A Layman's Guide to Marathon Monday

Photo by John Beagle/Flickr

Get your folding chairs, coolers, and noisemakers in gear, because Marathon Monday is right around the corner. From the best places to watch the marathon to the best restaurants to go to for a post-race meal, we’ve got you covered. — Prepared with additional reporting from Becca Fox and viewing tips from Dan Hocking

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Eat like a Marathoner
Prepare for the marathon hubbub on Sunday with Carbo-Load Marathon Monday at the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro. The hotel will be serving large pasta dishes such as pappardelle with braised chicken and butternut squash ravioli. If you’re looking for a break from the excitement on the big day, the hotel will also be serving a Marathon Monday brunch that morning. Carbo-Load Marathon Monday, Sunday, April 15, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Marathon Monday Brunch, Monday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro, 25 Charles St., 617-723-7525, beaconhillhotel.com.

Da Vinci Ristorante is also hosting a special pre-marathon menu on Sunday evening. We love the delicious Italian offerings — especially with names like “Heart Breaking chicken pappardelle,” “Runner’s penne,” and “Finish Line shrimp linguine.” Sunday, April 15, opens at 4:30 p.m., Da Vinci Ristorante, 162 Columbus Ave., 617-350-0007, davinciboston.com.

The Beehive is also celebrating Marathon Monday with live music and extra offerings on the menu all day. Stop by to hear blues artists Nathan Sabanaguyam Reggae Funk Trio, Bruce Ferrara Trio and the Phil Grenadier Quartet — or just go for the post-marathon eggs Benedict. Monday, April 16, opens at 10 a.m., The Beehive, 541 Tremont St., 617-423-0069, beehiveboston.com.

If you’re looking for a place to watch the marathon while you eat, Deuxave Restaurant and Bar offers Commonwealth Avenue views along with a special menu. Stop by for brunch and then cheer on your favorite runners. Monday, April 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Deuxave, 371 Commonwealth Ave., 617-517-5915, deuxave.com.

Party Post-Marathon
Relax from the day’s festivities at Fenway Park’s open house with food and a live DJ. Red Sox fans, you can even get your picture taken with the World Series trophy. Tickets must be bought in advance at the Sports & Fitness Expo. Official Boston Marathon Post-Race Party, Monday, April 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., free for marathoners, $20 general public, Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, 617-226-6000, boston.redsox.mlb.com.

If the marathon didn’t tired you out enough, head over to the House of Blues for the post-race dance party. There will be a DJ and live music from Eye2Eye. Tickets must be bought in advance at the Sports & Fitness Expo. Post-Race Party, Monday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., free for marathoners, $20 general public, House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., 617-960-8332, houseofblues.com.

Where to Watch
Hopkinton: It’s the start of the race, and we love seeing the marathon runners’ cheery faces before the fatigue sets in.

Chestnut Hill: Watch the runners take on Heartbreak Hill — it’s a decisive point in the race, so if providing runners your encouragement through chants and high fives is your thing, Chestnut Hill is the place to do it.

Kenmore Square: With the mixture of Red Sox fans and swarms of college students, it is easily one of the liveliest spots on the race route.

On your couch: If you want to skip the crowds but still catch the race, both WBZ-TV and Universal Sports Network will be covering it on television.

Useful tips: A full schedule of start times can be found here, and a map of the route can be found here.