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Hynes Convention Center

Where to Eat Near Hynes Convention Center

Off-site lunches, post-session drinks, work dinners, and more

by Dana Hatic@DanaHatic May 23, 2019, 11:14am EDT

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Hynes Convention Center

| Hynes Convention Center/Official Site

by Dana Hatic@DanaHatic May 23, 2019, 11:14am EDT

Located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, Hynes Convention Center plays host to some of the city’s major events, from the Boston Marathon Expo to biotech conferences, job fairs, and more. While there are a few restaurants in the same building as the convention center, there are dozens more within walking distance.

Whether the need arises for a restaurant that can accommodate a large group of people, or you’re just seeking a quick bite between activities, Back Bay provides a surplus of dining options for people attending events at the Hynes Convention Center.

This map provides a selection of dining options to meet conference-goers’ varied needs: some top picks for quick lunches nearby, as well as post-session drinks and snacks or full sit-down dinners with colleagues. All restaurants included on this map are within a 15-minute walk from the convention center, and each map point includes a note indicating whether the restaurant provides counter-service or full-service dining.

See also: Where to Eat Near the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (Boston’s other major convention center, located in the Seaport District)

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Saltie Girl

One of the best seafood restaurants in town, Saltie Girl is a must-try, but note that it is small and busy and does not take reservations for the main dining room. This might work for an independent conference-goer who doesn’t mind waiting in line to try to snag a seat, but groups should look into reserving the side room ahead of time (available for eight to 14 people). The restaurant’s fish-filled menu runs the gamut from fancy tinned seafood to fried lobster with waffles to seafood towers and beyond. [Full service]

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281 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

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Torched salmon belly at Saltie Girl

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Met Back Bay

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Met Back Bay — Saltie Girl’s sibling and neighbor — is on standby for any meat-related needs. From charcuterie to burgers and prime cuts of steak, the restaurant can feed groups of all sizes. [Full service]

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279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

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A burger at Met Back Bay

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Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar

Chock full of Mexican-inspired dishes and tequila, Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar is loud, dark, and accommodating, the perfect vibe for a boozy group dinner post-conference. [Full service]

Open in Google Maps

271 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

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Spicy tuna chilindrinas at Lolita Fort Point — Spicy tuna chilindrinas at Lolita

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12 Solid All-You-Can-Eat Meal Deals in Boston

Joe's American Bar & Grill

With windows overlooking Newbury Street and a wide-ranging menu that’ll please any picky eater, Joe’s American Bar & Grill — a small New England chain — is a classic spot for lunch, with large servings and room for big groups. It’s also open for breakfast and dinner. [Full service]

181 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

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Joe’s American Bar & Grill on Newbury Street

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Greco

Casual and quick, Greco serves gyros, pita platters, salads, soups, and sweet loukoumades. All the favorite shaved meats are available, or get the squash fritter platter with spicy feta sauce and Greco’s fries. Beverages include Greek sodas and coffee frappes. This popular spot is about to expand to two new locations in 2019. [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

225 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

A gyro from Greco’s original location in Back Bay — A gyro at Gre.co

Orá Trattorizza

This newer sibling to Piattini (see below) features brick-oven pizzas (including a vegan option and a gluten-free option), pasta, hefty salads, and lots more. [Full service]

653 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Diavola Pizza at Orá Trattorizza

Mooncusser Fish House/Moon Bar/Cusser’s

Mooncusser Fish House is truly a restaurant for all occasions: It actually has three distinct parts. Its casual, seasonal takeout window, Cusser’s, serves hot dogs, lobster rolls, and a Massachusetts classic roast beef sandwich, while the restaurant’s slightly more formal Moon Bar on the ground floor offers raw and smoked seafood, tacos, burgers and fries, and two desserts. (Cusser’s customers can also eat inside at Moon Bar.) The upscale, full-service dining room upstairs is the place for an elegant seafood feast. [Full service and counter service]

Open in Google Maps

304 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116

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Two roast beef sandwiches sit side by side, showing off thinly slices rare meat and topped with red onions and other condiments — Roast beef sandwiches from Cusser’s

Piattini

With a stacked wine list and a hefty load of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes, Piattini — older sibling to Orá Trattorizza (see above) — is a great dinner location in Back Bay, but it can also be an option for a longer lunch. [Full service]

226 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

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Pasta at Piattini

Also featured in:

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Cornish Pasty Co.

Cornish Pasty Co. serves a variety of meat- and veggie-stuffed pasties, including two vegan options. There are also salads, soups, and sides, plus desserts, and the restaurant serves beer. Closed on Mondays. [Full service, but also very takeout-friendly]

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51 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115

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A big, doughly lamb vindaloo pasty from Cornish Pasty Co sits on a white plate. — Lamb vindaloo pasty from Cornish Pasty Co.

Abe & Louie's

Right on Boylston Street, neighborhood staple Abe & Louie’s is a reliable steakhouse, a solid brunch option, and a source for seafood all rolled into one. It also has a nice patio for outdoor dining, if weather allows. If you’re looking for a mid-conference power lunch, this is the place. [Full service]

793 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

A restaurant with wooden beams on the ceiling, brown banquette seating, and white tablecloths — Abe & Louie’s

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Luke's Lobster

Luke’s Lobster is a good quick option for any visitor craving a lobster roll. Or any kind of lobster, for that matter (think mac and cheese, bisque, and dip). There are shrimp and crab rolls as well, plus combo options with sides and drinks. This is part of a rapidly growing New York-based chain with Maine roots (and a new, full-service flagship location in Maine). [Counter service]

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75 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116

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Luke’s Lobster lobster roll

Select Oyster Bar

Select Oyster Bar, as the name suggests, is known for its seafood. Order oysters on the half shell, various permutations of seafood platters, and caviar, with wine and champagne by the bottle or glass. Bring the team here for a really nice night out, or just grab a bar seat and treat yourself. Open for lunch daily, too. [Full service]

50 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website

SELECT Oyster Bar Gallery — Select Oyster Bar

Also featured in:

Terra at Eataly Boston

Wood-fired dishes are the thing to get at Terra, located on the upper level of the Prudential Center’s Eataly Boston and open for lunch and dinner. Get a selection of charcuterie and cheese with one of Terra’s cocktails, or opt for wine and spaghetti al pomodoro. Terra also serves a “quick fire” lunch, with an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert, for $32. Those looking for something more fast-casual can peruse Eataly’s second floor, full of counter-service Italian options and a few other sit-down restaurants. [Full service]

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800 Boylston St floor 3, Boston, MA 02199

Visit Website

Terra Eataly Boston — Terra at Eataly

Porto

A Mediterranean seafood restaurant from chef Jody Adams (of the now-defunct Rialto) with partners Eric Papachristos and Sean Griffing, Porto is open for dinner, with $1 oysters daily from 4 to 6 p.m. With seafood pastas and a lengthy list of mezze, there’s something for everyone in a group, and you’ll need a group if you order the restaurant’s seafood tower, loaded with oysters, poached shrimp, littleneck clams, and tartare. Nice weather? Check out the excellent patio. [Full service]

Ring Rd, Boston, MA 02199

Visit Website

Porto

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Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House

A prime option for business dinners, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House has more than 12,000 bottles of wine, plus private dining spaces, if necessary. While known for its steaks, the upscale Del Frisco’s steakhouse chain also serves dishes like lobster mac and cheese and seafood entrees like crab cakes and seared sea bass. [Full service]

888 Boylston St Suite 053, Boston, MA 02199

Visit Website

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Prudential — Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (Prudential location)

Also featured in:

Bukowski Tavern

One of Boston’s mainstay bars, Bukowski Tavern in Back Bay is a cash-only establishment serving mostly burgers, hot dogs, and craft beer. A little more brusque than its Cambridge counterpart, Bukowski’s is a casual, filling option near Hynes and a bit of an essential Back Bay experience. [Full service]

Open in Google Maps

50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Salty Pig

Good wine, good pizza, good cheese — and all available at the bar at the Salty Pig. While the wait for a table can be long, it’s worthwhile for small groups (and on a nice day, the spacious patio adds lots of extra seating). The namesake pizza with cured meat, mustard crema, and arugula is a great way to wrap a day of conferencing in Back Bay. [Full service]

130 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Salty Pig pizza

Also featured in:

Flour Bakery + Cafe

Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or casual dinner, Flour is one of Boston’s iconic chains, with tasty pastries, sandwiches, salads, and more. Take a little walk from the convention center and be rewarded with a sticky bun. [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

30 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website

A closeup shot of the Flour sticky bun, one of Boston’s iconic dishes, sitting on a white plate on a wooden counter — The Flour sticky bun

Pho Basil

Quick, easy, delicious, and affordable, Pho Basil offers lunch specials (until 3 p.m.) of Vietnamese and Thai dishes, including noodles, fried rice, curries, and steamed dumplings. [Full service, but also very takeout-friendly]

177 Massachusetts Ave A, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website

Pho Basil

Also featured in:

12 Excellent Back Bay Restaurants That Deliver

The Westland

A prime spot for post-convention drinks, the Westland is located right by Symphony Hall; maybe you can find time for a musical performance in the midst of your conference obligations? Sit at either the front or back bar and order a bourbon cocktail, or sample some local craft beer. The Westland also has a full food menu, including a filling burger that is proving to be an early favorite at the fairly new restaurant. [Full service]

10 Westland Ave, Boston, MA 02115

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The Westland burger

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Saltie Girl

281 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

One of the best seafood restaurants in town, Saltie Girl is a must-try, but note that it is small and busy and does not take reservations for the main dining room. This might work for an independent conference-goer who doesn’t mind waiting in line to try to snag a seat, but groups should look into reserving the side room ahead of time (available for eight to 14 people). The restaurant’s fish-filled menu runs the gamut from fancy tinned seafood to fried lobster with waffles to seafood towers and beyond. [Full service]

Open in Google Maps

281 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Torched salmon belly at Saltie Girl

Met Back Bay

279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Met Back Bay — Saltie Girl’s sibling and neighbor — is on standby for any meat-related needs. From charcuterie to burgers and prime cuts of steak, the restaurant can feed groups of all sizes. [Full service]

Open in Google Maps

279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

A burger at Met Back Bay

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar

271 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Chock full of Mexican-inspired dishes and tequila, Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar is loud, dark, and accommodating, the perfect vibe for a boozy group dinner post-conference. [Full service]

Open in Google Maps

271 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Spicy tuna chilindrinas at Lolita Fort Point — Spicy tuna chilindrinas at Lolita

Joe's American Bar & Grill

181 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

With windows overlooking Newbury Street and a wide-ranging menu that’ll please any picky eater, Joe’s American Bar & Grill — a small New England chain — is a classic spot for lunch, with large servings and room for big groups. It’s also open for breakfast and dinner. [Full service]

181 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Joe’s American Bar & Grill on Newbury Street

Greco

225 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Casual and quick, Greco serves gyros, pita platters, salads, soups, and sweet loukoumades. All the favorite shaved meats are available, or get the squash fritter platter with spicy feta sauce and Greco’s fries. Beverages include Greek sodas and coffee frappes. This popular spot is about to expand to two new locations in 2019. [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

225 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

A gyro from Greco’s original location in Back Bay — A gyro at Gre.co

Orá Trattorizza

653 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

This newer sibling to Piattini (see below) features brick-oven pizzas (including a vegan option and a gluten-free option), pasta, hefty salads, and lots more. [Full service]

653 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Diavola Pizza at Orá Trattorizza

Mooncusser Fish House/Moon Bar/Cusser’s

304 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116

Mooncusser Fish House is truly a restaurant for all occasions: It actually has three distinct parts. Its casual, seasonal takeout window, Cusser’s, serves hot dogs, lobster rolls, and a Massachusetts classic roast beef sandwich, while the restaurant’s slightly more formal Moon Bar on the ground floor offers raw and smoked seafood, tacos, burgers and fries, and two desserts. (Cusser’s customers can also eat inside at Moon Bar.) The upscale, full-service dining room upstairs is the place for an elegant seafood feast. [Full service and counter service]

Open in Google Maps

304 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Two roast beef sandwiches sit side by side, showing off thinly slices rare meat and topped with red onions and other condiments — Roast beef sandwiches from Cusser’s

Piattini

226 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

With a stacked wine list and a hefty load of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes, Piattini — older sibling to Orá Trattorizza (see above) — is a great dinner location in Back Bay, but it can also be an option for a longer lunch. [Full service]

226 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Pasta at Piattini

Cornish Pasty Co.

51 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Cornish Pasty Co. serves a variety of meat- and veggie-stuffed pasties, including two vegan options. There are also salads, soups, and sides, plus desserts, and the restaurant serves beer. Closed on Mondays. [Full service, but also very takeout-friendly]

Open in Google Maps

51 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website

A big, doughly lamb vindaloo pasty from Cornish Pasty Co sits on a white plate. — Lamb vindaloo pasty from Cornish Pasty Co.

Abe & Louie's

793 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Right on Boylston Street, neighborhood staple Abe & Louie’s is a reliable steakhouse, a solid brunch option, and a source for seafood all rolled into one. It also has a nice patio for outdoor dining, if weather allows. If you’re looking for a mid-conference power lunch, this is the place. [Full service]

793 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

A restaurant with wooden beams on the ceiling, brown banquette seating, and white tablecloths — Abe & Louie’s

Luke's Lobster

75 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116

Luke’s Lobster is a good quick option for any visitor craving a lobster roll. Or any kind of lobster, for that matter (think mac and cheese, bisque, and dip). There are shrimp and crab rolls as well, plus combo options with sides and drinks. This is part of a rapidly growing New York-based chain with Maine roots (and a new, full-service flagship location in Maine). [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

75 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Luke’s Lobster lobster roll

Select Oyster Bar

50 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Select Oyster Bar, as the name suggests, is known for its seafood. Order oysters on the half shell, various permutations of seafood platters, and caviar, with wine and champagne by the bottle or glass. Bring the team here for a really nice night out, or just grab a bar seat and treat yourself. Open for lunch daily, too. [Full service]

50 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website

SELECT Oyster Bar Gallery — Select Oyster Bar

Terra at Eataly Boston

800 Boylston St floor 3, Boston, MA 02199

Wood-fired dishes are the thing to get at Terra, located on the upper level of the Prudential Center’s Eataly Boston and open for lunch and dinner. Get a selection of charcuterie and cheese with one of Terra’s cocktails, or opt for wine and spaghetti al pomodoro. Terra also serves a “quick fire” lunch, with an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert, for $32. Those looking for something more fast-casual can peruse Eataly’s second floor, full of counter-service Italian options and a few other sit-down restaurants. [Full service]

Open in Google Maps

800 Boylston St floor 3, Boston, MA 02199

Visit Website

Terra Eataly Boston — Terra at Eataly

Porto

Ring Rd, Boston, MA 02199

A Mediterranean seafood restaurant from chef Jody Adams (of the now-defunct Rialto) with partners Eric Papachristos and Sean Griffing, Porto is open for dinner, with $1 oysters daily from 4 to 6 p.m. With seafood pastas and a lengthy list of mezze, there’s something for everyone in a group, and you’ll need a group if you order the restaurant’s seafood tower, loaded with oysters, poached shrimp, littleneck clams, and tartare. Nice weather? Check out the excellent patio. [Full service]

Ring Rd, Boston, MA 02199

Visit Website

Porto

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House

888 Boylston St Suite 053, Boston, MA 02199

A prime option for business dinners, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House has more than 12,000 bottles of wine, plus private dining spaces, if necessary. While known for its steaks, the upscale Del Frisco’s steakhouse chain also serves dishes like lobster mac and cheese and seafood entrees like crab cakes and seared sea bass. [Full service]

888 Boylston St Suite 053, Boston, MA 02199

Visit Website

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Prudential — Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (Prudential location)

Related Maps

Bukowski Tavern

50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

One of Boston’s mainstay bars, Bukowski Tavern in Back Bay is a cash-only establishment serving mostly burgers, hot dogs, and craft beer. A little more brusque than its Cambridge counterpart, Bukowski’s is a casual, filling option near Hynes and a bit of an essential Back Bay experience. [Full service]

Open in Google Maps

50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website

The Salty Pig

130 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Good wine, good pizza, good cheese — and all available at the bar at the Salty Pig. While the wait for a table can be long, it’s worthwhile for small groups (and on a nice day, the spacious patio adds lots of extra seating). The namesake pizza with cured meat, mustard crema, and arugula is a great way to wrap a day of conferencing in Back Bay. [Full service]

130 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Salty Pig pizza

Flour Bakery + Cafe

30 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or casual dinner, Flour is one of Boston’s iconic chains, with tasty pastries, sandwiches, salads, and more. Take a little walk from the convention center and be rewarded with a sticky bun. [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

30 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website

A closeup shot of the Flour sticky bun, one of Boston’s iconic dishes, sitting on a white plate on a wooden counter — The Flour sticky bun

Pho Basil

177 Massachusetts Ave A, Boston, MA 02115

Quick, easy, delicious, and affordable, Pho Basil offers lunch specials (until 3 p.m.) of Vietnamese and Thai dishes, including noodles, fried rice, curries, and steamed dumplings. [Full service, but also very takeout-friendly]

177 Massachusetts Ave A, Boston, MA 02115

Visit Website