Cad & The Dandy has a North American HQ in the form of its Midtown Manhattan Penthouse, but it continues to take the show on the road with frequent stops to other cities across the “Acela Corridor.” Among the most frequent of these stop-offs is Boston, which can count on a visit from Cad & The Dandy tailors six times a year (with the next coming on July 24th—reserve a spot here).
Within “The Hub,” Cad beds down at Raffles Boston, a recently opened outpost of the Singaporean luxury hotel known for originating the Singapore Sling cocktail (they serve a smashing version at the Long Bar & Terrace, a rooftop bar with sweeping views of South Boston). Aside from its sleek modern charms and first-rate hospitality, Raffles Boston is also favored for its central location in Back Bay, which puts it within walking distance of many offices and attractions. It also enjoys a close proximity to public transit, located some five minutes walking distance from the Green Line’s Arlington Stop via T, and just half that distance from Back Bay Station—a boon to those traveling by the MBTA Commuter Rail or Amtrak.
Your Fitting at our Boston HQ
With an appointment in hand, whether that’s for an initial consultation or a fitting, you’ll pass through Raffles Boston’s tall glass doors and make your way to the check-in desk. Simply give them your name and tell them you have an appointment to see Cad & The Dandy, and they’ll provide you with the room number and have a staff member punch in the correct floor on the lift.
At the door, give it a little rap and you’ll soon be welcomed into a spacious hotel room temporarily transformed into a Cad & The Dandy field HQ. If it’s your first visit, the visiting tailor will walk you through the commissioning process and take your measurements. If you’re picking up, those garments will soon be plucked from the closet. You will also notice a collection of swatch books displayed on a coffee table; if you’ve requested any types of fabrics in particular, they will be in the mix.
After the passage of an hour in the case of a suit consultation, or thirty minutes for a fitting, you may find yourself in the need of a little refreshment. And while you’ll officially be out of Cad & The Dandy’s hands in that department, there’s a strong roster of nearby eateries and bars that our team can recommend.
Our Top Cafe, Restaurant and Bar Picks in Boston
Lunch at Flour Bakery + Cafe
If you’re looking for a quick lunch, a coffee or a snack, you can’t beat Flour Bakery + Cafe. The local chain, which has a location a block from Raffles at 131 Clarendon Street, has won accolades from the Cad & The Dandy team for is decadent sticky buns, homemade Oreo cookies and superb sandwiches (even carnivores will relish its cheesy, smoky cauliflower melt).
Lobster Rolls at Saltie Girl
If you’re in the mood for a more traditional New England seafood experience, that can be fulfilled with a short walk up the street to Saltie Girl at 279 Dartmouth, which boasts one of the more enviable lobster rolls in town and provides superb people watching via its Newbury Street-facing patio.
Steak Dinner at Grill 23
If you’re in a bit more of a special occasion mood—after all, beginning your bespoke journey calls for celebration—you can mark it with an indulgent steak dinner at Grill 23 at 161 Berkeley Street, which also possesses one of the city’s finest wine menus.
Drinks at The Long Bar, Moonbar, and Lolita
Now, we haven’t forgotten about that drink. As mentioned earlier, Raffles Boston’s own Long Bar & Terrace is a fine, high-altitude stop for a post-appointment tipple. Two other nearby haunts to consider are Moonbar at 129 Columbus Avenue, whose tropically minded cocktail menu mixes South American and Southeast Asian flavors with aplomb; and Lolita, a swanky tequila temple at 271 Dartmouth that’s pure Mexican gothic.
Cad & The Dandy visits Boston six times annually at Raffles Boston; see here for the current visitation schedule.