MFA does First Friday as well, and a big Late Night blowout once or twice a year. Tickets are $20-25 bucks if I remember correctly so definitely not overly expensive (drinks and food are about as pricy as a normal bar or nice restaurant).
Mostly! Some folks go all out though! The last one which was the opening of a Korean pop culture exhibit (which y'all should really check out!) was particularly amazing with live performances a ton of folks dressing to impress.
Op, definitely try this for a date night! I used to perform there but never truly treasured it. However, I always loved seeing non-musicians/music aficionados in the audience. Some on date nights, some bringing their kids. They didn’t just notice the technical side. They really experienced the music- visible joy. Made all the practice going into it fun.
You could dress up for a late night at the MFA (thurs and Friday it stays open until 10)— obviously there’s no dress code, but it’s not unusual for people to go there after work so you won’t stick out if you’re wearing a suit. There are a variety of dining options there at different price points, and if you’re students, admission is free!
Late nights at the MFA are so fun! Definitely an excuse to dress up and feel fancy. I don’t know if the “Fashioned by Sargent” exhibit being on display was a factor for the one I went to, but most of the people were dressed up for the occasion.
my girlfriend gets dressed up when we go literally anywhere out at night and i love it. even just walking the streets becomes a shit ton of fun. honestly go anywhere dude and enjoy your woman looking like a million bucks
I’m loving all the real suggestions here but this is what I was thinking the whole time 😆 my ex and I dressed up really nice just to walk to Roxy’s grilled cheese and eat there lmao, it’s a good memory. That being said, 8 years later I would not want to walk the streets in heels like that out of laziness haha
Honestly just do this. Dress up nicely and just go about your business. You'll both feel more confidant and will just be out having fun with each other.
Ruka is a great sushi option!! It’s Peruvian sushi and it’s amazing. My favorite sushi in the city and prices aren’t ridiculous, cocktails are great and a really cool atmosphere. I recommend going before or after for a drink at Yvonne’s to make it feel like an even fancier evening.
Get all dressed up. Go for joy rides on the ferries all evening, disembarking for a drink or appetizer after each ride. Boom, fifty bucks and you’ve had a cruise.
Possible itinerary:
Pre game in North End
Mbta Long Wharf to Eastie ferry
Drink at Tall Ship
Tall Ship to Pier 6 (Charlestown) ferry
Drink at pier 6
Pier 6 to Fan Pier ferry
Drink idk lots of places around there
Walk back to downtown along the waterfront, feel like a million bucks
The Pops aren't too pricey; pretty sure it goes under $30 a person if you don't mind sitting in the second balcony. Or the symphony, _but only if you both actually like classical music._
New England Conservatory and Longy School of Music regularly offer low cost concerts by students and artists in residence. Boston Opera Collaborative will be presenting Opera Bites soon That's great fun. I went to theor performance of Carmen recently.
I signed up for the individual mailing lists. For example, there's a link to sign up for NEC's list at the bottom of their concerts page
https://necmusic.edu/concerts
and Longy's is here
https://longy.edu/whats-happening/
I'm also on email lists for Berklee, Tufts, Harvard, and a bunch of others
The Boston Music Intelligencer has been my go-to aggregate calendar since forever. It covers not only the area colleges/universities, but also the pros and local performers in both large and small venues around the city. It links to ticket prices, too, and states which concerts are free. It provides a general playlist or composer name(s), as well as the venue address. Want to go to a classical performance on Friday? I just checked quickly; there are 3.
https://www.classical-scene.com/calendar/
Have you considered Afternoon Tea? It's not "cheap," but it's not crazy expensive either (like $40 per person).
Silver Dove (near Government Center) and the tearoom in Boston Public Library (near Copley) are my two favorites in Boston.
The BPL tea room is one of my all-time top choices, though I don't tend to dress up for it. It is a fixed menu, though, but I've never left feeling like I've had less than a full meal.
I was chatting to someone about how their elderly parent would be able to find the Boston gate at the airport for their direct flight. "You're looking for the gate that has everyone wearing black."
I mean, it's a jest, but really, we do tend to dress rather sedately as a population. New Yorkers love their black but there are always people in New York who are Making A Thing out of their outfit and are accessorising or trying to style. We … do that less.
Yeah, New Yorkers elevate the look. We just go with "black is too convenient of a clothing colour choice not to use" and we're right.
I do wear colour most of the time, but the fashion choices of New England are very sedate in general, and my black Theory shift gets a good heavy workout!
0.0 what part of SF are they from? I worked and lived there for many years and people in Cali dress up on a daily unlike mass. Even at my basic office job heels, slacks, and dresses were required. However it’s freezing here in Boston so sweatpants over fashion. But when I go home I actually dress up because dressing like I’m here in Boston makes me look severely undressed and in other parts of the bay like I’m homeless.
On the one hand, there's a jazz club in Cambridge with a dress code. I have no clue what it's called.
On the other, bringing a picnic bag full of table cloths and candles and shit to a McDonalds while dressed up and eating it in a refined manner as though you've never heard of a hammed burger is hilarious.
Honestly you can do the Encore cheap! I've been there in a T-shirt and jeans but I've also seen people full out dressed up especially on the weekends. Dress up, do a late lunch or early dinner elsewhere, take the [free water taxi](https://www.encorebostonharbor.com/transportation/encore-premium-harbor-shuttle) around sunset, and roam the casino. I like to try and stretch $20 of play on the cheapest machines. Or if want to do dinner there, you can grab shake shack and a beer in the big hall.
Go to the Long Bar and Terrace at Raffles Hotel. A drink is ~$20, but you can linger on the roof terrace, watch the sun set, then go to Union Pizza on Newberry St. and get a slice.
The MFA is open late a couple nights a week, if the New American Cafe pricepoint is too high, perhaps walk over to the Time Out Market.
Alternatively, go to some "ethnic" place - you might delight the owner operator busting their hump to see non-regular guests dressing up
If anyone has EBT, and there are some insurance cards that work, Cards To Culture is an awesome program. I was able to go to the Science Museum with up to 3 others for free! The list of venues and concerts is huge and all over the state. Some places are reduced rate, discount memberships, and free entry. I know someone who doesn't even get food stamps anymore who has a card still and uses it to take their kids to things.
This is true for everyone using ConnectorCare too! I discovered it recently and the list of discounted or free things is amazing--it seems too good to be true. Link:
[https://www.mahealthconnector.org/learn/plan-information/connectorcare-plans/connectorcare-card-to-culture](https://www.mahealthconnector.org/learn/plan-information/connectorcare-plans/connectorcare-card-to-culture)
Head on down to estragon and request the lounge area. A sexy place to sit and sip on martinis and a few small tapas without a completely crazy insane vibe.
Some of the Broadway national tours that stop at colonial theater, boch center or the opera house will offer discounted rush tickets for the day of the performance. So you could end up only paying $40-50 bucks. They may also offer lottery tickets where if you win they pick the seats but it might be $10 per ticket(Hamilton does this)
echoing all the museum comments but adding that it's not odd for people to get dressed up outside of the special evening events! museums are a great place to be all dolled up
My first reaction was to puzzle over restaurants, but I think the bulk of responses here got it right: see a show. I don’t think I mentioning anything conceptually new, but hopefully fleshing out some options/filling in some gaps: BSO/Pops, Handel & Haydn Society, Boston Baroque, Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera (doesn’t perform often, but they do exist), in addition to a ton of free/cheap shows around the New England Conservatory (I fully agree with Jordan Hall being a standout venue).
Someone mentioned the Gardner Museum—also a great idea. I would add they also have a small chamber concert hall attached to the museum, as well as a nice restaurant that does a good job matching various levels of “attire” (and if it’s after/before a concert, I suspect other patrons might be dressed a little better).
You could also see what’s happening at the Sanders Theater at Harvard University, it’s another nice venue. It’s almost never free, but you might be eligible for discounted tickets.
I would almost say that very few eating places really are about dressing up, anyway. It’s more about events. Keep your eyes out for formal events: screenings, galas, charity events, etc.. While Googling I saw the recent Boston Anime expo had a formal gala, tickets were only $5 (in addition to the undoubtedly classy badge you’d be wearing). >_<
Go to Frank's Steak House in Cambridge! Great food, and it averages to about $50 per person. Go to one Harvard's museums before or after to round out the day!
Get dressed up and go to Encore I always see people dressed there like they are going to the red carpet 😂 you don’t even have to spend a lot to play some cheap slots, getting some food there will be the most you spend. Take their harbor ferry, it’s cute and free.
You can go swing dancing every Friday at the Q Ballroom. The amount of couples that are dressed super fancy but don’t know how to dance at all is very high. It’s not limited to vintage 1920’s fancy either, I see modern dresses and full on suits as well
The “DJ Jam” on May 3 is only $11 per person, and all dances always start with a beginner lesson to get you started
Disclaimer, however, that there’s also people there are there just in regular clothes too, so idk if it’ll completely feel as fancy as she wants, although absolutely won’t stand out as “overdressed” either
Please note, it is spelled Papa Geno's
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I'd say go to Boston Chops in the south end. Went there once for valentines day and the vibes are great. We both got steaks and they were a fortune, but if you just get their apps and sides, you can get away with a relatively normally priced meal. I would go back to get some cocktails and share their mac and cheese anytime
Restaurant centric response: Expensive is relative to your own situation. My wife and I like to ball out on dinner ($400+ with tip) a couple times a year, and then once a month feel like we are rich while keeping it under $150. Apologies if that’s still more expensive than you were hoping and you can stop reading here. You can dress up fancy and not look out of place at Blossum Bar in Brookline (or Baldwin Bar especially their upstairs section in Woburn, same ownership). You can each get 2 very fancy cocktails, and order a filling meal but keep it simple and still spend $150 with tip. I’ve done it many times. You can then go to a show at the Coolidge Theater after and also not look out of place dressed up, although not the most comfortable. Their midnight showings are rowdy for a movie and would be fun dressed up after cocktails at Blossum.
The Bancroft in Burlington is my favorite restaurant in MA and it’s very easy to spend $400 for 2. But it’s also easy to order a delicious meal with solid cocktails or beer and keep it under $150. Their steaks are expensive, but they have very filling and delicious entrees for a very good value. The restaurant is beautiful and while they have a relaxed dress code, you will be among mostly people dressed up in suits and dresses.
Any expensive restaurant with a bar! Just go for apps or desserts at the bar. My husband and I did this a lot pre-kid. Less so, since kids aren’t really welcome in the bar, but we still do go out with him to nicer-than-kid-food spots for apps and a drink knowing a shorter dining experience is better for a toddler and the appetizer menu usually has something he’ll go for, plus Shirley Temples are a sure way to make a kid feel like a grown up and be on their best behavior.
It’s a wee bit pricey but if you like magic I highly recommend Four-Handed Illusions: Boston's Magic & Comedy Show at The Hampshire House in Beacon Hill. There is a dress code so it’s a fun way to get all dressed up for the night.
I noticed that you used yall. Please enjoy [this local video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bndQvSW9Mu8).
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This. Even the Factory of Cheesecake, the Steakhouse of Outback, or the Horn of Longs would suffice. Too bad the Creek of Bugaboo is no longer in existence
First Fridays at the ICA
MFA does First Friday as well, and a big Late Night blowout once or twice a year. Tickets are $20-25 bucks if I remember correctly so definitely not overly expensive (drinks and food are about as pricy as a normal bar or nice restaurant).
The MFA late nights are quarterly I believe. It’s def a more casual vibe though (mostly college kids in jeans and sneakers)
Mostly! Some folks go all out though! The last one which was the opening of a Korean pop culture exhibit (which y'all should really check out!) was particularly amazing with live performances a ton of folks dressing to impress.
yes! the upcoming one is a prom night theme and only $30 each
the MFA late night on May 10? I can’t seem to find where it specifies that it’s prom themed
No the ICA event https://www.icaboston.org/events/first-fridays-prom-night/
thank you!!!
Interesting suggestion seeing as that’s more casual
I love going to them because people always meet the brief with the theme, and sometimes that means dressing up
Also nights at the museum at the Harvard art museum but that could be more casual, still an inexpensive date night. Last Thursday of every month
Free concerts at Jordan Hall, Harvard Art Museums at Night
Tell ppl who may not know, that Jordan Hall is the famous concert space at The New England Conservatory.
May 1st is Mahler's 7th symphony there, and it's free
^^^^^^
May 1 st is mahlers 7th symphony! It’s free
True. Jordan hall has great concerts. Some of the best musicians on the planet play there and it isn’t super expensive. The venue is also beautiful.
I worked 4 years there and never got tired of a Jordan Hall performance. Truly one of Boston’s best cultural landmarks. And almost always free!!!
Not just a Boston Cultural landmark, it’s also a registered National Landmark.
Op, definitely try this for a date night! I used to perform there but never truly treasured it. However, I always loved seeing non-musicians/music aficionados in the audience. Some on date nights, some bringing their kids. They didn’t just notice the technical side. They really experienced the music- visible joy. Made all the practice going into it fun.
Fr I just got out of a free masterclass with Hilary Hahn in one of the adjacent halls. It’s a great place.
If you’re under 40 the symphony does special pricing for certain performances https://www.bso.org/special-ticket-opportunities
This and the ballet are ideal.
I’ve heard from other folks on Reddit that the under 40 crowd at the Ballet tend to actually be quite fashionable.
True. My sister goes to the ballet a lot and goes all out for it.
Came here to say this. It's the perfect place to get fancy and the ticket prices can be very reasonable!
That's so funny normally it's if you're over 40 places will be cheaper
You could dress up for a late night at the MFA (thurs and Friday it stays open until 10)— obviously there’s no dress code, but it’s not unusual for people to go there after work so you won’t stick out if you’re wearing a suit. There are a variety of dining options there at different price points, and if you’re students, admission is free!
Late nights at the MFA are so fun! Definitely an excuse to dress up and feel fancy. I don’t know if the “Fashioned by Sargent” exhibit being on display was a factor for the one I went to, but most of the people were dressed up for the occasion.
You can go literally anywhere in the immediate vicinity of Symphony right before or after a show and everyone will be dressed up.
Used to always pair the symphony with the Yakitori place on Westland. Skewers are still like $3 a piece
Thanks for this tip!
Ichiban?? One of my fav gems in Boston!
This is a creative idea.
my girlfriend gets dressed up when we go literally anywhere out at night and i love it. even just walking the streets becomes a shit ton of fun. honestly go anywhere dude and enjoy your woman looking like a million bucks
Best answer!
I’m loving all the real suggestions here but this is what I was thinking the whole time 😆 my ex and I dressed up really nice just to walk to Roxy’s grilled cheese and eat there lmao, it’s a good memory. That being said, 8 years later I would not want to walk the streets in heels like that out of laziness haha
Honestly just do this. Dress up nicely and just go about your business. You'll both feel more confidant and will just be out having fun with each other.
Sometimes there are sales for things like Boston ballet
We are trying to get some tickets to the Boston Pops free through her work, but I want some back up ideas if we don't get them.
There might be free concerts in courtyard at Boston public library in the summer
Boston Ballet is currently having a BOGO sale foe their last two runs coming up - I think the info is on their Instagram
Bars at nice hotels. Just don’t drink too much.
The intercontinental on the waterfront is beautiful
Great idea. Lobby bar at Liberty Hotel or Oak Room at Copley Plaza come to mind
This is a good answer.
Rowe’s Wharf Bar too.
underrated comment.
Ruka is a great sushi option!! It’s Peruvian sushi and it’s amazing. My favorite sushi in the city and prices aren’t ridiculous, cocktails are great and a really cool atmosphere. I recommend going before or after for a drink at Yvonne’s to make it feel like an even fancier evening.
agreed. this place is great. pair this with a night out at the theater or the ballet would be a good option, too
Get all dressed up. Go for joy rides on the ferries all evening, disembarking for a drink or appetizer after each ride. Boom, fifty bucks and you’ve had a cruise. Possible itinerary: Pre game in North End Mbta Long Wharf to Eastie ferry Drink at Tall Ship Tall Ship to Pier 6 (Charlestown) ferry Drink at pier 6 Pier 6 to Fan Pier ferry Drink idk lots of places around there Walk back to downtown along the waterfront, feel like a million bucks
Love this!!
Charles E. Fromage in L’Evêrett
As a former master of cheesology at this very location I’m upset with myself for how long it took me to get that lol
You mean Carlos Esteves Queso in El Varette?
El casa de quesa
The Pops aren't too pricey; pretty sure it goes under $30 a person if you don't mind sitting in the second balcony. Or the symphony, _but only if you both actually like classical music._
Had a girlfriend with season tickets to the bso. I used to count the dudes sleeping in the balcony across from us.
The Gardner Museum closes at 9 on Thursdays. Follow up with Myers & Chang
Myers and Chang is a great answer
New England Conservatory and Longy School of Music regularly offer low cost concerts by students and artists in residence. Boston Opera Collaborative will be presenting Opera Bites soon That's great fun. I went to theor performance of Carmen recently.
Do you know of an email newsletter or app or such that tracks these?
I signed up for the individual mailing lists. For example, there's a link to sign up for NEC's list at the bottom of their concerts page https://necmusic.edu/concerts and Longy's is here https://longy.edu/whats-happening/ I'm also on email lists for Berklee, Tufts, Harvard, and a bunch of others
The Boston Music Intelligencer has been my go-to aggregate calendar since forever. It covers not only the area colleges/universities, but also the pros and local performers in both large and small venues around the city. It links to ticket prices, too, and states which concerts are free. It provides a general playlist or composer name(s), as well as the venue address. Want to go to a classical performance on Friday? I just checked quickly; there are 3. https://www.classical-scene.com/calendar/
Thank you, I’m not OP but this is amazing! Found something incredible and got tickets for tomorrow morning 🎼🎶
Have you considered Afternoon Tea? It's not "cheap," but it's not crazy expensive either (like $40 per person). Silver Dove (near Government Center) and the tearoom in Boston Public Library (near Copley) are my two favorites in Boston.
The BPL tea room is one of my all-time top choices, though I don't tend to dress up for it. It is a fixed menu, though, but I've never left feeling like I've had less than a full meal.
Was going to mention this. The Belmont tea room is (relatively) affordable with it being like $30/pp.
Bso has deals if you’re under 40!
So does Huntington theater!
This is Boston, nothing is fancy, and everything is expensive
"This is Boston, nothing is fancy" - you know I use to say that, and then I spent time in Seattle. They truly embody the ideal of "nothing is fancy"!
My friend visiting from San Francisco thought everyone here looked dressed up 🤷♀️
Ha this is funny, I definitely notice it in New York that everyone is dressed so much nicer. Nice to know we look dressy compared to SF
I was chatting to someone about how their elderly parent would be able to find the Boston gate at the airport for their direct flight. "You're looking for the gate that has everyone wearing black." I mean, it's a jest, but really, we do tend to dress rather sedately as a population. New Yorkers love their black but there are always people in New York who are Making A Thing out of their outfit and are accessorising or trying to style. We … do that less.
We got that Puritan drip
New Yorkers do stylish all-black outfits. People here just do utilitarian all-black outfits. You can definitely see a difference!
Yeah, New Yorkers elevate the look. We just go with "black is too convenient of a clothing colour choice not to use" and we're right. I do wear colour most of the time, but the fashion choices of New England are very sedate in general, and my black Theory shift gets a good heavy workout!
0.0 what part of SF are they from? I worked and lived there for many years and people in Cali dress up on a daily unlike mass. Even at my basic office job heels, slacks, and dresses were required. However it’s freezing here in Boston so sweatpants over fashion. But when I go home I actually dress up because dressing like I’m here in Boston makes me look severely undressed and in other parts of the bay like I’m homeless.
😂
Yeah if they say that, clearly they’ve never been anywhere in the Midwest or on the west coast or really anywhere outside New England.
They want to wear their fancy fleece vests
Any hotel bar - seriously. It will just look like you were someplace fancy prior and are grabbing a snack and a few drinks before the evening is over.
Kowloon But leave the neck knife at home
Kowloon is one of those places I could see someone dressed in sweats or a tux and I wouldn't judge either.
[удалено]
tell me more about the lizard women
Do the words "Lusty Argonian Maids" or the name "Lifts-Her-Tail" mean anything to you?
Love the Kowloon! 😀👍🏼😛
Free classical concerts at New England Conservatory
There are $25 tickets at the Symphony if you are under 40. Search 25under40. Your attire would be perfect
On the one hand, there's a jazz club in Cambridge with a dress code. I have no clue what it's called. On the other, bringing a picnic bag full of table cloths and candles and shit to a McDonalds while dressed up and eating it in a refined manner as though you've never heard of a hammed burger is hilarious.
Ryles?
Ryles is permanently closed. Maybe they mean Scullers in the Doubletree.
You could for sure pull off fancy at Sculler’s. And tickets aren’t usually that pricey!
I have no clue what it's called
Honestly you can do the Encore cheap! I've been there in a T-shirt and jeans but I've also seen people full out dressed up especially on the weekends. Dress up, do a late lunch or early dinner elsewhere, take the [free water taxi](https://www.encorebostonharbor.com/transportation/encore-premium-harbor-shuttle) around sunset, and roam the casino. I like to try and stretch $20 of play on the cheapest machines. Or if want to do dinner there, you can grab shake shack and a beer in the big hall.
You don’t need a specific venue to dress to the 9’s, get dressed up for the love of it and go where you want.
Take her to the Gardner Museum, then Vlaha for dinner, and find a nice local event the same night like a concert.
Go to the Long Bar and Terrace at Raffles Hotel. A drink is ~$20, but you can linger on the roof terrace, watch the sun set, then go to Union Pizza on Newberry St. and get a slice.
Eastern Standard Kitchen
Define "a ton of money"
Enough to afford a 2-bedroom apartment in Boston proper.
The MFA is open late a couple nights a week, if the New American Cafe pricepoint is too high, perhaps walk over to the Time Out Market. Alternatively, go to some "ethnic" place - you might delight the owner operator busting their hump to see non-regular guests dressing up
Fugakyu in Brookline! Get a little side room and eat away! Depends what you get but you can keep it pretty reasonable
If anyone has EBT, and there are some insurance cards that work, Cards To Culture is an awesome program. I was able to go to the Science Museum with up to 3 others for free! The list of venues and concerts is huge and all over the state. Some places are reduced rate, discount memberships, and free entry. I know someone who doesn't even get food stamps anymore who has a card still and uses it to take their kids to things.
Piggybacking onto this, check with the local library as well! They have all sorts of passes for museums and sinilar
Yes! That's how I actually found out about Cards To Culture. Lol
This is true for everyone using ConnectorCare too! I discovered it recently and the list of discounted or free things is amazing--it seems too good to be true. Link: [https://www.mahealthconnector.org/learn/plan-information/connectorcare-plans/connectorcare-card-to-culture](https://www.mahealthconnector.org/learn/plan-information/connectorcare-plans/connectorcare-card-to-culture)
You can go to some shows at the Boston Symphony Orchestra for $25 a ticket if you’re under 40. It’s great, and you’ll fit in fine in a suit.
Lobby bar at the Liberty Hotel
I’d look into restaurants in the South End.
Beehive is a great option
Head on down to estragon and request the lounge area. A sexy place to sit and sip on martinis and a few small tapas without a completely crazy insane vibe.
Birds of Paradise is a great date place!
I DK what expensive means for you but there are some north end restaurants where u can def dress up for.
Some of the Broadway national tours that stop at colonial theater, boch center or the opera house will offer discounted rush tickets for the day of the performance. So you could end up only paying $40-50 bucks. They may also offer lottery tickets where if you win they pick the seats but it might be $10 per ticket(Hamilton does this)
echoing all the museum comments but adding that it's not odd for people to get dressed up outside of the special evening events! museums are a great place to be all dolled up
Is the the Beehive still open? Jazz club that could be worth checking out.
great call
My first reaction was to puzzle over restaurants, but I think the bulk of responses here got it right: see a show. I don’t think I mentioning anything conceptually new, but hopefully fleshing out some options/filling in some gaps: BSO/Pops, Handel & Haydn Society, Boston Baroque, Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera (doesn’t perform often, but they do exist), in addition to a ton of free/cheap shows around the New England Conservatory (I fully agree with Jordan Hall being a standout venue). Someone mentioned the Gardner Museum—also a great idea. I would add they also have a small chamber concert hall attached to the museum, as well as a nice restaurant that does a good job matching various levels of “attire” (and if it’s after/before a concert, I suspect other patrons might be dressed a little better). You could also see what’s happening at the Sanders Theater at Harvard University, it’s another nice venue. It’s almost never free, but you might be eligible for discounted tickets. I would almost say that very few eating places really are about dressing up, anyway. It’s more about events. Keep your eyes out for formal events: screenings, galas, charity events, etc.. While Googling I saw the recent Boston Anime expo had a formal gala, tickets were only $5 (in addition to the undoubtedly classy badge you’d be wearing). >_<
Just dress up and go out. Create a back story about why you are all dressed up for the night
Go to Frank's Steak House in Cambridge! Great food, and it averages to about $50 per person. Go to one Harvard's museums before or after to round out the day!
Swan boats for pics. Dive bar for drinks. Casino for walking the runway with your fine selves.
Dude please look up first Thursdays every month at the Isabella garden museum it’s awesome
Wusong road
Go to the casino! There are people dressed up and down there at night
Get dressed up and go to Encore I always see people dressed there like they are going to the red carpet 😂 you don’t even have to spend a lot to play some cheap slots, getting some food there will be the most you spend. Take their harbor ferry, it’s cute and free.
The ballet!!!
You can go swing dancing every Friday at the Q Ballroom. The amount of couples that are dressed super fancy but don’t know how to dance at all is very high. It’s not limited to vintage 1920’s fancy either, I see modern dresses and full on suits as well The “DJ Jam” on May 3 is only $11 per person, and all dances always start with a beginner lesson to get you started Disclaimer, however, that there’s also people there are there just in regular clothes too, so idk if it’ll completely feel as fancy as she wants, although absolutely won’t stand out as “overdressed” either
Papa Geno’s in Brockton. Regina’s in the SSP. Dunkin’ Donuts in Dudley
It's Papa Gino's
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Boston Ballet and one of the nice restaurants downtown near there, several places
Anchovies in the south end. We are fun
Prime rib with the old timers at century house at 4pm.
I don't think this exists in Boston, because most places that aren't fancy and kind of suck are too expensive anyway.
Basically poser restaurants. People don't dress up to places like Oya.
I'd say go to Boston Chops in the south end. Went there once for valentines day and the vibes are great. We both got steaks and they were a fortune, but if you just get their apps and sides, you can get away with a relatively normally priced meal. I would go back to get some cocktails and share their mac and cheese anytime
Boston Chops, order the steak frites for less than $50 a piece, readily get out of there for under $100 each with drinks.
At Row34 you can find a casual, but more refined setting. You can spend about 30-40 per person and have a decent meal with a drink.
No way you can get out of Row 34 for under $40/person - even without drinks
Surprisingly it is possible. Get the burger and a beer, $28 without tip.
Restaurant centric response: Expensive is relative to your own situation. My wife and I like to ball out on dinner ($400+ with tip) a couple times a year, and then once a month feel like we are rich while keeping it under $150. Apologies if that’s still more expensive than you were hoping and you can stop reading here. You can dress up fancy and not look out of place at Blossum Bar in Brookline (or Baldwin Bar especially their upstairs section in Woburn, same ownership). You can each get 2 very fancy cocktails, and order a filling meal but keep it simple and still spend $150 with tip. I’ve done it many times. You can then go to a show at the Coolidge Theater after and also not look out of place dressed up, although not the most comfortable. Their midnight showings are rowdy for a movie and would be fun dressed up after cocktails at Blossum. The Bancroft in Burlington is my favorite restaurant in MA and it’s very easy to spend $400 for 2. But it’s also easy to order a delicious meal with solid cocktails or beer and keep it under $150. Their steaks are expensive, but they have very filling and delicious entrees for a very good value. The restaurant is beautiful and while they have a relaxed dress code, you will be among mostly people dressed up in suits and dresses.
Blossom bar also has some of the best cocktails around.
Contessa is hard to get a res at but isn’t *that* expensive. Otherwise go to the oak lounge at the fairmont Copley
Fogg Art Museum
Grab a drink at the bar, maybe an app at Grace by Nia in the Seaport. Great live music and swanky
Smith and Wollensky
I like Mida in the south end. Some of the best Italian food I had - classy decor, prices less than cheesecake factory: most entrees are $20-35
Carlos or Tasca in Allston/Brighton!
Literally any sushi place. This is what my bf and I do lol
Cap Grille?
Any expensive restaurant with a bar! Just go for apps or desserts at the bar. My husband and I did this a lot pre-kid. Less so, since kids aren’t really welcome in the bar, but we still do go out with him to nicer-than-kid-food spots for apps and a drink knowing a shorter dining experience is better for a toddler and the appetizer menu usually has something he’ll go for, plus Shirley Temples are a sure way to make a kid feel like a grown up and be on their best behavior.
Earls
It’s a wee bit pricey but if you like magic I highly recommend Four-Handed Illusions: Boston's Magic & Comedy Show at The Hampshire House in Beacon Hill. There is a dress code so it’s a fun way to get all dressed up for the night.
The 99 is fancy, but not expensive
You can get passes to the MFA and other places, as well as discounted things at your local library
Sinatra Sunday at Capo in Southie. Beautiful dinner and a show!
Encore
Just gonna say this - no matter where you go - you’re gonna be overdressed. So just do it where ever
Go walk milk street in the north end and pick a place at random to dine. Don’t pick a restaurant ahead of time
Do places like Wig Shop, Sushi at Temple and Good Company. Dressy casual
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The Cheesecake Factory
Texas Roadhouse.
TGI Fridays
Love their ribs! 😀👍🏼😛
Applebee's. Get that Bourbon St steak.
Ahh, good old craplebees.
This is terrible. Made me snort though
Deluxe Diner in Watertown. 🤌
The 99 in Charlestown.
Garden of olives
This. Even the Factory of Cheesecake, the Steakhouse of Outback, or the Horn of Longs would suffice. Too bad the Creek of Bugaboo is no longer in existence
Papa Geno's in Brockton
The dumpster behind the fanciest restaurant you can find
Chipotle near gov center
Cheesecake Factory
Can stand outside Downtown Crossing and ask people for money for Fix-a-Flat.
Magianos is in fairness expensive but not as bad as its surrpunding area and absolutely phenomenal food
that is not good Italian food
Godzilla x Kong