Boston, MA.
In just about a week, you'll get a chance to finally see your industry peers in person and catch up on the latest trends and strategies in the benefits industry at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo in Boston (May 6-8). Boston is one of the best places to get fresh seafood like raw oysters and lobster rolls, but also fun cocktails and rich beers.
Between catching up with industry pals and listening to our keynote speakers, we hope you have the chance to enjoy each other's company over good food and creative cocktails. Check out the list below for some recommendations.
Get a classic la-ger
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If you like beer, the Sam Adams Brewery should be your first stop. Founded in 1984 by Jim Koch, Sam Adams became a staple of Boston community and is the flagship brand of the Boston Beer Company. The original recipe is from Koch's great-great-grandfather's brewery but they have plenty of other beers to choose from like their American light, the New England juciy IPA and their cherry wheat.
Cheers!
Visit the bar that inspired the Cheers TV show, located on Beacon Hill, previously known as the Bull & Finch Pub. Cheers prides themselves as still being an "intimate neighborhood bar" whose neighborhood got a little bigger. This bar has typical bar food but with an exciting aura, knowing you get eat and drink at a little part of American TV history.
Right on the water
Dying to get your seafood fix in? The Boston Sail Loft is the perfect place to get it, with a classic New England lobster roll on the menu and a fresh cup of clam chowder. Located in the North End neighborhood, right on the harbor, this cafe and bar will help you get your East Coast fixings in.
Est. 1795
Want to dine with a piece of history? Bell in Hand is the place to do it. The tavern was established in 1795, originally being a gathering place for printers, politicians, and sailors. It's a fun place to share a beer with friends or have a delicious lobster roll (or even better: a lobster grilled cheese).
A shot of oysters
OSTRA is the ultimate fine dining experience, located in Boston's Back Bay. The menu is inspired by local and European seafood, specifically focusing on seafood found throughout the Mediterranean and certain regions in the U.S. You can't visit the East Coast and not have fresh oysters from Massachusetts, Virginia or Maine.
A drink for the end of the world?
Tavern at the End of the World is an Irish-style pub that features "50+ beers & classic bar food, plus live music and traditional Irish seisiun". If you're looking for a late night, this pub is open until 2 AM every day and they have plenty of Irish whiskey to keep you satisfied.
Wine and dine
Located on Boston's famous Newbury Street, Sonsie is an American classic wine cafe with an extensive wine list and delicious Italian meals. But don't worry, you can still get some clam chowder as well as fun shareable plates. This wine bar is open 7 days a week, so you can get your wine fix in at any moment.
Crab says "woof"
The Barking Crab, located along Boston's historic Fort Point Channel, is a seasonal outdoor restaurant known for their lobster rolls and long necks. The outdoor venue has a casual atmosphere, mimicking a clam shack in "a funky urban setting". It also has water access with the "shack" being by the marina.
You can't go wrong with tequila!
If you are sick of the seafood, you can't ever go wrong with Mexican food. Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar, a Mexican inspired restaurant, takes "inspiration from the rich history and traditions of Mexico". This bar offers a modern approach to Mexican food and craft cocktails. They have plenty to offer from taco plates to house-made margaritas to tres leches cake.
THE raw bar
Mare Oyster Bar, is a modern Italian seafood restaurant and oyster bar located in Boston's North End neighborhood. Mare has plenty of seafood to choose from the raw bar to the caviar service to their lobster rolls and truffle crusted tuna. Mare also has a very sizable wine list to choose the perfect glass to go with your meal.
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