East Boston Classic: Rino's Place

Earlier this month I finally made it to East Boston to check out the famous Rino's Place. I've heard about the classic Italian dishes and insane portion sizes many times from friends, chefs, and of course, Guy Fieri. The old school spot is so small and so crowded, people used to spend the two hour plus waits outside, regardless of temperature. Now, thank god, they own a new place across the street called Primo e Dopo, which is perfect for a drink and an appetizer before Rino's or a coffee after dinner. It does get dangerous though, two hour waits equal up to a lot of glasses of wine.

You have to expect to devote your entire night to the East Boston experience, we got there around 9 on a Friday night and didn't eat until around 11. Afterwards I doubt you'll want to do anything but go home and lie down, the food coma is inevitable.

Here's what we tried...

Rino's was every bit worth the trip, the wait and the round trip cab fare. It was not only some of the best classic Italian food I've had in Boston, but in my entire life. All the pasta is homemade and the sauces and technique are every bit authentic. You will over eat, it's impossible not to. Even with the lack of self control you may experience in the face of homemade pasta, you will still have leftovers for a week.

Rino's Place
258 Saratoga St.
East Boston, MA 02128