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Category: Italian
Neighborhood: South EndPrudential (Green)
Back Bay (Orange)
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Recent trip to Boston led me to this gem. It is a very good and cheap place. The Chicken Parmesan is amazing and the something Gnochi was great too.
This place may be known to have a gay vibe (it did), but don't be scared, it's not a big deal and the food is too good to pass up.
Good grub, relax atmosphere, friendly staff.
Your ordinary appetizers, buffalo wings, truffle fries, etc....but you MUST try their bruschetta and garlic bread with melted cheese. OH YUM! I can have this just for dinner!!!!!
All entrees come with a house salad....so at least I don't feel so guilty about my huge pasta. hehee..
Pasta plates aren't bad, but would be really really good if they went a little light on the salt.
Anchovies is a funky little dive in the South End with cheap, great food and drinks.
Love me some neon
Its super dark inside with all sorts of stuff hanging from the ceiling, including a rocking horse wearing a sombrero. There was a sword hanging above my head. The walls are adorned with old advertisements, old family photos (whose family, I don't know!). The lampshades look like this:
They have a great menu full of homemade pizzas and salads, calzones, sandwiches, and a few great American-Italian options like their lasagna of the day which is always to die for. They have amazing cosmopolitans. Really delicious. So delicious in fact, that after a night two years ago, I have never been able to have a cosmo ever again. I will leave it at that.
I chose a beer tonight. I just love Chimay. And the glass is pretty cool.
And a Greek salad.
Paired with crunchy, earthy parmesan truffle fries and Anchovies' bread dipped in olive oil that is full of different spices. A laid back and comfy dinner hit the spot with us tonight.
To view accompanying photos please visit http://traveleatlove.w...
Andy and I got take out from here the other day.
Both have eaten here many times before, but it was as consistently good as take out as it ever was to sit down. I got the polenta and Andy got the lasagna of the day. Both good choices. The best part was the side salads come in Chinese Food containers. Great idea!
Who doesn't love a little neighborhood italian joint. Anchovies is a very cozy spot, that serves up some reasonable prices, slightly sophisticated italian grub.
I finally tried truffles (i think) they might have been on the parmesan fries, which were AMAZING.
Dining with a small group of friends, we got really good service, and a server that popped in and out, he felt like he was part of the party. You know how Olive Garden is marketed as eating in the kitchen of fine italian family, this is the real deal. It's cozy, its warm, it's intimate. It's run like a family joint, but yet you are in the heart of Boston. Swing by, check it out, good for a day date, or like fourth of fifth date.
The food here is effing fantastic, as is the Gay Guy Show that takes place at the bar. These fackin' dudes are awesome. Makes me wish I had more Gay Guy friends!
We were gifted with the best "I would rather...(do something)....than (do something else)" while we were here, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
The bartender is a nice bloke as well. Be advised that this is a "Locals Spot" so if you show up with a party of 20...expect some 'tude. That's just how they appear to roll. Loves it.
EDIT: the Cuban sandwich is the proverbial bomb. Get some in your face. Also, ask for the truffle parmesan fries on the side - the extra couple of dollars is WELL WORTH IT.
Came here for a drink before heading to Giacomo's next door:
My mother ordered a Cosmo and as I watched the bartender pour Gosling's in the shaker, I know the night wouldn't last long.
Came here for dinner with my boyfriend:
Me: I thought you ordered chicken parm?
BF: I did.
Me: Then why is the cheese orange?
BF: Please just let me enjoy the moment.
Went on Saturday night again for dinner:
Waitress: Stare. Blank. Stare.
What the hell, can't be too picky nowadays.
If I had only just visited Anchovies once, I would probably only give it four stars. However, I have been here countless times and I have never had a bad experience unless you count the time that I didn't heed the server's warning that the fra diavolo was super duper spicy that day (I didn't have a stomach lining for days after).
I went there last night with some fellow gay Yelpers for what we called the Big Gay Shit Show, a bar crawl hitting all the gay bars in Boston. When we decided that sustenance would be needed, I suggested Anchovies, to which the two guys that have never been said sounded cool, but the other that was familiar with the place said, "I love Anchovies!" It was decided. I will also add that I had dim sum early that afternoon with the same person and we were already talking about the Italian nachos.
Our server was the so adorable and personable Mike and he was a sweetheart (seriously people, if he had not said he was working until 3 in the morning we would have jotted down a number and asked him to meet us later on into our bar crawl). He could have totally screwed everything up and I think we still would have been OK with it, but he didn't. Actually he gave us great service was quick and efficient and he just let us do our own thing.
I have never had anything that I did not enjoy here (except the fra diavolo since that was just way over the top of the spicy scale). They are consistent. The Italian nachos are a must. They actually take a pile of tortilla chips and top them with bolognese sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and banana peppers. So freaking good. I bounce all over the place when it comes to what I eat here. Whether you settle on a salad, sandwich, pasta, or other entree, you really can't go wrong. Last night I had the chicken parmesan and substituted the bolognese sauce instead of the marinara and my dining companion that had been there before overheard and copied me. We both agreed that was the way to go. I wouldn't call the bolognese authentic, but it is pretty darn tasty and complemented the dish much more than their marinara. This visit I also tried the pesto on the salad, it tasted great and was different than just an everyday dressing.
Generous portions, reasonable prices, a great staff, a decent beer and wine list (although I really do hate when places serve wine in glasses that are so small they have to fill them to the top to give you a serving, but I won't be a snob), a good liquor selection, and consistency are what you are going to get here. Sure it is dark, cramped, and dingy in here, almost like you are eating in Paul Revere's refinished basement if it was refinished in the 50s, but it is a welcome respite from a lot of the stuck up restaurants in the area. It also feels warm and comfortable when you walk in on snowy days. I selfishly wouldn't recommend it to strangers since i do not want to have to wait longer for a table, but if you are a friend or I just like you, I will meet you there for dinner.
Went in for a couple drinks at around midnight on Tuesday. A few local stragglers still in there who were yelling nice stuff as well as profanities.
My Sam Summer on draft tasted a little skunky. Something might have died in the keg without them knowing...
But I dug the dark, pubby ambiance. Will try the food next time... the Italian Nachos made me go "hmmmm"
This place is a huge fave among the locals.
I love it for the atmosphere - dark, with a long bar that is usually crowded with regulars. Whenever I go in I usually run into someone from my building.
The food is mediocre. I usually get the lasagna of the day, which is good but nothing special. Most entrees come with a salad, and you should definitely ask for the dressing on the side unless you want your tiny salad swimming under a cup of glop.
I WISH I could write about the food - in fact, that was my plan, but no such luck...just the service (or lack there of).
I assembled a small group of friends for my birthday dinner and had followed a recommendation for Anchovies from our waiter at the Top of the Hub restaurant from the night before. Sadly, we never got a chance to eat there...
The set up of the place is long and narrow - largely taken up by the bar with a few tables and small booths (max. 2 top if you want to sit and eat comfortably. If you like it a little snug...live on the wild side and go for 4 people).
When the first of our party got there, they put our name on 'the list' because the seating was full, so we ordered drinks and found a semi-cozy spot along the rail across from the bar. The guy said 20 mins. Well...40 mins later, I went back by the kitchen and asked the guy for a more realistic time line and he said "you might as well go somewhere else, it is going to be at least another hour." OK - why did I have to come back to the kitchen for him to tell me that?! Why, in the many many times he walked passed our group, did he not even mention that the 20 mins estimate he gave us was WAY off. I mean, 20 mins - when now it was going to approach 2 hours - that is not even ball-parkin' it, that is just spitting out random numbers! Plus, they do not take reservations - which stinks.
A random side note - when I order a drink, I order the drink I want. If I NAME the type of liquor (anyone who knows me will roll their eyes here and say, 'uughhh yes, Stoli raz...we KNOW'), that means that I, in fact, want that liquor. So - if you are out of it, do not carry it, etc, please tell me. Svedka is not Stoli, Smirnoff is sooooo not Stoli. I have no problem ordering something else, but I do have a problem getting that WTF look on my face after paying for, and then tasting something, that is clearly not what I ordered. Work with me here bartenders - the more you get the drinks right, the more I come back and the better I tip. It could be a win-win situation, I promise!
(worth mentioning is that the several plates of food that went by us, teasing our noses, it did look amazing!)
If you can get a seat, it's always hilarious.
always
Probably my all time favorite place to get a good, fattening Saturday night meal along with a few beers.
This is a hole in the wall, that probably anyone walking down Columbus would walk right past. Especially since there is another, more inviting (and probably more well-known) establishment right next door. Don't be fooled, though! Try Anchovies.
It's dark, and that's probably a good thing. It can get very crowded on the weekends, but it's worth it. There are probably fifteen tables in the dining room, but they move quickly. Bartenders are awesome, and the diners are awesome, too. I've gone and eaten dinner/had drinks during multiple sporting events (they have quite a few flat screen TVs), and become friends with the people sitting around me... to be fair, they were pretty much AT my table because of the size of the place.
All of the food is good, but this one dish--the baked polenta is literally heaven on earth. I've never found anything like it and have never been able to duplicate it. I asked the waitress how they managed to make it so amazing, so she went and asked the cooks. She came back and said "Butter. Lots." You KNOW it's good.
Anchovies can be a bit eccentric. I've gone and received my salad after they've already taken away my dinner plate, and other strange happenings along those lines. Adds to the charm, though.
If you love drinking beer, watching the Red Sox, hanging out with friends, and eating delicious food, you have to try Anchovies. I'm salivating right now just thinking about it...
This place is okay if youre looking for alot of food for a little money .. the food isn't very good, but it's hot and cheap and better than fast food.
Stopped in on a Saturday night and was immediately greeted by a crush of people who were crowded around the bar. We were starved (as usual) and gave ourselves a limit of 15 mins to be seated. I think the waiter sensed our desperation and quickly spirited us to a two top by the door.
We started off with truffle fries and two salads with pesto dressing, and they were delicious. The fries were plentiful and finger sucking good, and the dressing was tangy and fresh enough to spice up some iceberg lettuce and a tomato.
For entrees we ordered the linguine with mussels and baked pasta with cheese and sausage, and we were both very happy. My pasta was accented with tons of cheese and the meat in the dish was well cooked and seasoned. My boyfriend's linguine was light in a buttery white wine sauce and the mussels were a yummy, chewy delight.
With two drinks, entrees, and the fries our meal came to around $45 which is great considering the portions are quite large.
I will definitely visit again to check out the scene and try the chicken parm.
PS: Went back for more and still had a nice time though the BAKED POLENTA was absolutely disgusting!!! It was covered in rubbery cheese and when I peeled it back there was a hunk of polenta and half a meatball and sausage under there. GROSS!
I ate the mussels at Anchovies and they were good. My friend told me that recently, the dish had gotten smaller, but I can't speak to that. All I remember was really enjoying that dish.
This Sunday when we went there, we ordered two pizzas: x-cheese and pepperoni. I am not a fan of the x-cheese, it's too salty for me, but the pepperoni was fantastic. I am from NY and I am a bit of a pizza snob. But I would come back to Anchovies and get a pizza pie anytime (it's that good).
I also ordered the buffalo wings in the sweet barbecue sauce. I didn't like it. The blue cheese dressing was underwhelming and the sweet barbecue sauce didn't work for me. Then again, my friend liked it. Go figure!
My most salient memory is ordering a Bailey's here and being charged $4. I don't know if it was a mistake, but since then I've had a special place in my heart for this place. Normally, an ounce of Bailey's costs at least $10 around town.
This is now my go-to pizza and Bailey's place. If I get charged more in the future, I'll definitely post an update. But come to think of it, the pizza is really cheap too ~$10. And how can you go wrong with cheap pizza and drinks? If you're in the South End, you should check this place out.
Definately not a GREAT 8 as the Phantom says. I'm pretty sure he was high the night he reviewed this food. The fries suck, the pizza has a wierd grit on the bottom of the dough, and the lasagna is super greasy.
Whoa good drinks! Well, strong drinks. And that by definition makes them good, no? I have been here three times with the same special friend, and we tend to have a couple martini's each. The first time, we both went to our homes and were out cold within minutes, and I woke up to realize I didn't remember leaving the restaurant! The second visit, we met this guy Brent at the bar, and he came over to talk to us twice during our meal. Bryan (after the third time we talked to Brent): "Who was that guy?" Yes - he was drunk enough on two martinis and some wine that he could not remember the earlier conversations. The third trip, we have learned our lessons, and so have only two martinis. And while a bit buzzed, we both made it out safely, and remember the whole evening!
BTW, their pasta meal that is 1st on the menu (?Frederick?) is awesome, and we have yet to have a bad pizza!
I was wanting to try a new place in the south end and looked to yelp for ideas. I chose this place because it seemed that it had decent prices and decent food. Both of these ended up being true.
I came in with a friend on a weeknight around 6ish and the only people were middle-aged guys at the bar. At first it seemed like a dive irish bar, but oh man was the italian food amazing. I was scarfing it all down so fast that when I stopped I realized I was waayyy too full. The walk to back bay station was pretty much in slow motion. I had a pasta dish with sausage and red sauce, garlic bread, a salad and some sangria. The salad came with a choice of pesto dressing which is rare and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Bread also came free with the best oil dipping mixture I think I've ever had. I probably would have passed on the garlic bread if this had come before we ordered. No worries though. The waitress was really awesome - just genuine and patient, which is nice compared to servers who are normally rushing all over the place. The sangria was also fabulous, nice and sweet which is what I prefer over tartness. My friend ordered something with alfredo sauce which I didn't try but she said was great.
Overall it was a great experience, good food, good portions, good prices. I took a star off due to the fact that the place is so dark that I felt like I was underground. Going outside with the sun still out was kind of a shock. Also the gentleman who handled our bill was slightly math challenged. Nonetheless I'd go again if I was in the neighborhood.
I walked into Anchovies for the first time a few Januaries ago after nearly being killed twice on the Turnpike as speeding trucks were pulling 360s in front of me in a terrible snowstorm. My knuckles were white, my face was pale and twitching, and my quads were trembling. The bartender took one look at me, instantly read the situation, and said, "You're not driving anywhere else tonight, are you?" I said No, and they said, "Double vodka, coming right up." I was so grateful for that welcome that I have been eating there every couple of weeks or so ever since.
That's the thing: if you find a place that takes care of you with a simple and good, heaping bowl of penne with Italian sausage and a robust glass of merlot, why ask for more? The conversation of the local crowd at the bar is relaxed and fun, folks are friendly and there's always a Sox game on the TVs at the ends of the bar. I was there the night they won the Series and broke the Curse -- I couldn't think of a better, more connected place I would rather have been in Boston.
The only downside is the wait for a table, especially later in the week, from Thursday night on. But the saving grace of the place is that the kitchen is open ridiculously late, so you can dine at midnight. The martinis are excellent and generous, but desserts are not an option. On the other hand, do you really want to consume a bowl of fructose after a big plate of yummy pasta or a loaded pizza anyway?
Bring a friend and start a conversation with your neighbors at the bar, it's a perfect way to get comfortable in the South End.
Awesome food and nice servers!
Anytime I go here no matter what anyone in my party gets they like it a lot.
The beer is ice cold and mixed drinks are good.
First of all...you can't find friendlier wait staff in all of Boston. Second, on top of the wait staff being attentive and fun...the food is pretty fantastic. You know you're going to get decent food for a decent price. In this day and age that is a pretty good deal.
Wow, wow, wow. I dined here for the first time last night and was pleasantly surprised to find a dive/gourmet eatery. Brilliant.
The nachos smothered in Bolognese sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and hot peppers are pure genius--Italian Nachos--these people deserve some sort of national award for this basket of goodness. It's my new favorite comfort food joint. Che Bello!
A few coworkers and I went here to have last drinks with one of our coworkers who was leaving the company. We ordered food, ordered drinks and naturally sat there chatting away enjoying our conversations. Then it began to get crowded and do you know, the waiter had the nerve to ask us when we were leaving because they needed to seat other people? Here we are, paying customers and your basically asking us to leave?! We were only there for an hour maybe an hour and a half at the most. Are you serious?!?!?!? So we asked for the bill, said goodbye and parted ways. The food was good, atmosphere seemed cozy in the dive-like bar, but the service we experienced was just plain ol' rude!
I would have gone back if that did not happen.
This place deserves some accolades. I love the bar. Love it. It makes me happy that a place like Anchovies still exists in the South End and wasn't bought out by some doggie nail salon or a restaurant that ends in a q to sound fancy (that's an attack on Banq if you must know).
The food is simple. Good pizza. Not the greatest eggplant parm but hey... me likey.
I'm comin' back to get wasted... that's for sure.
When this place first opened and throughout the years it rocked..I was here 2-3 times a week for years..ever since the new owners took over its gone downhill..the chicken parm was the best! the last few times I ordered it it was bland..nothing special and if I'm gonna pay $7 for a mixed drink it better be A) strong and B) in a 16oz glass not these 10oz-ice-filled-two sips-its-gone crap
I can do fancy but most of the time, I would rather not. I went here on friday with some close friends. I just wanted some food and some booze and no frills. Do you know what I got? Food, booze and without any frills. The meatball sub was amazing and they kept my in supply of Jack and Cokes. I was like a hog in heaven.
I highly recommend.
i wish i was hungrier the night we went to anchovies, 'cause there's alot more i wanted to get there!
instead i just got some fried ravioli, which were maybe a tiny bit too crunchy for me, but delicious.
and 2 meatballs which were really good. flavorful and big, and juicy.
the bread that they brought out at the beginning, was also delicious.
soft and fresh.
the oil for dipping was really garlicy, but really addicting!
i think i ate like 5 pieces of bread dipped in that garlic oil!
mmmmm.
i definitely want to go there again and try their other dishes!
Anchovies is the ultimate stop for comfort food in Boston!
It gets kudos for...
1. being inexpensive
2. having huge portions
3. being very cozey
4. 1-3 but in the south end!
5. a free salad with your meal
-hello pesto salad dressing
hooray for anchovies!
Me vs drink #1, a Sidecar
Winner is...me, yah euphoria!
Me vs drink #2, a Sapphire Martini
Winner is...Anchovies, they've got me hooked on their expertly mixed drinks
Me vs drink #3, a Vodka Gimlet, straight up
Winner is...Akdov Telmig, fantastically poured and proportioned, crisp, refreshing, I could drink these all night!
Me vs. drink #4, another Vodka Gimlet
WHa?? Where am I? Hic. Yippee. You're my best friend. Those guys look pretty cute. Ooops, am I TALKING REALLY LOUD?
More on the food as soon as I recover, remember what everyone ordered and figure out where I am!
Anchovies for President! Seriously.
Get the cheesy polenta dish. And order a side of meatballs, no matter what else you order. They are not only enormous and super delicious, but they show up as "side balls" on the bill, which is delightful if you are 12 years old like me.
My husband also recommends the meaty buffalo wings. The prices are right, especially considering that portion sizes generally guarantee a second meal.
This is the perfect neighborhood joint and I only give it four stars because I am bitter that it is not in my neighborhood.
~One of these things is not like the other!~
Anchovies sticks out like a sore thumb. Planted in the South End, the land of yuppie brunches and classy clothes, I would never expect to find a place like this.
Dark, narrow, run-down, and having the appearance of many of my old hangouts from my Ohio living days, this restaurant and bar thrives in what would seemingly be an unwelcoming territory.
The word casual doesn't begin to describe the atmosphere, which in my mind, is a welcomed relief in the neighborhood.
The food is basic: salads, sandwiches, nothing fancy or over the top. The quality is fair, deserving of three stars. The service? Nothing inspiring or noteworthy, also probably deserving of three stars. The decor is gross and the bathroom grosser, worthy of 2 stars.
So why FOUR stars?
Because you know it and I know it--sometimes you just DON'T care nor WANT to care. Can't I just have someone else cook for me, act casual, and chug some frickin' beer?
That's Anchovies.
Honestly, I love Anchovies. The food is great, the portions are huge and the staff is friendly. Don't go there expecting typical fancy pants South End dining. This is a place to go for food and drinks and "atmosphere". It's a locals kind of place but they're friendly as hell to non locals too. It's dark in there (red lights!) but so worth it. Not a lot of tables so plan a wait -- fortunately there's a whole bar to help you out with that wait.
The menu is huge and delicious. I haven't had a bad thing there (the calzones are OMG good). Everything is reasonably priced considering what you're getting... and it's just... delish. GOOOOOO. It's not white glove service, so don't expect that. The staff are definitely capable, but a little bit of patience goes a long way. The food and drinks make it all worth it.
Anchovies is a great place to stop in without a reservation for a casual night out. It's almost like a dark british pub that serves italian food. I think the combination works great. The pizza we got was good, as well as a pasta dish. The salads are worth skipping. They also have good guilty pleasures like french fries and other fried appetizers that aren't necessarily italian but who doesn't like having options?
I'll tell you a little secret:
This restaurant is right next to Giacomo's. Instead of having to wait seven hours for a table of mediocre food in a restaurant "endorsed" by Racheal Ray go next door to Anchovies-the place my friend once compared to a "pirate ship" in terms of atmosphere.
If you are looking for some cheap, decent, relaxed-atmosphere Italian than this is the place. The muffalatta panini is excellent, but always makes my hands smell funny. Whatever, it's worth it. So are the mussels and the gnocchi.
What I really love is that I've found a restaurant with good food that doesn't feel like I'm being demanded to pay attention to it.
Neighborhood Italian place with hearty, reasonably-priced entrees and friendly service.
My husband and I have eaten here a couple of times and enjoyed the homey and quirky take on Italian food and atmosphere. I think I got the lasagna special both times--with different ingredients. This last time it came with chicken and plum tomato & basil, and absolutely covered with piles of gooey, delicious cheese. The entrees also come with a house salad and some bread with spicing dipping oil to start, so definitely a good value. It's good that those come free with the meal though, because I'd probably be a little disappointed if I ordered and paid for them separately (standard iceberg lettuce salad and very ordinary white bread).
Even though prices are reasonable, there are some above average ingredients options, including chicken sage sausage as a pizza/calzone topping. The interior is dark with fun, but not overly obtrusive music, but I were to pick on one thing--the seating is definitely lacking in comfort. The benches on the booths are antique, which means very narrow seats. You get used to it though--especially after a couple of pints (Stella Artois on draft for $4.50/pint!).
Don't expect fancy gourmet, but do expect lots of yummy food, friendly service, and a reasonable bill at the end of the night.
I like this place. Since I don't get NESN, I love to walk down the street to Anchovies, sit at the bar and watch the Sox. It has a real neighborhood feel; there are a lot of regulars and the bartender knows them all!
I like the atmosphere because it's small and cozy. The food is decent, but not spectacular, Italian cuisine. The pizza's good and the calzones are enormous! The daily lasagna is ALWAYS yummy (arteries beware: it's covered in tons of cheese). They have a short, cheap wine list that has good table wines.
Basically, although the food isn't AMAZING, this place is great because it's cheap, cozy and conveniently located right near my house.
So good to me is Anchovies. I love the hole in the wall feel and I love how casual it is. Despite it looking like the type of place you wouldn't want to eat, it serves unbelievable food. Basically, expect to wait a bit for a table and try the meatballs.
Well, I will start by saying that I love Anchovies as a great hole-in-the-wall neighborhood place...great food, random atmosphere, Towny yet eclectically lovely...
I usually get take-out or just a drink, but last night 4 of us went for dinner. The downfall of the place is that they have about 4 tables for more than 2 people, so our wait was over 45 min on a Wednesday night. But, whatever...love it.
Our waitress was a hoot and got our humor right away.
Love me some Anchovies!
This cozy, dimly lit hole in the wall has excellent home cookin' and a nice hardwood bar. It's not fancy, but it's dark, comfortable (read lots of booths) , slightly romantic and decorated with kitsch. I recommend the lasagna. Mmm.
I used to live in the S. End and I got to know the owners (locals) who are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.
This is an great place to take a date.
Wednesday Night is Spaghetti…
Boston, MA
Introducing
Somerville, MA
Neighborhood: South End
Category: Latin American
Neighborhood: South End
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: South End
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: South End
Category: Italian
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Category: Italian
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