Boston Rob Does Beantown: Guide to Back Bay

Mary Staes

Mary Staes

You can stream this and more Very Local shows for free!

Download the Very Local app for FREE on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV or Android TV.

Mary Staes

Join Rob Mariano to explore some of the hidden gems that Back Bay has to offer. 

Known for some of its fancier locations, Boston’s Back Bay has a rich history where old meets new in perfect juxtaposition. 

Learn more about Back Bay:

Jonquils Cafe & Bakery

“It looks like a piece of art.” 

Step into a modern take on extraordinary art so good you can eat – literally. Boston Rob sees what all the fuss is about 3D-printed desserts at Jonquils on Newbury Street, where the process to create the molds takes multiple days to make. It’s not just the food that demands attention though. Along with unique dessert options, you can also enjoy a Flora Tea that blooms in your cup as you drink it. 

GETTING THERE

125 Newbury St
Boston, MA, 02116

HOURS

Monday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

CALL
617-982-6117 

MORE INFO
Jonquils Cafe & Bakery

Brodney Antiques

Can you guess how much an antique set of Cartier playing cards is? How about a pocket watch from the early 1900s? Brodney Antiques has all that and more, specializing in jewelry, porcelain, and watches. Fun fact: Did you know something has to be 100 years old to even be considered an antique? Brodney’s itself has been around for 75 years… not much longer to go!

GETTING THERE

176 Newbury St,
Boston, MA 02116

HOURS

Monday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

CALL
617-536-0500

MORE INFO
Brodney Antiques

Zuma

Rob sits down for a feast of tomahawk ribeye steak, Chilean sea bass, and lobster at this can’t-miss eatery. While Zuma didn’t originate in Boston, its cuisine is as authentic as it gets, and the restaurant sources everything it can from Boston, especially the seafood.

GETTING THERE

1 Dalton St
Floor 2
Boston, Ma 02115

HOURS

Monday: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. , 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

MORE INFO

Zuma 

The Greatest Bar

“People from Boston are very proud to be from this area.”

Rob meets up with his friend Billy Fairweather at The Greatest Bar in Boston. In case you were wondering, yes, that’s actually the name. This iconic sports bar opened in 2004 and was even credited with having a hand in breaking the Curse of the Bambino when the Red Sox won the World Series three weeks later. At its core, The Greatest Bar is about the history of Boston, something you can explore through multiple, themed floors spanning sports, entertainment, and more.

GETTING THERE

262 Friend St

Boston, MA, 02114

HOURS

Monday: 5 p.m. – Midnight
Tuesday: 3 p.m. – Midnight
Wednesday: 4 p.m. – Midnight
Thursday: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Friday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – Midnight

CALL
617-367-0544

MORE INFO

The Greatest Bar

Animal Rescue League of Boston

Warning: Cuteness overload, incoming. Try and make it through Rob’s last stop without some “awws,” because he’s going to the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Dogs and cats (and hedgehogs and rabbits) can all be found looking for their forever homes at this incredible shelter that works to match prospective adopters with the perfect pet for them and their lifestyle. 

GETTING THERE

10 Chandler St
Boston, MA, 02116

HOURS

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1 – 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 1 – 6 p.m.
Thursday: 1 – 6 p.m.
Friday: 1 – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 1 – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 – 6 p.m.

CALL
617-426-9170

MORE INFO
Animal Rescue League of Boston