209
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 536-0972
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Berkeley Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Gay and Lesbian Bar 2007, Gay and Lesbian Bar 2007, Gay and Lesbian Bar 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Wed 11am-1am, Thu-Fri 11am-2am, Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 10:30am-1am
Editorial Review for 209 – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
Well-groomed couples and groups of singles mingle at the bar and the adjoining section of tables, making this one of the area's premier pickup scenes for the gay and lesbian crowd. Warm copper and gold colors make for a romantic atmosphere. When not delivering designer martinis (white grape, vanilla-espresso) from the busy bar, attentive servers keep an eye out for empty water glasses.
The Food
Equally popular as a Sunday brunch destination or a casual dinner spot, 209 serves modern comfort food with a Southwestern twist. Signature dishes sees traditional favorites turned inside out: "Austin-tacious" clam chowder receives a major kick thanks to an infusion of chili peppers, while beef tenderloin is rubbed in chilies and served with a piquant ancho sauce. Brunch favorites include cinnamon-swirled French toast and fresh breakfast tacos. Baked rice pudding or fried bananas with chocolate-tequila ganache provide a sweet finish to any meal.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyStop in any evening before 7:30pm, order any entree and receive any sandwich, burger or designated entree for $2.09.
Know Before You GoCan't get away from the office? Bring it with you, as the restaurant offers complimentary wireless Internet access.
User Reviews for 209
11/08/2007 Posted by katbird1188
I was revolted by the service. After waiting 45 minutes for a table (when I had made reservation 3 weeks in advance), the host and the manager were far from apologetic. In fact they directly insulted my friends when we expressed our displeasure. Had it not been a Saturday night, we would have left and gone elsewhere. Meanwhile, our server was new and incapable of refilling our drinks, and the food, especially the sweet potato gnocchi, was chewy, over-cooked, and tasteless. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy.
Pros: the scenery
Cons: service, food, THE SERVICE!
10/18/2007 Posted by janey52007
Been here twice this month. The food is definitely different from all the descriptions on here. Each time I've been here I've had the same cocktail, a Sidecar, and each time it was perfectly mixed, which is a rare drink for a bartender to get right. Last time I dined at 209 I had a kind of East-meets-Southwest Tuna sashimi dish. Very tasty with super fresh fish and a delightful black bean sauce. Very flavorful. I also had pumpkin ravioli that were the BEST ravioli I've ever had. Our server, Louis, said they were handmade, which was obvious because I've never tasted anything like them before. I would recommend this dish to anyone. On previous occasion I had pasta (linguini, perhaps) with clams, which was also very good, but a tiny bit too salty. I also had a chicken dish that was very tender, juicy, but with a super-crispy skin that had, again, a whole lot of flavor. Delicious. Also a dessert that was a kind of sweet appley cheesecake tart of some kind. Tasty. The wine we ordered was something I could have picked up at a discount wine store. I honestly don't remember it at all other than it was a white. The service both times was slow, considering the place was half empty. But it was nice to sit and watch the Red Sox on the TV and not feel rushed through our meal. I recommend this place with 4 stars because it is friendly, casual, but with really good seasonal food on the menu. Like you can have a 4 star meal and your jock boyfriend can have a burger and nachos. Also, even though this is a well-known gay place, it is very neighborhoodly and straight-friendly. All they need is a couple of good waiters and it will be even better.
Pros: Cocktails, Tuna Sashimi, Pumpkin Ravioli!!!, Chicken, Entrees good in general
Cons: Service slow and a bit clumsy, Wine list is tired
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