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    Porter Cafe

    4.5 (300 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Burgers, Gastropubs
    Open 2:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    PORTER CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Porter Cafe

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    Sorry for the late pic, chicken Parmesan & Roasted Half Chicken, exceptional!
    Fredo S.

    Porter Cafe is one of those rare gems that combines an inviting, old-school charm with a culinary experience that will make you rethink everything you know about comfort food. Tucked away with its cozy, quaint vibe, this place exudes a warmth that immediately makes you feel like you've stepped into something special. The moment you walk through the door, it's clear this isn't just another neighborhood cafe--it's a destination. I had the Thursday special, which was rotisserie chicken with golden little potatoes and green beans. It sounds simple, but what arrived at the table was anything but. The chicken was perfectly cooked, juicy with crispy skin, and just the right amount of seasoning. The potatoes? Golden, tender, and bursting with flavor, complemented beautifully by the fresh green beans. Every bite felt like a celebration of home-cooked goodness, executed with a precision you don't often find at this level. My wife went for the chicken parm, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The chicken was crispy on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with a generous helping of melted cheese. Paired with a side of perfectly cooked pasta, it's the kind of dish that hits all the nostalgic notes without feeling heavy. As for my son, he opted for the burger and fries. While it may sound like a simple choice, it was a standout in its own right. The burger was thick, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the fries were golden and crisp, just the way you'd hope for in a perfect diner-style meal. But here's the thing: as exceptional as the food is, Porter Cafe is about more than just what's on your plate. The service is warm and attentive, and the atmosphere has an old-school charm that perfectly complements the quality of the dishes. It's clear that a lot of care goes into not just the food, but the entire experience. In a time when dining out can often feel rushed or impersonal, Porter Cafe remains a rare exception. It's exceptional, yes--but it's also a place that feels like a true labor of love. If you haven't been yet, make it a priority. The food alone is worth the visit, but the overall experience will keep you coming back for more.

    Chicken parmigiana
    Danielle T.

    I am very confused by all the hype about this place. The food is TERRIBLE! This is a dive bar pretending to be a nice restaurant. This is more of a place to drink than eat, so just know that going in. My boyfriend and I went to Porter Cafe for dinner last night and had high expectations given all the five star reviews. Unfortunately, we left very disappointed. We both ordered the chicken Parmesan which was burned and blackened to the point it tasted like char and was barely edible. I came close to sending it back and walking out of the restaurant, but we were so hungry after waiting 45 minutes for our food that we just ate, paid and left. If you screw up chicken parm, that's a bad sign. Anyone with limited cooking skills and a bit of care and attention could have made a better meal at home. Not only was our entree a disaster, they forgot to put our appetizer in, so we had to remind our waiter about that after our entrees came out. They also didn't have any non-alcoholic drinks aside from water and lemonade. They couldn't give me iced tea or even a virgin mojito because they don't make mojitos. Also, the atmosphere was very loud and claustrophobic given the small size of the restaurant and we could barely hear each other. The bar was packed and very noisy. Bottom line: If you are looking for a nice meal, go elsewhere! There are many other places nearby with better service and food. West on Centre across the street is an outstanding choice. If you just want a beer or mixed drinks, maybe Porter Cafe is for you. Overall rating: 2 stars (being generous) Food: 0 stars Service: 2/3 stars Ambiance: 2 stars

    Ayatt A.

    A small beautiful gastropub in the heart of West Roxbury that you will not regret visiting! My grandma and I had dinner there last night and the food was excellent. They have a wide array of both small plate and main options for every kind of palate! We started with the simple mixed green salad with tarragon vinaigrette, roasted tomatoes & chèvre. It sounds pretty basic but it was totally delicious. I'm not sure what they did to those tomatoes but WOW the flavor was explosive. For dinner I had the sesame seared tuna steak with miso marinated tuna, soba noodle salad, edamame, and pickled ginger vinaigrette. It was fantastic. The flavors and textures were simply perfect. I highly recommend Porter Cafe!

    Vibes are so chill at 11 am
    Lydia L.

    So chill and I love how late they're open. We got some gin drinks and they are so good!

    Short Rib Tacos

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    6 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Excellent neighborhood joint! Was so happy to discover this place. Had an excellent meal on a Friday night. Great atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

    Next level! Great food, great atmosphere, great music, great drinks. All around loved everything. Very pleasantly surprised.

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    2 years ago

    Great food and service ! Love the cocktail options. Lots to choose from including vegetarian options.

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    3 years ago

    Food is consistently great. Portions are a bit large for entrees but great choices. Menu changes frequently. I keep missing their oysters

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    3 years ago

    Great food. Great music on weeknights. Great bartenders make the place a joy to spend some time.

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    Corrib Pub & Restaurant - Scallop and clam bellies plate

    Corrib Pub & Restaurant

    3.3(118 reviews)
    0.6 miWest Roxbury, West Roxbury Center
    $$

    The Corrib Pub in West Roxbury is a beloved neighborhood Irish pub known for its warm, homey…read moreatmosphere and friendly staff that make every visit memorable. It offers a broad menu with solid comfort food options such as clam chowder, fish and chips, steak tips, and the popular Smitty Special chicken sandwich, all reasonably priced and hearty. The pub features an excellent selection of draft beers including well-poured Guinness and specials like a 20 oz. Blue Moon for $6 served in chilled glasses, perfect for beer lovers. Service is generally described as warm and attentive, with bartenders and staff who engage jovially with guests. The place has a relaxed vibe and is family-friendly while also catering well to those looking for a casual night out at the bar. Occasional slower service or minor hiccups have been noted but do not overshadow the consistently good meals and welcoming ambiance. Overall, the Corrib Pub is a dependable choice for locals and visitors seeking traditional Irish pub fare, a solid drink selection, and a friendly community feel in West Roxbury.

    ​I was very disappointed with a recent meal the The Corrib Restaurant. Despite previous positive…read moreexperiences, the food and service quality seems to have gone downhill recently. Several weeks ago I ordered a bowl of beef stew during a hockey game I was watching. It was terrible and seemed to have come right out of a can of Dinty Moore. I was hungry so I ate it and didn't say anything. Most recently I took my daughter there after work . Our dinner order included chicken fingers, fries, clam chowder, and a French onion soup. The fries were cold, the chicken fingers barely had any chicken, and the clam chowder was that was passable at best. But the French onion soup was horrible and not edible in my opinion. It took only a spoonful and I was done and did not touch it for the rest of the meal. Although I made my dissatisfaction known after one bite, the soup remained on the final bill. When I raised concern a second time, the waitress appeared annoyed, and brought over the manager who became argumentative rather than offering an apology or a resolution. When I told her I found the soup to be not edible she asked why. I responded that the cheese topping was burnt; there was virtually no broth, bread was liquefied and overly soggy, the onions were pulverized and lacked structure. Overall it did not taste good. Her answer to me was "that's the way we make it" I told her I had had french onion soup at many restaurants throughout my life as I'm a 73-year-old man . She said there was nothing wrong with it . She then grabbed it off the table and said she would bring it into the kitchen for evaluation. A short dialogue ensued and when I realized they had no interest in improving the quality of their product or resolving the situation and a friendly manner I paid the bill in left. As a guest I really expected better treatment . At minimum, the waitress/manager should have offered to remove the offending bowl of soup from the bill. They should have also expressed some regret that I didn't like their soup . the inedible dish to be removed from the bill. I felt both my daughter and I were treated very rudely by the staff and we will not be going back to that restaurant in the future. When I left the restaurant I asked Google AI to tell me what was wrong with the preparation based on my description of the soup. This is what it said: When French onion soup is served with a burnt topping (scorched cheese/crouton) and a soggy, pummeled onion mass, it is the result of over-caramelized/burnt onions, excessive cooking, and improper broiler usage. This creates a bitter, "scorched sadness" taste, with the bread losing all structural integrity. Here is what that experience means and what usually happens: 1. The Result: A "Sensory Nightmare" Bitter & Burnt: The burnt topping introduces a sharp, bitter flavor that ruins the broth. Mushy Texture: The "pummeled onions" suggest they were either overcooked, cut too small, or steamed rather than caramelized. Structural Failure: The crouton becomes a "blob of wet bread" instead of a sturdy, cheesy surface. "Micro-waved" Impression: This is often seen as a sign of poor quality or rushed preparation, potentially indicating the crouton was placed on before reheating, leading to total saturation. 2. Why It Happens Rushing the Onions: High heat can cause the exterior of the onions to burn before they turn soft and sweet, resulting in a bitter mess. Broiler Overkill: The soup was left under the broiler too long, burning the cheese before the broth was even hot. Poor Bread Choice: Using soft bread rather than stale, thick, or well-toasted bread causes it to disintegrate instantly into the soup.

    Photos
    Corrib Pub & Restaurant
    Corrib Pub & Restaurant - Chicken parm

    Chicken parm

    Corrib Pub & Restaurant

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    Boston Ale House - NY sirloin

    Boston Ale House

    3.5(144 reviews)
    0.4 miWest Roxbury Center, West Roxbury
    $$

    Food amazing for an ale house. Saw a review on WICKED BITES and hubby wished for beef wellington so…read moreoff down rt128. Puff pastry surrounded short rib & veg. Served over mashed potatoes with the best gravy ever. 5* Wife ordered tortellini bologenes thinking eat half, leftovers for lunch nextday...she finished it! Short rib meat, I see a theme here. Cocktails: maple bourbon with amazing lux cherry. Dessert: sticking to another theme, cherry draped cheesecake. Ambiance: outdoor patio with firepit. Too cold but be back in springtime. Bar so, TVs on every surface. MUSIC 80-90s appropriate since clientele seems to subscribe to AARP...so we finally fit in! SERVICE: NICEST server in Boston. Guess she was raised in Midwest, lol. Parking was our concern but, lot on corner. Signage 2 hour limit, no paid kiosk sooooo?? Loved the exterior wall mural. NAVY medal of honor, old MBTA trolley, etc. THANKS. We had 3:30p reservation and all menu items available. FYI. Most folks there for Monday smash burgers special. Clean restrooms. Definitely upscale from my memories from 1980s at Northeastern univ.

    Not sure what happened here but this place has terrible food now…read more My group of friends will typically eat anything. Not picky at all. I was surprised when everyone agreed to send back the awful Buffalo chicken dip. Just tasted off. We ordered nachos which also seemed like they were a SYSCO special. Nothing fresh and made in house. Every component felt like it was shipped in and mostly loaded with salt and preservatives. My double cheeseburger was... not fresh beef. Maybe frozen patties. The fries look fresh cut in photos from years ago on yelp but now they're bright yellow frozen style ones. No one liked their meals. I suspect this place decided to cut its food costs and switched to all generic products that come frozen. We decided to pull this place from our sports bar rotation. Hope it improves.

    Photos
    Boston Ale House - Seating area

    Seating area

    Boston Ale House - Fish and chips

    Fish and chips

    Boston Ale House - Outside of the business

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    Outside of the business

    West On Centre - Bolognese

    West On Centre

    3.7(403 reviews)
    0.0 miWest Roxbury Center, West Roxbury
    $$

    My hair salon and nail salon are both about a half block from here, so I've come in often for…read moredrinks. Most recently, I decided to meet a friend here for dinner. I wasn't super hungry, so I got the buffalo lollipop chicken wings. My friend went all-in on the steak. She really liked her steak - it was cooked to her liking and she downed the whole thing. She let me try her mashed potatoes and they were deliciously creamy! I was scared about the buffalo wings because I've had a few places mess them up recently by making them fancy. Buffalo sauce should taste like buffalo sauce - amirite? Anyway - The wings here did NOT disappoint. I literally went in waiting to be sad, but they were so good - exactly the flavor I was hoping for, good sized wings and well cooked chicken. I would totally get this again (with a side of those yummy mashed potatoes). Every drink I've gotten here has been well made and I'm a cocktail girl. I will definitely continue to frequent this place and I look forward to trying more menu items.

    THE best, freshest and tasty food in the area! They serve BRUNCH on Sat & Sun's too! Their Chefs…read moreknow what they're doing! The food is always consistently good! The bartenders are talented, attentive, creative with drinks and good lookin too! Their servers are knowledgeable, professional and also attentive, great service! The owners and Managers are always around, very hands on and they truly care about their customers. If you're looking to raise funds for your fundraiser, they even have "Neighborhood Nights" on Monday nights to raise money for local fundraisers! They even have a beautiful function room with a private bar and outdoor patio! You'd never know you're in the middle of the city! Whether it's the morning, afternoon or evening, you feel like you are stepping in to your friend's house feeling welcomed and at night their lounge turns in to a place where friends meet and let loose with great music! If you go in alone, you'll leave as a new friend! West has a fun Trivia Night and a Live Irish Music Nights every week also! Don't just read this, go find out for yourself!!! :)

    Photos
    West On Centre - As I was leaving West one day, I HAD to capture this rainbow that was above the restaurant!

    As I was leaving West one day, I HAD to capture this rainbow that was above the restaurant!

    West On Centre - Southwest Chicken Salad

    Southwest Chicken Salad

    West On Centre - Mexican burger

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    Mexican burger

    Distraction Brewing Company - The "Fruity Flight"

    Distraction Brewing Company

    4.6(22 reviews)
    1.0 miRoslindale Village, Roslindale
    $$

    The Tall Man and I were looking for a low key hangout with baby in tow, and Distraction Brewing was…read morethe perfect place. This new-to-us brewery on the cute pedestrian-only Birch St. had an outdoor patio but we opted for seats inside. It's not a big place, but it has a good number of tables and bench seating in a brightly lit space. The Tall Man got the autumn flight of 4 beers (one being one of their maltinis), which he enjoyed for their variety. I wasn't up for imbibing so I got a Health-Aid kombucha from the fridge. (They also carry Athlete's nonalcoholic beer in cans.) They have some packaged snacks for purchase, but they encourage people to get food from local businesses to eat there. It was pretty darn convenient to pick up lunch from nearby Chilacates. It made for a very chill lunch and sip. We weren't even the only ones with a stroller! It was a relief to find a brewery that's not utterly mobbed and where we could bring the little one. I would definitely come back for another relaxing hangout.

    What's with the tiny pours? 8 oz. maybe? And this wasn't a flight - I know the difference. And in a…read moreplastic cup when sitting indoors. This is beer people, not liquid gold. Won't be back.

    Photos
    Distraction Brewing Company
    Distraction Brewing Company - The interior with view of the brewing facilities/ Nov 2023

    The interior with view of the brewing facilities/ Nov 2023

    Distraction Brewing Company - Seating and a bunch of tables further inside the brewery, spacious on a Saturday at lunchtime / Nov 2023

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    Seating and a bunch of tables further inside the brewery, spacious on a Saturday at lunchtime / Nov 2023

    Waterfords Restaurant & Pub - Steak tips with mashed potatoes and broccoli

    Waterfords Restaurant & Pub

    3.5(79 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    We recently used Waterfords for a bereavement reception and Shawna couldn't have been more helpful…read morein organizing the whole thing on such short notice. The room was comfortable and cozy with a real fire place, which was nice to have on a cold day, and the food came out promptly even though we arrived much sooner than originally anticipated. I let Shawna know we were running ahead of schedule and she made sure the building was open and ready for us (they were typically closed at that hour). Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, especially the desserts, and we will definitely be considering Waterfords in the future for happier events.

    What a beautiful restaurant Waterfords is! On the water too which explains the name of course…read more Went here yesterday - day after Christmas - the bar was popular but otherwise the place was fairly empty. It's a converted house or something because when you enter there's a large foyer with high ceilings and then you walk into this large dining room with a beautiful fireplace and tables with white tablecloths and then you get to the restaurant and bar area. Plus they have a function room upstairs according to their website. They have musical bingo on Tuesdays and also trivia nights. I ordered the southwest chicken salad - came with blackened chicken which was pretty much the best part of the salad. Hubs ordered the Rueben sandwich with regular fries. It was very meaty and rich buttery. He thought it was very tasty and the fries were a little on the salty side but yummy. Service was great - the server's name in the bill showed up as Bar B lol so I'm not sure if that is her name of some sort of code for the bartenders. Anyway she was super nice and friendly! Will definitely be back!

    Photos
    Waterfords Restaurant & Pub - This restaurant is beautiful! Very vintage

    This restaurant is beautiful! Very vintage

    Waterfords Restaurant & Pub - Haddock with lemon and ritz cracker topping, mashed potatoes and broccoli

    Haddock with lemon and ritz cracker topping, mashed potatoes and broccoli

    Waterfords Restaurant & Pub

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    Porter Cafe - bars - Updated May 2026

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