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51 Lincoln
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
51 Lincoln StNewton Highlands, MA 02461
(617) 965-3100
- Nearest Transit:
-
69 Lincoln St (59)
Walnut St @ Lincoln St - Newton Highland Station (59)
Walnut St @ Lincoln St (59)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
106 reviews for 51 Lincoln
Review Highlights
"The Good: Watermelon steak and polenta fries."
(in 33 reviews)
"...of the perfectly cooked duck and some of the polenta fries."
(in 21 reviews)
"bread basket worth paying for."
(in 10 reviews)
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106 reviews in English
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Review from Thuy L.
Definitely a trek from Boston since the D-line is never on time and just stops when it wants. The restaurant is intimate and cute, and a nice rectangle-ish bar with the specials written on the chalkboard wall. Drinks were decent and the food was delicious.
Based on the reviews, our party of 6 decided to get 2 orders of the watermelon steak, the polenta fries, and some charcuterie to share. The watermelon steak was HORRIBLE. The texture is just off, it's grilled and browned like a steak, but its still juicy and wet. Definitely not meaty and definitely not tasty. The polenta fries were excellent and are definitely worth getting as an appetizer. The charcuterie was good too, despite the fact that the waiters/waitresses couldn't remember what cheeses we ordered.
For the entrees, most of the table ordered the beef bourguignone with the exception of someone ordering the chicken and I ordered the long island duck. The beef was adequate but my duck was out of this world. Perfectly crispy on the outside yet moist on the inside. I was so full from all the apps that I couldn't finish my entree. I would get this over and over again. YUMMY!!!
As for desserts, we got some apple/chocolate croissant dish with a side of vanilla ice cream, as well as goat cheese sorbet. It tastes exactly what you think it would...a cold/icey dessert with an aftertaste of goat cheese. I don't think I would get this again...but it fulfilled my curiosity. -
Review from Ben K.
11/30/2011
Everything was amazing.
-The watermelon steak is one of the most novel dishes I've ever had. They braise a thick slice of watermelon in cream sherry for a few hours before finishing it in butter, and it literally develops a firm, meaty texture and a rich complex flavor. I have heard they mix up the accompaniments to this dish but the watermelon itself is quite an enjoyable experience. And it even looks like a steak!
-The polenta fries were a total home run, a pretty safe selection but wonderfully crispy and with a delightful truffle aioli.
-The bourgoignon is classic, full, rich and full of that burgundy flavor and served with some buttery herbed potatoes (a far better accompaniment than egg noodles if you ask me)
-The bread! It is clearly fresh baked daily, and there are a whole host of choices. Many of our items came with thin slices of buttered toasted baguette, which was fantastic, but the bread basket contained the real highlight, a lemon poppy loaf. They also serve the bread basket with some killer garlic hommus and a sweet and spicy red pepper jam.
-The charcuterie literally changed the way I think about charcuterie plates. We had a coffee chorizo and a duck prosciutto that were both wonderful but the cured slice of pig face was literally the best bite of pork I have ever had. Salty sliced fat never melted in your mouth so wonderfully as this before.
I absolutely cannot wait to dine here again. -
Review from Ryan M.
Boston, MA
10/26/2011
Came out for a nice dinner here with my mother and was underwhelmed by the entrees. The environment is warming, decor is authentic, wine selection is very wide-spread, and appetizers are fantastic. Although on a bad note, I ordered the grilled chicken with grape risotto - the chicken was seasoned lightly (nothing outstanding), its accompanying sauce seemed nothing more than a simple brown gravy, and the risotto was entirely too sweet.
I'd like to come back and try another entree though, maybe this one was an anomaly.
And as a heads up, the pasta portions are small - I had to ask the waitress if there was a hole in my mother's plate. -
Review from Andrew M.
Boston, MA
2/9/2012
Went to 51 Lincoln yesterday evening with a friend who lives nearby. This place is great! I live in Boston and would say this place is easily as good, if not better, than many of the dining options here in the city. I had the Fish Tacos which were flavorful and light as well as a few cocktails off the relatively inventive cocktail menu. As I understand it, much of what they have on the menu is made in house and it shows. I finished off with the Churros which were amazing.
The ambiance is probably best described as "cozy chic". Expect well-heeled patrons but without the pretentiousness. It's a relatively intimate setting with a dining area and a bar area -- good spot for drinks with a friend at the bar or for a date (first or otherwise) in the dining room.
Finally, Anthony was our bartender yesterday evening and really helped make the experience pleasant -- knowledgeable, a good conversationalist, and solid taste in music.
Finally, for Boston folks, this restaurant is within walking distance of the T, a short (okay long -- because it's the green line) ride to the newton highlands stop and you'r e there -- it's worth the trek. -
Review from carol l.
Middlesex, MA
12/26/2011
Came in for dinner for a second time the other night. Food was decent. The bread basket at the beginning was very good. I had pasta bolognese which was a small portion but filling. What brings down my rating is that our waiter left our table before dessert to serve a larger party of about 8 people (I'm sure this spelled larger tip in his mind). We waited for our check for about 25-30 mins until finally a waitress came by and could see that we had been waiting for a very long time and got us our check. I was disappointed and felt abandoned and a little unwelcome especially for the amount we paid for the meal. Not sure I will be back.
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Review from chris j.
Waltham, MA
10/18/2011
I've eaten here twice, once in 2010 and more recently this past weekend. I like coming here because you can get a more upscale dining experience without traveling to Boston. This place is located in a small neighborhood minutes from RT 9 / 95.
I will start with the bar menu. Like many places in Boston, they try to offer their own unique signature cocktails. I think this is a nice touch, especially when people are celebrating a special occasion. I ate here with a group of six, and someone in my party ordered the 'Cassius Clay' and another ordered the 'Lazy Summer Night'. I stuck with beer as I always do, but the drinks were apparently tasty (Their Bar Menu: http://www.51lincolnne...). As far as the beer goes, they have a relatively unique selection: Rapscallion, Avery Pilsner, Brooklyn, and Geary's.
The first time I went here, I had the bacon and quail eggs appetizer, which was a couple of sunny-side quail eggs and a few slices of thick-cut bacon. It is no longer on the menu, but I have to mention it since it was really good. This time, our table shared a number of appetizers. We tried the Polenta Fries (actually a side dish) and their special of the night, which were empanadas filed with beef and goat cheese, served with some sort of chimichurri sauce. These were really good as well.
For dinner, I had the "Berkshire Pork Osso Bucco, Local Potato Puree, Fennel & Red Currant Salad". This was described to us by the waiter as pork cooked on the bone for around four hours. I decided to check this out. The pork was perfectly tender and it was flavorful, but there was a high bone:pork ratio unfortunately. As a carnivorous gentlemen I would always prefer larger portions, but it was good nonetheless. Two others at my table ordered the "Braised Short Rib & Wild Mushroom Risotto, Crispy Parsnip Chips, Chervil" and they raved about it.
For dessert, I got the vanilla bean custard because I was not in a rich dessert kind of mood. Three people at my table got the Tiramissu, and I immediately regretted my decision. It looked and tasted amazing. -
Review from Katie W.
Boston, MA
Cute place to go if you're looking for a fancier place in Newton. You'll get a good dining experience. Entrees start at $20.
For food, I love the polenta fries with truffle parmesan dip! They aren't really fries, it's more like polenta sticks. An order comes with 6, but that's plenty for a group of 2-3. It's heavy, but so delicious!
Their appetizers and entrees are good too. I recommend the salmon and duck entrees. I've never tried their pasta, but it looks extremely appetizing.
I'd pass on the watermelon steak. The texture and flavor didn't sit well with me. -
Review from Bret C.
8/31/2011
Cool place - small and in Newton which is nice. It's sort of tight on the inside, but a cool bar and a really modern/traditional look.
The food was okay to me. Everything feels a little like they are going out of their way to make it New American - a little "weird" spin is placed on everything. Service was good.
Nonetheless, overall a good place. Not cheap - but certainly affordable. Thumbs up on OpenTable. -
Review from Eric M.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2011
Almost 4 stars for me except the service was uneven. Drinks came out late. Second round of drinks nearly never arrived. And so on.
The food was enjoyable--I ordered the chicken under a brick and we started with the watermelon steak (eh) and polenta fries.
The tres leches cake for dessert was excellent. -
Review from Neil H.
Boston, MA
9/18/2011
I made my way here when my family was in town visiting. It was one of the best meals I've had in recent memory. This is going on my top 5 go to places for a good and satisfying meal.
The service was phenomenal! They were attentive, and also engaging.
The food was incredibly creative, without being overly showy.
I would for sure recommend this to anybody who's looking for a nice meal in an area that isn't overly crowded at a restaurant that is good and down to earth. -
Review from Jerry J.
Boston, MA
8/15/2011
probabaly a 3 1/2 stars place, actually.
I went recently on a Groupon deal, and enjoyed myself. I actually spent the money I save don a better bottle of wine :) 51 Lincoln does good things well, and doesn't try to be anything more than a good, upscale neighborhood restaurant. The entrees were well done, with solid presentation, and in a timely fashion, but not too fast. They had a good selection of entrees as well. The wine list was very good, with plenty of bottles in a more modest price range ($35-50).
Overall a very good, predictable experience, esp. if you live in the Western Burbs and don't want to trek into town.
I will go back . . . . -
Review from Brian Y.
San Mateo, CA
6/4/2011
I really want to like this place, but have eaten here 3 times now and unfortunately the experience has gotten worse each time. I love the concept and what the chef/owners are trying to do. Everything on the menu always sounds delicious. Sadly its the execution that is lacking.
You never really know what you're going to get when you visit. Some of their dishes are excellent, like the watermelon steak, polenta fries and the duck. Other ones like the ribeye steak (it arrived dry and lukewarm) and fluke amok (bland) should be passed on.
51 Lincoln, I've tried but at this point we're done. -
Review from Dan C.
Wilmington, NC
10/27/2011
Over priced for the food. It appeared above average, but it was average food at best, at above average prices.
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Review from Aboud Y.
Cambridge, MA
5/26/2011
Cute little place in Newton. I would give it 3.5 stars really...but I can't really go 4.
Everything was really well done and the service was excellent. However there wasn't anything that was a real memorable standout here (except possibly the soft shell crab).Listed in: When in…
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Review from Brent M.
Waltham, MA
8/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love this place. My fiance have eaten here a couple of times and are always wowed by the experience. They know how to make a drink, and there are some interesting menu items. For example, the grilled watermelon steak is definitely worth trying if you've never had it.
I'll definitely go back if I get the chance. -
Review from Allen P.
Newton, MA
11/21/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Excellent restaurant in the suburbs. Service was informative and professional. The food was delicious. Favorites include the short ribs and the bread pudding. The decor is nice with the one exception of the art which is overbearing and not particularly interesting.
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Review from Alexis K.
Melrose, MA
6/30/2011
Service -
Very attentive when we got there and when we left. In between not attentive, but they didn't ignore us. We had to ask for bread 3 times to enjoy the pate appetizer. The server never came up and asked how everything was.
When we left everyone was like thanks for coming, we appreciated having you, come again.... Not consistent.
The Food
UNBELIEVABLE
What we ordered:
Calamari
2 Roasted Tom Soups
2 Soup Special - coconut carrot giner
Pate
2 Steak Watermelon
2 Nincoise Salad
1 Tom, Moz, Procutto Salad
Amok
* Everything came out timely and nice and warm. It also tasted amazing. Presentation was great and really it was unbelievable.... I tried a bite of everyone's and it was great. If you want pictures please let me know cause.
Decor
- Fun & Classy & Chic
- The padding on the inner part of the ceiling was weird... Very disconnected
So all in all we really loved it. The food was the best part. The service can use some work. -
Review from Robert B.
Waltham, MA
3/25/2011
I think 51 Lincoln helped me to set the bar for a great dining experience.
I recently had an anniversary dinner there with my girlfriend, and I had picked the place based on the quality of their menu items, but most of all, the fact that they offered the "Vesper" martini as a specialty drink (the James Bond drink of choice). I found it to be delicious, but was slightly disappointed when it did not include the spiral piece of lemon rind - a mere cosmetic complaint though, because otherwise, the drink was fantastic.
For appetizers, my girlfriend got the Crispy Calamari, which she claimed afterward to have been some of the better calamari that she's ever had. I ordered the Pan Seared Watermelon Steak, which I HIGHLY recommend to anyone and everyone who dines here. I don't know what kind of black magic or ninja skills they use for it, but the texture and taste of the watermelon after their preparation process is one of the most unique and remarkable flavors I've ever had a chance to experience.
Our meals consisted of the Ribeye steak, medium, and the Cod Loin, a dish that I was told was prepared similar to the swordfish it was temporarily replacing on the menu. The Ribeye was very soft and tender, and was well seasoned. The Cod Loin was also great, and I enjoyed every bite covered in the lentils and broth it was presented in. Both meals were easy to eat, and felt they had been especially prepared for us in terms of the quality and speed that they came out of the kitchen.
One final note about this restaurant is that the entire staff was warm and welcoming from the moment we entered until the moment we left. Every employee was very polite, and our waitress, Gretchen, was a friendly conversationalist who knew a great deal about the food and its preparation. I'll definitely be coming back here in the future, especially with the $1 oysters on Mon and Tues nights! -
Review from Erica G.
Newton, MA
4/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Really fantastic! Great new renovations-- the space is great. Fun, colorful art on the walls. Excellent service. Go for lunch, they just started serving and it's a steal!
Cuban Sandwich: 5 of 5
Duck liver Sandwich: 5 of 5
Delicious bloody mary, too! -
Review from Retro G.
Newton, MA
10/7/2011
Creative food, welcoming staff -- did you know they have a garden on the roof? Newton is lucky to have an innovative restaurant like this.
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Review from Gary K.
Gales Ferry, CT
10/29/2011
The service was great but the food was just so so
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Review from Suki S.
Allston, MA
1/8/2011
My husband and I went here in 2009 for our wedding anniversary and we were not disappointed. We still talk about it to this day and recommend it to anyone looking for an upscale place to go for a special event.
First and foremost, they treated us like royalty, not even exaggerating...they were so unbelievably polite and accommodating. If you've read any of my reviews you already know that good hospitality is extremely important to me as I think it should be for everyone. We obviously made a reservation. I'm pretty sure you have to because it's not a very big place and I'm sure they fill up pretty quick. It was a couple of years ago that we went but I do remember getting the chef's tasting menu after we were told the entrees we wanted were not available. You have to understand also that they use locally grown ingredients and they use what they have and once they're out of something, they're actually out of it. The menu changes either daily or weekly depending on the ingredients which I feel is very ambitious and keeps things interesting and fresh. You'll never get bored of this place.
The Chef, who I believe is also the owner, came out to speak to us personally and apologized for not having what we ordered but suggested we try the four course tasting menu instead. It was absolutely amazing! I remember one of the courses was scallops wrapped in prosciutto, we also had a pork dish that was cooked to perfection. I was never a huge fan of pork (I'm vegetarian now) but after having that dish, I understand why a chef would love to serve it, sooo much flavor.
The meal and the wine were wonderful but I can't forget to mention the desserts. We had traditional chocolate chip cookies with a large shot of either whole milk or cream, I'm not even sure it was the most decadent milk I had ever had. The cookies were still warm when they came and the chocolate was melting, ugh...so good. I know it sounds like "wow big woop..chocolate chip cookies," but they were the highest quality chocolate chip cookies (big emphasis on the chocolate) I had ever had and were better than any tiramisu or flan or creme brulee I had ever tasted. Along with the chocolate chip cookies we also had a blueberry bread pudding that was also amazing. This place is comfort food at its absolute best. Not sure if they have vegetarian options so we might not be going back but if they do, we'll be there!!! By far one of the best meals I've ever had. -
Review from Alex D.
Boston, MA
7/1/2011
The atmosphere was wonderful. The bread accompaniments are tasty - hummus type spread and tomoto jam in oil.
Both of the salads we got were delicious : Farm Green Leaf and the Roof Top Assisted. I liked the salt in the Roof Top Assisted but if you don't like salt, you may want to request they don't add it. There aren't salt/pepper shakers on the table b/c everything is seasoned prior to serving (which I guess is most common in higher-end places). My salad was definitely saltier than I've experience elsewhere but again, I liked it.
Menu seems to change frequently but:
My friend got the pork chops and really liked them. I got the Day Boat Cod. The flavor was good but it was a bit "meal-y" and stringy. Not the greatest. But the spinach side was delicious.
Anyway, I'm definitely a fan of this place - bar area is great, service was very pleasant and warm. It's not pretentious but it also feels like you are somewhere nice. I enjoy the space between tables - doesn't feel like you are eating on top of the table next to you. -
Review from Alex C.
Laguna Beach, CA
6/23/2011
51 Lincoln rocks my world!! The menu changes almost daily- although the staples like the Caesar salad and Rigatoni Bolognese are always on the menu and they are unreal! I also really appreciate that they support local farms and buy meats from cruelty free farms. The charcuterie is a must and they have a garden on the roof- love it. The food is always fresh, the bar menu is great!
My 2 cents: Whenever looking at reviews always scroll to the bottom and look at the filtered reviews as well. I don't agree with Yelps review filter- ALL reviews should be counted. In many cases if all reviews were considered 5 star companies would have a 2 star rating and vice versa. Decide for yourself yelpers, don't let their "algorithm " do it for you! -
Review from Elizabeth D.
Boston, MA
4/8/2011
Let me first say, I don't take food lightly.
This place is wonderful. Cozy, modern, a bit upscale, went here on a Thursday night. It's a good thing we got there early, because all the tables were taken by 7pm. We were seated in the bar area (apparently you need reservations to get the main dining area) but we were more than happy with our table.
The staff and our waitress were extremely courteous and kind, and practically everyone who passed asked if we needed anything. Although we were the youngest couple in the place (mid-20s) that didn't seem to be issue. We had cheese and bacon chorizo to start with, which came out on a board with a variety of tasters. Then chef sent us a surprise appetizer of creme fraiche soup because it was our first visit! Our entrees were superb.
This is a really great place for a special date or meal. There is a parking lot right across the street, and it's steps from the Newton Highlands T, so it's very convenient! -
Review from Jon T.
Natick, MA
2/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I went here last night for the first time and came away very pleased. I had perused the menu online first, and was excited to see the drink menu offer The Vesper (the martini from Casino Royale). As a big James Bond fan I was already digging this place before even arriving.
I ended up getting the 3 course chef's whim tasting menu for $35 which was a great deal. To start I had a very refreshing bib lettuce salad with thin carrots, chili pepper strings, a pomelo and a homemade citrus vinaigrette. For my entrée I was given the braised duck breast served atop kale and a sweet potato puree, with a jalapeño jam. The jam wasn't what I expected in consistency, but was altogether fantastic. It was more or less candied peppers that added a great sweetness when paired with the duck, but also packed quite a bit of spice. All in all I was extremely pleased with my entrée. For desert I was given a trio of chocolate truffles: a cayenne pepper truffle, a blood orange truffle with orange slices, and a dark chocolate truffle with sea salt on top. This was also very good, and I'd rank them in that order.
All in all I really enjoyed my meal and look forward to going back. Almost everything on the menu sounded delicious, and I really liked how much of it was local and/or organic.
I'm definitely adding this place to my list. -
Review from Alison C.
3/14/2011
One of my company's technology partners was kind enough to treat us to dinner at 51 Lincoln. The upscale bar maintained its neighborhood vibe, but its innovative menu elevated it to destination status.
While the cocktail and beer lists with rather appealing, I decided to order a glass of the 2009 Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. The refreshing wine possessed a crisp peach flavor. As the evening progressed, I also had the opportunity to sample a glass of the 2007 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. This delicious wine was classified by the restaurant as "full-bodied" and "new school". The smooth, sweet beverage was low in tannins and possessed the perfect dark fruit balance of plum and blackberry; it was spectacular!
As we chose our selections from the generous prix fixe menu, we were presented with a large bread basket that included a variety of doughy options, such as a perfectly executed corn bread that was moist and sweet, but thankfully still resembled bread rather than cake.
For my first course of the meal, I settled on the Atlantic Salmon Tartare, which was perfectly seasoned with miso, lime, red onion, and cilantro. While I rarely find this type of crudo dish to possess enough of a kick, the version at 51 Lincoln was very well executed. Crisp, earthy Taro Root Chips added a hearty texture to the plate. I then enjoyed a traditional Caesar Salad, which had been tossed in a delicious creamy dressing with an anchovy essence. My main course was the Herb Roasted Brick Style Chicken, which was extremely moist despite its perfectly crisped skin. It was plated with fingerling potatoes, many of which were sadly under-cooked. The side of garlic spinach contained so many cloves that I had a difficult time extinguishing the stench from my breath.
My dessert was by far the low moment of the meal procession. My coffee was watery and bland. The Chocolate Cake lacked any real cocoa flavor, and its layers of cream were simply boring. The homemade whipped cream garnish, on the other hand, had much more substance.
All in all, 51 Lincoln provided the perfect atmosphere for a friendly business dinner; they were able to customize menu and seating options that were spot-on with our needs. While there were one or two flaws with the culinary execution, the majority of the meal was delightful. The restaurant would be worth the visit even if it was not being financed by a corporate account. -
Review from Erica B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/13/2011
really not a good experience. I live relatively nearby, I'd been looking forward to trying this place for a while, and I was sorely disappointed.
we arrived around 7:30 on a tuesday evening. Host was dismissive, knew we were there for $1 oysters, and even though the dining room was empty and the bar was stuffed, told us, "you'll have to wait for a bar table" and then walked off. We stood around waiting for a table for about 15 minutes.
once we were seated, the bar wasn't wiped/prior patron's bill and dishes cleared, nor we were greeted for over ten minutes.
we placed an order, only to wait again almost 15 minutes for drinks, and still no silverware/napkins, no water, and no bread was served.
then we were told they were all out of oysters. Being that this is the draw (and was, for us), no substitution was offered. by that point, we'd been there about 45 minutes, not served one calorie of food, and if they were out of oysters, refused to serve them in the restaurant, and knew it, it would have made sense for the host to have let us know this in advance!
but then on to the food. once we got some, we were ravenous. bread was good, served with a concentrated hummus and tomato preserve in oil. pickled local vegetables were ok - definitely fresh but monotone and the natural flavors of the produce were overwhelmed by the pickling liquid.
my dining companion ordered the cod - this had a strong fishy smell and was modestly overcooked. the skin did have a crust and a flavorful seasoning however. This was served over an uninspired stew of carrots, celery, corn and maybe something else in a totally unremarkable ratatouille. This was all under a large blob of herbed butter - which was removed before it yielded an even wetter greasier mess. There was supposed to be a fennel broth, but it was poorly concentrated and did not have a fennel flavor either to my palate nor of my companion's. and my sense of smell is uncannily sharp.
I ordered the spicy salmon hand rolls. these were bad.
clearly they were made in advance and refrigerated, yielding an unwieldy chewy sticky humid wrapper. my husband exclaimed "I would not have served this!" as he ate one - he felt the filling had a consistency of cat food, it wasn't spicy, the rice was unseasoned, and save for a few sprigs of nice fresh cucumber and a leaf of cilantro, was all mushy. He ate it because I wouldn't, and he was still hungry after devouring his entire dinner.
No dessert. We wanted to get out of there. Rough total for this rather sub-par meal with one shared app, 2 drinks, an app for my dinner, and one entree with no dessert was about $80. I feel cheated. We were there for about 2 hours, no manager ever checked on us, waitstaff was nonexistent. the bartender was working hard, and was pleasant enough, but really couldn't handle the volume alone.
super disappointing. if you like food, stay away. -
Review from Elizabeth K.
Somerville, MA
1/26/2011
I have no idea why this place has such stellar reviews. I went for a birthday dinner (they did nothing to acknowledge her bday even though we saw candles go out to other tables) with a girl pal of mine and we were pretty much ignored all night, except for the point were the bus boy kept staring down my shirt as he cleared our plates or the time where the rushing waiter practically threw my leftovers at me, thus sliding them onto the floor. We also were continually apologized to for our empty water glasses but no one stopped to fill them, they just kept apologizing for them being empty and making comments like "we'll get you water eventually, but at least you have wine!"
Perhaps this is because we were half the age of all the other diners in there?!?! Bottom line, I guess I highly recommend this place if your in your 50s-60s and like bland, expensive food that pretends it's fancy. -
Review from Connie C.
8/16/2011
wow, this place is so popular, we watched many people turned away (make reservations!!) the bar had seating when we arrived, so we got lucky, but we saw many hoverers, waiting for a spot to open up.
too bad none of us eat oysters, mon and tues is $1 oysters (great deal). the bread is awesome - all homemade, asked for extra cornbread. the tomato puree and rosemary olive oil dip was to die for. it's causing me to salivate now. they served us complimentary soup which was so-so, but it's free, so no complaints there.
for dinner a friend tried the chef's whim $3 course, $35)...it was a salad (typical, nothing to write home about), the bass (which was on the menu), and chocolate torte (really good). the waitress mentioned if you have allergies, don't get the chef's whim. i was a little disappointed the chef made something off the menu - i'd expect it to be something totally random, something you can't order. i guess it's good for people who are indecisive.
i got the duck breast...the skin was perfectly flavored and crisp. YUM. the cabbage it came on was really tough, and it was weird w/blackberries, but overall the dish was still good.
another friend had the atlantic salmon - he said everything was really salty.
we ended with some homemade strawberry ice cream, and it was delicious. the food wasn't all knock-your-socks-off, but it got pretty darn close. the biggest complaint i have is that the service was really slow...others received their food much earlier than we did...not sure if that was because of the chef's whim part or what. it took us about 2 hours to get out of there. -
Review from Emily K.
Boston, MA
12/16/2010
Late dinner at the bar included fresh, fresh, fresh (did I mention "fresh"?) oysters with a mignonette like I've never tasted (and who talks about mignonette?) followed by a bolognese that surpassed those that I've enjoyed in my native North End. Attention was paid to the size and uniformity of the chopped ingredients, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. It needed nothing - not salt, not cheese, not more or less pasta or sauce - nothing.
But I've gotten ahead of myself. We started with special cocktails and it was hard to pick one. Being partial to anise-based liquors, and wanting to extend my ouzo enjoyment into the winter months, I had the sazarak - just the right hint of pernod washed the glass, and the rye warmed me right up. We were later treated to the day's special cocktail - made with Nolet's gin, some sort of thyme-and-something syrup, prosecco and was there another ingredient? It was a deliciously floral sparkling treat. Our bartender was attentive, knowledgeable and a lot of fun. We felt like we could be ourselves. Great food, great people. Go. -
Review from Tasha E.
Chestnut Hill, MA
5/11/2011 Seated via OpenTable
It was just Ok. I was unimpressed. Not sure what all the hype is about. I ordered the fixe prix - fish - it was flavorless, but not inedible.
The atmosphere was o.k. - we sat in the dining area. The bar seemed a better choice.
The service was good. No complaints here.
The prices were a little high for the quality and blandness.
I won't return. I'm not super picky, just expected a bit more based on previous reviews and word of mouth.
My recommendation: Head over the Newton Center and eat at B-Street - much better food and the bartender is great! -
Review from paige c.
7/20/2011
one dollar oysters
bread basket worth paying for
expectations passed
I'm always on the search for good cheap oysters, and I KNEW 51 Lincoln had dollar oysters. So when the Living Social popped up for this place, I was pumped to get 40 oysters for $40. Not exactly how it went, better, actually.
Me and the bf arrived relatively early (between 6 and 6:30), and easily found a place at the bar. The bar was nice, comfortable, the bartender (Ben) friendly. We perused the bar, dinner, and cocktail menu salivating. The dessert menu was staring at us on a chalk wall--irresistible. Ok ok ok! We have to try a couple of these probably-should-take-a-loan-out ($10-12) enticing cocktails and a dozen oysters.
Cocktails--delish. Great way to impress a patron or that special someone, or that other special someone. Oysters--also incredible--salty seafood goodness served with lemon, vinegar, and cocktail sauce (bf wished they had fresh horse radish, I concurred). Another half dozen PLEASE!
We ordered some salami. Also good. A tiny $4 plate of satisfaction. I overheard someone saying some (or all) of the meat is cured by the chef. COOL!
Bread basket-- we get bread?!?!?! Bf said if he knew that bread basket was that good, he would have paid for it. Make sure you get some.
Burger-- at this point, the people around us seem curious about whatever is next me and bf are going to get. Burger was served on garlic toasted bread with cheese and grilled onions (a bun I didn't want to skip out on), what appeared to be homemade ketchup and mayo, and some amazing garlicy fries.
It was all so excellent, we have to get dessert.
Dessert is where 51 Lincoln started to get super busy, and bf and I started to feel a little neglected. Nevertheless, we adventurously the Fig Newton Highlands dessert. (Again, the bar people looking at our every course curiously.) It was good and different, but I don't think I'd order it again.
Yes, new bar friends, this burger is awesome, you should get one. Ah, the Fig Newton Highlands you say? It's... different. And the new bar friends heeded our advice. -
Review from I Y.
Newton, MA
11/22/2010
This was my 4th time to this restaurant, and I would have to say this latest trip to 51 Lincoln with my boyfriend was not very good. Usually, we loved the food and had never had issues with the service.
Our waiter was inattentive. He forgot our bread basket and forgot to replace our silverware. We ordered the bibb lettuce and goat cheese salads as starters. When the salads arrived, we found no goat cheese. The person who removed our plates from our table accidentally splashed oil on my boyfriend's shirt. The food was only ok this time - I've had better salads, duck entrees, and desserts from this restaurant before.
Bread basket: Yummy. Ciabatta, focaccia, corn bread, and french bread? The tomato jam is delicious.
Starters: We both had bibb lettuce and goat cheese salad. Another waitress, not the waiter who attended our table, had to bring out small ramekins of goat cheese because it was forgotten. The salad was nothing special, just average.
Entrees: I had the roasted duck breast with black lentils and buddha slaw. I've had better duck entrees from this restaurant. The duck lacked flavor. My boyfriend had the salmon. The salmon was cooked perfectly but my boyfriend felt that the portion was small and that the rest of the dish was only ok.
Desserts: We both had the apple cobbler. Again, it was ok. I would have preferred some tartness to the dessert since the menu indicated that it was granny smith apples.
I really hope our experience is a fluke because this is one of our favorite restaurants. I'll give them one more chance. If it happens again, I will not return and will not be recommending this restaurant to my friends. -
Review from Joanie L.
Boston, MA
5/20/2011
Really enjoyed everything about 51 Lincoln last nite. Have meant to come during their softshell crab month before and finally made it for the deep fried crab w/ pea risotto, excellent. I had the duck which wasn't too rare as I'd requested along with good greens and something creamy. Friend's pork was tasty, maybe a tad over cooked. From before I can recommend their Caesar salad w/ burrata, amazing. 2nd time for a rosemary vodka gimlet is, v. good. Dessert was a rich dark chocolate slab w/ orange ice cream. Fun bartender, nice front of house, super bustling at 7:30 but cleared out at 8:30 or so. Had to wait about 15 min for a seat to open up at their expanded bar but no complaints. That's odd.
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Review from Vivian C.
10/21/2010 10 photos
At 6pm, we were perhaps the 4th party of the evening. Sometime by 7pm, the place was full with the exception of one table.
A narrow bar area made up the restaurant's entrance and front area with 5-6 seats at the bar, 4 tables for 2 each, and a table for 4. A single large unisex handicap accessible bathroom is located just behind the bar.
A lovely bread basket was set before us which included 4 carb options, including a warm crumbly sweet cornbread, a triangle of perhaps an Irish soda bread, a long slice studded with black sesame seeds, and a pair of simple olive oily slices. Spread options were a fatty spreadable butter, and their own homemade tomato chili jam spooned into a pool of olive oil. The heat of the sweet jammy chunks of tomato were very slight (hey, if I can handle it...).
Pan Seared Watermelon Steak, Garbanzo Bean and Hummus, Olive Mousse Crostini, French Feta $11
Once I sliced into my triangular mound of red seared flesh, raw beef! I thought... or perhaps tuna sashimi! It was neither, but slices of watermelon glistened enticingly on the crostini as I layered the ingredients to create individual mouthfuls of the appetizer.
Oven Roasted Painted Hills Ribeye*, Caramalized Onion Risotto, Asparagus, Crispy Onions $34
Okay, I was pretty full by the time this hit the table, an hour after we first entered the establishment. We had demolished one and a half baskets of bread and began digesting it all... but this was good but nothing special.
Day's Special Red Snapper, Trio of Aioli, Chipolte, Lemon, Spinach, Cilantro $28
No sides came with. Protein portion plenty for 2 with the addition of a few sides to round things out.
Polenta Fries, Truffle Parmesan Dip $6
crispy exterior, creamy interior, truffly fries... yum! Get this!
Braised Endive Balsamic Reduction, Pinenuts $6
Interesting but too strong for me.
Local Sugar Pumpkin Flan, Chantilly Cream $8
Like a normal flan with a hint of something extra.
Bosc Pear & Great Hill Blue Cheese Turnover $8
Tender crust, tender cubes of pear, but the blue cheese was rather strong, thus a savory rather than a sweet treat.
If you're feeling adventuresome, you can try the Chef's Whim 3 Course Menu - A Three Course Meal Prepared By Our Chefs $35 - where you select either Vegetarian, Meat, or Seafood for your entree, and you let the chef decide your meal. If you aren't up to letting go of control, but still want something special, you may consider the Chef's Personalized 4 Course Tasting Menu - Four Unique Courses Prepared By Our Chefs $55 - where the chef actually comes out and talks with you about your personal tastes and preferences.
Our meal took about 2 hours and 40 minutes from entrance to exit... a touch long in my opinion. -
Review from Kevin M.
Newton, MA
11/14/2010
No need to travel into Boston for top notch food, wine and cocktails as 51 Lincoln is a wonderful, lively, foodie restaurant in Newton Highlands
I won't tell you what I had recently as it doesn't matter--menu changes daily. The Watermelon steak and Bolognese are main stays and delicious. I trust the chef or wait staff (and especially Ben the bartender) for food and wine suggestions. My wife and I go about once a month as the meal is one of the best you can have. Prices are reasonable given the quality; great overall value. We've done dinner at the bar and Chef's tasting dinners and it's all wonderful.
It does get crowded at the bar area and it can detract from the experience. I've never sat in the lower level and wouldn't want to as the action is on the ground floor. If they can grow and add more space at the bar, all the better! -
Review from Mike D.
Wellesley, MA
10/14/2011
Went for the first time last night and was really impressed. I like the bar feel once you come in the door. We sat down at the larger table in the bar area and had dinner. Polenta fries with Parmesan truffle mayo...wow. I had the burger and it was fantastic....definitely agree with the Burger Blog guy that it is an elite burger in the area. My wife had the heirloom tomato salad and the salmon tartare app. Both were very solid. The staff was really nice. A very good experience. Cannot wait to head back here...with that menu there's a lot of different ways you can go.
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Review from Kendra L.
Natick, MA
6/7/2010
One of the best dinners we've had in recent years. Their menu changes regularly and they post it on their website so it's great to check before you plan to dine there. Intimate dining with an attentive wait staff providing a lovely dinner out in Newton.
We were able to get a reasonable hour dinner reservation through Open Table for a Saturday. A great place to go with another couple though I saw a decent amount of date night diners. The Pomegranatini was a bit heavy on the Chambord, but the Allandale Farm Red Lettuce Salad with Smoked tomato dressing, avocado, red onion, mango and shaved parmesan quickly made me forget about the sweet martini. The weekly menu had duck which my husband and I both ordered. Perfectly cooked with yam puree and jalapeno chutney/jam. If duck appears on the menu again, I will take a 9:00pm reservation, it was that good. The strawberry shortcake desert was unique in that rather than sponge cake, it was a biscuit, which I liked just fine. Rather then plain whipped cream, the center was a light custard. Needless to say, we cleaned that plate. -
Review from Monique D.
Newton, MA
11/2/2011
The food here is superb. I eat at this place at least once a month. They update the menu seasonally and i'm always looking forward to what is new. The menu staples are also great such as the pasta bolognese and the polenta fries. Great place for a date.
