17 Perfect Pre-Game Restaurants Near TD Garden in Boston for 2024

Boston’s TD Garden is a thriving cultural beacon, attracting sports and music fans alike. Host of the Boston Celtics and the Bruins, the TD Garden, located in Boston’s thriving North End, is in proximity to countless eateries and bars. Finding restaurants near TD Garden in Boston is easy, whether you're looking for a quick bite on the way, an after-concert drink or a long and luxurious pre-game dinner. 

Where should I eat before the Celtics game in Boston? We’ve rounded up some of the best options if you’re looking for great food in proximity to the Garden whatever your taste, from delicious Italian eateries in Little Italy Boston to classic American gastropubs with popular Boston foods. All are perfect for taking advantage of this vibrant city’s food culture. Pair them with an event for a perfect date idea in Boston or a birthday dinner in Boston.

Jump to Section

• Best Restaurants Within Walking Distance to TD Garden
• Italian Restaurants Near TD Garden in Boston
• Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near TD Garden
• Restaurants Near TD Garden in Boston FAQs

Best Restaurants Within Walking Distance to TD Garden

1. Alcove

One of the most luxurious eateries in the neighborhood, this restaurant within walking distance to TD Garden is perfect for special occasions in close proximity. With a focus on classic New England dishes and a waterfront location, it also showcases local farms and fisheries for its wide array of seafood like oysters, clams, blue crab-crusted halibut and other Boston seafood favorites. 

Chic and contemporary in their decor, they also have chicken and other less extravagant options, including a famous focaccia bread, served with honey. This is one of the most popular restaurants near TD Garden that take reservations.

2. The Tip Tap Room

Located on the other side of Beacon Hill, this gastropub is famous for its list of craft brews, as well as its steak, turkey and wild game offerings. They also serve burgers and an eclectic and creative cocktail menu inside a more casual industrial-style bar and dining room with a chalkboard menu.

3. A&B Kitchen & Bar

One of the restaurants near TD Garden in Boston with the latest hours, this fun spot’s large and industrial space and kitchen is open for an hour after any event, making it a perfect spot to stop for an after-game burger or their famous hearty chicken pot pie. They also have boozy and non-boozy milkshakes. Other items to look out for include Brussels sprouts with bacon and sriracha vinegar, as well as various pastas, sandwiches and wings.

4. Bodega Canal

This fun and festive restaurant within walking distance to TD Garden offers bottle service and spinning DJs later in the day, making it a great stop to continue the party. You’ll spot it by bold and colorful windows outside that give way to a more staid and industrial interior. Stop in early before your event to try their blackened shrimp or birria tacos, as well as a full selection of tequilas. Their Nachos Supreme platter serves a large group and makes a great pre-game snack.

5. Banners Kitchen & Tap

Located right next to the Garden, this spot with soaring ceilings and walls of giant screens considers itself the official restaurant of the Bruins and their fans. Banners Kitchen & Tap serves elevated pub fare like smoked bacon with bourbon shots, sirloin steak burgers and brisket. Open an hour after the Garden event, stop in for chicken wings sold by the pound or their famous stacked nachos. 

6. Ward 8

This restaurant near TD Garden in Boston is known for chicken sandwiches that pack a lot of spicy heat, sweet chili-glazed duck wings and steamed pork belly buns, as well as classic American bistro fare. They also have an excellent cocktails menu praised for its Sazeracs and Negronis. 

7. Chilacates

 If you're looking for a very quick bite at a restaurant near TD Garden in Boston, try this local chain that serves up tasty tacos, burritos and other classic Mexican fare affordably and fast. They also offer grilled seasonal fish and potatoes with chorizo. This spot is great for inexpensive and fast food near TD Garden.

8. Ma Maison

A classic French bistro, one of the best restaurants near TD Garden in Boston, serves an affordable but rich array of Parisian-inspired fare. Try the French onion soup, foie gras or lobster bisque to start, followed by steak tartare or beef bourguignon. The interior is casual, but with classic white tablecloths and napkins for an elevated feel like you just stepped into Europe. 

Italian Restaurants Near TD Garden in Boston

9. Ducali Pizzeria & Bar

A Roman-inspired pizzeria, one of the best Italian restaurants near TD Garden in Boston, can easily accommodate small or large groups, including private dining for larger parties, with a huge selection of New England beers available. They also have an Italian-style espresso bar, Caffe Ducali, where you can pick up pastries and coffee drinks in their casual and cozy brick-lined interior.

10. Tony & Elaine’s

A classic Italian spot with red checked tablecloths and wood paneling, Tony and Elaine’s feels like it's a holdover from the last century with its distinctive style and heaping portions. Often considered one of the best Italian restaurants near TD Garden in Boston, they are known for their famous garlic bread, lasagna, chicken parm and their award-winning meatballs. 

11. Regina Pizzeria

With numerous more recently minted locations across the Boston area, this original one, located a stone’s throw from the Garden, considers itself “Boston's Original Pizzeria!"  Founded in 1926 and filled with local memorabilia from the past 100 years, they serve up classic pizza and regional Italian fare.

12. Night Shift Brewing

Often considered one of Boston’s best pizzerias, this Lovejoy Wharf spot serves Detroit-style pies in a rectangular shape piled with cheese and a well-crisped edge. With a large beer and boozy seltzer menu, you can also find house-made fries, pretzels and wagyu burgers. Their dining room is large and contemporary with ample touches of neon and colored glass to greet the eye.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near TD Garden

13. West End Johnnies

Serving classic American fare with a New England spin, the walls of this sports fan favorite are covered in Celtics and Bruins memorabilia. Try their Buffalo chicken dip, gouda and feta mac and cheese or crab cakes as a pre-game indulgence. West End Johnnies also have salads, sandwiches and seafood selections taking inspiration from the global influences that converge in Boston.

14. Hub Hall

This sprawling food hall has something for every palate and endless options, including kid-friendly eats like pizza, BBQ and roast beef sandwiches, as well as more international offerings like Greek fare and world-class ramen.

Located right next to the Garden, the Hall is home to 18 eateries and is equally perfect for grabbing a quick counter-service bite before a concert or game or sitting down for more full-service dining.   

15. Dean's List

Tucked in the Wyndham Hotel, this spot serves salads, small plates, flatbreads, sandwiches and entrees amid a casual but elevated dining room that welcomes hotel guests and locals alike. They also have a large wine menu and craft beer selection. They are open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as for late-night drinks after events at the nearby Garden.

16. Harvard Gardens

This casual but upscale restaurant serves full dinners and comfort food designed for both the traditionalist and those looking for innovative takes on classic dishes. Notable fare includes a famous Wagyu cheeseburger and pork dumplings favored by nearby students and local medical workers. They also have more upscale offerings like pork chops, roasted chicken and pan-seared salmon.

17. Tavern in the Square 

Located right across from the Garden, this spot is fun for patrons of all ages, with classic American pub fare, large screens playing games and cozy New England vibes. One of the best kid-friendly restaurants near TD Garden, Tavern in the Square also have a number of delicious and decadent desserts. Find a spot on their large and expansive patio in warmer weather for a pre-game dinner or drink and people-watching.

These restaurant options, from simple to posh, are perfect for dining before or after your event at the TK Garden in Boston. For even more fun things to do in Boston, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!

Restaurants Near TD Garden in Boston FAQs

Can you bring a purse to TD Garden Boston?

Boston TD Garden does have limits on bag sizes that may be brought into the arena, with a size limit of  4 x 6 x 1.5 inches, not including diaper bags and medical supplies.

How Much Is Food at TD Garden?

Food prices available from the arena vary from inexpensive items like hot dogs and popcorn, available from under $10 to more luxe items like shrimp cocktails and lobster rolls. The Garden is a cash-to-card-only venue and has machines located throughout to add cash to a card to use while in the Garden.

Is TD Garden Considered Downtown Boston?

The Garden is centrally located in downtown Boston on the North End of the city with access to numerous public transportation lines.