Portland, Maine

The NY Times article I read a few years back first put Portland, Maine on my radar as a dining destination, but back then, I already moved out of Boston and was adjusting to the more French and Southern inspired DC dining scene. When I moved back this winter, I made a goal to take a trip out with Katie and Krissie and as of this past weekend, I could cross it off my list. Sadly, we did not make it to any of the restaurants mentioned in the list, although Duckfat was by the same people who created Hugo’s.

Lunch in Downtown Boston

Since I started working, the most difficult decision I have to make is deciding what to have for lunch. Now that I actually work in a downtown area, I know the joys of having lunch options during the week, but it has also made my life that much more complicated. When I don’t bring lunch and I’m not lucky enough to snag a free lunch through leftovers in the common area from vendor visits, the brain starts ticking. So far I’ve been able to avoid chains when I’m on the hunt, which means no Chipotle or Cosi for this guy. If you work in downtown Boston, hopefully this little guide will be of assistance.

Delicato Cafe
8 City Hall Ave.
Basic deli with sandwiches, soups, salads, and a few hot entrees. Sandwiches come with cold pasta salad and half a pickle. I ordered the cowboy grilled sandwich (roast beef, cheddar, tomato, pickles, red onions and bbq sauce on a ciabatta roll). Average sandwich that could have spent another few minutes in the panini press as the cheese wasn’t fully melted and the middle of the sandwich was still luke warm. Co-workers were bigger fans than me. $7-$8 for most items.

Falafel King
48 Winter Street
For Middle Eastern eats, you can’t go wrong with Falafel King. There’s falafel for your vegetarian friends and shawarma for the meat eaters. Service is fast and efficient although the location is cramped in a small hall among other take out counters. Look to spend $7 for most items.

Sam Lagrassa’s
44 Province Street
The most popular eatery on my list. Sam Lagrassa’s was featured on Diners, Dive Ins, and Dives. Note: it is not a diner, drive in, or dive. However, it has the heavy sandwiches that would merit mention on the show. I’ve been here twice and have gotten pastrami both times, as it is the closest thing to a NY quality pastrami sandwich i.e. mustard, cole slaw, and greasy, juicy, hot pastrami. More pricey than what I would like to spend on a work week lunch and could cause sluggishness in the afternoon, but definitely delicious. $8-$11 for most sandwiches.

Chacarrero
101 Arch Street
For something a little different, try Chacarrero for Chilean sandwiches (bread made in house, grilled steak or chicken, meunster cheese, tomatoes, steamed string beans and avocado spread). My grilled steak made out a little dry and tough, green beans were on the over done side, and avocado spread was more runny than a spread. I didn’t think it was worth the hype going in, but I’d be open to returning. $7-$9 for sandwiches.

Deli One
85 Arch Street
A lot like Delicato with mostly sandwiches, but with a few more hot entree options served cafeteria style. I opted for a gyro because I just can’t say no. I was a little skeptical as the meat wasn’t sliced from a large rotating hunk, but ended up being surprisingly juicy. Only downside is that it was cash only. Most items were $6-$8.

Andale
125 Summer Street
Located in a rather stuff lobby of 125 Summer Street, Andale is my Chipotle substitute. Burritos were slightly smaller and cheaper, but you have to pay extra for cheese, which I’d say isn’t normal. However guacamole is only $0.50 extra unlike Chipotle’s ridiculous extra charge. I got the Mexican sausage which was tasty, but a little difficult to eat. The pozole (mexican pork stew) was swimming in oil and chili and could do damage if you have a sensitive stomach. Burritos start at $5, most items $5-$7.

I hope this will encourage you downtown office drones to leave your building and explore new dining options. Just remember that none of your co-workers really care what multimillion dollar deal you are closing. They only care if you have a killer lunch spot recommendation.