Boston's Best Comfort Food

When it comes to comfort food, everyone has their own idea of the perfect meal that fills their belly and warms their soul. From Irish food to Italian dishes and American favorites to good old Southern BBQ, these five spots have the comfort food you crave.

The Parish Cafe
361 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 247-4777
www.parishcafe.com

Parish Cafe offers up sandwiches and plenty of beer on tap for those participating in its mug club. Patio seating attracts locals and visitors along with the prime location near the Public Garden and all of the shopping the Back Bay and Newbury Street have to offer. What also stands out is the cafe's delicious food including the comfort food classic – meatloaf! Parish Cafe puts a twist on the recipe by creating a sandwich: Sean's Meatloaf Club for $13.25. Created by Sean Simmons, the Executive Chef and Owner, the sandwich features homemade chipotle meatloaf on country white toast with applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and a chipotle aioli alongside garlic mashed potatoes and gravy.

Silvertone
69 Bromfield St
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 338-7887
www.silvertonedowntown.com

There is nothing more comforting than a big steamy bowl of macaroni and cheese. Silvertone has perfected its version, which has toasted, buttered breadcrumbs on it, and is served with greens for only $9. You can even add toppings like bacon, chicken, steak or peas to really add some excitement to the already decadent recipe. Silvertone also has plenty of other dishes like steak tips, shepherd's pie, grilled cheese and a wide range of American pub grub.

Amrheins
80 W Broadway
Boston, MA 02127
(617) 268-6189
www.amrheinsboston.com

Located in South Boston, aka Southie, Amrheins prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients in its New England-focused, but worldwide-inspired, cuisine. The menu is filled to the brim with comfort foods. Meatloaf, lobster macaroni and cheese, clam chowder and prime rib dinner are just a few of the many options. But one of the standouts is definitely the chicken pot pie. Amrheins uses a traditional recipe featuring stewed chicken and vegetables with a savory pie crust and topped with mashed potatoes for $16.

Related:  Phantom Gourmet Checks Out Comfort Food

Prezza
24 Fleet St
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-1577
www.prezza.com

Right in the North End, surrounded by hundreds of restaurants, is Prezza. The way it stands out among the competition is with its food, wine and atmosphere. Feast on the mushroom risotto, featuring fontina cheese, mushroom duxelle and Parmigiano cheese – or one of the many handmade pasta dishes. But for a real taste of comfort food, Prezza has a dish featuring homemade meatballs, sausage, ribs, tomato and polenta for $28.

RedBones
55 Chester St
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 628-2200
www.redbones.com

Sometimes the most comforting foods of all are inspired by Southern barbecue. Start off with hush puppies or corn fritters. Then dig into one of the rib combo dinners. Sides are just as good as the meats here, including mashed potatoes, beans, macaroni and cheese or collard greens.

Related: Phantom Gourmet Samples Comfort Food At 'Fat Cat'