I'm back in the office, now where do I eat lunch?

As we return to the office, it’s important to note how the food scene has changed since we’ve been away. In Boston’s Financial District, businesses have always relied on the hustle and bustle of office workers to visit their establishments. Unfortunately, when people spent the pandemic working remotely, some of the long-standing food spots disappeared as well. Here are some of our current favorites, some classics we were forced to say goodbye to, new notable places to try, and a few awesome spots to enjoy your lunch break in the sunshine.

Favorite Places/Boston Staples

Everyone knows the best way to break up the day is with a delicious lunch break. Boston’s downtown neighborhoods have some wonderful spots for grab-and-go meals, and they’re just as enjoyable if you find yourself eating at your desk. Bon Me, which has several locations and food trucks peppered throughout the city, offers light Vietnamese fare that’s refreshing and delicious. We’re also fans of Bailey and Sage, a classic takeout lunch spot for sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Hummus Republic is another popular Financial District pick, where you can create your own healthy bowl with a variety of delicious fixings.

Places We Said Goodbye To

Sadly, COVID-19 saw an untimely end for many of our favorite establishments. While they’re no longer in business, we’d still like to pay homage to those places and the legacy they left behind in Boston’s food scene. For those who work in the Back Bay, Whiskey’s, Lir, and the Pour House were three classic spots that served up delicious bar food. These favorites will certainly be missed on Boylston Street. Further downtown, The Fours near the TD Garden was a historic sports bar that had a thriving food scene. Cheers in Faneuil Hall also closed its doors, but we are pleased to know that the famed Beacon Hill location, which served as the inspiration for the TV series when it was the Bull & Finch Pub, is still going strong. These are just a few of the notable spots that unfortunately were forced to close their doors during the pandemic.

New Places

As the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. We are excited for all the new restaurants popping up downtown and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Some of the ones we’re most excited for include the High Street Place Food Hall, which will open in 2021. It’s set to feature 20+ vendors offering a variety of food and beverage options. For those who work in the Seaport or downtown, be sure to check out Madras Dosa Company, a South Indian fast-casual restaurant that recently opened. They serve up savory and sweet dosas and more. In the Back Bay, Double Zero is a pizzeria and wine bar that just opened up on Newbury Street, the iconic boulevard that stretches almost the entire length of the neighborhood. That location will be ideal for lunch or the occasional post-work beverage.

Where to Enjoy

Now that we know where to get our food, where should we go to enjoy it? While everyone can bring their picks back to the office café, it’s always nice to embrace the summer and early fall weather and enjoy your food outside. If you’re looking for a sunny spot to have lunch, The Greenway traverses many neighborhoods of Boston and is ideal for outdoor dining. With several public seating areas, you can grab a table or a patch of grass and enjoy your lunch break in peace. There’s also Norman B. Leventhal Park, located in the heart of Post Office Square. A beautiful, small green space surrounded by the buildings of the Financial District, it provides a quiet sanctuary amid the busy hustle of downtown Boston. The Charles River Esplanade is also a wonderful spot for a quick lunch, and is easily reachable from Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Cambridge. If your office is located near the river, head down to the Esplanade and sit on one of the many docks or benches along the waterfront while the boaters cascade by.

It’s safe to say that our list could go on and on. In the downtown neighborhoods and beyond, there’s tons of wonderful places to grab a bite and support local businesses. With comfortable seating and enjoyable weather, your lunch break can be a much-needed escape from a busy day at work. While it’s not the most comprehensive list, these are certainly a few of our favorites.