OFF THE PATH BOSTON-AREA RESTAURANTS

Boston, Mass.-4/18/2011--Boston Marathon finish line. During the Boston Marathon runners have the finish line in sight as they make the final yards on Boylston Stree. Boston Globe staff photo by John Tlumacki (sports) John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

You’re in the mood to go out and grab some grub in Boston. Maybe you like to play Italian restaurant roulette in the North End. Or perhaps you’ve heard good things about Hungry Mother, which won our Munch Madness restaurant bracket for the third consecutive year this spring, and plan to cross the Charles River for a bite. Otherwise, here’s our guide to restaurants around town where we like to hang out, places that will keep you from jamming into overcrowded spots like Joe’s American Bar & Grill on Newbury Street or Cheers on Beacon Street..