The key to Parents Weekend eating is to leave the Square. When Cafe of India's all booked, and John Harvard's bursting at the seams, you and your fam will be far, far away.
REBECCA'S
21 Carles St., Boston 742-9747
T: Charles/MGH
The American decor may be nondescript, but Rebecca's food aims to please eclectic palates; the open kitchen whips up pheasant, ostrich, venison-and some kick-ass desserts. Wide windows looking out onto Beacon Hill's main street.
CAFE MARLLAVE
10 Bosworth St.
423-6340
T: Downtown Crossing or Park St. Local Italian established in 1876. Huge inexpensive pasta plates. Hard to find, but worth the hunt.
CHARLIE'S EATING AND DRINKING SALOON
284 Newbury St.
266-3000
T: Hynes
Charlie's offers divine clam chowder in a bread bowl and other essential, if pricey, Yankee fare. Seafood lovers will delight in their more adventurous dishes like the surprisingly good lobster quesadilla, and landubbers can dig into several decent pasta dishes as well. Good-old-boy memorabilia dot the dark wood walls and makes the place feel like a final club. For a more laid-back atmosphere and the same high-end menu, sit in the saloon downstairs.
MAGNOLLA'S
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