Boston's Best Take-Out Restaurants
By Kendyl Murtaugh, CBS Boston
Not in the mood to get dressed up and go out or to slave away in the kitchen whipping up a home-cooked meal? There are a million places you could grab take-out instead. If you want the best, there is something uniquely delicious and special about each of these take-out hot spots, and that's why they are some of Boston's Best!
Mike and Patty's
12 Church Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-EGGS
Website
Mike and Patty's is a tiny unassuming location that's easy enough to miss, except for the tantalizing smell pouring out into the street. Famous for their breakfast and lunch foods, the chalkboard menu describes all of the delicious options, which are made from the finest and freshest ingredients. The organic egg breakfast sandwiches range from classic to fancy to a club sandwich (which is like a triple-decker BLT with the added bonus of a runny egg!) For lunch, you can grab one of Mike and Patty's sandwiches or hot dogs. For sandwiches give "The Charles" a try - a classic grilled cheese with fresh collards, tomatoes, and gruyere cheese. As for hot dogs, go with "The Dane" with pickles, onions, crispy shallots, and Russian dressing.
Casa Razdora
115 Water Street
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 338-6700
Website
Not only does Casa Razdora serve up great authentic Italian take-out food, but the pile of food you get for the price you pay is fantastic. Sandwiches, pasta topped with your choice of about 20 different sauces, ravioli with different fillings, Italian-style pizzas, daily specials, you name it. Casa Razdora gets busy during lunch, so you might need to wait. It's well worth it. Some of the most popular dishes include the pumpkin tortellini, or the Razdora sandwich, or any kind of pasta with the Nonna sauce… the list is truly endless. The only complaint is that Casa Razdora needs to stay open later.
Blue Ribbon BBQ
1375 Washington Street
West Newton
(617) 332-2583
Website
You'll find some efficient and delicious take-out BBQ at Blue Ribbon BBQ in Newton. Barbecue from Texas: check. Barbecue from North Carolina: check. Barbecue from Memphis: check. Blue Ribbon is a one-stop-shop for any of your BBQ wishes. Be sure to give the beef brisket, pulled pork, or jerk chicken a try for your main course. As for sides, the mashed potatoes, collard greens, corn bread, and cole slaw are all top notch. And, do not, I repeat, do not forget about the pecan pie for dessert or else you will be doing yourself a serious injustice. Call ahead and place your order and you'll be in, out, and before you know it -- enjoying your scrumptiously flavorful BBQ meal.
Rod Dee 2 Thai
94 Peterborough St
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 859-0969
Website
This yummy Thai spot is finally back where it belongs after a devastating fire sent it on a long hiatus. The heavily flavored cuisine will not disappoint and each bite is worth every penny (and then some, as everything is reasonably priced). The staff is friendly, and when they say your order will be ready in 10 minutes, they mean it! Some of the most popular items at Rod Dee are the Pad Kra Pow, Mango Fried Rice, Tom Yum Noodle Soup, or the wildly popular Pad Thai. One thing to remember is that Rod Dee is cash only, so be sure to keep that in mind before picking up your order.
Olecito
12 Springfield St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 876-1374
Website
Olecito is the more casual sibling of upscale dining establishment Ole. This Mexican take-out spot is a true Inman Square gem. It offers all of your basic Mexican foods like burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and tortas, but with delicious and unique twists. Two of the most divine items on the menu are the Baja Tacos filled with succulent battered shrimp, pickled cabbage, chipotle mayonnaise, and cilantro pesto; and the Yucateca Torta. This Mexican style sandwich is a flavor blast, piled with braised pork, pickled onions, avocado sauce, queso fresco, pinto bean spread, and chipotle sauce. These are two unique treats, but if you prefer what you know, you can never go wrong with an order of Olecito's classic burrito. Make sure you grab a pure cane sugar soda with your order as a satisfyingly sweet side to this Mexican fiesta!
Kendyl Murtaugh is a Fordham University student interning with the CBS Boston Digital media team.
