Durgin-Park: A Traditional New England Meal

Even though I’ve lived in Boston for 17 years, there are still some legendary places I have not visited. Like Durgin-Park. I know, I know! This restaurant has been around since 1827, or “before you were born,” as the tag line says.

I had heard that it was one of those places where the service is intentionally bad, where they grunt at you, and throw silverware at you, if you are lucky enough to get it. The reality, after being immersed in local culture for so long, is what I like to call Boston’s “aggressive hospitality.” What we experienced here is what you’d get at any place around town where homegrown folks are waiting on you. It’s authentic. Direct. No extra niceties. And heaping full of that accent that after all these years now makes me smile, more than it makes me cringe.

Part of the old school charm of Durgin-Park is the family-style, or bar hall-esque banquets tables, depending on your perspective.

The kitchen is open and was directly behind me that night.

Hmmm … that last line. Wondering if you had to go downstairs to the bar yourself to get your drinks!

The corn bread, as you may have noted above, is made in their own bakery on the premises. It was quite tasty with real bits of corn in it.

Real Boston Baked Beans. That you can’t see. They were delicious!

The Mr. and I both ordered the Yankee pot roast with mashed potatoes and squash. When in Rome, as they say. That pot roast was super tender! Maybe the best I’ve ever had.