"Penne Amatriciana" is my order.
The guy behind the counter repeats it back to me, except his accent is impeccable, and thereby he reminds me, once again that I am not Italian. It's nothing personal. He does this to everyone. He has the thick, tough voice of a Boston townie, except when he's talking about food and then his voice is back in Bologna.
This, I should say to you, is archetypal Boston behavior. This is a city with a dozen universities and more than its fair share of geeks, nerds and pedants. Whether it's Red Sox statistics, Buffy The Vampire Slayer history, or wearable computing, Bostonians will find some subject that gains their passion and will take it as their duty to educate the hell out of you with pride and love. The crew at Casa Razdora just like to do it with Italian food.
I used to work around the corner from this place and would stop by for lunch at least once a week. I like going on Thursdays for the risotto special, but this sells out early so I try to get in early to beat the substantial rush. They've gotten even more famous after being featured on TV and the lines are longer, but if you want something quick, their eponymous sandwich - the Razdora, a delicious combination of roasted red peppers, soppressata, prosciutto, and homemade bread - is always reliable.
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Rick Walker’s" is like a portal into another world. It's my go to sources in Boston for Western shirts, vintage Levis, secondhand belts & cowboy hats.
by
"Bobby From Boston" is a vintage menswear shop offering a range of leather jackets, new old stock blue jeans, vests and many more that a gentleman needs...
by
"Christina's Ice Cream" is a post-dinner of mid-afternoon must in Boston. There are 50 flavors of ice cream. I like the chocolate and ginger molasses.
by
The "Boston Athenaeum" is an independent library praised for its architecture, history and collection. Reading by the windows on a sunny day? My bliss.
by
"Veggie Crust" in Boston is definitely not just another pizza joint; first off it's 100% vegetarian. They even have falafel pizza, and it's actually good!
by
"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
by
"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
by
"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...
by
"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
by
"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.
by
"Brooklyn Boulders" is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston. Of course the choice to set up show in this specific street is deliberate & edgy.
by
128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 128 Insider Tips