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75 Chestnut
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
75 Chestnut St(between Charles St & Cedar Lane Way)
Boston, MA 02108
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
(617) 227-2175
- Nearest Transit:
-
Charles St @ Beacon St (43, 55)
Beacon St Opp Walnut St (43, 55)
Charles/mgh Station - Outbound (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 12 am
Sat-Sun 11 am - 3 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
179 reviews for 75 Chestnut
Review Highlights
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"Even the brunch is fun and includes a bloody mary bar." In 9 reviews -
"Free cheese and crackers is a nice bonus." In 7 reviews -
"...Chocolate Cake, and a Swiss Milk Chocolate Almond Soup." In 3 reviews
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179 reviews in English
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Review from Tracey F.
Boston, MA
4/9/2012
Tucked away on a small side street off Charles Street in Beacon Hill, 75 Chestnut has become a welcoming dining establishment for the neighborhood locals and beyond. Luckily enough I have a friends who live in Beacon Hill that remind me this place is still around and still good.
Back in the day 75 was more of a romantic and somewhat elegant spot, also a little pricey. About seven or so years ago they made some changes that I for one thoroughly enjoy as it reminds me of a few of the gastro pubs back home in England. The décor is still cozy with dark wood furniture with a warm feel and a place you can go to with your grandmother or on a date. 75 also offers a lovely long bar and some high top bar seating for those who want to stop by and enjoy a more casual feel to dinner or brunch or just a cocktail.
My friend and I went last Wednesday, commonly known to 75 as Wine Wednesdays. Wine Wednesdays offers a two-course dinner along with half bottle of wine for just $30. They also offer "Sweet Tooth Tuesdays", "Green Thursdays" and of course their always fabulous "Sunday Brunch."
We were seated at the back of the busy restaurant and were immediately greeted by our very nice and courteous waiter who offered us water and warm crusty bread and time to check out the menus.
We decided to order items from the main menu rather than the Wine Wednesday and started with the Steamed Mussels to share. I am a fan of mussels so can be judgmental of them. These deserved only solidly good judgment. Perfectly plump and soaked in delicious tomato broth with salty bites of chorizo that worked in harmony with the mussels. There was plenty of broth left over to mop up with toasted bread. This dish would also serve as a perfect main dish for one.
For my entrée I picked the Meyer Lemon Chicken Breast. The chicken was moist, ridiculously tasty without being over tart from the lemon; however the fingerling potatoes are what had me cheering. I dont think I have tasted potatoes that good in a very long time. I am not quite sure what they do but they were so fluffy and creamy inside with just a slight salty crispness to the skin.
My friend enjoyed the Char-Grilled Atlantic Salmon Filet. It was so prettily presented and looked and smelled amazing. I didn't try it, which I am normally do. I always want to steal food from my friend's plates. Stacey commented that the salmon was cooked perfectly and very nicely spiced, however she wasn't a huge fan of the polenta as it was a little dry and perhaps needed some salt.
After enjoying my entrée with ALL of the best potatoes I have tasted, I could not find any room for dessert. Instead, we just ended our pleasant evening with a cup of coffee and more of a little chat fest.
Service at 75 is friendly and attentive without being rushed. Our waiter checked in on us often with a smile and a little chat and helped to make our evening that much more enjoyable.
This is really a great place for family dinners, an evening with friends with great food or a date. In fact the couple right next to us was quite obviously on a first date and we could not help ourselves with overhearing some of their conversation. The tables were very close in our defense. I believe they will be having a second date.
I am now looking forward to going back for Sunday brunch in the very near future. -
Review from Savannah B.
Wellfleet, MA
4/2/2012 2 photos
I was wandering around Boston, and found myself in Beacon Hill, and peered down this little side street to see a few businesses peeking out amongst mostly resident buildings. I was looking for just the right place to sit, have a simple meal, and write in my journal, and I found it.
I ordered a chardonnay and the avocado salad off the specials menu. The salad was yummy - a spinach bed with cucumbers, goat cheese, tomatoes and pecans. I could have gone for a little more lemon and a few more pecans... But I'm being picky - à chacun son goût.
It was mostly empty when I got there. The hostess was talking to one of the few customers. The conversation endured while I waited to be seated. I should have helped myself to some cheese and crackers while I was waiting.
The place definitely has ambiance. It's cozy. The service was very correct. I think I'd just finished uttering "salad" when they had delivered it to my table. I would have liked to linger and write longer after my meal, but then I think they would have wanted me to either order another drink or pay rent... They were getting busy, so I went on my way.
I'll have to think of the right occasion to return to this place with someone special. -
Review from Emily N.
Brookline, MA
3/22/2012
The food alone puts this place at 5 stars. If you think about restaurants with food you really love, you'll put up with plenty of glitches in service or ambiance, and this place didn't even have those.
Pros- the food was VERY good- seafood soup, steak tips, salmon, everyone at the table cleaned their plates and wouldn't share. Tells you a lot :-) And the servings aren't trendy restaurant tiny.
Place is cute, clean, cozy.
Service is pretty good- our waitress was fine with us, nothing notable, but she was amazing with the table next to us, which had a rich looking old guy send back his steak 3 (!!!) times for not being cooked to his liking, and then eventually changed his mind to a burger. She was very patient, and the hostess (possibly manager) from the front of the house came back and apologized and told him their sous chef was in charge of the kitchen that day and was struggling. To give the old guy credit, the waitress looked ,when he cut open his 2nd and 3rd steak, like it might actually have been wrong, she took it back so fast, so maybe the chef really was off. He/she did not struggle on any of our food, that is for sure.
Cons- Its not super expensive, especially for boston, but its expensive enough we can't afford to go that frequently. Get what you pay for I guess- sucks being poor!
Hostess/manager lady was on the phone on a personal call when we came in, and she made us wait a bit while she was on the phone, which irked me a little. But not that big of a deal. -
Review from Jesse L.
Boston, MA
5/11/2012
75 is a friendly, reasonably priced (by beacon hill standards) place to grab a bite to eat or a casual drink. I've never had anything off their menu that i didn't enjoy. It's a small place and i wish the bar area were a bit larger, but all in all it's one of my favorite places in the neighborhood.
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Review from Saba N.
Updated - 2/27/2012
I've done this place multiple times for Brunch and always loved it. This time however, I tried it out for dinner.
We had a party of nine and had to wait awhile for our table to be ready. The free cheese and crackers made it bearable.. but it was sooo packed and we were smushed (and cold!) Who know it was such a hot spot? It's always moderately crowded at brunch.
Once we were seated, everything was the way I had hoped for. The service was fantastic and I never had to ask twice for anything. They have a great wine selection - I really enjoyed the Malbec.
The food was also really good. I liked (not loved) the calamari. My wedge salad was deeeeelicious, and I was also really happy with my seafood stew. It was too big, though! I barely ate half.
I didn't have dessert, but I tried some of the chocolate creme brulee and it was amaaaaazing. I could have eaten a tub of it. Seriously.
All in all, I really enjoyed my experience per usual. You definitely need to plan accordingly for dinner because it's loud and crowded. But other than that, it's still a great beacon hill spot!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/4/2010
I love this place! Right next to my favorite street in Boston (Charles of course), you really can't… Read more »
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Review from Kate P.
Beacon Hill, Boston, MA
5/2/2012
The place was adorable but the food and service were bad especially for yhe price. I ordered the chicken which was really dry and barely edible. The waitress wouldnt reach for plates at our table for 4 and would just pit out her limp wrist in the middle of the table for us to pass things to her. I dont understand why a restaurant would also offer organic wine but not organic food. I might go back for a drink at the bar but would never order food there again!
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Review from Sara M.
Boston, MA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went here for brunch and was pleasantly surprised. We originally set out to try Paramount but ended up at 75 Chestnut when the lines at our original destination scared us away. 75 Chestnut was much more laid back, and at 11:30AM on a Sunday our party of 2 was able to be seated immediately. The staff were courteous and attentive without being either overly friendly or overly pushy. They let us sit and enjoy our brunch without ever making us feel rushed. The decor was all dark wood and old-school Boston, but very cozy and inviting. The atmosphere was busy and lively without being overly noisy.
The food itself was quite good. I had the veggie omelet and my friend had the stuffed raspberry french toast. Each dish was delicious and the portions were generous but not crazy (each was enough for one hungry person). They also brought a couple yummy sweet rolls to start us off while we were waiting for our entrees - nice touch!
I saw the Bloody Mary bar but frankly did not find the overwhelming number of options for ingredients (tomato base, alcohols, add-ins like olives, peppers, etc.) at all inviting. If I were hungover and in need of a Bloody Mary I'd rather have one brought to me already made. But I'm lazy like that when it comes to restaurant foods/drinks.
The only real downfall was the cost. Although it wasn't super expensive (esp. considering the Beacon Hill location), I thought $15/plate was on the high side for brunch. -
Review from Candace B.
Boston, MA
4/18/2012
Free cheese and crackers and spectacular food! Great location!
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Review from Amit A.
Jersey City, NJ
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
We came here on a cold Saturday morning for brunch. Nice, cozy place and the food was good. They also have a bloody mary bar, with some interesting vodka. I had the applewood smoked bacon vodka.
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Review from Yvonne Y.
Boston, MA
2/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
What a great little find off of Charles! This place is cozy, intimate and romantic. All the staff were very friendly and it definitely has that neighborhood feel to it.
We came here for dinner on a Friday night. We walked in around 7:30pm and the place was relatively full with some reserved tables. We didn't have a reservation, but luckily another party of 2 was a no show, so the hostess just told us to grab their table. (beware, even the bar tables can be reserved - extra points for me!)
I have to be honest, I wasn't impressed when I saw their menu. They have a small selection - appetizers, salads, soup, entrees all listed on a one-sided single page (and no, it wasn't printed on a huge piece of paper...). But when the food came and I took a bite, it blew my mind.
I had the salmon and he had the lamb rack. Whenever I order salmon at a restaurant, they always have a tendency to overcook the fish. But not this one! The fish was cooked JUST right - not too flaky, and the flesh were still soft and moist. I'm not a fan of lamb, but this place knows how to make some hell of a rack o lamb! I enjoyed it so much that I think I might even want to order it next time as MY entree!
The service was excellent. The server was very attentive and kept refilling our wine glasses just as it's starting to run low. Without noticing, we walked out 6 glasses deep, as happy as can be.
I really like this place for its ambience, its food and its service. I can see myself turning into a regular here! -
Review from Alyssa S.
Boston, MA
4/5/2012
A great place for a date or to bring out of town guests. I have been here with many guests for a classic Boston experience. The food and service are excellent.
Be sure to visit for brunch - the sticky buns they offer for free are to die for. -
Review from Bret C.
11/7/2011
What an outstanding place. It feels like you're dining in a big family dining room at 75 Chestnut. The restaurant and bar are the perfect place for a date, family dinner or just a meal with friends. And oh yeah, it's in Beacon Hill - one of the coolest neighborhoods in the country.
Free cheese and crackers at the door is an great touch.
I've been a few times now and really appreciate that they take reservations - it makes things incredibly easy. I really wish they used OpenTable rather than the phone, though.
I had the filet one time ($25 sounds like a bargain, but it's not the best cut of meat) and wouldn't get it again. During my second visit I had the beef stew and it's by far the best beef stew I've ever had. In fact, it's one of the best meals I've had, period.
The service is great and runs at the perfect pace. Can't wait to get back for more beef stew! -
Review from Alana H.
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I get older I want to be able to have a place that I frequent often enough that I know the wait staff and they know the type of wine I like to drink and they treat me like family when I visit. This restaurant is what I would imagine my place to look like. Not only it is quietly tucked away in a side street in Beacon Hill, but it's the type of place where you feel familiar and comfortable even your first time coming. My friend and I came here as a close to her weekend visit to Boston. We wanted some place nice, but still low key and relaxing as the weekend had been jam packed filled with stuff.
We were seated and ordered a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and honestly chatted a bunch before we decided on our entree orders. Our waitress was very patient with us and never rushed us into making decisions. My friend ordered 75 Chestnut Tower which had Crisp fried calamari, roasted garlic bread, marinara sauce & pumpkin ravioli. I tried some of the fried calamari which wasn't greasy but fried crispy and had the right balance of spice to it. The Pumpkin ravioli was to die for it. It was decadent and delicious. I ordered the special they had which was essentially a thanksgiving meal- turkey and gravy, cranberry chutney, and stuffing. The turkey was nice and moist and I really enjoyed the chunks of bread within the stuffing.
I like that this place has something for everyone. There are tv's by the bar for those interested in watching a football game on a Sunday night, but there tables feel quaint and cozy. The cheese and crackers at the door are really nice and the prices here aren't outrageous. I think this will be a date night restaurant the next time the bf is in town. -
Review from Taryn L.
11/19/2011
Three of the folks I ran into (yes, it's easy to wind up talking with multiple folks at the bar, even if it is just to exchange a few friendly words) likened this lovely establishment to that on Cheers. Now, I readily admit that I know very little about the series, but I do know that it's "where everybody knows your name." Right? I know that much. And I certainly walked away with the impression that this place was both full of friendly, familiar regulars, those some gregarious folks were more than happy to share their treasure with all of us newbies.
The atmosphere is cozy and the temperature comfortable, even as the temperature outside drops. For some reason I recall the lighting being just about right, which isn't always something I notice (or if I do, I probably don't have good things to say about it.) There's plenty of rich, deep wood to make the place sophisticated, but there are several TVs mounted to the walls to keep you from missing your team. The restaurant itself is small and the bar area tight - so call ahead.
Chestnut also features one of my all-time favorites: freebies. They've got cheese, crackers and a tasty eggplant spread set out right inside the door, and they offer you a basked of bread once seated.
I'm a sucker for a great cocktail menu, and the current cider martini is something I'd get again and again.
We split the featured salad (they even put it on separate plates for our eating ease), split the fried calamari (great flavor, crispy without being annoyingly crunchy) and each ordered the salmon on polenta. Annnnd we both cleared our plates. For dessert we split the trio of ice cream (vanilla, coconut chocolate chip and almond, chocolate mousse) and the 75 Chestnut Sinful Chocolate Trilogy. Absurdly delectable, all of it. So glad we didn't pass and instead buckled down to split two. My kind of dining partner, that's for sure. :) -
Review from Thuy L.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Why 75, you're not as stuffy as you were 2 years ago. What happened? Don't get me wrong, I like the new you...but its just so surprising.
Mostly patroned by yuppies rather than the 50+ crowd, the food is good and not too expensive either. The crabcakes are pretty tasty and the help-yourself to cheese platter in the center is pretty welcoming. The best seat in the house has to be at the bar. For such a small restaurant, they definitely know how to squeeze 'em in.
Way to go 75. So proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and adding that tv in. Now, we can sit and watch the Pats play and eat my cake (crab) too. -
Review from Anthony T.
Woodside, NY
2/18/2012
Super romantic and cozy, delicious food and very reasonably priced. My wife and came across this gem of a restaurant tucked into a Beacon Hill side street. We had a later reservation but the bar window seats were open which were better anyway and it's the same menu. There is a silent tv at the bar so I'd recommend the guy look out the window to stay focused on your date.
Speaking of dates, if you go on a first date here (which i'd recommend) don't be an ass like the guy next to us and drink 4 gin & tonics and talk about divorce and cheating the WHOLE TIME. Nobody wants to be next to you, least of all your date!
Bringing it back, the wines by the glass (pinot not and cab sav) were fantastic and paired superbly with our tenderloin. -
Review from Rebecca W.
Boston, MA
12/16/2011
As a local I've come here many times over the past few years, and I've never been disappointed. While the appetizer selection is somewhat limited, all of the apps I have tried (calamari, garlic bread, Bibb salad, crab cakes) have been great, particularly the calamari. I love the pumpkin ravioli -- the thin, delicate ravioli and fresh-tasting pumpkin make it superior to other pumpkin raviolis that are too thick and buttery with just a smudge of pumpkin in them.
The service here has always been friendly, responsive, and patient, from the owner, host/hostess, bartender & waiters. They also make an effort to accommodate people who drop in, while still reserving tables for that special occasion.
This is a cozy place, particularly by the bar -- I like that about it, unlike some other reviewers who felt cramped. This is an old building in an old neighborhood, and has a comfortable but classy feeling to it. It promotes conversation and a feeling of community, which is a rare thing sometimes in parts of the city. If you're looking for a lot of space, you'll need to look elsewhere. -
Review from Kalli C.
Beacon Hill, Boston, MA
11/13/2011
A great place for dining in the back streets of Beacon Hill. The Five Alarm Chili was more of a No Alarm Chili, but delicious despite the misnomer (I love polenta cakes!). The Boston Bibb Salad was crisp with a good balance of sweet and tart.
I will definitely be back to try out the Sweet Tooth Tuesdays or Wine Wednesdays. -
Review from Bess M.
Boston, MA
12/6/2011
I went here once and it was an ok experience not great.
First off there was apparently a valet option that is no longer available so you just have to find yourself a parking space. Of course its almost extremely impossible to find one.
We got inside after looking for a parking space for about a 25-30 mins. The hostess seemed not too friendly and maybe she didn't like us because we got a small table next to the bar. Our server was the bartender, he was awesome very friendly and very attentive. It was hard eating our food in the corner there though it seemed as though the place was trying to squish as many chairs into one room. I of course ordered the salmon and it was really good!
I kind of wish I had more room instead of feeling squished while I ate. -
Review from Jessica C.
Quincy, MA
12/15/2011
If you're looking for a place to grab a cocktail or two before going out to a show, or meeting up with friends, I think this is a great place to stop by. I actually have never eaten dinner/lunch here, but the food sure does look and smell delicious.
The last time I was at 75, they were having happy hour and were serving cheese and crackers right where you walk in, which is very nice of them to do.
The place is small, quaint and charming. The bartenders definitely know how to make a drink, and service is fast for a place that gets crowded very quickly.
This is definitely a locals gathering spot. -
Review from Erin P.
Boston, MA
10/25/2011
75 Chestnut is an upscale restaurant dressed in casual clothes. The Steamed Mussels are just beautiful. The wine is spectacular. If you like spicy and full-bodied reds, try the Sasyr Sangiovese/Syrah. Service is attentive and detailed, without being overbearing.
Make reservations, even if you are planning on eating at the bar. -
Review from Karyn V.
9/9/2011
They have great food at great prices (for Beacon Hill), so it is no surprise it is hard to get in to without a reservation. It is also a bit small.
The wine is quite good. The decor is clean and modern. The service is quite good as well, although you can wait a while for a table.
I think this would be a good place for a first date, assuming you have a reservation. Not too expensive, good food & service, and the atmosphere is fun and warm. -
Review from Raffaella P.
Boston, MA
11/18/2011
Yesterday there was the beaujolais nouveau 2011 release and I went with some friends. Nice atmsphere, not too loud, even though crowded. The wine was good, the service remarkable. And this is why my rate is 3 and not less.
I ordered the Tenderloin au Poivre. I can`t really enjoy a glass of red wine without meat. And this is the problem. The meat was hard to chew and the vegetables served as side dishes, tasteless....not worth 25 dollars. Not really. -
Review from Carolina N.
Boston, MA
5/28/2011
I had dinner at 75 Chestnut with my best friend and former Beacon Hill resident, so she is seasoned in this neighborhood's restaurants and loves this one in particular.
We had a cocktail with St. Germaine and pineapple juice, which was strong and great.
I had the lobster sliders with fries, and she had the tenderloin tips. Both were delicious, but hers was better. They were perfectly cooked medium rare and extremely flavorful.
We had the brownie with ice cream for dessert, which was good, but not anything amazing. The dinner was significantly better than the dessert. -
Review from Ali H.
7/13/2011
Met a few friends here on a Tuesday while visiting from Miami. It was quite busy, definitely make reservations. I had a smooth glass of reisling and the small plate size of artichoke ravioli with a side size of the blt wedge salad. Both were very tasty, especially the ravioli! I like that many of the dishes have a side/half size so you can combine two without spending a lot of money or having massive servigs of each. The ambiance was relaxing and low lit (my favorite). Not noisy so conversation wasn't a chore and that's a challenge at a small venue. This would be a cute date/double date spot. Service was a little slow but friendly.
I would stop by again. -
Review from Eric P.
7/5/2011
This place was pretty good!
Cheese platter tower while you wait to be seated, and very busy for a Tuesday night. My friend made the mistake of not getting reservations, but as I was the first one there I sat at the bar after putting it under my name. The hostess did an amazing job of shifting some things around so that we would have a place for 6.
Bar tender was nice while I sat and drank the time by.
I ordered the turkey sandwich when the friends finally arrived and I was not that very impressed. Prices were good, but the sandwich came with side greens that were pretty good and broke up the taste of the pretty dry and flavorless sandwich.
I would definitely come back to give this place another shot, maybe on a date. It is very small inside and table space is limited and close together though.
The walk was pretty nice down Chestnut from the common. I took the long way, and it's nice this place is on it's own turf. Never would of found it by just walking around Boston. -
Review from Gianna L.
Cambridge, MA
7/25/2011
Mostly disappointing. Just an ok meal for the expense, most likely will not go back.
My boyfriend and I went here for a special dinner out. The location is super cute and the decor/ambiance of the restaurant is very inviting. It's a good place for parties of 2 - 4 though there is the possibility of pushing together tables to accommodate larger groups. The menu is a bit odd, ranging from a turkey sandwich to a gourmet halibut dish, with an uncreative selection of appetizers/soups/salads.
Before our entrees we enjoyed wine, complementary cheese/crackers, bread, and the fried calamari appetizer. I'm pretty certain the waitress messed up my wine (I definitely did not receive a Pinot Noir). The calamari was fine -- cooked correctly, but pretty forgettable. The side of tartar sauce was way too sweet. I found the complimentary bread to be bland however my boyfriend really enjoyed it.
For dinner I got the New England Fish Stew ($22) and he ordered the Filet Mignon ($25). The stew was fantastic, absolutely delicious with great seasoning. The filet left a lot to be desired especially for the price -- out of the three sides it came with (shoe-string onions, fingerling potatoes, veggies) two were cold. The steak was surprisingly tough for such an expensive cut (yuck!) and the sauce on top tasted like A1. Very disappointing. We braved dessert and got the carrot cake. It was decent with nice spices but it was served straight out of the fridge and the icing was like a cold slab of butter, I had hoped for that wonderful cream-cheese icing carrot cake usually has.
Conclusion: I cannot recommend this restaurant and do not plan to go back for pricey food that's nothing special. -
Review from lisa b.
Boston, MA
10/21/2011
brought my boyfriend here for the first time the other night and he seemed shocked at how cozy and comfortable it is here. it's a very mixed crowd in terms of patron demographics but i like that. i would feel very comfortable having a solo drink/dinner at the bar - possible to relax quietly by yourself or engage in random convos with your neighbors.
i have been here a bunch of times and i always sit at or around the bar - it can get kind of busy but the food is always good, the mixed drinks are inventive and delicious and the service is top-rate.
they are also committed to the environment in a responsible but not ridiculously exaggerated/in-your-face sort of way. they have a whole list of cocktails made with sustainable liquors - you get extra points for that chestnut 75.
and yes, even more extra points for the free crackers and cheese! -
Review from Sammy B.
12/5/2011
Came here for brunch this past weekend and had the raspberry stuffed french toast. It was amazing! I feel like it's odd to comment on the raspberries themselves, but they were seriously the best raspberries I've ever had. My friend had the eggs benedict with salmon and eh... it was kind of bland. The hollandaise sauce was lacking in flavor. The egg was slightly overcooked.
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Review from H. G.
Boston, MA
12/27/2010 4 photos
During the three years I lived in Beacon Hill, this was my favorite place. More than any other restaurant in Boston, it makes you feel like you're somewhere far away, warm and cozy, in a ski lodge or a cabin in the woods.
Right when you walk inside, there is a complimentary cheese and cracker tray. I almost always made my way to the the high tops across from the bar. Then you're greeted by the friendliest servers around.
The drink list includes some great wines, a nice choice of beers, and lots of infused alcohols. The food is fantastic, especially the tenderloin tips, and if you split anything, it comes out in individual portions.
Even the brunch is fun and includes a bloody mary bar. There are all kinds of events during the week, such as cookie night where the chefs try out new cookie recipes, and even gingerbread house night where you can make your own.
75 Chestnut is a perfect neighborhood restaurant. And although I became tired of the neighborhood, I never became tired of this place. -
Review from Erika G.
Boston, MA
2/28/2011
Tired of crowds of tourists invading Charles St. every Sunday? Me too. 75 Chestnut is off the beaten path and (thankfully) escapes that scene.
I came here yesterday to catch up with two girlfriends for brunch. I don't think you can top having a live jazz band playing soothing tunes while you're sipping mimosas and bloody marys.
I chose the eggs benedict which was good, but the potatoes were a bit bland and the english muffin was very THICK. So I would say the food was average, but the laid back, Sunday atmosphere earns this place 4 stars. -
Review from Jeremy K.
Went to 75 Chestnut earlier this year, for an impromptu dinner. Although it was during restaurant week, we walked in having no idea that they were participating and it wasn't until we sat down and saw both the regular menu and the RW one that we noticed it.
I glanced at both and figured that the restaurant week one had enough options for me to check it out and be worthwhile. The waiter promptly arrived, giving us a brief description of some noteworthy items on the menu and to bring us some bread and water.
I couldn't help but to notice the decor in the place. It was extremely cozy and inviting in there. Very nice, with dark wood tones everywhere. Nice but not upscale and instead casual and very 'Beacon Hill-lish'. I really like it a lot. Being so late, a few tables were already empty but quite a few customers remained inside. Yet it was very quiet. Yes, I remember that very well, the place was very quiet. The bar was fully stocked and they had a television which was set to display an aquarium screensaver, which was kind of weird but kind of cool at the same time.
Then came the moment to order. I settled for a simple yet delicious salad to start, which was very well dressed and quite tasty. Then came a classic but yet perfectly cooked steak frites. The meat was juicy, seasoned and cooked to a perfect medium and portioned just right. The fries were also quite good. And then the best part of the meal, the dessert, which in this case was a trio of chocolate desserts: chocolate crème brûlée, chocolate cake and a this pana cotta-like chocolate gel that was in cup and was marvelous, and served warm which was exciting and surprising.
My dining companion and I had a marvelous meal there, the staff was very friendly and the location of the place is charming. I look forward to returning there in the future for another solid meal, but this time, will be ordering at la carte instead of their RW menu. It is off the beaten path and yet still very accessible and is a testament that there are still a few hidden gems are still present in that area. This is definitely one of them. And just make sure to make a reservation before you go and also do not try to drive as parking in the area is scarce.Listed in: Boston Favorites, Restaurant Week Boston
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Review from Ryan N.
Manhattan, NY
4/3/2011
My girlfriend and I were visiting my sister and brother-in-law on their trip to Boston from California and wanted to take my sister out for a birthday dinner that was on the fancier side and had tasty-raisty food but did not burn a hole in ye olde account. 75 Chestnut was a great choice! It is set in the middle of a neighborhood that is, in my opinion, the essence of Boston. It made you feel like your having dinner at a really rich friends house. My sister and I ate the marinated steak tips...Amazing! My girlfriend had the Seafood Stew and was thoroughly pleased! My brother-in-law seemed rather stricken with his Turkey sandwich. The service was great from when we called to ask whether they took card to when we got the check! I highly recommend 75 Chestnut!
To top it all off...George Washington was there...literally. -
Review from Terry C.
1/6/2011
Like a lot of other Yelpers say - 75 Chestnut is cute & cozy. However, i think the food is just alright.
My friends and I came on a Wednesday without reservations and were seated immediately. And what do you know, Wednesday is "Wine Wednesday"!
They offer a special menu w/ 2 appetizer, 3 entrees and 4 wines to choose from. You can opt for just food for $20 dollars - an appetizer and an entree. If you want some liquor, it is $30 per person. If 2 or more people at the table get the special with liquor, its a bottle of wine - so not a bad deal! I just wish there were more choices of food to choose from.
The regular menu is a bit limited as well. I opted for a seafood stew since it was a rather chilly night in Boston. The presentation and portion was great, but it tasted just OK.
I'll probably come back for drinks but not the food.
random facts -
-everyone mentioned the free cheese & cracker tower by the door. You can help yourself to it from the bar or dining room.
-they have an organic cocktail list! organic is good for you...so anything good for you means you can have more right? -
Review from Jenn S.
1/20/2011
How did 75 Chestnut slip through my Yelp radar!? Maybe because I went here the week before my wedding and, needless to say, was a bit busy. We ate here over a year ago but I still remember loving it and have recommended it to people a bunch.
It was a gorgeous fall day and we were walking around Charles Street looking for a place to eat. My brother, who used to live on Charles, recommended we go up the side streets and voila - 75 Chestnut!
We had my niece (who was just under 3 at the time) and although this place seemed a bit fancy, it was a Saturday lunch, so we figured it was fine. They had a children's menu and were super accommodating. I believe they even gave her crayons? Not 100% sure on that.
Sadly, I don't remember exactly what we got - but I remember it was GOOD. I definitely want to go back!! -
Review from Janet X.
11/22/2010
This place is amazing! I came to visit a friend who lived just around the corner, and we came to 75 Chestnut for a drink shortly after dinner. It was so lively that we struggled to find a place to sit for about an hour, but we got drinks anyways. The specialty cocktails were fantastic, if a little pricey. They even had a tower of cheese and crackers for you to pick through if you just want something to nibble on. The whole place is SO cozy and homey, it really feels like the neighborhood bar.
Yes, it is a little crowded. I would highly recommend getting a reservation if you don't want to wait for a seat by the bar. Surprisingly, the place gets a lot better after 10:30 pm. -
Review from Ken L.
Boston, MA
2/22/2012
Went there last Saturday night and really liked this place. I had the seafood stew (or whatever it's called), it was outstanding. I forget what my wife got, I was too busy enjoying my dinner, but she really liked it as well. Split a brownie sundae desert...well kind of...I had two small spoonfuls of ice cream, and my wife devoured the rest. Obviously a hit. Great vibe, bar on one side, tables on the other. Small, but not cramped. Loved our waitress, very knowledgeable and friendly. The martinis were outstanding. I will definitely go back. again...and...again...and again....
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Review from Kristina R.
Boston, MA
2/27/2011
75 Chestnut is officially my new favorite restaurant in Boston!!!!
The food is superb and the drinks are tasty and incredible. Every dish that I've had has been absolutely delicious, from the pork chop to the mouthwatering cheeseburger, I have always left with a smile on my face and tempted to return the next day for dinner. It's that good! The restaurant itself is so very quaint and cozy. It's such a great place for a romantic date with your love. I just went there for dinner and will probably be back next week. I love it there! -
Review from Steve F.
Weymouth, MA
11/27/2011
Four of us went to 75 Chestnut last night for dinner and drinks. We had reservations, which was good, because the place was quite full but there was certainly plenty of space between tables. At the entrance, they had cheese and crackers which would be really nice if you had to wait. The martinis (Spicy Cranberry) and other drinks were all delicious. All four of us really enjoyed our dinners (Steak Tip Salad, Pork Chop, Steak Sandwich, and Filet Mignon) which says a lot. The food quality, service, and presentation were all top notch. Kudos.
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Review from Ric W.
Boston, MA
5/23/2011
75 Chestnut is easily our favorite restaurant in Boston!
The staff at 75 Chestnut is exceptional! Lauren and Chris are the best and friendliest bartenders in the City. The atmosphere is always warm, inviting, and fun ... this is a neighborhood restaurant where you actually feel welcomed each time you return. Betsey, the General Manager, is a superstar ... she makes the place really hum! 'Best of all is that the food is terrific.
