Laurel Grill & Bar
Category: Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: Back Bay142 Berkeley St
(between Columbus Ave & Stanhope St)
Boston, MA 02116 (617) 424-6711
- Nearest Transit:
Copley (Green)
Back Bay (Orange)
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
53 Reviews for Laurel Grill & Bar
Laurel is our neighborhood "regal beagle." We also had our rehearsal dinner there (which was a HUGE hit!). We love Laurel. The bartender is wonderful. The waiters/waitresses are fantastic. It's a great place.
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Meh.
The food... Meh
The service... Meh-ier
The wine... $5 bottle for $18. MEH!
Well, some friends and I tried this place on Saturday night and decided then that we won't be back. Oh well. My salmon wasn't too bad but a couple of my friends got the stuffed pork loin and the stuffing, I SWEAR TO GOD, was maple brown sugar cream of wheat. Same texture, same flavor. Maybe it's a well kept secret of the culinary world, but... uhh... no. Oh and the potatoes that came with my salmon were practically raw. Ewww...
I have to say the entertainment was amazing. And by entertainment i mean the table next to us FULL, and i mean about 7 or 8 transvestites ... or transsexuals (trust me, it was really hard to tell based on their conversation) next to us. PURE ENJOYMENT. Some of 'em looked pretty FIERCE too. Then, not as entertaining but fun to listen to, was a table of middle-aged gay men at a birthday celebration. Alls I can say is that I hope I'm that feisty when I'm 50-something.
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We had tickets to a show at 730, and figured we'd just go down to the Theatre district and split a pizza at CPK. Then we walked by Laurel and figured we hadn't been there in a while, let's check their menu. Oh, they have a similar pizza, and it will probably taste better here, let's just do that. Ooo... turkey meatball risotto with caramelized onions sundried tomatoes and spinach! Done and done =P
Some restaurants I feel don't match up their food with their pricing with their appearance. Laurel has all three of those things pretty well in line. Their seasonal menu has familiar favorites with creative twists and reasonable prices, with a comfortable decor and wait staff without nasty attitudes.
They also have a great brunch menu that includes a good amount of lunch options in case some of your fellow brunchers are closer to the -unch end of the day. But watch out, it's tempting to fill up on their bread basket of mini muffins and scones before your food even comes!
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Ok, so, I don't know if there was a convention going on, but the place was SWARMING with lesbians. Not that it's a bad thing, it's just that reading the rest of these reviews, NO ONE mentioned this. So I'm wondering if it was a one time thing....
Anyway, this place was JAM PACKED when we got here. Good thing I made a reservation or else we would have been screwed. We still had to wait though (I have to admit, we were early, but they didn't take us until about 10 minutes afterwards, which isn't bad, per se). Anyway, these damn girls would NOT get out of the way!! I wasn't pushing or anything, I was being nice and saying excuse me, but they were giving me the nastiest looks.....
The dining room is quite different from the bar area. There is a pane of glass that separates it, so it looks like you are looking at an exhibit if you are looking from the bar into the dining room. It's kind of amusing.
Our waitress was nice enough. I was disappointed that the swordfish special was no longer being offered, so I went with the turkey meatball risotto. It was really good, it didn't leave my stomach wanting to burst, but the flavor was a bit lacking. I couldn't really taste anything spectacular. The dessert was REALLY good, mud pie, and it wasn't too heavy, and the coffee ice cream went really well together. Total was about $90.00 for the 4 of us which isn't bad, but isn't really a great value either.
Another thing I noticed is that as the night progressed, more and more people that were just standing at the bar, slowly started moving into the dining room, like we were being consumed.
Oh yeah, another reason why I think it was a convention? EVERYONE seemed to know each other. As evident by this annoying lady at the table next to me trying to have a conversation with the table ON THE OTHER SIDE of us. I said rather loudly that it's really rude when people talk to someone else through another table.
This place wasn't really memorable, except for the patrons, including the one (older) lady that was completely drunk off her ass at 9:00PM. Maybe I might come again, but not for a while.
Hopefully the clientele will be a little nicer.....
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Laurel Grill and Bar was recommended to me by a co-worker and I can definitely see the charm of this restaurant.
Where else in Boston are you going to be dining near Newbury Street in a nice, quiet, semi-upscale, restaurant but still have entrees less than $20 and most are priced around $15? Not many places.
What is charming about Laurel is that it does things right. With a range of options from vegetarian raviolis to your steaks, fish, risottos, seafood stews, and dessert, they are all done with a quiet classic flare. Sometimes you don't feel like the pizzaz and spices and colors, sometimes you may feel like eating like a young adult professional who doesn't have that much money (me) but still wants to have good food and be treated well by the wait staff in a nice environment, a place you can actually take your parents out and still afford to pay the bill.
Well Laurel is the place to go (providing that you don't order a lot of alcohol).
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Severely disappointed.
I came here recently with a large party (about 12 of us) for a friend's birthday--Yelper Tori G.
I'll start with the good:
1 Star for pretty tasty drinks, although the mixed drink I had tasted rather weak.
1 Star for delicious food. I ordered a special entree--a spinach and mozzarella ravioli with chicken and sun dried tomatoes that I happily inhaled.
The bad:
We had reservations for 8:30. The first members of our party arrived early and sat at the bar awaiting our arrival. The rest of us showed up at or a little after 8:30 and joined the group for drinks as we waited for our table.
FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER we were seated after another large party finally left. I understand that restaurants can't always compensate for instances like this, but their lack of acknowledgment of the mishap was extremely unprofessional.
The staff didn't even keep us to date on the status of our table, but instead left us waiting. There was no apology (neither verbal nor tangible) from anyone either. If you're running behind, simple updates on the situation are expected. A free drink, dessert, or anything else isn't necessary, but appreciated as an acknowledgment to your mistake.
The service was adequate, but not friendly. I felt our waitress was more robotic in her tasks than personable in her service.
And the decor? Ugh. I felt like it was unsure of itself. The bar area seemed a bit colonial and charming. While the dining room area tried to be more modern. In the end, I felt like i was in a Howard Johnson lobby eating my complimentary breakfast.
The food is great. But let's match the atmosphere and service to that and I will surely give you at least 4 stars.
Oh, and I found it comical that they didn't forget to add the automatic gratuity to the bill. I guess for large parties, you always have to pay the undeserved tips.
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I came here with some friends for Easter brunch.
I loved the food. I loved the prices. The decor was nice with a comforting atmosphere... basically what you would except from a restaurant of this sort.
My only descrepancy was that our waitress wasn't very attentive. She hardly ever came by and we had to pour our own water (the jug was sitting on a ledge behind us). But it was Easter Brunch (around noon), so perhaps it was a fluke.
Also, an odd thing about the juice prices. I order pineapple juice, we had someone in our group order grapefruit juice and another orange juice. The orange juice was the most expensive (I don't remember the exact price but it was $2 something). So I bet you're thinking, well that's probably b/c it's freshly squeezed, right? Well, we saw the waitress pour it from a tropicana carton. So I dont know what's the deal with that? Not a big deal, but it's weird.
Also we were sitting at a table in the corner on the raised platform portion of the restaurant. I was stuck behind a column, that made it hard for me to get up and go to the bathroom.
So just some minor things that wasn't perfect. But overall, Laurel has everything you could want from a restaurant! Great food. Awesome prices (especially for Back Bay). Nice decorum, casual atmosphere but still nice so that you won't feel weird if you showed up in a dress, say for Easter to eat here. Honestly, what more do you want? =)
I definitely will be coming back to Laurel to eat.
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INSANITY. This place is a mad house. I have come to the conclusion that 100+ friends all decided to come here one night. Everyone in the bar area seemed to know each other (not that it matters, but as Amanda mentioned, they were all lesbians. I don't know why I mention it cause it has nothing to do with anything. But there it is). There were so many people in the bar area that you literally couldn't move. It was 100 times worse than the Green Line ever has been. Not only could you not move, but people would not move out of your way as. I was trying to get to our table saying "Excuse me" and got nasty looks instead. I was going to say that I was "Cock blocked" at every turn, but considering the clientele maybe the word "cock" isn't appropriate. I was pussy blocked at every turn. It didn't give me a good first impression. Especially since the staff didn't seem capable of handling such a large crowd. And let me tell you those lesbians know how to party. By 9pm I saw at least 2 women drunk off their asses. I think I got hit on by one of them. Not sure though.
So, this place give the feel of a fancy schmancy restaurant. The dim lighting, the heavy curtains on the windows, the olive and white walls. But if you look closely, it isn't as fancy as it looks. I liked that though. They had some weird paintings on the wall that intrigued me. A couple were of tea pots dressed up in dresses. The other was of a teeny tiny fairy flying in the air over a cage filled with fruit. The fairy was aiming a bow and arrow at the fruit as if it was about to take down a great giant beast. Mmmm...interesting.
So, I got a shrimp linguine dish. It was okay. The portion size was perfect. Not too much, not too little. The food itself was fine, but nothing that blew me out of the water. The bread that came with our meal was nice as a few pieces had sundried tomatoes on them. The chocolate dessert was rich and good.
Soo......That is all I really have to say. It didn't leave that much of an impression on me. Not bad, not great. 3 stars is perfect. I probably wouldn't come back because it isn't anything to rave about. The crowd of people really turned me off to.
Meh. Just meh.
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My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dinner here on Valentine's Day. Laurel offered a three-course prix fix menu that had so many choices. I had the fresh mozzerella and roasted peper salad, the butternut squash ravioli (in a cream sauce with broccoli, grape tomatos, leeks etc.), and the mud pie for dessert. Everything was fantastic. My boyfriend had a rare tuna salad, NY strip, and carrot cake...and wasn't as impressed as I was, but still enjoyed his meal. The host was so friendly and helpful. Our server was all right....nothing negative happened, but for some reason she didn't really fit the feel of the restaurant. All in all a great dining experience.
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I had family in town for dinner Saturday night and chose to come to Laurel as it was close to their hotel. I've honestly never had a more disappointing experience at a restaurant. Our waitress was absolutely horrible from start to finish. She took our order and if I hadn't said something, she would have forgotten to take my brother-in-laws order all together. Then my sister and my order came out, and no sign of his meal. The bus boy then came over, 8 minutes later, and asked what he had ordered. We asked that the waitress come back and she admitted that she had lost the ticket and had no idea what he even ordered. Then my sister realized that the meal that was brought to her was totally the wrong dish, and to top it off, it had chicken on it when she had ordered the vegetarian ravioli. Then at the end of the night the waitress snuck the bill on the table without ever asking if we wanted anything else, which we did.
So my brother-in-law never even got a meal, and the ones we did get were nothing special at all.
The bf took me here for Valentine's day over the weekend. The place was pretty empty but he had picked out a nice table in the corner. Our server was really attentive (the whole staff was actually). For drinks, we got a bottle of the Riesling (it had a really long name), which was VERY sweet.
We started with the calamari and the asian noodle salad. I wasn't impressed with the calamari (some pieces were more chewy than others) but the asian noodle salad was cool because it had lettuce wraps. The dipping sauce for the calamari was bland as well.
For entrees, I got the salmon, he got a veggie dish. Presentation was nice, but my food was just ok. I don't know if I was having an off night, but it didn't taste great. He liked his meal, though. The portions are big, so you are getting your $$ worth.
For dessert, we split the chocolate trifle and I had a cup of tea. This was the highlight of the meal. The trifle was great and the tea was perfect with it.
It wasn't a crazy expensive night, so it's good to try it once. I doubt I'd go back as I wasn't in love with the food though.
I have been here 3 times so far, and have been supremely happy with the experiences. So much that I have been reluctant to spread the word too much. But, heck , I love you people, so here goes.
First off, it's in the Back Bay. Where can you eat in that area for less than $25/person? No, not Fire + Ice, people... I mean at a REAL restaurant. Laurel is a classy-looking joint. I would pass by every day on my trek to work, and think "Hmm... looks awful nice, but probably another expensive downtown place."
It's quite elegant inside, but comfortably so. Not at all stuffy. Some people dress up, others come in khakis. The lighting is just right, and it's got a cute bar.
But Laurel's real strength is the food, and the fact that it's so affordable. Great, consistent dishes, some classics, some creative, but nothing too over-ambitious. They know exactly who they are and execute it perfectly.
Given the ambiance, quality food and service, Laurel is great for dates, getting together with friends, business, impressing your in-laws, mooching off your parents... Gems like this usually don't last in Boston, so don't miss it.
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In an area governed by high priced restaurants such as Sorellina and the Cottonwood Cafe, it is a pleasure to eat at Laurel Grille with scrumptious entrees under $20, an impressive wine and dessert list, and knowledgeable waitstaff.
My friend and I started our meal by sharing a carpaccio appetizer, complete with capers, red onions, and EVOO. The beef was translucently thin and very tasty.
With a complimentary bread basket at our corner table overlooking the side street, I nursed a glass of Morande cabernet sauvignon, and she drank a deep-red colored pomegranite-clementine martini.
For the main course, I couldn't decide between a special rack of lamb or the seafood cioppino, so based on the server's suggestion, I ordered the seafood medley, complete with clams, mussels, scallops, and a haddock-like fish. I wasn't fond of the thick white (and now spongey) toast that the seafood rested on, but otherwise I had no complaints.
My friend ordered the meatloaf, which looked very thick and she enjoyed it with equal gusto.
We pondered dessert, but who could pass up the trifle? Our server, Krista, said the trifle was the restaurant's best selling dessert, so we ordered one. Mmmm!
Two entrees, a shared appetizer and dessert, and two drinks for under $60. A good deal, and lovely presentation!
Until last night, I'd never ventured to that part of Berkeley Street for dinner, but I'll definitely be back.
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Went here with Steve (first vegetarian boyfriend!) on our first date two months ago-- I should have written my review then, memory is a little rusty now. I have been a bit distracted since that first 'hello'!
The menu was much less vegetarian-friendly than S had remembered it to be, but he ended up with the Zebra Striped Riccotta & Spinach Ravioli (Julienne Vegetables, Caramelized Onions, Tomatoes, Fresh Herb White Wine Vegetable Broth) (tasty!) and I had a Risotto special minus the chicken (tasty flavors-- sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes-- but very balsamic vinegar-y) where I reaffirmed my love for risotto. Bread was good, service was good. We shared the chocolate trifle for dessert (delicious, though couldn't finish it between the two of us... or maybe we were both just trying to be polite?).
The food was good, but the restaurant didn't overly impress me. My dinner date, however, did. Expect more veg restaurant reviews.
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The first time I went to Laurel was for a gathering with a group of girlfriends. We're all post-college twenty-somethings and the first thing I noticed about Laurel was the reasonable prices.
First, there is the great Back Bay location and nice decor to consider for the price. The atmosphere is dressy casual.
Second, there is the quality of the food. The menu is great - a combo of creative and well-known dishes, including some vegetarian options. The portions are not large, but they are filling. Most importantly, they allow you to have room for some dessert. I don't think there is anything unappetizing on this dessert menu! Oh chocolate mousse, how I love thee!
My second trip to Laurel was for a small work event I planned there because we wanted to have a dinner downtown. I had such a great experience the first time that I thought it was a good bet. In general, it worked out great - no problem with the reservation, decent service, good food for good prices -- but I think it was less impressive given the audience, who would've gladly put a more expensive meal on the company tab.
Overall, I'd say this is a GREAT place to take out-of-town friends or get people together downtown for a nice but reasonably priced meal. For something like a work event that may have a larger budget, I'd say use it.
I love Laurel. It's exactly what a neighborhood restaurant should be-- warm, cozy, and super affordable. The food is consistently good, the staff is attentive, and the decor makes the place feel homey. I've never had a bad dinner here, and I have tried just about everything-- pork, chicken, duck, etc. It's a terrific place for brunch as well-- plenty of breakfast options (the omelettes are super good) as well as hamburgers and sandwiches for the anti-breakfast crowd. The only downside is parking is a little iffy because it's right on the southern border of the Back Bay.
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I remember when Laurel opened and all their entrees cost less than $10. Now hovering around $15, it's still well worth it for a well done dinner in a nice setting.
Still wonderful, candle lit and seasonally aware, Larel rocks. Dates. Anniversaries. Parents. Etc.
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I really enjoyed Sunday brunch at Laurel. The waitress was super friendly, the food was excellent (I had the Smoked Salmon & Brie omelette). I was also a fan of the lemon poppyseed bread and chocoloate chip scones that they brought while you waited for your food.
I'm not sure if it was a fluke, but the restaurant was soooooo vacant - but the food was so good, and the prices low, I don't see how it could be the norm!!!
Saturday night, Boyfriend and I found ourselves doing the same, "What do you wanna eat?" "...I dunno, what do you wanna eat??" routine we go through every weekend. I usually opt for Uno's. I have a serious addiction. He whines, so I declare that as 20-somethings we need to step up our restaurant game. Anyhoo, it had to be some place with nice, simple dishes so I wouldn't have to completely undo my diet. Hello, Yelp.
Based off the reviews for Yelp, and the assertion that Laurel had typical American fare (mmm, like Uno's) we went for it. We had a 10 minute wait because the dining room was crowded with large groups chatting away. As we waited, we had drinks at the bar- $20 for a Pomengranate Clementine martini and Singapore Sling, and they were very strong.
Our appetizers were rare 5 spice crusted tuna with honey lime ginger sauce, and hummus with focaccia crisps. They were alright. For an entree I ordered a pork tenderloin stuffed with provolone and maple bacon with sweet potatoes on the side (hey, that's somewhat diety). It was very tasty, though the chef did not do an excellent job of trimming the fat off the pork. There were a lot of risotto and pasta dishes with cream-based sauces I couldn't touch (but wanted to). The menu is small and the dishes seemed similar to one another, perhaps not suited for picky eaters. Vegeterian Boyfriend had a Vegetable Agnolotti (I Googled it at the table, it's fancy talk for ravioli), which he enjoyed. It was one out of three vegetarian entrees. All in all, the dining experience was fine, but not extraordinary and the service, while very polite, definetely favored the older, larger parties around us. It took forever for our plates to be cleared and we were checked in with by our waiter once the entire night. We joked that he was literally chewing his other table's food--then he took a bite off a woman's plate. Wow, whatever you have to do for a great tip I guess. I would go back if in the area, perhaps with a larger group.
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Around the turn of the millennium, when the market was crashing and jobs becoming scarce, I worked for a guy who, just before our company announced the latest round of layoffs, would take our group to Laurel for morale-building lunches. Seven years and three jobs later, I'm once again in Copley Square. The wounds from my first trips to Laurel have not healed; they have only crusted over and, at a moment's notice, may be ripped away to reveal the festering sores born of my initial foray into corporate America. (Ewww.)
But that's not Laurel's fault and every once in awhile, it's nice to ditch my usual lunch choices of animal crackers and milk (chocolate milk if it's a bad day) at my desk or something salad-like from the company dining room and venture into the world. Laurel's across the street from my office and is a nice place for lunch on a Friday afternoon. The dining room is comfortable, light-filled and usually quiet; the atmosphere is, for lack of a better word, sedate; the lunch menu is excellent; the prices are reasonable; and, most importantly, I can be in and out in an hour.
Tonight, I dined at Laurel for the first time. The dinner crowd is a good deal more exuberant than the afternoon business crowd. The diners appeared mostly local and not from out of town. It's the same Laurel but for some reason I noticed that the ceiling tiles were grey with dirt and many needed replacing. I also noticed that the baseboard vents were grimy and obviously hadn't been cleaned in some time. I don't consider myself particularly difficult but the first two water glasses I received were not clean. My knife was dull. It wouldn't have killed someone to freshen the bathroom.
But, oh, the food! The menu has some excellent choices and it's nice to see a restaurant that doesn't just mark up the prices on its lunch dishes, increase the portion size, and call it dinner. My sausage stuffed pork loin with apricot Dijon mustard sauce and creamy mashed potatoes put me in piggy heaven. My friends tore into their short ribs and rotisserie chicken. The portions were sized to finish without feeling stuffed and for dinner in downtown Boston, the meal was a good value. We passed on dessert in favor of JP Licks but the selections looked worth trying some other time.
That said, I think I'll stick with lunch. Maybe I don't want to be within spitting distance of my office on a Saturday night or maybe I associate Laurel with work but something was missing. Maybe I just don't like my friends all that much.
Whatever the case, Laurel is great if you're in the neighborhood but I don't think it's worth making a destination.
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I was here on a Saturday, but right at 5:30, when they open. We were the first ones in the restaurant, but by the time we had left, there were about 5 other tables filled. Service was excellent. I didn't get our servers name, but he was young, shaved head, accent, good looking. He was awesome. My boyfriend and I ordered a salad to share, so our server put it on two plates, which was really nice. The bread was good. The food was good, but not great. We had the mozzarella salad app, which I really liked. My balsamic salmon and sweet potato fries was good, but something I could have made at home. My boyfriend enjoyed his entree of jalapeno garlic glazed chicken with vegetables and mashed potatoes. I really gave it four stars for the service. Our waiter was always filled, the servers timing was always right, the hostess was friendly. It was a good time (and the right price). And the bar has Passoa, one of my favorite liquers. From the the decor, the restaurant looks more expensive than it is. The music was a little ecletic (Destiny's Child, Bobby Brown, then oldies?). I would definately go back.
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I'd never been to Laurel before, but I'd always heard that it had a great gay scene. I popped in with my sister and her fiancee the other night, and was greeted by the happiest, most sociable bartender I've ever met, Randy. He said he was filling in for the regular bartender that night, but I found myself wishing he worked all the time! Drinks were good (and strong), food was delicious, and the open, festive atmosphere was enhanced by our fabulous bartender. Gay or straight, Laurel is the place to be.
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I'm used to being able to dress rather casually for brunch, but this place is a bit more formal and I felt grossly under-dressed in a denim skirt and sandals. Still, the poppy seed bread and scones were very tasty (I ate so many scones that I was already stuffed by the time my omelet arrived). Our server was attentive, and it wasn't too crowded or expensive.
My company had our holiday dinner here a couple years ago. It was a good time with good food, we sat in the function room in the back.
Was in here recently with a friend for dinner. We met up just after they had opened for the day, so there were very few people when we arrived. The place had filled in pretty nicely by the time we left without it feeling cramped.
The bartender is great, he's very personable and funny. He'll have you guess where he's from if you ask about his accent.
Dinner was good, dessert was good, wine was good, service was good. What more is there to say?
In all honesty, because hey, we're on the interton and honesty is in a steady supply....this is some great food.
like, SUPER great food.
I GUARANTEE that you will have the sort of meal that when you see the check...you feel guilty that you aren't giving them enough for what they have done for you.
They do amazing things with fish, things that I never really though of or experienced in other restaurants. Everything is good on the menu, from top to bottom.
Then there's Errol. he is a man among men, a bartender among bartenders. He, himself, has earned this place five stars...nay, fifteen stars!
I'm not even going to mention the gaggle of cool gay men that hang around the bar and chatter...all very cool, all very fun.
Just go, FFS. It's the best value in Boston, bar none. You'll feel like you're robbing the place.
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This place is really really really good.
I want to give it 4 1/2 stars.
great food, cooked to perfection.
beautiful decor and atmosphere.
nice menu for meat eaters, vegetarians etc. everyone will find something here.
potent drinks!
yum yum yum.
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I love that this place looks fancy yet has such a casual attitude. It's a nice lunch spot and last time I was there they were even bumping out techno music (which was a bit weird for lunch, but I went with it). The servers are very chill, many are foreign and I can never understand the specials when they tell me them, but either way, everyone is a blast here, the food is amazing, the prices are so incredibly reasonable for the amount and quality of the food.
GET: The turkey sandwich with the cranberry chutney and mushroom stuffing (WOW!), the rotisserie chicken salad, or any of the yummy specials!
SKIP: Nothing! Everyone I've ever been with has enjoyed their meal!
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Something's up with this place - incredibly attentive and knowledgeable staff, a big wine list, and a full, delicious menu...and yet, everything costs the same as food you get in a pub. I mean, our bottle of wine was $30, which was cheaper than what you can get at your average bar. I had the cornbread stuffed sole with bacon and mussels, which was very tasty if not overwhelmingly awesome. My fellow diners' entrees were both great - the linguini with shrimp was simple but very well done, and the sirloin was tender and very, very flavorful. Dessert was good but not great - at $7 the eight-layer chocolate trifle was the only thing on the menu that wasn't a tremendous value.
Overall, a very positive dining experience, and a great place for out of town guests, given its Copley Square location and atypical prices.
The food here is amazing, and has something to please literally anyone who walks in. I've been there three times, twice for dinner, and once for brunch, and have been so impressed with the quality of the food and especially the price! It really is kind of amazing that a restaurant that serves moderately fancy bistro food could be so inexpensive, but that's also why it makes a good place for one to offer to pay at! Drinks were cheap ($6-10ish), portions were huge (2 duck legs, two slices of meatloaf, and a giant filet of haddock were in our order), and it tasted delicious.
The only downsides I had were that it got REALLY loud, because they pack people into the bar, and it was hard to hear/understand my waitress at times, but I'm also willing to overlook those things because it's so yummy and cheap.
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I've got to say that I was impressed with this restaurant. I took a date there and was very pleased with my choice for a good night out. We had reservations and were seated promptly. The inside is large and open, but not too loud. We had a table in the back and the atmosphere was suitable for a romantic night. The food was great and I can't believe how fast it came out from the kitchen. Their bread was homemade and tasty too. Another great thing was the prices! The bill came to a total of $57, and that includes 2 of their more expensive meals, drinks and tip! I will be a returning customer.
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We went there on Saturday evening. I would suggest reservations if you are dining later in the evening. The place was packed by 7:30. Dinner for 4 w/ a bottle of wine was less than $80 per couple, including Tip.
The streets looked packed for parking, but our friends were able to find a spot only a block away.
Very mellow atmosphere. All of the staff was friendly. I would dine there the next time that we go into the city for sure.
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I just keep on coming back to Laurel. Every time I bring friends, they're always impressed with the quality of the food at the price point. I think I enjoy sitting at the bar, rather than a table (not that the service is bad, I'm just a bar kind of guy). This is the place I always bring my out of town guests to, which I think says it all.
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I went here for my birthday with friends and the food was delish and drinks were stiff. The staff was attentive and personable. I got serenaded and left both full and tipsy. Good eats hidden away on Berkley St.
Boston's best kept brunch secret. Fantastic Sunday late morning/early afternoon spot - never a wait, excellent food, great service. Highly recommend.
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I wasn't too blown away by the Laurel Grill & Bar. I did have an excellent $6 glass of shiraz and I could eat the crispy polenta side dish 3 times a day for the rest of my life...but overall, not very good.
My basil crusted chicken breast was really quite bad. It had a fishy/metallic taste to it. My friend did really enjoy her cornbread stuffed fish dish though.
3 stars for the delicious cheap wine, sweet server and yummy side dish, but I don't think I'll be returning for dinner. The lunch menu looked a little more appealing.
Laurel is a great place to go if you want to have a nice sit-down meal in a classy atmosphere but not spend a lot of money. Their prices are very reasonable with most of the entrees around $15. Last time I was there I had the salmon, which was done nicely. Our table shared several desserts, all of which were delicious. The best thing about this place, however, for me is the price. It's hard to find this kind of nice atmosphere with a reasonable price. If you're looking more for very very good food, there are better places to go, but you will not regret going to Laurel if you want to be conservative with your cash. Highly recommended as a good value.
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In a word, unpretentious. The food was good, the service was excellent., the dining room and general vibe feel lived in, human, and warm. I was there with my mom, but there were friends, dates, and a nice large party of about 14 people. Everything was absolutely convivial. A contrast to the higher end restaurants in the surrounding area. Food is decent, especially for the money. Recommend it for any night you want a nice dinner without the fuss.
I love Laurel! The food and drinks are always excellent. My friends took me to dinner here for my birthday in October and everyone enjoyed their meals.
One of my favorite restaurants. The food and service are consistently good and the prices are amazing for what you get. It's the most inexpensive high-end dining experience you'll have in Boston. The atmosphere is both elegant and yet casual. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable. The wine list is excellent. The bartender mixes up great drinks. The barflies are always highly entertaining.
And best of all is the amazing yummy chocolate-to-die-for-parfait thingy that tops off the meal. A MUST ORDER for dessert.
I love love love Laurel.
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