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Bristol Lounge
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
200 Boylston St(between Charles St & Hadassah Way)
Boston, MA 02116
Neighborhood: Back Bay
(617) 351-2037
- Nearest Transit:
-
Charles St S @ Park Plaza (43)
Stuart St @ Charles St S (192, 193, 504, 55, 555)
Charles St S @ Stuart St (43)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6:30 am - 10:30 pm
Fri 6:30 am - 11:30 pm
Sat 7 am - 11:30 pm
Sun 7 am - 10:30 pm
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
121 reviews for Bristol Lounge
Review Highlights
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"Service was impeccable as at any Four Seasons." In 32 reviews -
"Forget the late night dessert buffet." In 19 reviews -
"I went here for afternoon tea with five friends and we had..." In 11 reviews
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121 reviews in English
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Review from Tracey F.
Boston, MA
2/25/2012
This past Saturday called for an impromptu trip to the Four Seasons for Tea with my Brit friend. Luckily, even without a reservation they were able to accommodate us in the Bristol Lounge.
Comfortably seated on the soft sofa near the fireplace, we settled back and took a quick look at the menu. I was already excited about the selection of cakes and sandwiches on offer for our afternoon. The Afternoon Tea menu offers Scones and Tea Bread, Strawberry Jam, Lemon Curd and Devonshire Cream, a Selection of Tea Sandwiches and Pastries and is served with a Pot of Brewed Tea of Choice.
As with all Four Seasons, service is impeccable. Our pinstriped Tea suited waiter efficiently organized our little coffee table to accommodate our order of Afternoon Tea with English Breakfast and glass of Veuve Cliquot for both of us.
Starting with a little sparkling number, we clinked glasses and giggled with excitement at being a little too decadent with this unplanned trip. Bubbles are always fun, especially at 3pm in the afternoon.
When I do Afternoon Tea I like everyone to eat the same thing at the same time so we can talk about it. A little silly but oh so fun. We started with spongy, sticky lemon and poppy seed bread and then moved on to one of my favorites of cranberry scone with Devonshire cream and strawberry sweet jam. Lots and lots of cream and jam. So delicious, So British!
Moving on to the little tea sandwiches of smoked salmon, chicken salad and cream cheese and cucumber. Perfect two-bite sized sandwiches of tasty fresh ingredients. I was a big fan of the cream cheese and cucumber.
We took our time while we drank our hot and strong fresh brewed tea, reminiscent of my home country of England where we love our strong teas. I was very happy.
Finally, we ended our afternoon with cakes of lemon tart and chocolate éclairs. Saving the Chocolate Éclair to the very last was exactly the right thing to do. Oozing with vanilla cream and topped with just the right amount of chocolate this was the pies de resistance of our Afternoon Tea.
The Bristol Lounge was filled with young teenagers celebrating birthdays, parents on a delicious treat of an afternoon and friends like me and Andy just enjoying ourselves. What an absolutely lovely afternoon. Definitely worth a trip for a celebration or just a weekend treat.
Although we did not have a reservation, I would highly recommend making a one if you want to go for tea as they tend to make everything to the amount of reservations they get. -
Review from Rachel N.
5/22/2012
OMG WTF did they do to my beloved Four Seasons brunch buffet????? The buffet with which I compared all others??? No seriously. Where is it? In the four yrs since I've been to this FS brunch, they removed my raw bar, the massive amount of cut fruit, and the effing dessert table.
As my darling brother so delicately puts it, "if I am going to pay an obscene amnt for brunch, I want to be able to eat the entire yearly caloric intake of a small African country in desserts" -- Amen baby bro, AMEN.
Seriously, I personally cleaned out the tiny berry bowl at least three times, they served canned pears, and they only melon was cut into tiny chunks and covered in desiccated coconut. Gross.
What they do have: scrambled eggs, oatmeal, bacon, sausage, DIY omelettes, breads, smoked salmon, 4 salads, aforementioned fruit, bread pudding, waffles. That is IT. it's all tasty, but v poor selection.
I know this is absurd to bitch abt going to such a fancy brunch, but really, for the price, I was expecting a lot more than what we got -- the service is lovely and relatively attentive. It's $75/head.
For the money, go to The Langham or The Taj in Boston. Or better yet, fly to Chi and go to the Peninsula, or their equally baller location in Bangkok. Bring Tupperware :)
I feel like my brunch buffet lover has left me. -
Review from Ed Y.
Brookline, MA
5/17/2012
I eat here at least 6 times a year because a friend of the family will not eat anywhere else. If it was my choice i would stop going. The food does not justify the high price, $18 for a hamburger or a cheese omelette. It just blows my mind that because the restaurant is in the Four Seasons hotel the price is staggering. A lunch for 5 usually comes out to $150 which includes dessert and no alcohol. A big disappointment. One positive note, the service is excellent but still does not justify the price of the food.
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Review from Nancy F.
Boston, MA
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Impeccable service. And they have a free drawing for a free stay thanks to Yelp!
Delicious hamburgers by the way. And truffle fries are delicious. -
Review from Kristin C.
Cambridge, MA
5/14/2012
I cannot get enough of the Bristol Lounge. The staff is so incredibly curteous and attentive, the food is spectacular and the ambience is perfect. I eat at the Bristol Lounge pretty regularly and have never had a bad experience. They also have a great list of "mocktails" for people who don't drink.
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Review from Michele G.
Boston, MA
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
A mostly chill, upper class hotel lounge. A few musts: The Bristol Smash and A Mule in Paris made by bartender Jimmy, and Chef Jose's avocado "fries" with crack-licious cliantro-lime dipping sauce. I have a pretty good feeling we'll be back, but the drink prices are pretty steep at $15 a pop, so our returns must be limited. Still, a fun place to go and pretend that you're rich.
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Review from A C.
Boston, MA
4/13/2012
I would say that this is one of the best Sunday Brunch restaurants in the city. It is extremely hard to get a reservation though. There specials are usually spectacular and they have a wide asortment of teas and coffees.
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Review from Alee G.
Boston, MA
3/28/2012
I went here for breakfast, and was overwhelmingly impressed. The food is fantastic! I recommend the french toast and eggs benedict. This place is a bit pricey, so be prepared to spend some cash. It'll be worth it though. The service is on point and the vibe is very chill, relaxing.... and a bit upscale. I can't wait to return!
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Review from Bryan R.
10/8/2011
There's a renaissance among Boston hotel bars and this venue is not on board.
I could talk about the slow service or overly sweet cliché cocktails but I think the most helpful thing I could share is that they brought out a dry martini that accidentally had pineapple juice mixed in. -
Review from Larry S.
Boston, MA
10/23/2011
We had an unexpected California friend in Boston for a wedding; she was staying at the Four Seasons, we wanted a quiet spot so we could catch up with each other, and the Bristol Lounge was convenient so we gave it a shot.
The only minus was the price, and very pricy at that even by Four Seasons standards. A light lunch for three of us, entrees only, no drinks, appetizers, or dessert, was $97 including tip.
One big plus was the typically impeccable Four Seasons service. Our first table was fine until a noisy group of 10 descended on an adjoining table. We asked for a new table, and though this meant resetting our first table, the staff responded instantly, whisking us to a another table in a quiet alcove with smiles and apologies.
The second BIG plus - the meals were excellent. I had the spiced cod wrap, my wife the signature Bristol burger, and our guest the pantry salad with free range chicken. All were basic American fare, but with nice twists in the flavorings and, as you would expect from the Four Seasons, beautifully presented.
For example, my Cod wrap was every bit as fresh, carefully cooked, and delicious as Captain Marden's (Wellesley), but the Captain charges $6.95. The Four Seasons version was beautifully presented with an excellent red cabbage slaw that puts the Captain's standard cole slaw to shame, but the Four Seasons sandwich cost nearly four times as much. On the flip side, the Captain can't afford to tie up a table for two hours, and the pleasure of a long conversation with a friend we hadn't seen face-to-face in more than 20 years was worth the premium.
If the food is everything to you, you'll love the food and choke [violently!] on the prices. For us, a quiet conversation with a dear friend was, as they say in the commerials "priceless." Our bottomline on the Bristol Lounge: not even close to a bargain, but worth every penny! -
Review from Karyn V.
9/9/2011
Please note, this is a lounge, and not a high-end restaurant. It has great food options, but it is mainly American cuisine with a fancy twist that one would expect from the Four Seasons. The menu is a bit limited, but it is not trying to be a restaurant. I actually like the menu, but I know some yelpers have dinged them for this. I think if the place is called a lounge, you shouldn't expect it to be much more.
Wow, this place is awesome. The food is absolutely fantastic, the decor is nice, but not stuffy. I highly recommend the buffalo Brussels sprouts, even if you don't like them. Also must tries are the burger and the avocado fries. The wine, cocktails, and scotch selection are also great. Breakfast/Brunch here is also top notch.
The chef gives excellent hands on cooking classes, and the lounge has frequent speicals--waffle of the day week, burger of the day week, Burgers and burgundy Wednesdays, Teddy Bear Tea, etc.
My only complaints are two fold. One the prices are very high, even for the Four Seasons I feel. Two, the service at the bar itself (the only place I have dined) during week nights can be spotty. Normally, I would forgive this but not at the Four Seasons, and especially not for the prices they demand. I tried to pinpoint why, but I am afraid I couldn't. Unfortunately, part of me thinks it is due to a lackadaisical attitude, but I am not positive. I am not being picky, my friend and I noticed this on three separate visits in the last few months.
If you just want to grab a quick drink or two this is a great option. If you want more, just be aware that coming here you will pay much more. I think it is worth it, but practically this can only be done for a special occasion. -
Review from P A.
North Andover, MA
2/12/2012
The Bristol Lounge has successfully paired a comfortable, casual atmosphere with simple elegant American fare.
The appetizers and entrees are creative, generously portioned and most importantly original.
This place is on the pricey side, but your taste buds will be richly rewarded. -
Review from Holly S.
3/12/2011
It pains me to give any Four Seasons lounge a two star rating, but here goes.
We went to Boston for Fourth of July week and chose the Bristol Lounge as our upscale night on the town haunt. Boy, was this a mistake.
To be fair, we were greeted immediately, seated on time for our reservation, and the lounge decor was chic with scattered white couches positioned facing each other in various sections, divided by coffee tables and end tables for cocktails.
Service was sparce and I waited over 10 minutes to find a busboy to refill my water glass. The menu was surprisingly boring, portions tiny and the food was bland. For the price, this was a complete rip off.
The pianist playing soft music in the background would have been a nice touch, but the delivery was all wrong. Our table was right next to the pianist, divided by a short wall with a ledge. Two musicians were there talking more than playing music. If that weren't bad enough, one of them left a huge multi key ring with a dozen store cards attached, right on top of the ledge. Next to it sat a filthy, dusty rag used to clean the instruments. We had a bird's eye view of this mess, and it completely downgraded the upscale quality that is expected of the Four Seasons. Tacky.
I was sorely disappointed in the Bristol Lounge and sadly will not return when in Boston. This location can't compare to the Four Seasons in Manhattan. The menu, food quality, decor, service, and delivery in NYC are all impeccable. I get that Boston is a more laid back city than NY, but come on. It's the Four Seasons, people!!! Considering they charge NYC prices without the same attention to detail, I'd stick to their NY cousin. -
Review from Catie C.
Updated - 6/27/2011
I don't know if there is a hospitality standard because tonight we got waited on by a different server named Bill. He walked passed us numerous times without checking on us. I tried waving him down once when he was walking towards me but it's as if I was a ghost. I was just frustrated that I had difficulties getting a coffee refill so I can finish my creme brulee that was very delicious tonight. Mind to say, the coffee was as well. Eventually, he figured out that I wanted my empty coffee cup filled and his service back to how I imagined it should be at a 5 star hotel lounge. The manager also stopped by to check on us and apologized for the rudeness. She was very professional and pleasant.
We appreciated that the evening ended up sweet as the dessert we came for.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/31/2011
I love coming here for dessert. Mainly, for their creme brulee and coffee. They are in perfect… Read more »
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Review from Dan S.
Boston, MA
Updated - 1/22/2012
After receiving an invitation to return to the Bristol Lounge, I went back and brought 2 friends with me. The evening was perfect. Our server's name was Glen and he was fantastic. I'm not even going to list what we had for dinner. The food, the service, everything was spot on perfect. This is what I'm accustomed to when I dine at the Bristol Lounge. I'm glad that they invited me back.
Some of you may say that the service was amazing because they were trying to make up for my last experience. This is incorrect. The service was amazing, but it was on par with all of my other experiences that I've had there.
Thank you Bristol Lounge for re-instilling my faith in the experience I can share with my friends and family when I bring them to your establishment. And I WILL continue to bring my family and friends there.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/4/2011
After emailing the Bristol Lounge and reviewing my latest experience with them on Yelp, I was… Read more »
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Review from Steve D.
San Carlos, CA
12/28/2011
Pretty good. I mean it IS a Four Seasons after all. But food quality and service-wise, this place is simply not up to par with other Four Seasons restaurants in major cities.
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Review from Baking M.
Boston, MA
8/26/2011
I have been to the Four Season for work events and conference and multiple instance lunch. However, it has been a few years since I had tea at the Four Seasons. As a young girl I attended a birthday party tea for a friend and after the tea, we walked over to the garden to ride on the Swan Boats. If you are ever at Bristol Lounge for lunch, get their Bristol Lounge burger (Aged Vermont Cheddar Cheese, House-Made Pickles, Truffle French Fries) More recently, I went for tea and dessert.
Too good to be true right? This amazing chocolate cake was the Let's Split It Chocolate Devil's Food Cake - Tower Layered with Truffle Ganache, Vanilla Buttercream and Crème De Cacao
Jasmine Green tea, China Green Tea Infused with Jasmine Flowers, Producing a Fragrant, Delicate Cup -
Review from Heather G.
Boston, MA
Still a 4-star place in my book, but I tried something new for breakfast today and it fell way short if the Bristol Lounge norm, in nearly every component.
It was southwestern-like "hash" - chorizo hash with peppers, onions, and potato, with a few slices of avocado on top. Served with it were two poached eggs on cornbread with some sort of Mexican-inspired hollendaise.
The hollendaise was actually very off-putting and had the taste of something i can vaguely remember eating before. It was a bit gritty and a bright-orange color, though it wasn't spicy. The feel of the sauce in my mouth was similar to the gritty feeling I get when I don't rinse all the toothpaste out of my mouth, and go about my day.
The cornbread was soggy and flavorless under the eggs and sauce. The best part of the dish was the chorizo hash, though the chorizo was either cut too small or cooked too long, because it was hard to chew through. I would not order this again, and will instead go back to my benedict. I should have known better than to betray my precious Crab Cake Benedict in the first place. Shame on me.
As this was, per usual, a breakfast enjoyed with my boss, I tried her lemon ricotta hotcakes, which were actually rather amazing. They were of the denser, more substantial variety (as you'd get when you made breakfast pastries with a yogurt-base), though they were not uncomfortably heavy. The cakes were moist with a sweet, yet refreshing lemony flavor, blackberry sauce drizzled on top, and garnished with blackberries and lemon zest. Though I don't like sweet breakfasts, this was much more pleasing than my egg dish, and I'd recommend to sweet-eaters and savory-eaters alike.
Though my egg dish fell way way WAY short (really, this is one of the worst menu items I've tried at the Bristol Lounge...please don't order it as your first foray into Bristol dining because it will not give you a very accurate portrayal of what Chef Brooke and his team can do), I still love the Bristol Lounge for any and every meal.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/23/2010
I have a confession: I cheated. I cheated in the long-term, committed relationship I had with...the… Read more »
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Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
1/2/2011
Good lord this place is expensive without the service and food to back it up. When I received the check for a minute I thought my son's tuition bill had arrived. A martini is $17.00. The bartender seemed to act as if she was doing me a favor making my drink. Generally I am not one to complain about the price of restaurants however if you are going to charge me at least give me the quality and service.
Caesar salads were sub-par although to be fair they did use real anchovies. Service was spotty at best with one server going off duty and his replacement appearing about 10 minutes later.
The atmosphere is your typical upscale hotel; nice but nothing special. Protect your retirement funds by walking up the street to Tremont or around the corner to Park Square for any number of good and reasonably priced restaurants. -
Review from Lucy L.
East Meadow, NY
4/18/2011
The service was cordial, friendly and prompt and the ambiance was cozy and warm. The issue is that there's not much there during dinner for a vegetarian.
I had the caesar salad and it was pretty bad - extremely salty and shockingly small for the price. It wasn't even a serving for one person. The price was absurd. I understand you're a fancy restaurant, but you'll have to support that with actual quality salads.
My companions feasted on oysters, salmon and pasta, and they were all happy with their selections. It was a pleasant enough experience, but I wouldn't go there again as a hungry patron. -
Review from Roxana F.
2/28/2011
I went here for afternoon tea with five friends and we had such a great time.
First of all, the service was great. The waiter was attentive and very helpful in recommending teas and describing our food to us. We came here on a rather busy Saturday but our waiter was great and made sure to check in with us every once in a while. I got a coffee (lame, I know) but all five friends got tea and none of them seemed disappointed in their selection.
The scones were DELICIOUS. I slathered mine with some lemon curd that came on the side (NOMNOMNOM) on one half, and the clotted cream and strawberry (I think, can't remember) jam on the other half. Delicious.
Poppy seed bread was light and moist and delicious.
I wasn't a fan of the smoked salmon and aeoli wrap (not a fan of smoked salmon in general) but my friends loved it. They also loved the curried chicken sandwich, which I didn't have because I'm a pescatarian. But I did have the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich which was quite nice.
Okay so the best part were the petit fours. We were given:
Orange curd tart: DELICIOUS
Honey walnut (pecan maybe) sort of a cake: DELICIOUSSS moist nomnomnom
Chocolate covered profiterole: heaven on earth. Absolutely delicious.
There might have been a fourth but I can't remember that either...my memory of the profiterole overshadows all the others.
We paid $32 a head for the afternoon tea, pay $8 more and you get a champagne cocktail. Okay so that's definitely pricey, but it's definitely worth it, if not for the food then definitely for the plush couches you sit in, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere (which I did not expect for the Four Seasons), your friends' content and full bellies, great conversation, and a leisurely afternoon well spent. -
Review from Jeff L.
Philadelphia, PA
12/15/2011
Great food with a wonderful location and beautiful view from the window. The soups, salads, the seafood, everything on the lunch menu has always been very tasty and served to perfection. The valet, especially John are exceedingly friendly. You pay for quality, and although it is a costly lunch, it is a quality experience. Always have had perfect service from the waitstaff, they are attentive and friendly. The young women managers are the only belmish on the record for me.
If you're willing to pay the price, you wont be dissappointed. -
Review from Dan P.
Chelsea, MA
11/3/2011
Stop 6 on the Best Burger of Boston tour. This one is difficult. I came in for lunch, and sat at the bar for a good 10 minutes without someone even coming up and saying it would be a minute. After the bartender arrived, I ordered the burger and asked to get half truffle fries and just a few of the avocado fries as well. Glad am I glad I did. The avocado fries might have over shadowed the burger itself. The burger was good. You could tell the ingredients were all high quality, but there just wasn't much taste. The burger was cooked will, just needed to be seasoned some more. I'd go back for the fries alone.
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Review from Sarah M.
10/6/2010
I went to Bristol Lounge on a Thursday night a few weeks ago to meet a friend for apres-work cocktails. It was a good time. There cocktails are delicious. I had the Strawberry Blossom Martini, and my friend had one of the martinis they have for the special "Wicked" menu. At $15/pop, the drinks are pricey, but I expected as much at the Four Seasons. I mean really. It's the Four Seasons. What do you expect?
We split the Bristol Burger, and they served it perfectly cut in half, on two plates with fries on each plate. I thought that was a nice touch, and the fries are AMAZING. The burger was good, but a little dry.
After the burger, we had a few a drinks at the bar. Although I loved my martini, times are tough so I switched to beer :) The people watching at the bar is top-notch. The bartender was good, but a little slow. -
Review from Mairead N.
Boston, MA
6/21/2010
Nobody loves me anymore so I had to get my OWN arse over to the Bristol Lounge for my favorite tea.
I wanted to be pampered and have "real" tea on beautiful china and not have to ask for proper sugar cubes or milk....in other words, I was feeling homesick and was missing my Mum!
I had no reservation, but I was seated almost straight away. Their attention to detail and customer service is impeccable but not in an over the top way, understated I guess is a more apt description.
I was seated on a comfortable couch where I made myself totally at home...laptop, phone, good book...the whole kit was spread out - all I needed was a snugly blankie and I would have been grand, next time.... ;-)
I wanted to have tea, and by tea I mean, tea made in a bloody china pot people and poured into a china cup with a saucer underneath, not a bag in a cup!!! I was brought up drinking tea at least 5 times per day, and it was made in a very ritualistic way so I'm a picky girl on the tea front!
The Bristol Lounge does tea exactly like it should be. I don't have to ask for anything, they know what they are doing.
I love their selection of tea sandwiches and sweets. There's all sorts of variations on the sandwiches, cucumber and mayonnaise, watercress, egg salad, goat cheese and prosciutto, and for a sweet, their chef makes "real" scones, not the monster size, hard-as-a rock excuse for a scone I notice everywhere. These little delicacies are small, round and should be served hot with butter and homemade jam(which I make for breakfast on the weekend by special request)
I've also had lunch here and I love the Bristol burger and fries, always done to perfection. The last time I was unsure of the wine I wanted, so the sommelier came out and was so friendly and helpful-now that's what I call dead cool service!!
The presentation is beautiful and the ambiance is understated cool. They are also kid friendly. I bring my little girly friend here too so she can understand my tea culture, she also loves it.
If you want a cocktail, they are always on top of their game and make whatever you want, always the proper way.
I've never been here for drinks/food very late in the evening, it looks very lounge like and luxe and any excuse to dress up and look sexy for my date is always a fun time for me.
5 stars for sure! -
Review from Elie S.
Salem, NH
2/18/2012
OK, so where do i begin? Truffle fries, Amazing roasted chicken and root veggies,buttery filet... now I'm hungry. Well this has become my wife and I's favorite Boston eatery. I mean let's face it, it has something for everyone! Always impeccable service and the crowd is pleasant.
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Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
11/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
Classy with all capital letters. Upon attempting to dine at the Back Bay outpost of Sel de la Terre and finding it closed for a private event, may gay life mate and I were still determined to enjoy an evening of fine dining. Driving any further and hunting down parking was also not an option, so we moseyed down to the Four Seasons, resolving to stop at the Bristol Lounge if nothing else struck our fancy on the way.
Luckily for us, nothing did, and we sat down to what would become a three-hour dinner at the illustrious Bristol Lounge. To start, we selected a delightful Chateau du Pape and a fresh salad with blue cheese and a vinaigrette.
I eyed the oysters with desperate longing, but knew they wouldn't pair great with wine, so I opted for the homemade gnocchi with pumpkin and squash-- definitely the right choice. A dessert course was needed, and I sampled both the boston cream pie and the vanilla bean creme brulee. I washed it down with an espresso macchiatto, as well. Of course. $100 later, I somehow managed to walk (roll) out of there to head home.
I will be back for impeccable service and delightful food, soon. -
Review from Tom E.
3/26/2007 2 photos
Disappointing. This was billed as 'Boston's Living Room' but to me felt nothing more than 'Boston's Airport Lounge' - modern building, sparse layout and a complete lack of individual style. Snooty attitude from the condescending and overbearing staff and the overwhelming stench of business people everywhere.
I actually came here with a fellow Yelper to try out the Afternoon Tea which at 25 dollars is not cheap (but cheap compared to London). It didn't feel all too relaxing and was certainly not like a living room but it was still better than a kick in the teeth. Scones with lemon curd and Devon cream were wonderful and so were the mini creme brulee cakes and cranberry bread. The savouries - bite-size cucumber, salmon or egg sandwiches were well-presented, tasty and very traditional. The tea selection was sadly very mediocre and came in plain steel teapots like in a canteen. Not good, a bad touch.
So... good cakes, bad tea, annoying service and a real lack of atmosphere. The last one of these is really the key point. Afternoon Tea should feel relaxing and inviting - something you do with the village vicar after a long game of croquet or an afternoon watching the cricket and doing the crossword. But somehow it never works when it is in a big expensive modern hotel. Sometimes I just HATE hotel dining, it feels like eating in a shopping mall.Listed in: ^_^ Afternoon Tea ^_^
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Review from Lalin A.
Durham, NC
11/19/2006
Classy, comfortable setting.
Went there a few times, specifically for Sunday afternoon tea. Great atmosphere providing a feeling of having tea somewhere in Britain. The selection of tea sandwiches and pastries is rich and satisfying. Definitely check it out for a special occasion.
The service is quick and polite. We were even sent a delicious piece of cake with "congratulations" written on top (was there for a graduation party). It was a gift of the chef.
Yes, it is pricy but come on now- it is Four Seasons on Boston Commons. -
Review from Andrew B.
Manhattan, NY
12/18/2006
Went there on a Sunday night looking to decompress from finals and work with a glass of wine, only to find the bar a complete mess when we got there and the service terrible. There was one small group that the bartender was helping, but we had no idea where to sit since there were empty glasses and napkins all over the place. We sat and waited only to be ignored by the bartender when even a simple "hey guys, I'll be right with you" would have sufficed. It was just us and the small group at the bar, and no one else. We decided to leave after waiting a few minutes for the bartender to acknowledge us to no avail. Only after we had grabbed our coats and were walking out did she come by to say hi.
We mentioned this to the host only to receive a low effort "I'm sorry". I thought this was the Four Seasons? Sunday nights apparently are not their forte for service. -
Review from Shaina P.
4/23/2009
I'm having a hard time to fairly rate this place:
1. The atmosphere does not cater to my age group whatsoever.
2. The prices are out-of-this-world overkill.
3. 'Will you "require" anything else?' x 10 -- enough already
But the reason I found myself at Bristol Lounge was its claim to fame: Bristol Sirloin Burger. Best quality meat, fresh ingredients. But it's a burger. In an over-priced, older demographic, stuffy environment...poor unfortunate burger. If I were to judge this burger by the cover, it would be cruel and unfair judgment to the cow, which produced the burger meat... because I thought the burger was fantastic!!
MY BURGER (4.5 stars for quality and proportion)
Proportions good. Meat juicy and high quality enough to undercook (and overcook). Big patty held together by an even bigger brioche-y bun helping to reduce the grease-dripping-down-arm potential. Melty cheese (didn't add a ton of flavor). Typical toppings of tomato, lettuce, onion, mustard, pickles, and ketchup. Layered together provides layers of crunchy texture, sweet, and hot dijon in harmony around the featured meat, but lacked the love (cow used solely to provide a high quality burger to high quality customers = no love).
But never will I ever return to Bristol Lounge for that same delicious burger as there are other places that provide delicious and more interesting burgers (did somebody say Miracle of Science?). Money can't buy you love. But good burgers sold at the right place for the right price CAN = love.Listed in: Burly Burger
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Review from J L.
Boston, MA
3/6/2011
National Pancake Week!
We tried the "Red Vevet" pancakes they have been trumping about during Pancake week from the menu not the "Pancake Bar". Honestly, they were very disapointing, should have sent them back, but I was starving and it took a while for them to come out:
They were brown colored and not "Red" ? Tell me, was I wrong to expect to see them "Red" colored as the name implies? If Starbucks can make Red velvet cupcakes that are Red in color why not the BL? Their texture was dry, flaky and brittle, not fluffy and moist?
Ours actually fell apart and split open across the middle like wafers...And lastly, although we are very well accustomed to their prices, we felt $17.00 for 6 small 2.5" inch medallions was a bit steep especially when Coffee is $6.00 a cup. I will say however, they were artfully presented and the service this time was better than last.
But I could have gotten those pancakes at the diner near my house.
What bothers me the most about experiences like this is that you are left underwhelmed for what you have to pay. -
Review from Bryan S.
Roslindale, MA
2/9/2007
Terrific service in an elegant, yet informal, setting. I have been to the Bristol for a romantic date, a business luncheon, high tea with friends and a small office party - it was a perfect choice for each of those occassions. My favorite thing on the menu is the cheeseburger - it is ridiculously expensive, but I think worth it! It is an ideal pre-theatre gathering spot, also.
I hate dressing up, so the fact that I can wear jeans to dinner is a huge plus for me!Listed in: Top Restaurants in Boston
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Review from Jamie S.
Arlington, VA
4/4/2008
Apparently I am a madame. Or at least that's how they address me in this establishment. Perhaps it was due to my handsome and distinguished dining companion because on my own, I've never been madame'd.
A few things I found odd. While they require reservations, they don't necessarily have a table or space for you to sit upon arriving for your reservation. While Bristol Lounge is trying to be a living room space, you can't just sit yourself down where you'd like. The waitstaff was not terribly professional. No cocktail napkins. Forgetting items you request. Handing you silverware- hand to hand. It was surprising.
On the upside. The shrimp were large and firm. They can make you a greek salad upon request. The gnocchi and lobster dish was original, albeit the gnocchi a bit mushy for my preference. And the creme brulee was perfect-- a nice glass sugar top that cracked nicely when you tapped your spoon on it.
While my visit was nice, it could have been much much better. If it weren't for the company, which is part of the dining experience, I'd give this place a star less. -
Review from Jaime M.
Boston, MA
Updated - 5/7/2010
This place has been my second home for over 6 years. I come here about 2-3 times a week for dinner and it's just absolutely wonderful. Each & every staff member is so warm, welcoming, friendly and happy to accommodate to any request you have.
LOVE the Viennese dessert buffet every Friday and Saturday night between 9pm -12 am. DELISH!
Some of my favs:
1.) The burger-- it's the best in Boston. Period. I don't eat red meat much at all but when I do I come here for the burger with parmesan fries. To die for.
2.) Sweet potato fries: (Can be ordered as a side). Thick, crispy, not greasy. Perfect.
3.) Devils food chocolate cake: Massive, decadent, expect major food baby.
4.) Any pasta dish: All of their pasta is homemade. Perfect.
5.) Shrimp cocktail: They are freakin huge.
6.) Tuna steak. 10 oz of pure, perfectly cooked tuna goodness.
What I also love about this place is that it's not just called "Boston's living room" for nothin. I come here in jeans or in a dress and I feel completely comfortable and at ease in both. In the past 6 years that I've come here I have never once felt rushed, or encountered poor service-- now that's pretty remarkable for a restaurant to keep that consistency in my opinion! Definitely go check it out.Listed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/22/2007
i love this place- the atmosphere is so comfortable and "loungey". my family and i eat here atleast… Read more »
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Review from Grant G.
Weston, MA
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Built in the 80s, and located in Four Seasons, this restaurant and lounge has great upscale, yet relaxing decor with maple, dark reds, and fireplace. It is open and spacious.
Bristol Lounge is famous for their burger. It is too bad is that the jazz band no longer plays here. Perfect place for fall and winter in Boston. -
Review from Kathleen M.
Lexington, MA
12/2/2006 1 photo
Go here when it snows, you will see Childe Hassam "Boston Common at Twilight. See attached photo
Open for drinks until after midnight. But if you're here late with your 80 year old aunt, you can get food.
Only sit at the window or maybe in front of the fireplace.
The sunday buffet is one of the better I've had but EXPENSIVE. I once went with my stepdaughter for a cup of tea and a muffin. I thought might as well get the buffet, how much can it cost? Good thing I had a credit card on me. But because we only had tea and a muffin or two, they changed the check.
Tea in the afternoon with your daughter is memorable if you sit in the window. You don't have to talk which is a plus if you're with a teenager. The view fills up the spaces.
It's a classy end to a classy evening if you do go to the opera. Which I do once a year when I take my mother and my aunt. It's great to take my 80 year Aunt out for coffee/plus and pastry at midnight. And this is such a perfect place to do so.Listed in: Breakfast on Rivers
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Review from Lauren D.
Cambridge, MA
4/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
The atmosphere is great, albeit a tad on the stuffy side. What I really came here for was the "Bristol Burger." Having done my research, I had discovered that this famed patty had won awards at some South Beach food festival (why they were having a burger contest in South Beach is beyond me). With my quest for the perfect burger still in full swing, I put on my best dress sneakers and headed on over to the Four Seasons.
Long story short, I was disappointed. The lettuce and tomatoes were fresh and the fries were sprinkled with just the right amount of truffle, but the meat itself left a lot to be desired. Even ordering the burger medium-rare couldn't do much to save the moistness (or lack thereof) of this award-winning patty. While my standards are high (Craigie Street, SDLT), I think it would be safe to say this burger was not worth the $20 price tag. -
Review from brian g.
Austin, TX
9/12/2011
Good vibe , meeting place with plenty of space. Great for business cocktails.
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Review from Tracy C.
Boston, MA
10/21/2009
Before I had Afternoon Tea at the Bristol Lounge, I always walked pas the Four Seasons fantasizing about the lovely time people must be having as they sat by the bay-view window, sipping on their tea in the precious china, overlooking the garden.
Once I've had Afternoon Tea at the Bristol Lounge, I now walk pass the Four Seasons wondering if those people are pretending to be having a good time because they don't want the pedestrians to think that like me, they were fooled by the stacked gold-rimmed plates of scones and sandwiches.
The interior of the Bristol Lounge is definitely less than what it may seemed through those bay-view windows on Boylston. The selection teas were disappointing, and the quality was average. The scones were dry and crumbly--but not the kind of dry and crumbliness a good scone has. The cucumber sandwiches came in horribly stale toast that made me wonder how long they have been sitting around. The experience didn't match up to the price and the reputation.
