No Crock: These 6 Spots Serve The Best French Onion Soup In Massachusetts

I have to admit, I am a bit obsessed with French onion soup. I am constantly on the hunt for an exceptional bowl of the brothy, cheesy goodness that warms the soul. It's funny, some of the best soup I've had has been found in the least likely places. With my "research" and the help of Eater Boston, Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Toast Tab, I've compiled a little list for you fellow enthusiasts. No crock! These 6 spots serve the best French onion soup in Massachusetts. I'm sure there are many more, so feel free to let us know where you go.

There are so many ways to make a better French Onion soup. Many will tell you, the cheese has to be Gruyere. But, I've had some fab FOS (French Onion Soup) that was topped with Swiss cheese, and a mixture of cheeses. There is one thing that can't waiver, and that is the baking process. It absolutely must be browned on the top and the sides. The cheese that's baked on  the side of the crock is a delicacy.

The broth makes all the difference. It has to be rich and salty but not too salty. The bread crumbs must be able to hold up under extreme temps without getting too soggy. To sherry or not to sherry, these are all concerns. You see, there are many factors to what seems like a simple soup, with but a few ingredients.

As I mentioned, you never know where you'll come across the best FOS. It could be in a high end Boston restaurant and cost you $20. A few towns away, you could find it in a family run, small and simple restaurant for $6 and it's just as delicious. There is no discrimination when it comes to the best French onion soup in Massachusetts.

So, let's dive into this bowl. Below, you will see a few restaurants that serve my favorite soup on a regular basis. The quest for the best will never end. I take this stuff seriously. But for now...No crock! These 6 spots serve best French onion soup in Massachusetts.

*Displayed in no particular order. Subject to chef on duty and your personal taste.

425 West Broad St. South Boston

Lincoln Tavern is a casual spot in the heart of Southie. There's a reason it's been around so long. They simply serve good food, at a good price. Their menu items don't stray from from the traditional. In fact, there French onion is unabashedly conventional. It's made with the usual, caramelized onions, garlic croutons, and gruyere cheese. But you can always count on it to be there and be delicious.

1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike, Norwood (in the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood)

One Bristro describes themselves as "upscale yet casual." Their "Onion Soup Gratinée" is made with caramelized onions, sherry wine, beef stock, and cheese crostini. Give me sherry in French onion soup all day! Yelp reviewer Brian from Norwood said, "They have the best onion soup around. This place is definitely a hidden gem." Don't you love it when the cheese overspills?

110 Willard St. Quincy (at the Common Market Restaurants)

This one is in my neighborhood. My husband and I visit it somewhat frequently. Every time we go, we always order the French onion soup. It is consistently good, always hot, and always served with a smile. The prices here are very reasonable and the portions are excellent.

https://commonmarketrestaurants.com/dine-with-us/cafe-de-paris/

569 Tremont St. Boston (also locations in Chestnut Hill and Legacy Place in Dedham)

Reviewer Sherry said "Best onion soup I've had in a long time!" Made with bone broth, aged sherry, croutons, emmentaler & gruyère, you'll pay more here, but it sounds (and looks) like it's worth it.

25 Massachusetts Ave. Boston

Eater Boston digs Cafe Sauvage's French onion soup topped with Gruyere. They say the "all-day Back Bay cafe aims to off a multicultural taste of Parish." Their version is also made with aceto balsamic and bone marrow. From the looks of it, they do no skimp on the cheese.

135 Market St. Brighton

The Stockyard restaurant in Brighton has been in business since 1972. For as long as I can remember they've had French onion soup on the menu. I haven't been in a few years, but from what I remember, it's really good (and reasonably priced)! Their recipe uses swiss and mozzarella cheese for the au gratin. Pass me a spoon, please.