Artu On Charles Street
(617) 227-9023
89 Charles St
Boston,
MA
02114
42.3584
-71.0704
Neighborhoods: Beacon Hill, Back Bay
What People Are Saying About Artu On Charles Street
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This popular offshoot caters to a mostly older local crowd--a stark contrast to the bounty of tourists that constantly fill the original Artu, in the North End. Exposed-brick walls, low ceilings and a busy open kitchen create an exceptionally homey environment. But cramped quarters mean overheard conversations are the norm. Save for the many patrons who dart in for takeout orders, most everyone enjoys selections from the limited, but wisely chosen, wine list. Congenial waiters treat everyone, even first-timers, like regulars.
The Food
Befitting a true rosticceria, the comforting menu is heavy on meats (cured and grilled) and fire-roasted vegetables. Excellent antipasti options include the popular house variety, with flavorful smoked mozzarella and sweet roasted red peppers. Well-seasoned, slow-roasted lamb, or a juicy half-chicken fresh off the rotisserie grill prove deeply satisfying entrees. Dessert options, though limited, include a light, homemade tiramisu made with rum-soaked ladyfingers.
User Reviews
endiamo
December 04, 2008
....we decided to check out Artu/ Charles St. after having a nice time at the North End location, the place is much smaller, cozy seats about 30,serves beer/wine and cordials (no full liquor or bar area). We waited about 10 mins to be seated which was cool as we got to see the chef in action (open kitchen) and they gave us a crostini while we waited. Place was full, especially for a Tuesday. My wife had the lobster ravioli, I went with zuppe de pesce (fish stew) and we had vegetable antipasto. We went with a white wine( Falanghina), our server Todd recommended. The huge fireplace (doubles as a winerack), open kitchen, size and location made it a very different experience from the North End, but the clean,simple food and friendly service made it equally enjoyable. Take a stroll down Charles St. either before or after your meal, love the neighborhood. We took an after dinner walk down Charles St., towards the Common
read full review
sommelier34
October 05, 2008
My girlfriend and I had gone here for a bottle of wine. We were charged for the wrong bottle and when we asked the 20/30-something bartender, she accused us of trying to scheme her. She was very rude to us and extremely unsympathetic, pouncing on us saying she would go get the camera and audio to let us hear ourselves what we had asked for. Never in my life have I been treated like this when out for a drink or dinner. The type of customer service this restaurant portrays is that of a trashy, dive bar. I let her know that we would no longer be coming back thanks to her attitude. I saw another review talking about anyone under 50 isn't treated with respect. I would absolutely agree with this. STAY AWAY from here unless you are over 50 and don't mind paying for something you didn't order!
read full review
rittiluechai
May 20, 2008
My wife and I spent three hours waiting to be seated. The hostess at the beginning of the evening told me that the wait to be seated will take less than an hour for two people. Every time that we inquired about the seat after the first hour we were told another 20 minutes. Everyone at the bar was seated. Walk-in's that arrived after us were seated. The only positive employee of this establishment was the bartenders. They did everything they could to accommodate my wife and I. The small appetizers that the bartenders brought to us were okay. So I can?t really comment on the food. This review is really aimed at the level of service provided by the hostess. All that I ask in a hostess is if I will not be seated at the restaurant because of reservations than please let me know so I can go elsewhere. We left at 10:30 without eating and pretty upset. This dinner was to celebrate our fifth anniversary. Instead of enjoying an evening with my wife, I had the worst experience in a restaurant of my life. If this review helps prevent one person from experiencing what we did, then it was worth it.
read full reviewThe Details on Artu On Charles Street
Know Before You Go:
Reservations aren't accepted. If there's a wait, add your name to the waiting list and take a stroll down scenic Charles Street.
When to Go:
On a budget? Stop by during lunchtime for bargains like the roast lamb sandwich, large enough to keep you filled through dinner.
The Extras:
If classic "red sauce" Italian is more your style, head across town to the original North End Artu for more tourist-friendly fare.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Quiet, Hidden Find, Family Style Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
