Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Boston

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Boston? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Leo's Restaurant and Events

4.9

4.9 (24)

$50 and over

American

Braintree

About the restaurant

Two spaces, one destination. Leo’s Braintree features a dynamic restaurant with dining, bar, and live entertainment on one side, and a private event venue on the other ideal for private parties, and special occasions.

Top review

MonicaGold

Dined 4 days ago

Food and service was great. Loved the music. Great vibe!!

Moonshine 152

4.9

4.9 (2116)

$30 and under

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

A modern -American, neighborhood bistro restaurant in Southie (South Boston) by Chef-owner Asia Mei (as seen on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay & Phantom Gourmet). With a globally-inspired, comfort food meets street food menu, Chef Asia puts her unique spin on both East & West Coast style cooking, striving to match the beautiful restaurant’s aesthetic, contributing to numerous glowing re-reviews, accolades & praise. Her "Best of Boston" Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings, her award-winning Burgers & Vegetarian Burgers, Street Tacos & weekly changing specials are only some of the reasons she was awarded the 2023 Best of Boston Neighborhood Restaurant in South Boston.

Moonshine 152 is located at 152 Dorchester Avenue, on the corner of Dorchester Avenue & West 4th Street in South Boston. We are one block from the Broadway Red Line train station, with bus connections local bus connections. We are a short walk from the South End & Ink Block neighborhoods as well as The Seaport & Downtown Boston.

Top review

MitchellGold

Dined 4 days ago

Dinner was really excellent. Unique flavors, spectacular preparation, friendly service. A neighborhood bar with Michelin quality food!

Prairie Fire

4.9

4.9 (739)

$30 and under

American

Brookline

About the restaurant

We are currently open seven days a week. Saturday & Sunday we are open with an All Day Menu. Reservations can be made on our website, or through OpenTable. Due to the intimate nature of our dining room, if you would like to make a reservation for more than 4 guests, please give us a call at the restaurant.

We hold reservations for a 15 minute grace period. Please call us if you are running late, we will do our best to hold your table but cannot guarantee it. We do appreciate 1.5 hour dining experiences for parties of 1-2 guests, 2 hours for parties of 3-4, and 2.5 hours for parties of 5 or more guests. We always welcome walk-in guests to our bar.

We hope to see you soon!

Top review

BartonGold

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent food, fine service. It can be a little noisy sometimes, but not too bad. Pizzas, pastas, and fish are all excellent.

Pammy's

4.8

4.8 (2688)

$50 and over

American

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Pammy’s is a New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria. Perched between Cambridge’s Central and Harvard Squares, Pammy’s is a cozy yet sophisticated neighborhood destination. For husband and wife team Chris and Pam Willis (who live right up the street), Pammy’s is an extension of their living room. They’ve brought together their love of great food, easy hospitality and chic vibes to create a lively space that is welcoming to all looking for a memorable meal. With dishes that lean heavily on Italian flavors but are not restricted by any rules of the cuisine, the food is unpretentious and delicious. A fireplace wrapped in white ceramic, an oversized salvaged communal table designed for side-by-side dining and rich leather banquets are just some of the design elements that make up Pammy’s charm.

We apply a 6% Kitchen Admin Fee to all checks that exclusively benefits our Back of House staff, who by MA law may not be included in the tip pool.

Top review

AlanGold

Dined 4 days ago

This is the best prepared food in Boston. The ambiance is buzzing and the service is excellent. Unique range of Italian wines fairly priced for the quality. Booths are best - not convinced by the communal table. We loved this place

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Waverly Kitchen and Bar

4.8

4.8 (642)

$31 to $50

American

Charlestown

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Charlestown, Boston, just steps away from the Bunker Hill Monument and the Freedom Trail, Waverly Charlestown is a neighborhood restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Join us for a legendary brunch, dinner, and cocktails in our cozy dining room, or grab coffee and lunch on the go.

Breakfast and brunch fans, this is for you! You don't want to miss our signature banana bread, house made pastrami hash, rotating coffee menu and refreshing, creative cocktails. Voted Boston Magazine's 2024 Best Brunch in Boston!

Come and enjoy a cozy dinner by the fireplace or watch the chef's at work at our kitchen counter. Walk-ins are always accepted at our intimate bar. We're looking forward to seeing you!

Top review

Howard

Dined on 15 Aug 2026

Our brunch at Waverly was outstanding. The host accommodated our request to sit at the prime corner table by the window. and service by our waitress Shea was great. The brunch meals were delicious and perfect for our group of hearty eaters. The vibe at Waverly is always neighborly, lively and welcoming. Love to eat at Waverly.

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4.8

4.8 (1762)

$31 to $50

American

South End

About the restaurant

Metropolis Café, nestled in Boston’s Historic South End with views of lively Tremont Street, combines fine dining and warm hospitality at casual prices. Our dinner menu features favorites like Rigatoni, Pan Roasted Natural Chicken with foraged mushroom crème and whipped garlic Yukon potatoes, Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts served with house-made buttermilk ranch and celery salad, and our creamy Risottos. Join us for a beloved neighborhood brunch on weekends, where locals and visitors enjoy a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or a weekend brunch, Metropolis Café offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Boston’s South End.

Top review

Kelley

Dined 4 days ago

Absolutely loved this older, established little restaurant in Boston. Great Time and great food!

Vee Vee

4.8

4.8 (875)

$31 to $50

American

Jamaica Plain

About the restaurant

Vee Vee in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, is a small, neighborhood restaurant operated by Kristen and Dan Valachovic. The food is best described as creative American, and we feature a well-curated wine and craft beer selection. The vibe is casual, and the menu modest but inventive. As of May 2022, we are open for indoor and outdoor dining in a seasonal patio by reservation or walk-in. We are also happy to offer takeout as well.

Top review

CarrieGold

Dined 5 days ago

Great food and great service! Highly recommend this spot!

SJ's Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (20)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Leather District

About the restaurant

SJ’s is a neighborhood bistro in Boston’s Leather District, led by Chef Sarah Wade. Join us for thoughtfully prepared food, creative cocktails and genuine hospitality, whether it’s lunch during the workday, after-work drinks or a relaxed dinner with friends. We’re here to be your neighborhood spot, any time of day.

Top review

Chris

Dined 6 days ago

Great spot in the leather district. Great variety on the menu, clean, bright, food and cocktails were fab. If I lived or worked nearby, this would be my go place.

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Experience

The Tea Room at SJ's

The Bowery Bar

4.7

4.7 (1110)

$30 and under

American

Dorchester

About the restaurant

Located in historic Lower Mills in Dorchester, The Bowery Bar is a neighborhood tavern focusing creative modern comfort food, a whimsical cocktail program, and local craft beer offerings. We are committed to our guests’ experience and being an integral part of our local community. Our indoor dining space and bar is cozy and warm; the vintage décors hand-picked to encapsulate a space that makes you feel transported to simpler days. In the warmer months, come experience our spacious outdoor patio with an outdoor bar and lounge area for mingling, appetizers & cocktails. In the cooler months, watch our beautiful patio transform into a Winter Wonderland with our unique Yurts available to be booked for small private gatherings and group reservations.

Top review

Naisha

Dined 3 days ago

The Bowery Bar is always a good time. The food is great, I try something new on the menu each time I go & I’m never disappointed. The service is great, staff is polite & attentive. Love going here

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Experience

PRIVATE HEATED YURT • WEEKNIGHT DINNER

Experience

PRIVATE HEATED YURT • WEEKDAY LUNCH

Experience

PRIVATE HEATED YURT • WEEKEND BRUNCH

Oak Bistro

4.9

4.9 (567)

$31 to $50

American

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Step into Oak Bistro, the freshest addition to Inman Square, Cambridge, MA. Uncover American cuisine with a modern spin, influenced by global flavors. Our cozy setting welcomes young professionals, students, and families for an unforgettable culinary experience. Led by a chef-driven vision, we infuse diverse cultural influences, meticulous attention, and adaptability into crafting innovative and delectable dishes. Come share in the creation of enduring memories while supporting our vibrant local community.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 4 days ago

lovely experience, from the warm service to the very delicious food!

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