Living on a college budget in Boston and also wanting to explore all of the delicious (and sometimes expensive) food options can get frustrating and daunting sometimes. I have found that just getting drinks and appetizers at a more expensive place is the best of both worlds: you get to sample different yummy food, and if you are so inclined, can go to multiple restaurants in one night.

Here are some of my favorite places to grab appetizers in Boston (a lot of them are tacos….trust me, they are worth it).

1. Poutine and Beers at The Gallows (South End)

The menu at The Gallows is very seasonal, which makes it a million times better. Get the poutine as an appetizer and you will not be disappointed. They use cheese curds and the inner Midwest girl in me is beyond thrilled. Add a ton of gravy, fries, and thick-cut bacon and you're good to go. Their menu changes, but they always have a couple of different poutine options on the menu.

In picture: nachos and poutine

2. Mejillones and Sangria at Toro (South End)

These mussels cooked in cider and a smoked herb butter are SO good. Ask for extra crusty bread to soak up all of the sauce (trust me, you'll want to). If you get this and another appetizer, it is totally filling enough for a meal. Oh, and get the sangria.

3. Guacamole, Tacos, and Margaritas at El Centro (South End)

The margaritas here are the size of your head and are made with fresh lime juice which goes PERFECTLY with all of the food. Last time I was there (appetizer hopping with my good friend/fellow foodie Alice), I had the guac (we finished it all) and the beef and chicken combo tacos were AMAZING. Also, do not forget to check out the bathroom-it's ridiculous and over-the-top.

4. Taco Night at Zocalo (Back Bay)

On Monday nights, Zocalo does a discounted taco night where you can get one of their delicious tacos for $2 or $3, which totally justifies getting a cocktail (or two) to go with the tacos. My favorites are the beer-battered fish taco with pesto, pickled cabbage, and lots of cilantro and the pulled pork taco with avocado creme, radish, and pickled onions.

5. Bacon guacamole and Tortilla Soup at Lolita (Back Bay)

Let me start off by saying that I do not take guacamole lightly…but this guacamole is INSANELY good. They make it regularly and then add thick, smoky chopped bacon to the top of it. It will be finished in a few minutes it is that amazing. My other go-to there is the tortilla soup (partially because it is cheap and also because it is SO delicious). They pour chicken broth over the soup at the table and it is full of delicious chicken, jalepeno, cheese, and tons of tortilla strips.

6. Sushi Tower at Ginger Exchange

This place tends to be overlooked when near Northeastern's campus, but they have some really fun appetizers on their menu. My favorite is the sushi tower, which consists of rice, fake crab, your choice of raw salmon or tuna, this delicious spicy sauce, seaweed shreds, and a LOT of fish eggs. (PS - if you get it go, they give you a very large portion that is more than enough to satisfy you for lunch or dinner and it is way cheaper than getting a few different rolls).

7. Wu-Tang Tiger Style Ribs at Shojo

My friend Alice took me to this Asian-fusion place in Chinatown, and I was so impressed. We ordered the Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi, Chicken tacos, and the Wu-Tang Tiger Style Ribs. I think our favorite was the short ribs - they fell off the bone and had amazing flavor. The sashimi was a VERY close second with lots of yummy avocado and fish for two people to share.

8. Tacos and Butternut Squash Arancini at Five Horses Tavern

If you live in the South End area, you have most likely been to the Five Horses Tavern for drinks or food. They excel in both of those areas. I had two different tacos there; one had sashimi and the other was a buttermilk-fried fish. They were both amazing, but the real star was the butternut squash arancini - it was served with a creamy blue cheese/rosemary sauce and we were all licking our plates by the end. Sadly, I do not have a picture of this masterpiece, but do not forget to try it next time you're out and about!