Jamaica Plain is one of Boston’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and it’s packed with delicious places to eat that will satisfy foodies and anyone looking for a good meal on a budget. Whether you’re a resident of JP, or planning to make a trip to the neighborhood, here are some spots that have got our colleagues under their thumb.
Brassica
Anaïs Wheeler, Project Director at WGBH Education, loves Brassica, a café by day and neighborhood restaurant serving homemade, locally-sourced food by night.
“Brassica has a super-creative menu, especially if you go all in with their tasting menu, ‘The Ride.’ Standouts were the tater tots (I know, but seriously), the trout dish, and the bone marrow with soba noodles," she tells us. "A dessert from my first visit is still haunting me—chocolate pudding with chia seeds. Uh-mazing.”
3710 Washington St., Boston, 617-477-4519, brassicakitchen.com
The Haven
Carolyn MacLeod, Audience Engagement Editor at American Experience, insists that this list include The Haven, the only Scottish bar in a city packed with Irish bars.
“The atmosphere is warm and cozy, with plaid-covered pillows on a window banquet, and paintings of sheep on the walls. The Haven is also home to the single best burger in all of Boston," she tells us. "Their breakfast is unbelievable, with dishes of porridge, fried eggs and sausage. The drinks are great (a smoky, scotch-based Bloody Mary, anyone?) And if that doesn’t seal the deal, there’s a framed photo of a young Sean Connery on the bar. I don’t know what more you could ask for.”
2 Perkins St, Jamaica Plain, 617-524-2836, thehavenjp.com
Ten Tables
Christopher D. Anderson, Audio Mixer/Sound Designer, has a special reason to love the farm-to-table restaurant Ten Tables.
“Ten Tables offers fancy pants food at a reasonable price and without the pretense — It's always a good time," he says. "Plus it's where I proposed to my wife. She said yes, hilarity ensued - and kids - so it's been a special place in our lives ever since.”
597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-8810, tentables.net
El Oriental de Cuba
Colin Brumley, Associate Producer for 99.5 WCRB, says El Oriental de Cuba is THE spot, if you’re looking for authentic Cuban food.
“El Oriental de Cuba serves mostly Cuban food, but also caters to Caribbean, Central American, and South American food. The prices are all fair, and it is incredible, authentic food every time," he tells us. "What’s unique about it is its focus on Cuban food – certainly a rarity around Boston. As for the ambiance, I’m always reminded of the dance styles of Cuba – the restaurant has that lively yet fun-loving and relaxed atmosphere. People may like the paella dishes – those are always impressive, towering things. As for me, my favorite is the shredded beef dish, which comes with rice, beans, and plantains (which you can get ripe or pre-ripe).”
416 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-6464, elorientaldecuba.net
Doyle's Café
Patrick Collins, End User Support, has been going to Doyle's Café his whole life, and its nostalgic charm has been beloved by generations of JP residents.
“I’ve been going to Doyle’s for brunch since I was 6 or 7 yrs old. It was the choice hangout for my parent’s college friends back in the 80s and 90s. This place has been around for ages and has not updated its wonderfully painful Irish stool-booths," he says. "The place taught me to love Boston clam chowdah, fish and chips and the oft-butchered spicy Bloody Mary.”
3484 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-2345, doylescafeboston.com
JP Seafood Cafe
Both Ian Laczynski, Client Services Specialist and Eric Chappell, Computer Support Specialist, recommended JP Seafood Cafe. This Japanese/Korean spot is a great option for sushi in JP, as well as an array of vegetarian dishes.
“I love this spot in JP so much for Japanese and Korean food," Eric tells us. "Great food with awesome specials and friendly staff — what more could you want?”
730 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-983-5177, jpseafoodcafe.com
Chilacates
Sam Brewer, Assistant Director of Media Relations, loves Chilacates, a fast casual spot for Mexican street food in JP.
“The food here is off the charts!" he says. "Their homemade chips are salty with a pop of lime and I always get the enchiladas with chicken tinga. Skip the hot sauce at the end and get extra tomatillo sauce instead. If you’re feeling decadent, top it all off with some flan.”
224 Amory St. Jamaica Plain, 617-522-6000, chilacates.mx
Soup Shack
Our very own Tom Brady, Assistant Director/Editor for WGBH Creative Services, says Soup Shack, is a must-visit for rice bowls, Thai noodle soup, ramen, and Pho.
“Soup Shack is such a great spot — I probably get the Pho once a week!”
779 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, 617-477-9805, soupshackjp.com
