Durgin Park

Boston restaurant with traditional New England cuisine

Historic Durgin Park, one of the oldest Boston restaurants, satisfies hoards of hungry locals and tourists with generous servings of traditional New England cuisine   - just as it has for almost 200 years.

This long-time favorite restaurant near Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Marketplace emphasizes fresh fish and shellfish as well as juicy prime rib, huge steaks, and chops. 

But unlike other Boston seafood restaurants and steakhouses, it also serves specialties such as Yankee Pot Roast and New England Corned Beef and Cabbage that you no longer see in most other Boston restaurants.

And this New England comfort food is just the beginning of the reasons to dine here.

What is Durgin Park like?

Durgin Park's 3 dining rooms are located on the second floor of a former warehouse, now part of the popular Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall Marketplace area. 

The landmark restaurant has occupied this spot ever since John Durgin and Eldridge Park bought it back in 1827.  There's some evidence that an earlier restaurant occupied the same spot since 1742, 30-plus years before the American Revolution.

Outside Durgin Park, you'll see a sign that says, "Established before you were born."  When you walk in, you'll get the sense that not too much has changed since it first opened.

From the stamped tin ceilings to the uneven wooden floors to the long communal tables covered with red and white checkered tablecloths, everything that you see promises an experience from "old school Boston."

Waitresses wear rather unattractive white uniforms.  Most of the waitstaff speak with a pronounced Boston accent. 

At one point in the 1950s, the restaurant deliberately began to emphasize bad service and rude waitresses as part of the old-time ambiance.  I've never personally experienced this and would guess that the tradition is long gone - but if you read Boston restaurant reviews in tourist guidebooks, you'll always see this mentioned.

What will you find on the menu at Durgin Park?

In addition to Yankee comfort food, you'll find lots of fresh seafood similar to what you'd find in other top Boston seafood restaurants.  There's a nice assortment of oysters and several types of local clams that you can enjoy raw or steamed, as well as other favorites such as mussels, oyster stew, clam chowder (New England style, of course), and fish chowder. 

And of course, you'll find lots of lobster choices.  If you want to try a whole lobster (check out our directions for how to eat lobster if you're not sure), you can choose between having it steamed live or stuffed and baked. 

But you'll also find other traditional preparations, such as fresh fried lobster and lobster sauteed with wine and butter.  I once ordered the Lobster Newburg here, and it was delicious.

You can also try lots of other kinds of local seafood, mostly fried, baked, or broiled.  The Fresh Boston Schrod, baked with fresh breadcrumbs, is a local favorite.  For a real treat, order the New England Clambake - clam chowder, lobster, steamers, boiled potato, and corn on the cob.

If you ask Bostonians who grew up here what their favorite Durgin Park dishes are, they'll most likely mention the prime rib or the broiled sirloin steak.  Servings of both are so huge that they'll hang off the side of your plate, which is part of the attraction. 

But you'll also find lots of other meat choices - roast leg of lamb and loin of pork, steamed or grilled franks and knockwurst, a terrific mixed grill with lamb kidneys and chops, a pork chop, and tenderloin tips, and other yummy things.

And if you really want to get some local flavor, order the Boston baked beans, prepared the old fashioned way in stone crocks.  Lots of fans consider Durgin Park baked beans to be the best in Boston. 

Best Boston restaurant for Indian Pudding

If you want to try traditional desserts, this is one of the best restaurants in Boston for finding lots of choices.  Traditional Indian Pudding is a popular selection.  If you've never had this, it's basically cornmeal and molasses cooked together for a long time.  It may be an acquired taste.  Durgin Park serves it with vanilla ice cream.

Personally, I opt for the Strawberry Shortcake or the Boston Cream Pie - my idea of New England cuisine at its finest. 

Will you enjoy Durgin Park?

Perhaps because of the restaurant's location in Quincy Market and near Faneuil Hall, some people think that it's just a tourist attraction - or even worse, a tourist trap. 

True, this historic downtown restaurant is popular with tourists, and for good reason - it's been here for almost 200 years, and serves traditional Yankee favorites.

But plenty of locals love it too.  The home-style cooking and old favorites are delicious, plus the casual atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for large groups.  It's a remnant of old Boston, similar to the slightly older Union Oyster House just a few blocks away. 

Bottom line?  If you like the type of food that Durgin Park serves or want to try some traditional dishes that you might not find elsewhere or are just looking for a good restaurant near Quincy Market, come for the food. 

Otherwise, come for the experience.

Details and Directions

Address: 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace (there's also an entrance on Clinton Street)
Closest T station: Blue Line/Aquarium; Blue and Orange Lines/State
Meals served: Lunch, dinner
For more information: 617-227-2038; website