Legal Sea Foods - Kendall Square

A New England institution where diners don bibs and crack open lobsters with their bare hands.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
With 30-plus outposts up and down the Eastern seaboard, this Cambridge-based chain reels in a seemingly endless supply of after-work professionals and tired tourists. The look varies somewhat from establishment to establishment but a casually nautical theme and a crowd as loud as the ocean's roar are fairly consistent. Signature dishes include clam chowder, wood-grilled swordfish, steamed clams, and 2-pound lobsters that can be ordered baked and stuffed with scallops and shrimp.

09/02/07

great food at a slow pace

by abennet1 at Citysearch

Planned a lobster outing for weeks ahead, but didn't pick this place until the last minute (too many bad reviews everywhere else). No problem getting in on a Sunday afternoon (place was almost empty). Beautiful location, friendly atmosphere. Started with a half dozen Prince Edward Island raw oysters (lots of chewy meat), and Steamers (probably too much even for the four of us). Drinks were slow to be refilled, but new glasses came eventually. Ordered two 2-pound lobsters, one steamed, one stuffed and baked. Plenty of lobster meat to go around, but the included sides were awfully slow to make it to the table (the brocolli arriving with about 20% of our lobster left to eat). Baked lobster very tasty, stuffing tasty as well. Steamed lobster also good. Was a bit pricey after we added two desserts. Wife upset to find no soap or paper towels in ladies' bathroom; hostess took no action to resolve this issue, she later used men's restroom. Two hour excursion; absolutely will return, but to another location.

• Pros: food, and lots of it
• Cons: slow service when restaurant empty, bathroom unkept

05/31/02

good special occasion spot

by jpanderson_citysearch at Citysearch

great boston spot for out-of-towners in for graduation, etc. a bit pricey, but comfortable. it's a boston tradition, with a great raw bar and a wide array of super-fresh fish.