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Alchemist Lounge - CLOSED
- Nearest Transit:
-
S Huntington Ave @ Moraine St (192, 35, 39)
Centre St @ S Huntington Ave (41)
Boylston St @ Centre St (48)
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
157 reviews for Alchemist Lounge
Review Highlights
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"Its hip and funky and is right at home nestled in JP." In 35 reviews -
"The new beer selection is incredible." In 18 reviews -
"Calamari, pasta, steak tips all delicious." In 11 reviews
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157 reviews in English
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Review from Catie C.
5/22/2010
I was glad that my friend suggested to come here because they will be closing after next weekend. We all checked out their website prior to coming; but it turns out useless because the website is out of date. Their menu is seasonal so we did not get to try what we had in mind. Boo for that.
Fortunately, we decided on our plates from the current menu and was not dissatisfied at all! hands down to the chef! We shared a Old Bay Calamari which was bland - could not taste the Old Bay Spice. Over all, the calamari was tender and fried to perfection. I had the spaghetti bolognese which was meaty and flavorful - the way it should be! The portion was huge. It didn't even look like I made a dent after I was full.
Complementing my meal was the Blood Orange Cosmo. Very tasty and not overpowered with alcohol. A good balance of flavor and alcohol content. Even though I drink vodka on the rocks, I like my "weaker" drinks to be balanced and not super "strong". If I wanted a strong drink, I'll just drink vodka straight. Thumbs up for the bartender. -
Review from Kirs P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
9/17/2007
Awful. No, actually, GOD AWFUL.
Husband and I went here for Brunch yesterday and we will never, ever go back. The breakdown:
1) Arrived at 11:30- they open at 11 for brunch. The place was pretty empty. Tons of patio seats and inside had only one table full. We stood around for about five minutes before Husband decided enough was enough and went outside and asked the waiter if we could just sit at a table. When you have that many empty tables (and are clearly not busy) I expect to be seated promptly. Not five minutes after I arrive.
2) So we sit down. Does anyone bring us menus? Nope. Had to go get those.
3) We finally get someone to give us coffee and water. Coffee is eh.
4) We order. One app and two entrees. And one soda. It took way too long to bring the soda. But we get the app soon after.
5) We eat our app. Happily munching away and wondering if we could buy that church across the street and live there. Cause that would be cool.
6) The table that arrived after us and ordered after us gets their food.
7) Still no food.
8) Still no food.
9) Still no food.
10) Husband gets up to see what's up- couldn't find any of the waitstaff, but did see our food. and brings it back to the table. Husband was a good waiter.
11) Waitstaff doesn't even acknowledge the fact that they have royally screwed up.
12) Food? Uninspired. Kinda bland. Blech.
I still can't believe how awful the service was. It was unreal. I think this experience lets the Alchemist take the "worst service ever award" from Giacomo's in the South End. Congrats. Maybe I should make them a plaque or something.Listed in: Your Unofficial Guide to…
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Review from Alex R.
Boston, MA
9/17/2007
I hope I just had bad luck here for brunch, but I'll probably never know; I no-tipped them, so now I can't go back unless I want to eat a whole bunch of saliva.
I've only no-tipped two or three times in my life. I've waited tables, and I usually overtip. But yesterday I had to go get my own food - sitting there under the hot plate - because they took so long. And this was after we sat ourselves and got our own menus! That's really bad service, man. That service is so bad that I felt I had to no-tip, even though I felt terrible doing it.
They weren't busy at all, either; they should have been able to handle their tables just fine.
The food itself was okay. I had the croque madam; the hollandaise sauce was completely average. We tried some guacamole that was really good with a bit of a kick; that's the only thing elevating this from one star.
I'd like to like this place - it's the closest brunch to our house - but I'm afraid I'll never find out if my experience was a fluke or not. -
Review from Adam C.
12/29/2008
This place seems to get a lot of shit from people for various reasons, but the two times I've been, it's actually been good for me. Plus, "alchemist" anything always helps the cause in my book.
So, yeah, I've had the portobello burger and the marinated steak tips with mashed potatoes and asparagus on my two visits. Both were great, with an attentive and accommodating wait staff. The atmosphere is cool with me, too. The tunes were classic rock "album tracks" which I dug. The decor is various shapes of burnt orange/purple and that type of shit (which I found out from the owner, who overheard my wife and discussing the paint, said was an attempt to match the tones of the brickwork).
My wife didn't dig her meal as much as mine. Of note was the jicama salad she got on the side which had a jicama/carrot ratio of like 20/80. But shit was all set with my meal. Good for fucking me!
I will say, the BBQ sauce they serve on the side with their steak tips does taste eerily familiar to the BBQ sauce you get with McNuggets. But honestly I kind of like that McSauce actually.
Other than that, the place is also a bar too. We could tell as the hours grew to double digits, the clientele increased and were more spirited and on their way to drunk street. So, yeah, I'd like to check it out in a non-meal-eating setting at some point. -
Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2007 2 photos
It's really not fair to hate on a place because you feel nostalgic for times past (Triple D's). Alchemist is solid in it's own right. The ambiance is relaxed, cool lamps, nice warm tones, booths are comfy and the place is spacious. They've got a decent selection of beers on tap, and even their own brew courtesy of Sam Adams, which is quite good.
The prices are reasonable and the eats were toothsome. Nothing fancy, but extra plus for whole leaf Ceasars, delicious bread and warm olives. And being generous with the latter two. My baked penne was simple yet tasty and had a nice dusting of breadcrumbs on top. I wished there were more sundried tomatoes. Though I could have been assertive and asked for more. The lasagna and flatbreads were equally pleasing and at $10-14, we were content.
The service was absolutely outstanding. All of our servers were friendly and attentive. When a dining partner ordered a white Russian with whipped cream and their electric mixer had broken, the barkeep whipped it by hand! Now that's serious dedication to your customers. High five, Alchemists! -
Review from Pete S.
Somerville, MA
10/3/2007
There were a lot of things wrong with my experience here, from the annoying the the downright unacceptable. When people say you need to give them a chance to make it right and I say "I gave them that chance when I walked in the door," well, let's just say we gave them chance after chance after that, to no avail.
What completely half-assed service. What a waste of a good location. They don't have to be Triple D's, they just need to seem like they give a shit. -
Review from Jeffrey H.
Washington, DC
8/21/2007
You can find me at the Alchemist almost once a week. It's a reliable restaurant with pretty good food and great service. I usually find myself there on a weekend afternoon chomping on something greasy to cure the hangover that just won't seem to quit.
The decor is pretty cool--lots of comfy booths, some stand alone tables, and a spacious bar. There are also some cool Gothic-like chandeliers that remind me of a medieval castle or some crazy Catholic Church (sans shame & sin). Also during the summer, they utilize the large sidewalk outside for an outdoor patio. This is a perfect opportunity to study the lesbians living in their natural habitat.
The food is pretty tasty. I usually go for either the sirloin burger, turkey burger, or my favorite, the PULLED PORK sandwich. With dinner, you can get some tasty bread with even tastier dipping oil (try and resist using a straw once you've run out of bread to dip).
The service is fantastic. The servers are very friendly and attentive--never had poor service here.
The only reason the Alchemist doesn't get the full 5 stars from me is because of some little things. For example, as I mentioned above I usually end up ordering some type of sandwich or burger. It's great the menu offers a variety of extras to top your meal with, but most items are a dollar each. Anything from cheese to bacon to caramelized onions will set you back a buck...and if you go a little crazy on the make-your-own burger, well, those dollars add up. Also, I've never had my burgers cooked quite right. It seems they always come out medium-well no matter what I ask for. I prefer medium or medium rare but usually its always a little too overdone for me. Fix the small things, and you've got it made.Listed in: Take it outside!
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Review from Leighann F.
Astoria, Queens, NY
3/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Late on a Wednesday night (and by late, I am of course referring to the grand scheme of food service time in the context of the city of Boston, which puts us at about 9:20pm), we rolled into Alchemist aiming for a solid bite to eat, a couple of drinks and ample conversation. What we got was...exactly that. Shocking!
Though the reviews are riddled with examples of exactly the opposite, perhaps we've figured out the secret to sweet dining times here: come on an off night, later in the evening and expect the reasonable: good drinks, a solid beer selection and above-average, reasonably priced pub food.
After promptly ordering some alcohol (a belgian beer, a take on the aviation with chartreuse and a rum swizzle), we shared the calamari (crisp, not greasy, served with olives and fried jalapenos) and ordered the ribs (slathered in BBQ with a slightly spicy tang and a side of slaw), the chowder (in a bowl big enough to swim in) and the fish & chips (crispy, flaky, huge)--all delicious. The food arrived in a timely manner and the portions are incredibly generous for the price...the ribs were substantial enough to be qualified for an entree portion.
Though it was hardly busy (a few tables, singles, couples and occupied bar stools), the service was smooth. To add to a delightful evening, a band cooed some Kings of Leon along with a few original numbers. It was all just what we needed after a long night of board games, beer and Wii bowling! -
Review from Jenna C.
Haverhill, MA
Updated - 9/12/2008 1 photo
Ok.
Perhaps my last update wasn't fair.
So let me be more specific:
The staff and owners are really awesome.
But the consistency of food and service is not worth it..Listed in: From Lesbian to Spain, If you need me on the…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2007
I had never been to Triple D's so I had no hard feelings/expectations when going to The Alchemist… Read more »
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Review from Sean B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
6/25/2008
Hell No.
So when i finally was able to partially get over the fact that Triple D's was truly gone i went there.
Twice.
The first time my friends and I just drank a lot of wine which was pleasant enough.
The second time I was on a date and we went there because Bella Luna was full. While there i got a portobello sandwich which i found to be quite unpleasant.
Not Into It.
Also outside seating?....at an intersection?....that is also a bus stop? Awful idea.
RIP Triple D's your food and service was awful but I prefer you to what came after. -
Review from Ashley S.
Cambridge, MA
8/25/2006
I'm spoiled by how solid the restaurants up and down Centre St are. So the bar has been set high for affordable neighborhood restaurants in JP. While Alchemist didn't make the mark, it's not bad either.
My first gripe is the way it's set up. The bar-side, which should be the louder, more boisterous option is the dead zone. There are so few tables (do they get a large standing bar crowd later? do they have dancing later?) that you feel like you're the leftovers who didn't fit in the main dining side. My friend and I were there from 7:30 - 9:30 for dinner and while that's still early for a bar crowd if you're going to have tables on the bar side then do it right. The main dining room seemed ok, but is completely separated from the bar, which made it less appealing for us.
The food was ok. Nothing great. My friend got a BBQ pork sandwich which she complimented for being "drowned in BBQ sauce" although that also meant the bun was soggy. The fries that accompanied it were limp and lifeless. My mushroom pizza (excuse me - flatbread) was tasty, except for the end pieces which were cooked to an inedible crisp.
On the plus side, the waitresses were super friendly and attentive. The crowd is as diverse as JP and welcoming to all. The music was eclectic and, as it should, grew in volume throughout the night.
If you're going for the bar, go later and it's probably fun. If you're going for dinner, you won't be unhappy, but you can definitely do better up and down Centre Street. -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
8/14/2008
So far I've only ventured into the Alchemist Lounge for drinks, catch up time, and general lazing with my colleagues and acquaintances who inhabit JP. The beer selection seems ample, and I like the dark interior. I think what clinches the place for me so far though is that the service has been fantastic. Granted I've only been on slow nights so that might well change on weekends or during a dinner rush.
As a place to grab a quick mid afternoon or early evening drink though I highly recommend this place.
I've got my eye on their entirely nut-free menu too. Expect an update soon.Listed in: Peanut Free Boston
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Review from Nicole P.
Cambridge, MA
7/26/2007
One of few places in JP with outside seating! I know, I know, we all miss Triple D's but The Alchemist is pretty good too. The food is yummy, drinks are good and there's a PATIO!
Also the bread/olive oil they give you when you sit down is great which is always on my check list for reviews!
I haven't been yet but heard that the brunch is superb! -
Review from L-Train A.
Jamaica Plain, MA
6/2/2007
I was apprehensive about the Alchemist because of some of the reviews on here, but we have had some good experiences here. We stopped in once for a beer, and they have a special beer that Sam Adams makes for them that was really good. That time I did notice the weird behavior of the staff, that someone else mentioned on here, where they seemed more interested in interacting with each other than with the customers, and you sort of feel like you are on the outside of a clique you weren't interested in joining.
BUT! Their brunch is really great! (And there was no weird staff dynamic going on) We have now gone twice and were quite pleased both times. They give you a nice glass bottle of water so you can keep filling your own glass, they have good loose teas on the menu, and the food is quite good. They have an insane thing called Croque Madam which is french toast stuffed with ham and cheese with a poached egg on top. I have not tried it, but the eggs benedict are great, and the potatoes are really good - nicely spiced, crispy on the edges. Today I got just 2 eggs scrambled with cheddar and they were really great scrambled eggs and the cheddar was really high quality - not a dish I typically expect to be wowed by. Boring toast however. They have not ventured into awesome bread yet.
I really like the atmosphere. You feel cozy and secluded in the booth - it gives you the feeling of privacy and you can't really hear other people's conversations which is nice.
They also have bellinis, which is champagne and peach juice, and they are great for hangovers.Listed in: Breakfast and Brunch
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Review from Jen J.
Braintree, MA
1/19/2007
Bad and slow service with just OK food. I tried this place for brunch mostly due to its convenience to a friend's place. We were seated in an open area near the bar and the entrance. Every time someone opened the door, we got a chill. Not pleasant! The waitress forgot to bring me my juice and then tried to charge me for it. She was also slow and hard to find. She came back to check on us once after we were served and then went MIA. We finally asked other waitstaff to get our bill for us. I've had much better eggs benedict. Like the Top Chef judges would say, poor presentation and just not that good. I think the hollandaise sauce was just melted butter and nothing more.
I heard this place used to be a dive bar. They didn't do much to transform it into a so-called trendy restaurant. It seems to still attract people though, so I guess they are doing something right, but just not right for me. -
Review from Olivia C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/23/2007
The former lead singer from the band Glamourous Stunt Cocks was our bartender.
Need I really go on?!
Neeeed I?
So I had a pretty good convo with Courtney Love.
Kill Bill was on the big screen.
There was an art show fundraiser to support Open Studies in Jamaica Plain.
Exposed brick and velvet and mood lighting are all part of buying out the Triple D dump for this sexy hook-up elite scheme. And there's a patio. Fuck it, I'm in!
I fought going to this supposed slice of Landsdowne for a long time.
I missed Triple D's. Free Monday Night Football home-made spaghetti dinner with garlic bread and salad. A bartender that worked at the prisons with my cousin. Portraits of old boxers and pictures of me next to the black velvet JFK, Bobbie Kennedy, and "Irish need not apply" on the wall. Real live oldie neighborhood boxers telling their stories! Freaky Saturday night townie meets hipster karioke. Yes, there used to be Monday night football free Italian meals in the Irish pub and I'd sit here and talk and watch the Patriots with my boyz. Yeeaaahh. Actually my guy friends knew nothing about football.
Alchemist, I'll give our chemistry another chance, and let the dive bars go with progress.
Progress. I'll drink to that? -
Review from Caitie S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
9/30/2007
Worst service I've ever had. Which I thought would have just been bad luck the first time I went there, but the 2nd and 3rd time, it was just as bad. And I have no point of comparison to what it was before the Alchemist, I have recently just moved to the area, and it looked like a cool place to go.
The first time I went for dinner with my parents, drinks and food took FOREVER. I watched the table next to us get their own beers at the bar, since the server didn't really see it as much of a priority. I had to ask for ketchup twice for my fries before giving up and going to get it myself (the waiter never brought it). My father waited with the bill for 20 minutes before the manager came over and literally grabbed it from his hands. The food wasn't bad, but the service was horrible, still I thought I would give it another chance.
I went the second time for dinner with a friend, where it took 10 minutes to get menus, another 10 for the waitress to bring us cokes, and another 30 minutes for our food. I also watched the customers next to us order a bottle of wine, and when they reminded the waitress a second time, her response was "yeah yeah, i'll get it."
The third time i went was with a group for lunch, the place was empty. And the "hostess" gave me a dirty look and said "yeah?" when we walked in. Not the most welcoming atmosphere. Same thing again, waitress forgot beers, and when asked a second time, she said she was working on it, while we watched her twirl her hair at the bar, fully capable of getting a beer (mind you, the place was still empty). Regardless, no beer ever came, the food was average.
I don't understand, how is this place still open with absolutely horrible service all around??
Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. -
Review from Emily R.
Rockville, MD
11/8/2008
3.5 stars
This was a fun bar to visit during my Boston trip. It was before Halloween, so they had it decorated for the season. I had a hard cider on tap - yum! Once the live band started, this place got mad packed. They played several covers, and played them quite well, although quite LOUD. Trying to talk to the people I came with was pretty much pointless. Eventually when we left, it was near impossible to get out the door with all the bodies in the room.
But I think if I lived in the area, I could see going here on a regular basis.Listed in: A Marylander Visits Boston, Brewskies
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Review from Beth E.
Medford, MA
1/2/2008
Been here a few times, always for drinks. Never had the food, so I can't comment on that.
Huge TV for the games, which is great.
The bartenders are nice, and will totally whip you up something yummy if you give them the chance. The vodka and mashed raspberry concoction that they have, totally awesome.
It was a good place to stop in for a drink when I was living around the corner. Not really convenient since I moved, but I'd stop in again for a drink if in the area. -
Review from Max B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/9/2008
I haven't Yelped in maybe... three years? Popping in just to say this:
Maybe a decent bar/scene, but never do a meal here.
I used to live about a block from the Alchemist and am extremely, extremely lazy, so it was a frequent destination of mine for a good six months. Why, I will never understand.
This place is terrible. Every single time I've gone I've been extremely disappointed by the food. For starters, the lighting is dark enough to make every dish look like crap, never mind the underwhelming taste. I've had inedibly dry pork chops, mediocre burgers, soggy fish and chips, nasty "flatbread"...
Sidenote, just admit that flatbread is a synonym for "shitty pizza" and drop the price or pull it off the menu.
Oh, the menu. The menu is the same boring-ass wannabe-fancy American bar food that you can get anywhere else, but at double the price and half the quality. Sweet!
But the day I decided to stop going to the Alchemist... it was a Sunday, 4/20 to be exact, and I was...let's say, extremely hungry. I saw on the menu "French toast stuffed with peanut butter and banana" with some ridiculously large number (price) next to it and thought, "well, THIS is the breakfast for ME!"
Food came. Two pieces of tasteless, dry french toast with peanut butter smeared between them and a cut up banana. That. Is not. Stuffed. Don't. Lie. To me. I was at that point already completely disenchanted with their dinner menu, so it was the nail in an already-shut coffin.
Bread and oil, excellent, drinks, quite good. Going back? Not if you paid me.
And finally, to second another Yelper, patio on a corner with a stoplight and a bus stop? Way to guarantee the food tasting like car exhaust, just in case it didn't already. -
Review from Katy D.
Philadelphia, PA
6/19/2008
So after 3 months of walking by The Alchemist and thinking of all the bad reviews I'd read, I finally broke down and went last night.
We had a table outside and a very nice and attentive waitress.
I ordered the St. Germain cocktail and was in HEAVEN. My friend ordered the Star Burst and was a little less enthused than I...a bit heavy on the grenadine.
To sit out there we had to order some food so we got the chips & guac. The chips were huge and had an okay flavor but it was the guacamole that was the downside here.
I've made many a fresh guac's and this was by no means FRESH guac. The texture was too smooth and the color was a green that avocados can only make with added preservatives.
Granted I didn't have a full meal to judge here, but I really enjoyed myself. I don't think they can be blamed for the loud buses, but DAMN they are loud. -
Review from Morgan F.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2007
Just went here last night for the first time and had a great time! I am one of those that had never been to Triple D's, so I can't say I understand most of the yelp comments that refer to the place, but its great!
I found out its owned by a very nice couple who really care about the place! Thats always really cool!
The highlight, was a great musician playing and I was informed that they have themed entertainment nights almost every night of the week!
MONDAYS -- They do a special Guitar Hero night!
I will for sure be back!
Also, they have great comfy cushy black booths which is ALWAYS a HUGE plus in my book!!
They only reason they did not get 5 stars, which I am sure they could not really help -- was the VERY STRANGE people dancing about and the little bit too old for me crowd. The crowd I assume was there for the musician who was very popular in the 80's and well, the strange group -- I am not sure, but one fellow was dancing soo odd he brought out a stool and stared to do almost gymnastics on it!! Luckily the doorman quickly stopped him. All it all, it was a bit strange, but at least something to laugh at!Listed in: Just a drink or two ;)
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Review from Kristina M.
8/8/2007
I love the fact you can sit outside, the food is decent -though- not great and a little pricey (I like the bread/olive oil they serve), and the service was super-friendly the three times I've been there. Drinks are good, too. We were signing the lease for our new apartment in JP when we were sitting there the first time, and the waiter as well as the owner congratulated and welcomed us to the neighborhood - it was really nice!
The music is sometimes way too loud to talk, though. -
Review from Greg M.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/7/2007
OK. This place has been open for a while now. Are we all over the fact that it's not Triple D's? OK, good.
Big points for having a very nice and inviting atmosphere for a place this size. They also recently added outdoor seating which is a huge plus.
Their fancy drinks are great. I normally stick with beer, but they all looked so enticing that I had to try them (even the girly ones). My favorite is the kicking mule (although one time I got it and it wasn't as good as the other times). The bourbon punch is a close second. And I was with a group and ordered this peachy fizzy thing which I passed around for people to try...every girl who tried it immediately ordered their own.
A good beer selection with Belhaven, one of my faves.
Now the food: Nothing I've tried is great. The fries are good. But come on, they're fries. Calamari was just OK, but the salad it laid on made up for it and it was a nice appetizer. Their pulled pork sandwich is made with a mustard BBQ sauce with the mustard overshadowing everything else and making for a pretty crappy selection. Good pork ribs, but I'd have to say the best selections would be the steak tips and chicken wings. But the BBQ sauce that comes with the tips tastes like ketchup with a tiny bit of flavoring. Not very good. -
Review from David B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/25/2007
I'd say this place is entering late adolescence. Seating and server issues from my first visit were pretty much taken care of, but any small problems were overshadowed by how crazy nice everyone is. And their drink menu is fun and daring.
Most of the kinks have been worked out with the food, but it sounds like they are still switching up some of the recipes. My lamb special was rich and cooked perfectly, but the sides were uninspired (unlike the sides listed with menu entrees which are quite inventive). I'll be heading back often and I expect them to hit their stride very soon. -
Review from Keith L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Updated - 6/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
out of business closed
Too bad. I did enjoy the apps and beer selection.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2010
Looks like I have a new neighborhood hangout, which is a good thing. Friendly crowd, friendly… Read more »
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Review from Angelina C.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2007
New part of the neighborhood. New bar.
Ambience? Check. Exposed brick, lighting that looks like it was salvaged from a church, projection screen with the Sox or a movie, outdoor seating.
Service? Our waitress was the coolest person ever. She has cat-eye glasses and bright red lipstick if you see her, and she recommended (after we'd imbibed a few alcoholic beverages) the best house iced unsweetened tea I've tasted in a while.
Atmosphere? Cool neighbors, children and babies well into the night -- I know I'm not the only person who's reminiscing on the quotation from "Sweet Home Alabama," loud music that spans from postmodern punk to jazz to pop to whatever.
The iced tea is $1.75. The beer is $4-5ish. Everything else is midly expensive.Listed in: JP's finest, Dinner on Tap
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Review from Vicki S.
Brooklyn, NY
4/5/2008
I moved to JP in early March of this year, and whereas I love exploring new brunch spots, the Alchemist completely stole me away. At least one out of two mornings (well, afternoons, technically) every weekend is spent consuming steak n' eggs (three cheese flatbread if I'm feeling something out of the norm) and as many bloody mary's as I can fit.
The wait staff are awesome people, and the room ambiance is perfect. I can't wait for the summer, when we can get outside seating and my beagle can join us. This is one of my absolute favorite spots in all of Boston. If I go here on a weekend and I get a booth and Ezra as my server, I am SET! -
Review from Jane H.
Washington, DC
12/28/2006
I was really excited the first time I came here and really annoyed that it did not live up to my expectations. Its way overpriced for what it is. Your most basic mixed drinks are pretty expensive as is wine. My burger was okay but my boyfriend's macaroni and cheese was really good.
Inside it seems like they are still trying to figure out their design concept. When you walk into the bar there is this empty space where it looks like there should be tables. I have been there on a Saturday night and can tell you that there isn't enough of a standing crowd to warrant this.
The waitstaff is really nice and attentive. This is especially true of the bartenders, I never felt like I was ignored by them. I am going to give The Alchemist another chance since its new and a nice place to sit and have a drink after work. -
Review from Nooney X.
Brooklyn, NY
1/25/2008
I want to like you, Alchemist...but I think you might have your fancy pants on backwards. I've been here twice (grudgingly giving it a second chance after an unimpressive Caesar salad), and I think in some regards, the Alchemist shines. In other regards, it's like a penny that needs a Coke bath.
I've had some very good service at the Alchemist, and my ladyfriend and I were pleased by a waiter who knew his wines. The carafes of water are a lovely touch (and what an easy way to avoid water service...). But the Alchemist seems to have a problem with consistently nailing the details. The bread comes out cold, which makes the already austere environment all the more chilly.
The menu isn't anything special--higher-end pub-style food that you can get anywhere, and for the price I expect good execution. Instead, I get a platter of awesome fries, mediocre and lukewarm pulled pork, sandwiched on the kind of bun that you'd find at Denny's (and the bun wasn't even warmed--that's a huge gripe for sandwiches). My Caesar salad had looked beautiful--with it's broad leaves of dressed, uncut romaine fringed by chicken and croutons on the lip of the bowl--but when I tried to cut all that damn lettuce, all the fixings inevitably fall onto the table. Not thought out well.
On the flip side, my ladyfriend ordered a salad and subbed out the goat cheese ("tastes like armpits") for blue cheese--so the chef whipped up fried blue cheese cakes (kinda like a mozz stick with blue cheese inside). That shows a depth of creativity and good humor on the part of chefs that you don't often see. I just wish The Alchemist could offer that manner of detail every time.
And I haven't been there for Brunch, but the menu looks pretty poorly calibrated...French *toast* served with home fries and...regular *toast*? Seriously? Why don't you just sell it as the starch plate special?
This joint is clearly still trying to find its legs, and I hope it will continue to improve as it grows. Otherwise--count me out. -
Review from Max A.
Jamaica Plain, MA
3/11/2010
I was out for a night on the town with my lady and we decided to stop in the Alchemist to have a couple drinks before turning in for the evening. We arrived around midnight, had a beer, enjoyed our little corner and disregarded the dirty tables and depressing aging people that surrounded us. As the night begins to wind-down, they offer last call and I eagerly run to the bar to grab our final beers for the evening. I get the beers, I sit down at the table, and after only a few sips the coked-out waitstaff begin to manically clean the tables, sweep the floor and slam dishes all over the place (to imply closing time is near). In the midst of the mayhem is the owner, having a good time and helping them along, each time as he passes our table he felt it was necessary to verbally remind us: "Hurry up and finish, we're closing.".
If I pay $6 for a single beer, I expect to be able to finish it. Stupid pony-tail guy seems to feel it's better to run a business on his own schedule so he and the other staff can go get wasted and party before it's too late.
Long story short, Alchemist lost my business. I used to go there pretty often since it was close to my house and they had an decent beer selection. Sure, it was a bit more expensive then other bars, and sure it was full of obnoxious middle-aged-wash-ups, but like I said, it was close to my house. Bottom line is that there wasn't too many redeeming qualities of this place so all it really took was one bad incident for me to decide no longer give them my business. -
Review from Mary M.
Taunton, MA
8/5/2009
I've been to The Alchemist Lounge several times and I do prefer it in the summer months when one can sit outside and enjoy the weather. Although, the other night, the frequent buses really did make it difficult to hold a conversation without yelling "WHAT!?" after each bus accelerated through the intersection or after it allowed it's weary commuters to embark/disembark on their way to their evening activities. We were there shortly after 5:45pm or so.
We just had a couple of drinks and it was enjoyable (aside from the buses), they have a decent wine selection as well as cider for others who are inclined. Parking, at least in the early evening, was easy and the server was quite pleasant, even though he didn't seem to know his wines all that well. Ah, it comes with time. -
Review from Nico F.
Cambridge, MA
2/28/2010
This is a perfectly fine drinking/appetizer establishment, and the atmosphere and proximity to my apartment is the lure here, but I'm starting to get a bit chapped at the quality/price ratio on dinner.
The prices suggest that the quality should be a notch or two above standard pub fare, but it isn't. If they'd raise the bar on quality a bit, I'd be more than happy to pay $12 for a burger or $15+ for an entree. -
Review from Elysabeth K.
Arlington, MA
10/31/2006
Damn good food. DAMN good food. We were in a party of 6, and everyone thought that their dishes were great (i think, anyway). My boyfriend said that the caesar salad he had as a starter was the best caesar salad he's ever had. That's a huge compliment, I think. My pulled pork sandwich has a delicious sauce--probably the best barbecue sauce I've ever had. My other friends raved about their food (I think), and we all enjoyed our drinks.
Soooooo, the reason that I'm giving the Alchemist Lounge three stars instead of five is more about the service than anything else. We waited an hour to sit down, despite having made reservations. It was because a huge party was taking up a large chunk of the seats, but the host was not apologetic and barely made eye contact when my friends and I tried to give pleading and hungry looks. The waitress was nice enough, but seemed snippy when I asked for a glass--as my place setting wasn't complete.
I'd definitely go back to the restaurant. I'm not going to let the service deter me from ordering another delicious thing off the menu, but if first impressions definitely count for something, the staff has a little ways to go. -
Review from Larissa A.
Quincy, MA
6/11/2007
I went in during that weird time between Brunch and Dinner. The place was quiet, but still had quite a few customers. I sat at the bar, had a simple diet coke to drink and a grilled cheese for lunch.
I love grilled cheese, this one was pretty excellent. On grilled focachia with thick slices of tomato and gooey muenster cheese. Perfect for the gray day out side.
The service was excellent, the clientele typical, and the music was also just right for the gray Saturday afternoon. -
Review from dave r.
3/28/2010
Was here on Friday to see Iyeoka & the Rock by Funk Tribe, showed up early so we could eat good grub and get good seats. Had to wait twenty mins for a table, but was appeased by a $5 pint of Hoegaarden. The service was, as always friendly, responsive and speedy.
Between the four of us, we ordered two turkey burgers, two vegetarian edamame burgers, and the goats cheese & eggplant fritters. The fritters were, simply put, amazing. I'm asking my man to make them for me for my birthday. My edamame burger was easily rendered excellent by giving my ginger to the other edamame burger-eating patron at the table, who'd already ordered his with EXTRA ginger so its hardly an across-the-board criticism. The other two diners with us enjoyed their turkey burgers well enough. I also enjoyed the vegetarian minestrone soup.
I'm not sure what their exact thoughts were, but my dining companions also ordered an assortment of cocktails that they enjoyed well enough. In general, I've eaten here four times I think and always walk away full and content. -
Review from David S.
8/31/2008
I have to say, I expected a bit more from this place. I've been here for drinks in the evening, and today they had the patio open for brunch, but I gotta call it like I see it, and this call is: overpriced.
I went for brunch with some JP homies and in the beginning the server was friendly and fairly attentive, the room was big and the air conditioning was definitely kickin', but it took forever and a day to get our food, almost every order was missing something, and when we split the bill between cash and a credit card, they snatched up the cash pile so quick we couldn't do the final math. We probably erred heavily in the server's favor as a result (thus rewarding bad behavior), and to balance that out... two stars.
The food was good, I got eggs florentine, (which came out without the spinach) and the eggs were a good mix of runny and bouncy, the english muffin tasty, and the potatoes were delicious- not too greasy, not too crispy, not boiled bland. The Virgin Mary I got was a good blend of tomato and hot, and all in all I can't complain about the food, just the high price and the spotty service. -
Review from Ali E.
1/28/2008
I was impressed, though that might be because we came directly from the Sam Adams Brewery tour and I am much more forgiving when my belly is full of beer.
We rolled in at around 4 on a saturday, so it was pretty empty. I was deciding between the Alchemist Pale Ale and the Leather Lips IPA, went with the former but the keg was kicked so she brought a sampler of the latter, which I thought was a mark of a damn good waitress. We had prompt and accomodating service for the duration, but it was super early in the evening and no one else was there, so that may have had something to do with it.
I mostly stuck to beer, but had some of the mushroom flatbread pizza, which was phenomenal. I enjoyed the atmosphere - I'd definitely consider coming back. -
Review from Beck N.
1/12/2009
I really want to love this place, but the 2 times I've been, I've been unimpressed.
Decor/Ambiance: Very simple - the orange really doesn't do it for me, nor does the "modern" art on the wall that basically matches the wall. The exposed brick is a great touch, though. I also thoroughly enjoyed the music playing in the background -- heard some old fav.s from the Pixies & the Ramones...big time plus!
Service: Overall - great. Our waitress was engaged & interested in helping us make our way through the menu & suggesting some drinks (also never let my beer glass go empty). The woman who bussed the tables was equally as attentive - politely asking if we were finished before removing our plates.
Booze: The selection of beer on tap was great -- ~15 options, including a 20oz Guinness for $5 (can't beat that!). The mixed specialty drinks were pre-made & tasted like it. They were out of a few drinks, & the suggestion of the pumpkin infused vodka drink did not appeal to anyone at the table.
Food: We had the brie & spinach app -- served a bit too hot & it didn't really grab me - perhaps if it were served with fresh bread as opposed to baked it would have helped. My friend & I had the butternut squash ravioli, which was OK (all 7 pieces) but I was expecting more of a butter sauce than the cream-like sauce we received. Hubby had the steak tips & if I go there again, that will be what I order. I just didn't think that I would have to "play it safe" with "bar food" when I saw all the great reviews.
Price: Far too expensive for what it has to offer. Stick to a night out for a few beers with friends. -
Review from Nick S.
Cambridge, MA
4/6/2007
Really nice place, really nice staff, great beers, and great atmosphere. However the food fell short for me - I had the chicken, and it was overcooked, tough, dried out. Mashed potatoes did compensate, but I was disappointed. Not to the point where I could send it back, but disappointing nonetheless.
nice spot, otherwise. Maybe I just picked the wrong thing.
