Where is the Best Bar Scene in Boston, Massachusetts?
I went to Gargoyles with my girlfriend on a Saturday night and neglected to recognize that Boston’s Restaurant Week was in full swing. The place was very crowded and although we had a reservation for 8 pm, we weren’t seated until 8:30. We passed the time with cocktails and had to stand in a very crowded bar area that overlapped with a dining area. The hostess seemed incredibly flighty and naive to the preferences of a more expensive restaurant’s clientele. I heard another patron complain very vociferously about the rudeness of the maitre d’.Once seated, we were thrilled with the menu and choices. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive without being over-bearing. For appetizers we had baked figs and the tuna poke which were both great. The figs may have been a bit too filling for a first course but this was forgivable because of the flavors. The tuna was excellent with simple flavors that accompanied each other extremely well without creating an overwhelming effect; a strong first
On a recent trip to the Fleet Center, we stumbled upon Porters, a small eating/drinking establishment in the heart of the west end. We were pleasantly surprised by the “Grill” part of “Bar & Grill” – the menu offered all the basics (best burger in Boston!) plus some trademark dishes (red bliss potatoes with bleu cheese a must try) as well as a few nightly specials. They also pour a good variety of draft beers from CLEAN tap lines, making for a good pre-event watering hole. Prices were better than average, especially in light of the food quality and portion size. While there is better than adequate sports viewing (large projection screen), it doesn’t dominate the atmosphere like some sports bars. The staff was very friendly, tho getting the check took extra time as it was super busy before game time (leave some extra time if possible). We returned later that night to find live entertainment, an unexpected post-game bonus.
I’ve been to Sonsie maybe three or four times with different people and the food here is always good. It’s of course on the pricier end, but I’d say that almost every meal I’ve had here is worth every penny I paid for it, which for me is unusual. The service is usually pretty good and waitstaff are nice. With that said, the place does have a somewhat pretentious air about it, and many of the patrons seem rather snooty. The cafe area at the front of the restaurant feels somewhat cramped with tables being very small and a little too close to one another. I’ll have to try seating in the back sometime. All that said and done though, kudos to the chef, Bill Poirier. The food alone I give 5 stars. He knows how to take what seems to be the most random of flavors and ingredients and turn it into something incredible. It’s very obvious he cares a lot about each dish that leaves the kitchen and the satisfaction of every customer. Will definitely be eating here again. Pros + Food is worth ever
I think the food at Lucca was very good, esp. the rigatoni with wild boar. The selection in the menu was a bit small, esp. the apetizers. The price is a little bit expensive, the cost of seared beef tenderoin was $36, I think I have had similar food with comparable quality elsewhere but at a cheaper price. The pasta dishes are all expensive, $25++. The waiter was new and a bit confused which was a minus point. And, there is no valet parking. Overall, I think the food is good, but I’m that “wowed” to pay for the food.Pros + Good foodCons – Small menu, pricing, no valet parking
Two friends and I found ourselves just outside of Harvard Square on saturday afternoon and hungy for some light snacks and a good cocktail. We stepped into Temple Bar and had a lovely time in their bar that is open to the street. The pizza, fries and salad were just right, although the pizza had a slightly soggy, limp crust. Our cocktails were good too – their drink list leans toward the sweet side of things, but classic drinks (side-car, old-fashioned) were just right. Our waitress seemed half-asleep and bored, but overall we had a very enjoyable time there.Pros + Great space.Cons – A little pricey.
