Our busy weekend of dining out was highlighted by a first look at Towne Stove and Spirits.
Checking out a new restaurant is always a lot of fun, which means the judging begins with that very first step inside.
We were shown into the street-level bar area with its ample table section and a couple of flat screens. Before settling, we walked the length of the room, passing up the Vegas Red illuminated section of bar, for seats near the front door.
Since I’ve been reading a lot of burger reviews lately, it seemed natural to go for Towne’s “burger xtreme”– a tasty combo of “ground skirt & short rib.” The bun top was served hollowed-out to better accommodate that plump patty. (See below)
Good fries with a slice of avocado– nice presentation.
Penny had read about Towne’s mayo-free lobster roll– not all that easy to find– and couldn’t wait to do her own comparison.
She thought, “It was good, better than many in the area, but Neptune remains champion. It was in the classic, toasted ‘hot dog style’ bun. The melted butter was seasoned, and it may be that the lobster meat was reheated in the seasoned butter. On the side was a cellophane bag of what seemed to be Terra Chips.
Someone once said, “Life’s too short, start with dessert.” And, if you ever want to test the validity of that philosophy, go right to Towne’s “Brown Sugar Angel Food Cake...caramel ice cream & maple spun sugar.” How can you argue with cotton candy?
Towne has three bars. As you enter, the first one (where we sat) was loud. Another, set back on the ground level, seemed less frenetic. And, for a more intimate setting, investigate the upstairs bar and dining area.
Service was great (thank you Anna), and we had some fun & friendly bar companions.
This is the place everyone’s been asking us about, but remember, they’re still in shake-down mode, so it’s probably unfair to expected perfection, yet.
We actually went to Towne twice on Saturday, initially arriving at noon to a dark, obviously closed, restaurant. Although their website lists hours of operation: 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. daily, you might want to call ahead during these opening weeks.
Related Post:
Neptune Oyster Lobster Roll – A Best Bite
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Details:
Towne Stove and Spirits, 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, 617.247.0400 (Map)
townboston.com
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2010 Penny Cherubino
