Belated 17th anniversary dinner, outdoor dining preferred

[devilham]

Since it's an off year number, we're not making a big deal of it, but would like to eat outside seeing as how it's so nice out. Can you guys think of someplace pleasant and casual, good food with outdoor seating that will have tables available without making reservations weeks in advance?

A few years back on our 15th, we hit up Craigie, and it was great, but we're not looking for quite that level (and price!) of an experience, just good chow at a fair price in a nice setting

[devilham]

Well, you heartless bastards dropped the ball.....just kidding! We ended up going to the Salty Pig, but were sadly let down a bit. I just felt that the value was not there. Our charcuterie was real nice, standouts were the stilton blue (when paired with the onion jam, was just great), and really didn't have any losers on that platter of mixed cheeses and salamis. The flatbread pizza sadly was a bit dissapointing. We got the clam pizza, and while nothing was awful, it was just ....meh? Flatbread pizza seems a bit lazy to me, it's just not real pizza making. bottom line is it seems all they do is slice meats and put things on flatbread, not totally worth $90 is all. The drinks were lovely though, I found the dartmouth street cooler to be quite nice.

I really need to drag my sorry ass down to New Haven and get the clam pizza I am dreaming of, and stop trying to chase that dragon up here in Boston.....sigh.

[justbeingpolite]

Didn't give us a lot of time before your event did you? I would have suggested Oleana, if you could get on the back patio.

[devilham]

No I did not, the bad is on me for sure, and I was only joking in the first part, just wanted to let the CH'rs know our thoughts on the Salty Pig

[justbeingpolite]

I'm sorry we didn't get a response in earlier. Thanks for the review of the Salty Pig. I haven't been but won't be in a big hurry now. Hope you get down for your Pepe's pizza. Have you been to Oleana?

[devilham]

I have not been to Oleana actually? Should I go?

[justbeingpolite]

Yes, definitely! Get an early reservation, and show up early to try and snag seats on the patio. Great place for a couple.

If anyone has any tricks to seating outdoors there, chime in.

[Madrid]

yes oleana. get a reservation but even if you can't, be there 10 minutes before they open.a rez will not get you a patio spot, but being there will. you can't get a reservation for the patio, that's first come first served, I'm not sure if having a reservation gets you preference for the patio or not. The patio is a beautiful oasis even when it's a bit too hot outside. look at the menu, see if it appeals, there are specials and the meze are highly recommended...check out threads here.

[opinionatedchef]

everything madrid said!

[mkfisher]

We had dinner Friday night on the Oleana patio. It's one of the best hidden spots in the city. There was a line at the door right before the place opened for all but one 2 top and one 4 top.

[teezeetoo]

there's nothing hidden about it: it has constant and generally positive press. As you generally can't book the patio and I find the interior dark, crowded and uncomfortable, I don't go but I certainly know others that put up with the catch as catch can seating for the very good food if somewhat pricey food.

[mkfisher]

I meant hidden, in terms of the fact that it's hidden from the noises of the city. It doesn't feel like you're on Hampshire Street. Obviously, it's not hidden from the public (hence the line at the door before they opened)