Best of Boston

For those who think great Irish food is an oxymoron, we say, Get thee to Matt Murphy’s. True, there’s been a recent explosion of Celtic fare in Boston, but Matt Murphy’s owns this category. The pub feels as authentic as a Guinness in Dublin, including mismatched tables and chairs, an itty-bitty bathroom squeezed into the back of the kitchen, and a display of rubber fisherman’s boots. Of course, the beer selection is noteworthy (choice offerings: Franziskaner Weissbier, Bellhaven Scottish Ale), but the food is even better. The egg-salad sandwich with hand-cut smoked bacon is amazing, and so huge you need to split it with a date. And don’t miss the crispy cod and chips, which comes wrapped in the Irish Times, the Irish sausage and beans, and the rich shepherds pie.