Where else in Boston can you go to meet friends for great food, cool decor and a cool wait staff after midnight? The Franklin Cafe. I've only actually sat down for dinner there once (our server was very nice and the food was delicious) but I've sat at the bar numerous times for drinks and apps. The bartenders are friendly, chill, and extremely attentive (there is something to be said a bartender who can casually slip by and refill an empty wine glass with a bottle of wine that has already been purchased without being noticed). The Franklin Cafe does tend to get crowded late night. I've never had to wait outside to get in, but there are definitely times where I haven't been able to score a seat at the bar/at the tables. read more

Yo Franklin Cafe, you've delivered the goods. again. Came here with first time visitors and all was well on Shawmut as usual. Food was excellent, including the mussels, spring rolls (usually i'd never eat spring rolls except at an asian joint, but somehow this fusion version works), and pumpkin bisque appetizers. Ordered the tuna entree and it was made quick work of by our crew. Service good, the ambience is cozy, dark, and chill like a great lounge/bar should be. The place has a great crowd flow. Fills up for the post-work 6-8 time slot (even on a Wed), then empties out a bit from 8-10 or so (in this case, i overheard many rushing back to see the obama-mcsame debate--i elected to watch it on tape delay), and then the late night crowd shuffles in... if ever there was a Van Gogh meets Hopper moment, this place is it. I like to call this place the true 'Night Cafe' in the Van Gogh spirit. Good peeps, and the improvisational 'Jazz of Life.'--- Alive. read more

If you can get in on a weeknight, it's the ultimate comfort food. I have to admit, the potential wait is a bit of a deterrent, but just time it right, and you won't be standing outside for that long. Plus, I think service is a little less rushed and hectic on weekdays. It's a very small and cozy place in a random stretch on Shawmut, dark and intimate. The menu is small but has a good variety of offerings, including options for vegetarians. I had a really good grilled cheese there once, and side dishes are also nice to share. My favorite is definitely the turkey meatloaf because of the sweet and tangy fig sauce that highlights it so well. I really like the warm, neighborhood feel of the place.. just don't try to go on a Friday or Saturday night. read more

in my 12 years in Boston, the South End has morphed dramatically into the yuppie-coolish place that it is. in all that time, Franklin has stayed pretty damn consistent. Always packed, always satisfying, and always damn good bartenders. I guess the only thing that has changed slightly is the crowd, which is part due to the changing demographics in the neighborhood - and part due to Yelp which exposes hidden gems like this to suburbanites who venture into the city in their Yukon, have no concept of bar real estate etiquette, and make comments like "the menu here is just like Cheesecake Factory - it's very new American, I think" i hope you have something to wipe up your puke after reading that. (disclaimer: I am no snob - some of my best friends are suburbanites) all entrees still under $20, and they squeeze comfort out of ever damn penny of it. great solo, great on a date - for a snack and a glass of wine, or to get stuffed on turkey meatloaf and some tasty cocktails. Or when you just have that hankering for a 'Cheesecake Factory' moment - but can deal with a 2-page menu read more

This place is awesome. I had been wanting to go for awhile and finally had the chance to try it out.......after taking a long time to find parking! Didn't realize that it's very small on the inside - only a handful of tables and a decent size bar. Great menu that changes periodically and they have a little of everything. I had a chicken dish that was outstanding. I'll be back! For a similar experience they have locations in South Boston, Gloucester and a similar concept is opening in Fenway. read more

I was recently informed by a celiac-aware friend that the Franklin restaurants/bars had gluten-free menus. So when I was asked to recommend a restaurant for a birthday gathering, I took the opportunity to suggest Franklin Cafe in the new-to-us South End. We arrived around 6:15 on a Wednesday night, and while parking was a pain, we were able to snag the last available booth for our party of 4. Decor was dark and minimal yet homey, and it definitely had the feel of a neighborhood bar. I asked for the gluten-free menu and was told that there were no tangible copies but the server could review options with me. We chose to start with the calamari and steak appetizers, which were both delicious. For drinks, I played it safe slash boring with a glass of shiraz, but my dining companions enjoyed a selection of cocktails made with ingredients like cucumbers and ginger beer. For my main course, I went the comfort-food route with the brisket, which was served over carrots and cabbage. I also got a side of chive mashed potatoes. Everything was cooked to perfection and totally hit the spot after a very long day. Others in our party ordered the steak frite and the salmon, and all plates were cleared by the end of the evening. A couple ending points: first, this place got CROWDED by the time we were eating our meals. People were hovering, albeit subtly, by our table by around 7:45-8, and this place does not take reservations, so we were glad we got there for the Early Bird Special. Second, we were there for a birthday celebration and were disappointed by the lack of dessert. No public embarrassment and tiny birthday cake? Wah Wah. Overall, I'd go back to try some of the other options on the menu and some of the house cocktails, but I'm curious to experience the South Boston location first. read more

After hearing this craze about the corned beef, I tried it. It was OK. Kinda dry. The cabbage was pretty good. One of the appetizers... with the thinly sliced raw meat was really good. Noticed this place had an Asian chef, so there were many asian inspired dishes. Chicken was just ok. Strong drinks. Kinda expensive, but at least you walk away full. read more

We had drinks only. Love it small neighborhood spot reasonable prices. Funky decor but lively crown. I has grey goose, my daughter had wine, her friend has wine and my son had an IPA on tap. Under 40.00 for 4 drinks isn't bad in the South End. It was crowded so had to stand at bar line to get served.Took a bit longer than we would have liked. Drinks were good. Definitely will visit again. read more

After Yelp's Taste of the South End kickoff event at Villa Victoria Center for The Arts, a few of us were still hungry and, after some wandering, ended up at Franklin Cafe. By the time we arrived, sometime after 10pm, the restaurant was fairly empty and we secured a secluded corner table instantly. As an aside, the overall decor is very dark, which reinforces the private nature of the dining room's layout, which comprised largely of banquette seating. Our waiter, doubling as host, immediately took our drink order before departing to give us some time to review the menu. He returned in short order, just as we made our respective decisions regarding entrees, which was greatly appreciated given how famished we all were. Likely because it was a slow evening, our food arrived quite quickly as well. I ordered the sweet corn ravioli with chicken and pancetta, which was simultaneously delicious and disappointing. The sweet corn ravioli were excellent and, with an appropriate sauce, would make a fine dish on their own. The chicken and pancetta, on the other hand, were both underwhelming; the former had both an odd texture and little flavor, while the latter was extremely overcooked. Recognizing this dichotomy early on, I simply ate the ravioli and ignored the dish's other components. Were it not for the superb flavor and preparation of the ravioli, I likely would have sent the dish back. Thanks to the prompt service and quality ravioli, I look forward to giving Franklin Cafe another chance. My hope is that my experience with the chicken and pancetta was nothing more than a fluke as I rather enjoyed my evening here and noticed a number of other menu items I'd like to try. read more

Cute little restaurant in the South End off the main drags (Columbus, Tremont, Washington). Small, with a rich & lush atmosphere (red walls), and great food. I had bluefish for my first time ever here, highly recommended. I'd almost recommend selecting an entree that comes with the mashed potatoes though. Seriously, they're that good. See if you can do a substitute if need be! read more

Franklin Cafe - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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A few thoughts about the Franklin: friendly staff good drinks great scallops steak was a little tough wins award for most frites with steak frites wish they had a larger menu read more

Cute, teeny, tiny place in the South End. Dimly lit, only a few booths and a bar. The staff all seemed pretty cool. The food was great. A decent place to go in this area and won't cost a fortune like some of its neighbors. read more

Came here with the parentals for dinner in the summer. The place was packed, so we had a drink before eating - the bartender whipped up some capirinhas that were aight, they tasted like limeade which my dad liked, but my mother and i needed our fix, and we didn't get it. We had the steak frites, the salmon and the chicken. only the salmon is worth mentioning, the others were, as the "rating" so aptly puts it, "Meh. I've experienced better." cool atmosphere though, i liked the neighbourhood feel. read more

The mussels were smoked to perfection. Seriously. Hands down the best mussels I've ever had. Considering corn is in season right now, I expected the kernels on the cob to be larger than received. But still delicious none-the-less =) As a table my friends ordered Hake and the Steak Frites for entrees, where as I got the Duck. The Hake definitely took home the prize. read more

It can be tough to find a place in the South End that serves up consistently good fare at prices that won't empty your wallet. Franklin Cafe fits the bill. You'll find yourself paying around $15 for entrees here that would easily go for over $20 at restaurants on Tremont or Washington Streets. This place is definitely worth a visit --but be warned, it's almost always packed (and that means a wait) --best bet is to head there on somewhat off peak hours. read more

Franklin Cafe - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

There seems to be two camps when it comes to this place: the lovers and the likers. Those who love Franklin Cafe give it five stars, emphasize the late night appeal, and "perfect"ly good food, service and atmosphere. They also note the reasonable pricing for what you get and the great bar service. Those who like Franklin Cafe give it three stars, as do I. The pricing is reasonable - yes. The food and the service are great - yes. However, the menu is short and features some not that inventive dishes (tuna tartare?) and some inventive ones (non-fried calamari appetizer). What took me by surprise was that a) we got the VIP table when we walked in around 6 on a Friday, and b) this place is so dark you cannot read the menu or see your food! There's not alot of seating, and I think they're focus is meant to be the bar (which I couldn't see from where we sat). This place is good, not stellar, but has some appeal due to it's slightly-off-the-beaten-path feel and relatively relaxed atmosphere (early in the evening). read more

I came here for my birthday dinner on wednesday - a warning to all, it is a SMALL place, not good for large groups - we ended up waiting at the bar area for about an hour before we were seated. Luckily, they had a great variety of cocktails which we tried while we were waiting, one of my favorites of the night was the gin crossed mojito, very refreshing. FOOD: we ordered calamaris, mussels, mac n cheese and the beef short ribs to start and share. The calamaris were absolutely delicious, but the flavor is very strong, because after having that dish, i could barely taste the mussels, which was a shame, because the broth was really good. The beef short ribs were cooked soft and tender, however, it was way too salty. i couldnt take more than 2 bites of the dish. For entree, i had the steak and frites. it was good, very juicy and tender, and it was cooked simply and perfectly. The cod my friend had however, was absolutely amazing. The fish was fresh and the flavors went together perfectly. Overall, I had a very enjoyable time here, but a lot of the food is very strong in flavor, i guess it's a good place to come after you've had a couple of drinks read more

I started reviewing this place over a month ago, but I've been distracted. However, in the last few months this place has become my favorite restaurant. Since I moved half a block away, we go there from time to time for a drink, and when I have visitors I always take people there. I'm very excited because we are about to have several visitors over the next month, which means lots of excuses for eating at the Franklin. This place is what I am looking for all the time. It has great drinks and even better food. And the prices aren't too bad. I highly recommend the fried chicken which is AMAZING, but lately they took it off for the summer I believe. So I can't tell you how the roasted chicken is, but if you go and they have the fried chicken, get it! And the tuna is great also. Basically everything is awesome and you can't go wrong. It's a fantastic neighborhood place that I would suggest for a group of friends, a drink at the bar or a good date. GO HERE NOW. read more

The Franklin Cafe never disappoints and it was the perfect choice to take my friend in town from NYC. Not only has he eaten all over New York, work takes him all over the world and he liked the Franklin vibe and thought the Classic Steak Frites with Port Demi Glace and Roquefort Butter was great. As for me, I loved the refreshing Cucumber Collins and went gaga for the black pepper seared "sashimi" tuna loin with Citron Blanc and Field Greens. Note to Nate: You made up for your merciless teasing while I was at the bar by being a fabulous, informative, and friendly waiter. Good luck with med school. xoxo read more

After a very bad meal at Sibling Rivalry our waiter told us about this place for good food and drinks...YAY!!! My wifey and I love this cute local neighborhood cafe!!!!! While vacationing in Boston we spent 2 of our 5 nights here. We both agree that if we lived here we would be regulars. The drinks are great!! The staff is awesome! The food is GOOD!!! Get the hanger steak with frites it's DELICIOUS!!!! Now that statement comes from a person who eats red meat once a month!!! The sole is incredibly well prepared!! I want a Franklin Cafe for San Diego!!!!! We're going to make special trips to Boston just to visit The Franklin Cafe!!!! read more

I am still giving this place five stars despite a couple of things. One, when we arrived on a busy Saturday night, we put our names in and were told 30 minutes for a table. Well, we ended up waiting at the bar for close to two hours. And two, my dining companion ordered the pork chop dinner and it was served to her raw, like it is very dark in there, but that did not mask the raw-ness of what she cut into. Despite that, this place is just downright awesome. Bar drinks and the bartender were fantastic, the manager / hostess continually kept us posted on the status of our table, the waitress was great and the food was delightful. I got the steak frites. Very well done. My companion's pork chop, when it came back properly cooked, was fantastic as well. Prices are right on for what you get. Looking forward to returning. read more

Tiny Cozy little spot in the south end. Small so beware, big parties might wait for quite some time. They don't take reservations so it's first-come-first serve. Very dimly lit. Cozy spot for close friends or intimate date. Food was awesome. Fried green tomatoes were suggested for appetizer and they were by far our favorite-even for those of us not really a huge fan of tomatoes. They were delicious! Also tried the gumbo (yummy smoky flavor) and Gnocchi for apps. All yum. Most of the ladies had the salmon as an entree. Light crisp on the exterior and moist interior, tasty, delicate, and incredibly fresh. I tried the Corn Beef Brisket (i was hungrier :P). Yum...a solid hearty meal. One girl had the chicken-which I thought was just okay... All in all, great food, strong cocktails. Fun place and I'd def come again. Note: No desserts :( but oh well..we were stuffed enough! read more

There's a lot to love about the Franklin Cafe`. Last night was our second visit for dinner, a few years apart, and it felt exactly the same - a very relaxed, chill vibe. It's a small, dark, narrow pub with a row of booths lining the wall opposite the bar. The Smiths were playing on the sound system as we were told to sit anywhere we liked as it was an early Wednesday evening and most of the tables were open. They've got a good selection of microbrews on draft, a small selection of wines by the glass, and what looked like some very reasonably-priced bottles. But I'm on a craft cocktail kick and their menu was impressive, so I had the bracing Rose and Thorns, a mix of several sweetish wines, lemon bitters, but anchored by a very smoky and delectable mezcal. My wife enjoyed her Cucumber Collins, made with organic cucumber vodka. We started out with the pork belly, glazed with hoisin sauce on a bed of sweet and sour bok choy and chestnut mushrooms. Delightful, but with only three inch and a half squares of pork to the order, it was a very meager portion. There was a decent bread basket with some zippy home-made hummus to bridge the gap between the first and second courses. I had the sweet corn ravioli, al dente, home-made, served in an amazing sherry sauce with pancetta that had me scraping every remnant of it from the plate. A beautifully-executed dish, but with only four ravioli it had me longing for at least a few more. My wife's turkey meatloaf with fig gravy was elegant comfort food, and they graciously substituted some of their amazing grilled corn when she asked for it instead of the chived mashed potatoes. Our friends enjoyed their seared cod and adobo rubbed pork tenderloin after a calamari starter, washed down with a few IPAs and glasses of chardonnay. Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing. For the often-pricey South End, the Franklin is pretty reasonable, all things considered, with nothing on the food menu over $20. It's not cheap eats though, with a total tab that came out to about $50 per person. The quality of the drinks and particularly the food though, is so high and imaginative, that's not outrageous, though I think the portion size on some of the dishes should be increased a bit. All said, the Franklin Cafe` is a charming, unassuming slice of gastropub heaven well worth seeking out. read more

I once heard the Franklin referred to as a "carry out bar" because the clientele usually gets so drunk that they need to be carried out by the end of the night. (This is mainly due to the fact that many come here to take advantage of their 2am liquor license.) And with good reason! They have a good beer selection on tap and great mixed drinks (try the "Franklin Side Car"). However, what's really great about the bar at the Franklin is the newly added $5 jar shots (the name is deceiving as they are really mini-mixed drinks served in a super cool jar). Although the Franklin is a great end of the night bar, what's even better than the drinks is the food! The roasted tomato soup is the best I've ever had and it's even served with a wedge of the yummiest grilled cheese sandwich! The bone-in fillet mignon is delicious with a crispy outside, tender inside, and served on a bed of sauteed portobello mushrooms that are to die for! And to top it off, the prices are exceptionally reasonable! read more

Had dinner here around 6pm after a play at the Calderwood and we got the last table by the window on a brisk winter evening. From that time on people came pouring in for warmth and good food. This place has a sexy/romantic vibe that would be great for a date or dinner and drinks with your best girlfriends.The bar was full of low-key and stylish people. I enjoyed the chill music and the fab lighting. Oh yeah, we ate here too. The Tuscan tomato, bean and bread soup, was great for dipping with their toasty bread and creamy hummus spread. I also had the steak frites, which were as good as they get with butter melting over the top. read more

I've been to the Franklin Cafe a bunch of times, and had great experiences every time. Though it's tucked away down a small side street in the South End, this place is always hoppin'. If you're heading in for dinner, be forewarned there is usually a wait, as there aren't a lot of tables. But servers move quickly to turn over tables without making you feel like you're being rushed out. The drinks are great, too. For such a great hotspot, there's no attitude and the servers, bartenders and customers are all friendly. It's also a great place to bring a friend from out of town. read more

Walking in, i immediately had the feeling of a most loved neighborhood joint. The bar is along the left wall with just enough seats to make you have to work for one of them. The right wall is lined with booths - cozy, desirable booths! It's busy in a bustling kind of way. I give it 4 stars for atmosphere. The food was pretty solid. We enjoyed several appetizers and were pleased by the robust flavors and fresh food. The salt & pepper shrimp were exceptional. As was the tuna tartare. For an entree, I had steak frites and will say that my cut of meat wasn't so great and the taste factor wasn't high. Funny what one remembers as overall my friends and I had a great experience here! read more

The Franklin Cafe makes me wish that we lived in the South End. I mean, we're there a LOT, but I wish that we could walk down the street to someplace as comfortable and welcoming as Franklin Cafe. We've been multiple times in the last month, a couple of times we just sat at the bar for drinks and an app, another time for dinner. Each time, the staff and bartenders were amazingly friendly, chatting about what was in the drink they made us and the food has been delightful as well. Each time we're in, another patron will strike up a conversation with us and we'll end up having this fun talk with strangers that just seems to make the night more interesting. Franklin Cafe is one of those places that just seems to feel right :o) read more

Om nom nom. Decided to check out Franklin Cafe on a whim last night. It did not disappoint. The restaurant is cozy, but a little on the dark side. No seriously, there was one dim overhead light over our table and a small votive candle. Perhaps its just me, but I like being able to read my menu without strain and see the food on my plate. Interesting playlist for the crowd of people there on a Tuesday evening. No complaints on the musical selection - but I couldn't decide whether I should be eating or dancing. Anyways, enough about the ambiance - Lets talk food! My friend and I started with the short rib dumplings. It was delicious! Being A-Z-N and all, Id like to think I have fairly high standards when it comes to Asian inspired cuisine. Definitely two thumbs up! My friend had the Steak Frites and I had the turkey meatloaf with fig gravy - both of which were quite tasty. This place is definitely a great after work drink spot that leads to dinner. The drink menu was extensive. For those of you that have a sweet tooth however - you'll have to relocate for dessert, as Franklin Cafe does not have any :( In short, well priced, tasty, and good service. I would definitely revisit. Also - this place serves their full menu until 1:30 AM - How bueno is that? read more

Why aren't there more places like Franklin Cafe in Boston? You can find tons of places with kitchens open late with a hip vibe in New York City. Franklin Cafe offers fun cocktails and a very reasonably priced wine menu. A starter of grilled calamari over a salad was excellent. The chicken was succulent and tender. All the flavors were there. Steak frites was cooked perfectly but the frites were way over seasoned. Side of fried pickles were very nice. If it weren't for the frites and if I accounted for the atmosphere this place would get 5/5. read more

I went there with a group of friends for drinks and appetizers, I had a grilled shrimp that was a little burned! too bad. My husband had the ribs and it was ok, my friend had the beef tartare and it was meh, not very good. Drinks were good and service was ok. read more

Small place but worth the wait. Great South End spot with great drinks, service and food! Recommend getting there early or later to get a table. Peak hours look to enjoy the bar and the ecclectic drink offerring. read more

I love this place! Great vibe - dimly lit with a fun staff and delicious craft cocktails. I have yet to order something I didn't like off the menu, but you really can't go wrong with the classic steak frites. Very fairly priced and will most likely exceed your expectations read more

After reading about Franklin Cafe, me and my date were excited to see whether the food tastes as interesting as it sounded. Also, it was a social experiment, to see whether we'd blend in with the renowned South End crowd and ambiance. When entering this place in winter, it's not just the radiator that gives you the feeling of a preheated blanket over your shoulders. The small space, dim lights, halfway shut blinds and thick curtains make you feel cozy and special instantly. After arriving at the bar, however, you realize you're in South End with high-end liquor bottles stacked in an orderly fashion. The crowd that goes with it, is uptown, but not uptight. We felt right at home and wish to come here more often, just for the feel. Ordering drinks can be a bit of a struggle, since the bar is fairly broad and music is occasionally played loudly. The excellent selection of wines, however, will surely please you back into your state of cosiness. As for dinner: my date sticked with an appetizer. After sampling her Cauliflower and Chicken Pea Cakes, we agreed they were excellent. Moreover, my appetizer was a calamari experience like never before (garlic-grilled, yum!). For dinner, we shared the turkey meatloaf. The best ever, by a mile! Strong texture, distinctive meat flavor, onion-glazed top but not overwhelming, and creamy, zesty mashed potatoes. My momma could learn something, here! All in all, definitely a perfect (start to a) night out, amidst Boston's hottest food and coolest crowd, not spending too much in the process. The bartender even shakes your hand when you finish your meatloaf, that's how laid back this place is. read more

I am sorry to say I ended up here because Coppa was too packed (shocker), but of course dinner was fantastic. We came in, were seated immediately, and the waiter was very friendly. Drinks were good, I had the Boston Bog and definitely recommend it. For an app, we had the Duck Prosciutto Croque Monsieurs. They were good, but a little too much bread with the thinly-sliced meat. For dinner I had the blueberry cannelloni. I had to try a dish like that, and it was delicious. Simple and creative and full of flavor. One of my friends got the Coq au Vin and liked it. One of the drawbacks here is that they change the menu seasonally. I understand that chefs probably like this, but I was really jonesing for the pulled pork on cheddar cheese biscuits I had had last spring. So if you like a menu item, be sure to point it out to the waiter. Ours said that they bring things back by popular demand. Good food, good drinks, open late, and not terribly priced; I highly recommend the Franklin ! read more

Great spot in the South End. I ordered the Lamb Riblets as an appetizer and the Steak frites as an entree, with a Grey goose pear drink. All amazing!! GREAT FOOD and super friendly staff. The waitress was friendly, and took time to talk to us about the food. Overall, a nice cozy place to have drinks and dinner, in a great neighborhood. Be prepared to search for parking, much of the space around is "Residential Parking", but there are a number of parking lots if your willing to pay, otherwise keep an eye out for those spots as you drive around. One star deduction due to the proximity of the front door and the intense cold that hits a number of tables due to a lack of entrance heater. We even moved seats after being sat at a table that was too cold to enjoy our time at. Appetizers - Approx $9 Entrees - Approx $19 Drinks - Vary, but there is a large selection!!! No desserts read more

Bottom line: Nothing terribly special, but none-the-less delicious. When I visit my friends in the South End (I live in North Cambridge) I make them take me places i've never gone. That's half the fun of living in Boston, right? So today we went to Franklin Cafe Walked in around 6:30p on a Tuesday. It wasn't busy, easily got a table towards the front (so I could actully see stuff, it's a bit dark in there) and was immediately helped by a waiter. He was friendly enough, brought us some fresh baked bread (yesssss) and got us some drinks. He helped but didn't hover. Always a good thing. I got the Modern Tea, pretty strong, just the right about of stuff that made it not "on the rocks". A well done cocktail. We ordered the Biib salad which, when it arrived, was peculiarly spicy. Not that I minded (I'm all for a kick) but iti wasn't advertised as such, so I would be wary if it's not your thing. My friend got the corn ravioli which he enjoyed a bit too loudly (haha!) but I didn't think it was that delicious. My sesame steak tips were a little undercooked (as in.. the middle hadn't felt any heat) but they were good. Served with an interesting sauce and some sesame oil, which added a delightful taste to the meat. Overall the Service was great, the Drinks were good, and the Food was Ok. I won't fight coming here, but I also won't be its advocate. read more

Though I'm saddened to see the Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade leave the menu, the Franklin Cafe's take on the recipe motivated me to grow my own this past summer. Always kind to cater to those of us that work in the service industry, this dark, cozy neighborhood spot keeps its kitchen open until 1:30am, which, I've gotta tell you, turned so many of my post-work frowns upside down. Try the ravioli, no matter what they are and no matter what the season and their muscles are always fresh and fantastic. Baskets of bread with delicious home-made hummus come out before your food and it might just be my favorite thing to sit there with a glass of wine and my mouth-watering crusty bread and drift off into a book until my food arrives. ...Or, until an interesting neighborhood character asks,"is this seat taken?" because I never turn down a good conversation. If wine isn't your thing, ask for a cucumber collins. You won't be disappointed. If ravioli isn't your thing, go for steak frites. My only gripe is that I live so far away now! read more

Intimate and cozy are the best words to describe this place. This is my go-to spot on cold nights and always my top recommendation for those looking for a first date spot. Tucked on quiet Shawmut, the crowd is mostly local and the food is *always* wonderful. Drinks are strong, staff is nice and food is great - steak frites are super nommy. Even better - no entree is over $20. Also - the kitchen is open until 1:30am, which is always awesome. read more

I was a little torn on how to rate this place - the grilled spicy bbq octupus was 4 stars - delicious!! The corned beef brisket was good, but not entirely... memorable? Fried chicken was ok, wouldn't qualify as good. The chicken was tender and juicy but isn't that a given? The crust was much too thick and doughy, and made the whole dish less than enjoyable. I would definitely go back for the octopus, and and if was specifically craving corned beef brisket, but otherwise.. sad. read more