{"id":2269,"date":"2013-09-20T09:22:00","date_gmt":"2013-09-20T09:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=2269"},"modified":"2013-09-20T09:22:00","modified_gmt":"2013-09-20T09:22:00","slug":"where-to-park-and-dine-around-symphony-hall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=2269","title":{"rendered":"Where to Park and Dine Around Symphony Hall 2013 Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops or Boston Symphony Orchestra always ask us, "Where can we dine around <\/span>Symphony Hall?<\/a>"<\/span> And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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(Postcard image circa 1901-1907 from the Boston Public Library Collection.<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Here's our primer<\/span> for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.<\/span><\/p>\n

We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert. <\/p>\n

But,<\/span> if you must have a car at hand<\/span>, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options<\/a> within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (<\/a>map<\/a>)<\/a><\/p>\n

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Update 04.09.14:<\/strong> When this topic was discussed over on the Trip Advisor Boston forum<\/a>, regular contributor Ting clued us in on the special Prudential Center parking discount for those attending Symphony Hall, Berklee, Huntington Theater, Jordan Hall,and other events. Details here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Prudential Options<\/span><\/p>\n

If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier<\/a> is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon<\/a> for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.<\/p>\n

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Woody's Grill & Tap<\/strong><\/p>\n

It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street<\/a> and Woody's Grill & Tap<\/a>. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!<\/p>\n

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Newbury Street<\/strong><\/p>\n

Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile<\/a> is a great choice for Fr<\/span>ench Bistro food.<\/p>\n

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And, we love to stop into Tapeo<\/a> for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.<\/p>\n

Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO<\/span><\/p>\n

We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked \u2013 Brasserie JO<\/a> at The Colonnade Hotel<\/a>. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map<\/a>, because it's across from the Prudential Center.<\/p>\n

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We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!<\/p>\n

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(Waiting for unreserved seats for the Friday afternoon concert circa 1950 from the BPL collection<\/a>)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ethnic Options for less formal dining<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.<\/p>\n