By The Liz Clark Team
Chestnut Hill's restaurant scene mixes old-school neighborhood institutions with newer spots that have opened in the last several years, all within a compact, walkable stretch of the neighborhood. Options range from casual sandwich counters to full-service brewpubs and sit-down dining, so there's rarely a need to leave the area for a good meal. Buyers touring
homes for sale in Chestnut Hill often ask us where to eat first, and the answer usually depends on whether they want something quick, a full dinner, or a place to grab a drink.
Key Takeaways
- Learn what makes McNally's Tavern a longtime neighborhood institution in Chestnut Hill.
- Discover why Chestnut Hill Brewing Company offers two distinct ways to enjoy housemade beer and pizza.
- Find out what to order at Chestnut Grill and Sidewalk Cafe, part of the Chestnut Hill Hotel.
- Understand which spot fits best depending on the kind of meal you're looking for.
McNally's Tavern Has Served Chestnut Hill for Nearly a Century
McNally's Tavern has operated in
Chestnut Hill for close to 95 years, known best for its Schmitter sandwich and a rotating beer list. The building itself, with cedar shakes and a single coach light out front, looks the part of a longstanding neighborhood spot.
What to Order at McNally's Tavern
- The Schmitter, the sandwich the tavern is best known for
- A daily special that includes a scratch-made soup, changing every day
- Fresh roasted turkey, beef, and ham served daily
- Crab cakes on Fridays and Chicken Corn Chowder on weekends
The menu hasn't strayed far from its roots, which is part of why it remains a regular stop for longtime residents. It's a dependable, family-oriented option for a simple meal without much fuss.
Chestnut Hill Brewing Company Offers Two Ways to Enjoy the Same Beer
Chestnut Hill Brewing Company brews its beer on site and serves it across two different settings. Both share the same beer list, but the atmosphere and menu shift depending on which one you choose.
What Sets the Taproom and Beer Garden Apart
- The taproom, with an eclectic industrial-chic feel and historical photos of Chestnut Hill in the booths
- Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, shareables, salads, and handhelds built for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike
- The beer garden at the Market at the Fareway, with eight to ten draft beers and eleven pizza styles
- Heated outdoor seating in winter and open-air seating in summer, since the beer garden runs year-round
Choosing between the two often comes down to whether you want a sit-down dinner or a more casual outdoor setting. Either way, the same on-site brewing sets the beer list apart from most other options in the neighborhood.
Chestnut Grill and Sidewalk Cafe Rounds Out the Chestnut Hill Hotel
Chestnut Grill and Sidewalk Cafe operates as part of the Chestnut Hill Hotel, serving American bistro fare in a more traditional dining room. Its porch adds a more casual, scenic option for the same menu.
What to Expect at Chestnut Grill and Sidewalk Cafe
- A homey dining room alongside porch seating for outdoor dining
- Weekend brunch service in addition to regular lunch and dinner hours
- Popular dishes including lamb chops and catfish tacos
- A more traditional, sit-down atmosphere compared to the neighborhood's more casual options
This spot tends to work best for a full sit-down meal rather than a quick bite. Its connection to the Chestnut Hill Hotel also makes it a natural stop for visitors staying nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I go for a quick, casual meal in Chestnut Hill?
McNally's Tavern is the most straightforward option, with sandwiches, soups, and daily specials built for a fast, simple meal. Its long history in the neighborhood also makes it a good way to get a feel for Chestnut Hill's more old-school side.
Is Chestnut Hill Brewing Company good for a group with different tastes?
Yes. Between vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore options across pizzas, shareables, and handhelds, it tends to work well for a group that wants different things. The choice between the taproom and the beer garden also gives some flexibility depending on the occasion.
Does Chestnut Grill and Sidewalk Cafe serve brunch?
Yes. Weekend brunch is available in addition to its regular lunch and dinner service. We often recommend it to buyers looking for a sit-down option tied to the Chestnut Hill Hotel.
Contact The Liz Clark Team Today
Chestnut Hill's dining options say a lot about what daily life looks like in the neighborhood, from a decades-old sandwich counter to a brewpub with its own beer garden. Knowing which streets put a buyer within walking distance of these spots is a detail that matters for anyone who wants that kind of neighborhood feel.
If Chestnut Hill's restaurant scene is part of what draws you to the neighborhood, reach out to us at
The Liz Clark Team and we can point you toward homes closest to the spots you'll visit most.
