Select Oyster Bar

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Everybody needs a great dive bar -- this is it! The Tam is everything a classic dive should be: a…read morelong, well-worn bar with comfy stools, plenty of standing room, and that no-frills Boston charm that makes you feel instantly at home. The drink selection is limited (in the best way) -- no need to overthink your order here. The bartenders are pros who've seen it all; they're friendly, fast, and take zero nonsense. Service is efficient, the crowd's laid-back, and the prices are unbelievably good for downtown Boston. It's the kind of place that doesn't try too hard -- because it doesn't have to. I love everything about this bar. A true Boston classic.

This is a place that is considered a local fave... or maybe a tourist trap with bartenders that…read moredon't know what the hell they're doing. I was in for a drink (Boston sour) and out as soon as I could finish it. Should be 3 main ingredients... whiskey, sour mix, and frothed egg white. It was heavily flavored sour mix. And cheap at that. No shaking (or even stirring) this cocktail. They seemed annoyed that even ordered it. And for $11- NO THANK YOU!!!! If you're visiting Boston-- don't waste your time. I'm glad I got out after 1 drink, and wish I didn't even waste my time or money.

Vibe

Darty time!

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The Wig Shop

4.4(186 reviews)

1.2 mi•Downtown

Amazing drinks!!! I loved my Helena and my fiancé's Curly Cola - drinks are alcohol forward so…read morewould recommend getting some of the small bites offered. If you've ever been to Backbar, it's the same great quality of drinks just south of the river! Service was great and super attentive when refilling water and getting our orders in. They do have a pretty strict 1.5hr reservation time because it gets pretty packed

It's nice when a place that you have high hopes for, lives up to that. Or in the case of the Wig…read moreShop, was even better than I expected. We arrived for our whirlwind 1 day Boston day with a few things planned. The Wig Shop was a spot I had earmarked as a maybe. On the way to Boston by train from New York, I read an article of great bars in all of America, and the Wig Shop had made their list. I showed my gal as we were in route to Boston, and we agreed that Karma was leading us there. I checked about a reservation, but ended up going over early to try and beat the walk in crowd. That worked out great, we had almost no wait. The place was full. There were alot of people enjoying the food menu, which we didn't plan on since we had dinner reservations elsewhere for later. But we got a couple of drinks. There are many types of speakeasies. The Wig Shop is one of favorite kinds, classy. The drinks were alcohol forward, with elegant presentations. It was perfect. It was nice that the universe pointed us towards this great Boston spot.

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Rock&Rye

3.8(85 reviews)

1.0 mi•Chinatown

This place was awesome!!!…read more If you are a Gen X'er, and love great cocktails, you will love this place! So we are from out of town; Texas, to be exact, and we were in Boston on vacation. We were looking for a place we could get some drinks and appetizers, and maybe watch some sports. A person in our group found this place online, so we gave it a try. We loved it! The 80s & 90s decor, as well as the 80s & 90s music they were playing made it an instant hit for our Gen X group. Every single song that was played was on my personal playlist, so we sang along and danced at our table to the tunes that took us back in time. There were some early 2000s songs played, too, but all songs played were songs we know and love. So needless to say, we loved the music!! Also, the drinks...oh my, the drinks. They were so, so good! Some in our group had the Adult Caprisun, including myself. It was so tasty, and served in an actual pouch, which brought me back to my 80s childhood. Another in our group ordered the Pink Flamingo which came with a little inflatable pink flamingo that you could take home with you. We noticed that the drinks were just perfect, too; not too strong with alcohol, and not watered down, either. The food was okay. It's bar food, so it's not going to knock your socks off or anything, but it hits the spot if you are drinking and hanging with friends. Our server was good. She was attentive to our needs and took good care of us. It was interesting to me that we, a group of age 50 somethings, were the oldest among the clientele, as everyone else was probably in their 20s or early 30s, but we didn't care. We had a great time! The only reason I did not give this place 5 stars is because someone in our group wanted to watch the Red Sox game, and apparently it was on Apple TV that night and the bar didn't have Apple TV.

I stopped into Rock & Rye for a casual evening and had a decent overall experience. The service was…read morevery good; it was attentive and friendly from the moment I walked in. The atmosphere is very casual and low-key, perfect for grabbing drinks and a bite without any pretense. I ordered a flatbread listed as a Margarita, but it was more like a cheese pizza than a true Margarita. It was still decent, just not what I expected. The online menu did not match what was available at the restaurant, which made ordering a little confusing. On the drink side, the wine selection was underwhelming, but the beer list was solid, and the cocktail menu stood out. They clearly put more focus on mixed drinks. This is not a fine dining destination, but it works well for what it is, a laid-back bar with better-than-average food and a great drink program. I rate it 3.5 stars, but will round up to 4 for the strong service and cocktails. It is a good choice if you're looking for a casual spot downtown with good energy.

Inside

Chillie lime wings

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Pornstar martini

4th Wall Restaurant & Bar

4.0(273 reviews)

It's always a treat coming here, I love how safe I feel for my gluten allergies! Made reservations…read moreonline and had a quick bite before a show. We shared chicken nachos and the garlic Parmesan chicken bites, YUM! The chicken is dark meat so it was very flavorful and not dry. The nachos were massive, we didn't even finish them! Our server was nice and checked in on us periodically. Can't wait till next time!

My husband felt like having some comfort food/pub fare while in Boston, so this restaurant was not…read morefar from our hotel. I got a delicious Cheeseburger with no bun (lettuce wrapped) and salad as the side. My husband got the chicken Parm and he liked it as well. Our server was very friendly and vey nice. Overall a good place for some pub fare. They had a good selection of beers and cocktails on their menu.

Bar area

Chinatown Beef Tenderloin Noodles

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Colette Lounge

4.5(36 reviews)

Colette had pretty good drinks! I had the passionista and someone else had the berry basil smash…read more(which was mint instead of basil since they had run out). Both drinks were strong, but still had great flavor! Just taking one star off since the lighting was quite bright when we were there, even though it was a Friday night. The servers seemed very friendly though!

Extraordinary addition to the theater district/midtown Boston…read more Friendly staff, everyone with energy to spare. Great music. I sampled the following drinks: Pimms Cup Fruity liqueur cut with ginger beer and lemon juice, so doesn't taste too sweet, begs for seconds. Louisiana Express Sweet punch, perhaps too sweet, but the guava plays happily with vodka. Whattamelon Bae Perhaps not always on the menu, but if you're in the mood for an ice cold slurry of watermelon and vodka, lemon and rosemary, you're in luck. Finally, and of course, the vaunted mac and cheese should be on every human's bucket list. Gooey and garlic infused. Cozy, great drinks, great music, there's nothing not to like here.

Beverage Menu

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Onda Tequila Seltzers

Bar Moxy

3.2(50 reviews)

Check in was fantastic! Upbeat staff ready to help. Loved our room & our view!…read moreTraveling with 2 small poodles & they got lotsa treats & attention! Bar staff packaged our food to-go, as requested.. Appreciate the extra effort! Thank you!

I wanted to like this, but I didn't have the opportunity. I came in to get my first drink that was…read moreincluded with check in. I was not a fan at all - no worries though, because it was free. Can't complain about free! While ordering the free drink, I asked for a menu since I planned on grabbing some dessert. They dropped off the menu and never came back. I'm not the loudest person so I don't try to yell to flag someone down. I tried making contact with the bar tenders, waving my menu, etc and could not get anyone to come back. They checked in with people around me and took 10+ walkup orders, but never came back around to check on me. After 30 minutes of waiting, I gave up and left. The environment was nice. They had several tables located along the windows with good lighting, and the bar was set up fairly comfortably.

2nd floor

Oversized beer pong

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Soft pretzels

W Lounge

3.0(124 reviews)

Recently stayed at the W Boston & after a day out, we stopped at the Lounge to grab a late night…read morebite & drink. Overall our server was pleasant and the atmosphere was fine, there was a DJ but it wasn't obnoxious just chill. We were able to have a conversation without having to yell over the music etc. I had the calamari & cauliflower and a margarita & it was great. I'd recommend for a more relaxing / lounge night.

Good food and great service. The manager greets every guest and makes sure they are well taken caresread more

Chicken Waffles! The Chicken was over cooked and dried. The staff remade it and it came out the same.

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Calamari

The Street Bar

3.6(79 reviews)

0.7 mi•Back Bay

Was in the area and looking for a place to spend some time that was relaxing and elevated. Vibe…read morefelt like dining in a Banana Republic retail store. Service was attentive and friendly. I especially enjoyed the extensive (albeit expensive) drink menu. It's a joy to find Islay Scotch, and the Champaign Cocktail had a lot to offer without tasting "busy." Also - the butternut squash soup was the best I ever had; there was a bit of Smokey creaminess to it that was absolutely delicious! Only negative really was that our table could have used a little table lamp. I did have trouble reading the menu.

Wow, I'm so disappointed. I came into town and scheduled ahead of time to take an evening to myself…read moreand enjoy a drink in this gorgeous setting. The ambiance in here was amazing. Wait... but I'm giving two stars. Yes. I arrived and the man at the door looked me up and down, then said, "yeah, we're pretty full." and stood there, hand on the door, still closed. I said "I'm okay with that." he sighed "okay." and finally let me in. Not a nice greeting. I went in and waited at the gorgeous bar, just as cozy as I had hoped and got a drink. I had a negroni and it was meh. I decided to leave because this was not the experience I was hoping for. Cozy setting, Great location, Dismissive rude staff ruined the whole thing. Busy is one thing but rudeness? Not okay.

Bartender | The Street Bar

The Street Bar | The Newbury Boston

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The Street Bar | The Newbury Boston

Rooftop at Revere

2.9(130 reviews)

0.9 mi

The rooftop space on a perfect summer night sold this place for me. Our service was quite slow and…read morethey forgot a few items, so we had to remind them. The food was decent, nothing to write home about but again, this spot for me was mostly for the drinks and vibes. If you're starving and looking for an amazing meal I'd probably seek out other spots, but if you're looking for small bites and drinks as the main event this is a good spot

Located right in the city. Came here for a group gathering on a Saturday night. The rooftop is very…read morespacious with a great look at the Boston skyline. They had different array of drinks to choose from and good music.

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Ghost Light Tavern

3.2(28 reviews)

The hottest place in the city... literally!! It feels like 100+ degrees in there during summer…read morenights which would've been a dealbreaker for me if it weren't for the vibes. Great music, great atmosphere and service! And, the bathrooms are absolutely gorgeous. I haven't had the chance to try their bar food but definitely on the list next.

My friend hosted her birthday party here and it turned out to be a fun night. We had a reserved…read moretable for dinner, which I figured would be more intimate. But our table was in the main bar off to the side, so it was chaotic but fun. I do wish it was more private but it was still fun, just loud. Our waitress was really nice and did well with our large party. Their menu is mostly apps and smaller plates, so if you're looking more for a large meal this is not your spot. I got the nashville hot mozzarella sticks which were actually pretty good, I liked the tomato relish they put on top and the ranch was really good. Dive Bar Diva was my cocktail which was pretty good. My friends seemed to like their drinks and bar bites. After dinner we went upstairs to the club and got to skip the line (thankfully). The line for the club wraps around the building down the street most nights, so we got lucky. Dance floor is upstairs and it's pretty small, just one room. There were two DJs that night, and the music was really good. Bar was fun, they handed out free chicken tenders at one point and were squirting shots into peoples mouths out of gatorade bottles. It was awesome. Bathroom line upstairs for women was crazy, only one bathroom and it took a long line. I suggest going downstairs... but at least you'll see the famous cheetah print walls! I will say trying to get in contact with the reservation staff was difficult but finally they answered after days of my friends and I trying.

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The receipt

Double Smashburger

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29 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Julia B.

10 years ago

After reading Select Oyster won Boston's Best Seafood award in Improper Bostonian, I decided to try this place. Tucked away in the Back Bay and right off Newbury, it's easy to find. I'm a big seafood fan so my standards are higher than most, however I was overall impressed with my whole experience here. I ordered the P.E.I Mussels with roasted carrots, romesco almond, green onion, and cava for my starter. The quality and flavor of the food was great. For my main meal, I ordered the Icelandic Arctic Char, with roasted leeks and pistachio dressing. I noticed they have a comprehensive wine list, although my table only ordered food. Our waiter was friendly and had the whole menu memorized. He was able to answer all my questions easily. Overall, it's a classy neighborhood restaurant, and the service and food is topnotch. They do include an automatic 20% gratuity with the bill, however that shouldn't be a complaint for people who are choosing to eat out. Waiters work hard and barely make minimum wage. Our service was great so the gratuity was more than deserved. Also they make it clear on their website that you can talk to management if you truly are against paying a 20% gratuity. I'm looking forward to trying Select Oyster again and tasting their other menu options! read more

Diane D.

11 years ago

I went for a big day of shopping and wanted a glass of champagne. A lady greeted me at the door and the bartender was also welcoming. I asked them if I could get a glass of champagne at the bar. They told me that drinking without eating is against state law in massachusetts....i was a bit dumbfounded as I live in Boston and often get drinks without food. since the bar was empty and i had a ton of bags and just wanted champagne, i agreed to sit and said i would have some oysters. when i went to sit at the corner stool they told me it was reserved...4pm, empty bar, reserved? They told me I could sit against the wall on the right, facing a wood panel quite odd, instead of a seat there it should be a flower arrangement...what an odd uncomfortable bar seat...I declined in disbelief and walked out...I will not be going back there because in one short trip i got an education on law and was asked to sit facing the wall, not good! I just wanted to spend some money and enjoy myself. It's too bad that these two people changed my opinion of the entire restaurant that is supposed to be good. read more

Micayla S.

10 years ago

I recently had lunch for 6 people here and their seafood was absolutely fantastic. Everything we ordered was flavorful and fresh. We made reservations prior to coming, and when we walked in the hostess was warm and welcoming. The decor is beautiful, with exposed brick walls and unique artwork displayed throughout the restaurant. The restaurant somehow manages to pull off a sophisticated yet casual vibe. The ambiance is one of my favorite parts of the restaurants. It's upscale but cozy at the same time (hard to pull off!). We ordered the Octopus appetizers, local oysters, Artic char, Bouillabaisse, lobster salad, and Salmon Crudo. The quality and freshness to their seafood is astounding. Also they have a huge wine list, I tried the Napa Pinot Noir. I'm surprised to see some people complaining about the prices, considering it's a select seafood restaurant in the Back Bay. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to try a new seafood restaurant in Boston. read more

Sam J.

10 years ago

This is my favorite new neighborhood restaurant spot in the Back Bay. Right off Newbury, the location is ideal. Last week I had a quiet date night here and was beyond impressed with the ambiance, the decor, and of course the seafood. The waitstaff is professional and they all seem to actually care about their job. The wine list selection was impressive, with tons of premium French wines, which are my favorite. Although the restaurant is small, it adds to the cozy and comfortable ambiance. The atmosphere is super relaxing, warm, and classy. Me and my fiancé tried every oyster on the menu, and there wasn't one we didn't like! I love restaurants where you can stay a long time and where it's quiet enough to have long conversations. The waiters are super attentive and don't rush you, and the restaurant overall has an elegant/sophisticated air to it. We can't wait to try it out again! read more

Bridget M.

3 months ago

If you're an oyster lover, Select Oyster Bar is a must-visit in Boston. I had the opportunity to sample several different varieties of oysters, and each one had its own unique flavor profile; fresh, briny, and incredibly well curated. Brian did a wonderful job explaining the differences, making the experience just as enjoyable as the meal itself. I also ordered the shrimp cocktail poached in champagne, and it was outstanding. The shrimp were perfectly cooked tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I sat outside and the atmosphere was intimate yet lively, making it a great spot whether you're celebrating or simply treating yourself to exceptional seafood. From the quality of the ingredients to the attention to detail, it's easy to see why Select Oyster Bar has earned such a great reputation. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Boston! read more

Blanche T.

3 years ago

Select Oyster Bar has held a special place in my heart for a long time, and each visit is a delightful journey into the world of exquisite seafood. The service has always been top-notch, until a recent change in their tipping policy left me with mixed feelings. Regardless of the number of guests, they now automatically adds a 3% kitchen appreciation fee and a 20% tip to every bill. While I understand the challenges faced by businesses post-pandemic and in the face of inflation, the automatic inclusion of tips feels coercive. I have always been a generous tipper and have never hesitated to show my appreciation for excellent service. However, the imposition of mandatory tips diminishes the voluntary and personal aspect of gratuity. I would prefer to tip in a way that feels natural and sincere. read more

Matt B.

10 years ago

I love this place! Chef Michael Serpa never dissapoints. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston, with a broad menu that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. If you like seafood, this should be on the top of your list. Their seafood is always fresh and cooked perfectly. The restaurant itself is really cozy and decorated nicely. I like the feel of it. There is a huge variety of oyster choices too. They offer some of the finest wines, and the waiters always know what to suggest that will compliment your meal in the best way. Overall, Select Oyster really holds up its strong reputation. The food and atmosphere is unbeatable. There's no other place like it in Boston. My personal favorite menu items are the Avocado toast and the Tuna Tartare. read more

Jeremy F.

10 years ago

There are oyster joints in Boston that'll treat you like they're interested in you rather than your wallet. This place is like being mugged at gun point in a dark alley, but one that has an oyster shucker. Select doesn't have an oyster for less than $3. They don't have an appetizer for less than $20. They don't have a HALF bottle of wine for less than $40. And to add insult to injury, they have a mandatory 20% gratuity for a party of any size whatsoever! Go to Neptune. Go to B&G. Go to Island Creek. Don't ever go here. read more

Jeff N.

5 years ago

I had a decent experience. We went on a busy Saturday night. Had reservations that were running very behind so we snagged 2 seats at the bar as we didn't want to wait the 20-30 min wait time. Ordered a bunch of starters. Bartender forgot one. Knowledge of the oysters was minimal by the bartender. Both entree's were decent. Not very flavorful. For a small restaurant I had hoped for better organization and better overall experience. Not bad but not great either. I would absolutely go back, hopefully just an off night. read more

Max P.

9 years ago

Went here with work friends - had a great experience. We all enjoyed the unique craft cocktails, and they had a lengthy menu to choose from. Oysters were fresh, delicious, and served with a tangy cocktail sauce. Lobster was huge - perfectly cooked and served. The ambience was comfy but upscale, I loved the art on the wall and the exposed bricks. Our waitress was exceptionally nice and attentive. Would definitely come here again ASAP - has our highest recommendation. read more

Leah K.

11 years ago

We had high hopes for this new restaurant. We will never go back after the horrible experience we had this past week. As a warning, they automatically add on the gratuity no matter how many people there are--without telling customers...so most people tip double. Our glasses of wine and three appetizers came to almost $300, which is very expensive for a very casual place that makes you feel uncomfortable the minute you walk in and bathrooms down in the basement. read more

Annika W.

11 years ago

On a first date and decided to try this new place: The person who we first encountered was so rude, the service was awful with attitude, and the 20% added in gratuity is just wrong for two people. Cannot recommend it, unless you enjoy being treated poorly for over priced mediocre food and being stuffed into a table with strangers. Will never go back when there are so many better choices! Try Neptune Oyster instead, it's so much better on all levels. read more

Ron J.

9 years ago

Excellent Service Great food Amazing time with great people This was my first time dining at Select Oyster Bar and overall it was very, very good! In Boston, the competition for restaurants, let alone a specialty seafood restaurant is fierce, the quality must be unparalleled, and the service must be spot on. Here, it was. Would definitely recommend this place! Prices are high so beware, however you do get what you pay for. read more

Juliana E.

264

8 years ago

Went here for my cousin's birthday dinner and it was amazing! The decor and ambiance is beautiful, the location is great- right on Newbury. Our table ordered fish, oysters, and octopus. It was absolutely delicious and fresh. A little pricey- but it's an upscale restaurant so I'm not sure why people are complaining about the restaurants prices. Overall it was a great dining experience, I'll be definitely back for more!! read more

Guinevere D.

10 years ago

Expensive, but worth it, in an excellent location (just off Newbury). We never had bad experiences with the waiting staff, they were always attentive and gracious. Some odd things like serving the delicious tuna tartare with no bread, or anything else to eat it with (what's up with that guys??). The halibut is my favorite. I also love the salmon crudo. My husband loves the oysters and the shrimp cocktail. read more

Samantha O.

3 years ago

It was the first time I tried at Select Oyster Bar. Overall, this is a must try place if you are a fan of seafood, specifically oyster. - Food: very delicious. Multiple types of oysters, all good. - Drink: there are many options. I tried a glass of Pino noire. - Price: a little upscale type. But it goes with the quality. No complaints. - Staff: professional and kind. Highly recommended read more

Amanda H.

203

8 years ago

I can't believe this place doesn't have more stars! It's such a great addition to the Newbury Street/Back Bay area. The waitstaff is very knowledgable and a ton of fun and I've never had a dish I didn't love. Highlights are the Dressed Maine Lobster, Salmon Crudo and Avocado Toast (I'm not usually one to order this one out but theirs was sensational). read more

Sam D.

9 years ago

This is the best seafood restaurant in the city! And, the staff is very warm and engaging. It's probably our favorite place in the city overall. The wine list is amazing, and there are some incredible dishes, like the salmon crudo, lobster salad and octopus. There are also great specials all of the time. Please do give it a try! read more

Maria S.

11 years ago

Fantastic! Michael Serpa is the best chef in town! If you like seafood this is the place to go. The menu changes very often which keep things interesting. My favorite thing is the scallop crudo and the roasted Maine lobster....delicious. Everything is so fresh. Service is spectacular. Great variety of wines. read more

J M.

10 years ago

We went for lunch here recently and it was terrific! The restaurant was busy and lively. We sat at the bar and had great service. The wines by the glass were a perfect pairing with the oysters. Definitely try the Maine Lobster Salad! read more

Select Oyster Bar - seafood - Updated October 2026

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Little Whale

(249 reviews)

Little Whale easily clinched a spot as one of my favorite meals while visiting Boston last week…read more Service was quick, lovely, and definitely tourist-friendly. My table wasn't inside, but I loved the outdoor seating options since it was sunny the late afternoon/evening I came. After so much walking and shopping, I wanted a hearty meal. Every bite was so satisfying. The whole belly ipswich clam plate was briny which was wonderful on its own. But that tartar sauce certainly added to the dish. Normally if I get fried seafood, I love a good crunch - but the light breading of these clams made it so that the natural umami of the clam bellies shined through - this made for a very well-executed dish. Be sure to order the house Pilsner, a clear hit on the menu.

A treasure of a place! Amazing oysters and outstanding service. A nice variety of oysters with…read morefresh cocktail sauce, vinegar, and mignonette (minced shallots, cracked black pepper, and vinegar). Staff filled their small water glasses immediately. Replaced fork in between courses. 20% tip included which they did warn when the bill came. We were generally impressed. The con - salmon tartare was overly lime-ed we couldn't taste anything else so this is a hard pass. NE clam chowder - rich cream sauce while not thick but not a favorite. Fish and chips were ok. We had reservations but were seated downstairs, next to a college trio with a particularly loud member. We'll definitely come back, once we're done sampling all that Boston has to offer, but only for the oysters - pricey but tasty.

The Banks Seafood & Steak

4.1

(380 reviews)

The Banks Seafood & Steak: Great Food, Attentive Service & a Little Prix Fixe FOMO!…read more While in Boston for our team offsite, we enjoyed a group dinner at The Banks Seafood & Steak, and I'm happy to report that it didn't disappoint! Atmosphere & Vibe First things first, this restaurant is HUGE! There's plenty of space to accommodate large groups like ours, but it also feels suitable for smaller gatherings, date nights, and romantic dinners. Whether you're entertaining colleagues or enjoying a night out with someone special, The Banks seems to have the space for it. Food & Prix Fixe Menu Since we were dining with a large group, we had a three-course prix fixe menu. I completely understand why restaurants do this for bigger parties. It makes service more manageable and keeps everything moving smoothly. But listen, the downside is that when you spot something else on the regular menu that looks delicious, you're out of luck! A little culinary FOMO, if you will. For our first course, we could choose between a salad or lobster bisque. Our entrée selections offered a nice variety: Young Chicken -- served with chorizo, Calasparra rice, saffron, peas, and caper salsa verde. Ora King Salmon -- accompanied by red kuri squash, pickled quince, treviso, and sorrel. Filet Mignon -- served with mashed potatoes, foraged mushrooms, balsamic, and fennel pollen. For dessert, we had the choice of Vanilla Crème Brûlée or Chocolate Cake. Overall, I appreciated the variety of options, especially for a group with different tastes and preferences. And the food certainly lived up to the occasion! Cocktails & Wine Thankfully, the prix fixe restrictions didn't extend to the bar! We were free to order whatever cocktails or wine we wanted. I started with an Espresso Martini made with tequila, which sounded like a fun twist on the classic. Unfortunately, it was FAR too sweet for my liking. I quickly switched to red wine, and that was a much better decision! I couldn't tell you exactly which wine they poured, but it seemed to be the house favorite because most of our group received the same selection when ordering red. Service The service was excellent! The team assigned to our table was attentive, professional, and did a great job managing a large group without making anyone feel overlooked. I especially appreciated that they proactively asked about food allergies and dietary restrictions. As someone who pays close attention to ingredients, that's always a plus in my book! Overall Thoughts The Banks Seafood & Steak delivered a lovely group dining experience with an inviting atmosphere, a thoughtfully curated menu, and genuinely attentive service. While I would've loved the freedom to explore more of the regular menu, I understand the practicality of prix fixe dining for larger parties. And aside from my overly sweet espresso martini, I really didn't have much to complain about! Would I return? Absolutely! Next time, though, I'm coming with a smaller group so I can explore the full menu without the prix fixe FOMO!

I've been here a handful of times, and my most recent visit a couple of weeks ago was the worst and…read moredisappointing. Food wasn't as delicious as usual, but the biggest complaint is in the service. There were multiple glaring problems. 1) Putting in the wrong order. We asked if the calamari had a sauté version and the server said yes. We wanted to get that version yet it came out as the fried version. They were able to replace it afterwards but still frustrating. 2) We didn't get bread until we asked. 3) Cups were empty for a long time, multiple times. When the server came to pour water, it was also done unprofessionally because the water jug would get in the face of another person and splash all over the table. 4) Tablecloth was not scraped even though we made a mess (not intentionally but like usual messiness). 5) We weren't offered desserts. We ordered two restaurant week sets and a la carte for the rest of us (four people in total) and at the end, we just received the two set menu desserts without being offered to order more. I guess I'm glad we didn't get more because the two we got didn't taste good. For the restaurant week sets we got: ceviche, gnocchi, salmon, berry sundae, and crème brûlée For a la carte we got: mussels, sauteed calamari, clam chowder, hot lobster roll, scallops To be fair most of the food came with quality ingredients but there were a few unacceptable errors. 1) Clam chowder isn't as savory and umami as we last recalled 2) Salmon was burnt and overcooked. The inside was much better so we didn't bring it up. 3) Crème brûlée's caramel top was too thin, not fully covering the whole top. There was no crunchy thick layer. Inside was goopy and wasn't rich in cream or egg flavor. My go to is always the lobster roll, clam chowder, and mussels here. I've had the salmon before too. Perhaps it was my fault for having overly high expectations after having positive experience on a select subset of items and experiences. There are positives about Banks for sure even in this disappointing meal. 1) They help us split the clam chowder into two bowls when seeing that we're sharing apps. 2) The lobster jus butter that came with the hot lobster roll was very fragrant. It wasn't as heavy as I was afraid it'd be. I ended up using almost all of it without pouring it all out. Having butter on the side also meant my bread wouldn't be soggy. I also requested to swap the fries/chips for a side salad and they gave more than expected. 3) Seafood quality is high and fresh (well expected since it's Boston). The scallops were huge, almost 2 inches diameter! Can you imagine how big they are before cooking?! The salmon itself tasted so fresh too even though it was partially overcooked. Ceviche was well marinated without overpowering the seafood naturally sweetness. 4) The gnocchi sauce was creamy yet still refreshing and sweet.

Row 34

4.1

(34 reviews)

Had a great experience at Row 34 from the food to the drinks to the service it was a wonderful…read moreevening. We were staying at the adjacent Hotel Commonwealth and so the location was perfect. We did, however, wonder whether a hotel restaurant would measure up and boy it sure did. We tried a selection of raw oysters and enjoyed the variety and then the lobster roll! I'm no expert on these things but it hit the spot! Cocktails and wine completed a great experience. In fact, we enjoyed our drinks so much we came back the next night to have a night cap. The location is great if you're coming for Red Sox game but even if you're not it's right off the Green Line (Kenmore Sq) so it's extremely convenient to all parts of Boston.

After a long day walking through Boston, we walked in without a reservation. It was about an hour…read morebefore the Red Sox game. and got seated right away for dinner. I had looked at some photos here on Yelp but the interiors was much nicer than what comes through the photos. Felt very upscale but many were dressed in casual clothes as they were on their way to the ballgame. Our waitress was super nice and offered suggestions from beverages and helping narrow down food choices. I had to go with the buttered lobster roll and it was like nothing I ever had before. The lighting is a bit dimer in the area towards the back of the restaurant where we were seated, but it was still nice. Lots of people but we were able to carry on conversations without having to shout across the table. Great first experience. I'd definitely return here.

Atlantic Fish

(3.4k reviews)

The lobster roll and carbonara pasta are amazing!!Amanda , our food server, so attentive and gave…read moreus a lot of options on what to get, hence we still end up with lobsters. The serving bread is soo good and Amanda surprised me with a birthday cake wc is the Boston cream pie , whew super yumm I would give 10 stars for the food, the place and Amanda. Definitely recommend who ever visits Boston

We've been to Abe & Louie's before and loved it, so when back in the area, we came to this,…read moreAtlantic Fish Co because they're related to each other and we were seeking really good clam chowder. Our server was great, very friendly and helpful. Inside is nicely decorated, with wood paneled walls, barrel ceiling, somewhat of a hi-end look, but brightly lit. The menu is loaded with many seafood options, from different fish made in a plain, broiled way to specialty seafood entrées. We split a bowl of clam chowder to start and it was just ok. Nothing special, as it seemed to lack that robust, deep, smokey flavor and richness. It was also too thin in texture and viscosity. But it wasn't bad. Next up, I got the crab cake and a side of broccoli. The crab cake was perfect! Lots of crab, great flavors, and perfect texture. The broccoli was really good too. Wife got the crab crusted haddock and she loved it, so did I when I had a taste. It's a large entrée too, lots of fish and crab there! Overall, very nice visit, I'd definitely return!

PURO ceviche bar

4.3

(366 reviews)

stopped in for a quick bite and it was perfect! we were the only people there since we came right…read moreat opening, but i love seafood, and this hit the spot.

I stumbled upon this incredibly charming hole-in-the-wall on Newbury Street. It's a cozy and…read moreintimate establishment, making it the perfect spot to sit at the bar. So, I decided to treat myself to a solo lunch. I began with the mixto ceviche, which was a refreshing and vibrant dish. The fish was exceptionally flavorful and perfectly complemented the onion and peppers. The shrimp was fresh, full of flavor, while the octopus was a bit tough, still enjoyable. The sauce was a tad heavy and thick for my taste, and the portion size was a bit small considering the price. On the bright side, the chips were light and incredibly tasty. I also ordered the Costillas de Cerdo. The sauce was excellent, and a few bites were oh so good. The disappointment came in the ribs themselves -- the meat didn't come off the bone easily, which made working through the dish more effort than it should have been. This place truly impressed me with its exceptional service, especially considering my allergies. My server proactively approached the kitchen and communicated directly with them, demonstrating remarkable attentiveness and care. Their prompt response and willingness to accommodate my needs without any hassle made a significant difference. The friendly and accommodating nature of the server throughout the entire dining experience made it feel effortless to enjoy a solo meal. Three stars for now -- great flavors and genuinely caring service, with a few misses on execution and portion for the price.

Zurito

4.6

(59 reviews)

I loved Zurito and I'll be back because there are so many more things I want to try. I love the…read moreBasque concept and the restaurant design totally reflected that. The menu is awesome. A little fish heavy, but that's me citing my own personal preferences. The choices make sense for the cuisine. I sat at the bar and the bartender was so quick and friendly. I loved my cocktails and every pinxha and plate I ordered. Can't wait to come back!

I wish I remembered more of my experience here but what I do know, is that my friends and I ordered…read moreeverything twice, and we ordered about 10 different tapas. I can remember that the patata bravas were probably some of the best we've ever had. Service was great and they remembered us the next day when we ate next door at their sister restaurant. Super cute place to go out to eat with friends or date night.

Saltie Girl

(2.8k reviews)

The lobster rolls were outstanding, the service excellent and the ambiance lovely. We highly…read morerecommend snd will return again.

Highly recommended and for good reason! Grab a reservation as this place is packed nearly every…read morenight. We requested the lounge for a more intimate ambiance and it was great! I got the crispy fish sandwich (pictured) and it was astounding! Couldn't recommend more!

Row 34 - Cambridge

(136 reviews)

Variety | Drinks | Chicken…read more Variety - Row 34 can be a lot of things depending on what you're looking for. It works equally well for after-work drinks, a full meal, date night, or dinner with family and friends. The menu has a good range of options, although seafood is clearly the star and what they're best known for. There's enough variety that everyone should be able to find something. Drinks - Surprisingly impressive drink menu. They offer a strong selection of cocktails, beers, and wines from a variety of places. The quality and variety were especially good considering the price point. Whether you're stopping in just for drinks or pairing something with dinner, there are plenty of good options. Chicken - I went with the grilled chicken, and it was excellent. Well-seasoned, flavorful, and a surprisingly substantial meal. The portion is definitely designed to fill you up, so bring your appetite. I'd highly recommend it, especially if seafood isn't what you're looking for. Pro tip: Parking is limited, but the restaurant is very close to the Kendall Square T station on the Red Line. Public transit is probably the easiest option. Pro tip: 242 Fries are a great appetizer for 2-4 people. Pro tip: If you're visiting during the winter or coming for a date night, request a table away from the entrance. The front and bar areas can get drafty and noticeably louder when the restaurant is busy.

Very good food, drinks, service and vibe. The warm buttered lobster roll is as good as it looks and…read moreis so worth the $49 price tag. The coleslaw was very good too. Definitely a lot of food in my pictures and the reviews on the clam chowder are spot on, good and some like it but some also say it's too salty, which is my take. The ceviche was a great starter - I would definitely roll with the shrimp tacos again and the butterscotch pudding was a great way to end a shared dessert. Drinks and service were fantastic and I loved the vibe and music in the background, old school rap/hip hop from my era. I will definitely be back!

1928 Beacon Hill

4.0

(283 reviews)