How to budget for eating out in Downtown/North End

Question

We are trying to put together a realistic food budget for a few days in Boston. 2 adults and a child, likely eating in Downtown/North End near tourist attractions, or occasionally further out eg Seaport. Our hotel won't have a kitchenette so this question is purely about eating out. (We like lots of types of food and will be looking for places that would accept us dressed casual). My question is how do I calcuate accurately for taxes and tips? Will lunch expectations on these be any different from evening meals?

I don't see many kids menus which in the UK we're very reliant on as my son is only 8 - Is asking for a child's portion of main meals a known thing? Or sharing/family style? (often a large portion is plenty for him and me combined). Thank you in advance for any advice.

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

When planning a realistic food budget for Boston, especially around Downtown, the North End, and Seaport, there are a few key factors to consider: menu prices, taxes, tips, portion sizes, and dining style. Boston is generally more expensive than many U.S. cities, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.

Calculating taxes and tips:

Sales Tax: Massachusetts has a state sales tax of 6.25% on prepared food at restaurants. This will be added to the menu price.
Tip/Gratuity: Tipping is customary in the U.S., and most casual to mid-range restaurants expect 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service. For very attentive service, 20% is common. Some restaurants automatically add gratuity for larger parties, but for a small party of 3, you would calculate it yourself.
Lunch vs. Dinner: Lunch is usually slightly cheaper than dinner at most sit-down restaurants. Many restaurants offer lunch specials or smaller portions at reduced prices. However, taxes and tipping percentages remain the same.

Budgeting tips:

For a casual sit-down meal in Downtown/North End, expect about $15–$25 per adult for lunch, and $20–$35 per adult for dinner. For a child-sized portion, $8–$12 is reasonable, though many restaurants don’t have dedicated kids’ menus.
Adding 6.25% sales tax and approximately 18% tip, you can estimate a 3-person meal at around $55–$80 for lunch or $70–$100 for dinner.
Casual counter-service options (sandwiches, pizza slices, or seafood shacks) will be cheaper: around $10–$15 per adult, $5–$8 per child. Tax applies; tipping is optional but 10% is customary.

Handling child portions and sharing:

Many Boston restaurants do not offer formal kids’ menus, especially in the North End, but it is common and acceptable to request a half portion or share an adult entrée. Staff are generally accommodating.
Family-style dining (e.g., Italian restaurants in the North End) is common and can be cost-effective. Sharing pasta or pizza plates between a parent and child is standard practice.
Some seafood or casual American restaurants offer a “small plate” or “half-size” option, which works well for children or for splitting.

Practical advice:

When budgeting, add roughly 25–30% on top of menu prices to cover tax and tip. For example, a $20 lunch per adult becomes roughly $25–26 after tax and tip.
Consider a mix of casual counter-service meals and sit-down dinners to balance cost and convenience.
Check online menus in advance; many Boston restaurants post portion sizes and pricing, helping to plan for sharing or child portions.

Overall, with 2 adults and a child, a realistic daily budget for eating out in Downtown/North End/Seaport could range from $120–$200 depending on meal choices and style of dining. Adjust for more casual meals, snacks, or specialty desserts as desired.

How to budget for eating out in Downtown/North End

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