A silver pan is full of steamed mussels — Mussels from the Daily Catch in the North End

Where to Eat Mussels in Boston

From Spanish tapas to traditional Belgian, Boston’s got bivalves

by Terrence Doyle Feb 14, 2018, 12:33pm EST

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Mussels from the Daily Catch in the North End

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by Terrence Doyle Feb 14, 2018, 12:33pm EST

1 comment / new

Boston is going to remain a frozen hellscape for at least another couple of months, so thank heavens the city is full of restaurants dishing up brothy, nourishing pots of mussels.

Mussels are great because they come in many forms and can therefore hypothetically suit tastes of all kinds. This map spans everything from Belgian-style moules frites to Spanish tapas-style preparations, red-sauce Italian mussels, and more. All are best served with some crusty bread and a bottle of something crisp (a riesling, a chenin blanc, or a clean pilsner will do.)

Here are the best places to eat various kinds of mussels in and around Boston.

Note: Map points are arranged geographically from north to south, not ranked.

Juliet

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Every night at Juliet is a good night, but Wednesday night is mussels night. Mussels and potatoes come with tomatoes in a white wine broth, served with toasted bread. Pair them with something special from the Union Square spot’s small but intriguing beverage list.

21 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143

(617) 718-0958

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The Druid

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Despite the beverage instructions in this map’s introduction, another great combination is a Guinness with a pot of Prince Edward Island mussels. The Druid has both in droves.

1357 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

(617) 497-0965

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Green Street

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Green Street is a classic Central Square bar and grill. The mussels are done with white wine, saffron, and fennel. Pair with a crisp pilsner.

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Green St, Cambridge, MA 02139

(617) 876-1655

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Giacomo's

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There will probably be a line, but it will be worth the wait. The mussels are available in a white wine sauce or with red sauce. You’re in the North End; go with the red sauce.

355 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

(617) 523-9026

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giacomo’s mussels — A classic white wine and garlic preparation

The Daily Catch Restaurant

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Another North End joint on Hanover Street, another plate of delicious mussels. The Daily Catch does its mussels Sicilian-style with white wine, fennel, thyme, and lemon.

323 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

(617) 523-8567

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Neptune Oyster

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Get the lobster roll, but get the mussels first. They’re served with ‘nduja calabrese — which is a spreadable and spicy pork salumi — and basil from Fenway Farms. A real home run, y’all.

63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113

(617) 742-3474

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Exterior shot of a restaurant with blue-framed windows and a low brick wall. — There are many good treats at Neptune Oyster

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Sonsie

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If you can manage a window seat, this classic Newbury Street spot is great for people-watching. The mussels aren’t half bad, either.

327 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

(617) 351-2500

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Sit in the window at Sonsie and watch all the fabulous folks shop on Newbury Street

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Island Creek Oyster Bar

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Go for the oysters, stay for the mussels. Island Creek knows bivalves about as well as anyone in the city, and these Prince Edward Island mussels are no exception. They’re done simply with white wine, garlic, and thyme.

500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

(617) 532-5300

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Barcelona Wine Bar South End

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Okay, so Barcelona Wine Bar is a chain, but it’s a chain doing some very solid mussels. Again, simple preparation is best: Mussels love few things like they love parsley and garlic.

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525 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 266-2600

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barcelona wine bar mussels — Mussels, tapas-style

Anchovies

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Like at Giacomo’s, eaters can get mussels cooked with white wine or red sauce at Anchovies. Both are good, but Anchovies is a red-sauce joint, so go with the red sauce.

433 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 266-5088

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A restaurant exterior by night. Neon signage in its window reads Anchovies Food & Spirits. — Anchovies does mussels with white wine or marinara, and both are great

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Franklin Cafe

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Franklin Cafe has been doing its thing in the South End for more than two decades now. Its mussels — skillet smoked with clarified butter and and lemon — prove why.

278 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 350-0010

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franklin cafe — The Franklin Cafe has been at it for more than two decades

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The Publick House

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If there’s a spot in or around Boston that screams “mussels overload!” it’s got to be the Publick House in Brookline’s Washington Square. Choose from four options — all served with frites and a hunk of French bread. They’re all worthy of your money, but try the pot steamed with Fiddlehead IPA.

1648 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445

(617) 277-2880

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