Lace up those sneakers Boston, because Marathon Monday is fast approaching. The 130th race will take place on April 20.
Whether you’re running across the finish line or simply scrambling for a spot to see the action, here are the Globe’s picks for restaurants along the route, watch parties, and special deals to celebrate race day.
2Mauro’s Cafe
For a morning bite, settle in at 2Mauros Cafe, located just off of Main Street, where the Ashland portion of the marathon route takes place. Spectators can feast on breakfast classics like eggs Benedict, omelets, and waffles before heading over to watch the early race action. Or, in honor of the runners’ trek, try the “Mile High French Toast,” which comes with banana, strawberry, or blueberry glaze.
372 Union St., Ashland, 508-309-3127, 2mauroscafe.com
Casey’s Diner
Known for its hot dogs, this over-120-year-old Natick restaurant sits only a block away from the marathon route. Whether you’re running or not, you can carbo-load on breakfast dishes like cinnamon swirl French toast and Belgian waffles, or grab a sandwich or burger for lunch. If you have a sweet tooth, it also offers a variety of pies, ice cream floats, and shakes.
36 South Ave., Natick, 508-650-6272, caseysdiner.com
Cactus Club Cafe
This new spot is conveniently located near the final stretch of the race. The Canadian restaurant chain opened its first U.S. location in Boston this December, with a menu featuring several seafood dishes, including sushi, miso caramel sea bass, and fish tacos, as well as steaks, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. It also sells a variety of beer, wine, and cocktails.
500 Boylston St. Unit 170, Boston, 617-341-9428, cactusclubcafe.com
Pino’s Pizza
If you can’t bear to miss a minute of action as runners make their way up the famous Heartbreak Hill, grab a slice at Pino’s and have a sidewalk pizza picnic. The Boston College staple offers pies with classic toppings, as well as specialties like Sicilian style and Alfredo pizza.
1920 Beacon St., Brighton, 617-566-6468, pinospizza.com
Cityside Tavern
Located within view of the Cleveland Circle stretch of the race, this restaurant offers the chance to cheer on the marathoners from the patio, or take in an aerial view from the roof deck. The tavern offers specialty cocktails and mocktails along with American classics like burgers and wings, as well as unique dishes like Italian egg rolls filled with prosciutto, capicola, and cheese. In honor of race day, it will open early at 8 a.m.
1960 Beacon St., Brighton, 617-566-1002, cityside-tavern.com
Rochambeau
The French restaurant offers spectators a front row seat as runners near the finish line. If watching all the cardio makes you hungry, you can order its Marathon Monday specials like a braised short rib quesadilla, spanakopita spring rolls, and pigs in a blanket, as well as the usual menu.
900 Boylston St., Boston. 617-247-0400, rochambeauboston.com

Redwhite Boneless Ramen
If you’re looking for a plant-based meal, Redwhite Boneless Ramen is an eight-minute walk from the course. The restaurant offers a variety of noodle soups, including flavors like garlic miso, truffle salt, and sweet chili, as well as sushi rolls, sodas, and bottled teas. It also serves gluten-free options.
294 Newbury St., Boston, 857-277-0609, redwhiteusa.com
Parish Cafe
Located near the final stretch of the race, this Back Bay restaurant is known for its sandwiches, each one created by a different Boston chef. The menu includes a BLT from Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery, a grilled lamb kofta on naan from Jay Hajj of Mike’s City Diner, and (my personal favorite) Le Mistral: beef tenderloin on ciabatta topped with caramelized onions, arugula, and muenster cheese from Mitchell Randall of Ostra. With indoor and outdoor seating, you can taste the race day action along with a delicious meal.
361 Boylston St., Boston, 617-247-4777, parishcafe.com
Swingers
Boston’s new mini golf venue is offering a special Marathon Monday package. Tickets include unlimited play on both of its nine-hole courses, an hour of arcade games, a souvenir visor for adults and a medal for kids, and breakfast and lunch buffets. The establishment windows overlook Boylston St, and attendees can come and go as they please to watch the runners go by.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. $69 for kids, $99 for adults. 777 Boylston St., Boston, 617-885-2006, swingers.club

One Mile to Go Block Party
Head over to Beacon Street and cheer on the marathoners as they approach the final stretch. Citgo hosts a pop-up beer garden featuring Samuel Adams brews, music from DJ Ryan Brown, and a family area with lawn games like cornhole and Jenga. Plus, catch the finish line action on a jumbotron.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 660 Beacon St., Boston, bostonyouremyhome.net

Mile 27 Post-Race Party
Don’t let the name fool you: The celebrations in City Hall Plaza start long before the marathon ends. Watch a race livestream while listening to performances from DJ Petro and brass band Revolutionary Snake Ensemble. The event will also feature a pop-up Samuel Adams beer garden, as well as food vendors, including iconic Boston spots like Modern Pastry, Legal Sea Foods, and Sal’s. Runner and comedian Laura Green and Olympic runner Heather MacLean host the post-race festivities, including live podcasts from Running for the Bus and the On the Runs Podcast. The night ends with a toast to the runners and a performance from local funk-soul-jazz-fusion band Couch.
12-8 p.m. $10, children under 12 are free. 1 City Hall Square, Boston, baa.org
Atlantic Fish Co.
Watch runners cross the finish line as you enjoy all-day eats at this ticketed event. The restaurant hosts a continental breakfast, followed by passed appetizers and a buffet featuring a carving station, raw bar, sandwiches, salads, and desserts like cookies, brownies, and petit fours. Attendees can also purchase drinks from the bar.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. $198. 761 Boylston St., Boston, 617-267-4000, atlanticfish.com

Kings Dining & Entertainment
If you need an extra taste of competition ahead of the big race, the Back Bay and Seaport Kings Dining & Entertainment locations will offer free bowling all weekend for marathon runners who show their bib. They will also sell $4 Michelob Ultras and $3 Michelob Ultra Zeros for racers and spectators alike.
April 18-21. Back Bay: 50 Dalton St., Boston, 617-266-2695. Seaport: 60 Seaport Blvd. Suite 225, Boston,617-401-0025, playatkings.com
Levain Bakery
Marathoners, show your medal any time on race day at Levain Bakery Back Bay or Seaport for a free cookie of your choice.
8 a.m.-9 p.m. Back Bay: 180 Newbury St., Boston, 617-390-7799. Seaport: 107 Seaport Blvd., Boston, 617-925-7959, levainbakery.com

Harpoon Brewery
For those running their first Boston Marathon, Harpoon Brewery in the Seaport has you covered. Featuring a guest appearance from 21-time marathon runner and Guinness World Record Holder Becca Pizzi, the beer hall’s multi-day celebration honors new runners with commemorative glass giveaways, live music, and protein– and carb-loaded food specials, including a “Finish Line Frank,” a pretzel board, and a “‘Pizzi’ Ziti” pasta with meatballs and garlic bread. Additionally, on Sunday, the first 50 Boston Marathon newbies to arrive at the event will receive “First Time Runner” cowbell.
April 19-20, 12-8 p.m. 306 Northern Ave., Boston, 617-456-2322, harpoonbrewery.com
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
Toast this year’s runners with a special 26.2 Brew, an ale brewed with sea salt and coriander, from Samuel Adams. Marathon runners can sign up for discounted brewery tours, including a pint of the special marathon beer and a commemorative glass. During the weekend, the brewery will host music in the beer garden, as well as food specials like the Almost 12″ Hot Dog and a Sam Burger served with cheese, garlic aioli, and tomato bacon jam. On race day, it will host an after party featuring a performance from musician Emily Desmond.
April 17-20. 30 Germania St., Boston, 617-368-5080, samadamsbostonbrewery.com

Banner’s Kitchen and Tap
Runners accompanied by someone purchasing a meal can receive a free dish of their choice by showing their bib or medal on Marathon Monday. The multi-level sports bar is also home to a nearly 40-foot screen, which will broadcast the race action earlier in the day.
Offer valid from 12-7 p.m. 82 Causeway St., Boston, 617-263-8200, bannerskitchenandtap.com
Annie Sarlin can be reached at annie.sarlin@globe.com. Follow her on Instagram @anniesarlinjournalism.
