Go West My Friends – Part 4

Continuing our Westward trek from the Highway, there are so many other restaurants you should try.  Off the Vine is represented as well as Casa Sofia, Hijas de Tostada, Bait Lam and many more that I need to revisit. 

All the restaurants that I have written about in detail have special meaning to me in one way or another.  There are very few restaurants that I can say I am a regular at, but the ones mentioned in this Blog are the exception. 

The last place I would like to take you to is Boston’s Pizza.  Don’t laugh, even I get homesick occasionally.  Coming from the New York Tri-State Area, we had no shortage of Chain Restaurants.  Houlihans, TGI Fridays, Chiles, Applebee’s, and Red Robin just to name a few.  Moving to Mexico took me away from these favorite haunts and sometimes, just sometimes you will want familiarity when we need it.  Sure, I could drive up to Cancun to TGI Fridays or Olive Garden, but I reserve those outings for when I need to do some heavy duty shopping at Plaza Las Americas or buy food for my African Grey Parrot ‘Quito’ at Petco.  Boston’s for whatever reason satisfies my need for a little “Americana” even though it is Canadian Restaurant Chain. 

 I certainly don’t go to Boston’s for the cultural aspect.  There are plenty of other restaurants where traditional foods are served and the atmosphere is local.  Boston’s is a commercial establishment for the masses.   The food is typical of a chain restaurant with a bit of a Mexican twist.  Surprisingly, the clientele is more local than Expat.  Even Mexicans crave something different at times. 

The restaurant is divided into 2 parts, on the left is the “dining room” and on the right side is the “bar” with an enclosed patio if you prefer.  One thing that is common to both sides are the countless TV´s.  Yes, Boston’s Pizza is a Sports Bar.  On any given night depending what sport is in season you can watch baseball, hockey, soccer, Grand Prix Racing and even the occasional Bull Fight from Spain.  The Wait Staff in their red shirts with the Maple Leaf remind you this is a Canadian Based Chain.  The volume level at Boston’s is pretty high, if you are looking for a quiet dinner with intimate conversation Boston’s would not be high on my list.  But for the sports and the food, and the change of pace I would highly recommend. 

From Appetizers to Pizza and a few unique dishes like Jambalaya served Mexican Style the food is not only good but an interesting mix.  There are daily drink specials to wet your whistle and there are quite a few Draft Beers on Tap.  My friends and I, and I have lots, Canadian, American, or Local still enjoy the night out.  We like to start with alitas (wings), choosing a few of the many sauces available from sweet to picante (spicy).  Sometimes its just a burger and other times it’s a pizza or my personal favorite the Jambalaya.  Most dishes come in two sizes medio (half) and completo (full order).  Prices are reasonable for a Chain Restaurant.  For the little ones, there is a kid’s menu and play area.  Boston’s just might be what the Doctor ordered if you have kids that are picky eaters and not thrilled with all the choices of traditional Mexican fare at other restaurants. 

Boston’s can get quite busy.  More times than not there is a line and waiting list to get a table.  You will need to register your name at the door and wait to be called.  Holidays and weekends are especially busy.  Busy times are from 6 until…. since Mexicans like to eat later than most of us.   As I mentioned earlier, it is truly a favorite place for Locals to dine.  If you don’t want to eat in, they have pickup service as well as their own fleet of Motos for delivery.  There is a charge for delivery. 

Boston’s is located at the intersection of Avenida Constituyentes and Avenida 115 in the Colonia of Ejido.  Easily accessible by Taxi and if you have a vehicle there is ample parking, which also has a Security Guard.  Hours are noon to midnight, Monday through Thursday and Noon to 1:00 am on Friday and Saturday.  For big events such as the World Cup Finals and Super Bowl Sunday you will need to reserve a table in advance. 

As an added treat, the Fairgrounds are located just across the Avenue.  If you are lucky enough to find either the Circus or the Feria (carnival) in town what better way to end the night.  There are games of chance, auctions, more food if you are so inclined and a real midway with juegos mechanicos (rides).  There are some old favorites such as the Himalaya, Tilt-a- Whirl, a Ferris Wheel and plenty of rides for the little ones to enjoy. 

Stay tuned for the last part of this series with a blog entitled “Holy Pozole” where we will visit one of the best Pozolerías in Playa del Carmen.