inexpensive dinner tonight, south end/sowa area

[CatalinaCupcake]

Hi there,

heading to an unexpected dinner tonight with a friend who lives in SoWa area and doesn't have a car. Want to go nearby, inexpensive, but good. Thought I'd like to try something new fun and different that maybe you guys know about, or SE residents like. Up for most anything, Asian especially.

thanks!

Caitlin

[izzyeats]

I really like the Garden of Eden Cafe on Tremont. The food is pretty much all local and sustainable. I believe that all the entrees are under $20. Not Asian, but it's a great value for a delicious meal. The pastries are amazing as well!

[CatalinaCupcake]

ended up actually going to Garden of Eden
but all the recs were much appreciated, especially Addis Red Sea--- can't wait to try it!

-c

[BostonBarGuy]

How was your meal? I've had horrible experiences there.

[heWho]

I had Coq Au Vin at Garden of Eden and it was outstanding. I had very low expectations going in as I've never really been a fan of the place, but that dish won be over in a big way (and it was cheap and plentiful enough to have lunch the next day).

If you're in the mood for Asian (errr, Thai), you might want to consider Equator near the corner of Mass Ave on Washington St. Not the greatest food, but a nice atmosphere and it's cheap to boot.

[bachslunch]

Like BostonBarGuy, my experiences at Garden of Eden in the past have been very poor (overpriced, slow service, below average food) -- might maybe give it a go again.

I roundly disliked Equator the one time I went (among the absolute worst pad thai I've ever had, very greasy with hard, inedible noodles), and would prefer either House of Siam or Thai Village for this cuisine.

[CatalinaCupcake]

Actually my food at Garden of Eden wasn't so great. I didn't mention it even because I have never particularly liked it....my friend was right next door and it was easy so we went there. I had the Arugula salad and it was not only boring but incredibly gigantic! SO much food that I actually felt bad about it, knowing I would never eat it, it wouldn't hold, and just feeling disgusted that they would serve that much in one bowl. It seemed like such a waste. I wanted to get a burger medium well but was told it would take at least a half an hour so bagged it. I understand that, but as it was my salad took forever for what seemed like a pile of Arugula and a few hidden pears and walnuts and cheese that I had to search for. Ah well, I was not able to have as fun a night as I anticipated.

[MC Slim JB]

Newish and inexpensive (entrees under $20): Pops (surprisingly nice-looking for the money, doing slightly creative American and comfort food, full bar and good short wine list), Coda (a handsome casual bar in the Audubon Circle mode, doing high-quality American food with some subtle French accents plus comfort food standards, good cocktails and a very nice, inexpensive wine list), and J.J. Foley's Cafe (brand-new to serving food, doing pub-food standards -- burgers, nachos, wings, sandwiches, shepherd's pie, fish & chips, plus a dozen drafts and a full bar at high quality in big portions); Mela (Indian food in a sleek modern setting) The Beehive can be inexpensive to dine at, though I haven't loved the food so far, and lines can present a problem on some nights.

[mwk]

Hi,

For Asian, you might enjoy Thai Village, which is a pleasant restaurant on Tremont St., near Upton St. The food is good, the prices are reasonable.

If you are really "up for most anything", then try one of my favorite places in that area, Addis Red Sea Ethiopian. If you've never been, it will be definitely new, definitely fun, and definitely different.

[vermontpoet]

I absolutely love Addis Red Sea...... my favorite South End restaurant ...as much for the whole experience as for the food. When I lived in Boston, not too far from there, that was one of my favorite inexpensive "go to" spots for out of town friends.

[BostonBarGuy]

VP- I've never been. I've got to add this place to my list. When did you go last? Could you please recommend your favorite dishes? Thank you very much.

[mwk]

BBG, I usually go to Addis once a month on average. My favorite dishes are the combo platters, so you can try a few different items. I usually get the Kitfo combo. Kitfo is Ethiopian steak tartare, highly spiced with chilis. It's got a kick to it, but I love it. Not all the dishes are that spicy, though, if you don't like that. Here's the website

http://www.addisredsea.com

[Spike]

Any alternative to that weird spongy bread?

We liked the taste of most of the Addis Sampler, but that spongy bread was just weird tasting (and texture-wise) after a while...I wished for some pita bread near the end :-)

[MC Slim JB]

Might be a bit like going into a Cantonese restaurant and requesting couscous instead of rice. That bread is the staple of the diet. Without injeera, you've got no plate, no utensil, no starch.

I feel stupid for having dined there for years before I learned you could request the more authentic injeera made with teff instead of just wheat flour.

[Spike]

I know, I was just hoping there was another option ;-)
Is authentic injeera as spongy as the regular one?

[gini]

More so. If it really bothers you, ask for a fork to eat the meal with, I guess.

[bachslunch]

Will second mwk's suggestion of Thai Village and also suggest House of Siam (on Columbus Ave.) for Thai in that area.

[BostonBarGuy]

- Toro: Tapas, if you order carefully you can keep the price down
- Seiyo: Decent sushi, might still be BYOB
- Stella: med-priced/more expensive
- Union: BBQ menu $37 for 3 courses and a beverage
- Sage: Italian(probably more than you want to spend)(similar price point as Union)
- Red Fez: Don't even think about it.
- Pops
- Metropolis
- Franklin
- Tremont 647
- Coda
- Anchovies

I'd recommend checking out all of the recent threads and websites of all of these to compare menus and pricing.

A step down in pricing;

- Joe V's (I've never been)
- Delux(Never ate there)
- Foodie's salad bar

Have a good night.

[bachslunch]

Have tried the Delux Cafe and liked it very much the time I went.

[icculus]

Delux is great. I'm amazed by the food that they can produce in a kitchen the size of a closet. They do take out as well. I've been probably 20 times over the years and the only quibble I have about it is that sometimes it's difficult to get a table... but recently that hasn't been the case. I went about a month ago on a Wednesday night around 7 and there were only 3 or 4 other tables occupied... no wait whatsoever.

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Delux Cafe
100 Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116