10 Father’s Day Dining Ideas in Boston

Struggling to think beyond a steak dinner and a new tie for Dad this Father’s Day? From a Deadhead brunch to a lobster fest at the Boston Public Market, we’ve got you covered with 10 offbeat ideas that are fun for everyone.

Food Truck Fest by SoWa Sundays on Flickr / Creative Commons

Father’s Day Weekend at the SoWa Open Market

This weekend’s SoWa Open Market is dedicated to dads. If you’re looking for an atypical Father’s Day activity that’s outdoors and loaded with options, it’s just the place to be. There will be plenty of food trucks, as well as a beer garden, and of course, live music. The market is also hosting a social media contest where one dad will win a $200 gift card to surf-and-turf steakhouse, Boston Chops.

Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 460 Harrison Ave., South End, Boston, sowaboston.com.

Lobster Fest & Block Party

With the Tall Ships cruising their way to Boston’s shores, take dad out to the Boston Public Market to celebrate the season. This party on the outdoor plaza is free to attend and with all things lobster available for purchase, from grilled lobster tails to lobster bisque. There will also be live music, corn hole and other outdoor games.

Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., rain date: Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m- 4 p.m., 100 Hanover St., Haymarket, Boston, bostonpublicmarket.org.

Bottega Di Capri

If you want to avoid the North End while Sail Boston is in town, Bottega Di Capri in Brookline offers some of the most authentic Italian food in the area. For pasta-loving dads, this inexpensive and delicious counter-service restaurant is a great choice.

Priced a la carte, 41 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-738-5333, bottegadicapri.com.

The view from Reelhouse. / Photo by Brian Samuels

ReelHouse

How about dining where you can have expansive views of the city and the harbor? ReelHouse is there to offer you just that, a new eatery in East Boston. The nautical-styled restaurant has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and is accessible by a complimentary water shuttle or a public water taxi.

6 New St., East Boston, 617-895-4075, reelhouseboston.com.

Tapestry Expo Kitchen after / Photos provided

Tapestry

Games and pizza go hand-in-hand, which is why the Tapestry Expo Kitchen makes for the perfect environment when you’re trying to add some fun to your dining options. Although the Sox aren’t playing at home Sunday, families can still enjoy Fenway’s lively atmosphere here with a full wood-fired menu and ample games, such as billiards, darts, and shuffleboard.

69 Kilmarnock St., Fenway/Kenmore, 617-421-4470, tapestry.restaurant.

Grateful Dad Bluegrass Brunch

Is Dad a Deadhead? Beat Brasserie is where he’ll want to be, with options like a raw bar of local oysters and jumbo shrimp, sweet chili baby back ribs, and duck confit hash. The fam-friendly event has live Grateful Dead covers and bluegrass tunes to keep everyone entertained.

Priced a la carte, Sunday, June 18 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Beat Brasserie, 13 Brattle St., 617-499-0001, beatbrasserie.com

The Bully Boy Tasting room. / Photo by Jason Zucco

Bully Boys Distillers Father’s Day Tours

This brother-owned distillery is offering tours for dads, no matter if they take their whiskey neat or on the rocks. Each ticket includes a cocktail upon arrival, a tour of Bully Boy’s new distilling space, and a souvenir glass. If your dad is more of the type to enjoy a few handcrafted cocktails, then pull up a stool—this is the place for him.

$10, 44 Cedric St., Boston, 617-442-6000, bullyboydistillers.com, Facebook event.

Clink at The Liberty Hotel

Let dad take a break from the grill have Clink do it for him. The fifth annual Father’s Day pig roast on the outdoor courtyard features live music and a whole-roasted pig, as well as jerk-seasoned roasted chicken. A “full package” ticket includes a hand-rolled cigar and a Michter’s bourbon cocktail or a glass of Ghost Pines cabernet. The roast is free for children 13 and under.

$60 for full package/$35 for food only, Sunday, June 18, 3-8 p.m., Clink at the Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St., Charles/MGH, 617-224-4004 showclix.com

Coppersmith. / Photo by Rachel Gianatasio

Coppersmith

Coppersmith’s industrial interior is a great space to take your dad for some comfort food. Chef Jason Heard is hosting the first annual ’Cue n’ Claw Father’s Day barbecue and crab boil this year, too. While dads enjoy some baby back ribs and low country-style Jonah crab claws, kids under 10 are welcomed to several free options, including mac and cheese and chicken tenders.

$26, Sunday June 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 40 West 3rd St., South Boston, 617-658-3452, coppersmithboston.com.

Pink Wine & Pintxos Party 

Chef Barbara Lynch’s Fort Point cocktail bar transforms into a full-swing tapas bar for Father’s Day. Drink will have a refreshing glass of rosé or sherry on the house for all, as well as a lineup traditional Spanish small plates such as bacalao-stuffed piquillo peppers and Wagyu beef albondigas for purchase.

Priced a la carte, Sunday June 18, 12-3 p.m., 348 Congress St., 617-695-1806, drinkfortpoint.com.