Scarlet Oak Tavern (Hingham)
This place has been on my list forever and I finally made it there over the weekend. The space is wonderful. Huge bar that goes across two rooms, but somehow still manages to feel intimate. The staff was both friendly and efficient and I enjoyed watching the pizzas cook in the massive oven. Sounds great, right? Well, not quite. This place has so much potential but the food comes up short. Clam chowder was delicious, creamy, not too thick and nice clam flavor. Now, the lobster roll -- fair amount of lobster, lightly dressed, but with an intense lemon flavor. Some may like this version, but I don't think lobster needs anything other than a very thin layer of mayo. Onion Rings were battered, not my favorite and a little bit greasy. The flatbread pizza with potato, scallop and bacon sounded good but the huge sea scallop on each slice ruined the texture. This pizza probably would have worked better if they chopped up the scallops. So, would I go back? Possibly, just have to find the right dish or stick with the chowder. Anyone else with any experience?
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This is one of our go-to places for a nice night out, entertaining people from out of town, etc. I have never had a bad meal there. Try ordering from the regular dinner menu (it sounds like you were ordering from the bar menu). I've had duck, salmon, and a few other things that I've forgotten now; my husband always loved their meat entrees (I don't eat meat). The service is attentive but not annoying, and they always make you feel welcome. Of course, the building itself is gorgeous. Give it another try, and try something a little more representative of the kitchen than lobster roll. Also, try having lunch or brunch there--both are wonderful.
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re: Pegmeister
No mention yet that this place is kind of a steak house, in the dining room anyways. I had the 12oz. Sirloin Steak (I thnk it's USDA choice) with "choice of two sides". I chose the undercooked steamed broccoli and the oily potatoes au gratin, and paid the extra $ for bearnaise sauce. DC had the Salmon with goat cheese and raspberries. You read that right. Nothing memorable about it. Sorry I just don't get this place.
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The burgers are to die for here...the last time I ordered one, I cut into it and juice ran all over the plate. It was perfectly cooked. The pizzas are also great...it sounds like the particular one you ordered was a "miss" but in the past, I've had the lobster pizza and it was delicious. And I've always been able to get a good salad here...
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re: bostongal
typhoonfish
Oct 6, 2009 10:16 AM
My wife and I eat at the bar. We usually get some oysters and either a burger or pizza. I think it's the most cozy restaurant south of Boston. It's like one giant upscale warm ski lodge.
It can get downright dangerous in there on a Friday night. The drinks seem to go down like water.
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re: bostongal
The lobster pizza was my first choice, but DC wanted to try the scallop/bacon. I could tell it had potential, it's just that the oversized scallops didn't work for me. Next trip will be either a burger or the lobster pizza. The space is just too lovely not to give them another chance.
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