The Alchemist Lounge

08/10/09

Great Place for Everyone

by jpfoodie10 at Citysearch

Looking for outdoor eating in the city is sometimes tough for parents with 2 small children. I drive by the Alchemist every night, and always thought of going there with the husband and kids, but felt it might not be the best place for us...we took a chance and went one Friday night, sat in the patio area, and SURPRISE— out came the crayons and paper for the kids to color with! The staff was extra nice to us...I went in search of a bathroom with my 2 year old and came up short, until a lovely young man showed us the "WC" near the bar. It was a fun night out for us. We'll definitely do it again. Oh yes! And the food ain't bad either...The Alchemist burger with it's over-easy egg on top was delicious! So was my daughter's flat bread pizza.

• Pros: Great burgers, great staff!
• Cons: Loud patio seating

05/19/09

Not What You Think

by Leza at Citysearch

This place stood out to us whenever we cruised through Jamaica Plain. We are always looking for places to hang out on a weekday or weekend. We planned on stopping in someday but never got around to it until recently. Sadly we were very surprised that we did not enjoy the food, drinks and service. When we arrived we were served cold, slightly burned sliced bread along with a tasteless dipping olive oil. I ordered the Blue Ribbon Mussels which were good and a Grilled Peach, Jicama Arugula Salad. The salad was covered in a balsamic dressing and had way too much goat cheese. This just ruined the salad. My friend ordered a burger with sweet potato fries. The burger had no flavor but the fries were ok. We ordered mix drinks and they were watery. The waitress was not very friendly and did not seem to know much about their menu. We ended up leaving and going elsewhere for drinks. What a waste. I would not go to this bar again.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Service

12/16/08

100% Good Time

by PickyEaterPeter at Citysearch

Everything was perfect. Food,drinks,staff,hand dryers in bathrooms. Easy location by T.

Can't wait to come back.

10/31/08

Best Restaurant in Boston!!!

by Gonzo1983 at Citysearch

Seriously guys, this place is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

They hired a new chef and banged out an awesome fall menu. The ribs were so good, I literally licked my plate.

The owners are wicked nice and genuinely care about the customers. One of them took the time to come over and ask my date and I about our meals and everything.

AND there are a bunch of cute,tattooed chics working there. For real.

• Pros: Romantic tables,amazing food-great prices,delicious drinks,friendly,cool staff,awesome vibe,takes reservations...

Handsome, all-purpose neighborhood lounge provides J.P. residents with a welcoming spot for upscale comfort fare.

by Gerrish Lopez at Citysearch

Befitting its Jamaica Plain home, the Alchemist attracts a widely mixed crowd of young area residents, all of whom drink and dine amid exposed-brick walls and minor Gothic touches. More than a dozen beers are served on tap and there's a small but well-chosen wine list. The kitchen adds life to familiar favorites: chicken salad is made with fresh sage, caramelized onions and cranberries, while shepherd's pie is made with slow-roasted beef and lamb.

12/30/07

Great service and fun atmosphere

by swopley at Citysearch

The Alchemist is one of my favorite places in Boston! This J.P. spot has been renovated into a swanky restaurant and bar with brightly colored walls, hip wait staff, innovative food and drink menu... but the best part is that it still feels like a laid-back neighborhood bar. I have lived in Jamaica Plain for a number of years and it is such a delight to have a new place to go for great food and drinks that is casual. You get fun and interesting food without the supper high prices or scene of the S. End or Downtown. Highly recommend! p.s. If you like martinis you have to try the cherry bomb!

12/16/07

not so great...

by kathyp11011 at Citysearch

it's nice to be able to walk to a bar in the neighborhood for cocktails, i just wish that the bar was better designed out for prompter service and to accomodate crowds. the drinks are ok ( a bit inconsistent and $$) but the food is really not so great. not a very interesting menu...hopefully they will make some changes w/ the cooks/menu in the future and iron out the kinks. this place has potential with some serious changes!

06/12/07

You People Are Crazy!

by wrecksie at Citysearch

I seriously can't even believe what I'm reading- you people are too harsh! I have been going to the Alchemist for about 10 months and have never had anything less than an amazing time! The waitstaff are friendly and efficient and the food is DELICIOUS! The menu is diverse and I'm always trying new things- And I've never once been dissapointed with what I've ordered. My personal favorite is the fried calamari appetizer and veggie lasagna. And on the rare occasion that I'm not super hungry I've just ordered the mashed potatoes and a salad (AMAZING)!

I went in for brunch this past Sunday and it was great. I was seated at the bar with a friend (which was great b/c the hot bartender was working: see below) I ordered the french toast and an omelet which were both incredible.

I don't know much about drinks but the bartenders are quick and will always give you the best suggestions on what to order. The drinks are delicious and the atmosphere in the bar on a Friday or Saturday night fantastic. It does tend to get a little crowded (especially when they have live bands) but isn't that the sign of a good bar? Also the hot barback that used to work weekends recently started bartending during the day and it's worth going in just to see her!

I think you're all just bitter that Triple D's closed... GET OVER IT!

• Pros: location, staff, food
• Cons: NONE!

05/13/07

Best new restaurant in JP

by licorice21 at Citysearch

On the four or five occasions I have eaten at Alchemist, I have had wonderful experiences. First, the staff is great - extremely welcoming, knowledgeable of the menu, and all around a lot of fun. Second, the food is outstanding; there is an eclectic menu showcasing a variety of delicious flatbreads, salads (the steak salad is not to be beat), soup specials, meat and fowl dishes, and a great wine menu. Every meal starts off with deliciously salty bread, on the house, accompanied by olive oil. I have found the meals to be perfectly cooked, with ample serving sizes without allowing me to walk home feeling uncomfortably stuffed. The owner makes a habit of checking in with every table to ensure guests are enjoying their dining experience. This morning I had brunch for the first time (I think this is a recent addition to the restaurant) and was again thrilled by the menu choices - everything from "lite" omeletes, to corn beef hash, eggs benedict, and a variety of breakfast-style flatbreads. Everything was delicious and served promptly. This is my new go-to brunch spot in JP!

I honestly don't understand the negative reviews posted on this website. Other JP folks I know who have eaten at the Alchemist have given it equally high ranks and there is definitely a buzz about it as the new (and yummiest) kid on the block. Give it a try - you will love it!

• Pros: food, service, wine list
• Cons: not a one

03/16/07

very very disappointed

by mala9 at Citysearch

I tried out this restaurant after hearing some good things about it. The service was very slow to get our drinks once we sat down. We ordered scallops to start off and we were shocked to only get 2 for $10!!!! We laughed because when she came back later to take our plate and asked if we were done, it was like when she dropped it off she could have taken it right back we were finished so fast. I ordered chicken and my friend ordered steak, my chicken was so dry and chewy I couldn't eat it and my friends food came out cold. Plus I noticed everyone else seated getting bread and oil to dip it in and we never got any bread. This was the worst experience I ever had and all they could do for us was give us our drinks for free. I had to go eat something else after I was just out for diner. This is the first time I have given a review but I could not let this one go by.

• Pros: none
• Cons: everything