Tres Gatos Boston

Books AND tapas AND jazz records? YES

Cris from Boston

About me I was born in the Philippines, raised in Canada, but sharpened by a couple of decades of living in Boston. My tenure in this city kind of caught me by surprise, and I was tempted with moving elsewhere (Melbourne and I had a pretty serious thing going on for a bit), but I do admit to loving this place. My wife and I own a 100 year-old condo in Jamaica Plain, but prior to...
""Tres Gatos" in Boston has a tapas restaurant as its front. At its back you'll find a well curated bookstore & a jazz record shop. It's the same business."

It says something about the city of Boston that a business like Tres Gatos exists.  The front is a very delicious tapas restaurant with a nice patio. The back is a well-curated bookstore and jazz record shop. They're not neighbors. They're the same business.  Jazz records from the store are the soundtrack to the restaurant. People waiting for seats hang out in the book store killing time. Yes, it's a little weird or, at best, quirky, but for a city that prizes intellectualism and food and live music, like Boston, it makes sense.

The bookstore and record store are small, but well curated. You probably won't find a lot of surprises here, but it's always worth browsing if you're in the neighborhood. The food is worth making a trip for. Their tortilla espanola is soft, rich and slowly cooked to a perfect level of creaminess. The tapas change regularly, but anything that they do with seafood is always excellent. 

Get a seat on the patio if the weather is good and drink rose or sangria depending on how hot it is. If it's cold or wet, go inside and have mezcal. If inside, sit by the high tops near the window if you can. Go with friends.  Four is about the right number for a table. Save space for the churros. Your food will come quickly, but take your time.  Catch up with friends. Listen to some jazz. Enjoy life.

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Boston Spotter Cris

About me I was born in the Philippines, raised in Canada, but sharpened by a couple of decades of living in Boston. My tenure in this city kind of caught me by surprise, and I was tempted with moving elsewhere (Melbourne and I had a pretty serious thing going on for a bit), but I do admit to loving this place. My wife and I own a 100 year-old condo in Jamaica Plain, but prior to that I'd lived in Cambridge, Somerville, and the Back Bay, so my picks are all over the place, but I hope you agree that they're all worthwhile. Why Boston? I love the people. Bos...

About this spot

470 Centre Street

Tapas:

US$

14

+1

6174774851

Oct 9, 2025

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