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Tavern On the Water

3.5 star rating
based on 63 reviews

Categories: Restaurants, Bars  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Charlestown
1 8th St
Pier 6

(at 1st Ave)
Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 242-8040
Hours:

Mon-Tue. 11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wed-Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Dinner
Best Nights:
Thu, Fri, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No

63 reviews for Tavern On the Water

Review Highlights   

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"I like the addition of the bloody mary bar for Sunday Brunch." (in 6 reviews)
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"looking out beautiful view of Boston Skyline." (in 5 reviews)
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"The highlight of the meal was the lobster mac and cheese." (in 5 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of emily c.

Elite '09

29

118

emily c.

Astoria, NY

3 star rating
10/12/2009

Definitely loved the inexpensive menu and bar-ish food selections. Had the glazed salmon which was actually pretty stellar. Also had a bite of the clam chowder, which in my novel experience, was pretty good. Their sangria was weak though, and just tasted like juice. But what really knocked off a star was the crappy crappy service. The waitress had absolutely no desire or interest to be there and acted like any request we had (which wasn't much) was a total chore. After which she proceeded to stand right by the table behind us and chat like it was nobody's business for the next 20 minutes.

Sorry, I'm a blunt bi&^8. But yucky service really weighs alot on my assessment. Bright side though - good food!

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Photo of ericalynn g.

Elite '09

268

516

ericalynn g.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
9/7/2009

A cute bar and restaurant with an expensive menu for pub seafood.  I suppose the glorious views in some way should make the menu prices worth it but as I sipped my $8.00 mojito out of a plastic cup and enjoyed my $14.50 oyster appetizer on a bunch of paper plates, I wasn't quite convinced (even though those items, as well as the lobster mac and cheese I shared, were all quite tasty.)   When a glass fell from one of the higher levels onto a table below (with two unsuspecting customers narrowly missed by the broken glass) I started to really dig the plasticware.

The location is obviously beautiful and I doubt I could find a complaint with the food, but I am not always willing to spend upwards of $50 for myself for lunch and a drink when it isn't a little more upscale.  But I hear Josh Beckett lives mere steps away, so there's that!

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Photo of Debra L.

Elite '09

173

334

Debra L.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
6/15/2009

I have always liked this bar for what it is. It's a waterfront bar in a great location with a gorgeous view of the city. It's exactly what you'd expect. Beer served in plastic cups and an eclectic mix of people bumping into each other while trying to make their way to the bar.

This is why I am pleasantly surprised by the food here. Would I suggest it as a "dinner destination"? No. But, a good bar atmosphere that serves a decent meal, absolutely!

The food is a step above basic bar food, and contrary to what some other reviews say, I didn't think it was overpriced at all. At our table, we had a wedge salad which was exactly what you want in a wedge salad - nothing fancy just crisp, fresh ingredients and good Blue Cheese dressing. We also had a steak Teriyaki appetizer that was again, exactly what you'd expect, in a good way. We also had a fried shrimp platter that was quite good. I mean, it was fried seafood so it wasn't a culinary masterpiece but everything was cooked really well and it wans't overly greasy.

The highlight of the meal was the lobster mac and cheese. A few of us had that and one person thought it wans't cheesy enough but that was only because she didn't mix it up and a lot of the cheese was on the bottom of the bowl. I was actually happy that it wasn't cheese soup. There were breadcrumbs on top, which I love,  and a generous portion of lobster. The small spiral pasta was still a little firm, exactly how it should be.

The minus 1- star is for the lack of dessert in the summer. We were told that they only serve it in the winter because in the summer they need to turn over the tables too quickly. Booo.

Don't expect great dinner service. After all, this place is more of a bar than a restaurant. You'll actually have better service getting a beer at the bar. They also had a surprisingly impressive wine list too. But, it's not really a wine kind of atmosphere, so I had beer. They were out of my first choice so I opted for Stella on tap, which I like, but I woke up with a headache this morning.

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Photo of Kel C.

 

0

1

Kel C.

Boston, MA

1 star rating
Updated - 11/13/2009

please yuppie owners, give the town back their tavern!!! it is a tavern, not a bistro. it use to be so fun there with tavern food, and tavern atmosphere. now it is stuck up and caters to the well to do yuppies of the navy yard who think they are better then everyone else. (fire the cannons!)
it was a shame when they took over that they fired everyone in there one by one. we all worked thru the new, renovation part. as the season grew warm and money was to be made...poof we were all fired. don't worry, karma comes back 3-fold. and when it does, it will be me laughing!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 1 star rating
    1/21/2009

    I use to work for Tavern on the Water. I worked there before new ownership took over, and I loved… Read more »

Photo of Steve C.

 

0

6

Steve C.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
7/30/2009

From the name alone, you know that the one thing this place has to be good for are the views. On this they don't disappoint. There are windows everywhere and you get great views of the city. When I first arrived (early, so I sat at the bar), I thought I was on the way to a great review. The staff was great and really friendly plus the views. When we were seated, everything was going well...That's when things changed...

Again, service was not an issue. We were told which beers would be bottles or cans, so we could avoid that if wanted. We ordered our food (we were a party of 10, so we saw a wide range of the menu). I ordered the Tuna. What a mistake, the tuna just wasn't good, with the flavors not resembling what was mentioned. It almost tasted sour. The rice it sat on was also pretty bad. The wakame salad was probably the best part of the entree. My friend said his scallops were "o.k." Two people ordered the swordfish steak and said it was "not bad". The Steak tips were mediocre. The winners at the table seemed to be those that went with the fried dishes (but how do you really screw those up, right?) I tried the clam strips and agreed they were good, and people liked the calamari.

I liked this place for everything except the food. Great place to grab a beer with friends and relax in the summer, but I recommend eating beforehand or planning on doing so afterwards.

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Photo of Caitlin C.

Elite '09

18

90

Caitlin C.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
8/31/2009

Oh, T on the W. I recently discovered this lovely establishment and was delighted to find such a place in such close proximity to my residence.  Stunning views of Boston, beverages served in plastic cups, mediocre pub fare, a charming mix of townies, tourists, cougars and boat people, and possibly the cleanest port-a-potties ever. I've never been on the upper level (I suspect they may have the privilege of proper bathrooms), so I can't really comment on that.  The bottom level is pretty fun though.  Beware:  they will cut you off if you exhibit unruly behavior and may refuse you re-admittance if you should decide you wish to re-join your friends.

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Photo of Patrick B.

 

24

5

Patrick B.

Allegheny, PA

4 star rating
4/9/2009

Great place.  I ate there today with my girlfriend.  Great fish and the service was very good.  On a nice day, it cannot get better.  Watched the Sox game with locals and the manager checked on us personally to see how we were doing.  

I'll go back

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Photo of Stephanie T.

 

1

10

Stephanie T.

Somerville, MA

2 star rating
5/17/2009

Drinks are fine but pricey.
Food is overpriced and not great.

Great view of the city.

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Photo of Amie F.

Elite '09

58

118

Amie F.

Mid-Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
6/8/2009

Great place if you want to be outside & have amazing views of the city. Got there early and it definitely got more crowded as the night went on. I was there with a large group and we'd put our names in for a table at 7pm and didn't sit until after 10pm. We understood because they don't have many large tables, etc., but it was a little annoying. BUT they did make up for it w/ a few free appetizers, and were very apologetic. The food was OK - nothing special but definitely decent. Drinks range from average to overpriced from what I could tell. Would definitely go back!

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Photo of Jenna P.

 

16

33

Jenna P.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
7/21/2009

Tavern on the Water has a beautiful view of the harbor/city and that is the #1 reason people go there. Food is normal to "classy" pub food.  I ordered the crab and asparagus baked haddock and it was very good and reasonably priced considering it is right on the water. Me and my two friends also ordered the guacamole and it was pretty good. I live right down the street and it's convenient for me to walk there, otherwise....parking SUCKS and the garage is expensive and it's valet only.  The waitress did a poor job of clearing our table of excess dishes and didn't refill my glass of water until it was way past empty and I had to ask her to fill it after I realized she wasn't paying any attention.  Nice place, nice view, good food, decent prices, odd shaped restaurant though.  I will visit this place a few times this summer though!

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Photo of Dika K.

 

4

16

Dika K.

Cambridge, MA

1 star rating
8/19/2008

Great location for a terrible local

Pro's: beautiful views of Boston's harbor and sky line, very good clam chowder, and this is also one of the few places open for drinks before dinner time in Charlestown's Navy Yard. Its very convenient for all the scientists working in MGH's research complex a couple of blocks away.

Con's: the calamari are scandalously spare, the drinks are overpriced, the waitstaff is creepy, the decor is dismal, downstairs on the dock the drinking area is more of an astro turf drunkard-pig pen with outdated music, no cocktails, and a depressing porta-potty restroom option.

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Photo of John S.

 

9

8

John S.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
7/24/2008

Tavern on the Water was recommended to me the other day because I had some friends coming in to town from abroad, and the view of the city was said to be amazing.  This is about the only notable thing going for this oddly shaped building that really isn't on the way to much.  Drink selection is very limited, and how they get away with charging 5 bucks for a draft that comes in a plastic cup is beyond me.  I had the chowder which was good, not great.

Bring your friends when they're in from out of town if you're looking for pretty forgettable food with a great view of the city.

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Photo of Kristina B.

Elite '09

145

248

Kristina B.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
8/24/2008

Went here with ten other folks (brother, friend from Delaware, friend's Air Force friends, and a baby).  The walk over from North Station wasn't too bad, but I can see how it would be pesky in cold weather.

We sat in a semi-private room with windows rather than in a true open-air section of the restaurant so the view and the tabling arrangement were sub-optimal.  I usually can't stand long tables for big groups though.

Four of us split the fried seafood combo (shrimp, scallops, clams plus cole slaw and fries) as an appetizer.  It turned out well, but I am glad I didn't do a full-on fried entree because of the fried-overload factor.  

On to the entrees:
-My citrus-glazed salmon with jasmine rice and lemon dressed greens was a solid four stars
-My friend Tim's Thai chicken and shrimp was about 4.5 stars--it was yummy with a little bit of a kick
-My brother's Constitution burger was solid.  He asked the waitress why "bacon cheddar = Constitution", but she had no good answer.

I'd go back in summer weather after a wander through the North End (or save up some tummy room for cannolis on the wander back).

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Photo of Lawrence M.

 

17

32

Lawrence M.

Malden, MA

3 star rating
7/13/2008

My boyfriend and I attempted to have dinner at Tavern on the Water last Thursday night, after I read a review in Boston Magazine that just couldn't stop gushing about the great city views from their outdoor seating area.  At the time, I was fairly certain that the views must be fantastic, but with no available on-street parking and an hour-and-a-half wait to be seated, THAT was not going to be the night I'd find out first-hand.

So we went back again this afternoon (a Sunday) at around 3:00 PM to give the place a second chance.  We quickly found parking and walked about 5 minutes to the restaurant - which is when things got a little weird.

We approached the building and weren't entirely certain where to go or what to do.  There was a sign pointing to the bar (which wasn't what we were looking for, really - we wanted FOOD) and a staircase that went up the side of the building to god-knows-where.  We weren't sure which way would get us a table, so we milled about for a few moments  until a man approached us and (without introductions) asked to see our ID's.  We told him we were just there to eat - we didn't intend to drink anything other than some diet soda - but he insisted that we'd need to show our ID's, anyway.  That was all fine and well, but then we needed to get our hands *rubber stamped* with skulls-and-crossbones just to go in and eat.  Weird.

So he told us to head up the stairs, where we were greeted by more confusion.  No host stand, no sign stating whether we should wait to be seated or seat ourselves.  We decided to take it upon ourselves to walk toward what looked like some good seating, since there was nobody there to tell us that we should do otherwise.  It was only when we were about halfway through the restaurant when a waitress stopped us and asked what we were up to - apparently, you're supposed to wait to be seated (but we still don't know where you're supposed to wait).

She quickly cleared a table for us outside.  I had a fantastic, sweeping view of the Boston skyline and the Zakim bridge, but my darling dearest had a view of some less-than-stunning condos.

Our waitress was pleasant, if totally overworked (I overheard her explaining to a co-worker that the other server who was supposed to be manning our general area went on break early and left her hanging).  By the time we placed our orders, both of us were totally fed up with the place, since it had caused nothing but discomfort from the moment we arrived.  And then the food came...

And it was really, really good.

I wanted to hate it.  I REALLY wanted to hate it.  But my very basic burger, topped with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, paper-thin slices of red onion, and a slice of ripe tomato, was fantastic.  It was cooked perfectly - hot all the way through, with a slightly pink warm center - and it was one of the juiciest burgers I can ever recall having eaten.  The fries were those mildly-seasoned, totally crispy and delicious ones that I can only seem to find at restaurants and couldn't possibly duplicate at home even if I tried.  My boyfriend got a chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing sandwich which he (albeit hesitantly) also enjoyed.

In the end, I decided that I'm going to give this place one more shot.  It's totally disorganized and a complete pain in the bum to actually GET to... but the views and the food may make it worth the trip, especially now that we sort of know the drill and can avoid some of the confusion we experienced today.

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Photo of Morgan F.

 

245

207

Morgan F.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
6/10/2008

Drinking your booze outside on a 3 level bar + AMAZING views of Boston, can it get better?

YES! At  Brunch there is a make your own Bloody Mary bar! Pick a Vokda of choice and then head over to pour in the house mix, V8, or Tomato Juice to mix to perfect spice levels. Then there are sooo many fun additions! I threw it asparagus, celery, olives, carrots, lemons and limes with reckless abandon until I literally have to eat my way through the drink!

Upon recommendation by my server, I ordered the citrus lemon Vodka, that was amazing and when she brought the glass, I was surprised at HOW FULL of Vokda my glass was! In the words of my server "Yeah, we don't f*ck around!" And by their attitude, you can tell, nothing would would surprise them!

As for the food, if you ask me its a little pricey for what it is, but the Eggs Benedict for brunch is great! I have yet to eat here later in the day, but the is typical American food like burgers with a seafood twist like Lobster Mac and Cheese (only on the dinner menu).

Seating wise, there is something for everyone. My favorite spot for a nice day is the top level back patio, but wear sun screen or you will be more red than the lobsters! If you are looking for some more shade, the "bar esq" stools that overlook the water just inside are perfect for chatting and checking out the view! If those are not your style, there are about a gazillion other options of places to stand/eat!

This is the place to impress your friends on a nice summer day with you vast knowledge of Boston ;)

P.S. Its good in the non-summer too. And Oct-April there is FREE parking right next door!

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Photo of Andrew K.

Elite '09

244

1697

Andrew K.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
8/24/2008

In DC there is Sequoia.
In Philly there is Moshulu.
In Boston, it's Tavern on the Water. Well, in Charlestown.

Good things: Views of Boston skyline are spectacular, explicitly dog-friendly, not overly loud, no cover.

Bad things: Crowd (white, loser frat, er "townies"), the way the bouncer almost tackles you when you move past a boundary with a Smirnoff Ice in your hand.

If I were 21 and in a frat, I would go back. Or, to show someone the excellent view!

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Photo of Sam M.

 

1

6

Sam M.

Somerville, MA

1 star rating
9/10/2008

I work in Charlestown and lunch options in the Navy Yard are few and far between, so if you want to go to a 'restaurant' to be waited on, this is the place to go which is unfortunate considering how crappy it is.

The 'view' is all this place has to offer.  Do you like drinking wine out of a plastic cup?  Do you like warm beer?  Do you like to be waited on by a**holes?  Do you like wilted lettuce in your salads?  Do you like overcooked mussels?  How about nausea?  Dirty bathrooms?  Well then go to the Tavern and enjoy all of these things along with the spectacular view.

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Photo of Jean K.

Elite '09

70

757

Jean K.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
10/13/2008

Since I came on a rainy weekend I totally missed the charms of sipping cocktails under the sun on dock.  However, I doubt my experience was good enough to make me come back and try it out.

Came here for brunch.  This place is basically a dive.  The kind of place you would hang out when you were in college.  Yet people were dressed up as if it was a country club or yacht club.  Maybe it's fun for the Boston Brahmin to slum it for a meal?

The food was passable.  Drinks were okay but served out of plastic cups.  The much vaunted bloody mary bar looked like something set up for a backyard bbq.

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Photo of Mon T.

Elite '09

6

137

Mon T.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
7/22/2008

Very fun place to go with a group of friends on a Friday night.
It's right on the water.... looking out beautiful view of Boston Skyline.
I have tried couple appertizers, they were very good.... (or maybe everything would be delicious after 4 drinks??!!!  Or maybe I couldn't tell???!!! lol)

Sunday brunch is fun too..... They have the "Bloody Mary" Bar where you can creat your own.    The only thing is, they have very limited menu items.... but.... I have tried few different things, they were all delicious.

Note: street parking might be tough in the summer time!  
You can only park at the lot in the winter!!!

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Photo of Liz D.

Elite '09

203

388

Liz D.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
10/19/2007

What really attributed to our amazing time here was the perfect table.  My parents and brother came with me here over the summer and we were put in an ideal setting at an upstairs table by the window overlooking the boating docks and the Boston skyline.  The faint sound of The Beach Boys cover band emanated from the roof deck and the sun was shining brightly this particular day.

Who knows how if would have gone if it was raining, my brother was pulling my pigtails,  and someone at the adjacent table was wasting away in magaritaville all over my lap.

It was the perfect atmosphere to sit and talk without shouting and wonder why people had thrown pepper shakers all over the roof.  We all have our hobbies  I suppose.

My brother is an idiot and pretended to be the image-conscious gay he is by ordering just a small cup of their "award winning" clam chowder, when I knew it was just a front ,and in no time my fried clams sandwich would be in his clutches.

The chowder, really was great, and so was my sammy.    We all split the crab wontons(3 stars) and coconut crusted shrimp(5 star) appetizers.  

We also split the Wedge Salad(Iceberg wedges, Great Hill Bleu Cheese Vinaigrette, crumbled bacon, chopped chives), which was good, but nothing to really write home about.

This of course was accompanied by Coronas and tales of my brother trying to wind my father up.

"Did Elizabeth tell you about her tattoo??"
"We're not talking about THAT."
"Do you think she's a lesbian? She thought the waitress was cute"
"Bradddleeeeeyyyy....."
"Who do you like better, me or her?"
"Just eat your chowder."
me:"well its ME OBVIOUSLY"
brad:"I'M CUTER"

-insert WWIII here-

The waitress screwed everything up, but she really WAS cute..so i'll overlook this.

The prices were decent and I could see myself tying on my finest cableknit sweater and houndstooth this or that and heading out to their outdoor bar for cocktails.  Lots of room to mingle and post up with such a beautiful view that you really can't get unless you're away from the city.

If you are wearing comfy shoes, it is about a 30 minute walk from the city past the north end, over the river, through the woods, to grandmothers house we go?  Otherwise, I would cab it...it is kind of in an odd location so I would google map it first.  My best explanation would be to go past the USS Constitution(if you're on foot) cut through the adjacent park and it will be there at the end of a little cul de sac.

Definitely a place I will return to once the sun starts shining again on this wintery hellhole i call Boston

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Photo of Melanie D.

Elite '09

18

111

Melanie D.

Brookline Village, MA

2 star rating
6/29/2008

Cougars or college kids. Take your pick. You'll have to pay for a lot of watered-down drinks to get them home either way.

Awesome ride over on the water T though.

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Photo of Daniel S.

Elite '09

57

351

Daniel S.

New York, NY

4 star rating
6/24/2007

I can't imagine coming here outside of summer...
...but it's nice to be here when they have the sliding doors opened and a breeze is blowing.  The decor and patrons are both a little cheesy (astro turf and Oakley sunglasses are in high abundance) and the staff is a mixed bag but generally on the ball.  The food is decent (thick chowder, crispy fries, tasty popcorn shrimp, good salads) and the bartenders are tolerant of my friends and I sitting there for about three hours getting un-elegantly wasted.
It has an AMAZING view of Boston also.  A perfect summer weekend day starts off late at the beach, heads here for early diner, and than drinks at the bar while the lights of the city come on.  I always leave here and head back with my appreciation for the city renewed.

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Photo of Kevin M.

 

1

32

Kevin M.

Charlestown, MA

4 star rating
2/25/2009

Star rating has only to do with the location.  On a nice summer day, after work, no place I prefer to have a drink more.  Restaurants/bars with great outdoor space in Boston are really limited, that's what really makes this place.  Nice deck on the downstairs bar and open windows and a little outdoor seating on balcony upstairs.  Perfect views of Boston, if you are lucky somedya, perhaps you will get a tunder storm over Boston, great place to watch it.

Food is questionable at best.  Somtimes, this bar is a little "too happening" for me, but good for those who do like to mingle.

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Photo of Lauren W.

Elite '09

42

166

Lauren W.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
8/11/2006

Tavern on the Water is a great spot for a quick lunch or a nice after work drink. Tavern on the Water was recently bought by the group that owns Scollay Square. I think this change in management/ownership has made the Tavern a little nicer. I feel like it's cleaner than it was before. The food is good, I really enjoy a couple of the salads. But really, you go there for drinks with a view. It is THE perfect spot for a margarita or a beer in the summer, you can either sit on the pier patio or upstairs in the bar along the windows.

The reason this location is not a 5 star is because it needs a little TLC to the exterior, which by the way, I believe, is out of the restaurants hands. The bathrooms could also benefit from a little upgrade.

By the way, take the water shuttle from the Boston Aquarium to get here. It's the perfect way to travel from downtown to the Navy Yard!

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Photo of Andrea P.

 

0

19

Andrea P.

Brookline, MA

4 star rating
9/10/2008

This is a great place to go every once in awhile.  I think the food is a little pricey for what it is, but I have never had a bad meal there.  Nothing spectacularly memorable food-wise either though.

The drinks have always been wonderfully strong, which is a plus in my book!  As others have said, the wait staff isn't particularly friendly-but they have always been decent.

The view and openness is really the main attraction.  Also taking the commuter boat while a little tipsy is actually pretty fun!

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Photo of Matthew A.

Elite '09

248

1064

Matthew A.

Salem, NH

5 star rating
11/12/2007

My old JP roomie, Marie lives not far from here with her hubby and 2 cutsie girlie-girls.
She used to bring me here before the marriage.
I noticed straight away, this place attracts the yuppy crowd in droves.
Yes! So many str8 yuppies at happy hour 6-9ish especially in the summer months hanging out and drinking and enjoying the view and the WATER!
THIS RESTAURANT FREEKIN FLOATS!  YES!
How cool is that. I do not know which is cooler... the view or the fact that we are ON THE WATER.
The food is just okay...mediocre at best. The drinks pour strong & heavy duty at high tide . Strong ones here.  Be ready.
Yuppie prices too.

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Photo of Ryan J.

 

7

26

Ryan J.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
8/2/2008

The reviews here have been all over the map and this guy is not surprised.
Here's why:
The food sucks. It's trypical pub food. You'll get the burger, you'll eat it, and it will not be great.

BUT! The food will help you fuel up for the real reason you're there. See, you're there to have a few drinks with friends, meet some new folks, and enjoy the awesome location. Go with that expectation, and this is a very solid place.

Does anyone know where to park at this place? Crikey.

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Photo of Gail V.

 

2

31

Gail V.

Charlestown, MA

5 star rating
7/2/2007

Love this place year round.  Best view of Boston bar none.  It has a beautiful skyline view and sits right on the water.  In the summer, of course, its great to sit outside - they have a dining area outside on the very top level, places to sits outside and at high tables against large windows on the level of the main bar which is one level up from the pier (plus they open the large glass windows for a nice breeze in the summer), and they have the tables at the lower bar on the pier level.  Definitely recommend the Sangria and on Sunday's they have a make your own Bloody Mary bar, (plus good breakfasts).

They are great in the winter, too, though obviously much smaller since their outdoor areas are closed down.  But its very cozy and the view sitting at the high tables against the large windows is crisp, clear and as beautiful as ever.  In the winter, they even allow you to park out on the pier in front of the restaurant.

Their food is very good as well. Their pear salad (with steak or chicken) is excellent and their oysters are outstanding.  They have a great, unique bowl of macaroni with lobster as well.  In the winter I love their clam chowder and an Irish coffee.  They serve a variety of burgers that are substantial, done to order, and come with seasoned fries that hit the spot.

They close early on weekdays, though, and sometimes will close early if there's not a lot of people there.  On a nice day its a great place for lunch and you can walk out to the very end of the pier where there's a seating area where you can sit and watch the sail boats go by the postcard-like view of Boston.

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Photo of Katia M.

Elite '09

66

495

Katia M.

Brookline, MA

3 star rating
1/10/2008

I remember hearing about this place for years before I actually made the walk, deep into Charlestown, one fine Patriot's Day a couple years back.  The place wasn't crowded at all, but that didn't stop us from getting ignored by our waitress.  The food isn't very good. Stick to general bar fare and ignore anything too complicated.  I think I had chicken fingers and was none too impressed -- and come on, it's hard to do truly bad chicken fingers.  It has a great view and it's one of few places with outdoor seating ... but come for the drinks, not the food, and don't be surprised if you don't enjoy yourself all that much in the interim.

If you want a great place to take some visiting friends, this is one of those staples that will make your small town buddy "ooh" and "aah" over big-cty-Boston -- and it should; it has a lovely view.  But this place knows it doesn't have to try very hard -- and doesn't.  And there's not much that I find redeeming in that face.

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Photo of Milee S.

Elite '09

30

352

Milee S.

Brookline, MA

4 star rating
5/23/2007

Normally I come here for drinks with co-workers, as it is not far from where I work, but this time I went for an early dinner.

The place was pretty busy, and it was only 5:30 pm! We sat past the bar, just before the area where you could dine on the deck. It was a bit windy, so we chose the inside. There were a TON of servers hanging about, but that could be due to a private party in the lower part of the boat.

I had the buffalo chicken sandwich which was perfectly spicy. The bf had the Old Ironsides, and substitutions were a breeze.  The portions are a decent size without any leftovers. There are a lot of fish sandwiches, but be warned, most everything is fried, so not the place for a diet.

Drinks are really good and fairly priced, and the water atmosphere makes you feel like you are NOT in Boston, but some suburban restaurant. The views are very clear and unobstructed; but it is NOT fun if it is raining.

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Photo of Whiffen V.

 

5

165

Whiffen V.

Vancouver, BC

Canada

3 star rating
4/17/2008

Not a bad place to hang out during lunchtime.... or play hooky from work..... especially when it's sunny outside

Decent selection of beer

Burger OK - patty fairly decent in size and done just about right for me, but cheese kinda cheesy likely Kraft crap, burger bun way too doughy and just simply too monstrous. Not enough fries.... enough though they were pretty tasty...

Service pretty attentive

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17

28

Sara A.

New York, NY

3 star rating
7/19/2007

This is a great place to sit outside and have a drink.  Absolutely gorgeous view of the city.

However, I thought the food was overpriced and not all that great.  Also, the inside smells like pee...gross.

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Photo of Wendy L.

 

2

12

Wendy L.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
7/23/2007

Upon first impression, this place looks like a cheesy movie set and a 30+ meat market. It's too expensive for me to eat there regularly, and I could only find parking in the garage, which is $15 after 6:00 PM (it's in the tiny print on the bottom of their sign).

But it's a great place for a romantic date in the summer. The view around sunset is gorgeous. And they make the best fish and chips I've ever had. I will definitely bring out-of-town guests here.

They don't take reservations, but make sure to call ahead to get your name on the list. And be prepared for lackluster service, which hardly detracts from the experience.

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0

110

F. B.

Newton, MA

5 star rating
2/20/2009

Haven't been there in awhile, but it always was a great place to have a brew. The food is very good, but it's not really cuisine. I have to give it a 5 because the view from the upper level is spectacularly refreshing making up for minor deficiencies and also for parking difficulties.

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2

88

Jen K.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
6/19/2007

This place was a great place for lunch.  We ate along the rail as there were no other tables available outside and we were too hungry to wait.  I had the clam chowder and crab cake which were both delicious.  It was very relaxing to be sitting up there watching all the boats.  Service was very good.

Bring your sunscreen if you're going to sit outside.  I ended up with a sunburn.

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Photo of Snowflake M.

 

2

13

Snowflake M.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
7/2/2007

The food here is not worth the price at all. Don't try their calamari......disguisting.

This place is only good to be able to drink on the pier and enjoy the view on warm summer days.

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Elite '09

14

71

Henry P.

Cambridge, MA

2 star rating
7/27/2007

If you're visiting Boston, live in the burbs, or looking for a meat market to hook up, it's a nice place to check out....like once.  If you live in the neighborhood, it's teh suxx0rz.  Their old claim to fame was that Nomar G would come by since he lived in Constellation Wharf, but he and Mia are long gone now.

Food is sub-par.  I have a feeling the owners here also own the Warren Tavern and Old Ironsides because their clam chowder all taste the same IMO.

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Photo of Susan D.

Elite '09

48

316

Susan D.

Burlington, MA

5 star rating
8/24/2007

It is a remarkable place to have a casual get-together with girlfriends or your significant other. The ocean views and Boston skyline is splendid. Not many people have gotten this perspective of Boston.

Go to the second floor and nab a seat outside on the wrap around skinny porch. Or just relax inside and grab some Octoberfest. That's exactly what I did and it couldn't have been better.

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6

19

Brian L.

Beverly, MA

3 star rating
8/17/2008

Tasty crowd. Bad shrimp. Good calamari. Average drink fare. Fabulous city views.

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Photo of michelle w.

 

2

57

michelle w.

Newton, MA

5 star rating
7/1/2007

What great views of Boston and set right on the water-- which you cannot beat! Such a fun place for the summer time!

This was my first experience here and hopefully not my last. We mainly came here for drinks, but did get an appetizer (calamari) and some oysters.

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