The Best Eats in Boston’s Allston-Brighton Neighborhoods

By Eric Twardzik
03/24/2023
Coreanos

Allston-Brighton has outgrown its reputation as a set of student-filled neighborhoods that subsist on greasy slice joints and fast food. Well, the students are still there, but now they have access to innovative fast-casual spots, excellent fare from around the world, and plenty of independent restaurants and bars that won't break the bank.

taco served at Lone Star Taco Bar one of the Best Eats in Boston’s Allston-Brighton
Credit: Brian Samuels Photography

Like its sister location in Cambridge, the original Lone Star Taco Bar is a delicious rebuke to the notion that you can’t find good tacos in Boston. The Tex-Mex haunt is known for a half-dozen staples ranging from Beef Barbacoa to Veracruz Fish, plus inventive specials like Birria Tacos. In 2020, it expanded next door and now boasts an umbrella-shaded, back-deck patio—a perfect perch to get acquainted with the roster of outstanding margaritas and stellar selection of crushable craft beer.

grilled cheese served at Roxys Grilled Cheese one of the Best Eats in Boston’s Allston-Brighton

One of Boston’s original food trucks, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese debuted its first brick-and-mortar in Allston, and it remains an excellent venue for picking up the guacamole-stuffed Green Muenster, the Hot Honey Bacon, and even vegan-friendly grilled cheese. We never tire of those menu staples, but we also love the fare you won’t find on the truck, like the pimento-slathered Justin’s Burger on a sweet Portuguese bun and the Double Fried Chicken sandwich with house-made ranch.

Coreanos

rice toppings from Coreanos one of the Best Eats in Boston’s Allston-Brighton

Boasting excellent versions of familiar Korean fare like Bulgogi Bibimbap and the signature light and crispy style of Fried Chicken tossed in sweet and spicy sauces, takeout-friendly Coreanos also transcends the cuisine with fun and flavorful fusion. Try corn tortilla tacos filled with thinly sliced Kalbi Short Rib and a citrusy slaw; and the shareable Kimchi Fritas, which tops thick-cut French fries with house-fermented vegetables, gooey cheese, and a runny, sunny egg.

Dumpling Kingdom

Dumpling Kingdom | The Best Dumplings in Boston and one of the Best Eats in Boston’s Allston-Brighton

Allston is brimming with restaurants that satisfy any Asian food craving. We could certainly crown this place the ultimate dumpling destination, beloved for Mini Juicy Buns, as soup dumplings are called here, filled with steaming broth and gingery pork; crispy Taiwan Style Pan Fried Dumplings; and steamed Shumai. Feel free to fill up on the hand-folded bundles of deliciousness, but know that Dumpling Kingdom’s generous portions of Chinese takeout favorites like Salt and Pepper Pork and Egg Drop Soup also hit the spot.

Habanero Mexican Grill

Habanero Mexican Grill | Best Enchiladas in Boston and one of the Best Eats in Boston’s Allston-Brighton

The humble Habanero Mexican Grill brings super satisfying Latin American fare to the same block as Coreanos. (We love you, Allston.) From verde enchiladas to hefty burritos gently grilled before serving for optimum crispness, it’s a Mexican food favorite in Boston. But don’t overlook the Salvadoran-style pupusas, which pair an addictively crunchy curtido (a fermented cabbage condiment) with beans or pork and melty cheese.

Garlic 'n Lemons

Garlic 'n Lemons Gyros
Credit: Chris McIntosh

Family-owned Harvard Avenue staple Garlic ‘n Lemons is beloved for a Mediterranean menu that pulls inspo from heritage and traditions in Armenia and Lebanon. Pita Rollups are filled with spicy chicken and beef shawarma options or vegan-friendly falafel. Optional toppings of pickles, turnips, hummus, and more are enhanced further by tahini sauce, spicy garlic, hot sauce, and “garliQue.” From the signature sauces to halloumi cheese, everything is made in-house.

Updated by Jacqueline Cain. Emily Millian contributed reporting.

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