News flash: The power lunch is alive and well in Boston. You know, the meal where relationships are forged, game-changing discussions are had and deals are made. But just any old deli for cafe won't always do for a business lunch in Boston. So the question is, what are the best Boston restaurants for startups that want to host a power lunch?
A handful of companies shared their favorite spots.
Jacob Wirth’s
31 Stuart St, Theater District
This isn’t just an old-time beer hall, it’s a historic institution: Jacob Wirth’s has been slinging German pub grub and a vast selection of beers since 1868. It’s also the perfect place to power lunch, according to Drizly SVP of Marketing Michael DiLorenzo.
“It’s where business has gotten done for 150 years,” he said.
Blue Dragon
324 A St, Fort Point
Brendan Ciecko, founder of the art tech startup Cuseum, sats this is a top pick for his team to hit up for lunch when they’re able to make it out of the office. He has good taste, too: Ming Tsai’s upscale Asian gastropub also happened to make Worth magazine's list of the best power lunch restaurants in America.
Monica's Trattoria
67 Prince St, North End
This lively Italian eatery is known to be a go-to among the Boston Bruins—and it’s also a common pick for the marketing tech startup Mavrck when they’re taking a team power lunch. After all, what could be better brain fuel than house-made pasta?
Sportello
348 Congress St, Waterfront
Speaking of pasta, Buildium’s Sam Clarke says Barbara Lynch’s Italian trattoria-inspired resto can’t be beat because the unique layout of all counter-seating makes a business feel—well—not like a business lunch, and more like a friendly meet-up. Not to mention the chef action: Since they make the food right in front of you, you’re getting a show with your lunch.
Abigail’s Restaurant
291 Third St, Kendall Square
It makes sense that this Cambridge restaurant would make the list: The varied menu, which includes everything from BBQ to a raw bar, means nearly anyone can find a palatable dish. That’s why Dave Bisceglia, co-founder and CEO of The Tap Lab brings investors and advisors here when they’re visiting from out of town.
Sa Pa
92 Bedford Street, Downtown Crossing
Rob Biederman, co-founder and CEO of HourlyNerd, named this modern Vietnamese spot as a favorite among employees for fast-casual lunches. The eatery is known for reasonably-priced banh mi sandwiches, pho and other authentic fare.
Parish Cafe
361 Boylston St, Back Bay
This charming but casual cafe is a favorite for Drizly SVP of Strategic Ad Solutions Phuc Truong. He says the menu, which includes a diverse array of gourmet sandwiches created by local celebrity chefs, is a people-pleaser—making it a no-brainer for bringing coworkers, partners or investors.
Slate Bar and Grill
109 High Street, Financial District
Buildium marketing manager Sam Clarke admitted that one reason why he picks this upscale American restaurant for business lunches is that it’s a seven-minute walk from the company’s office. But he also noted a few other key perks: It’s usually easy to get a table with no reservation, the service is super fast, and the food—particularly the flatbread pizzas—happen to be delicious.
Mother Juice
625 West Kendall Street, Cambridge
Often the last thing entrepreneurs want on a power lunch is a heavy meal that’s going to weigh them down for the rest of the work day. That’s why Bisceglia of The Tap Lab suggests hitting up Mother Juice “when you want to detox from that never-ending dinner meeting the night before.”
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St, North End
OK, so it’s not unusual to wait in line for a seat at this high-end oyster bar, especially since they don’t take reservations. But it’s worth the wait for a buttered lobster roll or ceviche crudo, says Mavrck. The team typically comes to Neptune for an investor or client lunch—in fact, it’s where they closed an angel investor.
Image of businessman dining via Shutterstock.
