Durgin-Park...established before you were born

...that’s how the signs read, and there are photographs all over the walls of this pub to prove that fact. Whilst the origins of Durgin-Park go way back to the revolutionary days, the fame founders who created the all-American-style food took over 150 years ago, and to this day people flock here to try the legendary chowder, johnny cakes, and Indian puddings.

We didn't really know of the history on entering, as we were just hungry and wandering the Fenuil Hall area and thought this looked to have a nice pub atmosphere.

We ate in the bar area on rickets benches that formed the booths. There were plenty of beers to choose from. Karl took the Sam Adams and I opted for a pale summer ale. The atmosphere was very pub-like and very similar to any pub back in England, with a slight stale-beer smell and dingy walls. I know this might not sound to pleasant, but if you are a fan of pubs and beer, you will know that it's quite a comforting feel!!

We wanted to try a few smaller items that Durgin Park is more famous for, so Karl had the clam chowder whilst I had the fish chowder. Both were $5 and both were great, though I have to say the clam chowder was better. We also had a side of Boston baked beans because, well, we were in Boston and just had to.

To finish up a pleasant lunch we shared the famed Indian pudding, which was heavy, sweet, and delicious. It was also $5 and made from molasses, brown sugar, and cornmeal, mixed into a stick concoction that tasted oh sooo good.

I was a lone tourist on a cold day, and was seated at one end of a long communal table. The place was almost empty, since it was mid-afternoon, and most of the people there looked like regulars. I had to try the baked beans, and thought a glass of Merlot would be appropriate. The beans were served with a large slice of cornbread, and were very good. I was almost too full to tackle the enormous turkey and Swiss sandwich, but it was delicious, and I managed to eat half of it.

The menu here is huge, and all the food I saw passing by looked great. Visit the website for a full menu and recipes for several of the restaurant's most famous dishes.

The waitresses here have a reputation of being "sassy," but my waitress was very sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Located in the North Market at Quincy Market, this is a wonderful rest stop for a meal, or just a snack with a glass of wine. The decor is comforting and classic -- pressed tin ceiling, hardwood floors, communal tables covered with checked cloths, dark bentwood chairs. And with Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, the North End, and other interesting sites nearby, the location is great.