Things to Do
Rook Coffee
Rook has multiple outposts around the Jersey Shore. If you're looking for your coffee fix on the morning of our wedding ceremony in New Jersey, look no further than Rook.
Nunzio's Pizzeria
A longtime favorite of Erica's family, traditional Italian food and thin crust pies can be found at this Long Branch landmark.
Johnny Mac House of Spirits
One of the best dive bars in the country, steps away from the Asbury Park Boardwalk, Stone Pony, and all the places of inspiration for Springsteen's early hits.
Richard's Deli
Richard's makes the list for legendary deli sandwiches, chicken soup, and just about anything you could want from a menu of traditional; breakfast or lunch staples. The staff remembers Erica from when she was a kid in a high chair. This place was a favorite of Erica's dad, a man who was very particular about his food--so you know it must be good.
Asbury Park Jiu Jitsu
For those looking for a place to get some exercise while visiting New Jersey, Erica had a positive drop-in BJJ experience at APJJ. Cheap mat fee, welcoming environment, and a lot of rounds.
Strollo's Lighthouse
Strollo's might be closed this time of year, but if not, you're in luck for the Italian Ices that drum up lines around the Jersey Shore summer after summer. Strollo's is so good, it inspired Erica's personal statement for college applications (one of her all-time favorite pieces of writing).
Prudential Center
Few things elicit nostalgia and a grumbling in the belly for us like a walk through Eataly. Prosciutto, burrata, and bubbles make the brain light, heart full, and stomach fuller.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
You can't spell Boston without Tatte, one of the city's best cafe exports (so to speak). Erica swears by their breakfast sandwich, tea cake, and cappuccinos and eats at Tatte at least once a day when re-visiting the city.
The Tam
The dive bar where Buggie made his move did not outlast the pandemic (RIP McGreevy's), else it would be suggested here. The Tam is a good substitute. Around the corner from where Bug and Erica used to live in Chinatown, The Tam is a perennial favorite dive in Boston. There's never a bad night among good people at a place like this.
Ba Lẹ Restaurant
Bug and Erica's favorite spot for Vietnamese iced coffee in Boston, around the corner from where Bug grew up in Dorchester.
Eventide Fenway
Good seafood is abundant in New England and every Bostonian will have a spot to recommend. This spot is high on our list for having a dessert that's as "shuckin' good" as the ice-cold oysters: the brown butter soft serve with maple pecans and bourbon caramel.
Broadway Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness
Where our lives were changed by training and where we met. If you are invited to The Couples' Party, there's a 50% chance we met you at Broadway or through Broadway. If you have heard either of us talk about jiu-jitsu and have been curious about giving the sport a try, we recommend dropping into our old stomping (and choking) grounds.
Boston Public Garden + Boston Common
There are few things more "New England in Fall" than walking around in a flannel shirt, sipping your steamed apple cider (+/- cider donut) and strolling Common and Public Garden as they change through the seasons.
Grill 23 & Bar
A traditional steakhouse that is worth every penny. One of Bug's favorite meals in Boston, and the last place we ate before leaving the city--with good reason and better company.
Drink
No true "menu," but if you tell the bartenders what you like, they'll work some magic. A perfect conclusion to a night walking along the water at the Seaport.
jm Curley
One of Erica's favorite cocktail bars in Boston. Mild hipster vibe with unpretentious drinks that go down almost *too* easily.