BOSTON - Nice restaurant for hubby's birthday
 

Originally though of taking him to Lock Ober or Four Seasons restaurant. They are great but too much money, especially a weeknight with an early start next day.

Do you a recommendation for a great restaurant, great ambiance but not so much money?

Thanks in advance!

Lots of recs here..

But what kind of food do you like? What area do you prefer?
How much are you thinking of spending?

Hammersley's is a great place and it's got great ambiance, fab food, awesome location and decent prices.
That'd be my first rec.

We love the Blue Ginger, Ming Tsai's restaurant in Wellesley, and the Elephant Walk in Somerville - if you are interested in ethnic foods.

We had a very nice dinner at the Blue room in Cambridge.
Recommended from the Chowhound Boards (an excellent place to go to pick a special restaurant).

2nd vote for Hammersley's Bistro. Food is fantastic, service attentive and the atmosphere is nice without being stuffy. It's expensive, but not Lock Ober expensive.

I would recommend McCormack & Schmick's.

Yes, they are a chain. They also offer a very nice atmosphere, great service, and the best seafood in Boston.

Being a seafood lover born and bred in Boston, I travel the city looking for that great fish. If seafood is what you want, you will not go wrong with this spot.

How about 28 Degrees or Union in the South End?

I don't post much but I do lurk often and am born and bred in Boston. My vote for you is Taranta in the North End. I've been there twice for my anniversary and not been disappointed either time. It's a bit expensive but not Four Seasons expensive. We sat upstairs by a window and the food and ambience was perfect. So was the waiter.

If you want to go to Lock Ober, you can always order off the menu at the bar. You can order a selection of appetizers, share a main course (portions are huge), or go for dessert and coffee.

If your husband likes steak, highly recommend Abe & Louie's. Another great place to "dine" at the bar or in the bar area (where portions are also huge).

If the weather is really nice, a table outdoors at McCormack & Schmidt is fabulous.

Has anyone eaten at Top of the Hub? I was there for drinks this week and thought it was really nice.

The food is average. You really go for the view.

/I think Legal Seafoods has the freshest seafood. They haave thier own boats and microbioligist to ensure the fish have nothing to avoid.

If you're an Italian food fan you cant go wrong with La Famiglia Giorgio's on Newbury street.Great and not expensive family restaurant in a posh neighbourhood.For seafood McCormick & Smiccs is always a good choice.Paul