jcn--

If you feel you utterly must go to Summer Shack, I can't stop you. But the best lobster roll I've had in Boston (and I've tried them at most places locally) is at Neptune Oyster. They have both cold and hot versions there (the hot one is lobster chunks covered in butter, the cold one is lobster chunks with a little mayo), and I think it's better than Summer Shack's version.

A little history of Summer Shack. Jasper White, the chef/owner who had worked in several high-end restaurants a number of eyars ago had a kid. He spoke of his transformation to wanting to have a place where families could get good food in a casual setting. So he opened up the Summer Shack in Cambridge in an old warehouse.

My negative impression of the Boston location is that I think it lost something in the translation to a more dignified setting in Boston.

Off topic a bit, but is Anthony's Pier 4 really that bad? I will be in Boston on Oct. 1st and I have a reservation for AP4. Help!
S

Summer Shacks in both location: Don't like the atmosphere and had a terrible grilled lobster.
I prefer Legals.

gail,
jasper once had the best restaurant in Boston in the North end and it was elegant. He was previously at the Harvest as was Shire. He was also the Chef at the Harvard Book Cafe on Newbury street.

"is Anthony's Pier 4 really that bad?"

Yes.

The last time we ate at AP 4 was parents' wknd when our son and his friends chose where all we parents and the "kids" would eat. That was 1997 and I was surprised at how bad it wasn't, as I was expecting the worst!

Our fish was fresh and well-cooked and the atmosphere can be enjoyable if you are not looking at it thru our local (jaded) eyes.

I guess that what I am trying to say is that I would *never* ever recommend it, but I can imagine that one could enjoy it and have a good meal.....

OTOH, if you still have time to change it or you want recommendations, that is another story.

Taking recommendations! Anyone have a good waterfront restaurant? I will be in town with my boss and some business associates. We are staying in the convention center area of back bay. Help!
s

Does it really have to be waterfront? By the time dinner rolls around you aren't going to see much anyway and you are int he Back Bay, surrounded by some of the best restaurants in Boston .....

Also I agree with Socialworker - as a local, I would eat anywhere BUT Pier 4 - however, clients of ours insisted two years ago and they loved it !! I'd eaten there a zillion times as a kid - I hadn't been there in the past 25 years except these clients who insisted - and the food was good, but it is not in the ballpark of the better Boston restaurants

There's also a legal on the waterfront and a restaurant at the Institute of contemporary Art.

True, cigale, we took out of town guests to the Legal's near the aquarium and it was a very nice--appropriately touristy and festive---atmosphere, while simultaneously providing Legal's high standard for food.

I had wondered before going if, unlike a neighborhood location that needs to rely on repeat business, that it might not be as consistent. I was pleasantly surprised that both food and service were absolutely wonderful!

Thanks all, but we are already planning on dining at Legal the first night in Boston. My co-workers and boss specified the waterfront. I ate at AP4 years ago and found the lights in the harbor to be beautiful. Being from Columbus, Ohio we don't really have waterfront dining so this is a real plus. Any other suggestions?
Thanks again,
S

Forgot to mention that we are also planning on the Summer Shack for lunch one day, also.
S

well, the only really nice place I know on the waterfront is Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel. But when I ate there last October, we really couldn't see anything after dark, so I didn't notice I was on the harbor. Depending what your schedule is like, you might consider going there for Sunday brunch when you can really enjoy the view, and pick someplace for dinner where you can truly enjoy the food.

Does anyone know if you can actually see the water at Sel de la Terre? If so, this is your best bet, very good food and atmosthere.

Otherwise, you might try Miel or Sushi Teq at the Hotel Intercontinental, I know Sushi Teq has a patio overlooking the water. Lastly, there's the Sail Loft and Joe's American Grille. Sail Loft is seafood, both are super casual but they are right on the water.

You could also try the North End, it's the Italian section and has tons of charm and great restaurants. Not on the water, but you can take a walk along Christopher Columbus park after dinner.

No view from Sel de la terre -
I think China Cat has a great suggestion of daytime dining if that fits in your schedule to truly enjoy the waterfront - if it has to be dinner, then I would
say Pier 4 would work for you, as you said - lights pretty at night, tradition, Boston landmark - maybe you can either get there early enough to enjoy some view with drinks before total darkness -

And/Or, when you arrive or depart Boston - take the water shuttle from the airport across to the Waterfront area and then make your way to your hotel (or vice versa on departure) - you'll get your guests on the water and see much more of the harbor -

We are originally from Illinois and only consider ourselves "locals" b/c we have lived here since '71. As a former midwesterner, all things considered, stick with Pier 4. I think you and your fellow midwesterners will like it just fine and it is an experience worth having once. :)

Anthony's Pier 4 serves up awful food, can have service with a serious attitude problem, and is very expensive. The view from the window and their popovers are the only good things about the place.

If one wonders why I'm not a fan of Summer Shack (have been four times, so I think I've given them every chance -- sorry to say there are some family members who have dragged me along there), the food is poor, prices are high, and the place can be and often is stun-level noisy.

There are several other seafood places that are much better at this price point and below, including Neptune Oyster, B&G Oysters, and Dolphin Seafood. Legal Seafood is better than they are, too, though I prefer the other three mentioned immediately above.

Does anyone still go to the No Name restaurant? When younger, I loved it.

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful suggestions. I leave today for Boston and I am armed with all of this great information to take with me. My fodorites never let me down.
If you are ever in Columbus, Ohio, give me a shout and I can suggest some great places to eat and some fun things to do. Please, no cowtown comments!
Blessings!
S