Most people come to Fenway Park for the crack of the bat and a glimpse of the Green Monster, but before first pitch—or after extra innings—you’ll need food worthy of the pilgrimage. Luckily, Boston’s neighborhoods surrounding the ballpark are stacked with spots that have already earned a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives stamp of approval. From South End comfort classics to East Boston’s homespun Italian, here are the “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” certified restaurants worth building into your game-day game plan.

1. Mike’s City Diner — South End, Boston

A quick hop on the Green Line from Fenway brings you to this South End institution where locals refuel with hearty, no-nonsense comfort food. The dining room buzzes with a neighborhood vibe that makes first-timers feel like regulars, and the portions guarantee you won’t be mid-inning hungry. It’s the kind of solid, stick-to-your-ribs place that reminded Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives why Boston does diner fare right.

2. Yankee Lobster Company — Seaport District, Boston

If your Fenway tradition calls for seafood before first pitch, hop a quick rideshare to the Seaport and this working-wharf staple. Family-run for generations, Yankee Lobster keeps its maritime roots front and center while offering a laid-back counter setup that’s easy on visiting fans. Its on-air appearance showed the country how Boston balances fresh catch with relaxed, roll-up-your-sleeves charm.

3. Cutty’s — Brookline Village, MA

Just one stop outbound from Fenway on the Green Line, Cutty’s is the neighborhood sandwich shop every ballpark wishes it had next door. Owners Charles and Rachel Kelsey cure, roast, and pickle nearly everything in-house, turning simple combos into crave-worthy handhelds. “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” highlighted their from-scratch philosophy, but locals love the breezy, counter-service model that lets you grab and go before the National Anthem.

4. Boston Burger Company — Somerville & Boston

You’ll find the original Boston Burger Company a short Red Line jaunt away in Somerville, plus an outpost on Boylston Street that’s dangerously close to Fenway’s gates. Known for imaginative, towering burgers, the spot pairs playful flavors with a sports-bar energy perfect for pre-game meet-ups. When “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” dropped in, the crew left impressed by how the restaurant keeps creativity high without losing sight of a perfectly cooked patty.

5. Rino’s Place — East Boston, MA

Fenway fans willing to venture through the tunnel—or ride the Blue Line—will be rewarded with Rino’s cozy trattoria vibes and beloved red-sauce cooking. The tiny dining room fills quickly, but the wait is part of the ritual for Bostonians and “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” viewers alike. Once seated, you’re treated to portions as hefty as a left-field blast, making it a clutch choice for a late post-game feast.

6. Sam LaGrassa’s — Downtown Crossing, Boston

Weekday day-game crowds can stroll or ride one stop to this lunchtime legend that’s been stacking sandwiches since 1968. Sam LaGrassa’s moves guests through at lightning speed, ideal when you need to be in your seat for the first pitch. On the show, Guy marveled at the craftsmanship behind every cured meat, but regulars appreciate the crisp, old-school service just as much.

7. Angela’s Café — East Boston, MA

Nestled in Eagle Hill, Angela’s brings the flavors of Puebla to Boston with warmth that feels like a family kitchen. The tortillas are pressed fresh, and the sauces simmer for hours, lending depth that caught “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” attention. Swing by for a vibrant meal before an evening game, and you’ll still have time to catch the first warm-up throws across the diamond.

8. Kelly’s Diner — Somerville, MA

Set inside a gleaming 1953 Worcester lunch car, Kelly’s Diner serves nostalgia by the chrome-plated spoonful. A short ride to Davis Square puts you in line for traditional short-order classics and that authentic rail-car ambiance. “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” showcased the spot’s commitment to keeping diner culture alive, making it a fun thematic bookend to ballpark bleachers and old-school scoreboards.

9. The Lobster Shanty — Salem, MA

For fans turning a Fenway trip into a full New England weekend, a commuter-rail ride north leads to this laid-back Salem hangout. The Shanty feels more like a neighborhood living room than a restaurant, complete with local art and a come-as-you-are vibe that resonated on its “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” segment. Grab a comforting bowl of chowder before heading back to Boston, and you’ll understand why visitors and locals linger long after the final spoonful.