In and Out in 30 Minutes Flat: Lunch in Boston's Financial District
By jilliancyork
updated 3 months ago
Listen up, working drones! You've got 30 minutes to get out the door, get into a restaurant, grab some grub, shovel it down your throat, and head back to the office...if you're lucky, you'll have 30 extra seconds to brush your teeth.
Office Workers Unite!
I admit it. I’m an office drone. Granted, my office is no Dunder Mifflin, and we get a whole hour unlike many office drones I know, but I still have to deal with the day-to-day struggle of what to eat for lunch – in less than an hour. So here’s my guide to my work neighborhood as I see it – eat up!
Get yo’ kebab on. You get to order at a podium, and for $10 you can purchase an entire feast – kebab, tzatziki, warm Syrian bread, rice…My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Lunch tomorrow anyone?
Get yo’ kebab on. You get to order at a podium, and for $10 you can purchase an entire feast – kebab, tzatziki, warm Syrian bread, rice…My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Lunch tomorrow anyone?
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who doesn’t like the Milk Street Cafe. I’d walked by it hundreds of times before I even realized it served food, but once I did there was no going back. Oh, and they offer kosher, which is a downtown rarity in these parts.
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who doesn’t like the Milk Street Cafe. I’d walked by it hundreds of times before I even realized it served food, but once I did there was no going back. Oh, and they offer kosher, which is a downtown rarity in these parts.
Fast food for rich folks is what I like to call Sebastian’s. I’ve only eaten their $14 salads because a very kind upper-level co-worker likes to treat on occasion, but let me tell you, they are truly worth every penny. Salmon, eggplant, feta – you name it, they’ve got it, and every salad is made to your precise (and believe me, I’m precise) specifications.
Fast food for rich folks is what I like to call Sebastian’s. I’ve only eaten their $14 salads because a very kind upper-level co-worker likes to treat on occasion, but let me tell you, they are truly worth every penny. Salmon, eggplant, feta – you name it, they’ve got it, and every salad is made to your precise (and believe me, I’m precise) specifications.
Suishaya Restaurant
2 TYLER ST BOSTON, MA 02111
Again, not really in the Financial District, but close enough, this Chinatown joint has incredible sushi lunch boxes for relatively little cash. You can get seven or eight pieces plus miso soup, a side (tempura anyone?) and some pickled objects for $15 or so.
Mmmmm…
Cafe Le Anna
745 ATLANTIC AVE BOSTON, MA 02111
I discovered Le Anna when my boss stuck the menu on my desk and requested I order from there for our next big meeting. I didn’t actually get to eat any of the food, so I couldn’t judge until the owner himself showed up to pick up our dishes – quite possibly the nicest guy ever, and his staff is wonderful as well. But the best part is the chicken salad which has raisins…RAISINS! J’aime le Anna.
Oh pho. There is nothing better to cure a case of the Mondays (or a hangover) than a giant, steaming bowl of pho. Is it the best pho I’ve ever had? Nah, but who cares? A large is $6, need I say more?
Oh pho. There is nothing better to cure a case of the Mondays (or a hangover) than a giant, steaming bowl of pho. Is it the best pho I’ve ever had? Nah, but who cares? A large is $6, need I say more?
There’s a woman behind the counter at Susan’s – maybe even Susan herself – who is there every single day and monotonously tells me the same thing every single day, without any facial recognition. She amazes me with her inability to render facial expressions – unless you take too long and then she just looks peeved. So decide way before you get in line.
There’s a woman behind the counter at Susan’s – maybe even Susan herself – who is there every single day and monotonously tells me the same thing every single day, without any facial recognition. She amazes me with her inability to render facial expressions – unless you take too long and then she just looks peeved. So decide way before you get in line.
Boloco
133 FEDERAL ST BOSTON, MA 02110
My friend the burrito snob says that Boloco makes wraps, not burritos, but I beg to differ. The company (short for Boston Local Company) specializes in “inspired burritos” like the Bangkok Burrito (stuffed with rice, satay sauce, and veggies). Burritos are around $5, and the frequent burrito-er card gets you a free one after you spend $50. Lastly, you can order online…so get on it already.
Whenever I order something from Al Capone’s, I magically have lunch for the next three days. Seriously, I have never seen such enormous sandwiches, anywhere, in my entire life. At around $7 each, they’re not cheap, but divided by three or four? Awesome.
Whenever I order something from Al Capone’s, I magically have lunch for the next three days. Seriously, I have never seen such enormous sandwiches, anywhere, in my entire life. At around $7 each, they’re not cheap, but divided by three or four? Awesome.
Perhaps you don’t think this wine bar is a good lunch spot…perhaps you are wrong. Not only is the lunch menu better a bargain compared to dinner, but given that it’s technically in the Leather District (cool your heels, it’s not that far), it’s much less crowded than your typical Federal Street spot.
Perhaps you don’t think this wine bar is a good lunch spot…perhaps you are wrong. Not only is the lunch menu better a bargain compared to dinner, but given that it’s technically in the Leather District (cool your heels, it’s not that far), it’s much less crowded than your typical Federal Street spot.
For those of you not from big cities, Cosi’s the golden standard of upscale fast food. We’re talking giant salads, $7 sandwiches, and your choice of carrots or chips on the side. Simple, yes, but good.
For those of you not from big cities, Cosi’s the golden standard of upscale fast food. We’re talking giant salads, $7 sandwiches, and your choice of carrots or chips on the side. Simple, yes, but good.
Betcha didn’t know there was a D’Angelo right downtown! Commuters know that this “secret” location is in the South Station bus terminal. Unfamiliar with the franchise? D’Angelo is a local chain with tasty hot sandwiches and “pokkets” (okay, so they can’t spell, but they can make tasty grub).
Betcha didn’t know there was a D’Angelo right downtown! Commuters know that this “secret” location is in the South Station bus terminal. Unfamiliar with the franchise? D’Angelo is a local chain with tasty hot sandwiches and “pokkets” (okay, so they can’t spell, but they can make tasty grub).
My Personal Faves
The wasabi roast beef sandwich at Cosi. Sure, it’s just Cosi, but not much tops the sushi-like taste of this gem.
Boloco’s fantastic bangkok burrito, stuffed with brown rice, tofu, and satay sauce.
Cafe Le Anna’s chicken salad. Whether it’s in a wrap or on bread, holy crap it’s good.
The seafood salad on rye at Susan’s Deli. Mayonaisey goodness.
Sultan’s Kitchen’s award-winning falafel. It doesn’t get much better than this.