In need of Back Bay Restaurant Advice

[betsameister]

Hi all,

I'm getting into Boston late on a Friday night, and looking for a yummy, not overly expensive (around $15 -$25 entrees) restaurant in the Back Bay area where I'll be staying. Last time I was in the area I was somewhat underwhelmed by the restaurants I saw (so many chains!). Does anyone have a suggestion for someplace more unique? We like all kinds of food- seafood, asian, american, french etc. but would prefer non-Italian because the next night we're going out in the North End.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[betsameister]

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations. We had an excellent meal at Coda- fresh scallops with polenta with a nice local beer to wash it down. Best of all- I felt like I was eating with the locals.

[CookieLee]

I'm a big fan of Coda. And you're correct, you were eating w. the locals!

[walnuticecream]

I second La Voile, but also recommend walking yourself a few blocks over to the South End. Try Toro (Spanish tapas), Coppa, Franklin Cafe, Myers & Chang or Union. There really aren't many options in Back Bay proper...

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Toro
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

La Voile
261 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

Myers + Chang
1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[C. Hamster]

There arent *that* many real chains in BB, that I can think of. The kind that have several locations.

I endorse all of the above, esp. Brasserie Jo (which is *ha* a chain!)

Also in the SE is Gaslight, which I think has standard food and excellent cocktails but people here like it. As well as Eastern Standard in Kenmore if the Sox arent in town that night.

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Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

Brasserie Jo
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

[Blumie]

I'm a huge fan of Coda for high quality casual dining in the Back Bay at very reasonable prices.

[The_SBK]

I second Coda! Good call Blumie. It's sort of "off the beaten path". Last time I was there I had steak frites and they were fantastic and I came in around $20. Impressive beer list too.

www.OnceUponASmallBostonKitchen.blogs...

[cambridgedoctpr]

John Joho is a great chef who runs the Everest room, perhaps the best Alsatian restaurant in the us, which is located in chicago. Chefs try to keep the best people in their system and so they open new restaurants for the more talented people, so as not to lose them. Anthony Bourdain writes about that in is books.

So, Joho was nice enough to send one of these people our way; i like Brassierie Jo and Joho quite a lot.

[rr2035]

I'd second Sel de la terreas they have a bar menu too, which may be a good option later in the evening. Though sitting upstairs in the dining room offers a neat view of Boylston St.

[mgcmonkey]

Brasserie Jo
Mistral
Sel De La Terre
City Table @ Lenox Hotel

All serve a late night menu in the bar area till at least 1am. My choice would be Mistral. Sel De La Terre, which is another solid choice may be more convenient as its in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. You could walk through the Mall to get there.

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Sel De La Terre
776 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

Brasserie Jo
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

[A.A.]

I typically think of it as a lunch place, but I think the Parish Cafe may fit the bill. Casual and on lower end of your price range, if memory serves. Their schtick is a menu of interesting sandwiches created by area chefs. (The Schlesinger is one of my favorites.) Decent bar, too. It's open until 2 AM daily (kitchen closes @ 1 AM, I think).

[teezeetoo]

try la voile - good french bistro food at a decent price