Hello we are driving down from Canada next year for a Bruin Game there are 4 of us. We would like to know the best fish place clam chowder and the best pizza in town. Also before the game snack and after the game drinks with a large selection of draft beer close to the arena. Thanks in advance.
Fish/Chowder:
Neptune Oyster's chowder isn't cheap, but it's good and it's a short walk from the Garden, in the North End. There are other places people will swear by, but for consistency, Neptune, B&G, and Legal are solid options. One reason I would recommend Neptune is you can also get both styles of lobster roll. Split one of each with a friend and judge for yourself.
Pizza:
Boston is well outside the "pizza belt", which ends at about Providence, RI. MA isn't NJ, you can't just walk into a random pizza joint and expect a good slice. If you want pizza by the Garden that isn't trash, I'd stick to the original Regina or go cheap and grab a special at someplace like Viga, which is a chain with downtown locations where you can grab a slice, salad, and soda for lunch.
Pre-game:
As someone who spent a lot of time
avoiding the pre- and post-game crowds during my commute home, I like Tasty Burger as the pre-game spot. Grab a burger, side of tots, and a beer. I found it's usually less of a madhouse than the spots over by Causeway.
Drinking:
Post-game drinks are going to depend on your tastes. I'd rather gouge my eyes out than stick around the arena, but I'm sure there are lots of people who'd have the same reaction to my old stomping grounds. For decent beer lists, the closest will be Nightshift next door to the Garden. In the wider vicinity of the arena I like The Ginger Man's list. Neither are especially cheap. If you're going out for real around that area, you can splurge on some fancy beers at one of those and then go get hammered some place like Biddy Early's.
The other option is to head back to wherever you're staying for later night activities. Boston proper is tiny, but within the area covered by public transit are different neighborhoods and/or adjacent cities with distinct vibes.