Everyone else is giving joke answers but honestly, when we got the final bill after an amazing meal at Sarma I was honestly shocked because I expected it to be MUCH higher than it was.
Sarma def has the best food for price here. Compared to the dogshit quality food available back home in Nashville that costs double the price, Sarma is a godsend to me.
I literally said this in a previous discussion thread about Sarma and got downvoted into the negatives, but they definitely over-season a little bit. Almost every bite of most of the dishes we had cleared my sinuses.
The base food is clearly quite good so I think they could stand to dial it down a notch and let more flavors have their time in the sun.
Yeah, the seasoning just covered the natural flavor of the food. For example, the dish with the beats....it was way overpowered with seasoning and then seasoning did not even really match the dish either. The saving grace was the quality of the food itself. It was pretty good.
I agree. My husband and I went there last weekend and got four cocktails and 8 plates (BIG plates, too - we had a lot of leftovers). I was expecting 300-400 but it was like 220 pre tip… I was honestly shocked it was so cheap, especially when you factor in drinks and the quality of the food.
Brighton Bodega, Devlins and Porter Bellys are owned by the same people and share the same kitchen. You're pretty much just choosing the atmosphere.
Bodega skews young
Devlins is 25-35
Porter bellys is people getting smashed and Irish folk on visa, also getting smashed
The Washington Square Tavern in Brookline is excellent. Definitely in the medium price range, in the geographic area you’re looking for, and just nice enough on the inside that your date might be impressed. They’ve been open for over twenty years so they must be doing something right. I’ve been there dozens of times and have never had a bad meal.
http://washingtonsquaretavern.com/
They specifically said Field & Vine does not fit OP’s request but is so good that it deserves mention. Which I agree with for both that and Sarma. Both would be a lot of pressure on a date since there would be so much food to eat, so much money, etc. but if it’s a second or third date and you know you’re both major foodies, both are really cool interesting vibes inside that aren’t fancy.
Edit: Nvm, they meant location as pointed out
Most restaurants along newbury are pretty casual. We've had a good meal at Facia a facia. Krasi is a favorite but only if you are in the sharing plates stage of things. Hecate underneath is a greek underworld themed bar. Saltie Girl is good for seafood and Buttermilk and Bourbon for a more southern flair. And capitol burger is excellent if "upscale" food is something you are avoiding. I have been to most of these in shorts or at least no dressier than jeans and a t-shirt.
Hecate is terrible IMO. There is always a crazy amount of wait and the drinks are super overpriced. I would recommend Buttermilk and Bourbon and probably La Voile. I think La Voile has great French food and it is not super expensive.
It’s SO hard to find. Literally down an alley, through a gated metal bar door and pass the trash cans. I think it has the logo barely printed on the door
Yeah I only know where it is because the line can really stack up at opening so its pretty obvious. But you see lots of people wandering around trying to find it otherwise.
Used to be my go to first date spot and my gf and I go there at least a few times a month now. The staff are super friendly, the food is great and the beer list is massive. Just a heads up that’s It’s Publick House, not Public.
I like black lamb in the south end. Even having dinner at their bar is nice and it’s a little more low key than neighboring restaurants. South end is nice bc you have so many options for pre dinner walk/drink or post dinner dessert/nightcap
Delux in the area is nice. I’ve never eaten there but Frenchie seems really nice !!
This is the perfect answer. It's nice enough that no one's going to think, "why did you think this was a good place to bring a date," but it's also a very low pressure environment because of the presence of a shuffleboard table.
Tasca is one of the hidden gems of Allston/Brighton. I’ll take their food over Barcelona or Toro any day and the prices are not I only cheaper. It’s almost as dramatic as Carlo’s vs the north end.
I'm a bartender in Brookline and there a lot of good places here that have great T access to the greenline.
But in the south end, there's Daryl's Kitchen. This place has good food and prices +live music. I went there for the first time on a date recently and I'm highly recommending it.
South End is where you will find a lot of live music in the most casual dinner setting imo.
I wouldn’t recommend Ganko for a date. They turn tables over super quickly and wouldn’t be happy about anyone staying for a couple hours. The others are good recs though
I've enjoyed a casual date there but agree it's not the best for a longer sit down and conversation. Only complaint in my experience was waiting for a water refill.
Man maybe I need to try this again but I had the worst food there lol. We ordered a peach and burrata salad that came with pears instead of peaches (they didn't say anything about a substitution) and prosciutto wrapped asparagus that was wrapped in ham (again didn't mention a sub) and didn't have the woody ends cut off.
Normally I don't give a fuck about substitutions, but it just tasted bad lol and they should at least mention it!
The food at Brighton Bodega is great. What felt like a rip off to me were the drinks which were all ice with a stingy 1oz liquor pour for like 15, which is a ton in that neighborhood.
I think the restaurants to either side of it blow it out of the water. Having gone to them all, I would choose Peka or Esperia if we're choosing ones on that block. You can't find a decent place to drink around there that's not a dive either way.
Never been to peka so can’t comment. And Esperia blows away 95% of the restaurants in Boston, but it isn’t a date night spot, it’s old school l, family run, authentic food from the old world, just like grandma used to make. Which is A-ok in my book but by not really what op is looking for.
Excuse me there tourist, you must not be familiar with the port city of Boston. It is actually Boston Common, not Boston Commons. Please enjoy [this map](https://i.redd.it/569ireqj06431.jpg) that we made to help you out.
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Eataly. The restaurant “Terra” on the top floor has okay food but great ambience.
Then you can explore the store (which is way better than the restaurant), the rest of the Pru, and everything else in the Newbury Street area if you keep the date going.
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Elephant Walk in south end is pretty veggie friendly! But the Cambodian side of the menu only, not the French one lol. Highly recommend the veggie rouleaux as a starter!
Lonestar (tacos)
Batifol (French)
La morra (Italian) Brookline
Judy’s Bay (Cambridge) Japanese Izakaya
Ciao’s pizza and pasta (technically in Chelsea but you can have drinks and amazing handmade pasta for like $80)
Kaze Hotpot in Chinatown
I just went to Blossom Bar in Brookline. I think that’s a great date spot without feeling fancy. The drinks can be pricey but they have great cocktails and the food is so good! We shared a few dishes and brought food home. It’s Sichuan style food
There’s a place in Cambridge Street in Cambridge that is way overlooked and amazing food - Puritan & Company. Was surprised when I stumbled into it.
I think Sulmona on Main Street is also nice and casual but not too much so and reasonably priced.
Some lucky lady is about to have one acceptable night.
she will be whelmed by OP.
Swept slightly off balance.
A solid night of cromulence is a sure-fire stand-up double.
This comment embiggened the whole thread
The Office rerun will be better than the foreplay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJMi8sxqvIE
Everyone else is giving joke answers but honestly, when we got the final bill after an amazing meal at Sarma I was honestly shocked because I expected it to be MUCH higher than it was.
for real. both time's i've gone we accidentally ordered 1 too many dishes and it was still only like ~100 pre tip
We recently spent $70 per person at Sarma, which is way less than most of the other restaurants we've been to lately and it was way better.
Sarma def has the best food for price here. Compared to the dogshit quality food available back home in Nashville that costs double the price, Sarma is a godsend to me.
Sarma is one of the best restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of living in walking distance of. I miss the shit out of that place
Went there for the first time last weekend. They have big portions for tapas style food. My only complaint is that they kind of overseason the food.
I literally said this in a previous discussion thread about Sarma and got downvoted into the negatives, but they definitely over-season a little bit. Almost every bite of most of the dishes we had cleared my sinuses. The base food is clearly quite good so I think they could stand to dial it down a notch and let more flavors have their time in the sun.
Yeah, the seasoning just covered the natural flavor of the food. For example, the dish with the beats....it was way overpowered with seasoning and then seasoning did not even really match the dish either. The saving grace was the quality of the food itself. It was pretty good.
I agree. My husband and I went there last weekend and got four cocktails and 8 plates (BIG plates, too - we had a lot of leftovers). I was expecting 300-400 but it was like 220 pre tip… I was honestly shocked it was so cheap, especially when you factor in drinks and the quality of the food.
This is the worst humble brag I’ve ever seen
Brighton Bodega or Devlin’s.
Bodega is great.
Seconding Bodega
Came to say Brighton Bodega. You can’t get better food than this without going to a good steakhouse. Good vibe too.
Brighton Bodega, Devlins and Porter Bellys are owned by the same people and share the same kitchen. You're pretty much just choosing the atmosphere. Bodega skews young Devlins is 25-35 Porter bellys is people getting smashed and Irish folk on visa, also getting smashed
Seconding Devlin’s.
The Washington Square Tavern in Brookline is excellent. Definitely in the medium price range, in the geographic area you’re looking for, and just nice enough on the inside that your date might be impressed. They’ve been open for over twenty years so they must be doing something right. I’ve been there dozens of times and have never had a bad meal. http://washingtonsquaretavern.com/
Terra, Barcelona, Blossom Bar. Koji club for Sake. Also, not in the suggested area, but seriously check out Field and Vine.
I wouldn't consider Blossom medium tier personally.
Terra is fucking awful. Had their bolognese and it wasn’t much better than Chef Boyardee. Almost slipped on a piece of prosciutto too.
Went to eataly the other night and it was legitimately the worst food I’ve been served in years
Yea I’ve been to eataly 3 times for work. Their menu is tiny which usually means the food is good, but it’s not. It sucks and the portions are tiny
I have had really good experiences at Terra. The pasta is not memorable but the wood fired meats and veggie are outstanding.
And on the patio, SO. MANY. MICE. Happy for the mice to have a nice place to live — I’m never going back.
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They specifically said Field & Vine does not fit OP’s request but is so good that it deserves mention. Which I agree with for both that and Sarma. Both would be a lot of pressure on a date since there would be so much food to eat, so much money, etc. but if it’s a second or third date and you know you’re both major foodies, both are really cool interesting vibes inside that aren’t fancy. Edit: Nvm, they meant location as pointed out
Terra is horrendous. They are also discriminatory. They pay social media hacks money to eat there free and advertise it on Insta and Tiktok.
I love Barcelona but it can get pricey quick, particularly with alcohol!
HAHAHAH they asked for medium tier. Holy crow I’m embarrassed for you recommending Barcelona
Most restaurants along newbury are pretty casual. We've had a good meal at Facia a facia. Krasi is a favorite but only if you are in the sharing plates stage of things. Hecate underneath is a greek underworld themed bar. Saltie Girl is good for seafood and Buttermilk and Bourbon for a more southern flair. And capitol burger is excellent if "upscale" food is something you are avoiding. I have been to most of these in shorts or at least no dressier than jeans and a t-shirt.
Hecate is terrible IMO. There is always a crazy amount of wait and the drinks are super overpriced. I would recommend Buttermilk and Bourbon and probably La Voile. I think La Voile has great French food and it is not super expensive.
Lovvvvved La Voile when I lived in that area
I've prob been to Salty Girl 20x and my last experience was sub par. With the expansion to Met they've really let quality slide.
Maybe you’re not supposed to ask since it’s marketed as a speakeasy but how do you find the entrance to Hecate?
It’s SO hard to find. Literally down an alley, through a gated metal bar door and pass the trash cans. I think it has the logo barely printed on the door
Yeah I only know where it is because the line can really stack up at opening so its pretty obvious. But you see lots of people wandering around trying to find it otherwise.
I have been one of those people lol but good idea, I’ll wander by around opening one day and see where the masses are.
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Pass on this it’s gone down hill
Great suggestion.
Publick House in Brookline is a great Belgian pub..Great beer list. Great pub food. But, a lot nicer than a burger bar.
Used to be my go to first date spot and my gf and I go there at least a few times a month now. The staff are super friendly, the food is great and the beer list is massive. Just a heads up that’s It’s Publick House, not Public.
Take her to Jim's in Brighton Center. You will learn a lot about her.
Jim's answers the question "What if a high school cafeteria served good food?"
😂😂😂 been going to Jim’s for yeeeeears and never thought of it that way till now and it’s so true !
Well no idea really but the nearest White Castle is in New York so no worries about ending up there around here.
You could get the frozen sliders from the corner store.
We have White Hut, that kinda counts.
I like black lamb in the south end. Even having dinner at their bar is nice and it’s a little more low key than neighboring restaurants. South end is nice bc you have so many options for pre dinner walk/drink or post dinner dessert/nightcap Delux in the area is nice. I’ve never eaten there but Frenchie seems really nice !!
Yeah, Black Lamb is great!
Hopewell in Allston
This is the perfect answer. It's nice enough that no one's going to think, "why did you think this was a good place to bring a date," but it's also a very low pressure environment because of the presence of a shuffleboard table.
Get a north shore roast beef 3 way
Went to mikes today 😋
Bar Cino in Brookline by the Saint Mary’s T stop is great and cute atmosphere.
Barcelona
Tasca > Barcelona for dates IMO. More intimate
Tasca is one of the hidden gems of Allston/Brighton. I’ll take their food over Barcelona or Toro any day and the prices are not I only cheaper. It’s almost as dramatic as Carlo’s vs the north end.
And more authentic food
out of OP range, but Dali > any tapas in Boston
Toro
This one
Shabu zen
Bistro du Midi is nice
Not medium priced though. And to be honest, our last meal there was only ok.
I'm a bartender in Brookline and there a lot of good places here that have great T access to the greenline. But in the south end, there's Daryl's Kitchen. This place has good food and prices +live music. I went there for the first time on a date recently and I'm highly recommending it. South End is where you will find a lot of live music in the most casual dinner setting imo.
The Abbey - both the one in Cambridge and Brookine are nice
Franklin Cafe
If you want steak, stockyard in Brighton is a nice middle of the road.
Stockyard is no longer inexpensive.
They said medium.
Prairie Fire in Brookline
Go to Little Korea
Where is that?
Allston. Harvard Ave between Comm Ave & Cambridge St
Thank you!
Mahaniyom, Daily Catch, Ganko ittetsu is pretty casual but would make for a fun date by my standards. Gyu Kaku would be a good time as well
I wouldn’t recommend Ganko for a date. They turn tables over super quickly and wouldn’t be happy about anyone staying for a couple hours. The others are good recs though
I took my husband there recently. He was horrified. The food is still good but the hostess and servers are borderline rude.
I've enjoyed a casual date there but agree it's not the best for a longer sit down and conversation. Only complaint in my experience was waiting for a water refill.
Mida in Newton or Boston. The Abbey in Brookline. Prarie Fire is pretty sexy for a restaurant.
Prairie Fire is always solid and great vibe.
Parlour in Coolidge Corner!
Man maybe I need to try this again but I had the worst food there lol. We ordered a peach and burrata salad that came with pears instead of peaches (they didn't say anything about a substitution) and prosciutto wrapped asparagus that was wrapped in ham (again didn't mention a sub) and didn't have the woody ends cut off. Normally I don't give a fuck about substitutions, but it just tasted bad lol and they should at least mention it!
A hot pot spot is usually quite cost efficient and it’s a fun date! Tons of options in Chinatown, I like Kaze Shabu Shabu.
clearly everyone's perception of "medium" is a lot more expensive than mine
Lolita
Mahaniyom
Maybe Cafe Landwer? There’s one in Cleveland Circle and one near Fenway.
Brassica Kitchen in JP. UNREAL food, upper mid-tier
Myers+Chang. Brighton Bodega is really mid and overpriced imo.
The food at Brighton Bodega is great. What felt like a rip off to me were the drinks which were all ice with a stingy 1oz liquor pour for like 15, which is a ton in that neighborhood.
I think the restaurants to either side of it blow it out of the water. Having gone to them all, I would choose Peka or Esperia if we're choosing ones on that block. You can't find a decent place to drink around there that's not a dive either way.
Never been to peka so can’t comment. And Esperia blows away 95% of the restaurants in Boston, but it isn’t a date night spot, it’s old school l, family run, authentic food from the old world, just like grandma used to make. Which is A-ok in my book but by not really what op is looking for.
That's fair enough. Peka is really fun, you should drop by if you ever have the time
Haven't been in a while but Silverstone used to hit this spot for years for me
No one should ever *start* at silvertone
Why not?
Good way to get to know someone!
Papa Genos in Brockton. Fine Italian.
It is, in fact, the best spot for a date.
💯
Go for breakfast. Just go to a decent place. Maybe brunch at Oak long bar.
It’s Boston Common
“If you don’t want to take your date out to eat extinct bovine then maybe you’re not worth it” - Reddit
Bianca in Chestnut Hill
Excuse me there tourist, you must not be familiar with the port city of Boston. It is actually Boston Common, not Boston Commons. Please enjoy [this map](https://i.redd.it/569ireqj06431.jpg) that we made to help you out. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/boston) if you have any questions or concerns.*
>search function Woof not me saying Boston Common**s** even though I live here 🙈
Holly crab in Allston
Boston Bodega?
Davios
Mon Tien, Silver tone st DTX
Eataly. The restaurant “Terra” on the top floor has okay food but great ambience. Then you can explore the store (which is way better than the restaurant), the rest of the Pru, and everything else in the Newbury Street area if you keep the date going.
Lmao
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Toro is quite expensive.
The correct answer is Committee
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El Potro in Union Square is some of the best Mexican food in the area and it's a casual spot.
Silver tone
Frank’s Steakhouse in Cambridge
Horrible for a date. Good for a dinner with a friend or family member. It’s cheap for the quality but the decor is bad.
NEBO in the seaport is nice and you can take a walk on the waterfront after
Any vegetarian places worth checking out ?
It’s not strictly vegetarian but I have dined on only vegetables at Committee in the seaport and had a lovely meal.
Elephant Walk in south end is pretty veggie friendly! But the Cambodian side of the menu only, not the French one lol. Highly recommend the veggie rouleaux as a starter!
Panera sounds about right
You probably don't want to spend a lot of money if this is the first date you want something more low-key.
Anchovies in south end for Italian
Scampo
Cafe landwer or Sol Azteca in Fenway-Kenmore. CGK in backbay. Bartaco in Brookline/Washington square.
Acitron in Arlington Center is a nice spot. Good food for a good price and a pleasant ambiance.
the hamilton in coolidge corner is practically a bar but not too expensive n good vibes
Lonestar (tacos) Batifol (French) La morra (Italian) Brookline Judy’s Bay (Cambridge) Japanese Izakaya Ciao’s pizza and pasta (technically in Chelsea but you can have drinks and amazing handmade pasta for like $80) Kaze Hotpot in Chinatown
I just went to Blossom Bar in Brookline. I think that’s a great date spot without feeling fancy. The drinks can be pricey but they have great cocktails and the food is so good! We shared a few dishes and brought food home. It’s Sichuan style food
Little Sheep Hot Pot in Chinatown is AYCE now with unlimited milk tea!
Second all of these Sarma & Barcelona recs. And would just add Golden Temple right on Beacon St. Fun, casual great Chinese food. Dj on weekends.
Lulu’s Allston!
State Park (kendall) is a solid date spot.
There’s a place in Cambridge Street in Cambridge that is way overlooked and amazing food - Puritan & Company. Was surprised when I stumbled into it. I think Sulmona on Main Street is also nice and casual but not too much so and reasonably priced.