Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Boston

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Boston? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Moonshine 152

4.9

4.9 (1773)

$30 and under

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

A modern -American, neighborhood bistro restaurant in Southie (South Boston) by Chef-owner Asia Mei (as seen on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay & Phantom Gourmet). With a globally-inspired, comfort food meets street food menu, Chef Asia puts her unique spin on both East & West Coast style cooking, striving to match the beautiful restaurant’s aesthetic, contributing to numerous glowing re-reviews, accolades & praise. Her "Best of Boston" Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings, her award-winning Burgers & Vegetarian Burgers, Street Tacos & weekly changing specials are only some of the reasons she was awarded the 2023 Best of Boston Neighborhood Restaurant in South Boston.

Moonshine 152 is located at 152 Dorchester Avenue, on the corner of Dorchester Avenue & West 4th Street in South Boston. We are one block from the Broadway Red Line train station, with bus connections local bus connections. We are a short walk from the South End & Ink Block neighborhoods as well as The Seaport & Downtown Boston.

Top review

IreneVIP

Dined 4 days ago

What a fantastic spot! This was our first visit to Moonshine and we spent most of our meal discussing when we could return. The menu offers a variety of options, most done with an interesting twist. The menu has something for everyone and an assortment of add-ons so you can personalize any meal. We enjoyed the caramelized onion-roasted beet dip, Hot Honey- Buffalo mac'n'cheese fritters, hungarian mushroom bisque,, pulled duck tacos, carnitas Birria tacos, and crispy Tempura fish tacos. Everything was delicious and cooked perfectly. Flavors were balanced and interesting. Desserts looked awesome too but we were too stuffed. The atmosphere and service is warm and friendly. Chef & Owner Asia Mei was serving and connecting with guests as well. A real treat to say hello to the chef. Finally, there is full bar with nice list of cocktails, beers, and wine. I highly recommend Moonshine152 if you want something a bit different and delicious.

Discover more

Popular dish

Butterscotch Pudding

A photo of 'Shine Famous Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites of a restaurant

Popular dish

Jalapeno Crab Rangoons

Prairie Fire

4.8

4.8 (493)

$30 and under

American

Brookline

About the restaurant

We are currently open seven days a week. Saturday & Sunday we are open with an All Day Menu. Reservations can be made on our website, or through OpenTable. Due to the intimate nature of our dining room, if you would like to make a reservation for more than 4 guests, please give us a call at the restaurant.

We hold reservations for a 15 minute grace period. Please call us if you are running late, we will do our best to hold your table but cannot guarantee it. Due to the size of our dining room, we do appreciate 1.5 hour dining experiences for parties of 1-2 guests, 2 hours for parties of 3-4, and 2.5 hours for parties of 5 or more guests that book reservations. We always welcome walk-in guests to our bar.

Reach us at 617-396-8199 with questions, comments or additional assistance. We hope to see you soon!

Top review

StephenVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Prairie Fire always delivers!! Food was fantastic. I think the mushroom toast small plate may be one of the best appetizers I’ve ever had! Our server was top notch - friendly, engaging and efficient!

Waverly Kitchen and Bar

4.8

4.8 (354)

$31 to $50

American

Charlestown

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Charlestown, Boston, just steps away from the Bunker Hill Monument and the Freedom Trail, Waverly Charlestown is a neighborhood restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Join us for a legendary brunch, dinner, and cocktails in our cozy dining room, or grab coffee and lunch on the go.

Breakfast and brunch fans, this is for you! You don't want to miss our signature banana bread, housemade corned beef hash, and refreshing and creative cocktails!

Come and enjoy a cozy dinner by the fireplace or watch the chef's at work at our kitchen counter. Walk-ins are always accepted at our intimate bar. We're looking forward to seeing you!

Top review

ChristineVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Delicious food. Warm, welcoming atmosphere. Great service.

Discover more

Popular dish

Griddled Banana Bread

4.8

4.8 (1659)

$31 to $50

American

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Season to Taste focuses on celebrating the seasonal bounty of New England by using fresh local ingredients while also incorporating influences from Southern home cooking and traditional European cuisine. With the open kitchen and craft-cocktail bar in the spotlight, Season to Taste is the perfect setting for a casual yet elevated dining experience.

Our patio is open weather dependent and is availble on a first come first serve basis.

We accept reservations via OpenTable for the main dining room for parties of up to 6. For larger parties, please call the restaurant or email nick@seasontotaste.com.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 4 days ago

There are very few restaurants that can produce food to tickle your tastebuds. Every bite was a superb sensory experience. The two of us ate 5 appetizers and shared a dessert. Our dishes were appropriately paced and arrived in the order that made sense for our palate. We really appreciated the right level of "noise" even though the restaurant was full. This gave us a chance to really talk without worrying that it's too quiet and our neighboring tables will hear us; or too loud so we have to strain beyond our usual conversation voice.

Discover more

4.8

4.8 (218)

$31 to $50

American

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Step into Oak Bistro, the freshest addition to Inman Square, Cambridge, MA. Uncover American cuisine with a modern spin, influenced by global flavors. Our cozy setting welcomes young professionals, students, and families for an unforgettable culinary experience. Led by a chef-driven vision, we infuse diverse cultural influences, meticulous attention, and adaptability into crafting innovative and delectable dishes. Come share in the creation of enduring memories while supporting our vibrant local community.

Top review

Steve

Dined on 14 Dec 2024

We have high standards when it comes to rating restaurants. In this economy we want an experience that makes us feel like our discretionary spending was a good choice and appreciated by the restaurant. With so many dining options in Boston and Cambridge there is no reason to patronize substandard establishments. Oak Bistro was a great choice! The food was spectacular from apps to desert. The mains were exceptional and the service was excellent. The portions were more than adequate and the presentation showed the skills of a highly trained chef. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with comfortable seating, the space not overcrowded and a low noise environment. Absolutely a 5 star experience at 4 star prices. Do not hesitate to dine here.

Pammy's

4.8

4.8 (2259)

$50 and over

American

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Pammy’s is a New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria. Perched between Cambridge’s Central and Harvard Squares, Pammy’s is a cozy yet sophisticated neighborhood destination. For husband and wife team Chris and Pam Willis (who live right up the street), Pammy’s is an extension of their living room. They’ve brought together their love of great food, easy hospitality and chic vibes to create a lively space that is welcoming to all looking for a memorable meal. With dishes that lean heavily on Italian flavors but are not restricted by any rules of the cuisine, the food is unpretentious and delicious. A fireplace wrapped in white ceramic, an oversized salvaged communal table designed for side-by-side dining and rich leather banquets are just some of the design elements that make up Pammy’s charm.

We're currently serving a Prix Fixe menu for all reservations. A la carte dining is available for walk-in guests at our bar and in our lounge.

Top review

KadyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Best service I had experiences in a restaurant in a VERY long time. It was appreciated. Food is incredible. Thank you!

Discover more

Experience

NYE with Pammy's!

Shy Bird - South Boston

4.7

4.7 (219)

$30 and under

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

Shy Bird is an all day rotisserie, bar, cafe & takeaway. We strive to be affordable, approachable and accessible while offering crave-able food, warmth, and hospitality. We offer a serious beverage program that doesn’t take itself too seriously. We have a Dog Friendly Outdoor Patio!

We are available for reservations, walk ins, takeout, delivery, catering, large parties, events, and monthly subscriptions.

Top review

Suzanne

Dined 7 days ago

What a great find! So welcoming and the hostess was friendly and attentive. Coffee was hot, great mugs. Food was delicious, orange infused butter was a nice touch for my toast. Gluten free options! Loved it.

Discover more

Popular dish

Fried Chicken & Egg

Popular dish

Ranch Fried Chicken Sandwich

Monument Restaurant & Tavern

4.8

4.8 (148)

$30 and under

American

Charlestown

About the restaurant

Welcome to Monument
Monument Restaurant & Tavern, a Charlestown staple, is a lively home base for guests to enjoy creative comfort food, rotating craft beer, a thoughtful wine list, and inventive, refreshing cocktails. As Charlestown’s neighborhood spot, Monument boasts a warm, rustic dining room and bar, a seasonal sidewalk patio, and takeout and delivery options seven days a week.

The rustic yet chic interior complements their menu of the same caliber. Wood-fired pizza, lemon-rosemary chicken wings, kung pao Brussels sprouts, and gnocchi bolognese are just a few of the favorite options. Not to mention, our weekend brunch is a hit with Bostonians near and far, with featuring lemon and poppyseed buttermilk pancakes and our signature "Cinnamon Toast Brunch" cocktail.

Monument serves brunch, lunch, dinner and is open late and has a lengthy draught beer, cocktail and wine menu.

Top review

Ken

Dined on 10 Dec 2024

Two people can never go wrong splitting a wonderful pizza and a salad - the perfect amount of deliciousness!

Discover more

Experience

Weekend Late Night at Monument

Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1475)

$30 and under

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of South Boston, Lincoln is a classic American tavern that offers guests a welcoming combination of home-spun, American fare alongside a wide variety of rustic, wood-fire-grilled specialties.

Built with the intention of being a comfortable meeting spot for locals looking to share stories at the end of their long day, Lincoln draws inspiration from it’s surrounding, hard-working, and uniquely American neighborhood.

Revitalizing a nearly forgotten West Broadway space that at one time housed the area’s only department store, Lincoln feels nostalgic. It’s open-air, tiled-floor cafe, grande bar, and soaring, original tin ceilings remind us of a time when dining halls and supper clubs were a way of life.

Top review

ChrisVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Papardelle pasta with sausage, brocolini and burratta was oustanding, aswed my cocktail The service, however, seemeed overwhelmed on a busy, but not that crowded Friday night, which they should have been prepared for, Visits from our waitress were almost non-existant to the point of having to seek her out.

Discover more

Popular dish

Thick Sliced French Toast

Popular dish

Caesar Salad

Popular dish

Fruity Pebble Pancakes

Tradesman - Charlestown

4.8

4.8 (281)

$30 and under

American

Charlestown

About the restaurant

Tradesman Charlestown
Coffee shop by day and full-service restaurant & patio by night. Join us at the longest bar in Charlestown!

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The host did a great job managing an busy evening of patrons. He will filling in from a sister establishment in downtown Boston. He is the former GM of Tradesman.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Boston

Explore more Diners' Choice lists