gusting wind—the sign says that Titanic’s head steward ordered the ship’s orchestra to play "in order to maintain calm" as people tried to board lifeboats. It concludes, "None of Titanic’s musicians will survive." Photograph: Jacqueline Cain Of course, the Titanic famously sank on its maiden voyage in 1912. That’s why we’re here, unfortunately. "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition," on display at the Saunders Castle at Park Plaza for the next several months, is a traveling showcase with a mission to keep the luxury ocean liner’s legacy alive by telling real-life stories from the ship. Produced by Atlanta-based Experiential Media Group and RMS Titanic, Inc., an affiliate that has exclusive rights to recover artifacts from the ship’s wreck site, the company has conducted several research and recovery expeditions since 1987 to create the installation. Thousands of real artifacts—from pieces of the vessel to belongings of passengers—have been shown i

Time Out Market Boston will have a new spot for Italian cuisine—with a twist. POE-Lenta, an Italian café by chefs Brian Poe and Guillermo Guzman of the Tip Tap Room in Beacon Hill, is opening November 4 at the Fenway food hall and cultural market, with the chefs’ signature playfulness on the menu. From the seasonal “POE-Lenta of the moment” to roasted tomato soup with a grilled cheese-crouton to wild game bolognese, dishes are deceptively simple and bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients, Poe says. Photograph: Courtesy the Tip Tap RoomChef Brian Poe Poe’s career in Boston spans more than 20 years and is associated with a world of cuisines and unusual proteins; the likes of wild boar meatloaf and antelope tacos have graced his menus. He was a longtime toque at the Bostonian Hotel before embarking on a partnership that had him overseeing Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake on Boylston Street (which shuttered in 2018), Bukowski Tavern and Parish Café.  Poe opened the Tip Tap Room in 2012, and after dissolving his partnership with the Wilcox Group, he became the sole owner there in 2021. Poe has since opened Crane River Cheese Club, a sandwich shop and grocer next door, with partner Nicolas Giannotti, the general manager of the Tip Tap Room. Today, in addition to his two Beacon Hill spots, Poe owns a micro herb farm and a coffee roasting company, both on the North Shore. The Tip Tap menu is built around a selection of “tips”—from steak to turkey to swordfish, elk and more—and

Time Out readers know that we cover the best of your city, from events to attractions—and we’re a seasonal resource. With Halloween upon us and the festive season on its way, Time Out has a new tool highlighting the best holiday picks from around the world. Check out the interactive map for hand-picked holiday options. For spooky szn in Boston, that includes annual favorites like Shore Leave masquerading as Scare Leave, destination-worthy haunted houses and Boston’s Wicked Haunt Fest, a new attraction this year that achieves its goal of Hollywood-level Halloween decor in Charlestown. From iconic holiday hotspots to under-the-radar attractions only locals know about, this map will be updated with seasonal happenings throughout the year. Play around with this useful new tool and make it your go-to map from now through New Year’s Eve.

A big-name chef returns to Boston this fall—at least, on a periodic basis—when James Beard Award-winner Tony Messina joins Cunard Tavern in Eastie as consulting chef and partner.  Messina will continue to be based in Los Angeles, where he moved with his now-wife, Amy Schwartz Messina, a television writer, in 2021. He plans to open his own concepts there, according to today’s announcement, and is consulting on other west coast projects in the meantime.  "For me, having a restaurant is like having a second home: a place to throw a dinner party every night for a community that becomes your family. East Boston is where I grew up, and will always be home," Messina says. "After living in LA for three years and now raising our daughter there, I also want her to have a place to call home whenever we do come back and visit Boston to help strengthen those roots so she’ll always be connected to a place that means so much to me." Since 2012, Messina had been at Ken Oringer’s acclaimed Uni, becoming executive chef and a partner there in 2016. Messina was named Best Chef: Northeast by the James Beard Foundation in 2019. Born and raised in East Boston, Messina is a veteran of local kitchens, starting at age 14 with a catering company. He graduated top of his class from Cambridge Culinary School in 2009 and joined chef Michael Schlow as sous chef at Alta Strada. He helped to open the bygone tasting-menu innovator Menton, then followed a passion for sushi to join chef Chris Chung at AKA Bistr

One Irish pub closes, and another door opens.  The Lenox Hotel has three new restaurants in the works, its ownership announced today. Sweeney’s on Boylston is slated to open November 1, taking over the landmark spot near the Boston Marathon Finish Line where Sólás Irish Pub has been for more than 20 years. Simultaneously, The Irving will replace the hotel’s lobby lounge, City Bar. Early next year, a yet-to-be-named restaurant will replace City Table. All three new concepts are led by chef Daniel Kenney, a veteran of hotel hospitality, who was most recently executive chef at the Liberty Hotel. "His creativity, dedication to quality, and passion for fresh, local ingredients make him the perfect fit to guide us through this evolution. We are confident that these new concepts will bring innovative and memorable dining experiences to our guests and the local community,” says Dan Donahue, president of Saunders Hotel Group, the family-owned outfit that operates the Lenox. Kenney graduated from Johnson & Wales University and began his career at Boston Harbor Hotel. He has also worked at the Four Seasons Resort in Costa Rica, the Langham Boston and the Harborview Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard. In his new role, Kenney is also overseeing the Lenox Hotel’s catering and event operations.   Photograph: Courtesy the Lenox HotelChef Daniel Kenney Over the past several months, Kenney and other Lenox leaders traveled to Ireland to get inspiration for Sweeney’s, which is a contemporary take on a

Leaf-peeping season is a pleasant time to cruise out of Boston Harbor—and next fall, food fans with an affinity for the sea can make it the adventure of a lifetime. Chefs Making Waves, a culinary cruise series, will offer a new, all-inclusive, four-night excursion from Boston to Canada in October 2025. The stacked lineup of celebrity chefs aboard Chefs Making Waves: Destination New England will read familiar to fans of Iron Chef America, Top Chef and other food TV. With more culinary talent to be announced before departure, the list already includes Andrew Zimmern, Alton Brown, Alex Guarnaschelli, Eric Adjepong, Boston’s own Jamie Bissonnette and more famous names. Check out the full lineup of traveling chefs, so far, below.  Photograph: Courtesy Chefs Making Waves / Tammy VegaChef Marc Murphy poses with a fan aboard Chefs Making Waves. Photograph: Courtesy Chefs Making Waves / Tammy Vega Passengers will get to meet the featured chefs at various cooking demos, culinary conversations and dining experiences on the ship. Chef pop-ups at restaurants on board will offer reservations, and there will also be buffet spotlights scheduled, with an array of seasonal dishes on offer from the guests of honor.  All of this while taking in the glorious foliage and scenery from Boston to Portland, Maine, and Saint John, New Brunswick.  Did we mention the fully stocked open bars on board, the pool deck with hot tubs, and the casino, spa and sports facilities? The experience will also feat