Eat like an Insider: Area Four’s Michael Krupp tells us his favorite Boston eats

There’s rarely no line outside A4cade, the Area Four/ Roxy’s Grilled Cheese venture that serves quirky cocktails and artisan grilled cheese alongside rows of token-fueled classic arcade games. It’s a brainchild of Area Four co-owner Michael Krupp and James DiSabatino of Roxy’s and Whole Heart Provisions. The two hit nostalgia sweet spot with Tiki-inspired drinks served out of a porcelain Death Star and an 18-foot Shuffleboard and Skeeball tables. 

For Krupp, who helms the beloved pizza outposts in Kendall Square and the South End’s luxury residences, the Troy, he has no trouble spreading the love to the city’s other fine establishments. While we could eat Area Four’s perfectly crispy, wood-oven-baked pizzas every night, the 38-year-old South Ender parses his time eating at some of the tastiest joints around town. He shares his faves:

 

Peach Farm in Chinatown — the go-to spot for salt and pepper shrimp, surly waiters and no windowless dining. Perfect for late nights and sad afternoons. 

 

The grilled cheese with tomato at Cabot’s is still $4.99, but one should really splurge the extra $2 for the best tuna melt in town.  

 

Cocobeet in Government Center — yes it’s a juice, yes its healthy, yes they also have amazing salads and sandwiches that are suitable for my half-ass meat-loving vegan lifestyle. Also, Acai bowls are like healthy dessert. 

 

Café Sushi — come for the award winning sushi, stay for the conversation with the irresistible Imura brothers. 

 

My wife is a terrible eater. Strangely she has no problem finding plenty to enjoy at Kava, this adorable little Greek spot. No ressies and fills up quick so perfect for those of us who have to make it home in time to relieve the babysitter. 

 

JJ Foley’s in the South End. At this point in my life I don’t even know If I want to drink anything but Guinness and Jameson with friends. Stick with the original corner entrance to avoid people who aren’t there to just drink. 

 

Self-promotion here, but is there anything more Insta-Face-Tinder-Tumblr-able than a gooey grilled cheese sandwich next to a tiki cocktail for two served in an R2D2 surrounded by the flashing screens of arcade games? I think not! A4Cade. 

 

Oleana is one of the city’s most long standing and praised restaurants for all of the right reasons. It’s also convenient enough that even visitors to Boston proper should be enticed to come over the bridge.