Sure-fire Spots to Eat in Allston and Brookline
If you're in the Brookline-Brighton-Allston area or in downtown Boston and don't mind a short T-ride outbound, here are a couple of spots that are worth checking out for both menu and atmosphere, and that keep things reasonable wallet-wise.
First, in Allston on Harvard Ave. (right off of Commonwealth Ave. by the Harvard Ave. T stop on the B branch of the Green Line), is Soulfire. Less than a year old, this relative newcomer to the bustling Harvard Ave. eats scene presents a hearty, reasonably-priced, and all-around soul vibe. With pictures hanging up of soul music legends, a bartop with soul and R&B LP's, and a soul soundtrack playing, the folks at Soulfire do their part to keep things on message. The food, though, stands on its own and a condiments bar that puts those oft-overlooked culinary additions on a new and very-BBQ-authentic level helps this out. The regular BBQ stuff--ribs and such--are solid and in fairly hefty portions. It's also definitely worth trying out the different dipping sauces. The cornbread that comes with most entrees and in crouton form with salads is top-notch.
Next up, down Commonwealth Avenue and over on Washington Street, is The Publick House in Brookline. It's at Washington Square and you can get there by T on the C branch of the Green Line right off the Wash. Sq. stop. This establishment, formerly Anam Cara, has firmly entrenched itself as the area tap (along with Allston's Sunset Grill) to go to if you're into sheer beer variety. With a healthy dose of Belgian beer selections and basically most other interesting stuff out there, it's the food that may surprise you by its very good marks. Though a bit more pricy than Soulfire, most entrees (usually with fries) are around $15, with a fish and chips plate that really stands out. Also to look out for is a beer sampling--which offers you the chance to pick around five beers to taste in smaller doses. The usually busy bar crowd in the front of the place gives you a chance to stand and chat if you'd rather.
