Blog

June 20, 2017

Welcome back, Boston Globe!

It’s a pleasure to welcome the hard-working women and men of The Boston Globe back to our neighborhood. As you settle in to your new offices, the folks at Denterlein want you to know, we’re here to help. As in, right down the street!

A lot has changed in downtown Boston during the 59 years since the Globe left “Newspaper Row” for Dorchester-by-the-Bay. Your new offices and the Globe’s ancestral home may be just two blocks apart—but nearly everything has changed at the heart of the Hub in the intervening years. Jordan Marsh, the Globe Corner Bookstore, and the Combat Zone have given way to Macy’s, Chipotle and the Millennium Tower. Boston Baked Beans? Clam chowder? Sure, if that’s your thing. But remember, today there is a world of choices – Kundalini yoga! Poutine! The Keytar Bear ! – steps from 53 State Street.

As you consider the new commuting routes, the new dead mobile/cell spots to avoid, the new place to buy a copy of the Herald (thank God we’re a two-newspaper town!), we hope you’ll consult this handy guide to rediscover downtown.

Seriously, who else is going to help you find the best place downtown to grab a cup of Cheeseburger Chowder?

Best Place to avoid an editor

Writer’s block is the worst. Especially on deadline. When the words aren’t flowing, grab $4 and head two blocks east to the Custom House, which has one of the best observation decks in the city. Located on the 26th floor, the somewhat secret spot is open to the public for the cost of a small donation to the Children’s Miracle Network. Hours are limited so be sure to call ahead.

Fun fact: the tower is home to a nest of falcons. Who knew?

Best Replacement for the Globe Library for hiding out and detoxing with venerable, analogue media

Commonwealth Books & Old Prints on Spring Lane (between Washington and Devonshire Streets).


Best Place to “bump into” somebody in the know

The corner of Tremont, Court and Cambridge streets near the Government Center T stop. Hundreds of business leaders, city and state elected officials, lawyers, advocates, insiders and more pass through this spot several times a day.

Pro tip: The legendary Last Hurrah at the Omni Parker House is a block away, so if the timing is right for a tête-à-tête over a glass of chardonnay, kismet.


Best Place to woo a high-powered source

The décor of the BOND lounge at the Langham Hotel in Post Office Square is dazzling. So if a fancy-pants whistleblower or a seasoned operative needs a place to relax while sharing secrets, the lounge’s 25-foot vault ceilings, the opulent crystal chandeliers, and deep leather couches provides the perfect setting.

Pro tip: Go early before the nightlife denizens come out after dark.


Best Lunchtime Jog

It’s no Columbia Point loop … but The Esplanade loop (roughly 7 miles) is great for training, but if you only have 30 minutes to get some running in, head down State Street to the Aquarium and bang a right on the Harborwalk for a run to the Seaport and back. Gorgeous views and cool breezes await.

Pro tip: Grab a water ferry to the Marriott Residence Inn in Charlestown for another great route by way of the Harborwalk.

Best Cheap Lunchtime Getaway

Jump on the Blue Line in your basement and ride five stops to Orient Heights, then walk over to Shays Beach (Constitution Beach) to enjoy ocean breezes, sun … and jetliners rounding the taxiway to depart on Runway 22 Right.

Best Place to Grab a Cuppa Joe

Forget Dunks and Starbucks. The cool kids at Sip Café in Post Office Square have a featured drip coffee with blends from across the globe. The tea list is expansive as well. Best of all, it’s less than three minutes from your desk.

Fun fact: the Norman B. Leventhal Park offers “midday music” on the Great Lawn noon to 2 p.m. daily during the warm weather months.

Best Place to Max Out Your Lavish Globe Expense Account

Anyplace that boasts a two-pound “long bone” ribeye, a grilled “viper” chop and a massive craft cocktail list is the perfect place to do business on the boss’ dime. Especially when that place – Yvonne’s – sits at the site of the city’s most celebrated restaurant of yore, Locke Ober.

Best Place to Eat like the Natives

Lunchtime downtown means Al’s State Street Café, home of the “famous bag lunch” (sub, chips, and soda.) All for under $9.

Pro tip: The chicken Caesar salad might be even better.

Best Place to eat Globe cafeteria-style

Long live the Globe cafeteria, a place like no other, which is the literal truth. No worries. If you’re hankering for a formica table and simple food that tastes good, Archie’s Place in Pi Alley is the spot.

Fun fact: They have American chop suey as a weekly special!

(Do they have Cheeseburger Chowder? No! No one, anywhere, ever makes Cheeseburger Chowder outside the late Globe caf.)

Best Place to Reminisce About The Savin Hill Yacht Club

If you miss the Savin Hill Yacht Club, head to Rowes Wharf. Not a shabby fleet docked there–especially the Elysian. Wouldn’t it be the greatest to be friends with the owner of the Elysian?

Pro tip: Go at sunset for a cocktail, amazing shadows and the sound of seagulls.

Best Replacement for The Harp & Bard

There is no reasonable facsimile. But JJ Donovan’s on Clinton Street is a true dive bar. Cash only. And nearby.

Best Place for a “(Hu)man on the Street” interview

East end of Quincy Market, near Ned Devine’s, where you get happy tourists with time on their hands coming in four directions. Just be sure to stay on the “City of Boston” side of the granite curbing in the bricks and not the “Faneuil Hall Marketplace” side so no security guards will get in your face.

Best Place to find on-street parking

Ha. Ha. Not a chance! Along with everything our Denterlein clients ever told us … that is a secret we will never reveal!!!

By Scott Farmelant & Peter J. Howe