Gargoyles on the Square

11/11/2006 Posted by spollock4

We've eaten from the regular menu and the bar and found both to be terrific. Definitely recommend Gargoyle's as a first stop for the night as well as the main event.

Pros: reasonably priced bar menu

Cons: crowded on weekends

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful

10/15/2006 Posted by mropinionated

I went with a buddy of mine because we heard about the great food. A little too romantic, but none the less we had a fun night. From the moment we walked in the door it was a great experience, the hostess was gorgeous, the drinks at the bar were good (although a little over priced for the area) but the bartender really knew his stuff. The dinner was fantasic although had a little dispute with our waitress about the food, but she quickly took care of it and didn't charge us. The food is definitely for those with an open mind, willing to try something new. I would make a suggetion but each plate was such a unique combination that i wouldn't give the food justice if i tried to describe it. We met the owner, who was very nice and took special care of us even though it was our first time there. Overall it was a great evening, although the dim lighting and balconette seating is more appropriate for a dinner date than two buddies catching up since college.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/05/2006 Posted by smidls

The Improper Bostonian's "guaranteed great meal" rating swayed us to try this place. we were disappointed. it all started out great, cocktails were delicious, waiter charming. we decided to go with the prix fixe dinner. things went wrong with the grilled clam app brought out by a server. although i ordered the salad, we both ended up with the clams. they looked great, so i decided to keep them. mine were ok, if a bit chewy, but my friend had 2 clams (out of 4 clams) that were undercooked. she didn't realize it until she ate the first one, which was not only raw-ish, but was actually bad & left a terrible aftertaste. we got the attention of our waiter to tell him. he offered to have another clam app cooked up, but she didn't want to chance it. he didn't offer anything else and he was completely taken aback at my suggestion that perhaps she could get a complimentary second cocktail. it might have been a bit much to ask for, but he could have easily said something like, "the management won't allow me to do that, but may i offer you a salad from our menu?". Instead he just said he couldn't do it and left it at that. i wasn't going to mention the error in the order, but since he was not offering anything besides more bad clams, i told him. we communicated everything in a pleasant fashion - we aren't into berating waiters - but from that point on, he completely made himself scarce and was not so friendly. the duck breast entree was quite rare. i know that's the trend, but maybe warn diners? aside from that, both meals were pretty good, but not stellar. dessert was outstanding, but not enough to win us over after the rough start and the unhelpful waiter. i don't blame waitstaff for bad food, but i do expect them to attempt to "make things right" in one way or another. for pete's sake, even appleby's gave us a free round of drinks once, just because an order came out wrong! spend your money elsewhere.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

07/26/2006 Posted by eclovelace

That was the best meal I've had in a long time. I haven't been to Gargoyles in many years, but I understand they have a new chef recently. We went for the "full tour" which is a 6 course tasting of the menu paired with wine for each course at $90/person ($60 without wine). Every course was tasty and some were just fantastic. Many of the dishes had an asian flair which I don't recall with the previous chef including: sushi tuna appetizer (chunks of sushi tossed with seaweed, ginger, and other vegetables with a great spicy dressing) dumplings stuffed with octopus, sticky rice (these were melt in your mouth fantastic; not rubbery so I think the octopus must have been well marinated) hoisin flavored duck confit over sticky rice (this was flavorful sweeter variation of more classic duck confit, and there was only a hint of hoisin to prevent it getting too salty) We survived until the dessert which was a rich chocolate mousse cake that just plowed us under. We left in a food coma; dizzy from all the flavors. Only suggestions: cocktails are pretty steep for Davis Sq ($11), and dining room staff needs to connect with hostess and make sure first seated are the first ones asked to order (3 tables seated after us were offered drinks before us).

Pros: inventive, delicious food

Cons: $11 cocktails

07/20/2006 Posted by weather88

wow- haven't been here since 3 years ago- then I was underwhelmed, thought it was a good value- but not notable other than solid. since moving across the city it didn't make our list anymore. We returned, same room, many of the same staff.. but the food was killer. Way outside the box, yet substantial. imaginative menu, but not skimpy on classics. And meticulous.. prof., yet, down to earth service. Value still a key factor. Server was helpful, knew his stuff. We got a 5 course tasting menu, all presented with full explaination (you will need one, i'm afraid I did.) Whoever is cooking there now is really doing some amazing things, and yet the price points are still on the diners side. This place was able to make me want to to haul back across town many more times in the future. I would rate it as the the 3rd best total experience I've ever had in a restaurant. Cheers!

Pros: service, food, value

Cons: davis sq.

06/26/2006 Posted by joncarr

I just wanted to drop a note about Gargoyles. I have been to many restaurants in and around the Boston area and I am so impressed with this place! I have been there many times and it has always been more then just a great dinning experience! When I go to have a nice quite dinner we always get a great selection on the menu of creative dishes. My only problem seem to be that I always find too many things that I want to try on the menu that sound so amazing that I have a hard time choosing. Once we have had our relaxing dinner and we are on our way out we always get pulled into the friendly, energetic social bar area and we always end up have a drink or two and meeting some great people and friendly staff! I have been there a number time and have seen a number of celebrities even a playboy playmate who told us that it is one of her favorite places to hang out in the city! The energy is high, the people are friendly, and food is great! I would highly recommend Gargoyles to everyone if you are looking for a great meal or a few tasty drinks in a great environment, gargoyles is the spot! Good job guy! And I am look forward to your next adventurous menu!!

Pros: Good food, great service

Cons: none that I can think of

05/11/2006 Posted by jcarr30

Gargoyles is great to hang out in as a group or for nights your alone and want some friendly people to talk to and hang with a great food. But, it is also a place you can have a business dinner, birthday party, a date, or if you are looking for someone to date. I travel all over the county for work and it is very rare to find a place like Gargoyles that fits the bill in so many way's you can have a great dinner then move to the front room area and hang at a fun and energetic bar! They do not skimp on the drinks and you always get plenty of food on your plate. If I had to sum it up in one statement "comfortable class" Great job Gargoyles keep up the good work!!! Jay Carroll

Pros: People, food, ambiance

02/12/2006 Posted by 11189

This restaurant is by far one of the best hidden gems in and around Boston. The restaurant decor and style is very hip and contemporary but fear not - you don't end up paying an arm and a leg to dine there. The food was fantastic, the ambience is cool and the service was professional. I loved how unpretentious this place appears. You feel like a VIP without having to flash a badge or a $20 bill. I hope this place lives on forever. I'm defenitely returning for another run. It's a great spot for a first date, dinning with a group or for a business dinner. The steak was superb. Appetizers are tasty too.

Pros: Decor, Food, Ambience

11/20/2005 Posted by hovb

We forgot to make reservations and sat in the lounge area. It was our first time there, and we were not impressed. The service was decent, but the food and ambience were lacking. The lounge would be great for drinks, but not for dinner. I ordered the fish special, and it came out burnt. I sent it back and the replacement was also charred. The apps and other entree dishes were good, but the scorched fish left a bad taste in my mouth. I may give the restaurant another chance, but they had better step it up to keep me coming back.

Pros: ambience is nice

Cons: reservations a must, Lounge not for Dinner

06/23/2005 Posted by martinimadness

10 years of friendly service, innovative food that's exquisitely prepared and creatively presented, and an atmosphere that invites you to return. For 10 years I've been going to Gargoyle's. I moved to NYC, and still went back. I've entertained family, friends, and clients. I had a friend love it so much, he was married there! It's no longer the secret it once was, but it still has the feel of a local neighborhood bistro. The menu does change to compliment seasonal items, and the new chef is incredibly adventurous and artful. To those in the 'hood who have yet to try it out...shame on you! For those on the "other side of the river", it's certainly worth the journey!