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Townsend's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Irish Restaurants American (New) Irish, American (New) [Edit]
81 Fairmount Ave(between 2nd New Way & 3rd New Way)
Hyde Park, MA 02136
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
(617) 333-0306
- Nearest Transit:
-
Fairmont Ave @ Pierce St (24, 24/27)
Fairmont Ave Opp Nott St (24, 24/27)
Fairmount (Fairmount Line, Franklin Line)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Townsend's Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Monday night band is ridiculously good."
(in 2 reviews)
"There was a blues/jazz band playing and they were..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...pizzas are always creative,fish and chips are incredible."
(in 4 reviews)
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Dan S.
Readville, MA
2/15/2011
Great atmosphere and fantastic food, a little gourmet haven for Hyde Park!
Went there for a Valentine's Day dinner. The lighting was dimmed and the place had the feel of warmth and intimacy. We were seated at a cozy table near the fire place and our server was right there ready to take our drink order.
There was a blues/jazz band playing and they were absolutely terrific. We swayed to the music and enjoyed conversation over delicious espresso martinis.
I ordered the 14oz Angus (the server had informed me up front that they had run out of the sirloin) and my wife had mushroom ravioli. Both were spectacularly delicious and served in not time at all.
Can't say enough good things about this place. The prices are a small step above casual dining (appx $20 entrees) but well worth it!
You can tell this place aspires to be something special, and not just a place to "grab some grub." They are doing an excellent job! -
Review from Katie C.
8/20/2011
I had a great experience here on a Tuesday night for dinner. The restaurant is nestled right on the Hyde Park / Milton border and although it feels like it's in an industrial section of town, you will be pleasantly surprised when you walk in the door. The restaurant is warm and cozy and there's even an upstairs, too. Although it seems to have a bit of a "townie" feel to it, the hostess was warm and welcoming and showed us quickly to a table along the window. The ceilings are high, so voices do carry.
My friend and I first started with a beer - it was great to see a variety of beers that aren't the "typical" you see in just about every bar. We ordered the mussels as our appetizer. These were the best mussels I have ever had (and I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, proclaimed as the seafood capital of the east coast). The mussels were plentiful, cooked to perfection, and seasoned perfectly. It was even served with toasted bread to dip in the white wine sauce.
We moved on to our main course. I had the shrimp scampi over penne pasta. There was no option for whole wheat pasta, which would have been nice, but the entree was still awesome. Although seasoned a little heavy with garlic, the shrimp was huge and the sauce tasted great. When topped with parmesan cheese, it completed the meal. My friend had the salmon, and according to her, it was cooked perfectly. The restaurant wasn't busy at all, so our food came out fast and HOT! Just when we thought we couldn't eat anymore, the dessert menu was just too tempting. We split the "Banoffee" dessert - bananas cooked in toffee. So rich, so sweet, and so good.
Overall, it was a perfect experience. The menu left me wishing for a little "more" variety, but I had a great meal with great company. Townsend's is a gem; although tucked off the main roads of Hyde Park, it's certainly worth the adventure! -
Review from Chas K.
Updated - 7/14/2011
Had a hugely disappointing dinner here tonight. It was good to see that one of Townsends strong points - a very good selection of microbrews - remains. At about $5 a pop, they're a good deal. I had an Allagash White and my wife had a Crispins Hard Cider, which was right in between sweet and dry. I also noticed that some of the prices have dropped. The Wagyu burger went from $15 to $12 and the fish & chips went from $18 - I think - to $15. That's where the good news stops, because at least one of those price decreases came at a high cost - quality and quantity.
My Fish & Chips was lousy. I'm probably overestimating the portion size when I tell you that it was 4 ounces. That is seriously measly. Worse still is that the fish was...ready?...sole! The fish in Fish & Chips must always be haddock or cod (though many UK shops use dogfish, a small shark), not a skinny, dry filet of sole. I'd rather they'd kept the price at $18 and served a decent cut of flaky cod. I am not kidding when I say that a McD's Filet O' Fish Sandwich would have been much more satisfying. Another turn-off was getting a 1/2 empty bottle of kechup that had a black rind at the mouth. Come on, filling and cleaning ketchup bottles every night is restaurant management 101.
In fairness, the server asked if she could bring me something else. That was a decent gesture, but I passed. I went to Townsends with Fish & Chips on my mind.
My wife said her shrimp scampi ($19) was good. The cream sauce was nontraditional, but she liked the flavor.
I'm sorry that I can't give this place a good review, but I hate wasting money on bad meals.
Let me know what you think of this review by clicking one of the buttons below.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/23/2010
Correction on the average beer price. Checked my receipt and they ran around $5 - 6 a pop for… Read more »
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Review from Adam D.
West Roxbury, MA
Updated - 12/30/2010
Monday night band is ridiculously good. Mussels tasty. Beer selection stays strong.
...worth getting kicked out of the house for... :-)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2009
I really like this place, like I do old friends and cozy slippers. I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could.… Read more »
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Review from Catherine D.
Boston, MA
5/19/2009
In Hyde Park, Townsend's is like a diamond in the haystack. Although it is pricier than most restaurants, it is well worth it and has a great atmosphere.
The bartender is funny and, if seated in his area, very helpful with their wide selection of imported and artisan beers. All dishes are made of quality ingredients, often from local farms, for a menu that changes with the seasons.
I have eaten here dozens of times, and have only had 1 mediocre experience. I would attribute this to being on overly crowded nights with too much hustle and bustle in the kitchen.
Other than that, it has always been a wonderful dining experience that I recommend. -
Review from Justin C.
Boston, MA
12/25/2008
I've been here 3 times for dinner now, and have had inconsistent experiences, though my overall impression is undoubtedly positive. I'd really rate it a 3.5, and am torn between 3 and 4 stars on it.
The space and atmosphere are pretty nice. It's a really good sized two floor locale, with lots of space between the tables. The clearly opted for that, and for fewer larger tables; I might've laid it out with more tables for two. The bar area is pretty small, and has a couple of other tables that are separate from the first floor dining area.
Service has been inconsistent, but they are new and still working this put. The proprietors and bartenders are great, but I have had different experiences with different servers, and different wait times for food to come out.
The food is pretty solid - the waiygu burger is highly recommended, served on toasted foccacia. I usually request some of their Parmesan truffle mayo to add to the it. The shepherd's pie is atypical and delicious; it's hard to describe, but is more like a free form lamb meatloaf than a traditional shepherd's pie. I would not order the lamb shank again - this was dry and not too meaty.
Their pate appetizer is outstanding, as are all of their "frites"; you can pair those, served four different ways including poutine style, with moules. Their moules assortment comes in 4 preperations as well, each of which is made with a different kind of beer, but I don't really fancy moules so haven't tried them.
They have about 10-15 beers on tap, including Smithwick's, Guinness, and Stone IPA. Love that selection. I think in a few months, if they continue to get business in this relatively new frontier 'hood for a restaurant of this nature, they will be a solid 4 star Irish Pub. -
Review from Amanda M.
Astoria, Queens, NY
11/29/2009
What a great find!!
After a somewhat large group of us (12) went to see my cousin perform in The Nutcracker, we headed back to Hyde Park where my aunt and uncle suggested Townsend for dinner.
They were able to accommodate our large (and rather loud) group easily and the service was amazing. The menu was not extensive but it had a lot of variety. I tried the bolognese with grilled lamb and pancetta and was not disappointed. I also had bites of many other dishes- mushrooms and duck, Greek pizza, and amazing french fries that went with the wagyu beef burger. And let me tell you, this place also makes a mean cup of coffee.
I will definitely be returning as there were so many other things that caught my eye. This is definitely a gem in Hyde Park which is not really known for more fine dining. -
Review from Steve G.
Boston, MA
11/22/2008 2 photos
We went to Townsend's last night for the first time. We sat at the bar and were initially impressed with both the selection of beer and wine. You usually don't get such a nice wine selection at an Irish Pub.
I was impressed by the wide selection of beers on tap, including at least (4) from Belgium. You can sample (4), get a pint, or even a 1/2 pint.
For dinner I had the Sheppards Pie. I've never seen anythign like it. Really great presentation and tasty. I ordered it on the suggestion of the bartender who helped me decide between it and the short ribs. He said everything is good on the menu but since it was Friday, the pie was hte way to go. Funny.
My wife had the fish and chips. We took home what loked like a whole fish as leftovers.
The french fries were awesome.
After eating I looked around. The restaurant looks small but there's seating in back AND upstairs.
We'll be back. -
Review from Frank B.
Milton, MA
Updated - 5/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
This update is long overdue. Second chances happen for a reason.
Have been back to Townsend's several times lured in by it's Monday music venue "Dog House Monday Blues". Hosted by Mario Perrett,one of Boston premier sax players and Ed Sheer of "The Love Dogs" the place rocks to the best Blues,R&B,Soul talent Boston has to offer.
Townsend's is a warm ,comfortable place with a menu to match.Apps and flat bread pizzas are always creative,fish and chips are incredible.
Excellent selection of beers,local domestic and import. Same can be said for wine selection.
Overall Townsend's is a good choice.May be a little pricey for the area but not for the quality of food.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/13/2009
Tried Townsend's for first time.Not your typical Irish Bar.Great selection of beers,import,domestic… Read more »
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Review from Anthony C.
Hyde Park, MA
3/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love this place! Live right around the corner and it is always awesome to have someplace nice to go to outside of chain restaurants. I had the burger which was good and the banana bread pudding for dessert. It was very good. My wife had the mussels and the cheese plate and loved both!
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Review from Nicole C.
Hyde Park, MA
Updated - 11/9/2008
I go to Townsends all the time, but last night was the first time I went since they introduced the new fall menu. We went on Friday night - it was PACKED! It was great to see everyone coming out to Hyde Park for a great meal in a great environment.
I had the peppardelle w/ wild mushrooms and red currants. Amazing. I shared the traditional mussels (they now have three kinds) with my Dad. And my dad and husband both got the burger (which is always great.)
There is a long table near the bar, and becuase it was packed, we decided to sit between two different parties. We chatted with both groups during our time there - they were friendly, fun and we had some great conversation and laughs.
Another great night out at Townsends!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/2/2008
Brand New - Townsend's is such a welcome addition to the Hyde Park neighborhood. We've been there… Read more »
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Review from Diane D.
Milton, MA
1/23/2010
This place just keeps getting better and better. The menu provides some innovative choices (the smoked trout pate, the creole shrimp...), and the ambiance is terrific. What a pleasure to be greeted at the door by Mike, the owner---not because we're special or regular patrons---but because that's the way it's done old-school. Good to see people making this a place to come and enjoy a drink, food & time with friends.
The prices for entrees range from $15 to high twenties, I think. Appetizers are generous and reasonable: about $5-9. If prices were a bit lower I'd give the place 5 stars and come more often. But I'm glad this establishment is making a go of it. How wonderful to have such a place so close to Milton and Dorchester. -
Review from S H.
La Canada Flintridge, CA
5/18/2008
Perfect pours, great food and incredible staff. Nothing gets better than that for a Sunday brunch.
Minus 1 star for no off street parking and horrible cold air drafts in the winter. -
Review from Laura D.
Hyde Park, MA
8/15/2008
I've only been once, but definitely plan to go again! The food was really good, very well done with excellent presentation. The service was smooth and attentive without being intrusive. The wine pours were a little small, and the list is short, but I hope that will improve in time. Very roomy - tables are well spaced - noise level was not bad at all. Nice bar but fills up quickly! A very nice place I would be happy to take anyone here!
Listed in: Fave Neighborhood Spots
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Review from Dustin B.
Hyde Park, MA
8/29/2010
I live down the street from here, and finally managed to make it in here about a handful of times at this point. As far as i know, its the only place in Hyde Park with 22 beers on tap that are all rotating craft beers. The bartenders, John and Mike seem like great guys and I've had some good times chatting with them and other patrons at the bar. I can't comment much on the food, as I've only stopped in for drinks, but friends and family from the neighborhood have great things to say. I know I'll be going back!
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Review from Travis D.
Boston, MA
12/12/2009
Great date night! I saw Townsend's on the Phantom Gormet and had to check this place out. It more than lived up to expections. Parking seemed difficult but there is an employee stationed outside that will gladly guide you to the best spot. The environment inside was great. Smiling Irish faces in a dimly lit atmosphere directed us to our table with a large drink menue full of great wines and imported draft and bottled beer. Customers seated close by raved about how delicious their selected entree tasted, amd by the time our Ceaser Salad arrived, I understood why. Extreemly helpful/friendly staff along with a great food and drink made for a great evening. Try the dessert... Yum.
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Review from Sean C.
Boston, MA
I have been frequenting Townsends with my brother since it first opened, and this is truly the epitome of your friendly neighborhood bar. The vast, frequently changing menu has a selection that is sure to please everybody. As well, the owners and the head bartender are extremely knowledgeable on the rotating beer menu and the large selection of white, red, and port wines. Add the seasonal beer dinners, the Monday night Blues, and the ever changing desserts and you have yourself a truly wonderful spot in an area devoid of great restaurants and bars. Townsends is both.
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Review from Sherri Q.
Hyde Park, MA
5/20/2010
The lighting, what's with the lighting!!!
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Review from Marisa C.
West Roxbury, MA
7/19/2010
Best pork chops I've ever had
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Review from D W.
MA
Updated - 8/6/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Always something new and interesting at Townsend's. Seasonal menus, Blues night menu. Daily specials Beer of the month. Great Blues on Mondays.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/15/2008
Interesting menu of neuvo pub food. Eclectic draught beer selection. A nice friently oasis in a part… Read more »
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Review from Lynda M.
5/3/2009
I do not think I have ever been in Hyde Park. I never had a reason to visit, until now. I had been dying to try this place, ever since I heard the owners used to own the Kendall Cafe in Cambridge. I was a big fan of the Kendall, and was not disappointed in Townsend's. I dined here with 9 friends last night. The space seems small from outside, but it is large and spacious with two floors. The bar area is small, and there is a fireplace in the first floor dining area. Tables are not too close (I hate it when your dining neighbors are in your lap), and the sage green and wood decor is very nice. They even have a new trellised outdoor patio, with water features and plants. We dined upstairs, which with its own bar would be a great place for a private party. We enjoyed sirloin steaks, home made spinach gnocchi (yum!), scallops, burgers and salmon. Portions were very large, and the beer/wine selection was varied (La Posta Malbec..mmm..yum) Our waitress was excellent, she kept an eye on us but was not intrusive. I will be back again to enjoy a meal on the patio, and look forward to a seat by the fire when the weather turns cold again.
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Review from Kate L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
5/14/2010
Went here for dinner last night with some friends and to watch the Celtics game. I was excited to go, as I'd heard great things about it. People weren't exaggerating! We had the smoked trout, the American Fries and the Hummus plate for apps...all amazing! I'm not a huge fry girl, but they were definitely good. The smoked trout was outstanding!! The hummus was good, too, and served with lots of acoutrements. I can't comment on the service too much, because we sat at the big table in the bar and the bartender (who I think is the owner) took care of us. He did a great job, but I can't really comment on the service in the dining room. Also, they have a great beer and wine list, and Rosa Regale in the glass, which I love! For dinner only my husband and I ate ('cause we're fat asses like that!). He got the burger. Everyone is not kidding, it's one of the best burgers I have ever tasted!! I got the spicy chicken sandwich with chipolte mayo. I'd eat chipolte mayo on cheerios if I could, and this was delicious. I was jealous of my husbands burger, but really, my sandwich was fantastic, also. We didn't try dessert, but I'm looking forward to going back and eating my way through the menu!
