1/2/15

Cuisine:
Asian

Food:

Service:

Decor:

Overall:

Fanueil Hall, Boston
617-742 9242
Haymarket / Haymarket

Diner Comments: Diners found Wagamama in Fanueil Hall to be surprisingly tasty. Heart Asian fare Decor was sparse but comfortable and clean and seating in the basement, though strange, allowed for a more "private party" feel than the noisy upstairs dining room. Appetizers like chili-garlic edamame and tempura fried calamari were hits. Entrees like duck ramen, chicken donburi and yaki soba were deliciously satisfying, however, chicken lettuce wraps were "tired pieces of wiry chicken on sad looking lettuce". Fruity cocktails were refreshing but not as imaginative as one would hope. Service was polite and attentive. All in all, a delicious, affordable and fairly healthy place to stop in for a warm bowl of ramen and some crispy calamari." $$ [33] [All Comments]

2/6/15

Cuisine:
Southern

Food:

Service:

Decor:

Overall:

1193 Cambridge St, Inman Sq
617-868-0004
Central / 69 bus

Diner Comments: Overall: Tupelo is affordable, comfortable, and has great offerings for a great value. Diners felt it was a "great place for down home southern cookin'!" and enjoyed a variety of southern comfort selections including "briny/juicy fried oysters", "collard greens that were sour and tangy", "decadent pork confit corn dog", and deep southern fried chicken that delivered "crispy, crunchy, outside yet moist and tender on the inside". However, the ribs and shrimp and grits fell flat, while the rice and beans were okay. Service was both prompt and efficient, where our server "deftly handled our large party" but may have left us to linger a little too long at the end of the evening. While the environment was comfortable, with great tables, the decor and feel was "design-challenged" and maybe a bit too cozy - tables are packed tightly. That said, food and service are clearly the focus here and Tupelo delivered. " $$$ [43] [All Comments]

3/6/15

Cuisine:
Italian

Food:

Service:

Decor:

Overall:

30 Rowes Wharf, Boston
617-439-6900
Aquarium / South Sta

Diner Comments: Diner's enjoyed their food, but found the appetizers a little bit pricey compared to the cost of the mains. The gnocchi was received as really good as long as you ate it within 5 minutes. The wine list was a big hit, though the cocktails seemed hit or miss. The service was very good considering the size of our group. Water never went for wanting, we were seated promptly, the host/waiters were very attentive. Decor received mixed scores, some feeling it was intimate and cozy, while others complained it was cramped and dark. The one thing that was agreed upon, the chairs were too small for our party. $$ [45] [All Comments]

4/3/15

Cuisine:
Bistro

Food:

Service:

Decor:

Overall:

25 Kingston Street, Boston
617-482-6282
Downtown Crossing

Diner Comments: "Most diners said they’ve “always had a good experience” here, and liked the “cool décor” (though it’s “a little dark”), the “bright and refreshing” cocktails (though one’s was “too sweet”), and the “friendly and responsive” service. The food was “solid” to “excellent” (though some wished for a “[bigger] menu” and thought some complained of both over and “under seasoning”.) Still, the place earned a “first Friday favorite.”" $$$ [43] [All Comments]

5/1/15

Cuisine:
Tapas

Food:

Service:

Decor:

Overall:

525 Tremont St, South End
617-266-2600
Haymarket/ #43 Bus

Diner Comments: Barcelona Wine Bar is en fuego! Sadly, that was, literally, the sentiment about their HVAC system. High marks overall for the food and service but the climate and noise level had our diners steaming. A number of standout plates kept us sticking to our seats in the better sense. "Tender meatballs in a sauce worthy of many extra slices of crusty bread" and "superb tuna with canelli beans" brought raves but the squid ink dish "polarized the table." Drink reviews were mixed but, this being a wine bar, highest praise came from those having wine. The selection of sherries is excellent and tasting portions allowed for a range of sampling. Nearly everyone thought the service was "attentive and observant" but, thanks to the high noise level, it was often difficult to hear what dishes were being brought to us. With accolades from those who enjoyed the tasting menu, it isn't surprising that several nominations for First Friday Favorite status were received. $$$$ [58] [All Comments]

6/5/15

Cuisine:
Small Plates

Food:

Service:

Decor:

Overall:

343 Congress St, Fort Point
617-790-0808
South Station

Diner Comments: Mostly positive reviews for Tavern Road. The cocktails ("a perfect Negroni") and the service got high marks. One diner gave Tavern Road "high marks for a creative menu", but felt a little too expensive compared to other tapas restaurants. For small plates, the servings were surprisingly filling. The burrata, the grilled steak skewers and the cippino got raves. The space itself was "big and loud, with a crowded bar", but the experience didn't quite gel for some. Six diners were squished into a booth while the restaurant was half empty. Diners would go back for lunch or drinks and snacks at the bar. $$$ [43] [All Comments]