The 8 best places to grab a pre-game bite in the North End (2024)

Restaurants

From iconic foodie destinations, to family-friendly spots, here's where to eat in the North End before the NBA Finals at TD Garden.

By Faith Pinnow

June 4, 2024

Few things scream “Boston” more than dinner in the North End before a night spent cheering on the home team at TD Garden. Luckily, after 10 long days without basketball, Game 1 of the NBA Finals finally tips off on Thursday, as the Celtics take on the Mavericks at home.

If you’re one of the lucky fans with tickets to the best-of-seven series, chances are you’ll want to grab a pre-game bite before the action.

But if fighting your way through the crowds on Hanover Street in search of a decent slice doesn’t sound like ideal way to start the evening, you’re not alone. Here’s a roundup of some of the North End’s best spots to grab a quick bite before the game.

Monica’s Mercato

Come hungry, leave happy. This place has a line out the door on weekends for a reason. The foot-long subs from Monica’s are the perfect pre-game primer and are sure to keep you full for all four quarters. The unassuming storefront, which first opened it‘s doors in 1997, has gained a cult following amongst tourists and neighborhood locals alike. Maybe it’s the fluffy rolls, baked in the basem*nt oven every morning, or the layers of imported meats and cheeses that are hand-sliced for each order – either way, these subs are worth the $20 price-tag.

Have some extra time to spare before tip-off? Take your sub to the Rose Kennedy Greenway to enjoy the sights and sounds of one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods.

Pro-tip: to avoid long lines, order Monica’s online and pick it up at the second counter.

130 Salem St., Boston

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Ducali Pizzeria & Bar

This Roman-style pizzeria, situated just a stone’s throw from the Garden, is the perfect place to grab a slice and a seat before the game. Ducali’s thin-crust pies pair perfectly with their extensive brew selection, which features some of New England’s finest beers.

The family-friendly atmosphere and crowd pleasing menu (yes, they have a grilled cheese Italiano for even your pickiest youngster) means no more traversing a busy Hanover Street in search for a quick meal. Slip into a booth at Ducali, pull up some chairs, and catch some of the pregame show on one of their many televisions.

289 Causeway St., Boston

Ward 8

Doubling up a playoff game with date night? Head over to Ward 8, just a few blocks from the Garden to snag a few seats at the rustic-chic bar. This neighborhood gastropub, which offers a departure from the nearby Italian joints, serves up a variety of New American cuisines.

An extra plus? Ward 8’s late-night menu (open until 1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday) makes it the ideal spot to grab some celebratory post-game food and drinks.

90 N Washington St.

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Ristorante Lucia

If you have a hankering for a good old fashioned Italian dinner, look no further than this North End mainstay. Ristorante Lucia, which the Frattaroli family has owned and operated for nearly half a century, is the perfect spot to tuck in for a plate of homemade pasta or signature lasagna (they even offer gluten free pasta!).

This crow-pleasing rustic eatery recently opened their outdoor dining, so patrons can enjoy their hearty meal in the courtyard of the adjacent St. Stephen’s Catholic Church.

And if that doesn’t sound like the makings for a quintessential Boston experience, rumor has it that Tom Brady used to frequent the restaurant during his rookie days with the Patriots.

415 Hanover St., Boston

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Kala Thai Cookery

Kala Thai Cookery hasn’t gotten the hype it deserves. This cozy spot, located just across from the Boston Public Market, dishes out some of the best Thai food in the North End. The affordable menu options come out fast and hot, and there’s seldom a wait (even on game nights).

Chef Manita Bunnagitkarn’s second restaurant churns out flavor-packed favorites like Pad See Ew and Beef Larb Tacos. And better yet, almost everything on the menu is under $15.

For fans taking the MBTA downtown for the game, hop off the Green line or Orange line at Haymarket for a short jaunt over to this casual neighborhood restaurant.

151 Hanover St.

Pizzeria Regina

Would it really be a North End restaurant round-up if Regina’s wasn’t included? The answer, simply, is no. This no-frills pizzeria has been firing some of Boston’s best pies since the original Thatcher Street location opened in 1926.

Using the 100-year-old same brick-oven, Regina’s pizzas attract long lines nearly every day of the week. Be sure to get there early, and don’t skip the Giambotta pizza, which packs pepperoni, sausage, salami, mushrooms, onions, and peppers on top of a deliciously doughy crust – thank us later.

11 1/2 Thacher St.

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Ernesto’s Pizza

When the long line at Regina’s prompts an inevitable sigh, don’t panic. Three blocks away, on Salem Street, lies Ernesto’s Pizza. Blink, and you might miss this tiny spot. But don’t be fooled by the quaint exterior — they serve up some massive slices at the counter, with a fraction of the wait time.

Whether you’re short on time, or looking for an affordable bite, Ernesto’s is the place to be with over 20 by-the-slice options. Plus, for folks looking to dine in, they offer a limited beer and wine selection.

69 Salem St.

The Daily Catch

Contrary to popular belief, not all restaurants on Hanover Street are slinging red sauce dishes over white tablecloths. In fact, one of the North End’s best restaurants, The Daily Catch, is a cash-only hole-in-the-wall joint that masterfully mixes two of the neighborhood’s favorite things: pasta and seafood.

Don’t be fooled by the ultra-casual dining experience at the original location (yes, you’re wine will come in a plastic cup), The Daily Catch serves some of the best food in Boston. Take it from NBA legend Kenny Smith, who raved about the restaurant after visiting during the 2023 Eastern Conference finals.

323 Hanover St.

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