Top Of The Hub

(617) 536-1775

800 Boylston St (Prudential Center) (Prudential Center)
Boston, MA 02199 42.3487 -71.0819

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Neighborhoods: Back Bay, Prudential / St. Botolph

TOPOFTHEHUB.NET

Hours:

Monday To Sunday From 11:30 AM To 01:00 AM

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 10.16.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, View Dining, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Prix Fixe Menu

Cuisine:

New American, Traditional American

Smoking Permitted:

No

What People Are Saying About Top Of The Hub

Featured Review

Eric Grossman

Contributor

The Scene – The laid-back elegance of ample tables, crisp white linens and hefty silver and glassware produces a lush, romantic feel. So does the 52nd-story vantage. Patrons--conventioneers, locals celebrating birthdays and anniversaries--dress to match the prices. Service is knowledgeable and unobtrusive. – – The Food – The food is inventive without being esoteric, and the artful compositions delight both eye and palate. A wide, shallow bowl holds swirled roasted squash soup surrounding a short tower of seared scallop, foie gras and cranberry jam. Slow-roasted pork…

Editor's Tips

Parking:
Validated parking in the Pru's garage isn't free; it simply gets you a $14-$21 spot for $7.
Save Money:
Take in the Prudential Tower's impressive views for less by foregoing the observatory's $7 admission in favor of a beer at the bar.
Know Before You Go:
Reservations aren't accepted for window seats. Arrive early and cool your heels at the bar while waiting for one to open up.
Where to Sit:
During the day, opt for a table overlooking the Christian Science complex; at night, overlooking the river.
ambiance
95.83000183105469% positive
  1. I'm from New York, so nice views and good food are plentiful, but this place is definitley up there.
  2. It was a clear night and we sat facing Cambridge, which was not ideal but a wonderful view.
  3. Excellent staff, service, atmosphere.
  4. The view was spectacular and the service was excellent.
  5. Offers amazing views of Boston.
  6. The jazz band was great and the view spectacular.
  7. Go here for drinks and enjoy the view, but I wouldn't reccomend dinner.
  8. Plus, you have a great view of Boston!
  9. The most amazing Boston views from all sides, nice, cozy lounge with live music, Food is excellent, impeccable service and the desserts.
  10. The view was just amazing.
  11. The most expensive dinner, but with the most glorious view
  12. the view was beautiful but we were seated so far away from it that it really didnt matter.
  13. Yes the views are amazing and the food is spectacular, but let's pick on perfection: it's dated.
  14. Amazing view of the river.
  15. The view was incredible and the ambience was romantic with candle light.
  16. . . If all you want is a good view, go to the Top of the Hub.
  17. we were just going to have a drink in the bar and enjoy the view but decided to stay for dinner.
  18. The atmosphere is great for business or pleasure.
  19. The view is so outstanding, and the sheer ambience of being at literally the top of Boston, makes it a top spot.
  20. When the overpriced check came, I realized the only selling point here is the view from up high, and the waiter was lucky to leave quickly before he was given an express ticket down.
  21. Top Of The Hub is amazing food with an amazing view
  22. The view was incredible, the food was almost too plentiful and extravagant and delicious, and the band was amazing!
  23. had been to Top of the Hub twice before and both times were were pleasant -- food was good, atmosphere was perfect., and the live background jazz music was just right.
  24. Like this place a lot - amazing view and good food
  25. But, we're talking about 12 really good, warm cookies with cinnamon whipped cream and a spectacular view.
  26. Overall its a good place to go if you're looking for a romantic evening.
  27. The Top of the Hub offers the most outstanding view of Boston.
  28. This is also a great treat to spring on unsuspecting out-of-town guests who want to go to Top of the Hub for the view.
  29. For romance, yes, the Top of the Hub offers a splendid view and great service.
  30. The view was amazing of course, but the food wasn't all that great.
  31. Gents take the ladies there for a romantic evening.
  32. went to the Top of the Hub for a romantic birthday dinner on 11/19/06.
  33. Great restaurant, good food, great view
  34. Good atmosphere and great service.
  35. Partially because of the easy comp vs. Capital Grille + WOW an amazing view at night + relatively quiet and uncrowded (made for good conversation - I would recommend hitting the bar for a cheap romantic date).
  36. It was so romantic, the food was delicious and generous portions.
  37. Outstanding views of Boston panoramically are a sweet treat by itself.
  38. The atmosphere was great and the view was amazing.
  39. The atmosphere was incredible due to the wonderful decoration and the fabulous view.
  40. The service was amazing, the food was delicious and the view can't be beat.
  41. The magnificent view is one thing but the service and knowledge of the wait staff is astounding.
  42. The food, service atmosphere were perfect.
  43. The view rocks, the atmoshere is great, and the bartenders can make you a great drink, awesome martinis.
  44. Yes, the views are great.
  45. Romantic view
  46. While you have a romantic meal for two you can enjoy the sights of Boston.
  47. The view from the window tables is incredible.
  48. Amazing views and food
dessert
71.4300012588501% positive
  1. Last but not least was our dessert, which was the assorted fresh baked cookies which were slightly burnt and obviously Pillsbury.
  2. What made the experience all the more bitter was witnessing two other parties enjoying their birthday desserts.
  3. If you're a fan of the warmth, comfort and decadence of fresh baked cookies, then you should get yourself to the 52nd Floor of the Prudential and order "An Array of Freshly Baked Cookies.
  4. Our excellent meal was followed by a nicely presented, tasty dessert.
  5. Everything was great from the appetizer to the dessert!
  6. For a less expensive option try cocktails or desserts in their less formal dining area.
  7. would highly recommend the warm chocolate cake for dessert.
  8. Also got the chocolate cake-very rich and the waiter put a cute candle in the well presented desert.
  9. we ordered a Boston Cream Pie for desert but got a piece of chocolate covered white cake with a "sliver" of cream in the middle (I mean it was maybe 1/4 inch wide sliver of cream) we were totally disappointed in A. the service B the food came out in weird
  10. Only went for dessert and drinks(you wouldnt think that would be too much to handle) they lied and said they didnt have the tea we asked for, and our coffees were cold by the time we got them.
  11. The most amazing Boston views from all sides, nice, cozy lounge with live music, Food is excellent, impeccable service and the desserts.
  12. think the best part was dessert (warm chocolate cake).
  13. The food is great and the desert is amazing.
  14. But, we're talking about 12 really good, warm cookies with cinnamon whipped cream and a spectacular view.
drinks
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. The view rocks, the atmoshere is great, and the bartenders can make you a great drink, awesome martinis.
  2. It has great drinks and great food.
  3. Partially because of the easy comp vs. Capital Grille + WOW an amazing view at night + relatively quiet and uncrowded (made for good conversation - I would recommend hitting the bar for a cheap romantic date).
  4. Only went for dessert and drinks(you wouldnt think that would be too much to handle) they lied and said they didnt have the tea we asked for, and our coffees were cold by the time we got them.
  5. The food was good and the wine was good.
  6. For a less expensive option try cocktails or desserts in their less formal dining area.
  7. Go here for drinks and enjoy the view, but I wouldn't reccomend dinner.
  8. we were just going to have a drink in the bar and enjoy the view but decided to stay for dinner.
  9. He did not make us feel or try to steer us into a more expensive wine to beef up the bill.
food quality
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. Great restaurant, good food, great view
  2. The bread was tasty, salad a good size, and the swordfish I got was too big for me to eat alone!
  3. Just be sure to ask about the ingredients before you order the food.
  4. The view was amazing of course, but the food wasn't all that great.
  5. Food surpassed expectations - excellent halibut and sirloin steak special.
  6. The food, service atmosphere were perfect.
  7. Definitely THE best combination of price, food and service in Boston.
  8. I'm from New York, so nice views and good food are plentiful, but this place is definitley up there.
  9. Considering the price for there meals, and the quality of there dishes, its a huge rip off.
  10. It has great drinks and great food.
  11. The view was incredible, the food was almost too plentiful and extravagant and delicious, and the band was amazing!
  12. The leg of lamb my date had was really good.
  13. While you have a romantic meal for two you can enjoy the sights of Boston.
  14. what a great meal!
  15. Overpriced but good food and service.
  16. we ordered a Boston Cream Pie for desert but got a piece of chocolate covered white cake with a "sliver" of cream in the middle (I mean it was maybe 1/4 inch wide sliver of cream) we were totally disappointed in A. the service B the food came out in weird
  17. The boyfriend didn't quite enjoy his meal as much though, which is sad, but then again he's used to fried everything so his taste pallet isn't as refined.
  18. It was so romantic, the food was delicious and generous portions.
  19. Top Of The Hub is amazing food with an amazing view
  20. If you're a fan of the warmth, comfort and decadence of fresh baked cookies, then you should get yourself to the 52nd Floor of the Prudential and order "An Array of Freshly Baked Cookies.
  21. The service was prompt, the food was hot, and the price was reasonable.
  22. Average food; bit pricey but still worth going.
  23. Yes the views are amazing and the food is spectacular, but let's pick on perfection: it's dated.
  24. The service was amazing, the food was delicious and the view can't be beat.
  25. Our excellent meal was followed by a nicely presented, tasty dessert.
  26. Like this place a lot - amazing view and good food
  27. I'm Italian, and I love pasta, but not with ginger in it.
  28. Mediocre food, Way overpriced
  29. As for the food, it was the best steak (or at least I think it was steak, or at least some sort of meat dish.
  30. Another 20 minutes passed until he returned with the appetizer (mediocre mussels) and the wrong salad, but again without an apology for doing so.
  31. Amazing views and food
  32. First time was for lunch and it was fairly good food and I thought above-average.
  33. Food is very expensive and the dish is very small Service wasn't the best consider the price your paying for.
  34. The food was delicious!
  35. The food was good and the wine was good.
  36. Last but not least was our dessert, which was the assorted fresh baked cookies which were slightly burnt and obviously Pillsbury.
  37. have never had a bad meal there ( the pad thai is great) and this place is worth the money.
  38. Had a t-bone steak there one time and it is still the best steak I hav.
  39. The food is great and the desert is amazing.
  40. Although the meal was pricey, all the food was delicious.
  41. well, I mean the food was not bad - just really full of fat and oil.
  42. Great food, great service, UNREAL!
  43. The food, while it is not bad, it is not great either.
  44. He did not make us feel or try to steer us into a more expensive wine to beef up the bill.
  45. had been to Top of the Hub twice before and both times were were pleasant -- food was good, atmosphere was perfect., and the live background jazz music was just right.
menu variety
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable with the menu.
  2. It was very good, a nice variety.
  3. Around nine or so its a less expensive menu and Im not sure if its a different restaurant all together.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. Overall its a good place to go if you're looking for a romantic evening.
  2. I'm from New York, so nice views and good food are plentiful, but this place is definitley up there.
  3. The top of the hubb is a great date place, but not for a first date.
  4. great place to go for a special night out.
  5. great place to take someone for an anniversary, birthday, engagement (or if you have the money, anytime your hungry and desire gourmet dining).
  6. have never had a bad meal there ( the pad thai is great) and this place is worth the money.
return potential
50.0% positive
  1. But overall great experience and I will return.
  2. would return,a lthough it is expensive.
service
75.0% positive
  1. The hostess/host could have been a little more friendly after all they are the first people you have contact with.
  2. Excellent staff, service, atmosphere.
  3. Great service and excellent martinis!
  4. Every waiter/waiteress that served us is nice and polite.
  5. The magnificent view is one thing but the service and knowledge of the wait staff is astounding.
  6. The service was terrible though.
  7. The most amazing Boston views from all sides, nice, cozy lounge with live music, Food is excellent, impeccable service and the desserts.
  8. Staff was friendly and attentive.
  9. While the service is not bad, I would say, half of the times I have been there I was satisfied, while the other half were nto as good.
  10. Definitely THE best combination of price, food and service in Boston.
  11. manager greeted me at the door, I was promptly seated and the service of chef Pacaro's 2lb lobster was the best I have seen to this day in Boston.
  12. The view was spectacular and the service was excellent.
  13. Overpriced but good food and service.
  14. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable with the menu.
  15. the waiter was slow and rude at times.
  16. The service was great; I did not have one single complaint as they were even better then I had expected.
  17. For romance, yes, the Top of the Hub offers a splendid view and great service.
  18. When the overpriced check came, I realized the only selling point here is the view from up high, and the waiter was lucky to leave quickly before he was given an express ticket down.
  19. The service was prompt, we where seated and within a couple seconds, the helpful (not overbearing) waiter was over at our table.
  20. Really what it comes down to is if you want to indulge (key word here is indulge, so bring your fat paycheck but just be sure to enjoy the overall experience) in fine dine, scenery, and service, then there is place no better in the Boston area.
  21. Good atmosphere and great service.
  22. The food, service atmosphere were perfect.
  23. The service was prompt, the food was hot, and the price was reasonable.
  24. Great food, great service, UNREAL!
  25. The staff is overall helpful, with a clear difference between high class dining waitstaff and the cheap seats offered to most off the street folks.
  26. Poor service led to a disappointing evening!
  27. Also got the chocolate cake-very rich and the waiter put a cute candle in the well presented desert.
  28. The view rocks, the atmoshere is great, and the bartenders can make you a great drink, awesome martinis.
  29. We didn't bother to ask for a manager so I'm not sure what their response would have been like.
  30. The service was amazing, the food was delicious and the view can't be beat.
  31. The server was very helpful, and prompt.
  32. If you go there just don't expect good service and you'll be ok!
  33. Never encountered a rude staff there.
  34. The service was excellent.
  35. we ordered a Boston Cream Pie for desert but got a piece of chocolate covered white cake with a "sliver" of cream in the middle (I mean it was maybe 1/4 inch wide sliver of cream) we were totally disappointed in A. the service B the food came out in weird
  36. bad service!
value
56.82000160217285% positive
  1. Our dinners were both good, and at a cheaper price may have earned higher than a C+, but considering the Hub's reputation and the price, I have to say that I was not overly impressed.
  2. Also there was a good range of prices from about 25-60 dollars a plate with appetizers running from about 6-15ish.
  3. The most expensive dinner, but with the most glorious view
  4. great place to take someone for an anniversary, birthday, engagement (or if you have the money, anytime your hungry and desire gourmet dining).
  5. Partially because of the easy comp vs. Capital Grille + WOW an amazing view at night + relatively quiet and uncrowded (made for good conversation - I would recommend hitting the bar for a cheap romantic date).
  6. Average food; bit pricey but still worth going.
  7. Considering the price for there meals, and the quality of there dishes, its a huge rip off.
  8. For those who wish to enjoy a 8 dollar chardonnay or the big spender 800 dollar bottle of champagne.
  9. Dishes was very small and the bill was very expensive.
  10. It was so romantic, the food was delicious and generous portions.
  11. The service was prompt, the food was hot, and the price was reasonable.
  12. Although the meal was pricey, all the food was delicious.
  13. He did not make us feel or try to steer us into a more expensive wine to beef up the bill.
  14. have never had a bad meal there ( the pad thai is great) and this place is worth the money.
  15. When the overpriced check came, I realized the only selling point here is the view from up high, and the waiter was lucky to leave quickly before he was given an express ticket down.
  16. Around nine or so its a less expensive menu and Im not sure if its a different restaurant all together.
  17. Mediocre food, Way overpriced
  18. Food is very expensive and the dish is very small Service wasn't the best consider the price your paying for.
  19. would return,a lthough it is expensive.
  20. For a less expensive option try cocktails or desserts in their less formal dining area.
  21. Definitely THE best combination of price, food and service in Boston.
  22. The staff is overall helpful, with a clear difference between high class dining waitstaff and the cheap seats offered to most off the street folks.
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. Another 20 minutes passed until he returned with the appetizer (mediocre mussels) and the wrong salad, but again without an apology for doing so.
  2. the waiter was slow and rude at times.
3 Star Rating: Average

07/16/10

Nice experience

by Bostontransplant at Citysearch

I enjoyed my experience at the Top of the Hub. The restaurant has the best view of the city so you can't go wrong with that. For dinner, I had the tortilla soup which was good. I also had the lamb shank which was delicious. I liked my experience there, but didn't love it and I can't put my finger on the reason for that. All in all, it's a very nice restaurant and I would recommend it.

  • Pros: View, food quality
4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/08/10

The most expensive dinner, but with the most glorious view

by josiebean87 , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

This is not an everyday dining experience, and for us "regulars" I wouldn't even call it a once a year experience. I've only been here once on a super fancy anniversary date, so we were willing to splurge, but it was so worth it! The location is obviously the winning factor, as you sit atop the highest floor in the Prudential building and look outside the giant glass windows overlooking the harbor/all of Boston. The service is TOP notch, as they will cater to your every need (you certainly get what you pay for!). As for the food, it was the best steak (or at least I think it was steak, or at least some sort of meat dish...this was over a year ago) I had ever eaten. The boyfriend didn't quite enjoy his meal as much though, which is sad, but then again he's used to fried everything so his taste pallet isn't as refined...haha. Also portions are definitely quality over quantity, this isn't some buffet where meals are slapped together in 5 minutes in a greasy kitchen. Really what it comes down to is if you want to indulge (key word here is indulge, so bring your fat paycheck but just be sure to enjoy the overall experience) in fine dine, scenery, and service, then there is place no better in the Boston area.

  • Pros: their main selling point is their view, and it works!
  • Cons: Pricey (obviously)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/16/10

Great food, great service, UNREAL!!!

by TimothyCyr at Citysearch

The view rocks, the atmoshere is great, and the bartenders can make you a great drink, awesome martinis.

  • Pros: Awesome atmosphere
  • Cons: Elevator rid
1 Star Rating: Poor

01/14/10

way overpriced alcohol bombs

by fractiousc , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

[this is a review of the top of the hub bar only -- though the food suffers many of the same afflictions described below]

if you're looking for a place to bring a date that will 1) be obviously expensive, 2) have a great view (contingent on local weather conditions, 3) provide no distractions in the form of stunningly good drinks, then the top of the hub is your place.

if you have higher standards for 3) and lower standards for 1) and 2), go elsewhere. a drink here will run you, after tip and assorteds, more than $15. you'll get large quantities of top shelf alcohols in your overpriced drink, but only rarely the love, artistry, and knowledge of history that a good bartender brings. the drinks i've had here (both classics and inventions by their bar) have been stunningly alcoholic (to the point of undrinkability) and poorly-balanced. the place seems invariably stuffed with tourists intent on a view of the city and environs, so the quiet contemplation of a true bar experience will be elusive. go to hungry mother instead.

  • Pros: great view
  • Cons: everything else
4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/05/10

Cookies!!

by JustinCanCook , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

This is not a review of the view, the drinks, or the entrees at Top of the Hub, rather this is a review of one of their desserts - the cookies. If you're a fan of the warmth, comfort and decadence of fresh baked cookies, then you should get yourself to the 52nd Floor of the Prudential and order "An Array of Freshly Baked Cookies." While you wait for your cookies to bake, you can take in the view and sip on a drink. After about 15 minutes you'll be delivered a platter of 12 cookies, 3 each of 4 varieties, and a little bowl of freshly made cinnamon whipped cream.  Are they the best cookies you've ever had? Probably not. But, we're talking about 12 really good, warm cookies with cinnamon whipped cream and a spectacular view. If you're having dinner in the Back Bay or South End, and are unimpressed with the dessert menu, I'd suggest stopping by Top of the Hub for coffee and cookies. This is also a great treat to spring on unsuspecting out-of-town guests who want to go to Top of the Hub for the view.

  • Pros: warm, fresh, 12

The Details on Top Of The Hub

Place Categories:

  • amazing great view
  • excellent impeccable service
  • rude staff
  • great overall experience
  • perfect atmosphere
  • pricey meal
  • great date place
  • bad service
  • rude waiter
  • great drink
  • romantic evening
  • fresh baked cookies
  • warm chocolate cake
  • impeccable desserts
  • fabulous martinis
  • unique eating experience
  • nice cozy lounge
  • best steak
  • not as bad bill
  • great jazz band
  • pricey going
  • delicious portions
  • good food
  • highly recommend restaurant
  • prompt server

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