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We’ve all been there — Friday night dinner or Sunday brunch rolls around, and it’s looking challenging to get a last-minute reservation. Lucky for you, there are plenty of superb restaurants in the Boston area that don’t take reservations. Embrace spontaneity at these 8 spots.
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No Reservation, No Problem at These 8 Boston Area Restaurants
Just walk right into these restaurants
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Dear Annie
The no-reservation policy at Dear Annie is part of the casual, communal charm that makes it one of the best wine bars in the Boston area. Besides great wine, expect freshly baked bread, a menu that adapts to the season, and pizza night on Mondays.
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Mi Pueblito Restaurant
Try the pupusas and the nachos at this casual East Boston neighborhood spot. Mi Pueblito opens every day from morning to evening, making a spontaneous no-reservation brunch and dinner outings a possibility.
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The Daily Catch North End
Of the three Daily Catch locations, the North End and Brookline are both walk-in only. When full, expect to queue up outside this seafood restaurant, but some incredible calamari and squid ink pasta await inside.
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Brookline Lunch
Tucked onto Brookline Street in Cambridge, this family-run, cash-only restaurant can get busy during weekend brunch hours, so be prepared to wait in the line outside. But baklava pancakes and vegetable-accented benedicts will ultimately be on the menu.
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Mae Asian Eatery
This 20-seat spot offering first come, first serve, Thai-influenced restaurant has been thriving since it’s opening. Start with the kah moo, which are perfectly crispy fritters with a tangy tamarind sauce. And for a main, consider the khanom jeen nam ngiaw, a tomato based pork noodle soup topped with fried garlic.
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The Friendly Toast
This popular New England chain offers an online Yelp waitlist diners can join to hold a place in line on busy brunch days. Get the breakfast sandwich on their cayenne cheddar bread, and convince friends to share the classic (yet excellent) Belgian waffle with whipped cream.
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Ganko Ittetsu Ramen
While Ganko Ittetsu is first come first serve, this ramen shop also has a Yelp waitlist option for monitoring the wait time and to reserve a place in line if you’re within a mile from the restaurant. They’re nestled into the Arcade building in Coolidge Corner, and serve a range of traditional and modern ramen varieties.
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Bottega di Capri
There are few places cozier than Italian restaurant Bottega di Capri. While there are no guarantees, even with a compact space they seem to always find a way to seat folks without much of a wait. It’s a choose-your-pasta and choose-your-sauce type of place, so you’re sure to find a combination that brings you as much joy as the charming service.
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