THE JOURNAL
Back Bay Skyline. All photographs by @brayanmess
The best places to eat brunch, drink coffee, sleep and take in the view in the Olde Towne – as well as the most photographed street in the US.
If you follow @mrporterlive on Instagram, you will be familiar with our #mrporterontheroad hashtag. This coming week, the MR PORTER US team is in Boston. When we’re visiting a city, we like to ask a local tastemaker for his or her recommendations on the places we should check out. So we called on Boston-based food, drinks and travel photographer Mr Brayan Mesa for his insider tips. Here, in his own words, Mr Mesa takes us on an Instagram tour of his favourite Boston hangouts. Follow him on Instagram at @brayanmess
To stay
Nine Zero Hotel
“Located right in the heart of the city near Boston Common, the Nine Zero is a place I often suggest to family and friends who are visiting. Not only is it walking distance from just about everything, it’s stylish and also has some of the best views of the city. Plus, it’s home to one of my favourite cocktail bars, Highball Lounge.”
For brunch
Les Sablons
For coffee
Tatte Bakery & Café
“What started off as a small bakery in Brookline has now expanded into eight locations around Boston and Cambridge. While the other locations are great, my favorite one continues to be the original Tatte in Brookline. It’s a good spot to grab a coffee, sit by the window, and watch the world go by as I edit that day’s pictures.”
For a day out
Beacon Hill
“While I have been living in Boston most of my life, exploring Beacon Hill is still one of my favourite things to do. Around every corner, you’ll find amazing houses and secret alleyways – and it’s full of antique shops, interiors shop, little delis and restaurants. It is also home to what is said to be the most photographed street in the US, Acorn Street. In 1962, Beacon Hill was designated a National Historic Landmark.”
For drinks
LookOut at the Envoy
“This is one of the hottest spots in Boston right now. It’s well-named: the view over Boston and the harbour is incredible. LookOut is the perfect rooftop bar to bring a date, or to hang out with friends and have a couple of drinks while watching the sun set behind the Boston skyline.”
For dinner
Yvonne’s
“Arguably Boston’s most photogenic restaurant, Yvonne’s in Downtown Boston is well worth a visit. After walking past a fake blow-dry bar, your jaw will drop as you enter into a space adorned with books, velvet couches and chandeliers. The food and drinks are just as extravagant: I recommend the tater cubes, the baked Alaska and the biggest Moscow mule you’ll probably ever see in your life. The executive chef, Mr Juan Pedrosa, won Boston Magazine’s Best Up-And-Coming Chef title this year, and I suggest you go to see why.”