03/02/09

tasty food, very sub-par service

by foodietoodie

I'm a local, and took my parents who are from out of town to Cottonwood. Having been around Boston restaurants for years, I've gotten used to a bit of gruffness, some inattention but overall having pleasant experiences from place to place.

This experience was not pleasant. The food was quite good, which thankfully saved the evening. The waiter was abyssmal. Host was very nice, sat us, and it all started well. But, after an inital hello and some water, we waited 10-15 minutes for the waiter to come back, he had walked by a few times and never made eye contact - I finally went to the host not wanting to be pushy and kindly asked for the waiter to come to our table to order. Other people who sat after us already had salads. It took a few more minutes after that. When he came back I mentioned the delay and he said "I thought you said you needed a minute". Inappropriate. He also forgot a glass of wine after that, and got my order wrong. That pretty much did it. Everyone else started eating without me while I waited. Ther was an apology from the waiter about the food mix up. I know waiting table is the worst job because I did it. This waiter wasn't mean, just bad - but it really put a kink on the whole dinner, and that's enough to make me not want to go back.

• Pros: good food
• Cons: service service service!

01/06/09

I love the food and drinks here

by kasha22

The food that I have ordered there has always been very good and their margaritas are awesome-not like the sugary sick inducing or overly sour ones that are often served at bars and restaurants. I have been going there almost once a week for the past two years and it is still one of my favorite restaurants in Boston for meals under $ 20 per person. Service has never been spectacular and there are a couple of male servers who i think go to work to socialize, and I myself have had my meals "mixed up" in the kitchen, but whatever...it's affordable, good drinks and the after work scene is good.

• Pros: Great margaritas, enchilda verdes, zuni roll, nachos, chips and salsa
• Cons: unattentive servers

09/26/06

Great margaritas and fresh fish specials

by ccirricione

I dine at the Cottonwood Cafe everytime I visit Boston and have done so since my daughter attended BU in the early 90's. Although I peruse the menu on every visit, I invariably order their fresh fish of the day with the wonderful sauces that accompany the dish. Bartenders and service people are personable and efficient. Although we researched other venues for our daughters's wedding reception, we held it there and all of the guests said it was the best wedding reception they had ever attended.

• Pros: Friendly atmosphere
• Cons: Can be noisy