Time to line up along the Boston Marathon Route! The 128th running of the Boston Marathon is on Monday, April 15th. It’s a HUGE day in the city and along the route, with lots of activities and excitement.

Spectator information along the Boston Marathon Route

Who knew that running was such a spectator sport? When it comes to the Marathon Monday, it definitely is. People line up along the Boston Marathon route hours in advance to grab a great spot to watch the runners come by. The Boston Athletic Association has a very handy Spectator Guide that you can check out to find out everything you need to know about: parking, road closures, the racing app, and more. They also show you the best places to watch in each city and town along the Boston Marathon route.

Gronk the Grand Marshall of the Boston Marathon

You’re going to see a familiar face along the Boston Marathon route this year. Former Patriot Rob Gronkowski aka Gronk. Last month he was announced as this year’s grand marshal. Gronk is also this year’s recipient of the Patriots’ Award. Each year the BAA presents the award to someone who is “patriotic, philanthropic, and inspirational, and fosters goodwill and sportsmanship.” He’s being recognized for his work of the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, and for some current projects including the Gronk Playground on the Esplanade. As grand marshal, Gronk’s duties include riding through the course and bringing the trophy to the finish line before the elite runners cross the finish line.

Everything you need to know

There are so many things you need to know if you plan on getting out there to support the runners, or you just want to be a witness to one of Boston’s biggest events of the year. Check out the B.A.A website for all the info you need for race day including: how to get updates on your favorite runners, where to watch, social media, the race course, and more.

Let’s eat!

Some of us run, and the rest of us watch, cheer on the runners, and eat! If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in the cities that the race goes through, look no further. Even if you’re not right near the action, there’s always a special energy along the route. The race starts in Hopkinton and travels through: Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline, before ending on Boylston Street in Boston. Here are some recommendations for places to get something to eat and enjoy that big marathon energy.

• Hopkinton - The Spoon

  The Spoon in Hopkinton, who calls their customers Spooners, describes themselves as, “just a townie family trying to create a welcoming environment in the town we grew up in. Our goal is to provide modern takes on classic food and provide a warm, fun atmosphere for both our guests and staff. The Spoon has been part of Hopkinton history for 40 years and we look forward to another 40 with both new and old faces.”

  The Spoon photos

  Photo 18 of 82 for The Spoon - Hopk, MA

• Hopkinton - 110 Grill

  Yes it’s a chain. And yes I love it. I’ve always loved the food no matter what location I’ve gone to. My personal favorite is the Kale Brussels Salad. It’s delicious! Check out their menu HERE.

  110 Grill -Hopkinton photos

  Photo 106 of 108 for 110 Grill -Hopkinton - Hopkinton, MA

   

   

• Hopkinton - Blue Square Pizza

  If you’re a fan of pizza, you might want to check out Blue Square Pizza. They have a Detroit-style pizza, a Grandma pie, and New York Style Pizza. Also, and I love this, all of their pizza dough is make with their own proprietary, organic sourdough starter.

  Blue Square Pizza photos

  Photo of Blue Square Pizza - "Margherita grandma pie" - Hopkinton, MA

• Ashland - Stone's Public House

  As we move along to Ashland, check out Stone’s Public House for: lobster rolls, fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage egg rolls, vegetarian shepherds pie, and MORE.

  Stone's Public House photos

  Photo of Stone's Public House - "Awesome Egg Roll" - Ashland, MA

• Ashland - Mexico City Taqueria and Bar

  This looks like a super fun place to spend the day eating and drinking. I mean, who wouldn’t love a marathon day margarita?

  Mexico City Taqueria and Bar photos

  Photo 34 of 160 for Mexico City Taqueria and Bar - Ashland, MA

• Ashland - Kous-Kous

  If you’re looking for a little Mediterranean food, Kous-Kous looks delicious!

  Kous-Kous photos

  Photo of Kous-Kous - "Green Falafel plate, fresh tabouli, basmati rice, eggplant dip and hummus" - Framingham, MA

• Framingham - J & M Diner

  Gotta love a good diner right? Check out the delicious creations at J & M Diner in Framingham. Waffles, eggs benedict, milk shakes, pancakes, omelettes, and so much more! * Ramiro and Nicole approved.

  J & M Diner photos

  Photo of J & M Diner - "Two Belgian waffles with USA fruit and Nutella drizzle" - Framingham, MA

• Framingham - Bourbon's Kitchen & Cocktails

  If you’re looking for a cocktail to celebrate Marathon Monday, Bourbon’s Kitchen & Cocktails has a great selection. Grilled Pineapple Margarita? Passion Fruit Punch? Yes, please! And on the food side, the menu looks just as delicious. Also *Ramiro & Nicole Approved

  Menus | Bourbon's Kitchen & Cocktails

  Creative Comfort Food & Craft Cocktails in Framingham, Massachusetts

• Framingham - Samba Steak & Sushi

  True story. Ramiro loves this place but is banned from going there by his wife. Why? That’s where he used to take ALL his dates! Lol

  Samba Steak & Sushi photos

  Photo of Samba Steak & Sushi - "Sushi" - Framingham, MA

• Natick - Comella's

  Comella’s in Natick is one of their many location that first opened in another marathon city, Wellesley. Whether you’re looking for pizza, salad, wings, wraps, or pasta, they have it all. And if you’re looking for gluten free, they have some choices there as well.

  Comella's - Natick, MA

  COMELLA'S, 45 Main St, Natick, MA 01760, 22 Photos, Mon - 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, Tue - 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, Wed - 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, Thu - 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, Fri - 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, Sat - 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, Sun - 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

• Natick - Buttercup

  Buttercup in Natick is a contemporary American farm-to-table restaurant, owned and operated by husband and wife team, Dora Tavel-Sanchez Luz and Gabriel Sanchez Luz. From the buttermilk cornbread with lavender honey, to the tiger shrimp risotto and beef short ribs, there is something mouthwatering for taste.

  Buttercup photos

  Photo of Buttercup - "Pan seared Halibut" - Natick, MA

• Natick - Olga's Kafe

  If you’re looking for a yummy hidden gem, head to Olga’s Kafe. In addition to their food menu of scones, sandwiches, wraps, and pastries, they have a wide variety of drinks. Things like Iced Banana Mocha, Caramel Apple Butter Latte, a Lavender London Fog Latte, and more.

  Olga's Kafe

  Hi, I'm Olga! We've either already met or I'll have the pleasure of meeting you when you come in. The inspiration for my café came at an early age. I grew up loving the smell of coffee brewing from my parent's stovetop percolator. They're Greek, which means they take their coffee seriously!

• Wellesley - Singh's Cafe

  If Indian food is your thing, personally I love it, the food at Singh’s Cafe looks delicious!

  Singh's Cafe photos

  Photo of Singh's Cafe - "Vegetable Samosa" - Wellesley, MA

• Wellesley - Laughing Monk Cafe

  I’ve never been here, but it looks so fancy and beautiful and delicious. I will definitely be making my way to Laughing Monk Cafe.

  Laughing Monk Cafe photos

  Photo 179 of 190 for Laughing Monk Cafe - Wellesley, MA

• Wellesley - The Cottage

  Another “Ramiro and his wife Nicole Recommended” restaurant, The Cottage in Wellesley.

  The Cottage photos

  Photo of The Cottage - "Sweet potato crusted cod." - Wellesley, MA

• Wellesley - Blue Ribbon BBQ

  If you’re looking to get down and dirty for Marathon Monday, Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton is “Ramiro Recommended” and mouthwateringly delicious.

  Blue Ribbon BBQ photos

  Photo of Blue Ribbon BBQ - "This is burnt ends and brisket. Prob one of best cook briskets I had outside of Texas!" - West Newton, MA

• Newton - Season's 52

  * Ramiro and Nicole Recommended…Season 52. I’m not super into desserts, but this tray of mini desserts looks tempting!

  Seasons 52 photos

  Photo of Seasons 52 - "Dessert tray...All so tempting" - Chestnut Hill, MA

• Newton - Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits

  Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits in Newton serves traditional comfort food and trend setting specials. I don’t eat a whole lot of beef, but this Irish beef stew looks delicious!

  Dunn-Gaherin's Food and Spirits photos

  Photo of Dunn-Gaherin's Food and Spirits - "The delicious Irish beef stew" - Newton, MA

• Brookline - Bab Korean Bistro

  For the past year and a half, I’ve been obsessed with all things Korean, including Kdramas, the culture, and the food. One of my go-to spots is Bab Korean Bistro. Some of my favs are: kimchi jeon (pancake), tteok bokki (sweet and spicy rice cakes), dolsot bibimbap (rice bowl with veggies, egg, protein in a hot stone pot), and kimchi jjigae (fermented spicy kimchi and pork stew). SO delicious!

  BAB Korean Bistro photos

  Photo of BAB Korean Bistro - "M7. L.a. Galbi, D3. Spicy Pork Dotsot Bibim Bab, C6. Mul Naeng Myun with Beef Bulgogi, KS18. Gopchang Soondubu" - Brookline, MA

• Brookline - Barcelona Wine Bar

  Another spot I’ve been to several times and have never been disappointed. I went to Barcelona, Spain a few years ago and the food was next level delicious. When I want to relive my time sitting on the side of the street eating papas bravas (potatoes), jamon, and wine, I make a trip to Barcelona wine bar. They have delicious tapas and every single one that I’ve tried has been delicious!

  Barcelona Wine Bar photos

  Photo of Barcelona Wine Bar - "Patatas Bravas" - Brookline, MA

• Brookline - The Publick House

  The Publick House is a popular Brookline spot to get some lobster nachos, burgers, fish & chips, and a pot of mussels bigger than your head.

  The Publick House photos

  Photo 118 of 318 for The Publick House - Brookline, MA

• Boston - Rochambeau

  Right on Boylston Street is French restaurant Rochambeau. Melissa recently went with her food blogger friend Forking with Armani who has a great reel of his experience. Oh, and Melissa’s hand makes a French onion soup appearance.

  Rochambeau photos

  Photo of Rochambeau - "Charcuterie & Cheese" - Boston, MA

   

   

   

• Boston - Little Whale

  Little Whale on Newbury Street has a sidewalk patio as well as a 2nd-floor private room so you can have a front row seat to the action when the runners turn off Newbury Street. Throw in some oysters, chowder, lobster sandwich, white clam flatbread and more, and you have a deliciously fun day.

  Little Whale photos

  Photo of Little Whale - "So fresh, so good! (Instagram: @diningwithkels)" - Boston, MA

   

• Boston - Buttermilk & Bourbon

  Man listen! These warm honey-glazed biscuits look like they’re more than worth a trip! Mac and cheese, fried chicken, cast iron roasted lobster & dumplings, and more!

  Buttermilk & Bourbon photos

  Photo of Buttermilk & Bourbon - "Warm honey glazed biscuits" - Boston, MA

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