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33 Restaurant & Lounge - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Nightlife Bars Lounges Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Restaurants, Lounges, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
33 Stanhope St(at Chambers Pl)
Boston, MA 02116
Neighborhood: Back Bay
(617) 572-3311
- Nearest Transit:
-
Berkeley St @ Columbus Ave (9)
Saint James Ave @ Clarendon St (192, 193, 39, 504, 55, 555, 9)
Dartmouth St Opp Back Bay Sta (10, 170)
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
148 reviews for 33 Restaurant & Lounge
Review Highlights
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"Bananas Foster Bread Pudding." In 3 reviews -
"Flight of Chocolate Desserts." In 3 reviews
-
"Side of Truffle Fries and Truffle Mac & Cheese with bacon." In 3 reviews
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148 reviews in English
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Review from Christine J.
Boston, MA
5/10/2012
Very very unfortunate. This was one of the only "loungey" places in Boston that reminded me of NYC. Why did it close?!?! :(
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Review from Tom E.
11/26/2007
I've tried my best to avoid coming here: I've invented crucial work that needs doing, I've planned vicious nights of housework and I've even coughed up blood. But sooner or later I was going to have to cave in, regardless of my own tastes. I suppose you have to give and take. If I'm dragging someone to Great Scott, they deserve to drag me where
they like.
So with all the negative expectations I was actually pretty impressed. I was along on a very busy Wednesday night when they play chart and hip-hop (mostly terrible, but a few good tunes). In reality it is actually Asian community night and is insanely popular. Doormen need to be known to get in at 11pm, and fortunately they are good mannered and persuadable. Drinks ran to 10 bucks for whisky and coke and were served in plastic tumblers, but the bar staff were excellent and friendly.
This is obviously a place to pose and meet posers, so the main thing is that it looks good. And it really does. This kind of joint is not for me, but if you are going to pick a poser bar to lose your money at then this one seems a lot better than the rest.
So, four stars. Pretty much just because of the interior design.
======== =========== ============
EDIT MAR 08: I came again and ate here and it was attrocious. Granted it was restaurant week, but it was the worst food I've eaten for such prices in a long time. Terrible. I'll only demote 1 star though because you're an IDIOT to come to a club for food and the drinks and service were still excellent. -
Review from eileen b.
MA
3/1/2007
Hated it, although I have to admit, this is not really my type of place. In fact, I have no business in going to clubs at all. I love my friends though, and I will follow them to even the cheesiest of venues (ie.33).
The main gripe I have with 33 stems from an incident that happened after a night of mediocre drinks and dancing with a self-absorbed crowd who dance like everyone is watching. I asked for my tab after last call and the bartender took my last name, ran away for a moment, came back, and then told me it's $60. Um... OK... -awkward pause-
You see, as a veteran of the bar scene I know that after you ask for the tab the bartender shuffles off to the computer and prints out the little white receipt then you blindly scratch out your signature on it and then wrap the customer copy around your ATM card so that when you need to use the card again you have to unwrap it and balk at how much money you're spending on booze. Done it a million times.
Fearing the bartender was new, I prompted her for the receipt so we could get our little payment/balking ritual on its way. She paused for a moment to eyeball me suspiciously, and then in an accusing tone told me she didn't have my card. I explained to her that she must have the card since I needed one to open the tab and the tab was still open, so she must not have given it back to me. Accusing stare again.
Clearly, I was a diabolical mastermind who had figured out a way to steal back ATM cards out from under the noses of unsuspecting bartenders in order to confuse them at the end of the night WHEN I STILL HAVE TO PAY THE TAB! Surely, I was benefiting from it somehow.
I asked if she could please look around for it, which she did for a couple of minutes. She couldn't find it so she went and got the manager instead. He also took a quick look around, but didn't see anything. The club was closing so he took my name and phone number to get in touch with me later, after they had enough time to look. Sure.
After a day with no ATM card and no phone call, I called the manager to find out how the search went. He put me on hold for 5 minutes that were obviously the only time that anyone spent looking for the card. He couldn't find it.
While I understand that the mistake did not entitle me to free drinks for that night, the fact that I was up $60 bucks from the mishap assuaged the sting of being cardless a little. I just had to pop into BOA, get a new card, and move on and forget the whole thing. So, I guess it wasn't that bad.
Until I noticed the $60 on my bank statement. I hate you, 33. -
Review from Anastasia R.
Cambridge, MA
8/12/2008
I've been trying to live my life more spontaneously (i.e. not yelping every restaurant before I look at the menu) and this is one of the few times I've been glad. I was surprised to find out that it only has 3 stars.
We went last week for a nice night on the town. I thought I might be a little under dressed for the venue, but when we walked up to the door to look at the menu, we were warmly received by the smiling general manager (?). He chatted with us for a while and held the door for us when we went in.
There weren't very many people at 8 on a Wednesday, and the service was snappy. We ordered a couple of cocktails and looked at the menu.
I got some blood orange something or other which was not only super tasty, but gave me a little buzz (hard to do on my first drink) and ordered the Three Tartares appie. This was the highlight of my meal. Tuna, beef and beat tartares. If you're just going for a drink and a bite, order this to share with whoever you are trying to impress. If they don't like any of them, fake an injury and run away before they suck the fun out of your life.
The rundown on the rest of the meal:
Raspberry Sangria with dinner - I liked it and I don't even really enjoy sangria as a rule
Roasted Casco Bay Cod (fucking brilliant!)
Birch Beer Braised Short Ribs which melted in your mouth
Side of Truffle Fries and Truffle Mac & Cheese with bacon
Dessert - Tahitian Vanilla Been Pannacotta
And everything actually tasted as good as it sounds; a rare find in my opinion. The waiter was attentive with water and drinks throughout the entire 3.5 hours we were there.
FIVE STARS! -
Review from Ravi S.
Brookline, MA
7/16/2006 ROTD 8/23/2006
I went to 33's few days ago at night again. It was a wednesday night. Everytime I go I like it better. It's a restaurant with many amenities, starting with the hostess taking your coats. Orb lights and brick arches create a warm ambience that goes well with the fusion fare and the stylish after-dinner lounge below. The menu includes twists on classics, like tapenade with a hint of green apples, and elaborate dishes such as Honeyed Butternut Squash Bisque and Peekytoe Crab Salad over tuna carpaccio with miso and sake. The service was as good as our dessert- Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with rum sauce and double chocolate ice cream.
The place then turned into a lounge with 20 some's drinking dancing to international music. They have amazing cocktails, like none other.
The atmosphere is very sexy and elegant.
I definitely would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to go to far to dance, hang out after dinner. Hey its just downstairs.
Also lines tend to get pretty long so in order to avoid it make reservations or call ahead of time and they will take care of you. :)
They also have special events and free drinks once in a while. On May 31st 2007.
They have free drinks sponsored by Parrot Bay Rum from 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM as well as hookah + sangaria. Check out flyer at http://www.highrollerb... :) -
Review from Susie C.
Cambridge, MA
8/8/2008
Never again.
A group of us came here for restaurant week, tricked by what sounded like a mouth watering restaurant week menu. Wrong.
Ay caramba, where to begin? Our waiter appeared drunk and mumbly- someone who you would avoid on the train. The cocktails were overpriced- HAHAHAH laughoutloud overpriced. The salmon was bone dry overcooked. The brownie sundae dessert was rock hard and tasted more like a day-old biscuit. Come ON, people. How can you mess up a brownie sundae?
We all bonded over the shared awful-ness of the experience, and will never, ever come here again.
1/2 star, if possible. -
Review from aaron t.
Somerville, MA
2/3/2007 1 photo
3.5
I had some pretty high expectations coming into this place though I'd read a few of the reviews here on yelp so I had some notes to follow upon.
- Environment was great.4-4.5. Ambient lighting, warm with some modernism, and a flair of young spirit throughout.
- service: good, not incredible, but good. Nothing that stuck out, but I did feel rushed by them at times since they would keep asking up are you ready yet, anything else, etc rather fast. I was in a group of 9, so a large table for 4 hours might have made them rush us.
- Drinks: INCREDIBLE, though some brand drinks were not available until they went down to the cellar. I had a white chardonney which was nice...then later on, our table had some rather tasty Sangria. They offered 3 flavors, rose, rasberry, or white. We had the rasberry which was realllly tasty though the pitchers they served them in were rather awkward. Pricey, but good. My friends had some of the port wine, and they liked it. I prefer ice wines, but none were there.
- Food was very presentable. Impressive menu though they gave us the January menu when it was Feb, hence half the things on our menu were not available. Minus 1 pt here. They didnt even have a printed Feb menu. From everyones dishes, it seemed pretty good, but nothing to blow me off my chair. PErhaps the price was a bit steep for my taste. I have a Tuna dish and the tuna was somewhat more pink thatn what I am use to which didnt suit me too well. It was wrapped in seaweed and served with wontons on the side. i actually soemwhat liked the wontons more than the tuna. for $30, i was expecting a damn good tuna...it was more of a 18-20 dish that lacked some taste or grade of tuna.
- Dessert: very tasty. I had a carrot cake giner thing. very delightful and better than my main course.
- I went on a friday night from 7:30-11:45. the club downstairs kicked off at 10pm so a crowd and loud music kicked off around then. Once the music hits off, its somewhat hard to hear each other.
- one minus was the coat check which was in the same hallwasy as the clubs bathroom line. Not the best spacial setup.
Go in a group, 5+. Get a drink. Dont be expecting the best food, but good enough for good times. I also noticed this is one of those restauratns that has a star next to the chefs specials, which also happens to be the most expensive dishes...hint hint what a special actually means.Listed in: Great Eats!
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Review from Katie F.
Boston, MA
9/29/2008
Eddie Crue is a terrible VIP rep. I paid a shitload of money and was moved around to different tables countless times. He had no idea what he was doing. Oh and bottle service -- just to warn you, your server isn't going to make your drinks. If that isn't the biggest BS you've ever heard, go and see for yourself.
Yes, I had a fun time once the buzz set in, but all together I was not having it. -
Review from Kiwi H.
6/29/2007
I used to go to Bar 33 frequently on Sundays (an odd night, I know) a few years ago. I've definitely stopped going as much now, but I've had some really good times at this place and still like it now.
I really hate the TV ads that I've seen for this place - they make it look trashy and trying-too-hard, and I really don't think it's necessary. In reality, I think the exposed brick makes the place really cozy, I like the cozy-yet-chic, dimly-lit lounge decor, and they play really good music on certain nights. It's a fun place to go and grab a few drinks, and dance a bit without going to a huge club.
The upstairs is generally more for tables and dinner, or tables with drinks afterwards, with a little alcove off the side that's perfect for getting a table at to have a semi-chilled out lounging/dancing night with your friends. Downstairs is more of the club part, and while it can often get crowded and hot in there, I have some really good memories from it too. The food is pretty good, the drinks are yummy, and although the female staff are often much more attentive to my bf than to me, generally they're nice enough.
My Greek friends are fans of the Greek DJ who, among other international music, plays a lot of Greek music on certain nights. Overall, a nice place to get dressed up, and lounge in a stylish location with yummy nibbles, grab a drink and dance a bit too. -
Review from Jimmy H.
Boston, MA
10/27/2008
Dear manager,
You are doing pretty good job on hiring descent staffs. Most of them are polite and articulate on their task.
Dear bartender,
Please don't distract me while calculating tip by leaning over the counter to show off your rack at me.
I am trying my best to recollect my memories of what happened here. I had "the hangover of the century" after I came out of this place.
Price of drinks are right on market price. $5~6 a beer.
I thought the decor in the basement was better than the upstairs. It made me feel that I was Chris Kettan in "Night at the Roxbury"
This is fun and reasonable place if you go with right people.Listed in: The places where gave me…
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Review from Coree W.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2007
I picked 33 for my 21st birthday dinner, what a mistake that was. We sat in their outside area, which I have to admit was absolutely beautiful. I just want to preface the rest of this review by letting you know that the restaurant was only about 60% full when we arrived. After the 8 of us sat down and received our menus, it took about 10 minutes for our waitress to come over. We ordered drinks and then sat again for 10-15 minutes before even SOME of our drinks came out. They came out 2 or 3 at a time, and after only 30 minutes of waiting, we all had our drinks and she finally took our food order. I had wanted another drink before our apps came out but our waitress was nowhere to be found.
Our appetizers came out 30 minutes after we ordered them, which is pretty long considering we all ordered salads. The appetizers weren't bad, but I guess it's hard to mess up a simple salad. We waited (I swear I'm not exaggerating) over an hour between our appetizer and entre. Nothing was done at this time to make any sort of apology to us. We finally got our second round of drinks between the two courses, only 20 minutes after we ordered them. So as we're all sitting there, annoyed and hungry, my friend notices that our food is sitting on a tray beside our table, and surprise surprise, our waitress is nowhere to be found. After about 5 minutes of watching our food get cold, I was so infuriated that I got up and started serving my friends their meals. The waitress came up half-way through and politely offered to take over.
The food was mediocre. You could tell they were trying to be inventive by foaming the sauce of EVERY dish we received.I don't get the foam thing - it doesn't look very appetizing to me. Anyways, I ordered the tuna medium rare, and when I bit into it was completely cold. I usually never do this but I had to send it back --- it was inedible. Now in order to do this, I had to ask the bus boy to bring it back because the waitress never even came over to see how our food was!
After the bus boy took it away, the waitess actually had the nerve to come over to me and tell me that medium rare tuna is supposed to be that cold. While I obviously understand that it doesn't come out scorching hot, it should not taste like it just came out of the fridge. It seemed to shut her up when I suggested that the fish was probably cold because it was left to sit outside on a tray right next to us. Their way of fixing my meal was cooking my fish more, which was then brought out to me pretty much well done. By this time I was so livid that I just told them I didn't want it anymore and to take it off our bill.
After this atrocious dining experience, one of my friends asked to speak with a manager. The manager had an attitude and showed no care or remorse out our terrible service/dinner. It was only after my friend had to name drop that she was friendly with one of the owners that he seemed to change his tune. The manager brought over some birthday cake and complementary champagne but at that point it was too little too late. This was one of the worst meals I've ever had, and completely ruined my birthday night.
If you did not want to read this way-too-long review, I will recap. Nice atmosphere, mediocre, overpriced food, horrible service. -
Review from Zachary S.
Merrimack, NH
11/30/2007
I've never eaten here but man...I sure have had some drinks!
Ahhh, talk about memories. The last 2 summers were spent frequenting this higher end Boston lounge and I've always had a great time here.
We've gotten a table here a few times but I wouldn't really recommend it unless you want people's asses in your face all night. On 2nd thought, get a table!
The clientele here is usually very good since it's a relatively expensive, I think I paid $12 for a Ciroc and Redbull, can't remember. But I do remember some 4 digit tabs here w/ a 4 - 6 person group.
Last time I went they had some private function going on downstairs and I hope that's not the new trend here because that's where I spend the majority of the time.
If you're looking for a nice loung in Boston to drink and meet some quality people...this is one of the better places to go .Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from d f.
Boston, MA
1/17/2007
Bottom line: great food, great dancing music, ethnic crowds change on different nights, long lines and velvet/rope bouncer mentality after 10pm on weekends
Best experience: eat here early in the evening to avoid annoying night club crowd. The chef cooks well enough to make this a recommended place to go for the restaurant instead of the night club aspect. The mini-burgers are amazing.
On weekends, long lines form outside the velvet ropes with people trying to get in by smoosing with the bouncers. Very euro/middle eastern crowd. Sometimes asian crowd. Downstairs dance music is euro/electronica/latin world beat. Fun place to go with friends.
Check out Brazillian Sunday Brunch when they schedule it! -
Review from Kevin M.
Boston, MA
11/18/2006
the food was really good here. I had the ceasar salad as an appetizer (Good, but not as good as the one at Stella! -- however, this one has sundried tomatoes... and anything with sundried tomatoes gets a + from me!!)
Try the pomegranate martini, apparently this year's "it" drink because every restaurant has their own version. 33 has to get some man-candy though, to go along with the sexy decor and lighting. -
Review from Eric B.
Boston, MA
6/25/2007 1 photo
33 has become my old reliable for the Summer of '07. I've been coming here for a while now, but this summer seems to be especially good.
Several things that set this place apart from others are, the always social and well dressed crowd it attracts, no cover charge, great music and food and the fact that people actually dance!
The drinks are a bit pricey, but my favorite bar tender Diana treats me well. She's fun to talk to and makes great tasting drinks.
I have a feeling that 33 will become the place of legend that the Cactus club was during the summer of '05.Listed in: The Places I Go Out, A Good Saturday Night Out In…
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Review from Stephanie ..
Cambridge, MA
7/13/2006
at night: The restaurant tries too hard and so do the people there. I don't really understand the hype, but whenever people come in from out of town or people from work come into the city for the night, they always want to go. Would be a fun place if you're in the mood to dress up and go out, if it wasn't too darn crowded. Seriously, you can't even move. And maybe it's because I look like a lightweight, but the drinks are watery and expensive. Maybe it's a better time on a weeknight.
for dinner: I've been here once for a large group graduation dinner with friends and everyone's families. So, take note, we had a pre-fix menu. Beforehand, we had also mentioned that my boyfriend's parents are vegetarian and don't eat egg. When we got to the restaurant, this was reiterated once again. While 33 provided a separate vegetarian menu, it consisted of a pathetic iceburg lettuce salad, noodles, and flan. Yes, noodles and flan. We asked the waiter if they were with egg, he said no. We made him ask the chef, he admitted that they did indeed have egg. Needless to say, don't eat there if you're a vegetarian. -
Review from Lalin A.
Durham, NC
2/16/2007
For the restaurant: Having been to the club several times and seen different friends dine at this funky place, I decided to give it a shot to only find mediocre food: the beef tenderloin was "tender" but was marinated way too long that the beef itself had no idea why it was so blobby and jumpy. The inside wanted to just lay on the plate and become one layer. The duck confit was half-crispy and hard. The bread was warmed in the oven way too much before it was served that the several pieces we had were rock-like.
The service was attentive but why don't they clean themselves a little? A little shaving of the face and hair-combing could certainly help!
For the club: Pretentious place. Music is OK. I much prefer the bar-lounge downstairs. Drinks are watered down. Best time was when we closed the whole bar-club. Its plus is the good crowd. -
Review from Ted S.
New York, NY
10/23/2006
Was in from NYC visiting a friend last weekend. We went out to variety of house party type events all over the city and I was dressed appropriately. As we were leaving the house my friend said I might not get into 33 which was our final stop with sneakers on... These were Air Max 95s (original charcol and green) brand new and no ordinary sneaker if you appreciate this sort of thing(although as I saw clearly Boston is a dress shoes and jeans preppy kind of town) so I refused to change footwear. A half an hour after I had ridiculed his suggestion and we had left I asked him why he had a briefcase with him... It turns out he had brought shoes for me "just in case..." Wow I guess he wanted to go to the bar A LOT... He still got a lot of shit from me though...
Naturally when we finally got to the bar I got a bit nervous b/c of the long well dressed line and yellow Lamborghini parked out front. It was a business school classmate of his's birthday though and we cruised right in WEARING THE SNEAKERS! HA HA!!!
Anyway the club was ok, kinda crowded and yes the drinks were expensive and quite watered down, but I liked the music and met some cool people so It worked out ok... getting a cab afterwards was a bit of a travesty though... why can't Boston have more taxis at 2 when the entire city gets out of a bar?... and why can't the light on the top indicate occupancy status like it does in NY?... -
Review from Julia M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/9/2010
I never role my eyes about having to go to 33 the way I might some other bars. Feels more like than NY than Boston (to me that's a v good thing). Good music and people watching, nice decor, the kind of place you'd have your bday party. I don't like that the sometimes have a cover.
Service can be horrible: I once waited OVER AN HOUR to get my coat. At least i got mine back that night - they misplaced my friend's and she had to go back for it the next day. However, I was just there last week and the service seems better. My friend lost her blackberry and they looked for it and called back to follow up.Listed in: Good for Groups
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Review from Mark S.
1/10/2008
I have been here for brunch, dinner, and drinks/apps. All three times I was dissapointed and said I would give it another chance.
The food is small portions which would be fine if it was spectacular but it is not. The brunch was so skimpy and disapointing compared to all the lovely boston brunch spots.
The service was far from friendly each time - barely attentive, few smiles, not warm at all.
This place flat out sucks. -
Review from Michael W.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2006
I dined here several weeks back with some friends from college. I had never been for dinner or when it re-opens as a night club. We sat in a very comfortable booth in the corner of the room.
Drinks were great, while we waiting for the rest of our party. The menu is quite good, and has many wonderful dishes.
I started with the Rabbit Tagliatelle, Braised over a Bed of Tagliatelle Pasta finished with Parmesan and Truffle Oil, which was great, rabbit was tender and very flavorful and just what I was looking for.
For my main dish, I had the duck three ways, seared Breast, Leg Confit and a Taro Risotto with Duck Proscuitto and a Mango Mustard Jus. The breast meat was a little to well done for me, i like it very rare, like all of my meats, but the confit was awesome, very tasty, tender and melt in your mouth goodness.
A fellow diner had the same dish and found it just as good.
Two other fellow diners had the tuna which was just fantastic, very well prepared and full of flavor.
They had a very extensive wine menu, and we ended with a nice desert wine and the Petit Plat Au Chocolat for Two Chocolate Mousse Brownie Sandwich, a Warm Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with Tonkanese Ice Cream and a White Chocolate Ice Cream Shake. It was huge and shared by everyone at the table.
I was pleasantly surprised by my meal at 33, and would go back very soon... -
Review from David P.
Cambridge, MA
9/28/2007
This is a controversial place because of its ambitions (some would say "pretensions") and its prices, especially at the bar.
When I had dinner there, the wait staff was quite good. The food was all good, though only the scallop appetizer was exceptional. Drinks are pricey, but not extreme.
If you want to try 33 for dinner, I suggest using http://opentable.com and or http://restaurant.com. http://Restaurant.com has 25 dollar certificates for sale for 10 dollars - if you get on their mailing list, you will have plenty of chances to buy one for four or five dollars. With this discount, the price of dinner becomes much more reasonable. http://Opentable.com gives you the equivalent of 10 dollars restaurant credit at 33 on certain nights and certain times. Both deals have restrictions, so choose your best option. With the coupon, this was an evening worth 4 stars. -
Review from Robin M.
Houston, TX
11/19/2008
Fan Fare at its finest. Exquisite taste. Creative Menu. Expert Celebrity Executive Chef Anthony Dawodu with a decadent, chic, modern decor gave me the only choice in choosing 33 as THE spot to spend my Saturday evening. I hosted a dinner party of 15 at 33 and all were delighted and still raving about their experience the next day. Considering the fact that a few members of our party were late the restaurant were still generous and accomodating in having our table set up.
33 Restaurant & Lounge features a popular Contemporary American menu, uniquely fusing traditional New England cuisine with hints of the exotic. The flavorful menu has gained popularity for its versatility in vegetarian options as well as the ability for dishes to cater to dietary needs.
The decor was very modern and elegant. A two level area with an outdoor dining patio where young revelers of the night congregate after 10 makes this place the venue of choice in having dinner and then dancing the night away afterwards. The audio system could have been better but that was overshadowed by the visuals of the hypnotic lighting system set up in the restaurant that fades from blue to red to green causing a soothing view for the eye and mind. The night filled with tantalizing beautiful young people kept this place as savvy as could be and offering my party yet another form of eye candy.
For starters I had ordered,
Steak Tartar
(Seasoned Prime Beef with Traditional Condiments, a Horseradish Parmesan Tuile and Cashew Nut Tomato Oil $16) Delightfully great with a nice taste of citrus that left a creamy yet smooth aftertaste. The prime beef was also nicely prepared which offered a soft texture that melted in your mouth.
Baby Mesclun Greens
(Baby Mesclun Greens, Cherry Tomatoes and Carrots Dressed with a Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette $8) It was fresh, cool, crisp, and refreshing. The sauce I believe was made from scratch so that gave the flavor and appeal to the salad a more satisfying effect. The cherry tomatoes were delectable. It was a salad..nothing great but it definately wasn't bad.
My friend had ordered the
Truffle Gnocchi
(Sauted with Chunks of Lobster Meat, Petits Pois and a Porcini Emulsion $19) This was amazing how the sauce and the lobster meat stuffed and infused into the pasta just blended so well. The price was intimidating but I know why now.
As my entree I went with seafood considering New England is known for producing the great catch. So I ordered,
Native Striped Bass
(Roasted Beets, Fresh Mango and Thai Curry Bouillon $27)
This was splendid. It was nice and chunky and the cut into the fish was juicy enough to have a very rich filling taste without the fish flaking.
The sides I had was the Truffle Mac n Cheese which was great as well. Mac n Cheese is very hard to compare and critique as most people's versions of it especially on the East Coast is uniquely different. The grilled asparagus was also nice and crispy. The snap a roasted and grilled asparagus is a sure sign that the Chef knew what he was doing in the kitchen when he prepared it.
My friends had ordered
Surf & Turf Beef Tenderloin**
( 1/2 Lobster with Sautéed Mushrooms, Garlic Spun Potatoes and Peppercorn Jus $42) It was good but I expected to be of better taste. It may have to do with the fact my friend ordered the tenderloin well done. Big Faux Pas to do... always order your steak Medium to Medium-Rare. Lobster was great and there was no surprise considering Boston is known for seafoods among other things.
Another friend at the table had,
Lamb Cannon
(Shank Confit, Eggplant Couscous and a Falafel Spiced Lamb Reduction $28) I am definitely looking to order this dish next time. Enough Said!!!
For dessert,
Trio of Crème Brulées
(Vanilla Bean Raspberry, Ginger and Espresso) * To Die For!
Since it was a friend's Bday the staff was generous to bring out a complimentary dessert...this dessert was huge enough for the table!
Flight of Chocolate Desserts
(Mini Warm Chocolate Cake, Brownie with Mocha Mousse, Milk Chocolate Pot de Crème and Hazelnut Tonka Bean Ice Cream Sandwich)
Someone else ordered the,
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
(Double Chocolate Ice Cream with Sautéed Bananas) This wasn't bad at all. Very smooth, velvety, and sweet. Im' not too fond of chocolate but i had no problem going in for a second taste of this.
As noted on the website, the carte du jour is the constantly changing and extensive wine list featuring both American and International selections with a focus on important small producers. To complete the unforgettable experience, an award winning 33 Cocktail Menu tempts all from the suit-clad after work crowd to the late night bar and dining scene. -
Review from Mel V.
Bronx, NY
9/22/2007
I'll echo everyone's thoughts:
"meeeeh"
Even for international night, it wasn't a very diverse group of people. Mostly Eastern Europeans.
But where else can you spend $5 on a bottle of water!
I'll probably go a couple more times though seeing as how it's my roomie's hang-out spot! -
Review from Alayna J.
New York, NY
9/3/2009
Went here for dinner last night and I was very impressed; definitely one of the best meals I've had in Boston. Dinner starts with bread and some concocted mix of olive oil, capers, garlic, and anchovies. I was skeptical of it because the capers and anchovies made it sound unappealing, but it was actually quite good.
Then we ordered off the extended prix fixe menu, which basically meant there were some added items that made it a little more than the usual $33. I started out with the minestrone and my date got the caesar salad, both were good.
For the main course, I got the gnocchi with veal and prosciutto, which was was excellent. He got the steak which he enjoyed too.
Then for dessert, we got creme brulee and the molten chocolate cake. Both were soooo delicious. The chocolate that flowed out of the cake was like a divine taste from heaven.
Oh, and I cant forget the raspberry sangria, chock full of strawberries, blueberries, apples, oranges. It was sweet and a whole pitcher went down smooth!
All in all, if you are looking for an excellent meal and dont mind paying a little extra, this is a great place to go. Everyone there is very dressed up even for dinner, so find an excuse to put on your best dress, loosen your purse strings for a night, and treat yourself to a great dinner. You won't be disappointed.Listed in: Boston Nightlife, Better than Bar Food
-
Review from Ryan W.
Somerville, MA
11/6/2007
I would give the club/lounge aspect of this place 3.5-4 stars. The drinks are good although a little pricey. I brought my parents here for martinis. They're used to $5 grey goose martinis in Indiana. My dad almost crapped his pants when he got the bill for $78 for two rounds of drinks. Sorry dad.
The food is most dissappointing. The menu looks pretty good, but the end result is something that would cause the judges to eliminate a contestant from "Top Chef". Sorry, poor execution. Not good. -
Review from Kate I.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2008
Meh. The food is fine but way overpriced. We had a half-empty pot of Chicken Pot Pie for $19 that was just ok and $28 pork chops that were just not $28 worth of good.
The cocktails used to be great, back in the old days I'd make special trips all the way to 33 just for the drinks. Now they're just meh, ok too, but still at the same price ($14). Poor value all around
On the upside, the service at 33 is actually pretty great. The walls bedecked with Wine Spectator bling, and we had a sommelier who recommended a nice wine for us. Plus the multicolored changey color bar / peek-a-boo bathroom design business is still pretty neat. And they have a good patio for outside seating in the summer. -
Review from Alexander W.
New York, NY
8/11/2006
With a slight revamp, this place could be 4 or 5 stars. But when I last went, after they remodeled the lounge no less, it was a bit tacky. The decor felt exaggerated and the music was a big 'wtf' :: Beyonce - Baby Boy? In 2006?
Fabulous pitcher of sangria though -- don't miss out on that.
Would goto again to see how it is on another night. -
Review from Patrick F.
Somerville, MA
8/22/2008
I wasn't that impressed with 33 during Restaurant Week 2008. The $14 cocktail was weak in proof and flavor as well, consisting mainly of soda water. It wasn't good enough to make me want another and it was just enough to make me sleepy. The salad was average, the $9 upgrade "Faux Tenderloin" itself was good but the sides were lukewarm to cold. The $4 upgrade desert tasted very out-of-box and the ice cream with it was grainy.
Others at the table had mixed reviews as well. One found the steak delightful with the addition of shaved black truffle at least. Another found the Oysters ($9 upgrade) absolutely inedible and in fact could not even swallow a mouthful. Seeing her turn green across the table was QUITE alarming. Yet another had a delightful cut of tasty salmon with a delicious vanilla custard(?) type dessert.
Conclusion: 3 stars is not worth 5 $'s IMO. One would expect for that kind of money for there not to be burnt out bulbs and cracked mirrors in the place at least if not superb food. I'll pass on this place in the future. -
Review from chase w.
Suffolk, MA
5/21/2007
Mehhhhh.... 3 stars. Clientel doesn't define a joint if you bring enough of your own with you. Yeah,it's a little euro trashy, it's pricey for what you get, and nothing in Boston is worth waiting in line for (If you disagree you fall into the previous mentioned ET group). The food is... food; it tries to be fancy but this isn't a restaurant really.
Drinks are expensive and small. If I pay 12 bucks for a single malt, it needs to be more than a shot. My drink should also be in a GLASS glass, non of this plasticko crappola. I mean, I think the scotch would melt through it anyways. The quarters downstairs are cramped and it's hit or miss with the volume of people- either packed or dead. 33 just doesn't have a lot to offer that you can't find elsewhere. It's decently decorated yada yada, but the quality of the pour and menu make it a pass in my book. That said, if they fixed those problems, it would be kindofa cool spot. -
Review from Jeff D.
3/24/2007
Went here to meet up with some friends for a birthday party. We were told to be there by 10pm or we'd wait in line and we arrived about 11pm, so we were resigned to our wait.
As we stood in line on a chilly evening, I predicted to my friends that the club would be no more than half full when we got in, that they were creating a line just so that the club would seem more popular than it was.
Unfortunately, I was correct. Only the dance floor was even close to full, the rest of the bar was damned near empty.
I've never understood how having people stand in line as opposed to being inside your establishment buying food and drinks adds to your bottom line.
Overall, I was unimpressed. I was made to wait for no reason, and there was nothing special about the place once I made it inside. -
Review from Betty N.
1/10/2008
3 stars is precise. The lobster tail was excellent but the mac cheese was too thick.
Tell the guys at the bar to stop wearing the collars straight-up. Sheesh! -
Review from Kim N.
3/1/2009
A hip, shi shi type of place. For a night out, Bar 33 isn't too bad for drinks and dancing, though as someone else mentioned, the wait for a drink can be long at the bar. You are meant to look pretty here, a place to see and be seen. Wednesdays used to be Asian night, if you're into that, but I haven't been out in a while so not sure if that is still true or not.
Came for a birthday dinner once and was sorely disappointed--not good and overpriced. Go elsewhere for your food. -
Review from Chin C.
Quincy, MA
9/15/2006
Just went there for a dinner, I hv been there for countless of time but mostly for clubbing. And I heard from many ppl that the food here isn't bad so I gave it a try.
Well the place wasn't romantic for a couple, ppl came here mostly for drinks and talking. I and my GF ordered 3 things, Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Long Island Duck, and Roasted Sirloin of Beef.
The Foie Gras was ok even I wasn't impressed. The Long Island Duck was great, ok, to be honest it was awesome. I am a meat lover and I think beef is better than everything. This entree hit me hard and I had to admit that I liked it. The Roasted Beef was good, but a bit dry.
I gave the place 3 stars not bc the food wasn't good but with these prices.. well you can find a better meal elsewhere. The services here were also great. The manager helped me through the problem with my gift card.
Yeah, this place is good if you go for clubbing and not the meal. -
Review from Michael M.
Back Bay, Boston, MA
11/9/2008
Read my review on Stix. Same deal with this place. It's next door and owned/run by the same people.
AVOID.
--- To the person from NYC that just moved here... there are a bunch of much better lounges in this city. Explore! -
Review from Fiat V.
Boston, MA
9/17/2008
Whoa!!! This place morphs every time I go there...
Ok, you have an arm and a leg? Well, be prepared to cut one of them off and give it to them as a form of a payment.
Alright food. Definitely had better somewhere else. I only went there cuz a friend recommended it to me. That's all. Go somewhere else if you want quality food. Go here if your friends say so. -
Review from Kristen F.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
4/28/2008
Three stars does not match up with what I'm about to write. Nor does the fact that I would go back here.
Dark with blue-ish lighting, big bar in center (a plus), dance floor downstairs. Expensive but whatever. My biggest problem is some nights they charge at the door. I HATE places that charge at the door when there is no special DJ or event. $10 on a Thursday night for what? To hang out with the 6-7 Guido's that occupy the entire place? I don't think so.
If you can get in on a night without a cover... it's not a bad place and never crowded. Go if you're in the neighborhood but have other plans as well. -
Review from Lisa O.
4/28/2008
Pretty sure my boyfriend got roofied here. Yep. Seriously.
2 stars for the 33-tini though; that thing's yummy. -
Review from Ellie W.
1/17/2010
Ok, I've never been a huge fan of the bar/club scene at 33--it reminds me of the cast of Jersey Shore/Jon Gosselin partying here--but I haven't had a horrible 33 dinner experience til recently. My friend, never having been here before, wanted to see what the food was like, so I didn't oppose based on the meals I've had previously.
BUT (and that's a big BUT), little did I realize that upon ordering the ravioli, I'd get what looked and tasted like extremely salty fried potato chips with unrecognizable brown mush stuffed inside. The menu had the entree named "Potato 'Ravioli'", and normally I love ravioli, so thought I'd give it a try. I guess when they put quotation marks around a word, that's the red flag for flavorless food sewage.
It's kind of like going on a blind date, with your friend having described the person as a Brad Pitt-Jonas Brother hybrid, and you show up and it's a guy who looks like Chevy Chase ate Jack Black.
Very disappointing. I could have stayed home and made some Barilla pasta with some Prego sauce and saved myself the trouble of ordering an overpriced potato chip entree that I needed two drinks to wash down.
The waitstaff was very nice, which is worthy of at least one star, but neither my friends nor I enjoyed our meals here.
Oh, and as we finished our dinner, there was some odd "photoshoot", if you can call it that, happening behind us--with some hoochie-looking girls "modeling". Well, if that's what you call smashing your boobs up against the plastic wall that's changing colors, while wearing some polyester face towel. Ah, there was also the classy stripper pose, consisting of spreading your legs around the back of a chair. Classy. That's just what you want to see while eating dinner. -
Review from Milena P.
1/21/2009
A friend took me here for my birthday in November, when I told him I wanted to hang out at a place like the ones we have back home-- not quite a club, more of a trendy bar/lounge. I was a bit disappointed.
First, the bouncer gave me a lot of shit for having a Puerto Rican ID. Listen, I know they're pretty flimsy, but I can't help that the Puerto Rican government doesn't care to make more sophisticated-looking IDs, so cut me some slack. After a bit of back-and-forth, lots of pouting and saying it was my birthday, he finally let me in.
I was a bit impressed at first, because the crowd seemed to scream MONEYYYYY, but the place is nothing special. It felt very "restaurant with tables pushed to the side and turned into a bar", which it kind of was. The drinks weren't super expensive, at $6 for a beer, which is OK. The music was OK too.
Overall, not really my thing, but I wouldn't mind going back.
