This place was pretty amazing! I went here with my girlfriends and had the white bean brushetta, spicy calamari, Madame sandwiches, chicken salad, and the Paris burger. All of the food was so tasty and the cheese melted in my mouth. The atmosphere is very laid back, open windows and service was so nice. We stumbled here since Lolita's was closed for lunch but so happy we came here! I'd recommend coming here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch or lunch. Affordable, delicious, and great atmosphere!
(5)
Will N.
Came to the MET back bay for brunch today on Sunday 9-14 and couldn't have left happier, my server was great, the food came out hot and was delicious. Service was impeccable, but have to give the manager props- he made several stops by our table, suggesting cocktails and even paired wine for our steak tip selection for our entrees. I forget his name but he was a charmer as we watched him "work" the dining room. Great establishment on newbury street- I'm unsure why such negative reviews. Great food, service and management. I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK!! Kudos to the owner for putting together a staff that "wows" the guests!!
(5)
S M.
Heard about the bloody marys so thought this would be a good place to come for dinner. I ordered a bloody mary and it was one of the worst ones i've ever had. It was mixed badly and watery. It is always a bad sign when a restaurant cannot even make their signature dish or drink well. I ordered a burger and asked for it well done. I received a burger with blood dripping from it, almost raw in the middle. I sent it back and then was sent a burnt burger, almost completely black, as an insult from the chef. The fries sucked too. Mcdonalds fries taste better. The food here is extremely mediocre and overpriced, the kitchen staff couldnt give a damn about quality. And what "fine dining" restaurant does not know how to cook a burger well done?
(1)
Autumn H.
We stopped in really quick for lunch last Sunday, and it was great! The food was good (some neat stuff on the menu, but also not extremely original). All of us got something different and all of the meals were good. There was nothing mind-blowing about the food, but it was definitely good and the atmosphere was great (we sat in what they call the library, but what I would call, the bar area.) All-in-all, no complaints!
(4)
Kelly A.
I literally just left there on a Thursday night - BEWARE - on Thursday night at 10pm, the mice come out. Understood that every restaurant in Boston probably has some rodent problem, but management tried to tell me "they walk in through the front door." As a patron, if I'm spending $15+ a drink, seeing three nice scurry across your dining room floor is not acceptable. Instead of trying to mediate the situation, the staff took it as "no big deal" and something that must occur often. I'm just happy I didn't eat there.
(1)
Mindy L.
I've been to Met Back Bay twice now and I'm just not sure I'm a super fan. First Visit - Valentine's Day It was virtually empty thanks to our 5:30 PM reservations (my hubs had to get to a basketball game at 9:00 PM so it forced our timeline up a bit) so we got a great seat in the window on the 2nd floor. We glanced at the Valentine's specials but nothing screamed out at us so we ended up ordering from the main menu. First, I love the free pretzel sticks and port cheddar cheese. I probably could have made a meal out of just that. A little less filling than the typical bread and butter you find at most other places and definitely different. I ordered the half order of Chicken Frites and my husband ordered the Croque Monsieur. In the meantime, I sipped on a glass of Malbec (not my favorite Malbec ever but for the life of me, I can't remember the name) and hubby chugged a beer (OK, he didn't chug. Maybe gulped). When my Chicken Frites arrived...it was NOT what I was expecting. I actually received HALF a CHICKEN. Yes, half the whole darn thing...I thought I was going to get thinly sliced, breaded and fried chicken fingers (this was in my head, of course). Not half the chicken. Which makes me think...had I gone with the whole chicken...I would have been brought out a platter of chicken!? The breading was great - Parmesan cheese, some garlic, etc. But there was so little of it and as I was whacking away at the huge half a chicken on my plate...I lost some in the battle. That said, it was cooked divinely. I should have shared the Croque Monsieur with the hubs because he got not one but TWO whole sandwiches. His only complaint was that they were slightly burnt on one side. He ate around it and with two sandwiches to tackle, he didn't leave hungry. Second Visit - random Monday night I met an old colleague at the downstairs bar and we sat at the "Ham Counter." We ordered a couple specialty cocktails (Winter Pimm's Cup and Grapefruit Fizz for me). Both my drinks were very tasty. I then followed up with a burger and sweet potato fries for my order. My friend ordered the Paris Burger (with Brie, onions, etc). The marketing of these burgers has your mouth watering and you can't wait to order. However, the execution missed the mark. The burger was over-cooked and the bun was way to big (and dry) for its britches. I ended up using a knife and fork because it just wasn't worth trying to make my way through all the bread. Sweet potato fries = awesome. Truffle fries = meh. They came out a little lukewarm and just weren't as good as the sweet potato fries. Service was awesome...our waiter was great, very knowledgeable about the cocktails and didn't hover even though we were his only customers!
(3)
Joelle K.
My husband and I had brunch here. I wish we had gone a bit later as we had to wait a half hour for it to get to 11 so that we could order cocktails. They have a nice outdoor seating area and the service was good. We both had omelets (3 cheese for me and ham and cheese for my hubby) with home fries. The home fries were nice and crispy with good spice, and the omelets were decent.
(3)
Katie H.
AMAZING food, best biscuits and garlic bread I have here had. Not the best indoor setting (it's a bit dark) but it does not really matter all that much. I highly recommend trying it out if you are in the area.
(5)
Regis W.
I will start off by saying that I've had many great experiences at Met which is why I'm doing three stars and not two. Today, not so. My favorite menu item on the menu is the short rib taco. They are DELICIOUS and, while on the bar menu, I've never had trouble ordering them in the restaurant. This time around, the server would not let me order them so I settled for their brunch burrito. Do not order their brunch burrito. It is essentially a fat burrito full of eggs and black beans with guacamole on top. Boring and not worth the price. To add Insult to injury, I mentioned that I would go downstairs and order the tacos, the server said she would put in the order for me. So.... I can order the tacos to go but not eat them in the dining room? Makes no sense to me. On a better note - the winter Pimms cup awesome!
(3)
Miraj B.
A bad oyster is generally not a restaurant's fault. I did have a bad one here last night and I fault myself more because I should not have eaten any of them. First off, they were not chilled well. They were served on ice, but felt just south of room temperature. Next, they looked horrible. They were Wellfleets, but the shells were misshapen and chipped. The meat was not presented with any care. There were only six and maybe one looked presentable. Some had the meat flopped over the edge of the shell. It was Valentine's Day, but not necessarily busy there. So where was our server. I would've loved to order a straight whiskey to murder whatever bacteria was making itself comfortable on that luke oyster, but by the time he came back, the entire table had finished eating. I would have never come to a place like this, but if you are forced to be polite by attending, do not get the oysters. Save that yearning for a place that has a passing familiarity with how to properly serve them.
(1)
Lauren P.
So surprised at all of the negative reviews. I guess we were lucky. We sat outside on a beautiful night. I had an excellent Manhattan and wonderful glass of wine. The food was terrific, tuna and salmon tartare, steak with cognac mustard sauce, and my son had the burger of the day. The meat was a tad overcooked on both meals but we still found it delicious. Our server was wonderfully helpful, attentive, perfect service. Maybe they are trying to make up for some past problems. We were very happy.
(5)
Pamina E.
This place is beautiful and I can't complain about the location-- super convenient if you are in the area. The apps are quite tasty-- duck wings with house kimchi were great, the lamb kabobs with beet salad was a hit, truffle fries are always a favorite, the salmon and tuna tartetatare were just ok, a little bland actually. Then came the main dishes... They were all a disappointment. And for the price, my advice would be to skip main dishes and stick to their strong suit-- the apps and sangria.
(3)
Matt C.
MET was a great addition to the back bay. It is the type of place that can accommodate a group of people with varying tastes in food/drinks. I find that because it does nothing amazing it is always a fall-back place where you are stumped or looking for a filler. The burger deal on Monday is great but beyond that the best adjective to describe MET is simply "good enough"
(3)
Joyce M.
Ok, let me start off by saying I'm being generous giving it 1 star. Sure, the night didn't start off well, but I was willing to let go of the fact that the waitress spilled a glass of red wine on me and my husband as we were trying to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary because, well, accidents happen. Sure, she was apologetic and offered to reimburse us for the cost of laundry... which we told her we wouldn't bill her for...like I said, accidents happen. Ok, my BIGGEST problem with this place is the OVERLOAD of salt. I could only assume one of the following: 1: the chef doesn't taste the food prior to serving. 2: the chef had a cold and he/she physically couldn't taste the amount of salt in the food. 3: the chef tasted the food and thought it was good (shocking!) 4: someone paid the chef to pour salt into our food in order to kill my husband, who already has a high blood pressure condition, hoping to collect on a life insurance policy (which WE DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE). What we ordered? Well, there was the wine... and we were too busy cleaning up our shoes/legs/pants/dress/table/menu to eat an appetizer so we went straight to the main course. My husband had a steak (I forget exactly which one) and I had the fusilli with corn and bacon. When I say it was overloaded with salt, I mean it. I like my food highly seasoned. This was not a normal amount of salt seasoning... it was like someone literally poured salt over the food. Although the waitress accidentally spilled the wine and apologized many times for it, I thought she should have noticed I pretty much left my dish untouched even though I ordered the smaller version of it. But she didn't. Instead, she took it away and brought the bill. No discounts or anything. We were generous with a 15%-18% tip and left without complaining because we couldn't wait to get the hell out of this place. I never dislike a restaurant experience this much but I really, REALLY hated this place. Never going back.
(1)
Grahaeme H.
Very poor service. Waitress said she had never before opened a bottle of wine!! Waited 10 minutes for plates for appetiser and in the end had to shout at another waiter. We were never asked for sides to go with the entrees. And they don't have coffee for dessert!! And don't bother booking if you want to sit outside as that's only first come first served. Final straw was bussers dragging around furniture and remaking tables with loud BANGS This was the last night business meeting for important clients. Not impressed, especially since the food was nothing special and VERY expensive
(1)
Andrew U.
Was easy to get a reservation, nice location. Cocktails were good. Food is so so. Had scallops and pork belly, oysters for app. Oysters were great as was the pork belly. Scallops were plain although it's hard to make them special I guess
(4)
Joe J.
Burger is overrated. Not to mention, there was a mix up of what burger went with what fries, and the waiter just sat there awkwardly watching us switch the food in the plates so we could get it right. Sun was in my eyes 60% of the time, and the waiter did not do anything until after the woman at the table next to me mentioned the sun was imposing on their lunch. For everyone that raves about the burger here, I just don't get it. That is just my opinion, but outside of free lunches through work here, I doubt I would ever eat here.
(3)
Jackie L.
I'm sad this restaurant only gets 3 stars (should be at least a 4) but that's what happens when you mix 4-star food with 2-star service. I came here on a Saturday night with 4 friends, and we were seated in this long booth in the dining room which was great. The evening was a celebration of my birthday so I was pretty excited to be here, enjoying a long evening of drinking, dining, and sharing good times with friends. Let's start with the food: Wine: This is the only restaurant in the greater Boston area where I have found a bottle from Murietta's Well, my favorite winery in the Livermore Valley of CA. My husband is from the area and their wines are just outstanding. (Murietta's Well is a smaller, sister winery to the more well-known Wente.) Although we LOVE their whites, this restaurant only had a red blend and was $50 for the bottle, but the wine is just so. darn. good. we could not resist. If they started featuring Murietta whites (especially the meritage) I guarantee you my husband and I would be there at least once a month. Appetizer: Tempura Broccoli with jalapeno jam. Absolutely fantastic. And spicy! Watch out for those green jalapeno pieces. Entree: Thinking ahead to the overall big meal, I ordered a large dinner salad with arugula, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The salad was huge and satisfying with the addition of sirloin steak (though more on that in the "service" section). Side: Stole a few truffle fries from my husband's plate. Awesome. Dessert: Chocolate mousse tart with salted caramel ice cream, cashews, and toffee brittle? Yes please! A total indulgence, and worth it. Now onto the service. My opinion is if you're dining at a restaurant like this, on Boston's Newbury Street, the service should be exceptional. If not exceptional, at least neutral. In this case the service was memorable, but in a very strange way. Our waiter seemed to be extremely nervous, inexperienced, and not at all knowledgeable about the food which was a great disappointment. Inexperience is okay but he should have done more to try to get our questions answered. Also, due to what was presumably his nerves, he would either talk over us or fail to listen to what we were saying. Each time we interacted with him, it was a very bizarre experience. First, although he allowed me to inspect the bottle of wine, he didn't give to me or anyone in my party to taste and instead just began pouring. He was extremely careless in pouring the wine, spilling over the table and wiping with a napkin as he went along. While perusing the menu, I noticed my salad could be ordered topped with chicken or sirloin. In lieu of sirloin, I asked if I could get steak tips, and received an enthusiastic "yes!" But what did I get on my salad? Sirloin. Which was pretty good. But not what I ordered. There was also a lot of confusion around the truffle fries my friends ordered as a side (was there an upcharge? was it $4, $4+$2, $7+$2? This went on for several painful minutes and turned out we had interpreted the menu correctly while our waiter had not.) When my friends' steaks came out, another waiter dropped them off at the table and there was a lot of confusion about whose steaks were whose. After the other waiter left, our assigned waiter apologized that the other guy "didn't speak very good English." It was so awkward. Not to mention the fact that everyone's steak was messed up in terms of done-ness. Also it got hot at some point in the evening and we notified the waiter, who said he would let his manager know to adjust the temperature. We never noticed a change. No one was upset and really the evening wasn't ruined, but I was expecting a lot more. I love the food, love the location, love the ambiance - so I will probably be back - but this restaurant gets only one more chance on their service!
(3)
Erica B.
shockingly terrible. and I used to like this place. We arrived and were unable to find someone (anyone!) with whom to check in for our reservation and seat us for almost ten minutes. Even when we asked for help (3 different people), when we were finally seated, the table had been set but NOT cleaned! (it was sticky and there was food on it!) We ordered a bunch of small plates, including the grilled artichoke, at the suggestion of our curt, somewhat surly, and otherwise impossible-to-locate server. That dish came out first. It is basically inedible. It was room-temperature, previously halved (but not trimmed!) charred-to-a-black crisp, and served with a side of flavor free oil and a side of mayo. it was disgusting and had nearly nothing to eat on it! Next was the hummus - this is supposed to come with harissa, house-made pita chips. Instead it was about 3 oz of garden-variety hummus, severely lacking in salt and acid, dusted with a tiny bit of dried paprika (which, technically, is harissa, but really??!) with five tiny pita chips already IN the dip (getting squishy). Best thing we were served. Then we received the grilled cauliflower - supposed some come with herbs and romesco. Not quite. This was about a whole head of barely cut-up cauliflower, boiled lightly, with a flavorless tomato sauce on top. Also served room temp. It wasn't BAD per se, just intensely skill-less and boring. I'll give them points for size - this was HUGE. We ordered the duo of salmon and tuna carpaccio - also to be served with taro chips. The chips were stale. The "carpaccio"s each were clearly days-old fish (smelled strongly fishy and the consistencies had become that weird soft texture) packed together with mayonnaise. This was so foul that we sent it back. Sending the fish back was an issue. The reason is that our server NEVER checked on us. For like 15 minutes or more, after we received it. We could not get her attention, her back was to us in a small work-alcove. Finally, a different server approached us, we explained the problem, she took the fish (and the fries, up next) away, did not offer to replace it, and did not apparently communicate the issue to our server (and left it on our bill). Finally, we got the last dish (and by now, we were VERRY hungry since other than the cauliflower, there was no food, and no service to try to resolve any of this), the famed truffle fries. greasy, limp, and cold. YES, cold. They are kind of coated entirely with cheese, also, giving them a strong, heavy, flavor. What they did NOT taste like was truffle, or even cheap truffle oil (which can be smelled a mile off, I find it so strong). We sent them back to be re-heated, and what we got was a HUGE inedible mass, similar to the first but now the topmost layer were warm (not piping hot) and still somehow didn't seem cooked through. Served with Mayo, no catsup, no truffle-sauce, no nothing. The bill finally arrived, just dropped on the table with no words. The server cleared the predominantly uneaten dishes without a word or question. (was it ok? did we want it packed up? no, nothing.) It takes another 12 minutes (by this point I am actually looking at my watch) to get the server's attention to call to her attention that we were charged for the fish. 3 minutes later she returns with the adjusted tab. Then doesn't pick up the check for another 20 (yes, TWENTY) minutes. And by this point the restaurant is almost completely empty. I signed it, I walked out, absolutely annoyed (and embarrassed, and hungry!). The worst food that I have been served in Boston in years, made worse by just about the worst service possible shy of her actually being rude.
(1)
Jason N.
Came for valentines day and was told we were part of the TowneHouse experience, which was supposed to include the atmosphere and a prerequisite dinner. We booked three weeks in advance. Despite wanting to spend $120 per person, and being excited about this dinner, they told us upon arrival that we were supposed to sign up in advance for the specialty dinner portion. No where shown on the website was this the case, nor was this instructed by the host when we called to book our meal. Although the manager was oh so NOT understanding of this matter, we went with a Plan B. This is the third failure of this establishment to impress me upon their mistakes. I have to admit that the server was helpful in the matter, I wish the entire experience wasn't ruined....again.
(2)
Cindy K.
I am a fan of this place because its good when you want a decent burger. Although, the past two times I ahve been there, I have been let down. I always order the LA burger and its supposed to come with bacon. And the past two times there was no bacon in there. The bacon is probably the most important part about the burger. The coctails are delish here and service is pretty good as well, minus the forgetting of the bacon. I prefer sitting at the downstairs bar area, the dining room is kinda not my scene. Its more elegant, not my place for a burger.
(3)
Jovanna O.
Went here with one of my friends we are attending a conference in Boston. It started off a little rocky because we did not have a server. We had to ask someone to bring us coffee and then we got a server. I ordered the pancakes with eggs and am they threw in a free sausage for me which was nice. My eggs were perfectly cooked and they were very very delicious fluffy buttery delicious. The pancakes were good they are huge they fill up an entire plate there around 7 to 8 inches round. The sausage was not good at all but it was free so I'm not complaining. My friend ordered the omelette with spinach and Swiss cheese and he said it was delicious. It came with potatoes I had potatoes and they were yummy. It also came with toast. Once we finally got a server the customer service experience was great. They came and checked on us often. The atmosphere inside was very nice very laid-back I like it a lot. My only gripe is they are a little pricey but the food is good and the beginning wasn't so great since we didn't really have a server but I would probably come back.
(3)
Erika S.
I am amazed by all of the negative reviews this place gets. Granted, I've only been here for brunch, but each and every time it has been delicious. Really delicious! My fav place for brunch in Boston. Awesome food, awesome Bloody Mary's!!
(5)
Justin R.
Easily one of my favorite places to eat. Being in the heart of the city, it's a bit noisy and sometimes touristy, however the good food trumps the very few cons (IF you can even call the aforementioned "cons") that this place has. The food is always cooked to perfection, and the staff is very friendly. If you're an urbanite, the atmosphere here is the perfect place for you. They have indoor seating as well as outdoor seating (beautiful during nice weather). Every time I come here I get the "Tokyo Salmon burger" with a side of truffle fries. This meal is simply to die for! Okay, I might be over exaggerating a little now, but I'm definitely addicted. If you've never had truffle fries, please drop what you're doing and do a Scooby-skidaddle over to the Met Back Bay NOW!
(4)
Erin P.
Ugh The Met is going downhill fast!!! First, the Chestnut Hill location closed (not surprised, that place was a joke) and now the one of Newbury is lacking service and respect! Four of us were having drinks outside and then informed when we ordered our second drink by our biatch of a server that "it was a law you have to eat in order to drink on Newbury street." Sharing appetizers was not an option, each person had to order their own dish. That's a scam, it's just to make more money so if you want to drink outside be prepared to pay a lot more. We asked for the bar menu instead of the dinner menu and we got quite an attitude. We order salads and side plates and they were so disappointing. I got an $18 greek salad and it was awful, no dressing and it had dried veiny chicken. My cousin was drinking the house pinot grigio and the server started serving her a $10 glass of wine instead of the $8 because they "ran out" but didn't feel it was necessary to inform my cousin of the price difference. On 2 occasions she told us we could speak to a manager but a manager never came over to us. Instead of sending over a manager she gave us the difference for the price of the wine. This girl was friggin shady! I won't be going here again, this place is a joke!
(1)
Ashleigh W.
Go for Taco Tuesday. The pork tacos were awesome. Also ordered guacamole which was made perfectly (although the bottom of the bowl was filled with lettuce so it was slightly deceiving). The bartenders were on top of it and had a new drink ready for me as soon as I finished the last. Excellent service!
(5)
Michelle K.
I went here for brunch, the food and service were great! We couldn't get outdoor seating because of the wait, but the indoor area's decor was amazing. Their burger was simple, yet juicy.
(5)
Lynn J.
REVIEW of BRUNCH ONLY! LOCATION: 5 STAR...Recessed (AKA hidden from your spouse) outdoor deck with padded benches and shade umbrellas. (Cheaters...this Shout Out's for YOU) SERVICE: 4 STAR...Waitress was friendly, but unwilling to make what she called "Starbucks Coffee" when I asked if they served any "specialty coffees with caramel or chocolate syrup." I ended up with a boring ice tea. Our check ended up 2 Back Bay $6 coffees cheaper. (Hey...manager...break out the hershey's syrup bottles and step up to fancier coffee with higher brunch bills.) FOOD: 3 STAR...My "Captain Crunch French Toast" was...AWFUL. It was blackened AKA burnt, and neither crunchy nor sweet. It barely qualified, I guess, as there was Cap-n-Crunch sprinkled over it? I've devoured my share of "Corn Flake Coated French Toast," and this version is an EPIC FAIL. My dining partner's burger was full of gourmet goodness. I'd give it 5 STARS, but it tasted better than it looked. The fries were greasy looking shoe strings...whose flavor fullness surprised my happy mouth. HINT: Order a burger. Skip the french toast!
(4)
Collins F.
Try the chicken dish. Great place for dinner or brunch!
(4)
Jamie H.
i don't mind going, but i really can't get behind the hype for met back bay. some of my friends love it, but every time i go i'm underwhelmed and the service leaves a bit to be desired. the first time i went, the service was so slow and it took about 45 minutes before our apps even arrived. the lobster dip was congealed, and we had to beg for more corn chips that finally arrived burnt. the waiter seemed distracted and annoyed, and it was even tough to get our glasses refilled with water. on another visit, the waitress was extremely nice and friendly, but she wasn't necessarily great. she forgot a few small things, and she put in the incorrect burger order for one person in our party and he didn't get the corrected burger until about 15 minutes later and by that point the rest of us had pretty much finished eating. i do have to say she was very apologetic and she did take it off the bill. for the most part, the food is okay, but i feel like there are so many better and even less expensive options in the area. the corn chips are definitely a highlight, and the french fries are really good too. i just don't think it's worth it for the price - i spent $14 on an egg white omelet with veggies (not even cheese), and the burgers run up pretty high too once you add anything beyond lettuce and tomato. some of the sandwiches quickly get to be too heavy and dense to finish the whole thing. the drinks are pretty good, and i definitely recommend the bloody mary for brunch, and the ACK as an afternoon cocktail (citrus vodka, st. germain, and iced tea). the cucumber mojito is good, but tiny.
(2)
Chris I.
The only reason I am giving this place 2 stars is because the food was decent and quick. The service was horrendous bordering on non-existant and the bathrooms were disgusting. The Dedham location is immensely better in both quality of food and service. If you want to try this restaurant head to Legacy Place the experience is way better.
(2)
Gina C.
Great food but subpar service. The cocktails are great, try the Met Painkiller. The bathroom was pretty gross for such an upscale restaurant.
(3)
Bradley B.
Always walk by this place finally stopped in for an early dinner. Sat at the bar and the menu was very small and not a lot appealed to me. It did say bar menu so maybe a larger menu exists. I settled for the croque madam, no egg, it was good but so cheesy I started feeling a littlest sick by the time I finished my sandwich. That might just be me though, not bad, but no reason for me to come back.
(3)
Tinku R.
Decent place for dinner on Newbury Street. Great interiors and great service. Cocktail menu is also quite impressive. We came here for a late night dinner on a Saturday night and it hit the spot. We split a burger and ordered a cocktail. The burger was okay and the cocktail was great. The service was fantastic. Initially they situated us in the library bar room. We didn't like it so much so we asked them to change to another room overlooking to Newbury Street. They were very nice to do it.
(4)
Kate B.
I came here for lunch with a friend a few days ago and I've been here a few times before and had their burger which is amazing. The last few times I've been here I've had decent service, however this time the service was definitely not up to par with the quality of the food or the area. After waiting 10 minutes just to get water, a server comes over and the first words out of his mouth were, "What do you want?" Not even kidding. No hello, nothing. It was a Friday afternoon with only 3 other tables in sight and at least 2 other servers and my friend and I couldn't understand why our waiter was so rude. I also had to approach someone who worked there that wasn't our server just to get some more water. Just very disappointing for a nice restaurant on Newbury St. The only thing that saved the meal i guess were the delicious burgers. I got a turkey Tokyo burger that was delicious and my friend got a Salmon Athens burger but the salmon was a bit overcooked. I will most likely return, but probably will recommend this place with strong reservations from now on.
(2)
Olivia L.
Had a delightful autumn luncheon at Met Back Bay. Without getting into specifics of the dishes we ordered, I would say the food was seasonal, nicely presented and quite tasty! The view of Newbury and Dartmouth Streets was so charming. The banquets are quite comfy and the overall atmosphere, in my opinion, is somewhat of a modern-clubby-casual chic standard. The ladies' rest room was very well attended and clean--a big plus! My only reservation in holding back a star was the service. I thought it was a bit unprofessional and disappointing. I had to ask for a beverage, rather than being offered one. Dessert was never offered, either. The young wait staff person didn't have the polish or sophistication for a restaurant of this class. Despite this, I will be back for another try. Who knows...everyone has an off day from time to time, so perhaps our server does a better job than this.
(4)
Lana K.
Stopped here for a quick bite a couple of weeks ago. Wanted to keep it on the light side, so opted for ahi tuna salad instead of a burger. Basically, don't even BOTHER eating here unless you plan to get a burger. My salad was absolutely miniscule, but still cost a fortune, and I have definitely had better tasting meals. I left feeling completely ripped off. Bottom line, go ahead and get a burger, or come for cocktails later in the evening. But if you want anything else--go to another restaurant! I recommend Sonsie at the Mass Ave end of Newbury.
(2)
Megan B.
This rating is really a 3.5 but I think last nights experience pushed me to go towards a 4. I've been to MET for brunch, lunch and dinner and had mostly good but varying experiences. Overall I think the food is good, drinks are good, and the service has been good, except on a few occasions, and so I enjoy coming back here. Last night I went for their Monday night burger deal, which was fantastic. $5 for a burger and fries. I think their burger menu at lunch is the best thing on the menu. They have a nice patio on Newbury as well. I love coming here for lunch in the summer and will be back for the burger deal on Monday
(4)
Jeff F.
I'm hugely skeptical of every restaurant on Newbury street. My sense is that they get by on average food and a great location. Met Back Bay is different. Great food with impressive variety, outdoor seating, creative menu and good service. Here's the rundown: - Biscuits (A) - I reconfirmed I don't like biscuits but wife wolfed these down like she was on death row and our friend from Alabama verified their legitimacy - Brussel Sprouts (A-) - Brussel Sprouts are terrible in general, but these were somehow good - Burrata (A-) - great option and I'm a sucker for burrata - Duo Tartar (B+) - Get...the....tuna....tartar (A+). Skip the salmon tartar (D+) - full on regret after my first bite. But the Tuna Tartar was ridiculously good. Tableside tartar is a nice touch - Lobster Pappardelle (B+) - This was weird but somehow pretty good - Rigatoni Bolognese (B+) - solid - Tofu Steak (A-) I'd rather be punched in the face than eat Tofu steak, but our resident Tofu expert declared this to be exceptional - Chicken Parmigiana (B-) - ok My biggest takeaway is that Met Back Bay is ultimate go-to if you're unsure about where to go to dinner since they have everything from fish to meat to pasta/pizza choices. If you're vegetarian they have you covered. That's tough to match given the combination of location and atmosphere.
(4)
Mahina K.
I saw this place on Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell but I swear that's not what made me come here. Boyfriend and I had some time to kill before my appt at Sephora at the Pru. So some lunch was in order. But I thought we wouldn't get a seat on a Saturday morning. Well, not upstairs, but downstairs. Fine by me. Upstairs sounded busy and crowded. Downstairs was much more relaxed. One of like 10 people. I can handle that. I ordered the Paris burger. Brie, caramalized onions, didn't want the fried egg so I put that on the boyfriend's Hash and eggs. He said his hash was good. But i'm far less concerned with that. I was just amazed at how good my burger was. The patty was cooked well, it had a good amount of juices to it, the brie didn't have that waxy part and melted wonderfully over the burger. The fries were amazingly crisp, which I adore. Now, don't confuse them with their burger bar out in Natick, which has a greater amount of burgers on the list. I think given the right timing this place is wonderful. I'm not big on waiting for certain places, but I think I'd wait here for a decent amount of time for a burger like I had. Now to go to the burger bar.
(5)
Brooke S.
I had a private party at Met Back Bay on a Saturday night for a group of about 15 people. The staff was extremely accommodating, spoke with us a number of times before the party, and were very helpful the whole night. We also had 6 young children with us, and the staff was very accommodating of them as well. All of our out of town guests loved the location and the view of Newbury Street from the private room we reserved. The food was great. Some favorite appetizers were the tempura broccoli and lobster cheddar dip. The Brick Chicken was great for a main, and the warm cookies were an excellent dessert. I will definitely be returning!
(5)
Valerie W.
Word to the wise for out of towners here. They may or may not give you a drink if you have an address label sticker on your ID. Yes, I have like 5 of them on the same driver's license. They looked at me and said they couldn't take it or serve me....WTF!? I told them it's just an address change label....they had to take it to management...really!? I did get my drink. Took around 30 minutes to finally get seated outside and it was just myself eating. Service is extremely slow, I felt like I was back in Europe. Ordered the half roasted chicken with fries and a side salad. Salad was large...as it should be for flippin $8. Lacked flavor and it was really only lettuce and tomato and beets. MEH. The chicken and fries were just fine. The pepper sauce that came with it had an odd flavor. Didn't pair with the chicken very well. The 'house' sangria was so-so. Not bad, not great. Certainly not really worth the money in my opionion. Not sure I would come back if I was in the area. Total cost was around $40 for myself for a so-so meal.
(2)
Ella F.
Came here for a work lunch. The service was prompt and nice. I ordered a Back Bay Micro Chopped with salmon. It was just decent. There was nothing special whatsoever about it. For the prices, I would expect higher quality (not just location). Basically, they're getting a 3 because the place is fine, didn't blow me away in either direction.
(3)
William W.
Great atmosphere! Excellent service and awesome food! I would definitely eat here again.
(4)
Courtney H.
Ok I used to think this place was a bit over priced for the area and the food was so so. However after moving to Back Bay and making this place a regular stop, I seriously think this might be the best restaurant on Newbury. I know that's not saying much considering most of the street is filled with average places, but this place is definitely good. While the dinner menu is really good (try the gnocchi, lobster cheddar dip and any burger they are serving) I love their brunch! Their omlettes are always cooked to perfection-fluffy, light and filled with deliciousness! And I could always use one of their blood orange mimosas! The staff is always super friendly too. I booked a large party and Dean couldn't be more accommodating! Oh and did I mention they have a patio? And it's down a bit away from the Newbury crowds? 'Nuff said.
(5)
Michael P.
The place was jammed on the Friday night that we went as a group of 4 adults and 4 kids. We were able to hang out downstairs in the bar area and have some drinks before being seated in our booth upstairs. The service was friendly and attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Sometimes it is not too easy to keep 4 kids happy, but the Met Back Bay helped us to enjoy our evening!
(4)
Nicole S.
Great salads. AMAZING bloody Mary's with bacon salt. Fancy place, but delicious food and beautiful atmosphere. Slightly over priced.
(5)
Brenda P.
Sunday brunch- mmmm,mmmm,mmmm met some friends there and had a great time! I could not decide what to have because everything looked soooo good! Everyone had different burgers: Kobe, LA and Paris and I had the shaved ham and cheese sandwich. Sounds so simple but it was great. If you order the Tokyo burger they donate the proceeds to Japan I was told by the way. Ok so what we ordered was not really brunch food but the menu made it really hard to choose. Some of the stuff on the menu just sounded incredibly good and from the looks of it from other peoples' plates around us: they were! The place is really nice inside and it looks like they have space for outside seating although it was not open just yet. Ordered a freshly squeezed orange juice and cappuccino too. I later noticed that they had guava juice to make mimosas with! Too bad I was so full to try it but impressive to me. Not normal to find guava anything north of 33016. If this place was in Miami, it would compare to a better Van Dykes and I would visit often!
(4)
Doug J.
(score 1-100) -80. This is a fiver yes a five star location. It is one of the few places you can eat outside on Newbury St. It is set down a little from street level and surrounded by bushes so the people watching will be the people on the street and not you but regardless you are outdoors! The food is good but not home run good. I think I agree with the consensus in that it is a 3.5 to 4 star in food quality. This is the best late breakfast or brunch place ...ya know a place to hang out on during weekend mornings. I have had a mimosa and the french toast here and they were good. Burgers are a safe bet... well done and reasonable priced.
(4)
Amy J.
Awesome Bloody Marys - coming from a girl who's really picky about them! Unless you're on a date or getting a table for four, opt for a seat at the bar! We had fast service, sports, chatter with the bartenders, and a pretty laid-back group of fellow visitors. It's located on the main shopping street, so use it as a break!
(4)
Jaime B.
Food & drinks are mediocre & unreliable. Great location but not worth it. They've had the same menu for years. Snooze.
(1)
Crystal C.
Location great, food average, service poor. Went for brunch. Had to wait quite long for drinks and then for the server to return to take food orders. Scrambled eggs were tough and the coffee was cold. I ordered one mimosa. For $33, I believe I was cheated.
(1)
Sarah E.
The worst part about Met Back Bay is the difficult decision of choosing a meal. Everything on the menu sounds incredible, particularly the brunch menu. The food looks just as amazing as it sounds too. I had the turkey burger a la Paris. It was incredible! My table ordered the salmon pizza appetizer. It may have been the single greatest appetizer I've ever eaten. Seriously. the whole group decided it was amazing! My only complaint would be the slow service. It took forever to get our drinks and food. I would have loved a refill on water or coffee. I's blame management over waitstaff. they looked particularly overworked and spread thin. but were always super courteous and friendly
(4)
Bill A.
Met Bar has always been one of my favorite places in the Back Bay but I was just a little disappointed last night. They have awesome burgers but I wanted something different so I went with the fish and chips. A little soggy and greasy but still pretty tasty. Should have gone with the burger. My wife ordered a Tuscan flatbread which was very tasty but cost $17. Way too pricey for an appetizer. My daughter had the bolognese which was huge (even the "small" portion) and she loved it. I'm going to complain a bit about beer. Met's draft beer list is sub par. They always have a few IPAs, a seasonal or two, and wheat beers. I think their manager doesn't like heavier beer because you never see brown, amber or scotch ales, etc. Even some sort of ESB or pale ale would be great but I usually go for the Stella since bitter, hoppy beers aren't my thing and neither are American wheats. How about a Paulaner or Franziskaner? How about a Red Hook ESB or even a Sam Boston Lager? By the way, bottled beers don't count. Anyway, I struggled with the 3 vs. 4 stars but in the end the burgers and short rib tacos bumped it up, so we will continue to frequent Met Back Bay.
(4)
Morgan D.
This place was a nice escape for the hurricane style winds that were abusing us outside. Located off of Newbury St, this place is a real gem. We sat downstairs near the windows to the back. We all ordered wine or prosecco and it was quite a lovely afternoon drink. I ordered the LA Burger Medium, which had avacado, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo. It was very yummmy as were the fries. Others at the table got Eggplant Caprese, Tokyo Turkey Burger and tuna/salmon tar tar. Oh and fries with the truffle sauce. MMMMM. Our waiter was great, and a cutie! This was a great place to enjoy and hour or two of the afternoon.
(4)
Kara C.
Every time I come here, I mis-budget my appetite and fill up too quickly. I guess if my only complaint is that the food is too good and the portions are too big, that's not bad? I've had the sliders (french style is delicious), the tuna tartare (you'll finish it before you can blink), the artichoke appetizer (my favorite). The brussels sprouts were a little intense - a bit too much cheese takes away from the fact that you're eating a vegetable. Overall though, the food is rich, comforting, and can't be beat!
(4)
Mari M.
spent a $100 for 4 people and regretted every penny. ordered the rice bowl with sirloin, dryest meat and definitely two-days old rice. the prime steak is not worth the money, definitely have had better at outback. We tried to tell our server the food tastes bad, but he never came to check on us or refill our drinks. For the price tag of the menu, you expect at least 'is your food ok? do you need anything?" just don't go there
(2)
Chloe B.
Despite the fact that the MET is a chain and tends to be rather touristy it is consistently dependable for a good meal and drink. Whenever I have visitors (friends, grandparents, colleagues) I take them straight to the MET whether its summer, winter, early or late if we are in a bit of a rush and looking for an easy, pleasant meal. My personal favorites are the kale dish and the rigatoni bolognese, and the ham and cheese board is always a crowd pleaser as well. Furthermore, the Library Bar churns out pretty good drinks (I'm partial to the Penicillin) and the outdoor seating in the summer is an excellent place to enjoy almost anything they have to offer.
(4)
Jennifer W.
This is one of our favorites on Newbury street, we usually come here about 2-3 times a month, usually for brunch or drinks and snacks. We've rarely had a full on dinner or sat in the dining room here; we usually come for the nice outdoor seating or downstairs bar. Right now they have a fabulous sparking seasonal sangria, it has peach puree and tastes like a cross between a bellini and a sangria. Their burgers are amazing and you can get pretty much anything you want on them. Truffle fries, biscuits, cheese & ham board, and caesar salad are also favorites. As you see by the items I've listed above, it's really not a "foodie" type of place. It's a restaurant with a great location and a nice bar/outdoor area to have lots of drinks and a few bites after a day of shopping or strolling. And for everyone saying it's overpriced, this is Newbury street, what do you expect???
(4)
Robert D.
Not that good at all. Burger well done both times I went and was ordered med rare. :/ Needs to take time on there love for there food and service , think there to interested in making the green and pushing people in and out to turn tables and flinging out food . No good. Drinks got the 3.
(3)
Paige D.
Always wanted to try this place. Had brunch for the first time and it was excellent. I got the hen house hash which was a large portion and delicious. I ordered off the crafty Bloody Mary menu for my drink, great choice and lots of options. We also ordered their homemade biscuits to share which were very filling. Same price range as many other brunch locations in the area but with better quality food and beautiful patio and atmosphere.
(4)
Anna G.
So I went to the Met last night for the many-ith time. I like to think of it as my neigborhood spot except they never remember me. I prefer to go downstairs to the bar area, get the lobster cheddar dip (that's reaaallll good) and a cocktail. They have a great arugula salad for the summer too. It's a solid spot that's convenient for me but certainly not worth making an extra trip.
(3)
Jus J.
RUDE. I won't go back. I'm not really sure how you can go to a restaurant as a new patron, not really know where the main seating area is, get passed up by various waitstaff and servers, never receive a greeting or direction, make your way to an area to sit down and be told-you have to move you can't sit there. I can't understand that series of events happening when there were about 10 people in the entire restaurant. I know because I was early and wandering around trying to figure out where to sit. How about a "hello", or "are you waiting for someone" or any questions that might convey your interest in me having a decent experience. I'm just asking for decent. This is new england, excellent service, isn't going to happen. But what about decent? The food was...meh...ok. If the food was amazing, i'd give them another shot, but it's not really worth it for bad food and lack of customer service.
(1)
Liz L.
Like a couple of other recent reviewers, I am shocked at all the negative reviews here. I have gone to the Met at lunchtime/brunchtime around five times since they opened in the Back Bay. My food has always been good though the service has been a bit variable. One time the waitstaff was inattentive and the food arrived slowly (we suspected the latter was due to the former), but the rest of the times the service has been good to excellent. We have also stopped in a couple other times when it was already crowded and been given honest assessments of our probable wait time by the hosting staff, who seemed just fine with us deciding to turn and walk out the time we decided it would be too long to wait. I recommend the pancakes and the mac 'n cheese. My usual dining companion here has gotten a few different sandwiches/burritos and has enjoyed them all, although they have yet to try the much-maligned-in-reviews turkey burger. They report that the eggplant sandwich is excellent, though eggplant is often improperly cooked by restaurants.
(5)
Josephine L.
If you like loud, boorish men in suits, the clientele here at 7pm will delight you. Seriously, they'll jostle you and ogle you and generally do everything they can to make you feel like a piece of meat, free of charge. Moving on, the food isn't bad. It's comfort food in large portions. I had the chicken pot pie and toasted coconut martini, and both delivered that "ahhh" sense of satisfaction. The corn with cheese was pretty good if a bit rich but the truffle fries were a huge disappointment. If I wanted blandly seasoned, slightly burnt fries with truffle mayo, that's what I'd order. But I expect truffle fries to be infused with truffle essence IN THE FRY, not on the side. The space is pretty cozy as long as you're not being tormented by aforementioned guys in suits but can be a bit cramped depending on where you sit. Our server was okay but tended to hover over us a little too much. For overall atmosphere, I'd say the Chestnut Hill location is better.
(3)
Sheila G.
I went here one Friday night after work with my co-workers. I joined them late so I wasn't sure where they were seated. I went upstairs and of course they were downstairs but it gave me a chance to see how the place is laid out. There is a bar area and seating area both upstairs and downstairs. We started out at a cozy corner table but as our numbers grew we had to move and put several tables together. We ordered a number of dishes; I tried the short rib tacos (okay), the margherita pizzette (good) and the truffle fries with parmesan dip. (I liked the fries but wasn't crazy about the dip) I'm not sure about the prices as we split the check between the 8 of us and I paid $19.00. Overall it was an okay place to hang out with friends for a drink, it got a little noisy and more crowded as the evening wore on but it has a fun atmosphere with a group. I would go again and recommend it as a "after work" or "let's go for a drink" bar.
(2)
Samantha F.
Housemade butterscotch rum was delicious, and our bartender in the library was a real sweetheart. Lovely place.
(5)
Andrew P.
For a Newbury Street location, this restaurant leaves something to be desired. Yesterday, I was showing some family who had never been to Boston before the Back Bay area and we decided to stop in to Met Bar for a glass of wine and some appetizers. When we walked in the main door around 5:30pm, there was no one at the host stand, so we walked into the bar area. We encountered a staff member who was very pleasant and we asked if it were ok to sit outside as they had heaters and we wanted to enjoy the outdoors. We walked into the outdoor patio area and interrupted another staff member, this little cranky guy wearing a hoodie (very unprofessional if you ask me), texting on his phone. He interrupted us with the other staff member and asked very abruptly if we were "going to be eating". We said no, meaning we weren't having a full meal and he then told us we "need to order at least something or you can't sit outside". I thought this very strange as all of the waitstaff outside were standing around doing nothing, chatting with each other as there were only 3 or so tables full outside. This put our experience off to a bad start. Then our drinks took about 20 minutes to get to our table. The bar was about 50 feet away mind you. I could've gone to the bar and got them myself faster. As we sat and waited for our drinks, the little man with the hoodie stood around doing nothing, texting or facebooking or something on his phone while people continued to come down the stairs from the sidewalk looking lost (ie wanting a table) while he basically ignored them until they physically would ask him for assistance. At one point, a manager came outside to speak to him, he quickly hid his cell phone so the manager couldn't see and the manager asked him to take his place up on the sidewalk at the host stand. He went up there for about 30 seconds and then came right back to his doing nothing and texting. Our drinks finally arrived. Two of our Martini drinks were filled only about 1/2 way and one was full. Why would you serve a Martini only 1/2 way filled? My wine glass was covered in dishwasher crud and I had to send it back. If I have to say something nice about this place it would be that our server was very pleasant, and the food that did come (because you remember that you HAVE to order food to sit outside, even when it's dead and no-one is there) out was very good. If you do choose to go here, I'd definitely recommend the Lobster dip and any one of the Pizzettes. However, I woudn't really recommend this place as the service leaves something to be desired.
(2)
Michael C.
Went to the Met Bar for a company lunch, they were easily able to accommodate the 7 of us. Our waiter was very helpful recommending and describing dishes, especially the different choices for meat in the burger bar. I went with the Met Dry Aged Burger on his recommendation and it did not disappoint! We got a bunch of apps but the biggest (surprise) hit was the croissants filled with cheese. We also had: Bacon wrapped scallops - good, but nothing out of the ordinary Chinatown Salad - It is big enough for a meal but better to split with the table Toffee Pudding - It was rich and delicious but not exactly a pudding, more of a cake
(4)
Cathy L.
The food is heavy and delicious - I recommend the clam chowder and mushroom flatbread. However, the bar downstairs smells funny.
(3)
Chris F.
Good enough place but didn't live up to the hype. Came on a Wednesday for dinner with the lady, the vibe is nice and the decor is classy. Service was fine, on par with the other back bay snob spots. Drink menu was excellent - the wine was great. Had the lobster which was as good as I expected, I hear the burgers are great too. The place was good but didn't do anything to differentiate itself from other similar style eateries. Worth a try once if you've never been.
(4)
Laura S.
I've been there for brunch and it was delicious! I had the cap'n crunch pancakes and a mimosa and they were both amazing. Today I had the eggplant caprese sandwich for lunch and it was .... alright. Nothing great but nothing bad. My dad had the met mac n cheese and it was delicious! I had a bite and would definitely recommend it! Also, my mom had the burger and she liked it as well. You definitely pay for the quiet and nice atmosphere... But you definitely don't pay for the service (or lack thereof). I would recommend this restaurant if you're looking to pay for a nice atmosphere and pretty good food. I plan on going back for brunch at some point for a special occasion.
(4)
Kristen L.
Ok, so I get that you're in a prime Newbury Street location and people are lined up to get first crack at your morning patio drinking. But would it kill you to throw some semi-decent service in with that mimosa?? I went to Met for the first time for an early brunch last Sunday. While the food was good, the service was severely lacking at pretty much every turn. The first big strike is when I went to order the Crabby Mary and my waiter informed me that they were "out" of the drink (not when I placed my order, mind you, but after he had already taken 15 minutes to place the orders at the bar). This would have been forgiveable had it not taken said waiter about 20 minutes to come over and take our drink order initially, by which time I had already bonded over the drink's description on the menu and had my easily breakable heart very much set on 22 oz. of crabby, tomatoey goodness. Strike two occured when I later tried to order another specialty bloody mary on the menu and got the same response. At this point I was pretty much ready to just grab some vodka at the nearest liquor store. I mean, there's not a whole lot of drinks on the Met's brunch menu, so if you're going to be out of say, half, of them, you probably want to give folks a heads up at the beginning of the ordering experience so everyone can manage their expectations, not to mention expedite the process. So probably 30 minutes after sitting down we were finally able to hold our waiter captive for long enough to actually put in our food order. Not surprisingly, when I asked if I could get the breakfast burrito without meat, I was told no, that the chorizo was already mixed in with the beans (strike three!). Are you sensing a theme here, people? Ultimately, no complaints on the food, but the slow service and poor management combined with less-than-gracious staff was so bad it almost reached comical levels. We should have just waited for Globe to open at 11...
(2)
Tani H.
Great place around the corner from our place in Boston. Food is quite good, and service is friendly, if a little haphazard. I actually can and do recommend it, and will probably head there for lunch today. It could easily be a 5 star place with better coordinated service.
(3)
Mackenzie F.
Let me start by saying I try not to judge a restaurant by restaurant week experiences. Generally we will go during restaurant week and if the food good and intriguing or the service amazing, we will go back during normal menu times. This is going to be one of those situations. First course was truly delicious. I had the Bacon Steak with caramel, sea salt, jalapeño, citrus, green tomato puree, brioche crunch. Mine was missing the brioche crunch (but I don't think I missed it) and was fun and surprising and delicious with every bite and the boy had their ham and cheese tasting platter which featured prosciutto, salami, country ham, tarentaise, Cabot cloth bound cheddar, and Maytag blue, also very delicious. First Course : 4 stars. The main course is where we both were unimpressed. They ran out of 2 of 3 offerings and also the bone marrow that should have accompanied our tenderloin. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly. It melted in the mouth but just didn't have any wow factor to it. ( Maybe the lack of the bone marrow butter) we ended up getting a bit of that Maytag Blue on side to give it some character. They did offer to sub a side in place of the marrow. I ordered the garlicky spinach and the boy got the creamed, which he loved! ( I tasted it was great!) but that was the best part of both of our main courses. They fries tasted dried out like they had been sitting for a very long time before arriving at our table. But they weren't even supposed to be there the menu said "crispy garlic duchess potato stars". Main Course: 2 stars. Dessert was where things really turned back around for me. Admittedly both restaurant week desserts were gone, but they offered to sub anything from the dessert menu. I went with Valrhona Chocolate & Donuts (bittersweet & caramelia chocolate, spiced mini donuts, caramel sauce). Which I was skeptical about at first..but I am so happy I had it. They weren't doughnuts like we think about around here. More like beignets or the fried dough you get a fair. But BETTER the chocolate and cream were delicious too but those doughnuts I would go back for! The boy liked his well enough too but wasn't a huge fan of the coconut ice cream..but I loved it =) Dessert 4 stars Which bring us to service! Our waiter (Chris N. ) was wonderful throughout the entire evening. So friendly! So helpful! As I mentioned above a lot of things weren't available and I know it is his job to keep us happy but it just felt he went WAY out of his way to make things right! He was so pleasant and not pushy or rushing us. Chatted with us a bit and later talked wine with us (not just about what we were drinking) and brought us tastings of his recommendations which were delightful! Brought the bottle out so we could take mental pictures! I feel dinner should always be an experience and he made it a very pleasant one. Service: 5 stars Overall I will be excited to go back and try their full menu. And of course ask if Chris is working that night before making my reservation!
(3)
Yolanda Y.
I really enjoyed the egg breakfast sandwich. It was good portions of everything. The potatoes were not so great though. They tasted like they were once frozen. The service was prompt but I also felt like the waitress was rushing people maybe unintentionally.
(3)
barbara r.
I guess I should have got a Burger here. Seems like appetizers were much tastier than the main course meal. Got pork belly , it was delightful, had a wonderful glazed pineapple with a very unique yet delicious green sauce. The beet salad was perfect. Main entree was a Cobb salad which was very plain and very big. On the menu it said it had everything! But all I really saw was finely chopped lettuce and small amounts of bacon bits corn beets carrots. I have to fish for the good stuff with my fork. Fish and chips....again..nothing special, very plain and overpriced, crab roll was very good however the roll it was placed in was not so appetizing, burger with an egg in it seemed to have hit the spot. SERVICE Like in my previous review....SLOW!! I wanted to enjoy another glass of wine before my main meal and didn't get to because there was no waiter in site to ask before my main meal came out!!! No water refills, took them a good while to bring out utensils.....again patient So.Cal girl enjoying the Boston view, great outdoor sitting patio!!! I would not come here again. nothing personal just seems like there are better things to eat see and do in Boston!
(2)
Lauren L.
Solid brunch spot we found while wandering along Newbury Street. Food was good, place was nice, big menu to choose from. Not the most memorable meal of the trip, but definitely did the trick.
(3)
E Z.
My girlfriends and I went during Taco Tuesday. It's a great deal! 3 tacos for $6. There is a selection of pork carnitas, steak tips, or beef short rib tacos and you can only select one flavor, which was inconvenient because we all wanted to try the different taco styles. I had one serving of the pork carnitas and it was definitely filling. You must try the homemade mill biscuits with honey maple butter - the best part of the meal! We also ordered a round of mussels as an appetizer - a huge serving and very reasonably priced. We sat inside and the service was a bit delayed. The cocktails are famous and rightly so!
(4)
Robert C.
It's not cheap, but nothing is cheap on Newbury Street Boston. For a break after walking around Copley Place, the Prudential and Back Bay shops and sights, a cushioned seat against the wall, with a half dozen oysters, some sweet potato fries (with a great horseradish dip), cold draft or cocktail, makes for a very relaxing moment. The outside patio is below street level, pretty much blocking out vehicular and pedestrian noise and creating an oasis of intimacy. But, sit way back against the wall, where you may enjoy some privacy and comfort.
(3)
Amy C.
Kathy, the owner of the Met Bar, kindly contacted me and apologised for the poor service I received. I'd like to thank you for doing so, and I realise that it is not yours or the establishment's fault for the poor experience I had there. I think it is a good sign for the Met that their management read and act on reviews they find here. I appreciate the good will, so thanks again Kathy.
(3)
Robyn S.
I have been to the Met in Chestnut Hill and always have a good experience. I was in Boston Met on Wed at the downstairs bar and the service was horrible. Could not get a drink and waited for a while to order food. The bill was incorrect, they never put the food on the bill. Had to let the female bartender know to add the food on the bill so we could pay. That also took a long time. Lots of competition in the area, Better places to go, sorry R
(2)
Jake S.
Two stars for inside dining, 4 stars for outside dining with bar menu. For a burger and a drink it is probably best on newbury. Would never come back for formal dinner like eating here outside.
(3)
Kate L.
Two dollar Taco Tuesdays is a great deal! Def enough for a girl's dinner :) I ordered the skirt steak tacos which were a LITTLE undercooked but they never asked how I wanted them so that was fine. Very tasty! Tried the pork ones and didn't like the combo w the pineapple... a little dry too. ordered a 2.50 side of chips and salsa and it was basically like EXTRA chunky roasted veggies/salsa. SOOO good. wanted to eat it with a fork and no chips! Bartender was pretty slow and wines were overpriced. Good ambiance though on a rainy night.
(3)
Robert F.
Just awful. After waiting an hour an a half, after being told several times the food would be out in a few minutes, the manager with an attitude and a chip on his shoulder came over to say he didn't know how long it would be. Never again
(1)
DJ D.
Monday burger night can't be beat, but the staff seemed a bit frazzled & a tad too formal for the setting. The food is very good, though, and the atmosphere lively.
(3)
Amir K.
Great specials on Taco's, decent margaritas. Pretty cool atmosphere, could be pricey without specials
(4)
Jade R.
**Lunch Review** Went downstairs for lunch with family. It was empty around 11:30 am on Saturday, but filled up very quickly. It was nothing special, but still good. TRIO OF BEETS. If you like beets, this is a great (little) appetizer. Very fresh, colorful, and delicious. There are bits of chopped, fresh ginger which really pairs well with the beets! Very refreshing! I got the MUSSELS - broth, eh. but the actual mussels were beautifully large! Two people got the BURGERS. TOKYO style and BOSTON style. Tokyo was unique, and boston, well, im obsessed with burgers that have a fried egg on top, and that was just that, with some bacon and cheese of course. the FRIES are awesome, kept grabbing for those!! The other got the kebob, and he said that the actual kebob wasn't flavorful, so, obviously I had to see for myself. And he's right... it was definitely moist, but no flavor whatsoever. The rest of the dish was great though, with a trio of different sauces, pita and olives.
(3)
Alexis C.
The food is okay, but the prices are on the high side for what you get. You can see every food popular food trend on the menu, which reminds me a little too much of a girl wearing all the fashion trends of the moment at once--not recommended in both cases. Gives off a pretentious, pompous air, which I can see appealing to some. I would not go again because there's too many better places to eat.
(3)
Jenessa C.
For cocktails, they make a great bee's knee. Nice atmosphere too, friendly staff, and a good location. We didn't have food, so I can't comment on that.
(4)
Janina T.
I've heard good things about this place, especially their burgers. My sister and I walk in on a Saturday afternoon at around 3 PM and just head to the bar since it's relatively quiet anyway. We sit down and the bartender barely acknowledges our presence. When he finally comes to ask what we want, we give him our drink orders then he simply ignores when I say I want to order a burger....ummm, thanks? (a-hole) He comes back maybe 10 or so minutes later with our drinks, a diet coke for me and a glass of wine for my sister. Wow, God, it must really take out an arm if it takes 2 minutes to press the "diet coke" button and another 8 minutes to pour a glass of wine. Way to break a sweat there, buddy. We FINALLY get to order. Our meals take a bit longer than I'd like but give the drinks took 10 minutes to pour, not mix or bake or whatever the eff you do with drinks nowadays, waiting 20 minutes for food doesn't seem so bad. I get my burger, which I asked for as Medium Well. It's charred in the outside. Gross. I take maybe 2 or 3 bites before I decide I can't put myself through that crap anymore and just don't eat it. The AMAZING bartender comes and does the usual "how's everything", I say meh. I'm not going to play nice at this point. My sister tells him that my burgers kind of really burnt. He doesn't seem to be fazed. We notice that someone talks to him when he walks towards the back. Looks the be a manager because he comes out later all pleasant and s*** and says it's on the house. Oh sorry, am I supposed to kiss your ass now because you're not making me pay for a burger that was burnt in the first place? Yeah, most likely never coming back here. The 1-star is for the comp-ed food.
(1)
Thien N.
I came here during Restaurant Week for lunch with a friend and an out of towner guest. Restaurant Week(s) is always my favorite time since so many restaurants participate in it so you get a wide variety of cuisines you can try. We opted for Met this time around. I started off with a Met bloody mary. Although not on their menu, it's one of the better bloody mary's I've had in Boston. Disclaimer: I've only tried bloody mary at about 4 places around Boylston/Newbury area. I started with an Asian-inspired spring roll stuffed with lettuce, rice noodles, and shrimp with a side of wasabi peas, asian mayo and hefty slices of avocados! YUM! For the main entree, I had the lobster mac 'n cheese. Portion was not too big but quite filling. It was extremely creamy and chunks of lobster! Typically, I am not a big fan of any types of mac 'n cheese (1. I'm lactose and 2. I just don't like it). This mac 'n cheese was delicious though! My friend opted for the footlong kobe hot dog, which was also great as well. SO SO SO Good! However, a hot dot will always taste like a hot dog, but kobe anything is an upgrade, and so was their homemade footlong bun to accommodate. For dessert, I had the panna cotta with raspberry sauce and fresh strawberries. YUM!!! I can't describe you to how good the panna cotta was. It satisfied my sweet tooth and more! While this review is mainly for Met's restaurant week menu, I also got a chance to look at their regular lunch menu. Prices were not too bad (~$10-15) for a sandwich and a bit more for their signature dishes. I will be back sometime soon for another bloody mary and to try their regular menu. It didn't hurt that their service was quick and the servers were very attentive! The decor of the restaurant was simple but elegant. I can't wait for summer and outdoor seating!
(4)
Dan A.
Would prefer to give ZERO stars. Just an annoying and frustrating experience. Wasted meal. Wasted money. I have given this place enough tries to redeem itself but it continually fails and is a major let-down...so never again. Pretty sad considering it had promise. We sat at the charcuterie bar and drinks took a long time. My friend said his Manhattan was not good. $12.50 wasted. He had just arrived from a cross-country flight and was starving so we asked for some bread. Our "server" said he would get us some. He then disappeared for a while...had to ask a manager for some bread. The manager then told us that they don't normally offer bread before meals. So I told him that our server was misinformed and regardless- we should get some bread. He obliged. So after having to plead for a f'ing basket of bread before our STEAK meal- a basket of 6 stale pieces of plain white bread was delivered to us. No butter, no oil, no NOTHING. We asked for butter and were told they have a cinnamon butter they use for French toast. WTF is THAT? We are about to eat dinner. Did we just land in a F'ing IHOP? Seriously? No butter? I doubt it. So we asked for olive oil. Problem solved, I guess. So main course comes- he got the steak frites. Small meat portion and the frites were "just a mess" according to my friend. I got the steak tips. Nice amount of meat but the mashed potatoes were ice cold. Normally I would have sent the dish back but I was at that point of "F it...just eat the overpriced, unimpressive dish and get the hell out of here". Finally, to add further insult - when the bill came, there was a $6.00 "garlic bread" charge on the bill. Unbelievable. I told the server that we were never told there was a charge for a basket of shitty, dry, stale, white bread. Are they insane? The server told me "the manager said he explained it to you... Blah blah..." WRONG F'ING RESPONSE! Take that shit off the bill. How DARE YOU!?!? I was so insulted and am even getting worked up AGAIN as I type this. I hope the management reads this and sees this as a textbook "how NOT to treat your guests 101 primer". Ridiculous. Unacceptable. BEYOND POOR! We will NEVER be back.
(1)
Melissa R.
I love sitting in the upstairs bar area. Ask for the bar menu. The truffle fries are super tasty and always a great option if you're just stopping in for a drink or 3. My favorite item is the eggplant caprese sandwich. The eggplant is cooked perfectly! It can easily be shared with a friend. The staff is friendly and the ambiance is great.
(4)
Rachel C.
This place is definitely A-OK in my book! My boyfriend and I stopped in here after a long wak through Brookline and the Back Bay to warm up and try some of the truffle popcorn that came highly recommended by some friends from my gym. The popcorn did not disappoint! Reasonably priced beer and wine for the area, and while the cocktails looked good, I was just not in the mood, so I stuck with a glass of Pinot Grigio. I would definitely stop in again for drinks and popcorn, but the rest of the food menu didn't really have anything that stuck out to me.
(3)
Cornelia M.
Come here on Monday nights for their $5 burger nights!! Love the burgers! However if you're looking for one of their special burgers any other time don't expect to get one! They can technically make you one but will charge you a la carte for all the ingredients! Service is fine, not too overbearing!
(3)
Martha D.
I wanted to be wowed by the MET bar but instead I was pretty meh about it. The interior space is cool, very "drinks in the library with your tweed clad uncle." So it's got that going for it. However, they had an outbreak of fruit flies when I went so they were flying all around our table. It didn't add to the ambiance. That aside, I thought my burger was good but not great. I tried a bite of the Mac & Cheese and it was delightful- creamy and rich. But $14 for a dish I can make at home doesn't really get me excited. MET bar is a fancy place with fancy prices, but I think there are better high end options in the area. This place is more suited to business meetings over scotch. Hold the fruit flies.
(3)
Sam G.
Despite the impeccable service, Met back bay is a waste of time and money. It is an unnecessarily expensive place to get Kraft cheese wiz and bread sticks. I would suggest visiting one of the other eating establishment that have higher quality and a larger variety. Not worth it.
(1)
Nicole R.
Met Bar is actually a great idea for lunch on the weekends or dinner and drinks during the week as well. My my recent visit was actually for lunch this past weekend. I was meeting up with my Father for a bite and we figured this would be an ideal spot to catch-up. Per usual, the venue didn't fail. If you're unfamiliar with Met Bar, there is a split entry when you arrive. One part is the dining room upstairs and then the bar and additional seating downstairs. I have always eaten/ had drinks downstairs as it's a much more casual experience with a livelier crowd. Being situated as it is on Newbury Street, it always has a pretty good crowd anyway, but I find upstairs to be more formal than where my interests lie. The fare at Met Bar is pretty standard - burgers, salads, cheese plates, sandwiches, etc. during lunch. My Father went with the french onion soup and wedge salad and I chose the MET "L.A." CHOPPED salad. Great reviews all the way around. I thought my salad was a great portion and filled with a proportionate blend of all the ingredients. I topped it with the roasted chicken, which came out perfectly juicy and paired well with the avocado and cheeses in the salad. Solid reviews on my Father's behalf as well with regard to the soup and salad. In the afternoon, the place wasn't too packed, but enough so that there was a constant buzz. Most people were dressed casually, with some groups dressed a bit nicer for showers or family gatherings for special events. The server was perfectly attentive to our needs throughout the meal and the host staff was also very attentive both when arriving and when leaving. I'd say Met Bar is a ideal place for a mid-day bite on the weekends and for drinks in the evenings as well. Particularly because of the location and the atmosphere.
(4)
Maureen O.
Food was awesome! Staff really friendly with great customer service- especially the bartender Brian- he was great!!!! Fun place to hang out :-)
(5)
Mel B.
Loved this place for brunch! We went with a big group while I was in town visiting friends and they put us by a big, sunny window. I love the interior of this place. We started with a round of their homemade biscuits which were so so good; definitely a good thing to start off with here. I got the "Something Natural" open-faced sandwich and loved it. It was really fresh, with hummus, cucumber, carrots, and avocado, sprouts and sunflower seeds layered on a thick piece of seven grain bread. Bread was a little hard but it was a light, but filling, meal that kept me going the whole day. They have a ton of great looking stuff on the menu so I would definitely come back.
(4)
Sherene J.
As a tourist of any city, I don't normally write reviews of restaurants in that city just because I don't think it's fair. Met Back Bay is so good I had to write a review. We were looking for something with steak and other options and WOW, did this place deliver. I had the Scottish Salmon and honestly, everything on the plate was outstanding. I was sorry I had to finish it all because I loved it so. The salmon was cooked perfectly, the falafel was fragrant and spicy, the hummus was creamy and fantastic with the salmon, and the yogurt puree was the perfect cool complement. People I was with ordered the swordfish (amazing), the trout (not as good as the swordfish, but still fantastic), and the bone in sirloin (excellent). There was nothing on our table that was even average, except maybe the odd cheese that came with the pretzels they serve instead of bread. My only complaint was my drink. I ordered the blood orange cosmo and it was not enough blood orange or enough cosmo. Overall, the food and service was really great here and I will make it a point to come back!
(5)
Pat R.
Meh. Definitely not worth the price. Food was just ok. Three stars instead of 2 b/c the service was excellent. That's all I got.
(3)
Mike C.
Visited Met Back Bay on the recommendation of a concierge at our hotel when we said we were in the mood for burgers. Easily one of the best, if not the best burger I have ever had! All the food was delicious, good atmpsphere--would have eaten outside, but didn't want to wait--and the service was terrific!
(5)
MaryLee B.
It was just okay. I wasn't carzy about the lunch options, but I did like the eggplant sandwich. The sofa seating on the patio is poorly designed...way too low And what is with adding in a 18% gratuity automatically? I've seen that for large groups, but not a solo diner. I usually tip 20% but that bugged me so I didn't add to it
(3)
Whiterock R.
not kid friendly at all. Turned back at the entrance. Would never come here again.
(1)
bozohazard H.
Upscale comfort food (burger, pot pie). Excellent cocktails. Mediocre ambiance in the dining room.
(3)
Amanda R.
Please understand upfront that this rating has nothing to do with the food we consumed while at Met BB. Overall, what few appetizers we had were somewhat tasty, and worth the money spent. This negative rating is solely based on all of the strict rules and regulations that patrons must comply with, and essentially how these rules were implemented to ensure we had an unpleasant experience. A friend was visiting from out of town and we (mistakenly) thought this would be a great place to stop for a few cocktails and snacks while we were waiting for her husband to shower and join us. We were immediately informed upon walking to the front door that we could not sit at an outdoor table unless we ordered food. We stated that this would be no problem, as we had planned on ordering several appetizers to snack on while we had several drinks. After being seated and ordering cocktails, we were then told that each person MUST have food plate in front of them. It is the Law. Trying to be negotiable, we ordered three large appetizers to comply with the regime. As the plates were cleared, we mentioned that our friend's husband was coming to join us and we planned to order more food (possibly dinner) and drinks...the waiter then informed that it was 'not allowed for additional people to join the group'. Please understand that we were three people sitting at a four-top table, so it would not have been a matter of finding a new chair or inconveniencing another table. I was dumbfounded that they would rather kick you to the street than allow an additional person to join you? I am still not entirely sure whether this was a ploy to simply free our table for the next customers, but at this point I don't really care. CHECK PLEASE.
(1)
Tanya C.
Very disappointing! The service was bad and the food was not that good.
(1)
mike b.
I'd consider myself well versed in "Met" culture. Love Chestnut Hill at the bar (Leo rocks!) and certainly know my way around the burger bar menu. Bar menu is the best in city for sure. Onion strings are a must. So, my wife and I went to the back bay spot for dinner and drinks. Super convenient valle which is on the Dartmoth side meaning no need to deal with Newbury at all so that I like. Checked in with the hostess for our 9pm and was informed they were about 30min behind schedule. No big deal because we went up half a flight to the Library Bar. A few tables around the perimeter but more appealing was the 5 seat bar. (don't worry there's a full size bar downstairs as well) We were lucky enough to snag a couple seats within a couple minutes. Opted out of our res and decided to eat at the bar. Two bartenders working hard to supply drinks to the whole restaurant but, made time to go above and beyond to take care of our every need. Great conversation and even better drinks. Food highlights: French onion shop was rockin with melted cheese and wonderfully flavorful broth, chicken pot pie was quite good served with a pancake size puff pastry crust, and the duck was superb. If I say nothing else order the pumpkin martini for dessert! I believe it's called the "mable may" or something like that. I had to wrestle a couple sips from my wife's hand. Unreal! Also had a moment to chat with Kathy the owner. She was very gracious despite dealing with all the many matters to tend to when opening a new restaurant. Highly recommend checking this new spot out. See you at the library! Study up
(5)
Brandon B.
Went here tonight with my GF and I have to say, the space is pretty cool. we sat in the downstairs bar area and it became really packed as seating is first come first serve. If you are looking for a place that has a great atmosphere, this place is it. Service was a little slow, but that was not the fault of our server Anna. She literally was running around as she had tables and bar guest to take car of, so it was understandable. The food was ok. We started with the Pizzaeta and it was a little on the watery side. We each got a burger, I go the Tokyo burger that had muenster cheese, sprouts and some other things as well. What is cool is that you can choose a bar menu which is smaller and cheaper or the regular dinner menu. You also can pick the meat from the Met prime , Kobe, Salmon, or turkey. Nice touch. I suggest this place solely on the atmosphere. Check it out!
(4)
Model M.
While staying in Boston we passed by this restaurant several times. We decided to try it on our last nigh and made reservations. We told them it was our one year anniversary and were promised something special. Let's just say that didn't happen... Reservation time-8:15, seated time-8:33. Then it took about 20 minutes to get water and the drinks were WEAK. After complaining we were told they measure the liquor in the drinks ... Umm isn't that the kind of service you'd get at an Applebee's?! Besides the service the food was decent. We ordered the ham and cheese plate as an appetizer... Not very appetizing. I got the salmon which tastes fresh but greasy. One friend ordered the half chicken an could barely eat it because there was so much bone. My other friend got the mac and cheese and it was so heavy she couldn't eat more than 4 bites and the steak ordered by my other friend was chewy. Bottom line for the price there are much better restaurants in the area. Suggestion try Stephanie's on Newbury.
(1)
Christine H.
where do i begin. my husband and i headed for met back bay after some time on newbury - we've been to other Met restaurants and assumed we'd be safe getting a quick bite here. we've never been more wrong. we ordered the lobster and cheddar cheese dip, and the ham and cheese bites. if you want to try the lobster and cheddar cheese dip Met style - go to stop and shop, buy some cheddar cheese wiz, and spray it on imitation crabmeat. and for ham and cheese bites, ask the butcher for the left over ham fat, roll it in breadcrumbs, then flash fry. we had our tab in hand within 5 minutes of being served. as prompt as the waitress was bringing us our tab, she was pretty oblivious and didn't think to ask why our food was completely untouched and she'd only just served us our first beer. absolute disaster - the food was nauseating and the staff needs a refresher course in hospitality. the only reason to go to met back bay is for a beer. play it safe and get the kind in the bottle.
(1)
Danielle E.
BEWARE!!!! DO NOT GO HERE FOR FOOD!!!!! I have had drinks here on two occassions, they were fine. Recently, I went there for a meal for the first time. I sat at the bar downstairs and ordered the Chinatown salad which is basically a huge bowl filled with (what I assume are) pre chopped salad mixture topped with crispy duck. Before eating the salad I pulled all of the duck off the bone. On the third or fourth bite of my salad I bit down to something so hard I was afraid I had broken my tooth. Assuming I had missed a bone I fished it out of my mouth and it turned out to be an industrial sized STAPLE. It was about an inch or an inch and a half long and looked DIRTY. I was absolutely horrified and disgusted, not to mention it hurt my tooth very badly and I was afraid it had cut my mouth. The bartender took the salad right away, and by the time I had returned from the bathroom he asked me how I was and informed me the manager was coming to talk to me. The manager approached me and said, "first of all I would like to give you my card, I'm the manager here" while never actually stating his name! He asked me if I was okay and then offered to take the salad off the bill, and then left. Honestly he seemed really nervous and completely un-professional. Having worked in restaurants in the past I felt that in this type of situation the manager should have gone above and beyond, not only offering to take the salad off the bill. Of course it needs to be taken off the bill, there was a STAPLE in it. I am very, very dissapointed in every aspect of my evening there and I caution anyone who goes there to inspect their food before eating - if you choose to eat there! Their kitchen is obviously not clean and there is some MAJOR oversight going on there.
(1)
Kir C.
We went to the Met last night and had a horrible experience! The service was beyond bad- the waitress was so slow, and rude to us. We also hated the food- we ended up having an appetizer and leaving. We would never go back!
(1)
Tanya B.
I went to Met Back Bay last night for dinner and I thought it was great! I love the atmosphere, they have really transformed it. The food was also delicious. I liked the appetizer of pretzel sticks and cheese (not sure what kind exactly, but it was good) - it was something fun and different. I got the Met Burger, and it was soooooo good! Definitely something I would crave and want again. My burger came with duck fat french fries, which our waitress raved about, but to be honest, they weren't anything special. If she hadn't told me that they were "different" then I wouldn't have noticed either way. My friend got the Mac and cheese, and for the very reasonable price, they gave her a very generous portion. I also tried it, and thought it was yummy. It's a nice addition to the Newbury St. area. I want to go back and check out the bar downstairs and try more things on the menu!
(4)
W D.
Stopped here for brunch the other day. We were at the end of the brunch service time, so I expected to be rushed through our meal and pushed out the door. Well the second part was accurate as they turned the dining room lights off on us, but the first part was contradicted by our slooowwwwww service. My bloody mary was in fact delicious, although devoid of any perceptible alcohol, and the food was very mediocre. The decor was great, but the music must have been chosen by a teenage dj. Overall, I would only recommend this if you have no issues with overpaying for your food to sit in nice rooms and drink.
(2)
Carol K.
I went there a few weeks ago and experienced one of the most memorable food experiences I've had in over a year...the Truffle Indian Corn!!! Off the hook!!! It was only an appetizer but I could probably that stuff twice a day. It is that good. Loved the roasted Cauliflower and the definitely have a pretty amazing burger. Our server, Alex was extremely helpful and attentive. The atmosphere was cool. What was nice was that I didn't have to order a $30 entree to have a great meal. I will be back there for sure!
(5)
David M.
This place is clean, but the food is so lukewarm. The last time I was there I went downstairs to split a few apps over a glass of wine with a friend. Supposedly the fries were to die for, but I couldn't eat them because they were so salty. The wine choice is good, but I wasn't impressed with anything else, especially not the plastic deer on the wall.
(2)
Sydney K.
food was delicious. the lobster dip is amazing!! must have appetizer. and the bolognese is excellent as well. we also had a really awesome table/booth overlooking newbury st and i lovee people watching :) my waiter was very pleasant and cheerful...not too hard on the eyes either! love love love coming here. everyone needs to go!
(5)
Kristin Z.
For bar only .... Came in because the place I wanted to go to wasn't open. Unfriendly bartenders who don't make it an inviting place to stay for a second drink much less one . I came, I saw, & won't be back.
(1)
Chrishelle C.
We ate at the bar for dinner one Sunday night when they offer gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches for $5.95. They were out of the Classic so I opted for the lobster cheddar dip appetizer as my meal. My boyfriend had the El Amigo grilled cheese with jalapeños, shredded short rib abd queso fresco. The sandwich also came with sweet potato fries. He enjoyed both items a great deal. I think the highlight though was the lobster dip! It had big chunks of lobster meat mixed into cheesy goodness!! And it didn't come with regular chips. Instead it came with arepas, which is this fried corn dough. It was pure ecstasy in your mouth when combined with the dip. Another big plus to this place was the super cold pints of draft beer. It was certainly the coldest glasses of beer I've had while visiting Boston. We went back one more time before we left Boston so that we could get the dip again and it did not disappoint. We also ordered the grilled artichoke appetizer, which was also good, but nothing beats the lobster dip. Sooo yummy!!
(4)
Joanna S.
Came here with a couple if college friends who were upset about the Atlantic Fish Company. Apparently they can't prepare fish properly. We walked down Newbury Street and decided to go in and was pleasantly surprised. We all ordered fish for dinner and they were cooked perfectly. The clam chowder was also delicious The beer list is short and not super great but the service is good.
(4)
Donny R.
Slow service & horrible service, but food was good. We were told the wait would be 25 minutes, but wound up taking 50 minutes. We were fine with the original wait because the bar looked nice, but the service was deplorable. The bar tenders were more focused on what appeared to be their friends and ignored us. Once they decided to serve us they forgot they were supposed to get my girlfriend a drink because they were so focused on their group of friends. Once seated the service continued to decline. The waiter was forgetful (he tried to do everything from memory, but finally realized he had to write down our order) and insisted that my girlfriend could not handle the hotness of the peppercorn ranch. He seemed to refuse to bring this item out for her chicken. He relented and finally brought it out. Guess what? It was like eating regular ranch. Anyway, it is a shame because the food was good, but service is definitely discouraging me from returning. If you do go get the clam chowder it is really good. Just thought I would end on a high note. Thanks.
(2)
Jessica J.
If I could give it a negitive 5 star I would. We went there for my friends birthday party. Besides the waiter being extremely unattentive and forgetting half the things we ordered... The food was just plain bad. Its way over priced for the quality. For instance I ordered the lobster fra diavlo and there we jalopeanos in it... Not normal for that dish. Others ordered the burger (one would think hard to mess up) but soon after she go sick. After all the bad food the waiter ended up charging us to much and it took him forever to get us any refills on drinks or bread. He also couldn't even grate cheese over the pasta. If a place is going to charge this much for food they should really get better at making it and get better staff on hand. I never really post to yelp about my expirences but this one was so bad I felt the need to.
(1)
Lisa G.
Had dinner the other night, the food was good, atmosphere loud and service was ok. It took way too long for our dinner, (45 minutes) and the fire alarms went off for 1/2 hour. No one told us what was going, the Boston hook and ladder truck came and then when the alarm stopped they said it was the burgalar alarm?? Did someone try to steal the $5.00 bread? Yes, they charge you for bread at the table!!
(3)
Christine P.
Went to this bar last night for dinner/drinks on Dartmouth Street. Didn't realize it is the old Joe's American Bar and Grill until I got there. Definitely a huge space, I've heard great things about it and I did think the drink menu was fun. For some reason at 7:45pm last night they were not too busy and so they sat 3 of us at a table meant for 9 or 10 people. I thought that was really odd. The waiter in that room (Library Bar?) was really good at suggesting entrees and drinks and apps. We had the octopus salad which was really good, but tiny. And we had the quinoa stuff, however you spell it, and that was so so. I thought it needed a cracker with it or something. I got the tuna steak which was recommended and delicious. However, I did get ill this morning so that was either the rare tuna or the plentiful drinks I consumed! One drink I had there, the hot toddy, was great; I have a cold and so I wanted something to kick that. My friends got the fountain of youth martini and said those were really good. All in all I'd say this was a decent spot, definitely happening bar, prices probably in-line with that area ($28 for a tuna steak). I wouldn't race to go back although I've heard they do a great brunch so maybe worth checking out.
(3)
Alana F.
So as hospitality students my roommate/best friend and I are very critical about where we eat and spend our money... especially when it comes to our ultimate love... burgers. So it was my 21st birthday and instead of wanting to be belligerent college students all I wanted was a big juicy/decadent burger to make my day. Having had most of the amazing burgers in Boston (shout out SDLT, Houstons, and Blue Ox), we wanted to to try someplace different. Let us tell you, this burger did not disappoint. My friend went for the Paris burger with gooey- over easy egg, caramelized onions, brie and a lot of juicy goodness. I had the LA burger, which was cooked a little more than the medium I asked for, but it was absolutely amazing. Since we have been studying/working in the hospitality field for a while we need to give major shout outs to our server who got sat 7 tables at the same time. You were great, the hostess just needs to keep a better eye out for you. Can't wait to come back for a burger, maybe I'll even go for the famous duck fat fries next time. And the Malbec was great. Thanks MET for a great birthday to remember!
(4)
Jill S.
I had been to The Met for brunch prior to the Holidays. Service was pretty good however the meal was very pricy for fairly basic, non-out-of-this world food. In any event, I chalked it up to the three bottles of champagne I had enjoyed during my visit. So we decided to go back for dinner. The service...uhhhh...the service. Painful to the point that I actually felt bad for our server who was number 1. AWEFUL and 2. in the weeds with 2 tables. I get it we all have tough days but this was unreal. I ordered a Kettle and soda with a lemon. I got a lime, no biggie just asked for a lemon next time she came around. The problem was that everytime I asked for another Kettle and Soda with lemon...guess what I got? Yup a lime. And PLEASE, please don't make me ask you for a drink, this is why I tip you, because you anticipate MY needs as a paying customer. Alright folks...being a sever is not comparable to being a rocket scientist. I know this because as early as I can remember, I have been waiting tables and bartending til I graduated college and after. So I am annoyed at this point however the Kettle One is starting to do its job.... It had been awhile since we had all gotten together so we were chatting away catching up. It was pretty clear we were not ready even though we told her we'd grab her when we were ready to put in our entree course. This did not stop her from constantly coming over and asking "ready"? Ready for what? You to leave us alone? Yes! We ordered, and a very simple request for my Casear with Salmon...please cook my salmon thru. Nope. Raw in the middle...and to make matters worse..my romaine, was crunchy...not the good fresh, crisp crunchy...the I didn't get washed well enough and still was full of dirt crunchy. I will usually involve the manager at this point, but all I wanted to do was leave and never return. Its too bad, the bars and overall atmosphere are great. Just stinks that the food is not worth the price and the service is less than average. Next time I will just go to Abe and Louis, at least you get what you pay for and the service is always spot on.
(2)
K S.
Food was good but service was only OK. I had a reservation for a party of 8 which was for 9pm on Friday. I made the reservation about 5 days in advance and had wanted to come around 8pm but I understand it wasn't available for a group our size. So when we all arrived at Met Back Bay, they couldn't find our reservation - turns out the hostess booked it for Saturday and not Friday. So they scramble to try and seat us which took about 20 minutes, during which we just stood there in the lobby. I understand that mistakes happen so none of us were too upset - we were just hungry because it was getting late. You would think after something like that the service would be great.. oh no, our waiter was slow and treated us rudely. We were all just a little taken back by his attitude. Maybe it was just a fluke, I'd try Met one more time, but if it was the same service I'd think again about returning.
(3)
A E.
I really wish I loved the Met. I want to love met.... But alas I just like it. I'll give a run down: arrived for our reservation for 6 and the Hostess was friendly and responsive. Was seated a fabulous booth - all is good. Server arrived while we were still taking our coats off (no coat check in Jan) and asked us for our cocktail order without giving us time to look at menu. He asked if we wanted Cosmo's to start, as if that's all that women in groups drink. Fast forward: food arrived promptly. Wedge salad was not truly a wedge, no blue cheese as they use ranch instead. Salad comes chopped w tomatoes in it, and almost no dressing. C+ for salads. Split Mac and cheese w my friend. They kindly pre-split the order for us, which was nice. I asked a bottle of hot sauce to give the dish some flavor (super bland...think cheese sauce vs. A nice tangy 5 cheese blend). 10 mins later no hot sauce, while the rest of the table ate. Finally my friend spoke up and asked server for sauce again. He came back w Tobasco poured on a small plate...stating they don't like to have bottles on the table. So I'm supposed to dip my Mac into the sauce? Waiter seemed ticked that I asked for bottle or small bowl instead - no resolution. B- for Mac and cheese. I felt like the bus boy was our server. He continuously tried to take our plates and glasses before we were finished...if there is still food on my plate and my fork is still in my hand, chances are I'm still eating. And when a cocktail is $13, I'm probably going to drink all of it. Bottom line: un-seasoned waitstaff that clearly is used to working at Friday's or Appleby's, entire experience was rushed by our server and left us feeling pushed out. Food looked better on menu than in reality....high aspirations with lackluster execution. B-
(3)
Kiki D.
Had a FABULOUS brunch at MET Back Bay! My friend and I went on an overcast Saturday morning and it looked like it might rain so we opted to sit inside but the outdoor seating looks lovely and I will definitely be back to lounge out there for a meal/drinks. I usually go for brunch food more on the breakfast side but I've been searching for a good burger in Boston (harder than one might think...) and these ones looked too good not to try. I got the Paris burger and WHOA. It was a major mess so probably wouldn't recommend this if you're trying to eat in a remotely respectable manner but I enjoyed it in all its messy glory. A moderate sized burger (super rich so you really don't need bigger...trust me) on a great bun with brie, caramelized onions, a fried egg, and truffle mayo-- can't go wrong, right? I also subbed truffle fries for the regular ones -- a little extra but totally worth it. My friend got the tokyo burger with avocado, muenster, pickled onions, soy, sprouts, and wasabi mayo and it was also very good -- very refreshing (if that's possible for a burger I guess?) Despite the fact that it was literally the exact same as what we were ordering for our main dishes, we broke down and ordered the Breakfast fries which were too good to be true -- a giant bowl of fries covered in hunks of burger, melted cheddar, scallions, dollops of mayo, and topped with a fried egg. The bottom of the mound, as a bunch of others have mentioned, was pretty greasy, but that was really just the very bottom. We were pretty much full of fries at that point so didn't mind not eating every little scrap. Overall, highly recommend MET for brunch (the drinks looked delicious too). Sit outside if the weather is nice but you might want to eat the messy burgers inside hidden away from onlookers...or embrace it because let's be honest, everyone else will just be jealous.
(5)
Leah M.
I came here only for drinks, so I can't speak for the food, but my drink was terrible! I got a Painkiller, which is rum, pineapple and coconut, so it's not usually the prettiest, but normally still tasty. However, this one was served to me with curdled coconut milk. Gross!!! At $12 a cocktail, I expect it to be drinkable!
(2)
Sandra M.
Really liked the service, outdoor patio and Bloody Mary mix. Gluten free bread is decent here! Would choose the chicken club over the eggplant sandwich, it was amazing!
(4)
James S.
Wait staff and hostess were extremely rude. The food was so so. Last time I come here
(1)
Moosa D.
Food: 4/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Can't say enough about their service. Everyone is very polite and helpful.
(5)
Danae K.
I've been here twice and both times I wasn't impressed. The service was slow, and the waitress wasn't very knowledgeable of the menu. After waiting for about 20 min to get the appetizers, I didn't like that the goat cheese tasted like cream cheese at best... When the main course came out, I was further disappointed with the meat flavor. The quality of food is definitely not the high spot for this place. Good parts of this place? Location, ambiance, overall "calm" environment. I'd try it out again but for drinks only. Never again for lunch/food/dinner.
(3)
Jennine W.
This restaurant was just "meh". Granted I understand that the Back Bay is obviously going to be pricey in terms of going out to eat...but I'm sorry, a $40 cheese plate (without meat) is just a little absurd. I expect an entire wheel of cheese if I'm paying that. The only redeeming qualities the Met Bar had was it's tasty Merlot I was offered, and my boyfriend's beer that he ordered. Then again, doesn't take much to "make" those. It is in a nice location on Newbury street, so sitting on the patio was nice...but they told us we couldn't sit on the patio unless we were ALL ordering food. So, none of us were that hungry, and we literally just wanted to find a place to have an app to share and some drinks, but instead were forced to spend a ridiculous amount of money on an entree for each of us. I don't see myself returning there anytime soon.
(2)
Tyler L.
Uninspiring neighborhood bar. Decent (not fantastic) beer menu. The food is all over the place and nothing is done great. It is just sort of a confused concept. Either be a pub and serve good food for ~$15 or be a restaurant and serve better food for ~$25-$30...this place does it in the middle and just isn't a place I would ever go out of my way to eat at again. Service was friendly.
(2)
James F.
I've had a gift card for the Met restaurant group burning a hole in my pocket for some time now, so on a recent weekend decided that we would head over for brunch. The food lived up to expectations (really didn't have much of a doubt here) but just as satisfying was the people and decor-watching (i can be amused by a well decorated or architecturally interesting room for a fair amount of time). Service was first-rate as well - can't recommend this location enough.
(4)
Kenneth L.
The food here was not too bad the problem I do notice is that they do get busy so the service may not be so exceptional. As soon as the crowd cleared up a bit the service improved dramatically. The overall taste of the food was good and the preparation was quick. After my order my food came out within 10 minutes, speeds that my dad would approve! The next thing I did noticed is the Monday burger specials, Tuesday tacos specials, and Wednesday lobster specials. I think I might be trying all three next week!
(3)
Nathan H.
Not a bad place. Should have a higher rating, but my guess is that people get pissy that there are limited outside seats and the staff has a hard time keeping the voluminous foot traffic happy. Food portions were decent, food itself was decent...... This is a solid 3.5, but Yelp doesn't allow 1/2 ratings so we'll go with a 3. Waitress was nice too. Stop in for a nice lunch/drink etc...but please don't wait hours for it because it isn't that great.
(3)
Michelle G.
Worst service ever! The waiter was being very rude. It took 20 or more minutes to bring out drinks, even appetizers arrive before the drinks. When i told him we were still waiting for the drinks, he answered me: "i know". Totally a rude response to a customer!!! Even after this it still took him 10 minutes more to bring them! We finished appetizers before the drinks. We asked for the manager and explained the situation and asked for a change of waiter. The manager said ok. In about 15 minutes no one came. By the time the new waiter arrived we where annoyed and we just asked for the check and leave!!
(1)
Ryan J.
Not a lot of Upscale places I've eaten at for Breakfast other than Panera Bread, but this one takes the Cake. we were sat by the window. They said it was time for Brunch and we just had Water and Coffee while deciding on what we wanted to order. All dad got was Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, Sausage and Homefries, While I got a Salad for Breakfast (I know it sounds odd to get salad for breakfast but I decided to eat something healthy after indulging at Oleana and Hamersley's Bistro last night. The salad I got was Wild Arugula with Pecorino Cheese, Shaved Button Mushrooms, Trufflebert Hazelnuts (Trufflebert is a farm in Portland, Oregon) and a Lemon Vinaigrette, this Salad was Hit and Miss (I love Arugula, one of my favorite leafy greens, Subtle Peppery flavor. Sharp, Salty, Nuttiness from the Pecorino, for some reason I wasn't crazy for the Mushrooms I just don't like them Raw I would've loved for them to be Sauteed or Roasted to bring out more Flavor, The Hazelnuts gave it a nice Crunch and the Vinaigrette gave it some Acidity, although I'd rather them bring me a little cup so I could pour the Vinaigrette instead of them pouring it on being it gets sent out. I give it a 6 out of 10. The Service was Terrific and if I didn't get that Salad here's what I would've got: House Cured Salmon Flatbread, Captain Crunch French Toast, Breakfast Carbonara, Tips & Eggs or The Cure Sandwich. I'll be sure to get one of those next time I dine there for Breakfast. Now after Breakfast we were getting ready to go see all of Boston from the View of the 50th Floor at the Prudential Center Tower.
(4)
Alexandra M.
Came here for drinks and I got the Black Pearl which was fantastic. I had another drink too and if they had a drink list online I could find it in a second but alas.... The staff were funny (making GoT jokes with us).
(5)
Sarah V.
Greek Plate on the bar menu is fantastic....incredibly big tho. Impossible to finish even with 3 people. The beef short rib tacos are also another sharing favorite! Service is average. Food is slightly overpriced, but you get a good amount for your money's worth.
(2)
Hannah C.
Have you ever been so drunk at Brunch you can't see the menu? I got the MET punch on a whim, and even though that thing comes in a small little glass cup, it certainly does pack a punch. I somehow managed to order the Veggie Omelette, my friends making fun of me the entire time. I was not impressed by the omelette, in fact, I was disappointed. It wasn't fresh. I felt like I was eating rubber, which is not appropriate for an expensive place. My friend got the three cheese omelette, which also wasn't fresh, but at least it had cheese. It's impossible to fuck up cheese. Another one of my friend's got the California Hen House Hash, which was a smörgåsbord of potatoes, cheese, avocado, and happiness. What a fantastic Sunday recovery meal that'll leave you full and passed out in the booth. The environment was mostly 24ish year old ladies brunching with mimosas and Anthropology scarves, which is protocol for Sundays on Newbury Street. The staff were very kind and accommodating to our needs, but as soon as I tried to get a free dessert for my friend's "birthday," the waitress pulled out a menu. I ain't paying 15 dollars for some shit I could get from a Betty Crocker box. A whole funfetti cake for me while all da other hoes starve! Overall, I would not recommend coming here for the price you're paying.
(3)
Jenna C.
Yikes. Where do I begin? This review is about the Library Bar, and we only had drinks, so I can't comment on the food. After the service we received, I don't think I'll ever be able to, since I wouldn't ever go back. My story starts on a Saturday afternoon around 3 pm - seven weary women (and ok, I understand this is enough to scare even the most stoic and resilient of servers) stop in for a drink and a bit of AC before the long walk to the Charles Playhouse. The table is set for five, not seven, and despite two attempts to order two pitchers of water and cocktails, the server rushes away before sentences are even finished. One woman gets up and goes directly to the bar to get another pitcher of water.The bartender is confused - why do you want the whole pitcher? While taking drink orders (and only three of seven were mixed drinks - the others were two canned ciders, sparkling water, and a diet coke), the server visibly stops listening and zones out while one woman is ordering her staple: dirty martini, Ketel 1, very dry, lots of olives. The woman has to repeat herself twice. Twenty-five minutes later, when the drinks are finally being made by the slowest bartender in the world, the server brings the ciders. She doesn't pour them, but opens them so the two women that ordered cider can pour it themselves. She also doesn't pour the sparkling water. Just then, the weary women hear a party foul sound: Someone has dropped a tray of drinks. Of course, as they are the only party in the place, the drinks belonged to the women. When they are finally served, the martini is not dirty nor does it have many olives. That woman gets up and goes to the bar to have the drink corrected, as the server is not paying any attention to the table any longer. The only reason this place gets two stars is because the woman with the martini sees the server and manager talking. When she drops the check, the server tells the party that she's taken the mixed drinks off of the bill. Isn't that nice? Okay, thank you. Nice gesture, but that doesn't excuse the poor service.
(2)
Sara C.
We went for Easter brunch and had a wonderful time. Cost was about $35/person including drinks, appetizer, entree, and tip, so a splurge but very worth it for a delicious meal. The highlight was the ricotta beignets. And the hollandaise sauce. Beware, the drinks are VERY strong (and tasty)!
(5)
Michael Q.
Came here for brunch on my vacation with an old friend and man was i impressed!!! The food was so good and I got the cinnamon toast crunch French toast was amazing!! Definitely a full serving here and worth a chance to come and sit and enjoy the food and view. The service was so so kinda chippy maybe it's because I'm from Texas and we are used to and a different kind of service. But it was not the best service. Though the food was amazing so I'll still give it 4 stars for the food
(4)
Jean F.
Delicious brunch w/ my hubbs! The bloody mary bar was unreal (capers the size of a quarter) and the falafel sandwich I devoured was pretty good. I wish it was a little more crispy, but still pretty good. The ambiance was very Newbury St chic and a charming fall brunch setting outside.
(4)
Andee S.
Service was amazing, the waitstaff is fun and professional. You absolutely must try the cap'n crunch breaded french toast.
(5)
Lyndsey C.
Really good but not what I was expecting. I have been to the MET Bar in Natick and am obsessed with the food, especially the Tokyo Burger... anyways, when I was near Newbury last night and craving a burger, and because it is such an awesome location and cool/modern space i went in. The food was great, don't get me wrong... i had the open faced Salmon roll and it was soooo good and a completely different take on the sushi role i know and love. My husband and other guests had the one burger on the menu and said it was great. Food was wonderful, atmosphere was wonderful, great location and is much larger inside than you think, with multiple bars... my only complaint.. .our server was a bit off. He wasn't very friendly, kind of hard to speak with, and we were at one of those huge booths for 6 and he kept insisting to take every plate, menu, napkin, anything really, that was no being used at that very second... almost to a rude and kind of ocd type of a feel. He even interrupted our conversations to get things that could have honestly just stayed there for a few minutes. Overall, really love. Will def be back to have a drink/eat outside when it is warm again, and will hang them sometimes. Just don't expect the same menu as in the other locations.
(4)
Tamara W.
I liked this place for what it is: you standard, run of the mill Persian-esque bar in the heart of Back Bay. We were seated promptly on a Thursday night outside (which has heaters + comfy couch seating). Our waiter was GREAT; very attentive, kind, and did a great job leaving us alone but also checking in to make sure we were taken care of. While its not oyster season I made the mistake of getting oysters; they were small and not very good but I bet everywhere in Boston is like that this time of year maybe? It's on the street which is nice for people watching and it's a great location, just steps from Copley Train Station. It was not too expensive and the sun dried tomato pizza was greasy/cheesy looking but actually really good. Overall a nice choice for something easy and cheap(isn). I will not come back again but glad I tried it once! Tamara
(3)
Kristen S.
Needed a break from the cold and this is the first bar we came across "on" Newbury St. Sat downstairs in the bar and it was a fun, modern vibe. They have a very creative drink menu. I got the rose martini and it was strong, but good. Great place to grab a drink or two with friends.
(4)
Aakriti J.
I didn't find this place so amazing. I hate that all the restaurants on this street don't allow for getting just drinks and sitting outside. I don't really like the inside as it feels a bit like a dungeon and it didn't help that two okay tasting cocktails amounted to a whopping $30 :( I guess back bay is not for poor college students not looking to splurge a lot
(3)
christine p.
I would come here everyday as I practically live on top of it, except the service is just bad. The hosts aren't welcoming (they seem to be auditioning for a part of snobby host at ultra chic restaurant - which this is not). Even the manager isn't very nice. Plus, when you walk in you can smell the bathrooms. It's gross.
(1)
K E.
Good drinks, good food. I've eaten brunch, lunch and dinner there, and each time was really good. Service has always been good as well. The place is pretty big so if you are having a hard time finding a place without a long wait I would definitely try this place.
(4)
Peter C.
Great location in Back Bay! We ventured into Met to grab a bite during an impromptu Saturday night Pub Crawl. Grabbed a spot at the bar, as the Outdoor seating was all taken up, given the gorgeous weather. We ordered some Stellas and kicked back a few. The bar had pairs of attractive women sitting around, sitting martinis. Seems like a good place to meet late 20s or early 30s girls, if that's what you're looking for. The menu isn't huge, but I'm told they do an amazing burger. We settled on splitting the Loaded Fries. The appetizers don't appear to be the size you'd get at your average chain restaurant. I can split fries and nachos with someone and be completely full at a Chilis or Fridays. Since the Met is a bit more upscale, portions were smaller. The fries were first rate! Hand cut fries, with layers of melted cheese. Topped with a cut up burger and a fried egg. Really good! I wish I had ordered one just for me though. Would have been perfect! :) Wait staff was SUPER friendly. There were a lot of people working there, so it wasn't hard to get service. I noticed a guy who appeared to be a manager or owner, walking around. He kicked back a few glasses of Johnny Walker. I thought that strange that he'd be drinking, while on the job. A very nice guy though. I forgot to add... THE MUSIC. Whatever playlist they had going, it certainly catered to my age group. It's not the 21 crowd. I think it's more for people who are bit more established in their career and looking for a great spot. The music was a HUGE plus. It was a lot of popular songs, and saw a lot of girls singing along. Not hip hop or pop junk. I'm trying to recall all the songs, but all I remember was a Chili Peppers song, but I found myself singing along in my head to most of it.
(4)
Jay N.
I have now had brunch at the Met 4 times, within 2 months. I try to go to other places but this place keeps beckoning me back. The outdoor seating is lovely, indoors is well done, the service is good, and the coffee is terrific! My family and I were all pleased with our meals on my last visit. I would certainly recommend this place.
(4)
Xander M.
1. I've been here twice. Both times, the same two girls were at the door. The look of judgement on their faces was not welcoming. When I mentioned my reservation name, the response was "your party's down stairs" said with a nasty attitude! 2. There was no small fork for my oysters :( 3. The food was phenomenal! 4. The bartender was very nice and welcoming. Recommendation: replace the ladies at the door. They set the tone!!
(2)
Tanya L.
Meeting a friend in downtown Boston for after-work drinks, I was interested in trying Met Back Bay on the corner of Newbury St and Dartmouth since my friend had recommended it. We sat outside in the beautiful Newbury St seating - that is, until we were informed that we had to order food to sit outside. As we both had dinner plans, we opted to move inside. We chose a table in the underground bar area, but it took quite a while for a server to notice us and bring us our drinks. My friend had a cocktail while I had a local microbrew beer. The drinks were good but place became really busy and loud, and the service wasn't terribly attentive. It took forever both outside and inside to be greeted by a server and actually served. The bathroom was also pretty horrible, with many of the stalls without toilet paper and/or looking very rough. If you're going for food, sit outside and enjoy the amazing space. However, if you're just going for drinks I wouldn't recommend it very highly.
(3)
Adan G.
Good service, but the food was mediocre at best. Ordered a veggie omelette with potatoes. It was served bordering cold, and had very little cheese. The potatoes were also cold and all broken up, as if they were taken off of somebody else's dish.
(2)
Diandra R.
3 and a half stars for taco Tuesday. Short rib tacos were a 4 out of 10. It had way too many caramelized onions and had this strong underlying taste of mustard or horseradish. I couldn't really put my finger on it but it was definitely a flavor that doesn't belong in a taco. Trust me, it looks better than it tastes. We also got the steak tacos which were a 7 1/2 out of 10. Visually, it didn't look as good as the short rib tacos, presentation wise, but it was far far tastier. The red sangria was decent. I probably would've liked more fruit in it than just a single orange slice but that's probably because I'm being tacky, and this is a nice place.
(3)
Craig S.
Have tried the one at Natick mall and it was always decent so I gave this one a shot. Maybe I ordered wrong but it was really bad . Sat at the "library bar" nice space, but a little strange with the tiny TV off to the side made it hard to watch the game. Wanted something light so got the chopped Met salad with added chicken - it was all bad way too big, like whole head of lettuce big. Way under dressed and bad combo of ingredients, and the chopped salad was not even chopped. Really bothers me when I have to spend 10 minutes chopping my chopped salad. wow cool look how pretty my avocado and chicken slabs are -- chop that shit up! had to take half of it home and even me dressing it up with my own ingredients it was still pretty bad. Not ok for $20! ...yes 20 fing dollars for a bad salad. Saves a star for really good and friendly staff - plus having a pain killer on the drink menu. Feels like a tourist trap.
(2)
Katelyn A.
Met happens to be one of my favorite mid week after work spots. Great vibe at the bar with friendly service. A glass of wine accompanied by the meat and cheese platter or the flat bread is perfectly shared by two. Love the Met
(4)
Martin S.
Had an excellent breakfast here (Salmon flatbread) and the service was also very good. Got a seat outside in the shadow - very nice!
(5)
Curtis T.
We came here at the suggestion of our hotel and they definitely steered us right. Our server Ella was fantastic (We're all professional bartenders and she should teach a class) attentive, knowledgable, and engaging. The carpaccio was some of the best I've ever eaten, and the tuna was indescribably good. Simple fresh cooking, always the right way to go!
(5)
Marissa P.
No thanks! Boring menu, shitty service, awful atmosphere, sub-par food. Go elsewhere.
(2)
Katie C.
The Met is one of the few places in the Back Bay where I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off whenever I dine here. I've been to the Met in the Natick Mall (or Collection, or whatever it's called these days) and I liked it. So when my mom was visiting on a rather blustery cool spring day, we stopped in for lunch. From the outside, it looks like one of the types of restaurants you'll need to take a second mortgage after paying the tab, but the prices are very reasonable and the food matches it. We were seated upstairs rather quickly, but the dining room is very cramped. Don't put your drinks at the edge of the table, otherwise they will be on the floor once someone knocks into your table. The service was also very prompt. However, we were in the restaurant on a Friday afternoon and once the restaurant filled up, our server went MIA. My mom had the burger which was enormous and she really liked it. I had the chicken club sandwich which was way more than I bargained for. Very tasty! But a little salty. However, it was a great meal and completely worth the $35+ for lunch. Keep this on your short list to return once the weather gets nicer and the patio seating is available!
(4)
Kristen A.
My first time here and not disappointed! I got the met club which is enough for 2 people and very delicious! Also got the side salad yum! Husband got the rice bowl with salmon and he loved it! The clam chowder is awesome too!
(4)
Alan H.
Almost always gets it right. Very few places in the back bay can cook a burger to order and get it right. Met bar gets it right the first time almost every time. Good food and service and the prices are fair.
(4)
Ryan W.
Once again. I do not understand how this place only has three stars. This is one our favorite restaurants and one of the few places which we return to on a regular basis. We've eaten here several times and have never had a meal we didn't enjoy completely. The last time we ate here with a group of 4. We ordered all of the veggie plates to share which worked well for the group. My wife ordered salmon and enjoyed it. I had steak tips which we delicious. The have a great wine list. Our tab was pretty reasonable coming in under $100 with food, drink and tip. This place is always busy, so definitely make reservations so you don't end up waiting and getting hungry.
(4)
L D.
The staff, both hostess and waitstaff were rude, the drinks were extremely overpriced and not very good, the food which were FORCED to order, was okay. Apparently, if you would like to sit outside, your are required to order food (which we were not told until after our drink order had been put in). We will NEVER visit the Met again!
(1)
Amanda Y.
My friend and I were shopping around the area and decided to drop by for brunch. We went in and were told to get any table we wanted. We sat there and waited for about 15 minutes and we still weren't given any menu. So, we finally requested for the menu and it took forever to come. We had to ask the same waiter for it twice. Water also took forever to come. When we were finally ready to order, we ordered oysters and a main course. He said that they were out of those. Seriously? You could have told us earlier. He went away and we were so annoyed and disappointed with the service that we just left the place. Never ever coming back again.
(1)
SaraLee C.
I am an unapologetic lover of BRUNCH. And I really wanted to rate this place higher, but, alas... Food: Oof... It's clearly a HIT or MISS depending upon your "expectations". Don't get me wrong, I'm a girl who loves her donuts and her rabbit food, but in the right ... context. Here's what I mean, if I wanted a deep-fried funnel cake, then, I'd gladly go to a carnival and enjoy every last confectionary-sugary-drop, but, I certainly wouldn't travel to Newbury St., to get a perverted version of that as my breakfast. After reading a few reviews, my friend and I ordered the Nutella-engorged-French-Toast (or something to that extent). It tasted like an under-fried donut coated under 3mm of SUGAR (with a dash of cinnamon). My GI and Endocrine system were crying bloody murder after the 3rd oily bite. And my friend and I, TOGETHER, could not finish HALF of it. I was (and STILL am! ) seriously disappointed with the food; it is listed under New American cuisine, but, there is nothing "new" about it. In this day and age, there are so many ways one can be creative about old classic dishes without the knee-jerk reaction to just deep fry and sugar-coat (literally) a classic dish and color it "new". The food looked and tasted uninventive and unrefined (think Frankensteinian alteration of a very basic American dish). Service: Fast, friendly, and good with the refills of coffee and water. Ambiance: The interior design was unimpressive. Large, leather couches that seemingly appeared comfortable, but, were NOT. The view of Newbury street was interesting enough. BOTTOM LINE: I was very disappointed. My beloved French Toast was butchered. Maybe my friend and I chose the wrong dish and so, with that benefit of the doubt, we may venture back at some point, but, no promises.
(2)
Leah K.
On a Saturday morning, I came with my two friends and we were told we should sit at the bar downstairs. Great! So we sat...and we waited...and waited...and waited. Drink order? No thank you. We want food. We order...and wait, and wait....there were maybe 2 people working the bar, and they were rushing, but it was so slow! Our waters didn't get re-filled, and they were empty. If you're serving brunch, why not bring a few more staff members on to beat the rush? For such a nice place, we didn't feel well taken care of. The food was just ok (my burger was really dry), so we weren't so impressed.
(2)
Ekin G.
I put my name on the list for a 45 min wait line and they told me that they would text. So, I started walking down the street to pass the time. Then, I got a text saying I should be there in 5 min. I arrived there 10 min later because I was far. Then, these shameless people told me that I didn't arrive on time so they'll put me on the list again and I have to wait the whole time again. Screw you! You don't know the first thing about running a restaurant!
(1)
Allison H.
I love this place - my husband claims he gets sick every time he eats here...I don't care - I go by myself - i'm that sad lady at the bar scarfing down the gluten free chicken sandwich and big ole glass of wine:)
(4)
Martha P.
I started going here when I lived in the neighborhood after Joe's American Bar & Grill moved from here to down the street, and The Met moved in. Have been here many times and on several occasions brought friends here when they came from out of town, who were happy to sit in a nice, rather trendy, centrally located spot in the Back Bay. The Met has the best burgers I've ever had in a restaurant - I think I've usually ordered the DC Burger, but unlike on the current menu I don't remember it having American cheese - more like cheddar or Swiss. Maybe they've changed the way they make it since I was last here. The French fries are great (are they shoestring fries? they're skinny and delicious and hot when they arrive). Also tried a fruity cocktail here once on a summer night. It was made with pineapple and had bits of toasted coconut around the rim of the glass and, though I usually don't drink such concoctions, it was delicious and made me want another. Any drinks I've had here have been well-made, but then I usually just go for a gin-and-tonic, hard to mess up unless the bartender makes it too weak, but they never do at the Met. When this place was Joe's the interior had a lot of wood. Now that it's The Met it's mostly chrome, which I don't find as warm or inviting. I always sit at the bar when I come here, whether alone or with friends. Service has always been just fine and I've never had to wait too long to place an order or get my food. Five-star burgers, four-star interior, four-star prices. I'm a fan and will be back when I'm in the area.
(4)
Paul N.
Super service for a taco Tuesday with great friends. Three of us ordered a plate of 3 of each kind of tacos, and split them all. Broad selection of cocktails were fun and they made the Brazilian favorite Caipirinha (not on the menu). Chips and guacamole were very tastefully presented, and the banana split was enough for 3. We sat just inside the sidewalk patio door, and it was not too noisy or hot - a lovely evening. Our server was attentive but not overbearing, with a great sense of humor - perfect balance. And the manager/supervisor stopped by twice during our 3-hour leisurely dinner. Not the cheapest place to eat, but I felt it was worth it and actually spent less than I thought I might (it certainly helped that each plate of 3 tacos was only $6!). Overall a great experience!
(4)
Tawheed K.
The location is great but the service is absolutely horrendous. I arrived here on a Friday night and midnight and asked to sit in the patio. 1. They said that you have to order food in order to sit in the patio but have to go inside if I want to order drinks only 2. I said that's fine, I'll order food, I'd like to sit outside. 3. The waitress then said actually, the kitchen is closed so you have to order a drink inside. 4. I grabbed a drink inside and then asked to sit outside. The waitress then said, sorry, even with that drink, you cannot sit outside. Clearly poor management, poor service, and according to the reviews, the food isn't that great anyway. Pass on this place.
(1)
Cindy N.
Stopped here during a visit to Boston, food was okay. The wait was way too long for subpar food.
(1)
Rachel L.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. Like, I went three times in one week last month. Because of its location right off of Newbury and near the Commons, it's a great place to bring friends or family visiting from out of town. I also enjoy the atmosphere of Met; the decor is very nice, but it doesn't feel stuffy or intimidating. Along with loving the overall vibe of Met, I really really like the food! I eat mostly vegetarian, and there's some substantial, delicious meat-free menu items here (so you're not stuck with a boring garden salad for once!). My favorites are the Green Guru Salad and the Something Natural Sandwich- both soooo good. Everyone I've brought here has always loved their food as well! I tried a bit of my friend's calamari last time I was there and it was delicious, and a huge portion. I also love their craft your own bloody's. It makes brunch so much fun, and definitely adds to the experience to compare what different drinks everyone concocted. My friend also ordered a mimosa which she said was very good. I have to give my favorite restaurant only 4 stars because the service can be a bit inconsistent. I've been here and had excellent service, but other times it's like I don't exist. My sister and I sat with our check, ready to be paid, for 20 minutes and not a single worker could be found that whole time. BUT, even when the service isn't great, it's not enough to deter me from coming back!
(4)
Matt B.
While it's a little pricey, I'd have to say it's worth it. The burgers here are fantastic. The chicken sandwich is also a favorite. Plus the environment and feel of the place is one of the best in Boston without a doubt and the staff have always been very friendly and helpful.
(5)
Dan N.
Wow... great spot on Newbury St. Hung out for a couple hours sampling cheese and pork products at the bar. Robain was our tender, and he's a great guy to talk to and keep you company while you relax and indulge. Highly recommend getting a bar seat.
(5)
Theodore Y.
I'm a sucker for whiskey, so the Peninsula cocktail was a definite smash. Back Bay Dry-aged Burger. The patty was delicious. But the bun was too small, and the overall burger was just too oily. The service was on its game and the Peninsula brought this up to 4 stars.
(4)
Mark S.
This place is great for people watching on Newbury - awesome patio. The food is ok but kinda pricey. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Katie V.
Had brunch here on Sunday and it was ok -- the atmosphere was definitely chaotic and the servers looked extremely harried. Understandable if you're a brunch place on Newbury Street. Still, it took almost 10 minutes for our server to say hi and pour water. Something that detracted from the experience was the loud table of two women next to us. Not Met's fault, but their conversation and general behavior was so annoying that I kept having to remind myself not to stare/judge. So I guess be warned that the clientele might irritate you. Food-wise, I had the smoked salmon flatbread (it's billed as a pizza, but it's more like a flatbread). It was tasty -- bit skimpy on the salmon, but the sunny side-up egg on top is a nice touch and it was perfectly cooked (nice runny yolk). My friend indulged his inner 5-year-old and got the Capt Crunch-coated French Toast. No complaints there. I also ordered a side of potatoes (the ones that come with the egg dishes, described as crispy Yukon Golds). What I actually got was a side of turkey meatball hash (the server said he hit the wrong button in the computer). Fortunately, I'm not a vegetarian, so I ate it and it wasn't a big deal. But it wasn't what I wanted and neither I nor the server realized the mistake until I'd eaten most of it. All in all, an okay experience....got the job done.
(3)
Parul L.
I have been going to Met for some time now (since it opened), and it is a great go to spot in Back Bay. The winter menu has been more comfort food, with pot pie and biscuits and yummy sides. I remember having an interesting shrimp and corn pizza which made me go, "huh", which is what I like about this place. Pair that with good drinks, and I think this is a great go to spot. We also caught the Bruins game here, and it was a lively bar scene downstairs, which makes it a good spot for any night. The upstairs is a bit more formal, but still with the same great food. I recently stopped by for lunch, and had an awesome turkey burger which I would love to have again soon! I also threw an event here, which was awesome, though a bit pricey. They do a nice job overall.
(4)
Bronwen Y.
This review is specifically for The Met's breakfast. /disclaimer I was so bummed out that my regular brunch haunts were not extending their Sunday brunch on the President's Day holiday, especially since I had some friends up from NYC to see the Beantown sights. I remembered the cheerful rooster sign outside the Met, and thought we'd give it a shot. The breakfast prices are VERY reasonable, especially given that this is Newbury Street. Most of the dishes are between $10 and $15, and it is definitely worth it. The dining room is bright and airy, with great views of Newbury and fantastic people watching as a result. We squeezed in in the last 15 mins of breakfast service, and were greeted cheerfully and promptly. I'd go back for the Met McMuffin Club - english muffin with egg, ham and cheese... and bacon, lettuce and tomato. To die for! The fresh squeezed orange juice is also the real deal (and made to order). Also at our table was the crunchy oat brioche french toast and the biscuit eggs benedict - all with rave reviews. I'd definitely recommend checking it out sometime, especially if you have a need for a sit down breakfast on a weekday!
(4)
Colleen H.
It's 50/50 here, I have to say. If you sit upstairs, in the cute little bar area, you're golden. It's charming, intimate, and the food is pretty good (...mostly in the fancy burger sense). If you go downstairs, things just seem to fall apart. It's a bit too dark, almost starts to feel like a pub, and the service is terrible. I'd be scared to come here with a party in the event that we never get waited on, because coming here just as two hasn't really given us much luck. Something you must try is the Paris burger (you can get it at any of their locations) It has Brie, fried egg, caramelized onion, and truffle mayo...that's right, I said truffle. For someone that isn't a huge burger fan, this is the closest thing to heaven I've ever tasted between two buns.
(3)
Cait M.
Brunchers, beware. Stopped by for brunch today because we were in the area running errands. Usually, I avoid eating on Newbury Street and this experience reminded me why. First - we were told there was a 40 minute wait to sit outside, even though we could see that there were available tables, and there was no one waiting in front of us. Once we were seated inside, our waiter - who was friendly but really inattentive took our orders. He had a very difficult time answering my husband's questions about some of the menu items, as though he hasn't ever seen, let alone eaten the food. 20 minutes or more later, the food came out - though we had yet to get our drinks. It would be another 10 minutes before our Bloody Marys arrived, and when they did they were terrible. Watery and bland. Easily the worst I've ever had. I actually complained to the waiter - and I seriously NEVER send things back. On a good point - they did take the cost of my drink off the bill. As for the food, it was not good. Everything was flavorless - no salt or pepper, let alone more complex flavors. The home-fries were stale and over done, my veggie omelette was fine - the veggies were steamed and tasteless. The eggs had the texture of egg-beaters. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing right either. My husband ordered the hash, which was really just some chicken and gravy poured over the aforementioned bland home-fries. He was not a fan. We were really sort of shocked at how bad our experience was, from the service to the food, and it wasn't cheap either. It is a shame because the food and drink menus both looked great. I was hoping Met would turn out to be an easy go-to spot in Back Bay - but I don't think we'll be returning.
(1)
Jean Y.
My husband and I went for a late lunch - outside tables were full so we went inside. We stood around waiting for someone to take us to a table but no such luck - my husband asked one of the waitstaff and she said we could sit at any table - we waited 15 min for service but was I ignored. I had to flag down a waiter - bad sign we should have walked out. I ordered the giant lobster roll and it looked great until we realized that the roll was mainly roll with very little lobster - at $28 you would expect a little more lobster than the couple of tablespoons that we were given - mentioned this to the waiter but he explained the the meat was carefully weighed - he didn't seem sympathetic at all. This is the last time that we will ever go to this restaurant. They obviously don't need the business.
(1)
Ruth B.
Cute place with a comfortable atmosphere. The food was excellent and service was pretty good for how busy they are! I would recommend this place and their breakfast burrito! Yum!
(4)
Patryce S.
Their burgers are to die for! I got the Paris burger and my fiance' got the salmon burger and it was just simply amazing!! Only thing I would have to complain about is the waiter told us there were other fries to choose from but failed to mention that this was an "upgrade" and charged us each an additional $2 for getting the sweet potato fries and the truffle fries. So basically he up selled us by $4 for fries which is ridiculous. He should have told us in the beginning instead of being sneaky about it..felt that way to me anyway. If he didnt do that then this place would have a 5 start from me. :) UPDATE: I have to give this place 5 stars now because we went back for lunch and our server was awesome!! We pretty much ordered the same thing and "upgraded" our fries again and she didnt charge us. I guess that other waiter we had the day before was just a stingy a**hole looking for more money lol. Anyways this place rocks!!!
(5)
Alexey V.
I wouldn't give it even one star... Came there with friend who doesn't wanted to order anything. So after I ordered an omelette we've been told that to sit on a patio my friend has to order an entree. Needles to say that the whole patio was empty and there wasn't a line waiting to be seated. So we left. No one apologized. Unbelievably rude...
(1)
C O.
After waiting 10 minutes for the host to return to the host station, so we could be seated for brunch we were told we could seat ourselves upstairs at the library bar. Um ok. So we headed up to the bar and found a spot only to wait another 15 minutes for a server to actually come over, say hi and fill our glasses with water. The room was full of hungover 20 year olds all WAY too excited about their "breakfast fries" -- a ginormous bowl of fries covered with cheese, onions and eggs with a burger and egg on top. The menu said you should specify which veggies you did NOT want in their "lots of veggies" omelet, so I said no onions...and ended up with a spinach (frozen, yuck) and tomato omelet. The "smashed fried potatoes" it was supposed to come with was just a side of home fries. Luckily we ordered a side of biscuits, which saved brunch....they were buttery, flaky and delicious and came with a side of maple butter with salt on top. These were delicious! I would only go here if you like overpriced food and lousy slow service. Sonsie on Newbury, Church in Fenway or Zaftigs in Brookline have a much better brunch (and waitstaff).
(2)
Oz L.
Saturday night and this backbay bar has last call at 11:45. WTF, are you kidding me!!! And the website says they close at 1AM--- bbyes. My biz goes elsewhere---
(1)
Dan P.
Stop 2 of my Best Burger in Boston tour, and I must say, this was one of my favorites. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's the best I've had within walking distance to Boston, and especially in the Back Bay. The burger might have been a tad on the over cooked side, I like it med rare, this was closer to medium, but the quality of the meat offset that. The cheese was great and the bacon, oh man the bacon. I think I could go back and just have the bacon for lunch and be happy. The fries were good, but I wasn't blown away by them. For $18, it was a very good burger. I don't know if I'll be going here every week for lunch, but I will be back now and again for sure.
(4)
Clare F.
The Met Back Bay is pretty good. I have been twice now, with differing experience in terms of seating. The first time, we had a larger party, and people were able to trickle in while the rest of us could sit and wait for them. The second time, it was me with one friend, and I was not able to sit until she arrived. She was searching for parking, which on a Friday night during the holiday season near Newbury Street is no easy task. I was asked to just wait for her to be seated. I understand that as a policy, especially on a super busy night, but we were led to a room with a large number of open tables. Why did I have to wait in the lobby? Both times I ordered the chopped salad (no bacon) and truffle fries. The salad is HUGE and there is definitely $14 worth of salad in there. The truffle fries are always good, with parm sprinkled on top and ketchup AND truffle mayo for dipping purposes. 4.5 stars for the fries alone. The first time I was there, I ordered the Gypsy. It comes with Chartreuse, which I don't care for at all, and I asked the waitress if you could taste it. She said not at all, so I ordered it. But I definitely could taste the Chartreuse. So the next 3 Gypsys were specifically Chartreuse-free (and VERY potent). Second time I ordered orange, cranberry and vodka (vitamins for my head cold plus booze) and the waiter suggested a blood orange martini, which I politely declined. My drink came in a low ball glass and was generously filled. My friend was bummed because they didn't have the seared tuna that she usually gets. We had a third person join us, which at that point was no problem. She ordered a burger and absolutely loved it. Generous portions for the semi-higher prices. I just wish I could have waited at my table rather than awkwardly standing in the entrance.
(3)
Michelle K.
This review is for the burgers only. I ordered the the Met prime blend with the Tokyo set up. I was intrigued by the mix of ingredients: avocado, muenster, pickled onions, sticky soy, daikon sprouts, and wasabi mayo. Sounds delicious right? May have had a fighting chance had they not done the number one thing to ruin a burger -- overcook the meat. I asked for medium and anticipated a juicy, blushing pink burger. I was instead met with a something much closer to well done. No pink + No juices = No happiness. May have been an off night, but doesn't really reflect very kindly on their other dishes if they can't get something as simple as cooking a burger right. I was also off put by the fact that they charged my friend an extra 2 dollars for adding lettuce to her burger..really? Friends have raved about this place, so may have to come back to try their other goods but will definitely be staying away from the burgers.
(2)
Lisa I.
I would come here just to order their buttermilk biscuits with honey-maple butter. They are TO DIE FOR. The rest of their menu is ok. The truffled corn is good, but really heavy. The burgers are solid. Truffle french fries are delish. Skip the salads - nothing original and pretty boring. Also go somewhere else for dessert - they're very mediocre and don't taste homemade. Cocktails are yummy, although I wish they'd bring back my favorite drink, The French Kiss!! I'm giving them 4 stars because I like the atmosphere. The downstairs bar area is cozy and if you're lucky enough to grab a table, can be quite comfortable. The upstairs dining area also has a cozy feel and is quiet enough that you can actually carry on a conversation.
(4)
Rachel K.
I came here last night to get dinner and drinks with a friend. We sat at the downstairs bar. The bartender, Ted, was awesome! He was a very good bartender, he was friendly and kept me entertained while waiting for my friend to find parking (which is NEVER quick on Newbury), and made us some drinks that were both delicious and POTENT- haha. My salmon burger (Tokyo style) was excellent, and my friend loved her turkey burger (LA style) as well. I have been here a few other times, and I can always rely on the food and drinks to both be very good, definitely above average. There is also a nice variety and something here for everyone. I am shocked to see the average review for this place any less than 4 stars.
(5)
Lynnie T.
I was in Boston this past weekend for a mini vacation and I heard the burgers & cocktails were oh so necessary to try at the Met. I had the Fried Calamari, Tokyo burger & Spiked Peach Lemonade for dinner. I always get calamari whenever I see it on ANY menu so it goes without saying, I've had some good and bad calamari in my time. At the Met though, the calamari was perfectly cooked. I liked the batter to calamari ratio and, the overall size of each piece was consistent (which I always appreciate). The chili sauce was delicious! It definitely spruced up the already yummy calamari. I'd get this again and again if I were living in Boston haha. I got the Tokyo burger medium rare which was properly cooked (yay!); it was very moist and juicy. I think on my particular burger, the wasabi mayo wasn't spread evenly so the first 3-4 bites tasted like any other burger...kinda disappointing. But by the fifth bite, I got the wasabi mayo which had just enough heat and the flavors all worked well together. As for the Spiked Peach Lemonade, OMG I can drink this for days! Not to sound like a lush but it was a pretty damn good cocktail. Overall, I liked everything I had at the Met Back Bay. Ambiance was nice and moody. The interior is gorgeous; a little more formal that usual but it didn't feel pretentious. My waiter was very kind to make sure we were satisfied with our meals. This place is worth checking out :D
(4)
Meg H.
I would give zero stars if possible. I went here on Sunday with my friend's family. We were sent downstairs and told to sit anywhere. Except, we were a party of 6 and there were no clean tables! We sat for about 10 minutes at a dirty table while we waited for them to clear the table we wanted. Our waitress completely neglected us, and what should have been an in-and-out meal in less than an hour took over an hour and a half. We waited at least 20 minutes for our burgers to come after we finished our appetizer, and the appetizer plates were never cleared. I also got sick a few hours later - I bet they poisoned my burger!
(1)
Ed P.
Stopped in for a quick lunch with co-workers on a lunch break. Lobster bacon roll was fantastic although for $19 you'd expect it to come with more than a small hand full of potato chips. Co-worker had the 1/2 chicken-now this is a WINNER - roasted with nice, tasty herb baste, generous portion and great wedge fries. That's what I order next time here. Sit on the low deck and watch the Boston locals walk by. We were on a tight time line, told our waiter and he expedited our order. Food hit the table fast BUT, he disappeared when it came time for us to pay. Had to flag down another waiter to close bill. All in all, tasty, great location and interesting people watching.
(4)
Carla A.
Location location location. This is my 3rd time- but first for lunch. Lucky for the food and service, the atmosphere shines and distracts you. For the price and Newbury Street location, I had higher expectations- I expected the type of experience I have had at night for dinner. Not the case or even close. We sat on the patio. The server took several minutes to acknowledge us, spoke in a soft tone while looking down at the notes causing us to say excuse me a few times. Lunch arrived promptly- kudos to the food runners- the largest salad I have ever seen- although bland. The sandwich was a good portion as well, with excellent flavor - however the bread was completely dried out. Our server seemed much more interested in turning the table than attending to our needs. **Note to those that dine on the patio- there is an automatic 18% gratuity added- regardless of table size- with no mention of this on the menu**
(2)
Taylor G.
I had brunch at Met Back Bay last weekend, and was extremely impressed. I decided to order a turkey burger with traditional fixings, and was very impressed. It was quite delicious! After letting the waiter know that I had a nut allergy, he prepared me a side salad instead of the french fries that come with the burger. I will most certainly be back!
Love this spot. Have been a few times and always have a great experience. The chopped salad is my favorite and the truffle fries are a must. MET has a great drink menu with lots of fun cocktails. My favorite is the Iced-n-sweet. You can also get pitchers of some of the cocktails which is nice. Great spot for a date night or to go with a group of friends. The service is good and the decor is nice, clean, and classy. There are a few different rooms to eat in upstairs and a nice bar area downstairs. Great location too- right off of Newbury Street near Copley.
(4)
Marc F.
It was pricey, but pretty good. Lobster cheese dip was excellent, and the Paris burger with the Prime beef was excellent. Just look for the photo I posted (it's the burger with the egg in it). Drinks were fine and the ambience was nice. It's worth noting the time of day that my girlfriend and I got here - 12:30 p.m. - as it probably makes a difference. We were seated inside and it wasn't too crowded, and our waitress was attentive and helpful.
(4)
Jules L.
I stopped by the MET Bar near Newbury St for lunch. I was pleasantly surprised that Chris is now bartending at the MET. Yeh!!! He is one of Boston's finest bartenders. He has a great personality, he's fast, and he knows how to make an awesome cocktails. The MET is lucky to have you!
(5)
Scott J.
I had high hopes for Met, but it was pretty disappointing. The ambiance is lovely and the service excellent, but the sky-high prices aren't justified in the quality of the food. My lobster fra diavolo came with a linguini that had nearly no taste (though it was a plentiful, full portion) and I was surprised that it had both large chunks of lobster, along with a partial shell that still had lobster meat in it. I mean, make up your mind? There were some aspects that were wonderful, though, like the griddled garlic bread (but not worth $5) -- in fact, charging for bread baskets (however gourmet) is robbery. The Caesar salad certainly had its moments, but way too much cutting was involved. I was kind of bummed that they didn't have any cider, since that's pretty common in Boston. The sticky toffee pudding was simply amazing. No complaints there, it was a total piece of heaven. We were a large group and it was already loud in there, so it was difficult to hold a conversation sometimes. I think this place is more hype and area than anything, but I would go back for dessert or drinks in a heartbeat. And the hostess was gorgeous.
(3)
Kirsten K.
Back Bay Fave that Came Through for a Big Party in a Pinch! Ok - so I have always enjoyed Met Back Bay, but my experience last weekend made me a raving fan - and they deserve to get props! Situation: It was my going away dinner ... we made a reservation at another Boston hotspot for a party of 12. When it came time to confirm our reservation, we found that it wasn't there! ZOINKS. What to do? Call all around ... Response: Met Back Bay not only said, yep - we have space in one of our private rooms. Do you want to come check it out? My friend who was close by went over and it looked perfect ... we said yes and frantically let everyone know. On Site: The space was in fact awesome ... by happenstance we were next to a cozy fireplace and an area that allowed us to have a little bar / mingling area which was so perfect. Our group expanded to about 15 and we rearranged the tables to make it work ... no issues and total cooperation from the Met team. Service: Though our group was a bit overwhelming (and unexpected), Jamel did an amazing job! He'd waited on me and a friend two weeks earlier and even remembered what wine we drank. Score. Jamel did a terrific job and we had such fun ... learning it was his birthday and celebrating right along with him too:) Food: Delish overall. Nothing is crazy fancy, but everything is a bit of a classic with a twist. I split an arugula salad and the bolognese ... several had the chopped salad, burgers, steaks and even one pair got the lobster. Portions are always generous and we enjoyed our 3.5 hour meal with many bottles of wine. All in all ... you can NEVER go wrong with Met Back Bay ... sometimes you might struggle to get a seat or it could be crowded ... but it's a great usual to have handy anytime. Thanks Met Back Bay & Jamel for helping make our group's evening special! PS - On any given day of the week, their Chopped Salad with oil-free dressing tastes decadent but is on the healthy side! Go for it with a nice glass of wine ... you earned it! :)
(4)
Joel M.
I've been searching for a great caprese sandwich since I moved to Boston without much luck, as it's one of my favorites. The fried eggplant caprese here is probably the best sandwich I've had in years, and just writing this review makes me want to go back and get another. I just stopped randomly in after acting like a tourist strolling down Newbury, and ate at the upstairs bar with great service. There was only one other patron at ~3:00 in the afternoon so I can't comment on what it's like during busier times.
(5)
Taryn C.
Sorry folks, this is an honest to goodness review. My husband and I are HUGE fans of the Met Bar on Bolyston out in Chestnut Hill. This new spot just doesn't have what it takes. The bar downstairs isn't painted nicely - there are splotchy unfinished spots on the walls. The waitress didn't bring us menus for 20 minutes, then another 15 to take our drink order, then ANOTHER 15 to get our 3 measly glasses of wine. To make it even worse, the water she brought out was in a dirty pitcher and there were dirty glasses. Yuck. I would have been more understanding if the place was busy, but it wasn't. There were plenty of open tables. I'm going to have to stick to the sister locations in Chestnut Hill and Dedham. At least it's easier to park over there. Get your act together, Met Bar! You are better than this!
(2)
Karlis B.
I am resisting the urge to write this review in all caps although I think it'd be appropriate since Met Back Bay is so freaking loud. Sitting in the Library (upstairs seating area) was like being in a night club: we had to yell our orders and turn the volume up on the conversation. But to sum it up, Met Back Bay does not make the shortlist. The hype just led to disappointment. The service was odd: the waiter asked for our food order about 2 min after we sat down. Wine for the table was just left for us to pour (and the the white was not chilled). Small plate appetizers were served with no serving spoons. And we had to ask for everything that should have come without request. But on to the food. We ate: - Tuna Tartare, prepared tableside: the tuna was very fresh, but this is only as good as the ingredients you decide to put in it (I'd go soy and ginger) - Baked Local Ricotta: delicious and creamy, one of the better starters - Charred Baby Broccoli: unexpectedly tasty, but greasy at the bottom - Truffle Indian Corn: another unexpected treat - 1980 Curried Prawns: the description on the menu does not describe the dish at all. You get a healthy serving of whole prawns, chickpea-vegetable medley, rice and chutney. I've heard this place characterized as a burger joint, but I didn't have food envy with this dish. The food was good, but nothing exciting. And with the loud noise and mediocre service, I am in no rush to go back for a full meal. If I had to grab a drink after work, however, I'd go right to the more relaxing basement.
(2)
Melissa N.
Sat at the Bar while we waited for a patio table. Service was prompt and friendly. Drinks were good; but oh man. When we got to our table we were horrified we are extremely forgiving of flaws and are understanding. We can look around and see the volume and how busy a place is and say to ourselves "its ok if it takes a while to get service here...it happens" So we sit down and are ignored for about 15 minutes. But its ok..we both have a drink from the bar and are talking. We know what we want to order...but maybe our server is weeded? We assume this is not a pool house since by the POS there are about 3 servers standing and talking to eachother... Then a 2top 2 tables down from us gets sat (about 20-25minutes after us) and they are greeted right away. WTF!?!? my buddy goes to the hostess stand and asks for our server. The hostess doesn't even try to feign an apology and walks over to the crowd of servers and points to us. A while later the hostess comes over and explains to us "it will be awhile, there is confusion due to a shift change" Ok, that is understandable..buts its no excuse man! You should know your sections!!! Whatever. Our server finally comes over ( we have been unattended for probably about 25-30 minutes now) and doesn't even apologize. but she is friendly and nice...so whatever. Food is promptly put onthe table. truffle fries are good. I had the hummas salad which was nothing special and Jonny had the octopus salad which wasn't memorable, but good nonetheless... Next our entrees. I got the Carbonera. My pasta was undercooked. Seriously; it took long enough to make. pasta out of the box takes what, 12 minutes to cook? fresh pasta takes under 5 minutes! What is this? Bertuccis???? Again whatever, we order a bottle of prosecco to celebrate a day off. My glass has water marks on it...but whatever. After a bit, my OCD server skills go into effect and I decide to buff those bad boys out. Next we get the Prosecco! YAY!!! I was pleasantly surprised that our server knew that the bottle isn't supposed to "pop" but then she goes to pour the glasses. Male first; meh ok...we aren't old fashioned here. She pick up the glass...my eyes bulge. SHE ISN'T EVEN HOLDING IT BY THE STEM!!! da fuq dudes?? If you are going to sell a product, you should be trained on how to properly serve it. Whats worse is that was something in Jonny's glass. We all saw it. She did nothing... man oh man. Food was decent. nothing memorable or that stood out as "WOW!" and presentation was ok as well. The service. hmm...the server was incredibly friendly and nice. She carried out the tasks as needed; but this was not service. So basically, go in here with low expecatations... don't expect anything special and you will be ok. If you are a stickler for service, don't go here. You will just continue to get pissed as the meal goes on.
(2)
Tom D.
classy / trendy / pricey but you knew this coming here I tried a few of the different dishes offered and while the prices were pretty high the portions were HUGE. The lobster spaghetti dish was creamy and delicious. The half chicken was soft and large, with a generous helping of some delicious garlic fries. Cocktails were pretty standard, beer selection was nothing to write home about. I would definitely come back for the food though
(4)
Courtney S.
Went there on 9/3 labor day weekend and we got there around 8 there was no wait and we got seated on the patio which was nice except for the fact we were practically sitting on the people next to us. No one came to out table for like 15 minutes and then when she finally did she brought us water and ordered our drinks another 10 plus minutes later she comes back with 1 drink and informs me that they are out of the drink that i wanted so i pick another drink and even more time later i finaly get it. We ordered our appetizer and meal at the same time and then they all came out together like really? The table was already small enough and now we have all this food jammed on one table. The calamari was kind of chewy and hard to eat. The mac and cheese was delicious and my friend got the chicken and she liked it. She ordered another of the same drink and that took 20 minutes so at this point we were pretty much over the place and just wanted to get out. Another issue the tables were like grated and had holes so you would think that they would put a napkin or a coaster on the table nope our drinks dripped down our legs the whole time. Not happy nor will i return maybe the one in Dedham will be better.
(2)
Thomas N.
lunch recently, pretty crowded place....we ate in the library which was a lovely smallish room (5 or 6 table with a small bar), the other room upstairs was large and seemed a little crowded and the big bar downstairs seemed just ok, not much atmosphere, do have outside seating which would be great on a really nice day, but give them credit there were a bunch or folks out there on this cook and blustery day....drinks were ok....my paris burger was very good and cooked as ordered, fish and chips were good but not great and sort of pricey i thought, service was good and they are smart enuf to give you a carafe of water on your table.....why doesn't everyone do that???? ok place..
(3)
Heather G.
This review is regarding the cocktails and not the food. I'll give the bar the benefit of the doubt that their co2 tank was empty, so every drink we ordered that required club soda or coke was FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. But, you must switch the tank as soon as a customer tells you, and they did not do that. The mojito on the cocktail menu is really pitiful. But I liked the shock top with vodka. That said, stick to beers and wine at this place.
(2)
Robert B.
Stopped in for lunch on a Sunday. We both ordered Prime burgers they came out over cooked- ordered medium rare. They tastes like they had been precooked and kept on a warming oven. Cocktails were fine, (hard to pull a bad Sam's Seasonal). Perhaps they had the junior varsity on the line today.
(2)
R C.
Good food, good atmosphere, but super slow service. Our server was obviously on the greener side, and was extremely slow and unattentive. Sadly, our experience suffered. The good food and atmosphere made up for it, and despite the 2 star rating, I would probably return if I were on Newbury looking for a spot to grab a bite.
(2)
April G.
So, the food can be pretty satisfying. The french toast is very unique. The people who work here are nice -- at least, for the first 10 minutes or so. After that initial "hi how are you moment," however, the luster on the service tarnishes. Experience #1: I've eaten upstairs in the restaurant for brunch. The waiter greeted us -- nevermind that his hands were covered in red bumps -- that's appetizing. But I tried to look past that as he served. I would have looked past that if his service hadn't totally dropped to 0. My friend ordered the French toast (pretty tasty actually), which said it came with lingonberry jam. Yum! We love the swedish fruit, so we were eager to try it. Except that the lingonberry was actually strawberry. Oh, okay. Waiter, can you help us out? Waiter: quizzical stare. Us: yes, we'd like the lingonberry jam that came on the menu. Waiter: we're out. No apologies or consideration that this may have been something to mention before it was served. Us: Can you at least bring more strawberry jam then? tick, tock...20 minutes pass...the french toast is getting cold, until my friend eats it all. He brings the jam, timed to the exact last bite of french toast. We also needed another fork that was clean. Another waiter had to bring it, as our waiter was nowhere to be found. Poor service. Experience #2: So, I really loved that french toast. I thought I could skip the possibility of another service nightmare by ordering it to go and eating it outside in the Copley Square garden. As I pick it up and look in the bag, I notice that there is no silverware and ask for it. The hostess nods, disappears, and reappears without any. "We've run out. You can go around the corner to Boloco and pick some up though. Or to a convenience store." Seriously?? Okay. I'll go and pick up some flour for you, too, as you might be running low on that. Of course, there was a slathering of lingonberry jam only on two slices. Sigh. The Met is not in the cards for me. I'm not planning to return to a restaurant that doesn't factor in good service into its experience. I'll go to Boloco instead, since they sent me there anyway.
(2)
Amy N.
Went here for lunch on a Friday. We sat at the bar downstairs first to order some drinks. The pitcher of spiked peach lemonade we ordered was super salty oddly enough. For lunch, we sat upstairs and the atmosphere was very nice. We ordered the Kobe hot dog, ham and cheese sandwich and the MET chicken club sandwich. Portions were huge! Our food was good though nothing special. i think overall it is a solid place for food and it is centrally located on Newbury. Though I would not go out of my way to eat here.
(3)
Robert A.
My co-workers and I recently went to lunch at the Met and had a great time. The place is very upscale and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I choose the French Onion Raviolis. The dish was a skillet. The raviolis were filled with potato and surrounded by the French onion soup with pulled pork and Swiss cheese. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. Other dishes sampled were the jumbo Kobe beef hot dog, and the meat loaf. Both of my colleagues love it. We will be back.
(4)
Kayla B.
I wanted to rate this restaurant 4.5 stars (Yelp really should make that an option), but I can't bring myself to give it a 5. It was really good food, really good service, and I had a great evening, but I can't say it was spectacular. For drinks I got a blood orange cosmo and my boyfriend got some pineapple beverage. We were both satisfied with the taste of our drinks but wondered how much alcohol was actually in them, since we didn't taste much. I felt a little buzz by the end, though. I highly recommend the blood orange cosmo if you like bitter cocktails. We split a basket of biscuits, which were very good-- soft and flaky on the inside, crispy golden brown on the outside. The honey maple butter that accompanied the biscuits was fantastic. I want to know where they get it from. For dinner I got the mac and cheese. It was very good but very simple. For $14 I kind of expected something with a little more kick or oomph, something to wow me. The portion was so large that I ended up taking more than half of it home (I'm eating it as I type, actually, and it's still good reheated), so I got two meals out of it, but it was a bit pricey for what it is. My boyfriend chose the restaurant week special, which was $35 for bacon steak, sirloin with bone marrow, and whoopie pies with mint ice cream (made with real mint, it was delicious). He said he was happy with his food and it tasted good, but he thought the price was too steep for the amount of food he received. He and I both agreed we wish the prices were a bit lower. We didn't feel like we got ripped off, but it's that little extra expense that makes you wonder if you're going to eat there again or not. The restaurant itself was lovely. It was a nice mix of classy and trendy, and also spotlessly clean. When I say that I don't mean most restaurants are dirty, but this one just had a really clean vibe to it, if that makes sense. We sat on an enclosed deck overlooking Newbury Street, which as nice. Our waiter, Patrick, was very nice and took good care of us throughout the evening. I have no complaints about the restaurant itself or the service. I can't say whether or not I'll be back here for dinner, but perhaps for brunch or lunch when things are slightly cheaper. We passed a room on the way to our table called The Library Room, which looked like a little cocktail lounge. I may have to go back and check that out.
(4)
Jessie R.
My roommate and I popped into the MET last night to see how it was. We sat in the basement at the bar. Everyone was so nice and helpful, and their drink menu is impressive! It was hard to pick! Roomie got the spiked pink lemonade - delish. All the food walking by looked amazing, especially the roasted half chicken with baked potatoe next to us. We got the 'snack' size of fries which came with amaaaazing truffle oil dip! Definitely will be back for an actual meal!
(4)
Dudley P.
A mixed bag. Most of the space at this Dartmouth street location is harshly contemporary, with all the charm of an elementary school building, and I find it uncomfortably cramped throughout. Yet there is at least one private room thats warm and charming, a complete change of gears. The menu is ample and original, with abundant selections of ham for some reason, I have to look hard for something healthy. Its is also fully priced, as one would expect in this Back Bay location.
(2)
Valerie V.
Love this Met location! I have been several times and have always had a great experience. I've only ever sat downstairs, once at the bar, once at a table, and once on the patio. The scene: hip but relaxed and unpretentious. Mostly a younger crowd in the evenings and a Newbury shopping crowd during the day. The bar itself is very unique, with clear shelves displaying the bottles. There is also a Ham & Cheese bar that you can sit around which is a cool touch. The food/drinks: They have a delicious bloody mary as well as a delicious manhattan. Those are the only specialty drinks I have tried but the bartenders are certainly adept at making other drinks or just pouring a cold one. As for food I have tried the following. Tartar duo with taro chips: love this dish and have gotten it more than once. The portion is very very generous which justifies the $16. Kobe Sliders: Tasty because of the kobe and excellent for sharing. Clam Chowder: Wasn't crazy about this. Its a very unusual preparation of clam chowder than I am sure some people would like but I did not. It was too strong with the potato and bacon flavors rather than just letting the clams do their thing. You do get a nice heap of clams on top though. Roasted beet bowl: totally yummy but I am obsessed with beets and therefore bias. BURGERS: The star of the show. Pointless to say how I like mine because everyone has their own way but the quality of the ingredients and whole wheat bun make the burgers so so good. The fries the burgers come with are crispy and flavorful. I will say that the wait staff I have had each time I have gone is pretty mediocre. I am pretty certain that they hire based on looks and not for service talent. Oh well. The bartenders do a great job, so thats at least covered. Love this place and it will continue to be a go-to when I am on Newbury and wanting a burger or a cocktail.
(4)
Emma O.
The biscuits and apple butter are simple divine and the fries are nice as well. However the customer service is seriously lacking. After my family and I seated ourselves we waited for about 20 minutes before a waiter attended to us. Which honestly didn't bother me that much as it was the Fourth of July and quite busy. However when I approached the waiter to ask him if I could receive a menu, before I could even speak he snapped at me "I see you. I see you." Uh great sir I too have 20/20. Actually thats a lie I wear glasses, but anyway before I could say anything else he sauntered off. Finally ten minutes later he returned with menus and took our drink orders which were all waters. Our food came quickly considering how packed the restaurant was. However our waters were no where in sight. Finally I began pointedly swigging from a water bottle in my purse to stave off my thirst. At last the waiter got the message and brought us our waters. All in all is give the food four stars but the service a two. Go there if you can stomach inattentive, caustic service with your meal.
(3)
Mike G.
docking a star for inconsistency. in recent visits, just didn't find the same quality and flavors. the plate of roast cod didn't taste anywhere close to the deliciousness i raved about; chinatown salad sported bone-dry duck (last night's leftovers?), kobe tips were untender. also didn't expect over-battered fish and rubbery grilled squid. + prices are WAY UP. chinatown and back bay salads used to be $9, now $18. wtf?
(3)
Anne D.
I hosted my friend's bachelorette party at Met Back Bay on Saturday night and it was absolutely lovely! We were seated (10 of us) in a private room (that also sat another table of 10); and the service was attentive without being intrusive, and we had privacy without feeling like we were too far away from the action at the bars. I also had requested a champagne toast at the table, which they executed perfectly. We ordered an assortment of apps, dinners and desserts and everything was delightful (particularly the homemade biscuits, mac and cheese and toffee pudding - YUM!) My only "eh" with the food was with my Arugula salad; which was easily an entire bag of arugula with barely a tablespoon of the promised parmesan and mushrooms; and there were no hazelnuts on the salad as promised either (another friend got the same salad and had the same issues). Everything else was so nice, I was hesitant to bring it up, and I definitely wouldn't let that stop me from returning to Met.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Good IPA on draft, nice atmosphere tucked away.
(3)
Joanne D.
This place has the best deal in lobster pappardelle. The half order is like a normal plate and plenty of lobster.
(3)
Grind. E.
Exactly, see. Now that's what I'm talking about. I've finally found a classy place to go that doesn't make me feel like a republican. Sure, I've taken some criticism for being too baroque, maybe even Bukowski-esque in some of my reviews but I'm not a total savage and I can prove it. I enjoyed the Met, Back Bay. And I'm not ashamed to say that, Alec C., after returning from a year long sojourn in NYC has been working diligently to add some culture to my life. I have simple tastes and generally enjoy Jameson and PBR so stepping outside of my norm and trying a pinot nior or other eccentricities is something new -- but the Met bar fit the bill just fine. It's sophisticated without being snotty and it helps that the upstairs bar reminded me of a man-cave library study from the 1930's, decked out in mahogany, with old books next to half empty whiskey bottles. I had a 12 year old Glenfiddich scotch and ate the raw Chestnut Hill Tuna & Salmon Tartare. Nothing like raw fish and whiskey to wake up the palette. All the Met is missing is a bearskin rug and a billiards table, and a few Nucky Thompson's lounging around. Minus a star for poor traffic flow and cramped quarters.
(4)
Saba N.
Ehhhh.... It's really nothing special. I like that they have an outside seating area (although, the benches are so slow to the ground compared to the chairs.. its very awkward), but other than that.. it's another average restaurant on newbury st. I had a chopped salad and we ordered some of the small plates. Everything was good, nothing was spectacular. I'd go back, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone... it's just so blah!
(3)
Allison K.
I want to give this place three stars, but unfortunately, my experience was less than wonderful. I would give it two and a half stars if I could. Because I stopped by right before the dinner rush, the hostess offered my friend and me the option of ordering from the bar menu. That was exactly what we wanted, as we were only looking for a quick bite to eat. The problem, however, was the fact that our orders were almost completely messed up. We both ordered the LA burgers because we wanted avocado on our burgers. I ordered medium rare, she ordered medium. When we got our burgers, there was no avocado. We asked the waitress what happened, and she responded that they had run out of avocados. I'm curious as to why she wasn't notified by the kitchen before bringing our burgers out to us. Then, I bit into my burger and it was medium. I assumed that it was because they had overcooked mine, and maybe, like most places, they always overcook the meat. Until I realized my friend's burger was medium rare, and that the kitchen had switched our burgers. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but I had requested no mayo on my burger, so a simple switcharoo of patties wouldn't have fixed our situation. Not to mention, we realized the second mistake halfway through our burgers. By the time we were addressed by management about what had happened, I had already finished my meal. They would have offered us new burgers, but the only one we wanted was the LA burger, and there were no avocados; what would we have eaten then? Luckily, we were comped for our burgers and ended up with a free meal. The burger itself was not bad, although I'm sure if there was a slice of creamy avocado, the ingredients would have been bound together in a much more satisfying and complete manner. The bun was pretty darn good, and the sweet potato fries were a winner. I definitely recommend trying those if you can! Overall, I can't say my experience was very good, but I feel bad giving it such low ratings because they did compensate us with the meal. I might give it another try one day, but I definitely won't be longing for it by any means.
(2)
Meagan F.
While I am always frustrated that MET's table turnover on their patio is incredibly slow (you can hardly ever get a table without an hour wait), I have decided thatm for a Newbury Street restaurant, this is on the more interesting side of the spectrum than many of the tourist traps. MET has many interesting choices on the menu, from their charcuterie board to their small plates. For dinner, my fiance and I always find that the small plates are the way to go here. They are lighter and more unique than the other entrees and make for an interesting meal. For lunch however, their sandwiches are yummy. I recently had the Something Natural sandwich, a tribute to the amazing shop on Nantucket. Many people think that an all veggie sandwich is boring. Not so, I say, once you try MET's. Breakfast seems to be a challenge for MET. The pork stuffed hashbrown I had recently left me feeling like I had eaten greasy McDonalds. My fiance's omlet was pretty boring. The highlight were their selection of oysters which were excellent. Service was slow, even inside where it tends to be better. For something consistent, MET is not a bad choice; but, there are definitely better options in Boston.
(3)
Lisa H.
I'd really rather give this place a 2.5...for such a prime location and for how much I paid, I was disappointed. The burger was good, but not for it's cost. Drinks are horrible for how much they charge--I'll go to a gastropub/mixology bar for that much, thank you.
(2)
Christine T.
Good food. Generous portions. Lovely patio seating. Only problem we had was the slice of cheese that was NOT left out of the egg and hash patty -- as I had specifically requested. I flagged down the waiter and showed him the small heap of food I had cut out and laid on the side of the dish. He expressed dismay and indicated that he had asked the kitchen to not put in the cheese. However, no offer to comp us for our (non-alcoholic) drinks or anything like that. Due to the large portion and heavy nature of the ingredients, I was full even with the food surgery, so I didn't miss that lump of stuff. A little dairy I can handle; a bit more and my body starts telling me I shouldn't be eatin' that stuff in the first place. And, oh. We went back to our hotel room, and I found the Boston magazine article that trashed this place (as a dinner destination.) It was a very interesting read...including notes on spotty service.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
Stopped in for a burger at the bar. Great atmosphere, friendly service and a good burger. Other people's dinners looked good as well. Would have liked to sit outside though.
(4)
Katie D.
....I can't believe I never went here earlier. Met has got a great burger selection that had me drooling immediately. I ended up with the Back Bay Dry-Aged burger, with sharp cheddar. I skipped the onions (though I'm sure for onion-lovers they'd make this burger out of this world), but the double-smoked bacon was delish and just the right consistency (not too crispy, not too fatty). The duck fat fries were the perfect side, of course, though I wish there were an aioli or something with them. My friend got the Boston burger which was also drool-worthy -- insider tip, he ordered the egg a little runny, which seemed to be spot on. The draft beer list was pretty decent -- tried a watermelon beer first, which was interesting but probably not something I'll do again. The cocktail list looked pretty tasty, but we ended up getting bloody marys for the rest of the day (in true Sunday Funday spirit). I am quite picky about my bloodys, and this was quality. A teeny bit gritty, but I guess that's the risk you take drinking such a perfectly peppered beverage. We drank/ate a very leisurely pace (ballpark, 4/5 hours at the downstairs bar), and the bartender didn't seem to mind a bit, which was nice. Probably would've stayed longer if a nearby group wasn't getting extremely rowdy... Overall, good experience and I can't wait to go back and try some cocktails and more burgers :)
(5)
Ashley L.
I decided to give Met another try and I'm so happy I did! I went for dinner this time and was seated in a plush window booth upstairs. Everything on the dinner menu sounded delicious and I was having trouble deciding what to order. Our server Ray was great and continued to check in on us through my indecisiveness (and the rest of the meal). I'm a huge bread eater and couldn't resist starting off with the garlic bread in garlic aioli. It was the perfect mix of crunchy and smooth; I could have eaten 5 baskets of it! For an entree, I ordered the Pepper Crusted Tuna Steak. My tuna was cooked perfectly and the pepper crust was very flavorful and added a nice texture to the dish. My friend ordered the Scottish Salmon and thoroughly enjoyed her dish as well. We managed to have some room left for dessert and decided to split the Sticky Apple Bread Pudding. The bread pudding was so yummy and practically melted in my mouth; it was a great way to end the meal. It was such an enjoyable evening, I cannot wait to come back the next time I'm in town.
(5)
Katy F.
The Met Back Bay is going to hands down be my new go-to dinner spot. We started off in the bar downstairs for some pre-dinner drinks. Crowded, but not unmanageable. The bartender came over right away and made one heck of a dirty martini. I'd 5-star just that. I'd also 5-star the bartender, and not just because he was adorable to look at.... Ok, ok, maybe just because he was adorable to look at. The wait for a our table was about 30 minutes. Not bad for a Saturday night and certainly not bad compared to a neighboring restaurant that gave our wait time at 2-3 hours. Holy cow. Our waiter, Sal, was incredible. Great service, and even greater suggestions. We went with the small plates of hummus, bruschetta, and truffle indian corn salads to start. Sal said the corn salad was a must. I could have hugged him after for leading us in such a deliciously amazing direction. The bruschetta was ok, but probably would try something different next time. The hummus was great, but the hummus to pita ratio was all off. More pita next time please! The Kobe tips got two enthusiastic and saucy thumbs up from us. Very tender with a bit of kick at the end. I ordered the cod after Sal's recommendation and couldn't have been happier. A good solid chunk of tasty. The quinoa and charred broccoli was a nice addition to it. Very filling while still feeling light. For dessert we split the Apple Cider Donughts. Be still my mouth. The cinnamon sauce that accompanied it was delightful. I had to stop myself from grabbing the bowl and licking it clean. Stupid manners. Next time(s) I plan to try the Rigatoni Bolognese, Lobster Pot Pie, and Chicken Ceasar Salad which was a beautiful presentation of 2 whole romaine pieces, one ginormous crouton, and about a 1/4 a roasted chicken. See you again soon, Met Back Bay. See you very soon.
(5)
Lauren L.
I came here on a whim on after randomly running into a friend who lives down the street. We sat at the bar and I spent a good amount of time perusing the menu-everything sounded amazing. I was in the mood for a burger and a beer, so I ordered the Boston Burger and my friend got the mac and cheese. While we were waiting the bar tender brought over some bread and duck confit. I'd never had duck before, so I can't really comment on whether it hit the mark or not. For me, it was way salty. The bread was incredible though. When the burger came out, it looked amazing and I couldn't wait to dig in. Unfortunatly, the excitement ended there. The burger itself was quite bland. So much so not even bacon and a fried egg could make up for it and that's saying something. You can just about throw a fried egg on top of anything and I'll be a happy camper. The fries were crispy but I wish I had asked for them unsalted. I had a bite of my friends mac and cheese and it was nice and creamy with a crunchy top. Not bad but not great either. Overall it was just a meh experience for me. For the prices I was expecting to be overwhelmed. I enjoyed the ambiance so I would go back for drinks and bar snacks.
(3)
Dana C.
Dropped in for brunch on a Sunday morning...UGH! My veggie omelet was NOT an omelet..it was an egg pancake thrown over some frozen veggies with NO cheese. It honestly tasted like cardboard. When the waiter finally came back to clear our table he asked how the food was and I couldn't lie. I told him that it was the worst breakfast that I have ever had and he said he would go back and get the manager..waited 20 minutes and the manager never showed up. It's very clear that costumer service is not one of their strong points. This place will only last because of it's location...cause the food and service will not bring any locals back that care to get quality for their money.
(1)
Alec C.
I took 5 steps into this place and decided that I was going to hate it. I was wrong. It turned out to be pretty bad ass. I didn't think that I would like it because the layout of the restaurant and bar is kinda lame. I was almost knocked over by 3 different servers coming out of the kitchen while I was trying to look for a seat at the upstairs bar. Then I had to squeeze between people and seats just to find a place to sit in the downstairs bar. The whole place was a bit too hectic for what seemed to be a restaurant/ afterwork relaxing drinks kind of spot. Once I had my butt planted though, things got instantly better. They have a very decent wine list with plenty of wines by the glass and some fairly good micro brews ( they get triple bonus points for having left hand milk stout). I started with an old fashion manhattan which was a little weak but very tasty. Then I thought I would throw the server Anna a curve ball and ask some obscure wine questions that I was sure would throw her off since the place had just opened and she hadn't had much time to learn the details of the menu yet. To my surprise, not only was she able to answer all of my questions, but she also made a great recommendation and was even nice enough to give me a sample before pouring me a full glass (something a lot of places wont do if you are going for wine by the glass). I will be asking for Anna as my server the next time I go to Met. My friends and I shared the salmon and tuna tartar, which had some wonderful flavors but was a bit on the gummy side, and an egg plant caprese which was amazing. I hate egg plant, but this sandwich was seriously delicious. The decor was beautiful and the ambience superb except for the place being a bit too crowded. I feel like this is one of those places that is actually much more enjoyable on a slow night. Over all, Met Back Bay is definitely worth a visit. Or two.
(4)
Nat P.
Food was good. Loved the pleasant ambiance sitting in the window of a sunny room with a clean and fresh look. Not sure if our waiter was bad or if it was a matter of poor management (I think both, actually). The place is way too big and not enough staff on hand. Service was really slow....If you have a restaurant that is so big and busy then you need to hire more people, bottom line. The customers are not jerks if they are frustrated by having to wait around forever. They are paying good money and should have good service. We were sitting for what felt like forever before our waiter even came over to acknowledge our existence.
(3)
Sam B.
2nd time going, previously went to the lower bar. This time wanted more sit down dinner so went to the library for the first time. The atmosphere was good, just the food selection was less compared to the lower bar. Had the burger which was mediocre, beer selection was good from normal beers to micro brews. Service was good, just for dinner the selection was just not there.
(3)
Adrian J.
Went here with my mom on our first day of our New England vacation. We sat on the patio. The patio has umbrellas for almost all the tables....all but ours. That's my only reason for lacking one star. It was very hot and got some sun burn! It took a while for them to being us water refills too. Our LA style salmon burger was amazing! Food was great! Great prices for the size of the portions. Great drink menu, even though we didn't partake.
(4)
ML M.
I recently went back to Met Back Bay and had a wonderful experience. i went with two friends from out of town for brunch on Sunday. We sat inside and I was impressed with the decor. They have a section called the library bar that looks like a classy place to go for a drink. My friend had the Captain Crunch french toast with a side of bacon and he said, "This is the kind of meal I would ask for my last meal!" My other friend had the cheese omelet and it was just cheesy enough without being greasy. I did go with the egg white omelet again but on Sundays they have a veggie omelet that came with broccoli and tomatoes and some other veggies which I am forgetting. I don't like onions and it came without as requested. It was pretty good.
(4)
Baking M.
Met Back Bay is in the former location of Joe's American Bar and Grill. Met is also located in Natick and Dedham Legacy Place. I've tried Met one other time for lunch, sitting in the white leather booths and tried the Dry Aged Burger with duck fat fries. The burger was juicy, but I would suggest swapping out the duck fat fries for truffle fries, because the duck fat fries are not anything special. This time around, I tried the Pineapple martini (a lighter juicy version of a pina colada), but didn't have the grilled pineapple vodka flavor as promised. Despite the error in advertising, the drink was tasty and whisked me from the depressing snow lined sidewalks into the Carribean. The first to aspects of the meal were ok. The truffle popcorn was freshly popped, however was missing truffle flavor. The Chinatown salad featured duck breast and drumsticks on a bed of sesame sprinkled cabbage slaw and greens. The menu claimed there was an Asian goddess dressing, not sure what that means still, because the salad didn't seem to have much or any dressing. The Paris burger was a burger I would return again for. Medium rare kobe beef (you could have chose Met Prime Blend / Kobe / Salmon / All-natural Turkey) sandwiched between a sesame bun, melted brie, truffle mayo, caramelized onion and a runny egg on top (like a Croque madame). Luscious, rich and was very memorable. The truffle fries were crispy and seasoned well. The basement lounge has a bar menu with a great variety of burgers (ask for the bar menu, even if you are sitting at the dining room). I especially liked the Library area, I would ask to sit in this area next time around.
(4)
Michael R.
Very simply: This place is absolutely wonderful! The drinks are reasonably priced and amazing, and the food is perfectly decadent. The ambiance is one of the best in Boston and the service is excellent. I happened upon this bar opening tonight and was very very pleasantly surprised. My group had toasted coconut martini, pumpkin martini, margarita pitchers, and some craft beers. All were wonderful and the alcohol selection is unparalleled. I could not give a higher recommendation to try it out.
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Sat outside on a Saturday for lunch and the whole experience would have been close to perfect if it hadn't been for the hostess. We were seated with a scowl and later admonished for temporarily stowing a package on the seat next to us. It would have been funny if it had not been so infuriating. We turned it around by amusing ourselves with the other victim's responses to her haughty approach to customer service. Loved the Burrata with English Peas and Pesto, Hand-cut Buttermilk Biscuits, Short Rib Tacos!!
(4)
Anne K.
Met Bar has quickly become "our place" for girls nights. We have never eaten in the dining area upstairs because the bar downstairs is more casual and lively. Cocktails are creative and they have my favorite wine, which is a plus. Everything we have ordered has been fantastic. Met finds a way to be inventive with the classics, while never going overboard. For instance, they have Kobe burgers with a wasabi mayonnaise and ginger. Sign me up! Calamari is extra crispy and the dipping sauce is to die for. Homemade popcorn with parm is worth munching on. Best for last, shoestring onion rings!! A must if you decide to eat at the Met. Atmosphere is crowded and honestly if you don't get a seat at the bar or a bar table, it is uncomfortable. Always felt like I was in the way standing. We always let the servers know we are waiting for a seat and they have always been helpful and staking out a spot for us.
(4)
L C.
Great addition to the Back Bay! The modern orange decor and soft cushioned chairs really give the Met Back Bay that extra flare. Extremely attentive and friendly staff both up front and at the tables. The Natick and Dedham locations are also owned by the same person. This Met Back Bay would be a full 5 star rating if they offered the burger making option (which I L-O-V-E)! . I think this menu only had one burger choice but there are more options for other items now. Tip: Make reservations!
(4)
Lisa W.
This place is our "Cheers". The bar area up front is fantastic - a warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a delectable and varied bar menu. It is just large enough to be accommodating and just small enough to be intimate. I can't really speak to the main dining room as we've always eaten in the front bar. For my tastes, the bar appetizer menu is more interesting than the dinner menu, but that's just me. A great place to meet for a drink and a bite!
(4)
Liz H.
Friday night scene at the basement bar, 7:30pm: 90% cougars at the bar. Being two late twentysomethings in our after work attire, it wouldn't take much stretch of the imagination to see us turning into this crowd within 10 years. No open chairs, so took us some seat-stalking to finally score seats so we could chow. Drinks: Pumpkin martini (way too sweet! have it for dessert), aviation?, something fruity with gin (delish). However, not really that strong. Stronger drinks definitely see the higher price tag ($14 for the aviation). No angostura bitters for champagne cocktails, but made a "close" replica. Food: Clams Casino - OK, way too many breadcrumbs, a little fishy tasting, could have benefitted from some lemon juice. Duck salad - huge, definitely worth $9, but the duck was dry. Mac & Cheese - Amazing - 'nuff said. All-in-all, it was a fun experience and I think they're still working out food kinks. The service was extremely friendly and decently paced. We'll definitely come back again and hopefully, up the star quotient.
(3)
Alex S.
One of our favorite places. Great new menu with awesome apps to share. We love the food, good wine list and three rooms with different ambiance to choose from.
(5)
David L.
The Met Back Bay boasts a prime location at a scenic intersection, as well as a welcoming atmosphere. I was disappointed, however, when I looked at the menu and found that they do not offer normal house salads. Also, the otherwise friendly and accomodating service shot me down when I attempted to order one off-menu. For an appetizer, I ordered the closest thing to a traditional salad they had, only to find that it was a salad in name only. The gargantuan portion of iceberg lettuce was drowning in ranch dressing and bleu cheese. I was glad I had asked to hold the bacon bits. The macaroni and cheese was surprisingly delicious, but it was very rich and filling, which was a problem because there was so much of it. I recommend the dish, but I advise ordering it to share. In short, the Met is a great meal if you haven't eaten in two days and healthful food is not on your agenda.
(3)
Danielle H.
I realized it must have been a long time since I wandered down that part of Newbury St b/c I was surprised to find that Met had replaced Joe's. Came here at around 6pm for happy hour/snacks and had no trouble finding a large table that could accommodate 6 people. The downstairs bar area seemed to fill up pretty quickly after though. As noted, it does have a very upscale feel and goes beyond your typical happy hour joint. They seemed to have a nice cocktail selection. I had one of the microbrews which was pretty tasty. Also had the kobe beef miniwiches and onion strings, both of which were pretty decent as compared to standard bar food. The thing that stuck out was our waitress seemed pretty aloof and inattentive. It took a while to get her attention on several occasions.
(3)
A B.
Had to find a place for dinner for 10 people after IRENE left us New Yorkers/Philadelphians stranded in Boston after a wedding. We weren't sure where to go, given that nearly every storefront in Backbay was shuttered. The Met Backbay was awesome. They were so friendly. Despite the fact that they had closed the main dining room and were serving a limited menu in the downstairs bar due to the storm, they opened up a table upstairs and the manager waited on us himself. The bar downstairs seemed fun with great TVs. Would be a great place to watch a game. The upstairs dining space was really lovely. Our group's ages spanned from the 60s to the early 20s and there was something for everyone. Food and wine were delicious, even though I am sure they were operating with limited ingredients due to the IRENE shutdown.
(5)
Suzanne M.
I had brunch at Met Back today and it was fabulous. I had the three cheese omelette with crispy hot potatoes and a side order of bacon. I even had one of the make your own bloody Mary's which is a really cool idea. My girlfriend had the veggie omelette with a side Caesar salad. Both of the omelets were light and fluffy and cooked to perfection. When we arrived at 11:30 we had the choice of seats but when we left on hour and a half later the line was long and people seemed to happy wait for a table, I cannot wait to go back and try more of the menu.
(5)
Rick C.
Not as good as its counterpart in Chestnut Hill, our waiter was really strange, food was just OK- the valet parking was awful. Took 20 minutes to get the car- the lot is so far away and they have 2 guys only running back and forth- other people were really pissed off waiting as we were- will not go back
(2)
Ryan P.
We went there on a rainy Sunday to have a drink and an early dinner. We sat in the bar area downstairs. Good TVs, and good windows to people watch on NEwbury. We even saw the star of the 'Jordan's Furniture' commericials (long white hair with pony tail and bear) walking his dog and looking into the restaurant... HA! We got the Met Burger (Medium Rare)... one of the only places that will actually cook your burger medium rare. It was like a beef tartare, with dry aged sirloin. It was excellent to say the least. The Met Truffle fries.. which are for a lack of a better term... 'off the chain' aka very very good with Aoili dipping sauce. The 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese was honestly some of the best Mac and Cheese I have ever had... incredible and perfect portion size. Its a MUST GET! Drinks: She had Iced Tea Libation... Sweet Tea Vodka, Lemon Juice and Homemade Iced Tea. EXCELLENT, she had 2! I had 2 Whales Tale Pale Ales... also excellent. Very Pricey, but expected for a MET restaurant, and location. Service was pretty good overall, except I had to keep asking for refills of water... usually for me, that is a given of refilling once you have finished one glass. The food more than made up for either of those. We
(4)
Richard C.
If you're going to talk the talk you'd better be able to walk the walk, and the Dry-Aged burger at Met Back Bay clearly has issues walking and talking at the same time. The epitome of a burger that sounds really friggin' good on paper (Dr-Aged beef, sharp cheddar, double smoked bacon, port wine onions, organic sesame seed bun) but is a colossal disappointment. There's no debate that a higher price tag has to yield higher expectations and the opportunity for more critiques. It's not nitpicking, that's just the way it is, and this burger, priced at $18, fails in just about every aspect. First and foremost, the promised Dry-Aged beef is frustratingly ordinary, how this costs $7 more than the straight up Prime Blend is beyond me. It tastes like no Dry-Aged meat I've ever had, instead feeling more like it was taken off of the scrap heap. It's also over-cooked, calling it medium would be generous (it's more like a medium-well) despite my ordering it medium-rare. Hard to defend this one, it's sometimes forgivable if the flavor is still there, but for the price tag and the fact that they have an entire menu focused on burgers, it's a tough one to overlook. Unfortunately there is very little flavor to speak of; dry, un-seared, and boring, the burger deserves more. The double smoked bacon is crispy but devoid of any serious smoke, fat or flavor, and the onions are watery and have no hint of the promised Port. I could care less if my bun is organic or not, but I do care if it's dry and seemingly stale. The skin-on Fries are borderline passable, with an oily interior and not enough salt, there was probably less than a dozen of them in the small basket it is served in. It's an egregious burger for $18, over-cooked and bland, the suggestion of superior meat is an insult. Don't fall for the burger that over-promises, because it's most likely going to let you down. But don't think I'm mincing words; this has nothing to do with expectations or having higher hopes, the Met burger was lousy, on my one and only visit, fair or unfair that's what I have to judge.
(1)
Catarina C.
Oh MET. On a walk down Newbury one night, my friend and I decided to stop in here for dinner. Opting to sit inside (i prefer to not eat in a fog of moisture when it is 90 degrees out thank you), we were seated immediately in the side room/banquet. First off, our server was great. She started us out with a bottle of wine and waited patiently for my friend and I to slowly, slowly, slowly decide on what to eat. We are indecisive, and she was very patient. gold star! We first got the lobster dip. I don't know the type of bread that came with it (looks like pita, tastes like chewy nuts,??) but it was delicious. A little greasy, but we knew what fatties we were being when we ordered lobster cheese dip in the first place. The app was very tasty, but stopped being so enticing as it got cold and..ugh grainy cold cheese. We split the chopped salad and sirloin steak as our entree. The salad was delicious! If i wasn't so damn full from the cheesy lobster, i would have MOWED this salad. The sirloin was cooked perfectly but..tasted like a sirloin. Nothing out of the ordinary. One thing I did note was the great music (rappy, beaty, top 40s ish but better) that was playing. It's one thing to eat dinner, but to eat dinner AND jam out to your favorite tunes? Double gold star!!
(4)
Alena K.
The service was fabulous, can't complain at all. Our waiter was friendly, personable and eager to make us happy. The place also looked great and had a great atmosphere. I enjoyed my time there. I'm definately a fan. My only issue was my main entree. I love duck, if theres duck on a menu I always order it. The duck at Met Back Bay was pretty dry and I could hardly eat it. Everything else was great tho! xo Alena
(4)
Diane C.
Heard about their Wednesday night twin lobsters for $25 special. Before the hubbs and I leave Boston, we decided to go give it a try. The food did not disappoint! We ordered the twin lobsters and lobster mac & cheese. DELICIOUS!!!! The lobster was freshly steamed and cut specially for easy eating. The only strange part and room for improvement is kitchen to wait staff communication. We put in our order, and then 15 minutes later, were told that they had run out of lobster (we had reservations at 8pm). TOTALLY bummed, we re-ordered new dishes. But then less than 5 minutes later, our original order came out. SO confused but, in the end, glad we got our lobster. definitely would recommend!
(4)
Joanna L.
I like the Met - it's a great place to sit down for a nice meal in the neighborhood, and everything is dependable; service is always friendly, the upstairs always looks nice, and the food, though not out-of-this-world special - is good quality at reasonable (Back Bay) prices. I always know I'll have a pretty good experience there. Menu has great options for gourmet burgers, as well as good twists on American comfort foods. Truffled fries are delicious. I always come here for dessert, whether it's the sticky toffee pudding, or handmade donuts with chocolate sauce. Sidenote: Avoid the bar downstairs - it lacks the poise and ambience of the upstairs, and feels more like a basement.
(4)
Michelle B.
Terrible service, decent food, good location. Not recommended for large groups. Our hotel concierge recommended this restaurant for our group of 10, and we made a reservation. We walked to the restaurant, and, not knowing exactly how long it would take us, we arrived 10 minutes early. We were promptly scolded by the hostess for being there before our reservation time, and told to go to the bar (incidentally the bar was fun, and servers prompt). We were not seated until 20 minutes past our reservation time (despite the strong indication that punctuality was important). As soon as we were seated, we asked if it would be a problem to have separate bills for each couple. We were told it would not be, but might take 'a little time' to sort out. The food was fairly good, but our waitress rarely checked on us to see if we were doing well, and we pretty much had to flag her down to replenish our drinks. At one point I waited 15 minutes for a glass of wine. The bill took ONE HOUR to sort out, and this was after we had actually written on the bill what should be charged to each credit card. It never was correct but by then, we were so irritated we just left. The server was obviously irritated with us, so my husband reminded her that we had asked about this before we ordered anything. She said, "Maybe you just should have brought cash." Excuse me?? We were a group of professionals in town for a conference, we had money to spend, and we were having fun together. If she had actually managed to smile once, or had the bills been correct, she would have made a killer tip. Her loss. We won't be back to The Met.
(2)
Stephanie C.
I went in on a random weekday night for dinner at the bar. First, I loved the Library Bar decor very much. cozy, lounge-like with a small bar (6 chairs I think). A friend recommended them to me for the Short Rib Tacos (off the bar menu). And I asked for them. And I loved them immediately. For dessert, I got the ice cream sandwich trio. It was a great concept, the sandwiches themselves were very tasty, but the plate-up was a bit uninspired. The bartender was great. Jay was his name I think. Friendly, attentive, and when I didn't like the drink I ordered, he took it off the bill and replaced it, no problem. The best part was that the bar was empty when I arrived and full when I left. And all 6 of us were random strangers, chatting over dinner with each other about anything and everything. On a side note, the pasta bolognese that the lady at the other end of the bar ordered looked great, but go with the half order, it's plenty. I can't wait to go back for something off the dinner menu.
(4)
Will S.
We stopped in for a late lunch at Met and were pleasantly surprised by the good food and friendly, hard-working staff. Our waiter / bartender never stopped moving once during the hour we were there. It was impressive. The salmon burger done Tokyo style is definitely recommended!
(3)
Shelly R.
I decided to have my birthday party there last weekend based on the fact that there was an entire bar dedicated to ham and cheese. Excellent. Though it is crowded and very little standing room the combination of three bars among many traditional dining seats makes this a winner in my book. I love to sit at the bar and there is plenty of bar space! The drinks are excellent - I stuck to Blood Orange Cosmos which while strong, were delicious. As I was hanging out by the ham and cheese bar, I had many samples of ham which were all various kinds of American ham, yet exotic in flavor - I hope to get a ham and cheese platter next visit. I was hoping to get a cheaper sample (the platter is $18) so I ordered the ham & cheese bites which ended up being fried squares of prosciutto and cheese with three types of dipping mustard- not what I expected, but it went amazingly well with my second Cosmo. For dinner I was wooed by a promise of a donation to Japan for ordering the Tokyo burger - and there were no regrets there. The medium rare sear on my burger was on the rare side (something most restaurants shy away from - but I love) and it was so good that I ate the entire thing leaving no room for their fries which are nothing special. I can't in good conscience give them five stars because I've only been there once. Also it was a busy Friday so I should cut them some slack, but I had to complain to the manager early in the evening that our waitress forgot twice to bring me water. He was really nice about it and kept the water flowing thereafter. I was there for about 5 hours.
(4)
Carla C.
2 of us had lunch on Sunday. As it happened, Food Network was filming inside, so everyone ate outside. A family of 6 (3 children) was seated next to us, they were visiting from England. They were nice and quiet, but were asked to leave because they need the small tables for small parties (?). I felt terrible that they would be treated this way. On a good note, the arugula salad is excellent (although I was expecting it to have the pistachio covered goat cheese like I have had in other Met Bars). My husband's chopped salad was also excellent. And the wait staff (other than the one who asked the family to leave) was very nice.
(3)
Kim C.
I was excited to try this place because I had heard great things... I ordered a the LA burger medium rare and my daughter got the mini cheeseburgers - also medium rare. My burger came out with bacon, lettuce, and mayo - it was missing the avocado and sprouts - so the server took it back and the kitchen added the other toppings. The server brought back the corrected burger, I took one bite and realized that the burger was well done. Ugh. It took about 5 minutes to get the server's attention, I explained that the burger was not cooked as I ordered it, and she asked if there was something else they could make for me. Um, no thank you. My daughter got through her first mini-cheeseburger but also complained that it was well done. It took another 5 minutes to flag down the server - she had not been back since I called her over to take back my burger. They took both burgers off our bill but what upscale restaurant known for burgers screws up like that? Not going back.
(1)
Cami F.
LOVE the met back bay! Great spot for dinner and drinks with a friend. Their salads are huge and best split, and I really love their grilled artichokes (mmm, garlic aioli dipping sauce). They have some creative drinks but I wouldn't go for drinks alone- the bar can be crowded and there really isn't standing room.
(4)
Keryn B.
I have been a few times for lunch, including stumbling in on their first day open. I love love love the atmosphere in there. The airyness that lacked in Joe's Bar in Grille is so calming. My go to all time favorite that I crave is the chopped salad with chicken, it is literally the best salad I have ever had. If you are with a friend they will even split it for you, it is so big even when it is split. My co-worker and I will split the salad and the chicken sandwich. I need to be a little more adventurous when I am here, but every time I go I with that salad in mind. The burgers are fantastic too. The brownie dessert is pretty good too, it is a deconstructed sundae, the coconut ice cream is my favorite part. I love the bar downstairs, we will eat lunch there every now and again, and the service is awesome.
(4)
Julia G.
Memorial day, just stepped in. They seated us quickly, which was great! Food was good, but the falafel with the salmon was a little too over spiced. Portions are great as well. Cocktails were excellent, boyfriend ordered The Nantucket and I kept stealing sips (poor guy). Worth checking out, overall.
(4)
Claire G.
Five stars for pretentious service. The food was ok. We basically got kicked off the patio after we were done eating but still sipping so-so sangria because they didn't have enough chairs. Not impressed.
(2)
Taz S.
Went late on a Saturday nite. Bar was busy but found table, seats open at bar. Not crazy busy. Good points: They did a fab job on the buildout. I know. I work in building and suffered through it :) But....it looks great. Congrats. Bad points: upwards of 20 min. wait for drink. Bad. Sullen bartenders and servers. Bad. Off drinks. Bad. Deathly slippery floor. Bad. Although...provided some entertainment, watching the slipping/sliding no that wasn't me show. Summary: In this 'hood, plenty of places to plunk down $13/drink. No real reason to do it here. But hey, great job on gutting place.
(2)
Kathleen F.
I was here for dinner when they opened and recently went back for some apps and drinks at the bar. The seafood dishes were very delicious for dinner! I really enjoyed them and our waiter was super friendly. Recent experience at the bar was great too, we got a pitcher of the spiked lemonade and tried the guac with grilled corncakes. The food is very fresh which I like and the guac and really ripe chunks of tomato and corn which was a nice addition! We did come here at a non busy time so the bar service was pretty good. I can see how it could get a little chaotic when the place becomes busier, but overall dining in w' a reservation, and hanging at the bar when it's not too busy were both great experiences.
(4)
Jay S.
We went here for a quick business lunch. We all tried the burgers. I had the Boston burger with an egg on top. Atmosphere is typical Newbury Street. The burgers were very good and very expensive. The fries were average. Overall, an OK experience.
(4)
Eric Y.
Went here for the 1st time on a Saturday night, had reservations for 8pm. I haven't been here since the old Joe's location a few years back and was impressed with the renovation and decor. It has a classy/upscale feel and very comfortable seating arrangements. We ordered 2 small appetizer plates, pita/hummus and brushetta, both were good, but for sure "small appetizers. For main courses we had salmon, kobe beef tips. and a soup/salad combo. Everyone really enjoyed their dishes and they were very well presented and portion size very good as well. Service was great-very nice waiter and personable as well. There is a very cool/busy bar downstairs where you can also get their full menu. Looked like an older crowd for sure, but a relaxed atmosphere. Will for sure return again soon!
(4)
Joanna E.
This place is beautiful, and has a few fun bars to hang out in. The menu is extensive, and you can tell they're really trying...but. But, the food was only OK. And I've been to the two other METs - Chestnut Hill and Natick, which are amazing, 5 star all the way. I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt and assume any kinks are because they're new in town. Or order was 75% wrong. The meat, app, sauce, - they were all the exact opposite of what we ordered. Our waiter was super-sweet, but...like I said, it's still the beginning for them. They did their best to make us feel welcome. Actually, drinks were outstanding. I'll definitely be back, but I'm going to wait a few months....
(3)
Eli R.
It's pretty much unheard of for me to be able to justify paying $18 for a burger and fries, but I was in a burger mood and so was my girlfriend, so we decided to check out the Met Bar's new Newbury Street location. We were there between the lunch and dinner hours, and were told they were only serving the bar menu. We grabbed a seat in the "Library Room" at the top of the stairs, and our waitress quickly came and took our orders. The only complaint about the service was that she spoke too quietly to hear in the crowded and busy lounge, but was otherwise fine. So, the GF and I are looking at the menu, both of us in awe of the offerings. We opted to split the Wild arugula salad, which was flavorful, despite being dressed with only EVOO. The hazlenuts and shaved mushrooms gave the salad more than enough flavor on their own, and the peppery bite of the arugula went with it perfectly. Onto the meals. She opted for the Kobe burger, Tokyo style (avocado / muenster / pickled onions / sticky soy / daikon sprouts / wasabi mayo), and cooked rare. I opted for the Back Bay Dry Aged burger cooked medium rare served with duck fat fries. Both of us were absolutely satisfied with our choices. The meat on the dry-aged burger was succulent and delicious, easily the most flavorful beef I have ever tasted, and my GF's Kobe burger was phenomenal. She rarely finishes a burger, but she couldn't stop eating this one. I felt the same way about mine. I was full about halfway through, but there was no way I was leaving any of it on the plate. They were incredible in every way. While I don't see myself going here often, I will definitely be treating myself to one of these burgers every few months or so because it is just that good.
(4)
John M.
The upstairs layout sucks, who wants to sit in small dark rooms with no atmosphere. The menu is Just OK. bland steaks and burgers. my burger seriously needed some seasoning. Our waiter Jason was great and personable but it's a pain in ass for the servers to get drinks downstairs. The staff downstairs sucks. They are rude. I would never go back.
(2)
scott m.
My first visit at lunch today was almost perfect. Boston burger was cooked exactly as i requested. Egg topping and duck fat fries were delicious. My girlfriends ham & cheese w/ egg, not so much. she found it cumbersome to eat and the cheese a little too soft, making it tasteless. We sat the Library Bar and had great service. Curteous, fast and heavy handed with the cocktail pours. Granted it was not too busy and we had time to linger, so not rushed. The space is different than the old Joes design. Seems more formal that it needs to be. Will be curious to see how they handle a more crowded afternoon or dinner service. Looking forward to going back and trying something else. Cost was what I expected to pay in Back Bay, so no different than other places inthe area.
(4)
Mardget P.
Ambiance is beautiful in the upstairs dining room--the food is pretty good, though typically Newburyish in being overpriced and fancifully described. The staff are really nice and it's a great place for brunch on Sundays in that it's not a yard sale like Joe's or Stephanie's. The buttermilk biscuits are delicious (says a Southerner) and there's a nice variety of breakfast and lunch options. You're better off without ordering fresh items (fruit, salads) as they tend to be of the flavorless or underripe variety--but the hot fudge brownie sundae? YES.
(3)
William G.
I dine here 2 - 3 times per month. I'd give the food and decor a 4.5. All of my issues are with the front of the house. Reception is almost always terrible, and the wait staff is really inconsistent. Reception ranges from cold to rude, and I have been seated right next to another table in an empty room more than once. I also had a waiter that tried to include himself in our conversation while getting the order completely wrong. I've also had a few excellent servers. The bartenders in the library are always friendly and on the ball, especially Ted. The salads are huge. I like to split an arugula salad with a friend as a starter. The small bites are really good, especially the deviled eggs and asparagus. The fish entrees are usually tasty, as is the burger.
(3)
Leila A.
So this place was a little disappointing. Weirdest part first: I'm dining with my husband, a party of 2. When we are ready to pay, we put down our credit card with the check. The waitress comes and picks up the check and looks at us and says: Waitress: "Only one credit card??!!" Me: "umm, huh?" Waitresss: "You don't want to split this check?" No, I did not want to split the check with my husband. Since when does a waitress ask if you want to split a check when you have not said a word about splitting and proffered a single credit card? Weird. Other weird things: Large serving with hummus came with only a few tiny wedges of pita. We asked for more pita, and it came. A new charge was put on the bill for the extra pita. Umm okay, whatever, but should've been mentioned when we ordered it. Moreover, pita serving should be readjusted to match the quantity of hummus. 3 bean salad really only had two beans in it, and both were varieties of string beans. I thought this could use clarification on the menu... Cocktails were tasty, although it was 5 pm and they were out of ginger, which ruled out the two drinks I was most interested in. Artichoke was a little bit on the tough side, and needed salt. What else? Space is cozy, and I kind of liked the atmosphere. But food was a little lacking, and the waitress was seriously awkward. Given the prices and the upscale vibe, it was disappointing.
(2)
Jeff J.
I'd give negative stars if Yelp allowed it. My dinner there last night was probably the single most regrettable dining experience I've had in Boston, or anywhere. Food: I've gotten better rotisserie chicken at gas stations. The "asian goddess dressing" on my salad wasn't even fit for peons. My girlfriend was equally nonplussed at the flavorless slab of tofu that was supposed to pass for "tofu steak". Terrible dining room: My girlfriend and I were seated in the "Conservatory Room". Read: low-ceilinged room with bare walls into which management had jammed seating for about 20. Under good circumstances it would be unpleasant to hear echoes of other diners' conversation bouncing off the walls. We were particularly unlucky last night because our neighbors included a foul family party of about 8 that didn't know how to use inside voices or to refrain from cursing. (I'm not a prude, but I was trying to have a nice dinner with my girlfriend. Echoing A-bombs didn't set the mood I was hoping for.) Clueless serving staff: the kitchen staff brought out food but not utensils. The tables were tiny and yet we had to ask a few time to have our appetizer plates cleared. Halfway into our meal the servers wanted to bring another chair into the already cramped dining room. Surprise...there was no room. But that didn't stop them from asking my girlfriend to move her chair (which she patiently did), and it didn't stop them from pushing her chair and our entire table out of the way when there still wasn't enough room to accommodate more chairs. Anyway, I won't be going back.
(1)
Rene' Y.
Wow. I like the atmosphere. After walking around the city we came here for some drinks and a quick appetizer. We ordered the "Indian corn" from the regular menu rather than the bar menu. It was creamy, sweet, thicker version of corn chowder but 10 times yummier. I will be back soon.
(5)
Cat And Dave U.
All in all, don't waste your money. Take it from us - we are the suckers who have gone back THREE TIMES hoping the last was just a fluke performance. Well, after last nights experience, we've decided to give up hope. Both culinarians, 1 professionally trained and 1 with years of experienced, we are always on the prowl for a great meal. From the outside looking in, the Met bar has everything a culinarian would want - a intriguing menu, a great looking ambiance and a cool & trendy bar. But once you step in the door and sit down to the slow service and mostly vacant menu (as our waiter said last night "before I take your order, let me check with the kitchen to see what else we are out of", you remember the truth to the old term "perception is not always what it seem". We won't bore you with the lousy details of how awful our experiences have been over the past 3 visits, but believe you me - we are done with the disappointments and plan to move on - and DO NOT recommend to ANYONE!
(1)
Alex V.
Only gets better when someone else picks up the tab!
(5)
Angela L.
We will never ever give this restaurant our business again. A beautiful day in Boston and we wanted to sit outside with our dog outside of the railing like you are able to do at every other restaurant in Back Bay. Not here. They asked us to tie him to the tree by the side of Newbury St.. When I went in to discuss this with the manager they just grinned and shrugged their shoulders. I have heard many people complain about Met Bar in the past and I have always defended them because I enjoyed coming here. Not any more!! Met Bar you just lost a very loyal patron. We will be more than happy to take our business to Stephanie's down the street where they welcome our dog with open arms and do not ask us to tie him to a tree by the side of the road. Not to mention the food there is much better.
(1)
Andy C.
Brunch at Met Back Bay was the perfect compliment to this weekend's sudden burst of Spring. With establishments such as Parish, Stephanie's, and Cafe Sonsie serving up stiff competition along Newbury, Met Back Bay definitely emerges as the winner. The dining space is beautifully decorated, complimented by a wide variety of seating options - bar, patio, and dining room. The brunch menu is eclectic, and the servers strike the perfect balance between maintaining attention and privacy (thanks Scott!) The pork stuffed hash brown I had was generous in serving size, and the jalapeno hollandaise sauce added just the right amount of zing to the crispy potatoes. My friend thoroughly enjoyed his tuna tartare, which was refreshing to the palate, and found his burger grilled to perfection. The Quebec maple syrup tart had a light sweet flourish that was decorated nicely with blueberry compote, and the pineapple upside down cake was wonderfully moist without being soggy. All in all, the best brunch experience I've had in Boston so far.
(5)
d f.
Usual, nothing special. Inconsistent drinks depending on who is tending bar. Pricey.
(1)
Lindsay S.
Went here late yesterday afternoon for late lunch/early dinner with my husband. We sat down around 4:30 in the bar area upstairs (self seating). The ambience was nice but everything else was not so hot. My number 1 complaint was our waitress. She took forever to do everything- from giving us menus, to getting us water (which I asked to have with lemon and she forgot so I had to ask again and that took her at least another 10 minutes to do), to getting our food and eventually our bill. Aigh. The food was average Bar/American food with higher prices. My husband and I both got burgers which we shared....one was a Salmon Tokyo burger and the other the Met Paris burger. They were both incredibly messy to eat- sauces and more oozing over the edge. I wish they were put together a bit better. The salmon burger was definitely lacking salt and some flavor. The Paris burger was cooked well done when asked for medium well. And finally the fries were cold and had no salt on them. I asked for salt but by the time our waitress came back with salt, they were practically gone (we were both very hungry!) I would not recommend this place. Honestly you can get a better burger at Applebees for a much cheaper price- and the service will likely be better too. Spend your $$ elsewhere.
(2)
CC K.
Food is terrible here. Save your money and go somewhere else. The burger was hard on the edges , the bacon overcooked into hard little sticks. Burger King is delicious compared to this burger. The rotisserie chicken was dry, French fries were soggy. Service was the only good thing
(1)
Sarah S.
Get the basil martini drink thing. Yes, that is as descriptive as I can get. But seriously, it should be enough. Service tends to be meh, and it's a little spendy, hence 3 stars.
(3)
Kristen F.
I heard Met Back Bay opened this afternoon, but my friend and I went in the evening and sat at the bar downstairs. Our bartender Brian was really great and suggested some awesome appetizers we ended up trying: parmesan truffle fries and some sort of brisket tacos I think. Delicious!!
(4)
Lynda M.
Still feels like Joe's with higher prices, new wood paneling, and a new coat of paint. The downstairs bar is still small, claustrophobic, crowded and underwhelming.
(1)
Ali W.
I remember the days when this spot used to be Joe's.. and it was dark, dank and unimpressive. Now that Met has taken over, it's bright, airy and filled to the gills on a Saturday night. I like that! I came here last night with my boyfriend, and after during a run-through of the space (you have to do that before you commit to a location, my friends) we decided to sit downstairs at the seat-yourself tables. We got a table right away (woo-hoo!) and the bar menu and regular menu are basically the same, except cheaper.. which is always a good thing. The menu boasts a laundry list of fun cocktails, beers and wines by the glass. For food, we ordered a pizzete (unfortunately, lack luster in taste and WAY too wet) and two DIY burgers which were tasty, however not the best burgers I've ever tasted. I know this is probably a moot point, but I wish they had served the burgers on regular sized plates, and pre-cut the pizza. Our server was running around like a chicken with her head cut off, so I can't blame her for making us wait a bit to order food and drinks. She did apologize after we had paid, so I appreciate that. I like to do a dry run-through of a new restaurant so I can yelp it appropriately, but I forgot (dammit!) to check out the bathrooms. I didn't want to be overly creepy, checking people out who were eating, but I can happily say that Met is clean, bustling and full of happy diners. The view from the upstairs dining room is lovely, and the seating areas are full of high-back, leather chairs and cute booths - perfect for a date, or a business dinner. Make sure to make a reservation, especially on a busy weekend night, if you're not OK with seat yourself... definitely give this place a try!
(4)
tasha r.
Mediocre food that is way over priced. Wait staff is very friendly, but there was a lot confusion at our table of six since the food runners constantly put the wrong dish in front of the wrong person. Throughout our entire meal, it was like: "hey, did you order that side of fries or is that mine?" "Wait, is this your appetizer?" "Oh, sorry, I ate some of your side dish."
(2)
Garth S.
Met Back Bay is just what Newbury Street needs: another pretty, higher-end chain restaurant that caters to people who know neither the value of a dollar nor the difference between good food and crap. I thought the Back Bay Restaurant Group (Joe's American, the Atlantic Fish Company, Charley's, etc.) had that covered for the Boston area but apparently there's always room for one more. I'm sorry to say that when H---- and I were there the other night, it was at my suggestion. I was tired of going to the same places and I wanted something different. Because the streets were icy, I didn't want to stray too far from the T. After going through the usual list of Back Bay staples, I remembered that Met recently opened in the space Joe's American vacated last year. I'd been to the Natick and Dedham locations, which were fine, but not great, so I suggested we check out the Back Bay location. At first, H---- was favorably or, as she'd write, "favourably," impressed. It was still early, the restaurant was quiet, and we settled comfortably into the upstairs bar. H---- liked the decor: leather seating, subdued lighting, stock photographs of sophisticated people from the 1930s. (I could swear I saw Amelia Earhart in one of them. Perhaps not a tone one wants to set for a restaurant but whatever . . . ) The waitress came by and took our drink orders. H---- ordered Proseco and I, in keeping with the early 20th Century vibe, requested a sidecar. I will swear that the waitress rolled her eyes when she wrote it down. I can't imagine why; it's a perfectly manly drink if you're generous with the lemon juice and don't (ever, under any circumstances) put sugar on the rim of the glass. But even if I asked for something pink garnished with a cherry and a tiny umbrella, the reaction was just bad form. Strike 1. We ordered appetizers. H---- had the French onion soup and I went with the fried ham and cheese balls. H---- said the soup was good but not great. My ham and cheese was disgusting. It had potential and might have been good but it was either overfried to the point of burnt, just like every other fried item I'd eaten at any of the Met locations, or perhaps it was just time to change the oil in the fryer. In any event, Strike 2. Among the people I know who like Met, the burgers tend to rate high. I had a turkey burger, my second. The first was at the Met Bar at Legacy Place in Dedham. I was not crazy about it then but thought I'd try once more. Some places do turkey burgers well; Met is not one of them. I won't mark down for this, however, because it might be a matter of taste. What I will mark down for is dessert. My simple scoop of mint chip ice cream was delicious. It was, in fact, the best part of the meal but the dirt-encrusted spoon the waitress brought just before the ice cream arrived ruined the moment. I don't know how she could not have noticed it. I did immediately but before I could call her attention to it, she was gone. Strike 3 and, for good measure, Strike 4. H---- and I agreed: The ambiance was nice but that was as far as it went. Maybe I'll try Met Back Bay for lunch one day but I doubt I'll return for dinner any time soon.
(2)
Beverly C.
A reservation was mad the first week in April for a May 20th Law School Graduation. The reservation was for 10 people and was confirmed. On May 11th I received a call that my reservation was being cancelled along with 20 others. They had a better offer from a private party. The GM made no attempt to refer us to a restaurant and he barely apologized as he was more concerned with the other calls he was charged with making. So here I sit in Chicago without a place for my family to go to celebrate this event. Nine days to find a restaurant on graduation weekend. What way is this to run a business?
(1)
erica w.
. I have to say- I just had a really bad experience at the Met Back Bay. My boyfriend and I had been meaning to try it for some time, and we had an opportunity today for lunch. At first, it seemed great. We sat downstairs, it was cozy, and the waitress was very nice. However, we both ordered meals that involved avocado, and both arrived without it. My salmon burger was consequently pretty dry, and the boyfriend's breakfast burrito was essentially beans and eggs in a tortilla. When we brought this to the attention of the waitress, she discovered that the kitchen had run out of avocado (why didn't you tell us?), but she told us the manager would give us a discount. Ok, fine we think. We didnt ask, but we'll take it. So then the manager comes over and tells us again that we'll get a nice discount to take care of it. Meanwhile, a table of 4 bros next to us has grown to 6 and is completely invading our space, yelling about their romantic exploits from the night before. Not really what I wanted to hear... they are quickly overflowing into our table, and take our extra chair, turn it around, and are pretty much on top of us. And more keep coming. And where is the check? We ask, and are told the manager needed to fix it to accommodate the discount. Ok...10 mins of waiting after than and it arrives...with a discount of $2.55. Seriously? We never asked for a discount, but if you are going to offer it multiple times, and keep us waiting for it, while being overrun by frat boys and sex talk, I feel like 2 bucks off of the entire meal is a little insulting. On the way out, I mentioned how we felt totally forced out of our space, and the manager replied "that wasn't very nice of them (the other table)". No, manger, it wasn't very nice of YOU. This is your restaurant, and you made us feel entirely unwelcome.
(2)
A F.
Very good food. The sandwiches are really good and the price range is not too bad. Their terrace is awesome when weather permits.
(4)
Brooklynn B.
G R E A T Place!!! I had the turkey burger which was the B O M B. I sat at the bar the times I have gone and the bartenders are real chill. You can go for a date, with family, or solo. I've done all. Try any of their specialty drinks, youll love it
(3)
Matt H.
We went for breakfast/brunch on a Monday morning. This is a difficult place if you're not an egg for breakfast person. Having said that the oatmeal was good, but not spectacular. The loosely scrambled eggs again were ok. The bacon was smokey (good) but thin (where was the meat) and (I thought) too crispy - a disappointment! Service was quick and friendly enough - I was not blown away all up
(3)
tman s.
I love how they gutted the space but i"m not sure the look and feel goes with the location! Well anyway the downstairs reminds me of the future on the star ship enterprise... The counters for the bartenders r a pain for them to reach patrons... But anyway the food which i had was the burger very well presented with fries... They also gave me port-wine cheese in a jar with bread stix for an opening round complimentary... Love all the televsions they have downstairs.. The drinks i thought were a bit pricey but what the hell i'm just coming thru..... Hope to visit again soon... Service was top notch as well!
(4)
Amy B.
I came to Met Back Bay for lunch with two colleagues today because it's just a short walk from our office and we were all very happy with our meals. They have the BEST mac & cheese around - it is so delicious and cheesy and creamy and I will definitely be back to eat it again. One of my colleagues got the lobster roll and she ate the entire thing and said it was delicious. The other colleague got a burger with cheese and bacon and loved it. We also split some sweet potato fries which were good and not at all greasy. Our waiter was very attentive, helpful and friendly. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Trish L.
Food drinks and service are all excellent and reliable. I bring out of town business associates here often - if they are dressed up or dressed down, they will still fit in. The burgers are so amazing but they took my favorite kobe burger off the menu. However, everything i have eaten here - breakfast lunch and dinner - has been fantastic. Any problems have been corrected quickly and discreetly. And the bartender takes the time to make my coffee EXACTLY the way i like it. Double shot of espresso with a dollop (no more) of steamed milk.
(4)
Martin H.
Were looking for drinks, found the place by accident. Tried my first watermelon wheat beer and got hooked. Their Calamari freshest I ever had. Great sauce come with Jalapeño and Garlic. Their Boston guacamole better than most Mexican places. Eggplant sandwich to die for. It's a bit expensive, but the service and ambiance were terrific.
(4)
Dani S.
This place has great service - and I've only been there once, with some pretty picky people I might add - and we all had a great experience in all respects : food, atmosphere, service, timing - everything. There are alternatives to the types of bread, and if I remember correctly, there are some vegetarian alternatives to/for the burgers as well. Nothing profound stands out as a drawback. Just a good, laid back - well put together place to at least try.
(4)
christine c.
Really awesome space, really neat bars and really good service (Eric!) This place was wonderful for lunch. The tuna tartar was amazing! A couple of us had some "lunch-sized" salads that were huge! The truffle parm fries were delicious, too. As were the beignets. Eric was prompt with the refills and knowledgeable about the menu, but best of all his dry humor and charming personality provided some excellent entertainment.
(5)
joseph a.
Heard they have great happy hours so came for dinner and decided to order an $18 burger. It was not an $18 burger.
(3)
Marcus C.
I don't think I need to go back here. The food was mediocre (runny polenta), the service was atrocious (didn't bring us the right dishes, left us waiting for way too long) and the atmosphere was severely lacking (so loud).
(2)
william m.
A friend and I visited this wonderful restaurant in December and had a wonderful pre-Holiday dinner. Come a little early if you want to find close side st. parking and pay your meter well. The parking police are very attentive. Met does have valet parking if you like to roll like that. The maitre de was very nice. Escorted us to our table on the second floor. Next time I will request a table next to the tall windows. The view must be beautiful. Our waiter was very nice. Knowledgeable of the menu and gave very good recommendations. Our drink orders were taken and promptly served. Ah, the first drink of the day felt great. Bread sticks and cheese paste was served. The cheese was a cool pink swirl color and very tasty. For appetizers we had the bone marrow. It was nice. Not as good as the Eastern Standards but good. They served the tibia of the cow so there was not a lot of bone marrow available to eat. But there were humongous slices of pan toasted Texas toast (?) surrounding the bone. It tasted good when dipped in the beef sauce on the bottom of the plate. I did not want to eat too much bread though. I wanted to save my tummy for my Kobe steak. I had the Kobe steak tips with sweet potato fries. Very yummy. And the portion size was perfect. Not so much that it felt like eating at Grandma's. My friend had the drunken lobster. The drunken lobster was delicious. The natural flavors of the lobster were brought out so nicely by the chef. The waiter was cool. Attentive, prompt and pleasant. I enjoyed the whole experience from the food, the waitstaff to the ambiance. Next time I will sit at the window and order the NY Prime Steak.
(4)
Chris W.
Had dinner on their first night open to the public. I went in being cynical of faux fancy chain restaurants, but I ended up being very impressed. The atmosphere upstairs felt bland and uninviting, the bar area downstairs and the lounge both have more charm. My cocktail was good but very expensive, just one dollar less than my entree. My entree was one half of a huge chicken which was cooked perfectly. It was very moist and had a thin crackly skin. I ordered it with the jalapeno jam which had a great amount of heat and was tangy at the same time. It also came with creamed spinach which was pretty good. Everyone else at my table got salads which also had good portion sizes. I tried the Asian salad and the duck was a little dry, but the dressing was good. My dinner was delicious and the service was great. It was opening night and kind of quiet when we sat down though, but the restaurant was full by the time we left. I will definitely come back. I like almost everything the BBRG does.
(4)
Simone C.
Love the chopped salad- it really does have every vegetable. The brunch is also lovely - with blood orange and champagne cocktails how can I argue?
(4)
Shawn W.
I've heard many good things about this place. I was out and about shopping with a friend. We had lunch elsewhere. Then we decided to head to the Met for coffee/wine and dessert. The manager was actually really nice and seated us quite fast. However, that's where the niceness ended. I ordered coffee and the friend ordered wine. After a long wait, we finally ordered a chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. The waitress had absolutely NO personality. She NEVER offered to refill my coffee, but always made sure my friend had wine. I know I could've asked, but, as someone who has worked as a waiter - you NEVER want a guest's coffee cup empty. All in all, I probably won't be returning.
(2)
brian b.
I needed a buger fix....badly! Could smell the meat grilling from a half block away. I got the Met Prime Mix with a Boston set up - Bacon, Cheese & Egg along with a Stone Levitation Ale. Ate at the bar, patio was quite busy due to the nice weather. Wait staff seemed to be bustin their humps while I was there. Buger was very good, egg was nicely runny, cheese could have been melted more, bacon was smoky & perfect. Extra points for actually cooking the buger to medium as requested. Beef Short Rib tacos looked really good, but no room, maybe next time. I'd say it's good, but pick your spots, stick to the basics and you should be fine.
(3)
Amy F.
My first time writing a restaurant review...that's how awful our breakfast experience was at The Met. Very disappointing after being served $13 cold "eggs bennie" with the eggs cooked to almost hard boiled and a stale english muffin, and a veggie omelet that was basically cold vegetables with an egg pancake thrown on top. I have to say, this was the worst restaurant food I have ever been served. I was quite embarrassed for the restaurant. I did want to talk to the manager, Dean, however he was too busy. So we paid our bill, gave a tip, and warned a few people on our way out.
(1)
Martine S.
Had the caesar salad with sirloin & it was super yummy. We got our food super fast but our waiter was super slow. It took a while for someone to see what we wanted to eat & to pay. However, I highly recommend this place. The benches outside are kind of low for the tables but it all worked itself out.
(4)
Jaime M.
Not the greatest. Came here the other night with a friend. I know it was a Sunday but the place was DEAD. The food was just 'meh' and service was severly lacking. I hate when waiters forget bread and disappear for hours on end when there is literally NO ONE eating in the restaurant. I ordered a tuna dish-- it was just ok. There are wayyy too many good restaurants in Back Bay to waste a good meal here... wouldn't come back for dinner any time soon.
(2)
Debbie T.
I went here saturday night and the only reason I give it one star is because the pineapple martini is amazing. The food and the service sucks. The hostess was really rude and rolled her eyes several times. You have to pay for bread and everything on the menu that we ordered was not good at all. There were six of us and we each got something different and no one was happy. Really disappointed with this establishment.
(1)
G. B.
They had a breakfast set up outside one weekday morning. We happened to be walking by an noticed it. Stopped in and had some. Good food and reasonably priced with good service. Don't know anything else about this place.
(4)
Jessica L.
Great food and atmosphere. I usually sit downstairs at the meat slicing bar. The waitstaff has always been really friendly. Sometimes the food can take a while to come out but it's understandable since the place is always crowded. Portion sizes are decent. The best thing on the menu is their pasta bolognese with a glass of sangria, it makes for a perfect dinner. Just watch out for the wine glasses, the last two times I've been there, there has been lipstick on my wine glass which really grosses me out!!! So check the rim of your wine glass! Aside from that, it's a great place.
(4)
Kate D.
The Met Back Bay is average at best. The food is mediocre and expensive. The service is slow. The outdoor seating on Newbury St is great, but that's about all The Met has going for it. I've eaten there twice and my 2 year old's grilled cheese was the tastiest thing on the table both times. Hit up Stephanie's or Joe's instead!
(2)
H G.
Worst sangria ever.....they seem to be making it from some bottled syrup and it tastes like one too...
(1)
Lauren B.
Great add to the Back Bay neighborhood. I love their salads and the choice of 3 different ambiances is amazing (library, restaurant and downstairs). Bartenders also very friendly and know their regulars... Such a pleasure to sit down at the bar and have a Sauv. Blanc waiting.....
(4)
S. M. S.
Great menu with something for everyone, reasonable prices, decent execution on each dish we ordered. For the price, location and diverse menu offerings, it's worth a visit.
(4)
Chana B.
Horrific, horrific, service. We came for a few drinks to the bar on the lower level, and the waitress ignored for twenty minutes, half an hour later brought my friend's salad but not our drinks or even any water. You do not serve food without at least water. We were appalled, insulted, and ignored until we voiced our concerns to a different waitress who clearly tried her best to clue in the space cadet who was giving us such bad service. HUGE disappointment. You cannot make it on Newbury street if this is the service you provide.
(1)
Anya R.
I am absolutely in love with this place! Not only is the ambiance amazing, the food is even better. I have been here 4 times and all 4 times I have gotten the Aged Meatballs - these are to die for. I have been with others who have gotten the steak tips, pork and the pot pie - all have loved their food. Highly recommended!
(5)
Steven C.
I feel this place is a bit over-rated for what they provide. The food was good, but they gave me potato chips with my sandwich. I'm not talking the homemade kind just plain potato chips. Not impressed at all. Also they are not flexible with their restaurant week lunch menu. They force the three entrees instead of choosing the two entree option as most places do. I wouldn't recommend this place.
(2)
Elizabeth O.
I love Met Back Bay. First, I feel like this was an inspired choice for location. Met makes so much better use of the space than Joe's American did (and Joe's is better off in its new home a block away), and Met really did a great job with the space. It is elegant, but at the same time casual and comfortable. The downstairs bar is also fun, although better on weekdays as it gets very crowded on weekends. The food is good - not the best I've ever had, but a fun menu and good quality. My husband says the burger is great. I really love the drinks - lots of interesting cocktails, and I almost fell off my seat my first time there when I saw the martinis were only $9! Overall, I love the Met for the great atmosphere and the pleasant prices - and the decent food is just a bonus.
(5)
Edward H.
Booo!! Didn't even get past the water being served. Watched everyone around us get served, including those that came after us. Decided to give up and go elsewhere. Horrible service indeed!!
(1)
Lina F.
It is a nice addition to the Newbury street neighborhood. The burger was very decent but not the best burger I have had. The restaurant has specials after 5 pm each day which look pretty good. It is a bit pricey for the food you get but you are paying for the atmosphere.
(3)
Elizabeth H.
Love the food at MET and that's what keeps me coming back but the service is always sub par. Today we were addressed twice in two hours. Not ok.
(2)
James R.
I've been here twice now so I think I've seen enough to write a review. My first visit was about a year ago, second was a couple of days ago, both were for lunch. From what I remember the menu hasn't changed much in that time. On my first visit I had a vegetarian open face sandwich, this time I had a club sandwich and a cheddar lobster dip appetizer. Overall the food was kind of what you expect to find at a moderately upscale establishment in Back Bay - standard fare that isn't really worth writing home about (though yelp reviewing is acceptable). The service was satisfactory and the atmosphere is nice - think leather benches on around the outside walls. The patio on Newbury is also a nice option I've never utilized. Pricing is reasonable. Overall Met Back Bay is nothing special but it doesn't really do anything wrong either. I also wasn't too adventurous with the menu so it could be better than I realize.
(3)
Lindsey R.
i'm a local that frequents this restaurant often, and usually have a good meal. I love the atmosphere in the downstairs bar, and the outdoor patio is awesome during the summer. The waitstaff is attentive and very friendly. My one gripe is that they literally charge $15 to add shrimp to a salad. For 3 shrimp this is literally insane, and more than the actual salad itself ($14 for large entree size). I thought my bill was incorrect when the salad ended up being $29, but indeed that's how much they charge. The waitress was somewhat apologetic that I was so surprised by the charge, but didn't do anything further. She could have at least warned me that ordering shrimp (not listed on the menu) was going to cost $15. I would have ordered something else if she had. I personally think this charge is highway robbery, but unfortunately am not that surprised considering they charge over $6 for a bread basket. I'll still continue to go to the Met for a yummy cocktail and burger (delicious fries!) but beware that there are a lot of up-charges.
(3)
Gaby F.
Really really bad place. All about service. Food was OK but when food is just OK service has to be great. Sat whilst waiter ran to other tables for 25 mins! It got so bad they had the hostess laying out silverware. Really incompetent. Leave it to the walk in tourists. Dreadful.
(1)
Jenny S.
LOVING THEIR COCKTAILS!! they were all refreshing & not syrupy or overly sweet as many cocktails can become!! we were even able to enjoy our drinks at a table in the bar area, which was nice and relaxing ---cucumber gimlet (my favorite) ---pimm's cup ---grapefruit fizz NOTE: they have a restaurant and then a bar side w/ a charcuterie bar & let me just say the food smelled amazing!!! i think i'll be coming back to try the food!
(4)
Laurie F.
I'm actually shocked at the negative reviews here, as me and the four others I went to brunch with yesterday were blown away. The two locals had been there before, but myself and the other two visitors were newbies. We came from NYC and are certainly well-versed in SERIOUS eating. Most of us had all also worked in the food/beverage/service industry at some point. I'm only prefacing this review that way because we tend to be a little critical, and having this consensus of how ridiculously good Met Back Bay was is unusual for the group. Brunch started with a bloody mary, ordered off of their bloody mary menu. Wait... you can put a CHEESEBURGER on your bloody mary? Why yes please, I'll have that. In fact, we all did. Other various options included cocktail onions, bacon old bay seasoning, olives, pickles, pepperoncini, horseradish, Met sauce or spices (?), bacon salted rim, cornichons, and probably a ton I'm missing. Did the drink actually cost more than my brunch entree? Sure did. But delicious and totally worth it. The burgers were fresh and delicious. My friend's piece of bacon was a little fatty for her, but when the waiter noticed she had sort of picked around the fat, he asked if it was okay and offered to bring her another piece. THAT'S attention to detail and service. I wish I would've gotten his name to give him a good shout out in this review. Brunch entrees ordered: 2 sandwiches called "The Cure", a pork-stuffed hash brown with fried egg and jalapeno hollandaise, some sort of stuffed french toast, and a truffled croque madame. The portions were enough to install a serious food baby in my belly for the rest of the afternoon. The taste was on point. Everyone raved. New mission: copy these bloody marys for every brunch I host from now on. Maybe I'll have to get back to Met whenever I'm in Boston to do some... er... "research"...
(5)
Maya T.
I took a friend here who was visiting from out of town. We didn't have to wait on a Tuesday night for dinner which was good. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. Our good came out fast. I had the rigatoni bolognese and my friend got the rice bowl. Both were delicious. The only problem was there were mosquitoes in the restaurant! We kept getting bitten, so it was annoying when we were eating. Was ready to leave once we were done eating. We got the ice cream sandwich and it was delicious.
(3)
Tyler S.
There are plenty of other restaurants/bars within walking distance from here that run circles around this place. The service is pretty bad and the drinks and food are nothing special.
(2)
Alex K.
Incredibly disappointing! This place has a great atmosphere and an awesome maître d, but beyond that it is lacking in all categories. The service was dismal, and for the price of entrees (hovering around mid 20s) it was a disappointment. Sad to say I won't be back.
(2)
Scott S.
Awful tartar. Service subpar. Good place for a burger and fries or drinks at bar, but nothing else.
(2)
Emily L.
I like their ambience but their food is only okay. I like the dedham location more. Their burgers are nothing special. The bartender can make pretty good drinks. Got a dirty martini and it was well made.
(2)
Marcy H.
Love this place! Great food and fun atmosphere! Lox at the sunday brunch was fabulous
(4)
Caitlin G.
I'm honestly surprised by all the negative reviews on here! Except for one bad service experience, this place is reliably delicious for food. The drinks, although a bit lackluster and overpriced, are pretty decent as well. This is one of my favorite after-work bars. We usually get a bunch of apps, so that's what my review is mostly based on, but they've all been incredibly good. And I have to say that the broccoli tempura is just otherworldly. Much to my chagrin, they took it off of the menu, and I'm eagerly anticipating the day that it's back on. They tempura-fry broccoli, coat it in some delicious orange glaze, and drizzle some sort of aioli on top. It was sheer ecstasy on a plate. Try the lobster dip, roasted brussel sprouts or any of their salads (Green Guru in particular). I've also had a burger and it was yummy. The only negative is that the drinks are kind of weak; the wine pours are skimptastic, but again, that's what you'd expect from a Boston bar.
(4)
Elly W.
Last minute dine in here for RW. The place is big and clean. Very friendly staff. Me and my cousin had a three course meal each. Watermelon carpaccio and hamachi tacos for appetizers. Both had wonderful flavors. Entree was flank w/ potatoes and lobster gnocchi. Flank was good though one piece was Too dry. The potatoes were different and yummy. Lobster gnocchi with corn and Bacon was delicious. A lot of lobster served. Didn't like the fact the plate was chipped at four places. Also shared roasted asparagus with fried egg, aoili and parmesan. Delicious. Dessert was peanut butter Brownie and peach cobbler with cake and ice cream. I'm not a PB fan, bit the Brownie was pretty good. The cobbler was good, not a fan of warm fruits, but edible. Overall enjoyed our dinner and presentation was artful.
(4)
Simon L.
Came for a birthday brunch. Excellent, slightly briny east coast oysters - several dozen. The mammoth hot dog is grilled nicely and has a thick skin with a good snap when biting through the dog. Spicy mustard is a welcome addition. The bun is buttered and grilled and "almost' fits the meaty dog. The burger has red wine sauteed onions, thick smoked bacon, cheddar cheese. A large, well formed patty has decent seasoning although it is cooked past medium rare to a medium temperature. This has the unfortunate effect of drying out the prime beef. The beef is so prime in fact that there is almost not enough juice content in the meat. Efficient service. Good location. Excellent martinis.
(3)
Jessi R.
I came in for the Hot Chocolate Experience, and decided that dinner beforehand was probably a good idea. I've heard great things about MET, and do not have to hurt any of my friends for leading me astray. The menu was short but had plenty of fairly unique options. Knowing we were ordering dessert, we skipped the appetizer. My wife ordered the Maple Balsamic Salmon and I had Spaghetti Lobster Arrabiata. Hers was excellent, and left her wanting more. Mine was very good, but I wanted a little something "more" to fill it out some--it was very heavy on the pasta with not quite enough of anything else. Dessert was wonderful. We probably should have stuck with the hot chocolate (grown up of course), but couldn't resist and also ordered a chocolate cake and sorbet dish that I can't seem to find on the menu (it's only been a week!!). The cake was a little dry, but the sauce & sorbet mostly made amends. All the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful; the restaurant was clean and it didn't feel stuffy despite it's Newbury St location.
(4)
D K.
Bloodys are great but the food is inconsistent. Eggs Benedict had raw egg and potatoes were hard and undercooked.
(2)
Billy W.
Nice atmosphere. Great Drinks, Busy all the time, and a great place after shopping on Newbury Street. Will be back hopefully someday.
(4)
Fred L.
Don't order the turkey burger. After I mentioned how dry it was, the bartender said it's always prepared like this and that while some people don't like it dry, some people love it this way. Wait, what? Thank you for taking it off the bill (I still tipped you $8 on a $17 bill), but seriously try to find me someone who loves overcooked, dry food. I've had brunch here before many times and it's very acceptable food. Certainly not the worst, but not even close to the best. The breakfast fries with hamburger meat, onions, cheese and an egg are however a great hangover cure. All in all, an average spot with a good selection of appetizers and entrees. Stick with brunch if you can.
(3)
Jen C.
I just had a surprisingly bad experience at Met Back Bay - my sandwich was horribly made and missing ingredients and our waiter did not appear to like me. I went for lunch and sat downstairs. We ordered our food and drink (no special requests), all was fine. I ordered their Club (with avocado, brie, & arugula). I ate the 1st half, which had a very small piece of chicken, but the bacon and avocado were there. Tasted fine. When I went to eat the 2nd half, realized all the bacon and avocado were on the 1st half. All it had was chicken and arugula (no condiments). Not caring that much, I just asked for a side of mayo The table next to me gets a side of mayo delivered. A minute later I hear a *thunk* and a squeeze bottle of mayo has been placed on the table with a lot of force. When I give a startled jump, the waiter snaps "you asked for mayo, right?". Somehow I completely offended him by asking for mayo. He then completely abandons our table. Someone else clears our plates and we have to wait before he finally comes with the check. He walks by us as we leave and doesn't even say goodbye. When I get back to the office and realize there was no brie on my sandwich...
(2)
Caesar S.
Came here for brunch on a Saturday morning and have nothing but good to say about my experience. I ordered the breakfast burrito with home fries and it was delicious. They were both packed with flavor and nicely seasoned. Their mimosas are good, but small. Solid, friendly service as well. If I were to say anything negative about this place, it would be that it's pricey ($70 bill after tip for two people). But you should expect that due to the fact it's on Newbury Street. Overall, great experience and would definitely recommend it to others.
(4)
Andrew p.
***update*** I left the review below including the description of service and the manager (Steve) read it, took the feedback and went out of his way to make my most recent visit a superior experience. I really appreciate his going the extra mile. *** Previous review: I've come here for the past 2 years and have always enjoyed the Paris burger. Who wouldn't love a perfectly cooked medium rare burger covered in gooey Brie cheese and a fried egg? In general the food is better than most chains but nothing mind blowing. The service is the reason for the 2 star review and really this is due to the hostess and manager who multiple weekends in a row have told us that the wait would be significantly shorter than it was. This past weekend the manager said it would be a 20 min wait that ended up being 1 hour and 15 minutes. I think the most frustrating part is they repeatedly seated "friends" of the manager ahead of people waiting. I hope they can change their management and particularly the manager Steve who clearly does not have the restaurant's best interest at heart.
(4)
Katie B.
I have been to met bar a bunch of times and I went today for lunch and sat at the bar. It is the first sunny and slightly warm day of 2015 so the patio is full and its understandably busy. The service was stressed and the woman manager with the shaved head made everyone in the restaurant know how stressed the staff was. The bartenders were overwhelmed and did the best they could. The food was not as great as I've had in the past. Stick to the ham and cheese bar and you can't lose. Bottom line - manager need to not yell at her staff in front of customers. Ever.
(2)
Teri D.
Ate here last month on a whim as we had just arrived and were hungry. Wish we had found another place. It is a great location right in the thick of things and the outdoor seating is very nice but this day our server?? Sad! Had to wait and wait and wait for everything. Had to flag down another server to get ours to come back once. And then there was the food. We had breakfast there and even though the 3 egg omelet was good the brioche that came with it was so freaking dry it was like trying to eat packing peanuts. The blueberry compote that came with it was great though. Costs: 3 egg omelet - $11 Egg met muffin - $10 Side of bacon - $5 Glass of Pomm juice - $4.00 Not that cheap for two but if the service (and some bread) had been better it wouldn't have mattered.
(2)
Laleh J.
Decent fare. Sit outside when the weather is good.
(4)
Lillian C.
Came in for drinks with some friends on a Friday night before we headed out dancing. I've never tried this place, but walked by many times. On this particular night it was pretty busy, with people outside and downstairs in the bar area. I tried a blood orange martini since it was highly recommended. It was actually quite delicious and I would come back for that anytime! I also wanted a bite to eat and was recommended their short rib tacos and it was delicious! It was really flavorful and the sauce dripped all over when I ate it. They weren't stingy with the meat wither. There was also a side of lettuce and salsa, but the tacos didn't really need it. The shells were also nice and crunchy without being too crispy. Oh, and I also tried some of their cheesy garlic bread? It smelled so good, but lacked flavor. Overall, a good time with some friends with a yummy drink and snack.
(3)
Joni D.
Delicious lunch and attentive service. Food was fresh with ample portions. Not a diner and not cheap but light and bright with outside space and a large bar downstairs.
(4)
Stanley J.
I had dinner on the patio here tonight, at first we were seated by a window that was opened to the restaurant, I've been before but only inside upstairs the noise was so loud we couldn't hear each other seated at a small table about 2 feet away. We politely asked to be moved the street side was cushioned not metal seats. Still a small table. It was cold enough put they should pf lit the patio heaters also but didn't. The server was nice and very attentive. And the food was good and prepared quickly and there was no wait to be seated. I'd say overall 3.5-4stars
(3)
Melissa F.
I don't understand how this place has only 3 stars. I came here for breakfast with a friend and was very pleased with our meal. We sat in the upstairs part of the restaurant. I loved that it was so bright and sunny since there are lots of windows. You can tell this place is more upscale, but at the same time it's very comfortable too. We both ended up ordering the eggs benedict. It was SO good! And I consider myself a snob when it comes to eggs benedict, since lots of places manage to mess it up. At Met they serve it on a biscuit, which I thought would make it heavy but somehow it was very light. Their crispy potatoes were delish too. I highly recommend ordering the french press for two because it was amazing. I'm sure the regular drip coffee is good too, but if you like darker/stronger coffee, get the french press. I'm happy I finally got a chance to try out Met. Their prices weren't too bad, especially for Newbury street. Can't wait to come back for dinner and drinks.
(4)
Evan J.
I was invited back by the owner and had a much better experience. I think part of the weakness before was that the winter menu just wasn't very good. This time around, I shared the falafel and truffle corn appetizers (yum!) and had a middle-of-the-road sirloin tip entree. What really made it though was our server - I think his name was Michael. Very funny and helpful in guiding us through the new menu.
(3)
john j.
Really disappointing food. Ordered a pricey large salad, expecting lots of good ingredients. What came out was mostly lettuce and beets. The "Eggs Benedict" had no hollandaise sauce, which in my book is somewhat like serving a ham & cheese sandwich with just two slices of pasty american cheese. Service was OK.
(2)
E L.
Bad food and way overpriced for the quality. The service was good, though (hence 2 stars instead of 1). We got the lobster cheddar dip, the fried calamari and the lobster parpadelle. We didn't like any of them (way too greasy, and unrefined). I am sure we would have gotten better quality in an Applebee's for 1/3 of the price. If you are charging $30 for a pasta dish with a few lobster pieces in it, it better be, at least, good. Our waitress was really sweet and friendly. Really disappointing, but then again, we didn't check out the reviews on yelp before going there... "Our bad".
(2)
David S.
Just say: GOOD: - To start order the "Fried Calamari". The red sauce is very good. A little bit sweet and spicy, the perfect mix then! - The best Burger (or mix of flavors because the meat is simply good/normal) you can eat in Boston!! is amazing! Take the "Paris Burger" (a delicious mix of Brie cheese, sweet onions, Truffle mayo and fried egg)! Keep on mind that this Burger is only in the Bar Menu, but you can order it in the restaurant as well! ask for it! BAD: - Sometimes they have mistakes about they overcook the meet if you want medium-rear your Burger, but not always. - The personal could be more friendly. thanks!
(4)
Daniel A.
An excellent place for an old school drink or some really good food. First of all, you have a choice when you walk in here...you can go downstairs to the relaxed bar area, or you can go upstairs for the prohibition type bar. Both areas have the same prices, but I prefer upstairs at the bar with a great bartender. I was fortunate enough to have Jay as the bartender that night, and he knows how to make some serious drinks! He also has an extensive wine knowledge, so if you are in the mood for a great drink...GO UPSTAIRS. The food was delicious here too. Fresh cheeses, and one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. I am not kidding. As them what their recommended pasta dish is and you will be in heaven.
(4)
Michael K.
Dropped in on a slow Wednesday. Atmosphere: Nice, clean place that appears upscale. Only complaint was that in an empty restaurant they seated us next to 3 loud sales guys when plenty of other tables were available. Service: Really good waiter. Friendly, wanted to help and only disappeared once Food: Huge portions. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, found the lobster to be tasty, but in limited supply. The mac and cheese was mac and cheese. I also had fried oysters as an appetizer, but they were flavorless. Cost: High, but not unreasonable. If you go out once a week, i'd suggest some place else; but if you want an ok place for a business dinner, you could do much worse. Overall: Has potential, but not there yet.
(3)
James D.
Some of the worst service I have experienced. The location is great and the food is ok. But we had to wait exceptionally long to be greeted. Even longer for our drinks to arrive and even longer for our food to arrive. The worst part is that the waitress didn't even seem to care or perhaps even notice. It seemed like the waitress was the issue because she didn't seem to think 15 minutes to wait for drinks was a long time. After everything taking so long it didn't matter how the food tasted at that point. All we could think about was how frustrated we were with the lack of service.
(2)
Marya K.
If I could give this place negative stars I would. My little brother went in before us to get a table and the manager looked down at him like he didn't even exist. Oh wait Manager......You do what for work? This is your career?? Oh I'm sorry you are a restaurant manager????!! Right..... Well keep patting yourself on the back because pretty sure my little brother makes three times as much as your pathetic little wait staff salary. I won't ever go back there and it's too bad because the food is actually decent and it's a fun place for brunch.
(1)
Dawn E.
Ham and cheese Deliciousness Got me through 'Til dinner. Nothing grand Or real unique About the Met Back Bay Spot.
(3)
Alex R.
The menu is a little scattered, not many options. I went for the hot chocolate trifecta which was delicious! Get it grown up. I had the croque Madame with Gruyere cheese which was to die for. Burgers are good too.
(4)
Ellen H.
I am genuinely surprised at the negative reviews; I think this place is a real gem. Came here on a chilly Thursday night completely by surprise -- went on a dinner mission with a girlfriend and were turned away from both Red Lantern and Lolita! We wandered onto Newbury and saw Met and when they said "come on in", we practically ran. We were seated in the upstairs dining room in a bay window and given good service by our waiter, Travis. The menu is interesting and we went with the Iced-N-Sweet pitcher. That's right, a pitcher of cocktails for $24. They were well-made, and Travis refilled our cocktail glasses and water glasses whenever they got low. The usual "bread basket" was sesame hard breadsticks and basically cheese whiz in a steel cup. WAY underwhelming for an upscale restaurant. If the management knows what they're doing, they'll take a page from Capital Grille and keep the sesame sticks, but include them in a variety basket of artisan breads with butter or oil, or maybe even butter/oil AND the cheesewhiz option. But not just cheese whiz. Way weird for the atmosphere. We both ordered the wedge salad and 2 more pitchers of cocktails. The salads were HA-YUGE. A full head of lettuce, delicious, fresh, amazing, and perfectly priced. The drinks continued to be excellent, but the last pitcher seemed a touch weaker than the first two -- not sure if this was my imagination or a sign that we had consumed enough. Side of truffle fries were so-so. Maybe I'm just not a truffle person? I was expecting little wedges of potato heaven. We got about 6 drinks from each pitcher, so at $24 per, the drinks were a steal and I would ABSOLUTELY come back for drinks anytime I get a chance! Total bill for 3 pitches, 2 salads, and fries was $110. Not bad. Service was great - thanks, Travis! Atmosphere was actually awesome - date-worthy, family-dinner worthy, drinks-worthy, just-hanging-out worthy. Love it!
(4)
Stella L.
I live right next to MET back bay so I've been there numerous times but something has always gone wrong; I've gotten the wrong meal or been charged more/double, etc. The food is good so I kept going back but this is the last time. I was there on 9/15/13 with my roommate and her brother. I ordered the truffle fries which are $9.43. I did not get a drink or anything and we got separate checks. Our waiter was nice but he was a little clumsy; little did I know how much frustration he would cause me. We signed the separate checks and went home. I look at my statement the next day and see that they charged me TWICE, $60.99 for my roommates' meal and $9.43 for mine. I call them back and speak to the hostess who was very nice, and she said I would get a call back from Dan (the manager); this was at 1.55pm. I do not hear back from Dan so I call him at 5:15pm. He is nice and says he was extremely busy but he will look into it and call me back in an hour. 3 hours go by and nothing so I call HIM back at 9:00pm and he just replies that the charge was deleted and it should be deleted from my account that day. The next day, I check my statement and see that the $60.99 is still pending and now I have been CHARGED $19.63 for my meal. Apparently, the waiter tipped himself $10.00. Apparently, its normal to tip MORE than the actual meal. Now even more frustrated, I just called the restaurant and the hostess said the manager will be in within the hour and should get back to me. I am not holding my breath.... Honestly, this is ridiculous and if i was not OCD about checking my statement, these charges could have gone through and my $9 meal would've cost me $80!! Food is not bad but bring cash if you can because I do not trust them with my card.
(2)
Benjamin C.
My girlfriend and I love to brunch on Sunday. She recommended the Met Bar. I can honestly say that I haven't been made happier by a meal at a restaurant in years. I had their Poached Eggs (Bennie) with the Met Shrimp Mary and a side of bacon. We sat in a beautiful embankment that allowed us to view Newbury Street. The Shrimp Mary is epic. It is 22 ounces of savory bloody marry with two jumbo olives, a stalk of celery, and a gigantic shrimp. The rim of the glass is coated in Old Bay seasoning. It's $15 and worth every penny. The Eggs Benedict was wonderful. Perfectly poached eggs over a bed of ham and spinach with cream hollandaise sauce. I ate myself stupid. I took a star off for service. My girlfriend was not pleased with the lack of attention we had received. She needed coffee refills and had to swap out some dirty silverware in the table. It was difficult to flag down our waitress as she wasn't around unless she was within a few feet, which was rare. I recommend this location for a decadent brunch. Even if Eggs Benedict isn't your thing, they have a lot to choose from including cheese plates. Can't wait to go back for another special brunch.
(4)
Anne K.
I ate brunch here with a friend and loved it. I had the breakfast burrito which was delicious, and a bellini (note their menu differs a bit from what is seen online). I would have given five stars except for the seating arrangements - I sat next to my friend which was just awkward. Also FYI, they don't have valet available for brunch.
(4)
Paul S.
I am a fan for the place only because of the bartender named Roderick, from South Carolina. It's expense and the male-host will throw you back. BUT if you really are curious about this restaurant then find when and where Roderick is behind the bar, and have him serve you. I will honestly go back there just to chat it up with him. DON'T miss him. He's a great guy to know.
(3)
Carolyn K.
A few friends and I recently went back after our originally bad experience and Met Back Bay did everything they could to make up for it. My friends and I were seated right away and the service was excellent. We had a very attentive, cheery waitress who did everything she could to make our experience as pleasurable as possible. As a vegetarian, I was wavering between the Macaroni and Cheese (which I had last time and knew was good) and a Tofu Steak dish. I decided on the Tofu Steak to mix things up. It was good, but the Macaroni and Cheese is better. I realize I am just not a health food person. Tip: The buttermilk biscuits are AMAZING. They are a must-have appetizer. My friends were also very happy with their meals. The portion sizes were ample and left just enough room for desert. I personally recommend the peanut butter chocolate cake for desert. They also have a "build your own sundae" option which is a lot of fun. I believe a lot has changed in the year since Met Back Bay first opened on Newbury street. Our service was drastically improved. The food has always been good (at least what my friends and I have ordered). The Mac & Cheese is my favorite. As I said in the original review, the ambiance and environment is classy and romantic. My main complaint was the spotty service. However, the service has been greatly improved and I highly recommend going to MBB for a fantastic evening out in Boston. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Clara L.
Pretty disappointing experience. I've heard good things about Met Back Bay, but our experience didn't match up. There wasn't a wait the evening we went, so that was nice. After we were seated on the patio, we waited about 10 minutes to even be greeted by our server. It was merely a hi and I will be back, after which it took another 10 minutes and an inquiry on our part to get some water and order drinks. The drinks took nearly another 15-20 minutes to be delivered. Our server had no personality, everything was monotone and he spoke at nearly a whisper and had to be asked to repeat some things. My pineapple martini was quite tasty, my boyfriend's burger was good and my fish was tender. However, the truffle fries were very upsetting. I was charged an additional $2 to change my regular fries for the truffled ones, and there was absolutely no truffle flavor. The parmesan was sprinkled lightly over the fries and they were somewhat soggy. We were only checked on once during the entire meal, and had to flag him down for a refill. Our service finally picked up after our plates were cleared and the check came. Our dinner took over an hour and the patio was not full. There were at least 4 servers and 4 assistants on the patio, and many of them kept running into each other. Overall, I think things could have been more streamlined to improve speed and quality of service.
(2)
Brandon L.
I have to say the food here really has been very good when I've gone. Service.......HORRIBLE. Just recently went and our waiter was on another planet........just stared at us for no reason......never seen gay guys before? Had to ask for everything!!! Dishes for apps.....silverware.....drinks....like this guy was oblivious. BAD. Was the salmon wild or farm raised? Clueless......had to go ask......back ten minutes later with the answer.....seriously? Is wild btw.........
(2)
Emma J.
Coming from someone with restaurant experience.. You don't ever tell someone to go find themselves seats... If you're asking to be seated.. Especially with a large party with kids! Disappointed on how rude the hostess was..
(1)
E J.
Wonderful ambiance and food. Classy and tasteful decor. Perfect for romantic dinner. Food is exceptional across the board. Not cheap, but certainly not crazy overpriced like the capital grill...and fare is comparable. The "hot chocolate experience" is not to be missed, though the desserts--and the dessert menu--left us disappointed. Also exceptional place for classy, romantic, maybe business drinks. Go.
(4)
vanya k.
Overpriced! I was charged $27 for a Caesar salad ($12 on the menu), with added grilled shrimp. The waitress did not ding necessary to mention that 3 pieces of shrimp cost $15, even though the most expensive add-in to a salad listed is salmon for $9. That will be a salad I will remember! And I am not going back.. Who knows, maybe next time I get charged $20 for a soup with extra cheese on top?!?!
(2)
Sally R.
If you ever want a salad at a restaurant, go to Met. I know it sounds counterintuitive, because I typically think of Met as a good after-work or pre-dinner place to grab a beer (great, simple liste) and some mac and cheese balls. Or a cocktail (small list, but some gems on there) and a charcuterie board. Nope, I'm telling you to get the arugula salad with salmon on top. In the last 3 months I've had this salad around 5 times, and it is consistently amazing. AMAZING. I've never had a full meal at Met, but always gone for drinks and apps. Or drinks and a few small plates to share. When the burger and fries trays make their way through the large downstairs bar, they always look terrific. I love how big the menu is here, the fact you can sit outside when the weather cooperates, and how you can usually get a seat for the drinks and apps experience. Yay! I'm a fan.
(4)
Sara S.
The GOOD: - The Truffle Indian Corn and Local Burrata with English Peas and Pesto are DELICIOUS and generously portioned as "starters" The BAD: - My dirty martini was not served dirty - Our entrees arrived at the exact same time as our starters, literally (I'm not exaggerating) four minutes after we ordered - They forgot the chicken on my salad - They also forgot the cheese and avocado on my salad (in salad description) - They didn't serve my dressing on the side as requested - Fork was so bent that it was unusable and had to ask for a new one There ya have it, folks. You decide if it's worth it.
(2)
Shannon S.
I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars... and settled on 3. Let me explain. We arrived at about 1pm on a Saturday and were told that we could try to find a place in the lounge or wait for a table (20 mins or so)... we went for the lounge. Found seats at the bar (3 of us) and were promptly greeted by the bartender. We ordered a pitcher of sangria. For $24, I expected something MUCH better. There was SO much ice in the pitcher AND in our glasses, we barely ended up with a glass each. And it wasn't that great. Watered down and just disappointing. We started with the biscuits and duck-fat fries. The biscuits were yummy and the duck-fat fries were delicious. They were crunchy and smokey and I could feel them going straight to my thighs. But it's the holidays right? I ordered the eggplant caprese sandwhich. Not terrible but pretty bland. It needed some sort of sauce or something... it was dry and all I could taste was bread and fried-ness. Bummer. All in all, not a terrible meal but for dropping $40 (each!) for lunch, I would've liked a more memorable food-experience.
(3)
Josh W.
Great food! Good Service. It seems every review I read about this place is based one bad experience or some type of unfortunate human error. I think the people who eat here often like myself need to share more. You cannot deny your taste buds when you are here. The brunch and the burgers are top notch. The Chef is amazing he knows what people want. This is a gem in such an upscale neighborhood like the back bay. The ham and cheese bar is innovative and is the perfect appetizer. The cocktails are amazing too, I hope to eventually try them all. I will be back again and again and when friends go to Boston I tell them to stop by and get a burger. The last person I recommended to go here, had brunch, and actually went back for dinner the same day with a client because they wanted to be sure to impress. They did.
(5)
Ana S.
Paid my first visit to the MET bar after hearing many compliments from friends and was not disappointed! I found the atmosphere both inside and out to be comfortable and chic and the staff very attentive. I enjoyed a wonderful chopped salad for lunch so much that I went back for brunch and was equally impressed with that meal as well! Patrick, one of the managers, was very thorough with the customers ensuring they were satisfied with their experiences. It was a pleasure to see a manager so on top of things and clearly enjoying his work. Anna, one of the servers was very friendly and helpful in explaining the dishes which was much appreciated. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Boston!
(4)
Kojack ..
very good food. excellent salads. decent price and attentive service.
(4)
Reem o.
Absurd for a Back Bay establishment...went for a light brunch and forced us each to order food separately (couldn't share an appetizer)!!! Plenty of better places to go nearby...keep walking if you are thinking of stopping by.
(1)
Tiffany J.
The food here is so overpriced and service is actually terrible. We sat in a mostly empty room for 45 minutes waiting for our waitress to walk by. The food itself tastes fine and their biscuits are really good, but they messed up one of the orders and didn't really do much about it. Talk about a dining experience that leaves much to be desired.
(2)
Liz S.
I chose this restaurant spontaneously because my husband and I were hungry and it was close by. I mistakenly assumed that any restaurant in this prime location would have to be good. Wrong! I ordered trout in horseradish something-or-other. The fish was absolutely flavorless and the sides were weakly horseradish-tinged slop. I've had much better trout for half the price at other restaurants. If there were anything else on the menu I could eat (I have a gluten allergy) I would have sent it back. My husband reported that even his burger and fries weren't very good. How can a burger and fries not be good?! Disappointing.
(2)
Meg N.
Visited Met on a Saturday afternoon for lunch - I had heard good things, but unfortunately was disappointed. The Good - The interior decoration was very nice (as were the bathrooms) and the room we sat in beautiful (we were seated right by a window with nice views of Newbury). The service was also quite good and we liked how we received our own bottle of water on the table. We both had wine and it was not overpriced and very good. The Bad - This is why I won't be back - the food - unfortunately the food was not as good as other places in the area (brunch places and steak places nearby). I had the Paris burger (ordered medium rare - came out well done) and my friend had the pork stuffed hash brown. The burger was good, despite being overcooked, but my friend said her brunch was greasy (you could see pools) and had no flavor. Also, the tables, glasses and dinner /glass wear did not seem overly clean (a bit worrisome). Looking around the restaurant there were a lot of 20-30 somethings and I think the restaurant is surviving on being trendy (and perhaps having good drinks and a nice patio in the summer). Met has so much potential - they should really work on the food.
(2)
Jennifer T.
Nice restaurant with comfortable seats, although we made reservations for a booth, we were given a table instead. The menu had several choices, but didnt feel extensive - there were plenty of salad options, ham & cheese options, and steak choices. I got the kobe steak tips, which was served mixed in with argula and on top of a bed of whipped egg concoction. The beef was tender, flavorful, and plentiful. The intriguing mixture of the egg and salad was an interesting mix. My husband's prime rib was tender and sizeable portion, and he loved his crunchy fries. The choices of steak sauces were unique; he got the sante fe jam that was slightly sweet and with a kick. The service wasnt stellar though, the waiter wasnt too knowledgeable on the menu, absent-mindedly poured our friend's water glass only half way before wandering away, and we had to ask repeatedly before they remembered to come back out with some ketchup for the 3 of us who had fries with our meals. Overall, food was good, but not too much range in choices, and service could have been better... good, but not worth the newbury price tag.
(3)
Eric S.
Ate outside for brunch. Got a seat right away, but it was hot and bright - only limited seats are covered by umbrellas (we had partial coverage at our table). The tables rock and are hard to sit close to and you can't lean in and have a conversation easily due to that mixed with the rocking table. No problem - get around this by getting booze - they have fantastic mixed drinks. I was hungover and enjoyed an excellent bloody mary. French toast was great, pancakes were good. The food isn't amazing, but much better than average. Seems like a trendy spot, fun to be outside - annoying if you can't get under an umbrella due to heat/light issues (esp if hungover). Very busy.
(3)
Joy Y.
My friends and I came in after a long afternoon of bridesmaid dress shopping, so we were definitely in need of a drink or two. The cocktail list was pretty comprehensive and had enough options that certainly convinced us to drink a few more than we had intended. My favorite-- The Mighty Mable (vanilla vodka, ginger syrup and roasted pumpkin puree) I am not kidding when I say this is about the best damn drink I've ever had. It went down like a milkshake and packed enough punch to make it worth my while. I also tried the Mayflower and the Grilled Pineapple Martini which were pretty tasty as well. Seeing as how shopping also made us hungry, we also ordered the pizzette (bacon, caramelized onions, alpine cheese) the fries with truffle parmesan dip and the kobe sliders with wasabi mayo. Okay, so the food was good too, not as good as the drinks, but not too shabby either. The fries were amazing and I never knew I could like wasabi mayo so much, but the pizzette left quite a lot to be desired. What gave my rating a three however, was the service. Our waitress was... how do I say this nicely... well, lets just say she wasn't the smartest kid on the block. Sure, maybe it was her first night or maybe it was an off day, but we really weren't a difficult table, and there were only four of us. Basically our food took a really long time (because I'm pretty sure she forgot to put our order in) and we definitely asked for waters at least twice. Not hard, especially on a Wednesday, with maybe three other tables full in the whole place. Met Back Bay is on the expensive side. I mean sure you are on Newbury St and all, but for the amount of food we got, it seemed a bit much. I guess you are paying for ambiance though, which the Met sure has. I'll come back though, if not for anything else, definitely for the drinks. Yum!
(3)
Tomi A.
This was my first time having brunch in Boston and I will say this place did not disappointment. To start, I got a Sangria while my friends got "Create-Your-Own" Bloody Mary's. The Sangria was a perfect way to start to the meal and the Bloody Mary's were a world of their own. You could even add a cheeseburger as a garnish! (which had to be done at my table). For food, I debated between the Breakfast Fries and the many different burger options. I eventually went with the Boston Burger with cheddar, bacon, and a delicious egg on top and my friends got the DC Burger, which was your standard All-American Burger, and the Breakfast Fries. The fries were the perfect cure for a hangover but you could only eat so much of it before getting sick of it. My Boston Burger was filling and I would get it again! We ended with "Doughnuts and Coffee" which were Italian ricotta fritters with a cinnamon coating and espresso custard dipping sauce. I absolutely recommend getting these and it is definitely shareable for two or three. All in all, I really enjoyed this place for brunch. Its hard to find places with great food and service and this place makes the cut! I intend on coming back really soon!!
(4)
Boris L.
I will update this review when I get back here to try some food because everything I saw looked amazing. The cocktails that we got were some of the best I have had in the city. The venue itself is really cool, it has a modern/new-age sort of vibe.
(5)
Rebecca C.
I've recently started coming here and it truly has been a treat. My usual bartender lily is always super friendly and quick to get my drinks to me. At the met there Are Multiple rooms with different ambiances. The room down stairs is more of a relaxed room and the other room I have gone to is right above the stairs. It is tiny but makes me feel like I'm in the movie pretty Woman.... Take that how You will. The food here is filling also! It is worth ordering the meatballs on Sunday. My friend got the meatballs With pesto pasta and garlic been and it looked amazing. I got the chicken meat balls with the Mac n cheese. A bit heavier than I expected but still delish!
(5)
Angela L.
Came here for girls brunch after a night out. Thankfully we made reservations for this way ahead of time because the place was packed. Food was okay, a little pricey. I got the eggs and biscuit benedict (I really need to stop getting eggs Benedict!!! But it's too good). This one wasn't particularly any different than other restaurants with their eggs Benedict. It was good. Some friends got the California hen hash house and that looked delicious! Service on a Saturday during prime time brunch hours was poor. It was difficult to find out waiter and we were there a lot longer since it took awhile for us to order, to pay, and to get our check back. I wouldn't be opposed to coming back here (decor of the restaurant is really pretty), but I just thought the food was okay and that it was a little pricey. (I did see a table next to us that had ordered bloody Mary's and it came with a slider attached to it... So I'm intrigued to see what that's like!)
(3)
Simon B.
Objectively one of the worst restaurant I've had in months, as we came to this restaurant for restaurant week. I'm fully aware that for restaurant weeks, restaurants pull out the cheap/high margin stuff. It is $20 for 3 courses, after all, and this is for a restaurant that sells a burger at about $20 as a single dish. But this was on another level, such that I will straight up refuse if one would ask me to join them at MET. Appetizer: I had the shrimp appetizer, which was a ready-made cold mix of shrimp cocktail, a bit of mayo, and avocado on top. A 5 year old could have made this dish, in about 2 minutes. She had the corn with sriracha mayo. The corn looked great, and it was probably the best part of our entire experience. Main course: I had the korean frites. A roasted half chicken topped with cold fries, all laid on the top of what tasted like Heinz red beans. The chicken was overcooked, and neither of us remembered what she had, which tells you all you need to know. Dessert: We both ordered the blackberry cobbler. The dish we received had clearly been in the freezer for too long, as the blackberries (all 3 of them) were frozen HARD. In fact everything was frozen so hard that it was inedible. When the 2nd waiter came and asked (for the first time) if everything was okay, I asked if it was intended that the blackberries were frozen hard. He said: "I'm sorry, the cooks probably put this in the freezer as you ordered a [cheap] restaurant week set menu. They never took it out." And then he left, never waiting for a response, offering a replacement or taking it off our checks. I know how hard it is to run a restaurant. But geez.
(1)
A. D.
It was raining so we took the shelter of their bar and had a beer. Did not really have any food however, on looking they do have a good set of options. Bar tenders were friendly.
(3)
BostonBestEats X.
As part of my ongoing saga to try every burger of note in the Boston area (see ranking and link to photos below), we recently made it to The Met Back Bay, which features a number of fancy burgers on it's various menus, particularly for brunch. Since this was a weeknight dinner, we had only one choice, although it sounded intriguing, if a bit over the top: SALTIE GIRL PRIME BURGER: Wagyu beef, fried lobster, avocado, Angry special sauce, BLT, and fries ($24) [BTW, "Saltie Girl" apparently refers to a Barcelona-inspired seafood spot that will be right next door to The Met, from the same owners, soon to open.] Don't you love how everyone has to have some sort of "special" sauce for their "special" burgers these days (sing along with me: "Two all beef patties, "special" sauce, lettuce, cheese...")? "Special" or not (I can't really remember), this was was a complete disaster of a burger. Please repeat after me: THE 1ST COMMANDMENT OF BURGERS: "Thou shall not pile on more than 4 ingredients on top of your burger, lest it explode all over your shirt." Not only did this just have too many disorganized ingredients stacked on top (including slippery slices of avocado that never had a chance of staying put long enough for me to take a bite), but I couldn't even taste the lobster. I could see it (particularly when it would shoot out onto my plate, after I had stuck it back in), but just not taste it. How about leaving it out next time? For $5 less it still wouldn't be a very good burger, but at least I would feel less used. While the Wagyu had a good chargrilled flavor, it was pretty dry (but at least cooked to med rare spec), although at first bite I actually thought it was a pretty juicy burger (the fat drippings from the bacon tricked me). Oh, and the fries were also over cooked and not very good. $24 is pretty extreme for a burger, even this era of high-end burgers (by way of comparison, the brilliant Craigie is $19). But frankly, I wouldn't pay more than a fiver for this one. Not recommended. Bostons Best Burgers: 1) Craigie on Main's Bar Burger 2) Alden & Harlow's Secret Burger 3) RF O'Sullivan's Black & Blue Burger 4) JM Curley's 5 oz. natural beef patty burger 5) Strip-T's burger 6) Bar Boulud's Classic Burger 7) Post 390's Tavern Burger 8) Washington Square Tavern's Burger 9) The Met Back Bay's Saltie Girl Prime Burger (not recommended) tinyurl.com/BostonsBestB… We also had a few apps including charcuterie, which were OK nothing special, and some pretty good wine (2012 Robert Foley Griffon).
(2)
Jessica S.
Truffle fries and ham egg sandwich was divine. I had the palm beach salad which was sooo good also had the biscuits with maple butter I thought it was great and looking forward to coming back for drinks and dessert. One last thing - a tad loud so prob best to sit outside if you want to have a meaningful convo. Overall, I'd come back.
(4)
Dan D.
Went for brunch on a Saturday, party of 6. Told the wait would be 1 hour for outdoor seating; got a call 10 minutes later saying they were ready for us. #notcomplaining Bloodies were great; cool you got to build your own, including adding a cheeseburger/shrimp/salami addition. Pork Stuffed Hash Brown is kind of a misnomer. Minimal pork, TON of hash brown. The serving was probably too big. The chicken hash had the same issue(s). You could share one of these and get an appetizer with someone and be set. The salmon and tuna tartare was very good, served with slightly stale taro chips. They were kind enough to substitute salmon for an additional helping of tuna. The outdoor seating on a nice day was really lovely.
(3)
Jamie S.
Great experience even on a holiday! Went in after looking on Newbury and were seated within 10 min of arriving on the porch. Had a unique and beautiful view from garden level of the churches and Pru, which towered over us as we ate. The waitstaff was in the weeds but that didn't stop them from being attentive and friendly. Our waitress, Kristin, was great, offering wonderful suggestions to a group of overwhelmed customers (the menu is extensive and it's hard to choose!). I had the prime steakhouse tips with a jalapeño strawberry cucumber margarita. I highly recommend my whole meal! It was filling but light. I would definitely come back but because it's so pricey (like everything else on Newbury) it's not going to be soon.
(5)
Kimmy U.
What a nice surprise! I didn't have much expectations coming in to Met Back Bay. Seemed like most of the reviews were either really high or really low. Well folks, I'm going with the high! We came here for a late dinner and were seated at the Library Bar. Nice little area that wasn't too loud and we could still hear each other We decided to share 3 plates which was just enough for the 3 of us! -LOADED fries. Let me tell you.. these were definitely loaded. We didn't actually see them on the menu, but my friend saw a picture on yelp and they were happy to serve it to us. SO much on it! Cheese, hamburger patty, green onions, mayo, lots and lots of cheese, a fried egg on top! The fries were just ok. By the time we got ate all the toppings and got to the middle/bottom of the dish where the fries were just plain, they were pretty oily.. Good thing we had leftover pasta sauce to dip it in! These were good, but not awesome so I think I'd pass -BRUSSEL SPROUTS mmmmm! It's small, but pretty packed. They serve it 2 ways: roasted and shaved with spicy caesar. I've recently found a love for brussel sprouts and this dish totally reinforced it! -Short rib gnocchi with brown butter squash, brussel sprouts, and pecorino. OMG I'm a huge fan of this one!! We got the half order for $14 but we all wished we got the full order. Everything about it was delicious. The gnocchi was so tender, the butternut squash had the perfect sweetness, of course the brussel sprouts were nicely roasted and seasoned, and the sauce brought it all together. I could eat this for dayz. There's still a lot of items on the menu that I want to try so I'll be coming back!
(4)
K K.
Worst bar ever! We ordered a couple of glasses of wine and a cheese plate. We got the cheese plate when we almost finished the wine. Bartender and servers don't have any sense to treat a customer. Not kind at all and no manner of service!
(1)
L F.
If you are hanging out in Back Bay Met is a great option for a quick drink or an average type meal. In terms of food, Met is much better for brunch than it is for dinner. The dinner options are fairly boring, and frankly a little overpriced for what you get. They offer a bunch of burgers, some salads, and a few other entrees. If you go on a weeknight, they do have some specials which are a fairly good deal: example, Taco Tuesday. Brunch is definitely more bang for your buck. The entrees are so large you can split them between two people. Try the hen house hash. It's delicious! In the evening, I find Met an enjoyable place to grab a drink and watch whatever sports game is on in their bar. The bar has a ton (probably 6-8) large TVs, with plenty of seating. Service isn't bad. It's pretty average. Sometimes you get an attentive server, sometimes you find yourself ignored for a long period of time. It's really a coin-toss.
(3)
Ngan T.
Call me crazy but I saw they were still doing the twin lobster special last night (Wednesday), so I made a last minute reservation for 7:45. We got there about ten minutes early and our table wasn't ready so manfriend and I just headed down to the bar. Our bartender was beyond busy but did a fantastic job making sure we got our drinks. By 8:00pm, we were debating another round since our table still wasn't ready. Our hostess came downstairs to apologize and tell us our table still wasn't ready. Decision made--another round it was. When we were finally seated, our waitress came over out of breath and actually had to pause, take a breather, and then recite water to us. I don't think I'll ever understand the waitstaff here (see previous experience with strangely behaved waiter). We figured she was busy so we ordered everything in one go when she came back with the water. The menu looked fantastic so I forewent the lobster special, opting instead for the lobster dip, the biscuit basket, the gnocchi, and manfriend got the burger. NO WHERE did it say the gnocchi would be spicy--I had tears streaming down my face. You'd think the spice level is something they'd warn patrons about. I left the rest of the thing untouched. Manfriend also had a mishap with his order where he'd requested the salmon with grilled sushi rice, and wasn't told they were out until after ms. waitress took our orders and had us waiting for food. With my plate untouched and manfriend ending up with a burger he didn't really want, we split the burger and ate miserably. The fries also survived. Although calling them fries would be unfair. I'd consider it more of an order of salt with some fries sprinkled on top. Our waitress never bothered to ask why a bunch of food just sat on the table when I requested the check. I guess it must be a normal occurrence here. This was just awful.
(1)
Sam A.
This review is only of my dining experience on Taco Tuesday (great value) when I got their Croque Madame. This sandwich is BOMB. I came in for tacos, but when I saw the new offering, I had to try it. I asked the waitress for her honest opinion, and she didn't steer me wrong! The sandwich is big, bring your appetite. The sandwich is rich-- buttery toast, flavorful ham, Gruyere, egg, goodness-- so brace yourself, but it was magnificent. Plated with an appropriately sized side of Truffle Sage french fries, and a garlic aioli that reminds you are alive (re: not a vampire), this was one of the best decisions I've made all summer. In general, I love MET, Monday's burger special, and Tuesday's Taco deal are some of the best values in the city! The location is great, the drinks are good, you really can't go wrong! Enjoy!
(5)
Natalie M.
I would give this five stars but I found their pricing to be a bit high. Best cocktails we had all night though! I highly recommend sitting near the bar great service!
(4)
Blake M.
I sat at the upstairs bar 6/30 . I really wanted to try their burger. I sat down and there was 1 other gentlemen enjoying a glass of wine. It was fairly quiet but the bartender was stressed out. It was almost like he couldn't be bothered by his customers. I tried making small talk but I could tell he didn't want any of it. He complained he had been at work a very long time. I ordered the burger - it came with out cheese. I didn't feel like bothering the bartender so i didn't say anything because I really wanted that Vermont cheddar on it. Oh well, it was still tasty. The lobster roll is $30 - outrageous Food = good. Service = subpar
(3)
Carla D.
Loved the fresh & delicious salad that I ate at the Met on a Saturday afternoon, but must say the seating was uncomfortably cramped. Unfortunately, as time goes by I will remember not the tasty food, but how embarrassed I was when I almost knocked over a lady's drink while trying to squeeze into my appointed seat!
(3)
Natalie F.
The ham and cheese board here is my FAVORITE. Some other highlights include the breakfast fries, the chop salad, and anything for Sunday brunch. This place is great for after work drinks, Taco Tuesdays, lobster Wednesdays, 5 dollar burgers at midnight and anytime it's sunny/warm out on the patio. Love love love this place. They also have great private dining rooms!
Friends have has great brunches here. Sadly our experience today was no so... I got a warm Met 75 in a dirty glass; my brunch companion got a cold burrito and all the over easy eggs had been cooked through from sitting under the heat lamp far too long. We think this was due to out absentee, absent minded waiter; who is clearly trying to break into the world of underwear modeling and trying to pay the bills as a waiter. We had to ask for everything twice and only saw him once every 10-15 minutes. I think the food had real potential if the service hadn't drained the life out of me.
(2)
Dank D.
Now sit down and take a seat as I tell you a simple fact of life: this place was bitchin. I thoroughly enjoyed my entire damn meal. We sat outside right along the street and watched all of the Bostonians and tourists alike as they passed. Beauteous. For starters we had the guac, #LifeChanging. After finishing the chip portions of the guac we proceeded to fork the rest of that s*** out! Hot damn. Delicious. Wallace was our server. He was a gent. After that portion of the meal was demolished, I ordered the falafel burger with the "Athens" toppings. It looked like a flattened potato on a burger, but tasted like I was floating in vegetarian Valhalla. Because this was such a lovely day, I decided to splurge a little and get the met fries. Hot damn s***. Those were delicious. I cannot express, in written or spoken words, how incredible this little shindig was. Would I come back? Fuck yes. 10 out of 10 would bang. Again.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Food was ok - service was horrible. After receiving glasses of iced water and asking the waitress if they had espresso drinks, I asked for an iced latte. Her response was that they didn't have iced lattes. Then when my friend asked if she could substitute the cheddar cheese in her salad for another cheese she said no in a very rude tone. There were other cheeses available as my meal included Gorgonzola. The waitress was also nicer to all of the other patrons. We happened to be the only non white people at the restaurant.
(1)
Maria T.
I never write reviews, but this restaurant was so bad, I just have to do it. We ordered a guac which says it comes with roasted veggies; the guac was FREZER cold, and had no taste. Then we ordered the tartar duo; it was tasteless, and not fresh at all. The wings were dripping oil. The service was the worst, the waitress was extremely rude! Such a bad experience!
(1)
Jessica A.
I think Met is a great place to go for dinner and drinks, or just drinks. There seems to be a shortage of places in between sports bar and fancy $$$ in Back Bay, so I'm pleased to have it so close to home. I've had a variety of dishes from burgers to brussel sprouts to brunch. I will say that it's consistent. Decent selection of craft beers. Even a gluten free menu. It's not my favorite restaurant or anything, but it gets the job done. I think the burgers are better than most that I've tried around here. The truffle fries don't even have truffle oil though. It doesn't make sense. You dip them in a truffle mayo. They should call them fries with truffle mayo. I don't even like mayo, so I'm not sure why I was eating it. Maybe it said aioli and tricked me. Still not the same as real truffle fries. I still keep coming back though!
(4)
P C.
Excellent blood orange cosmo! Burgers are excellent and just the right size. Substitute and go with the sweet potato fries.
(5)
Christine J.
I like their burgers and bolognese pasta. And nice ambiance inside...
(4)
Julia C.
The Met is home to some of the best cocktails in Boston. I would definitely recommend sitting at the bar downstairs, if you can get a seat. The bartender, Tito, is a great guy and will make you awesome drinks! My favorites are the blackberry bramble and the blood orange cosmo. The drinks are strong and sweet, but not too sugary. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or co-workers, or a little afternoon drink once you're done shopping on Newbury. You really can't go wrong with any of the menu items. I've tried just about everything and have had no complaints! I would suggest going to the bar on the earlier side of the night, as it can get pretty crowded. I have one suggestion for this place that would make their rating go from a 4 to a 5 star: 1. Clean the bathrooms more frequently. I can't tell you how many times I have walked into a bathroom there with zero toilet paper. The water in the faucets always comes out FREEZING cold. If they fixed the bathroom issues, this place would be perfect in my book!
(4)
Arden B.
Yum! Went here for brunch last weekend with a girlfriend and ended up staying for nearly three hours! We both ordered the veggie omelette with egg whites. I requested that the omelette not be cooked with butter, and the waiter was totally on board and had no problem with this at all. The only reason I can't give five stars is because the oil they used instead was too dense and left a puddle on my plate. All it really takes to make an omelette is a greased pan, right? It was still delicious nonetheless, and the fruit I ordered on the side was super fresh and flavorful! We had Mimosas and Bellinis. I personally preferred the Mimosa, but the Bellini was great, too, just a little more bitter. I love the Mimosa because it's made with a blood orange puree that's just delightful! The environment in there is so open and nice. Originally we were seated in the library bar, which is dark and not really a very brunchy location. When I asked to be moved, the hostess was happy to oblige immediately. The whole staff was really wonderful! I will definitely be going back when the weather is nicer so I can sit outside! I also had no idea about this incredible Bloody Mary menu, but I assure you, I will be back and I will have my slider on a stick in my cocktail if it's the last thing I do in Boston!
(4)
Roxana F.
Best cesar salad I've EVER had. Holy shit. Their dressing is a bit spicy but this is literally the best I've had, and I'm picky!! = PLUS FIVE STARS Awful service. Slow, and they always mess up orders. = MINUS TWO STARS Don't get the tartare here, you'll be disappointed. You will not, however, be disappointed with the garlic bread or the cold beet or warm octopus salads. Yumm.
(3)
Ashley A.
Took my husband here for his birthday this past week. We had made a reservation, although it wasn't necessary as it was a Tuesday...and the place wasn't really very busy. We were greeted promptly and brought right to our table. Our server was really great and had a lot of great insight as to what we would like on the menu. My husband got the salmon and I got the sausage orecchiete..both were excellent. We would definitely come back again!
(4)
Kassy S.
Went for a delicious brunch this morning. i had made a reservation for four, but they were very accommodating when we had five in our party instead. The food and service were both excellent. I originally ordered the Nutella stuffed french toast but was told they were out so I chose something else. Then the server returned to tell us they got more in and would make it for me after all, very kind of them! I also had a great Bloody Mary and wonderful, fresh orange juice. I would highly recommend and can't wait to return. Thank you!
(5)
Abbie G.
The service wasn't very good and the food was worse. The hollandaise on the eggs Benedict was split and everything was cold and had obviously been sat under the heat light for way too long. The potatoes were hard and bland. Overall terrible experience. Don't get drawn in by the cute patio.
(2)
Jackie C.
Garrett (sp) has been a wonderful waiter/server! Ask for him and you'll get the best service! I had the most wonderful time here! My husband had a late night at the office so I took myself out to dinner. The clam chowder here was amazing and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere was so nice. I ate upstairs and looked over Newbury street while drinking amazing wine and reading my book. I will definitely be back for a nice night our with friends. I can't wait to try the lounge area.
(5)
Diane H.
NAHHHH, I PASS. Why it's sooo crowded at the bar, i don't know. Okay I do, people just need a place after work to hang. It's great for people watching...across the bar, I only got to watch this awkward couple be very boring and play on their phones while i sipped on my drink with my friend. The sangria SUCKS, so please skip it. My mojito needed more sugar to my liking...so i of course chased my bartender down to add more. When we got there the bar was full so we told the host we were just gon sit and wait... and after about 5-10 mins she found us two seats at the bar -- good job, we were about to head out. You aren't gonna get drunk here..so don't try. The drinks are not strong enough.
(2)
Danjackie L.
Had a great meal here with friends on Saturday night. Started in the downstairs bar before having dinner in the upstairs dining area. Only complaint with bar drinks was that they didnt do a slow poor for Guiness. Dinner was fantastic. We ended up ordering a few apps/shareable plates. Truffled fries were wonderful. Mac and cheese was so creamy. The pasta was perfectly al dente vs. soggy and overcooked. The cheeses used had great flavor. Truffled flatbread was also very good with nice thick peices of mushrooms. The ahi tuna/salmon appetizer was also out of this world.
(4)
Maria D.
We went here because we couldn't find anywhere else that would seat us within 30 minutes on a Saturday night after 8pm. I had the burger and fries and I was reasonably pleased. It wasn't the best burger I've ever had and the fries were a little bit soggy, but the waiter service was pretty good given the circumstances. The tables were a little bit too close, but it was a nice night so we appreciated being able to eat at a restaurant with outdoor seating. One concern: We asked for Cokes and received Diet Cokes. When I told the waiter, he said it was the machine, took our drinks back and didn't come back with new drinks for twenty minutes. Now, I don't blame him for giving me a Diet Coke (it's the default order around here, I guess), but I do think service could have and should have been significantly quicker than that. He was very apologetic when we got our drinks (after waiting what felt like a lifetime). The food was decent, but it might have been the anticipation that made it taste good. I'll definitely go back, but it's not on my list of top places to eat in the Greater Boston Area.
(3)
Bill S.
Quick service, placed a take out order which was very fast but food quality was only mediocre. Burgers were overdone and not very tasty, so not sure I would run back here again, though its a nice place and quick service so if your expectations are low...
(3)
Giselle H.
Was derpin' around Newbury with two gorgeous ladies and we decided it was afternoon cocktail time. We didn't want to wait, so we chose Met. Given that more than two thirds of the outdoor tables were empty, we figured service would be quick. When we told the hostess we wanted to sit outside, she said that unless all three of us ordered food, we would have to sit inside at the bar. Can we sit outside if we split an appetizer? No. But it's 2:30 in the afternoon and most of the tables are empty? Still no. Never even offered to show us a menu. And so we passed on Met and continued our quest to get sloshed. I pity the waiter whose hostess and/or management puts peculiar and inflexible rules above revenue. We ended up enjoying 4 martinis, a bottle of wine, and 2 appetizers a few doors down. Met's loss!
(1)
Thurayya A.
The food was alrrriiiiiiggghhhttt. But my review is really for the amazing waitress we had. I wanted a virgin cocktail, but I wasn't really sure what I wanted in it (yes, I was being THAT customer). She assured me she would have the bartender make me something special....and he did! I don't even know what was in it, but it was fruity and refreshing. Overall she was just super sweet and gave impeccable service....wish I caught her name. Other than that, I got a burger. It was OK. Not amazing, not awful either. I'd come back if given the chance.
(3)
Marcelo M.
The lack if service in the bar is always frustrating. I get is Sunday and all that, but if show up for work, you need to honor your time. I just come back here bc sometimes is just convenient. Would recommend to any one.
(1)
Rachel B.
Stopped by for dinner on a Tuesday, so it was very quiet. The music was super annoying, like Tom Petty muzak station. Politely asked for them to change the music, with a specific request even, but nothing! Who else was there in the restaurant? No one but myself, my husband, the waitress, and the dumb manager who wouldn't change the crappy music. Food was good, but thanks to the atmosphere, will not be returning.
(2)
Kim H.
Went for a birthday dinner here, GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. everyone here seems to be foreigners Very okay pricing !! for newbury st. I loved their fries !! they served it with odd sauce but it was very good . I ordered clam chowder wasn't really happy with it although it was very creamy. I wouldn't come back again. there wasn't much to choose from
(3)
Megan B.
Definitely one of my favorite places to eat in the Back Bay! Met Back Bay is super cozy, perfect if you need a quiet place to catch up with friends. The menu is pretty streamlined, upscale comfort food with enough variety for anybody to find something they'd like. They also have great drink & desert menus. I always end up getting the same thing, the short rib tacos and buttermilk biscuits with maple butter--they're the best! The fresh cider donuts and ice cream are also worth trying. The wait staff is always great, super friendly and give great customer service, but are never overbearing. I've never felt rushed here and often take my time and enjoy the loungey atmosphere. Well-recommended if you want something simple but delicious to eat around the Copley Square area.
(4)
Sarah G.
Went here for Taco Tuesday with a group of people from work! Great tacos and great service right at the bar. The tacos were a deal and a good size for the price! Had a cocktail also and it was tasty!
(4)
Lisa L.
Went in for the hot chocolate experience. My friend and I tried the flight of 4 experience, and we made them grown up. All tasted really great, but my favorite was definitely the classic hot chocolate that had bailey's in it. My friend was really excited about trying the salted almond. However, the biscotti that comes with it was hard as a rock! Even after dipping it in the drink, it was so difficult to chew. After downing two of the hot chocolates, we were getting kinda hungry, so we ordered the calamari as a snack. The spicy mayo sauce that comes with it was very tasty, but overall, there wasn't much squid meat to actually eat. A majority of what we got was just crumbs. So that was a total downer. All in all, I would definitely do the flight of 4 experience again. And maybe next time, I would do them without the liquor.
(3)
Tony N.
ANOTHER UPDATE: wtf? Do the owners read reviews or pretend that they don't exist? Like fools, my wife and I went last night to give Met one more try, (we were also too lazy to walk another block). We sit down at the library bar, are barely greeted, and have two menus pretty much tossed down at us. Clearly nothing has changed at this place. We walked out before being subjected to any more crappy service and mediocre food. Went to Back Bay Social Club. As usual, it was awesome. Good by forever Met! Just a quick update to my previous review....not sure what happened here but over the past several months this place has gone downhill. Service downstairs is I attentive and somewhat unfriendly, (students on break?). The food is nowhere near the quality it used to be. Their amazing chopped salad once came with a big juicy piece of chicken when requested. Nowadays it is a small piece of chicken of lesser or equal quality. The salad itself also seems on its own to be more bland. Not sure what is going on here but I went from being a regular to a passerby. Will give it a whirl in a few months of Yelpers think it's worth a shot... Hopefully we will see a change.
(1)
Rachel P.
I am so conflicted about The Met. They have a really great menu with variety and something for everyone- no matter what you're in the mood for. Their outdoor patio is one of my favorites on Newbury. And I love their cocktails! But somehow it doesn't all add up and I feel disappointed by something every time I go. The food is kind of hit or miss, and there is definitely something lacking on the customer service side of things. I find the staff are not knowledgeable about the menu, and are often times not very attentive. There also seems to be some level of professionalism lacking with the hosts/hostesses (only referring to my experience with outdoor seating). I'll definitely keep eating here in the summer because it's right across from my apartment (and like I said, that patio is great) but I stick to drinks and appetizers, nothing too complicated. I am seriously rooting for an improvement!
(3)
Alex B.
Atmosphere / Ambiance - Overall Have been here several times for lunch now since my office is right near by. It does make for a great business lunch environment due to their round tables. Seriously, I hate nothing more than shouting diagonally across a rectangular table when out with colleagues. When I am with friends, I can care less (just throw a fork or something to grab the attention of your friend). Get in there around noon though because it sure picks up after that. Food As for their food I have had very good experiences with their burgers. You basically pick a burger type and then a topping combo. I have had both their regular, kobe, and their salmon burgers. When I am feeling ballsy I go for their Paris Burger. The Paris burger is just something you need to get with the Kobe. The Paris consists of melted brie, fried egg, caramelized onions, and truffle mayo. Each bite made me want to scream out "Oui Oui! Je t'aime!" to the burger. You also gotta go the sweet potato fries route here. Other things I have gotten here was the warm burrata starter which was very good and easy to share. I have also tried the salmon burger - Tokyo style. It sounded much better than it actually tasted. The grilled chicken kabob was more of a deconstructed kabob wrap all separated on a plate and was really not what I was expecting. Service One thing that bothers me about this place is that it appeals to business lunches yet service can be kind of slow despite it seeming perfect for a lunch place. If they were a tad quicker and more diligent about bringing the check and swiping cards towards the end of the meal it would be a place I would return to way more often.
(3)
Madison C.
A little disappointing. I heard the food was delicious and came with my friends for a Sunday brunch. A person at our table had alerted the server to their shellfish allergy. The server had come back to make us aware that the French toast was deep fat fried in the same fryer as shellfish but they would be happy to make it on the grille instead. The server came back during our wait and made us aware that the kitchen had started to make their French toast in the fryer and the server reminded them of the allergy. The server assured us the food would be out soon. When the French toast did come out it was undercooked and, as we soon found out, still cross contaminated. Fortunately, the person had a mild reaction but this is ridiculous. If the kitchen can't accommodate the customers needs, the kitchen needs to be honest and admit it. The server was attentive and seemed to have done his part in communicating to the kitchen but the kitchen seemed to disregard.
(2)
Sam C.
The wait staff was extremely friendly. They catered to our every request with a smile and polite manner. The drinks were delicious, including Pimm's Winter Cup, the Rasperry Fizz, and the Blood Orange Cosmo. The Brussel Sprout appetizer was to die for, and the main courses surpassed all expectations. The dessert was great as well. Cider donuts with a very unique flavor of icecream: salted caramel. The aura is fantastic, the seats comfortable, and the music light and enjoyable. Definitely coming back here. (with my parents cause its not cheap)
(5)
Amanda L.
The Good, The Okay, and The Whyyyyyy? I visited The Met last night for some dinner after a spin session with my friends. We were seated immediately upon arrival and were greeted by a friendly waitress. Pitcher of Sangria? Check. A few minutes later she came back with the pitcher. It's a smaller pitcher than other restaurants but not nearly as filled with ice or fruit like other places. The Sangria was sweet and fruity. Grade: B We proceeded to order and got the biscuits with honey butter to start. I ordered the burger for my meal. The biscuits were AWESOME, very warm and seemed fresh out of the oven. Honey butter is always awesome in my book. Grade: A- This would be an A+ if I had never had the oh-so-amazing biscuits at Sweet Checks. Best in the country. For dinner I ordered the burger. I always order my burger Medium Rare and it appeared that it was cooked that way to borderline Medium but it wasn't juicy at all. In fact, I'd describe this burger as dry. The burger itself was bland, needed salt, or anything to help it out, but the bites with the cheese and bacon were better. The burger also includes onions cooked in Port wine. These onions were so sweet they made my mouth cringe. Eek! Was it the worst burger I ever had? Maybe. Probably. Definitely not worth $18 or however overpriced it was for being on Newbury St. I've had fine experiences at the Met Back Bay. Is it the most wonderful restaurant in Boston? God, no. But service is quick and easy and drinks never disappoint.
(3)
Danielle K.
Nice find on the corner of Dartmouth and Newbury in my favorite place in Boston (Back Bay). We went here last Sunday afternoon and sat at the smaller "carving" bar. We ordered the ham and cheese board, and it was delicious, with prosciutto and fennel salami, fresh ricotta, sharp cheddar, a honey biscuit and more. This plate is big enough to share with your friends! We also had a chance to chat a bit with our bar-tender/server, John. Great guy -- great food -- we'll be back!
(4)
Sonia Q.
I really enjoy sitting at their downstairs bar for some cocktails and food. I am in love with Met's chopped salad which has cut up broccoli, beets, corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and huge chunks of bacon! The dressing is nice and light, and the portion is huge! Even the half size portion is large enough that you will have leftovers. I usually top off my salad with salmon, that is fresh but be prepared the salmon portion size is on the small side. I also love their truffle fries! The drinks are good and they usually have a few good beers on tap. Overall my go to when I am craving an awesome salad!
(4)
Amanda M.
Great place to eat outside in the Boston downtown area. Although, watch out for the bubble bees they WILL get ya. Almost landed right in my food! But the hostess was very nice about it. Speaking of food, I got the chopped salad and it was wonderful. My friend got the Mac n cheese... It was mouth watering. So crisp and creamy at the same time! Definitely recommend this place next time I'm in town!
(4)
Adrian C.
This review is for the brunch, which was delicious and had some healthy options. I was staying right down the street and went twice on Saturday and Sunday and got the veggie omelette, and the something natural sandwich. The sandwich was delicious and had a heaping portion of vegetables. The omelette was large and also had a good portion of veggies. Prices were what you would expect for the area $13-$15. The atmosphere was cool, a lot of young people drinking but I was in town for a conference so I didn't partake.
(4)
Jake L.
It seems like most of the not-so-good reviews here center around the service, which we did not have a problem with. A little wait once or twice, but nothing too terrible. The food, on the other hand, absolutely can't be beat. The Nutella Stuffed French Toast is one of the greatest things I've ever tasted; almost like a huge gooey chocolate churro. I'd avoid this if you're trying to eat healthy (along with a lot of things on the menu), but if not - this is something you have to eat before you die! The Truffled Croque Madame might be just as good, and the perfect savory complement to the sweet french toast. A friend and i split both, and it couldn't have been a more perfect combination. The melted cheese oozing down from the top of the sandwich and the egg on top make this almost more of a casserole than a sandwich. I can't not mention the make-your-own Bloody Mary. The best thing about it (besides the plethora of options) is the fact that while you are the one choosing all the ingredients, they still make it for you. So, you don't have to worry about messing it up! But the options are pretty fantastic, from meat and cheese skewers to cheeseburgers to lobster (and many more in between). They also have different sauces and liquors to use, all which make for a unique experience and taste every time! This place definitely is not on the cheaper end for brunch, so don't come here expecting a bargain. That said, you definitely get your money's worth, and I'd definitely recommend it regardless for special occasions if you're looking for a good place to spend a bit more money.
(5)
Kelly S.
Pretty mediocre food and experience for the higher prices. Our group shared a few things and the cauliflower side was flavorless and the Met Club Sandwich chicken was dry enough to package up and send overseas as food rations. Lunch was over $100, not worth it.
(2)
Kaitlin M.
I have never before experienced so many employees standing around doing nothing in a restaurant! I had a coffee cup and water that was empty for my entire meal. Even after I asked for both to be refilled!!! I am not even going to comment on the food because it couldn't be enjoyed until it was cold because I didn't have silverware! Currently staring at three people with there fingers up there ***** while I am trying to get their attention to ask for my bill! USELESS! Grrrr!
(1)
Sophie P.
I've come here several times for drinks and apps, but never a full dinner. BRUNCH For weekend brunch, they have BYOBM: Build Your Own Bloody Mary's. This is great for those adventurous friends who you want to top as many things on your Bloody Mary with. YOU CAN ADD A WHOLE SLIDER AS A GARNISH ON YOUR DRINK. I have never seen this done anywhere else, so if you come here try this at least. Everyone will be staring at you in awe. People will ask you if that's a real burger on your drink. You'll nod and they'll watch as you drink/eat your Bloody Mary. The Bloody Mary itself is very pulpy and spicy of the peppery kind. I'm not sure I liked it. The cocktail onions added a nice touch, but the Bloody Mary itself was too savory for my liking. I did like the slider, though. APPS Salmon/tuna tartare is okay. The taro chips are really interesting with a flaky, light, crunchy texture and a little oily. I could eat those chips all by itself, honestly. Orange miso duck wings are almost a little sour? Very interesting with the flavor of kimchi. DRINKS Grapefruit fizz (+) ACK the Nantucket (+) Blackberry bramble (sour) Tip: If you are trying to sit on the patio, you need to order food with you drinks. Boston law. Next time I'm trying the entrees!
(3)
Kimberly A.
I was visiting Boston with a friend of mine a couple weeks ago. We stopped in here on our last day after reading such wonderful reviews. We decided to split the three cheese omelet and Nutella French toast. The three cheese omelet came with home fries. It was okay but nothing super great. It want bad just not great. The Nutella French toast was pretty good, but also not the greatest thing. They had a really awesome build your Bloody Mary menu which I think is what makes this place so popular. I don't drink bloody Mary's and we were leaving to drive home the same day so I didn't want to drink for brunch. I would definitely recommend this place for brunch it is perfect. The drink selection is wonderful and the food was good.
(4)
Ryan R.
Went here with my mother to grab a bite to eat for lunch. I had recently heard about their famed Paris burger and was interested in trying it out for myself. We had a big meal the night before so we decided to split the burger and their kale salad as well. The burger itself was pretty good, it came with a pretty substantial helping of brie and paired nicely with the egg. I liked the flavor combination, but it fell short of being the best burger in Boston. I also opted to upgrade to the truffle fries, but was pretty disappointed with those as well as they didn't wow me taste-wise. The kale salad was pretty good, but extremely small--especially considering the price and seemed a little light on the avocado. Overall, the atmosphere here is great on the weekends and the service is friendly, but the quality of food, the portion sizes, and the pricing seem a little bit off for me.
(3)
Dan R.
We enjoyed our evening at the Met. We started with an order of the local prosciutto which was a larger order and thickly sliced. Biscuits were plain for my taste but good with the butter. M'lady had the Croque Madame. This one surprised me. Delicate but complex. I had the half-carcass of salt fat, on a bed of basmati salt grains. I hadn't known that salt grew out of paddy fields. The salt was well-steamed, mixed with fat gras, and a hint of soy sauce. I'm sure of this because it would be impossible for this dish to achieve such purity of saltiness from soy sauce alone. I'm certain these were, in fact, salt grains only lightly flavored with soy sauce, but I'm willing to consider the idea that the salt was soaked in soy sauce for many years, then cooked in the soy sauce and then doused again with several pints of soy sauce, before straining, of course. It's unfortunate that I couldn't taste the fat gras due to the "curing" of my taste buds when eating the salt grains, but I could feel its fatty texture in my stomach after a few bites. Combined with the crispy salt skin of the duck-shaped salt carcass, and the layer of salt fat beneath the skin, it was truly an ambitiously salty experience followed by hours of stage-1 digestion in which I could finally experience the notes of the fat gras. And at a parched moment of culinary crescendo, I couldn't help but have the existential feeling that if this were the Matrix, I don't want to ever wake up, because my date was happy and our server was obviously a wonderful human being, and that's when I marveled at the indisputable talents of a chef who could trigger such a revelation through food alone. I honestly look forward to returning, because the menu had such a wide variety of salts and fats.
(4)
Robyn S.
I have been to the Met in Chestnut Hill and always have a good experience. I was in Boston Met on Wed at the downstairs bar and the service was horrible. Could not get a drink and waited for a while to order food. The bill was incorrect, they never put the food on the bill. Had to let the female bartender know to add the food on the bill so we could pay. That also took a long time. Lots of competition in the area, Better places to go, sorry R
(2)
Kate L.
Two dollar Taco Tuesdays is a great deal! Def enough for a girl's dinner :) I ordered the skirt steak tacos which were a LITTLE undercooked but they never asked how I wanted them so that was fine. Very tasty! Tried the pork ones and didn't like the combo w the pineapple... a little dry too. ordered a 2.50 side of chips and salsa and it was basically like EXTRA chunky roasted veggies/salsa. SOOO good. wanted to eat it with a fork and no chips! Bartender was pretty slow and wines were overpriced. Good ambiance though on a rainy night.
(3)
Robert F.
Just awful. After waiting an hour an a half, after being told several times the food would be out in a few minutes, the manager with an attitude and a chip on his shoulder came over to say he didn't know how long it would be. Never again
(1)
DJ D.
Monday burger night can't be beat, but the staff seemed a bit frazzled & a tad too formal for the setting. The food is very good, though, and the atmosphere lively.
(3)
Amir K.
Great specials on Taco's, decent margaritas. Pretty cool atmosphere, could be pricey without specials
(4)
Jade R.
**Lunch Review** Went downstairs for lunch with family. It was empty around 11:30 am on Saturday, but filled up very quickly. It was nothing special, but still good. TRIO OF BEETS. If you like beets, this is a great (little) appetizer. Very fresh, colorful, and delicious. There are bits of chopped, fresh ginger which really pairs well with the beets! Very refreshing! I got the MUSSELS - broth, eh. but the actual mussels were beautifully large! Two people got the BURGERS. TOKYO style and BOSTON style. Tokyo was unique, and boston, well, im obsessed with burgers that have a fried egg on top, and that was just that, with some bacon and cheese of course. the FRIES are awesome, kept grabbing for those!! The other got the kebob, and he said that the actual kebob wasn't flavorful, so, obviously I had to see for myself. And he's right... it was definitely moist, but no flavor whatsoever. The rest of the dish was great though, with a trio of different sauces, pita and olives.
(3)
Alexis C.
The food is okay, but the prices are on the high side for what you get. You can see every food popular food trend on the menu, which reminds me a little too much of a girl wearing all the fashion trends of the moment at once--not recommended in both cases. Gives off a pretentious, pompous air, which I can see appealing to some. I would not go again because there's too many better places to eat.
(3)
Jenessa C.
For cocktails, they make a great bee's knee. Nice atmosphere too, friendly staff, and a good location. We didn't have food, so I can't comment on that.
(4)
Janina T.
I've heard good things about this place, especially their burgers. My sister and I walk in on a Saturday afternoon at around 3 PM and just head to the bar since it's relatively quiet anyway. We sit down and the bartender barely acknowledges our presence. When he finally comes to ask what we want, we give him our drink orders then he simply ignores when I say I want to order a burger....ummm, thanks? (a-hole) He comes back maybe 10 or so minutes later with our drinks, a diet coke for me and a glass of wine for my sister. Wow, God, it must really take out an arm if it takes 2 minutes to press the "diet coke" button and another 8 minutes to pour a glass of wine. Way to break a sweat there, buddy. We FINALLY get to order. Our meals take a bit longer than I'd like but give the drinks took 10 minutes to pour, not mix or bake or whatever the eff you do with drinks nowadays, waiting 20 minutes for food doesn't seem so bad. I get my burger, which I asked for as Medium Well. It's charred in the outside. Gross. I take maybe 2 or 3 bites before I decide I can't put myself through that crap anymore and just don't eat it. The AMAZING bartender comes and does the usual "how's everything", I say meh. I'm not going to play nice at this point. My sister tells him that my burgers kind of really burnt. He doesn't seem to be fazed. We notice that someone talks to him when he walks towards the back. Looks the be a manager because he comes out later all pleasant and s*** and says it's on the house. Oh sorry, am I supposed to kiss your ass now because you're not making me pay for a burger that was burnt in the first place? Yeah, most likely never coming back here. The 1-star is for the comp-ed food.
(1)
Thien N.
I came here during Restaurant Week for lunch with a friend and an out of towner guest. Restaurant Week(s) is always my favorite time since so many restaurants participate in it so you get a wide variety of cuisines you can try. We opted for Met this time around. I started off with a Met bloody mary. Although not on their menu, it's one of the better bloody mary's I've had in Boston. Disclaimer: I've only tried bloody mary at about 4 places around Boylston/Newbury area. I started with an Asian-inspired spring roll stuffed with lettuce, rice noodles, and shrimp with a side of wasabi peas, asian mayo and hefty slices of avocados! YUM! For the main entree, I had the lobster mac 'n cheese. Portion was not too big but quite filling. It was extremely creamy and chunks of lobster! Typically, I am not a big fan of any types of mac 'n cheese (1. I'm lactose and 2. I just don't like it). This mac 'n cheese was delicious though! My friend opted for the footlong kobe hot dog, which was also great as well. SO SO SO Good! However, a hot dot will always taste like a hot dog, but kobe anything is an upgrade, and so was their homemade footlong bun to accommodate. For dessert, I had the panna cotta with raspberry sauce and fresh strawberries. YUM!!! I can't describe you to how good the panna cotta was. It satisfied my sweet tooth and more! While this review is mainly for Met's restaurant week menu, I also got a chance to look at their regular lunch menu. Prices were not too bad (~$10-15) for a sandwich and a bit more for their signature dishes. I will be back sometime soon for another bloody mary and to try their regular menu. It didn't hurt that their service was quick and the servers were very attentive! The decor of the restaurant was simple but elegant. I can't wait for summer and outdoor seating!
(4)
Dan A.
Would prefer to give ZERO stars. Just an annoying and frustrating experience. Wasted meal. Wasted money. I have given this place enough tries to redeem itself but it continually fails and is a major let-down...so never again. Pretty sad considering it had promise. We sat at the charcuterie bar and drinks took a long time. My friend said his Manhattan was not good. $12.50 wasted. He had just arrived from a cross-country flight and was starving so we asked for some bread. Our "server" said he would get us some. He then disappeared for a while...had to ask a manager for some bread. The manager then told us that they don't normally offer bread before meals. So I told him that our server was misinformed and regardless- we should get some bread. He obliged. So after having to plead for a f'ing basket of bread before our STEAK meal- a basket of 6 stale pieces of plain white bread was delivered to us. No butter, no oil, no NOTHING. We asked for butter and were told they have a cinnamon butter they use for French toast. WTF is THAT? We are about to eat dinner. Did we just land in a F'ing IHOP? Seriously? No butter? I doubt it. So we asked for olive oil. Problem solved, I guess. So main course comes- he got the steak frites. Small meat portion and the frites were "just a mess" according to my friend. I got the steak tips. Nice amount of meat but the mashed potatoes were ice cold. Normally I would have sent the dish back but I was at that point of "F it...just eat the overpriced, unimpressive dish and get the hell out of here". Finally, to add further insult - when the bill came, there was a $6.00 "garlic bread" charge on the bill. Unbelievable. I told the server that we were never told there was a charge for a basket of shitty, dry, stale, white bread. Are they insane? The server told me "the manager said he explained it to you... Blah blah..." WRONG F'ING RESPONSE! Take that shit off the bill. How DARE YOU!?!? I was so insulted and am even getting worked up AGAIN as I type this. I hope the management reads this and sees this as a textbook "how NOT to treat your guests 101 primer". Ridiculous. Unacceptable. BEYOND POOR! We will NEVER be back.
(1)
Melissa R.
I love sitting in the upstairs bar area. Ask for the bar menu. The truffle fries are super tasty and always a great option if you're just stopping in for a drink or 3. My favorite item is the eggplant caprese sandwich. The eggplant is cooked perfectly! It can easily be shared with a friend. The staff is friendly and the ambiance is great.
(4)
Rachel C.
This place is definitely A-OK in my book! My boyfriend and I stopped in here after a long wak through Brookline and the Back Bay to warm up and try some of the truffle popcorn that came highly recommended by some friends from my gym. The popcorn did not disappoint! Reasonably priced beer and wine for the area, and while the cocktails looked good, I was just not in the mood, so I stuck with a glass of Pinot Grigio. I would definitely stop in again for drinks and popcorn, but the rest of the food menu didn't really have anything that stuck out to me.
(3)
Cornelia M.
Come here on Monday nights for their $5 burger nights!! Love the burgers! However if you're looking for one of their special burgers any other time don't expect to get one! They can technically make you one but will charge you a la carte for all the ingredients! Service is fine, not too overbearing!
(3)
Martha D.
I wanted to be wowed by the MET bar but instead I was pretty meh about it. The interior space is cool, very "drinks in the library with your tweed clad uncle." So it's got that going for it. However, they had an outbreak of fruit flies when I went so they were flying all around our table. It didn't add to the ambiance. That aside, I thought my burger was good but not great. I tried a bite of the Mac & Cheese and it was delightful- creamy and rich. But $14 for a dish I can make at home doesn't really get me excited. MET bar is a fancy place with fancy prices, but I think there are better high end options in the area. This place is more suited to business meetings over scotch. Hold the fruit flies.
(3)
Sam G.
Despite the impeccable service, Met back bay is a waste of time and money. It is an unnecessarily expensive place to get Kraft cheese wiz and bread sticks. I would suggest visiting one of the other eating establishment that have higher quality and a larger variety. Not worth it.
(1)
Nicole R.
Met Bar is actually a great idea for lunch on the weekends or dinner and drinks during the week as well. My my recent visit was actually for lunch this past weekend. I was meeting up with my Father for a bite and we figured this would be an ideal spot to catch-up. Per usual, the venue didn't fail. If you're unfamiliar with Met Bar, there is a split entry when you arrive. One part is the dining room upstairs and then the bar and additional seating downstairs. I have always eaten/ had drinks downstairs as it's a much more casual experience with a livelier crowd. Being situated as it is on Newbury Street, it always has a pretty good crowd anyway, but I find upstairs to be more formal than where my interests lie. The fare at Met Bar is pretty standard - burgers, salads, cheese plates, sandwiches, etc. during lunch. My Father went with the french onion soup and wedge salad and I chose the MET "L.A." CHOPPED salad. Great reviews all the way around. I thought my salad was a great portion and filled with a proportionate blend of all the ingredients. I topped it with the roasted chicken, which came out perfectly juicy and paired well with the avocado and cheeses in the salad. Solid reviews on my Father's behalf as well with regard to the soup and salad. In the afternoon, the place wasn't too packed, but enough so that there was a constant buzz. Most people were dressed casually, with some groups dressed a bit nicer for showers or family gatherings for special events. The server was perfectly attentive to our needs throughout the meal and the host staff was also very attentive both when arriving and when leaving. I'd say Met Bar is a ideal place for a mid-day bite on the weekends and for drinks in the evenings as well. Particularly because of the location and the atmosphere.
(4)
Maureen O.
Food was awesome! Staff really friendly with great customer service- especially the bartender Brian- he was great!!!! Fun place to hang out :-)
(5)
Mel B.
Loved this place for brunch! We went with a big group while I was in town visiting friends and they put us by a big, sunny window. I love the interior of this place. We started with a round of their homemade biscuits which were so so good; definitely a good thing to start off with here. I got the "Something Natural" open-faced sandwich and loved it. It was really fresh, with hummus, cucumber, carrots, and avocado, sprouts and sunflower seeds layered on a thick piece of seven grain bread. Bread was a little hard but it was a light, but filling, meal that kept me going the whole day. They have a ton of great looking stuff on the menu so I would definitely come back.
(4)
Sherene J.
As a tourist of any city, I don't normally write reviews of restaurants in that city just because I don't think it's fair. Met Back Bay is so good I had to write a review. We were looking for something with steak and other options and WOW, did this place deliver. I had the Scottish Salmon and honestly, everything on the plate was outstanding. I was sorry I had to finish it all because I loved it so. The salmon was cooked perfectly, the falafel was fragrant and spicy, the hummus was creamy and fantastic with the salmon, and the yogurt puree was the perfect cool complement. People I was with ordered the swordfish (amazing), the trout (not as good as the swordfish, but still fantastic), and the bone in sirloin (excellent). There was nothing on our table that was even average, except maybe the odd cheese that came with the pretzels they serve instead of bread. My only complaint was my drink. I ordered the blood orange cosmo and it was not enough blood orange or enough cosmo. Overall, the food and service was really great here and I will make it a point to come back!
(5)
Emma J.
Coming from someone with restaurant experience.. You don't ever tell someone to go find themselves seats... If you're asking to be seated.. Especially with a large party with kids! Disappointed on how rude the hostess was..
(1)
E J.
Wonderful ambiance and food. Classy and tasteful decor. Perfect for romantic dinner. Food is exceptional across the board. Not cheap, but certainly not crazy overpriced like the capital grill...and fare is comparable. The "hot chocolate experience" is not to be missed, though the desserts--and the dessert menu--left us disappointed. Also exceptional place for classy, romantic, maybe business drinks. Go.
(4)
vanya k.
Overpriced! I was charged $27 for a Caesar salad ($12 on the menu), with added grilled shrimp. The waitress did not ding necessary to mention that 3 pieces of shrimp cost $15, even though the most expensive add-in to a salad listed is salmon for $9. That will be a salad I will remember! And I am not going back.. Who knows, maybe next time I get charged $20 for a soup with extra cheese on top?!?!
(2)
Sally R.
If you ever want a salad at a restaurant, go to Met. I know it sounds counterintuitive, because I typically think of Met as a good after-work or pre-dinner place to grab a beer (great, simple liste) and some mac and cheese balls. Or a cocktail (small list, but some gems on there) and a charcuterie board. Nope, I'm telling you to get the arugula salad with salmon on top. In the last 3 months I've had this salad around 5 times, and it is consistently amazing. AMAZING. I've never had a full meal at Met, but always gone for drinks and apps. Or drinks and a few small plates to share. When the burger and fries trays make their way through the large downstairs bar, they always look terrific. I love how big the menu is here, the fact you can sit outside when the weather cooperates, and how you can usually get a seat for the drinks and apps experience. Yay! I'm a fan.
(4)
Sara S.
The GOOD: - The Truffle Indian Corn and Local Burrata with English Peas and Pesto are DELICIOUS and generously portioned as "starters" The BAD: - My dirty martini was not served dirty - Our entrees arrived at the exact same time as our starters, literally (I'm not exaggerating) four minutes after we ordered - They forgot the chicken on my salad - They also forgot the cheese and avocado on my salad (in salad description) - They didn't serve my dressing on the side as requested - Fork was so bent that it was unusable and had to ask for a new one There ya have it, folks. You decide if it's worth it.
(2)
Shannon S.
I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars... and settled on 3. Let me explain. We arrived at about 1pm on a Saturday and were told that we could try to find a place in the lounge or wait for a table (20 mins or so)... we went for the lounge. Found seats at the bar (3 of us) and were promptly greeted by the bartender. We ordered a pitcher of sangria. For $24, I expected something MUCH better. There was SO much ice in the pitcher AND in our glasses, we barely ended up with a glass each. And it wasn't that great. Watered down and just disappointing. We started with the biscuits and duck-fat fries. The biscuits were yummy and the duck-fat fries were delicious. They were crunchy and smokey and I could feel them going straight to my thighs. But it's the holidays right? I ordered the eggplant caprese sandwhich. Not terrible but pretty bland. It needed some sort of sauce or something... it was dry and all I could taste was bread and fried-ness. Bummer. All in all, not a terrible meal but for dropping $40 (each!) for lunch, I would've liked a more memorable food-experience.
(3)
Josh W.
Great food! Good Service. It seems every review I read about this place is based one bad experience or some type of unfortunate human error. I think the people who eat here often like myself need to share more. You cannot deny your taste buds when you are here. The brunch and the burgers are top notch. The Chef is amazing he knows what people want. This is a gem in such an upscale neighborhood like the back bay. The ham and cheese bar is innovative and is the perfect appetizer. The cocktails are amazing too, I hope to eventually try them all. I will be back again and again and when friends go to Boston I tell them to stop by and get a burger. The last person I recommended to go here, had brunch, and actually went back for dinner the same day with a client because they wanted to be sure to impress. They did.
(5)
Ana S.
Paid my first visit to the MET bar after hearing many compliments from friends and was not disappointed! I found the atmosphere both inside and out to be comfortable and chic and the staff very attentive. I enjoyed a wonderful chopped salad for lunch so much that I went back for brunch and was equally impressed with that meal as well! Patrick, one of the managers, was very thorough with the customers ensuring they were satisfied with their experiences. It was a pleasure to see a manager so on top of things and clearly enjoying his work. Anna, one of the servers was very friendly and helpful in explaining the dishes which was much appreciated. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Boston!
(4)
Kojack ..
very good food. excellent salads. decent price and attentive service.
(4)
Reem o.
Absurd for a Back Bay establishment...went for a light brunch and forced us each to order food separately (couldn't share an appetizer)!!! Plenty of better places to go nearby...keep walking if you are thinking of stopping by.
(1)
Matt B.
While it's a little pricey, I'd have to say it's worth it. The burgers here are fantastic. The chicken sandwich is also a favorite. Plus the environment and feel of the place is one of the best in Boston without a doubt and the staff have always been very friendly and helpful.
(5)
Dan N.
Wow... great spot on Newbury St. Hung out for a couple hours sampling cheese and pork products at the bar. Robain was our tender, and he's a great guy to talk to and keep you company while you relax and indulge. Highly recommend getting a bar seat.
(5)
Theodore Y.
I'm a sucker for whiskey, so the Peninsula cocktail was a definite smash. Back Bay Dry-aged Burger. The patty was delicious. But the bun was too small, and the overall burger was just too oily. The service was on its game and the Peninsula brought this up to 4 stars.
(4)
Mark S.
This place is great for people watching on Newbury - awesome patio. The food is ok but kinda pricey. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Curtis T.
We came here at the suggestion of our hotel and they definitely steered us right. Our server Ella was fantastic (We're all professional bartenders and she should teach a class) attentive, knowledgable, and engaging. The carpaccio was some of the best I've ever eaten, and the tuna was indescribably good. Simple fresh cooking, always the right way to go!
(5)
Marissa P.
No thanks! Boring menu, shitty service, awful atmosphere, sub-par food. Go elsewhere.
(2)
Katie V.
Had brunch here on Sunday and it was ok -- the atmosphere was definitely chaotic and the servers looked extremely harried. Understandable if you're a brunch place on Newbury Street. Still, it took almost 10 minutes for our server to say hi and pour water. Something that detracted from the experience was the loud table of two women next to us. Not Met's fault, but their conversation and general behavior was so annoying that I kept having to remind myself not to stare/judge. So I guess be warned that the clientele might irritate you. Food-wise, I had the smoked salmon flatbread (it's billed as a pizza, but it's more like a flatbread). It was tasty -- bit skimpy on the salmon, but the sunny side-up egg on top is a nice touch and it was perfectly cooked (nice runny yolk). My friend indulged his inner 5-year-old and got the Capt Crunch-coated French Toast. No complaints there. I also ordered a side of potatoes (the ones that come with the egg dishes, described as crispy Yukon Golds). What I actually got was a side of turkey meatball hash (the server said he hit the wrong button in the computer). Fortunately, I'm not a vegetarian, so I ate it and it wasn't a big deal. But it wasn't what I wanted and neither I nor the server realized the mistake until I'd eaten most of it. All in all, an okay experience....got the job done.
(3)
Parul L.
I have been going to Met for some time now (since it opened), and it is a great go to spot in Back Bay. The winter menu has been more comfort food, with pot pie and biscuits and yummy sides. I remember having an interesting shrimp and corn pizza which made me go, "huh", which is what I like about this place. Pair that with good drinks, and I think this is a great go to spot. We also caught the Bruins game here, and it was a lively bar scene downstairs, which makes it a good spot for any night. The upstairs is a bit more formal, but still with the same great food. I recently stopped by for lunch, and had an awesome turkey burger which I would love to have again soon! I also threw an event here, which was awesome, though a bit pricey. They do a nice job overall.
(4)
Bronwen Y.
This review is specifically for The Met's breakfast. /disclaimer I was so bummed out that my regular brunch haunts were not extending their Sunday brunch on the President's Day holiday, especially since I had some friends up from NYC to see the Beantown sights. I remembered the cheerful rooster sign outside the Met, and thought we'd give it a shot. The breakfast prices are VERY reasonable, especially given that this is Newbury Street. Most of the dishes are between $10 and $15, and it is definitely worth it. The dining room is bright and airy, with great views of Newbury and fantastic people watching as a result. We squeezed in in the last 15 mins of breakfast service, and were greeted cheerfully and promptly. I'd go back for the Met McMuffin Club - english muffin with egg, ham and cheese... and bacon, lettuce and tomato. To die for! The fresh squeezed orange juice is also the real deal (and made to order). Also at our table was the crunchy oat brioche french toast and the biscuit eggs benedict - all with rave reviews. I'd definitely recommend checking it out sometime, especially if you have a need for a sit down breakfast on a weekday!
(4)
Colleen H.
It's 50/50 here, I have to say. If you sit upstairs, in the cute little bar area, you're golden. It's charming, intimate, and the food is pretty good (...mostly in the fancy burger sense). If you go downstairs, things just seem to fall apart. It's a bit too dark, almost starts to feel like a pub, and the service is terrible. I'd be scared to come here with a party in the event that we never get waited on, because coming here just as two hasn't really given us much luck. Something you must try is the Paris burger (you can get it at any of their locations) It has Brie, fried egg, caramelized onion, and truffle mayo...that's right, I said truffle. For someone that isn't a huge burger fan, this is the closest thing to heaven I've ever tasted between two buns.
(3)
Cait M.
Brunchers, beware. Stopped by for brunch today because we were in the area running errands. Usually, I avoid eating on Newbury Street and this experience reminded me why. First - we were told there was a 40 minute wait to sit outside, even though we could see that there were available tables, and there was no one waiting in front of us. Once we were seated inside, our waiter - who was friendly but really inattentive took our orders. He had a very difficult time answering my husband's questions about some of the menu items, as though he hasn't ever seen, let alone eaten the food. 20 minutes or more later, the food came out - though we had yet to get our drinks. It would be another 10 minutes before our Bloody Marys arrived, and when they did they were terrible. Watery and bland. Easily the worst I've ever had. I actually complained to the waiter - and I seriously NEVER send things back. On a good point - they did take the cost of my drink off the bill. As for the food, it was not good. Everything was flavorless - no salt or pepper, let alone more complex flavors. The home-fries were stale and over done, my veggie omelette was fine - the veggies were steamed and tasteless. The eggs had the texture of egg-beaters. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing right either. My husband ordered the hash, which was really just some chicken and gravy poured over the aforementioned bland home-fries. He was not a fan. We were really sort of shocked at how bad our experience was, from the service to the food, and it wasn't cheap either. It is a shame because the food and drink menus both looked great. I was hoping Met would turn out to be an easy go-to spot in Back Bay - but I don't think we'll be returning.
(1)
Jean Y.
My husband and I went for a late lunch - outside tables were full so we went inside. We stood around waiting for someone to take us to a table but no such luck - my husband asked one of the waitstaff and she said we could sit at any table - we waited 15 min for service but was I ignored. I had to flag down a waiter - bad sign we should have walked out. I ordered the giant lobster roll and it looked great until we realized that the roll was mainly roll with very little lobster - at $28 you would expect a little more lobster than the couple of tablespoons that we were given - mentioned this to the waiter but he explained the the meat was carefully weighed - he didn't seem sympathetic at all. This is the last time that we will ever go to this restaurant. They obviously don't need the business.
(1)
Ruth B.
Cute place with a comfortable atmosphere. The food was excellent and service was pretty good for how busy they are! I would recommend this place and their breakfast burrito! Yum!
(4)
Patryce S.
Their burgers are to die for! I got the Paris burger and my fiance' got the salmon burger and it was just simply amazing!! Only thing I would have to complain about is the waiter told us there were other fries to choose from but failed to mention that this was an "upgrade" and charged us each an additional $2 for getting the sweet potato fries and the truffle fries. So basically he up selled us by $4 for fries which is ridiculous. He should have told us in the beginning instead of being sneaky about it..felt that way to me anyway. If he didnt do that then this place would have a 5 start from me. :) UPDATE: I have to give this place 5 stars now because we went back for lunch and our server was awesome!! We pretty much ordered the same thing and "upgraded" our fries again and she didnt charge us. I guess that other waiter we had the day before was just a stingy a**hole looking for more money lol. Anyways this place rocks!!!
(5)
Alexey V.
I wouldn't give it even one star... Came there with friend who doesn't wanted to order anything. So after I ordered an omelette we've been told that to sit on a patio my friend has to order an entree. Needles to say that the whole patio was empty and there wasn't a line waiting to be seated. So we left. No one apologized. Unbelievably rude...
(1)
C O.
After waiting 10 minutes for the host to return to the host station, so we could be seated for brunch we were told we could seat ourselves upstairs at the library bar. Um ok. So we headed up to the bar and found a spot only to wait another 15 minutes for a server to actually come over, say hi and fill our glasses with water. The room was full of hungover 20 year olds all WAY too excited about their "breakfast fries" -- a ginormous bowl of fries covered with cheese, onions and eggs with a burger and egg on top. The menu said you should specify which veggies you did NOT want in their "lots of veggies" omelet, so I said no onions...and ended up with a spinach (frozen, yuck) and tomato omelet. The "smashed fried potatoes" it was supposed to come with was just a side of home fries. Luckily we ordered a side of biscuits, which saved brunch....they were buttery, flaky and delicious and came with a side of maple butter with salt on top. These were delicious! I would only go here if you like overpriced food and lousy slow service. Sonsie on Newbury, Church in Fenway or Zaftigs in Brookline have a much better brunch (and waitstaff).
(2)
Oz L.
Saturday night and this backbay bar has last call at 11:45. WTF, are you kidding me!!! And the website says they close at 1AM--- bbyes. My biz goes elsewhere---
(1)
Amanda Y.
My friend and I were shopping around the area and decided to drop by for brunch. We went in and were told to get any table we wanted. We sat there and waited for about 15 minutes and we still weren't given any menu. So, we finally requested for the menu and it took forever to come. We had to ask the same waiter for it twice. Water also took forever to come. When we were finally ready to order, we ordered oysters and a main course. He said that they were out of those. Seriously? You could have told us earlier. He went away and we were so annoyed and disappointed with the service that we just left the place. Never ever coming back again.
(1)
Clare F.
The Met Back Bay is pretty good. I have been twice now, with differing experience in terms of seating. The first time, we had a larger party, and people were able to trickle in while the rest of us could sit and wait for them. The second time, it was me with one friend, and I was not able to sit until she arrived. She was searching for parking, which on a Friday night during the holiday season near Newbury Street is no easy task. I was asked to just wait for her to be seated. I understand that as a policy, especially on a super busy night, but we were led to a room with a large number of open tables. Why did I have to wait in the lobby? Both times I ordered the chopped salad (no bacon) and truffle fries. The salad is HUGE and there is definitely $14 worth of salad in there. The truffle fries are always good, with parm sprinkled on top and ketchup AND truffle mayo for dipping purposes. 4.5 stars for the fries alone. The first time I was there, I ordered the Gypsy. It comes with Chartreuse, which I don't care for at all, and I asked the waitress if you could taste it. She said not at all, so I ordered it. But I definitely could taste the Chartreuse. So the next 3 Gypsys were specifically Chartreuse-free (and VERY potent). Second time I ordered orange, cranberry and vodka (vitamins for my head cold plus booze) and the waiter suggested a blood orange martini, which I politely declined. My drink came in a low ball glass and was generously filled. My friend was bummed because they didn't have the seared tuna that she usually gets. We had a third person join us, which at that point was no problem. She ordered a burger and absolutely loved it. Generous portions for the semi-higher prices. I just wish I could have waited at my table rather than awkwardly standing in the entrance.
(3)
Michelle K.
This review is for the burgers only. I ordered the the Met prime blend with the Tokyo set up. I was intrigued by the mix of ingredients: avocado, muenster, pickled onions, sticky soy, daikon sprouts, and wasabi mayo. Sounds delicious right? May have had a fighting chance had they not done the number one thing to ruin a burger -- overcook the meat. I asked for medium and anticipated a juicy, blushing pink burger. I was instead met with a something much closer to well done. No pink + No juices = No happiness. May have been an off night, but doesn't really reflect very kindly on their other dishes if they can't get something as simple as cooking a burger right. I was also off put by the fact that they charged my friend an extra 2 dollars for adding lettuce to her burger..really? Friends have raved about this place, so may have to come back to try their other goods but will definitely be staying away from the burgers.
(2)
Lisa I.
I would come here just to order their buttermilk biscuits with honey-maple butter. They are TO DIE FOR. The rest of their menu is ok. The truffled corn is good, but really heavy. The burgers are solid. Truffle french fries are delish. Skip the salads - nothing original and pretty boring. Also go somewhere else for dessert - they're very mediocre and don't taste homemade. Cocktails are yummy, although I wish they'd bring back my favorite drink, The French Kiss!! I'm giving them 4 stars because I like the atmosphere. The downstairs bar area is cozy and if you're lucky enough to grab a table, can be quite comfortable. The upstairs dining area also has a cozy feel and is quiet enough that you can actually carry on a conversation.
(4)
Rachel K.
I came here last night to get dinner and drinks with a friend. We sat at the downstairs bar. The bartender, Ted, was awesome! He was a very good bartender, he was friendly and kept me entertained while waiting for my friend to find parking (which is NEVER quick on Newbury), and made us some drinks that were both delicious and POTENT- haha. My salmon burger (Tokyo style) was excellent, and my friend loved her turkey burger (LA style) as well. I have been here a few other times, and I can always rely on the food and drinks to both be very good, definitely above average. There is also a nice variety and something here for everyone. I am shocked to see the average review for this place any less than 4 stars.
(5)
Lynnie T.
I was in Boston this past weekend for a mini vacation and I heard the burgers & cocktails were oh so necessary to try at the Met. I had the Fried Calamari, Tokyo burger & Spiked Peach Lemonade for dinner. I always get calamari whenever I see it on ANY menu so it goes without saying, I've had some good and bad calamari in my time. At the Met though, the calamari was perfectly cooked. I liked the batter to calamari ratio and, the overall size of each piece was consistent (which I always appreciate). The chili sauce was delicious! It definitely spruced up the already yummy calamari. I'd get this again and again if I were living in Boston haha. I got the Tokyo burger medium rare which was properly cooked (yay!); it was very moist and juicy. I think on my particular burger, the wasabi mayo wasn't spread evenly so the first 3-4 bites tasted like any other burger...kinda disappointing. But by the fifth bite, I got the wasabi mayo which had just enough heat and the flavors all worked well together. As for the Spiked Peach Lemonade, OMG I can drink this for days! Not to sound like a lush but it was a pretty damn good cocktail. Overall, I liked everything I had at the Met Back Bay. Ambiance was nice and moody. The interior is gorgeous; a little more formal that usual but it didn't feel pretentious. My waiter was very kind to make sure we were satisfied with our meals. This place is worth checking out :D
(4)
Meg H.
I would give zero stars if possible. I went here on Sunday with my friend's family. We were sent downstairs and told to sit anywhere. Except, we were a party of 6 and there were no clean tables! We sat for about 10 minutes at a dirty table while we waited for them to clear the table we wanted. Our waitress completely neglected us, and what should have been an in-and-out meal in less than an hour took over an hour and a half. We waited at least 20 minutes for our burgers to come after we finished our appetizer, and the appetizer plates were never cleared. I also got sick a few hours later - I bet they poisoned my burger!
(1)
Ed P.
Stopped in for a quick lunch with co-workers on a lunch break. Lobster bacon roll was fantastic although for $19 you'd expect it to come with more than a small hand full of potato chips. Co-worker had the 1/2 chicken-now this is a WINNER - roasted with nice, tasty herb baste, generous portion and great wedge fries. That's what I order next time here. Sit on the low deck and watch the Boston locals walk by. We were on a tight time line, told our waiter and he expedited our order. Food hit the table fast BUT, he disappeared when it came time for us to pay. Had to flag down another waiter to close bill. All in all, tasty, great location and interesting people watching.
(4)
Carla A.
Location location location. This is my 3rd time- but first for lunch. Lucky for the food and service, the atmosphere shines and distracts you. For the price and Newbury Street location, I had higher expectations- I expected the type of experience I have had at night for dinner. Not the case or even close. We sat on the patio. The server took several minutes to acknowledge us, spoke in a soft tone while looking down at the notes causing us to say excuse me a few times. Lunch arrived promptly- kudos to the food runners- the largest salad I have ever seen- although bland. The sandwich was a good portion as well, with excellent flavor - however the bread was completely dried out. Our server seemed much more interested in turning the table than attending to our needs. **Note to those that dine on the patio- there is an automatic 18% gratuity added- regardless of table size- with no mention of this on the menu**
(2)
Taylor G.
I had brunch at Met Back Bay last weekend, and was extremely impressed. I decided to order a turkey burger with traditional fixings, and was very impressed. It was quite delicious! After letting the waiter know that I had a nut allergy, he prepared me a side salad instead of the french fries that come with the burger. I will most certainly be back!
Love this spot. Have been a few times and always have a great experience. The chopped salad is my favorite and the truffle fries are a must. MET has a great drink menu with lots of fun cocktails. My favorite is the Iced-n-sweet. You can also get pitchers of some of the cocktails which is nice. Great spot for a date night or to go with a group of friends. The service is good and the decor is nice, clean, and classy. There are a few different rooms to eat in upstairs and a nice bar area downstairs. Great location too- right off of Newbury Street near Copley.
(4)
Marc F.
It was pricey, but pretty good. Lobster cheese dip was excellent, and the Paris burger with the Prime beef was excellent. Just look for the photo I posted (it's the burger with the egg in it). Drinks were fine and the ambience was nice. It's worth noting the time of day that my girlfriend and I got here - 12:30 p.m. - as it probably makes a difference. We were seated inside and it wasn't too crowded, and our waitress was attentive and helpful.
(4)
Jules L.
I stopped by the MET Bar near Newbury St for lunch. I was pleasantly surprised that Chris is now bartending at the MET. Yeh!!! He is one of Boston's finest bartenders. He has a great personality, he's fast, and he knows how to make an awesome cocktails. The MET is lucky to have you!
(5)
Scott J.
I had high hopes for Met, but it was pretty disappointing. The ambiance is lovely and the service excellent, but the sky-high prices aren't justified in the quality of the food. My lobster fra diavolo came with a linguini that had nearly no taste (though it was a plentiful, full portion) and I was surprised that it had both large chunks of lobster, along with a partial shell that still had lobster meat in it. I mean, make up your mind? There were some aspects that were wonderful, though, like the griddled garlic bread (but not worth $5) -- in fact, charging for bread baskets (however gourmet) is robbery. The Caesar salad certainly had its moments, but way too much cutting was involved. I was kind of bummed that they didn't have any cider, since that's pretty common in Boston. The sticky toffee pudding was simply amazing. No complaints there, it was a total piece of heaven. We were a large group and it was already loud in there, so it was difficult to hold a conversation sometimes. I think this place is more hype and area than anything, but I would go back for dessert or drinks in a heartbeat. And the hostess was gorgeous.
(3)
Kirsten K.
Back Bay Fave that Came Through for a Big Party in a Pinch! Ok - so I have always enjoyed Met Back Bay, but my experience last weekend made me a raving fan - and they deserve to get props! Situation: It was my going away dinner ... we made a reservation at another Boston hotspot for a party of 12. When it came time to confirm our reservation, we found that it wasn't there! ZOINKS. What to do? Call all around ... Response: Met Back Bay not only said, yep - we have space in one of our private rooms. Do you want to come check it out? My friend who was close by went over and it looked perfect ... we said yes and frantically let everyone know. On Site: The space was in fact awesome ... by happenstance we were next to a cozy fireplace and an area that allowed us to have a little bar / mingling area which was so perfect. Our group expanded to about 15 and we rearranged the tables to make it work ... no issues and total cooperation from the Met team. Service: Though our group was a bit overwhelming (and unexpected), Jamel did an amazing job! He'd waited on me and a friend two weeks earlier and even remembered what wine we drank. Score. Jamel did a terrific job and we had such fun ... learning it was his birthday and celebrating right along with him too:) Food: Delish overall. Nothing is crazy fancy, but everything is a bit of a classic with a twist. I split an arugula salad and the bolognese ... several had the chopped salad, burgers, steaks and even one pair got the lobster. Portions are always generous and we enjoyed our 3.5 hour meal with many bottles of wine. All in all ... you can NEVER go wrong with Met Back Bay ... sometimes you might struggle to get a seat or it could be crowded ... but it's a great usual to have handy anytime. Thanks Met Back Bay & Jamel for helping make our group's evening special! PS - On any given day of the week, their Chopped Salad with oil-free dressing tastes decadent but is on the healthy side! Go for it with a nice glass of wine ... you earned it! :)
(4)
Joel M.
I've been searching for a great caprese sandwich since I moved to Boston without much luck, as it's one of my favorites. The fried eggplant caprese here is probably the best sandwich I've had in years, and just writing this review makes me want to go back and get another. I just stopped randomly in after acting like a tourist strolling down Newbury, and ate at the upstairs bar with great service. There was only one other patron at ~3:00 in the afternoon so I can't comment on what it's like during busier times.
(5)
Taryn C.
Sorry folks, this is an honest to goodness review. My husband and I are HUGE fans of the Met Bar on Bolyston out in Chestnut Hill. This new spot just doesn't have what it takes. The bar downstairs isn't painted nicely - there are splotchy unfinished spots on the walls. The waitress didn't bring us menus for 20 minutes, then another 15 to take our drink order, then ANOTHER 15 to get our 3 measly glasses of wine. To make it even worse, the water she brought out was in a dirty pitcher and there were dirty glasses. Yuck. I would have been more understanding if the place was busy, but it wasn't. There were plenty of open tables. I'm going to have to stick to the sister locations in Chestnut Hill and Dedham. At least it's easier to park over there. Get your act together, Met Bar! You are better than this!
(2)
Karlis B.
I am resisting the urge to write this review in all caps although I think it'd be appropriate since Met Back Bay is so freaking loud. Sitting in the Library (upstairs seating area) was like being in a night club: we had to yell our orders and turn the volume up on the conversation. But to sum it up, Met Back Bay does not make the shortlist. The hype just led to disappointment. The service was odd: the waiter asked for our food order about 2 min after we sat down. Wine for the table was just left for us to pour (and the the white was not chilled). Small plate appetizers were served with no serving spoons. And we had to ask for everything that should have come without request. But on to the food. We ate: - Tuna Tartare, prepared tableside: the tuna was very fresh, but this is only as good as the ingredients you decide to put in it (I'd go soy and ginger) - Baked Local Ricotta: delicious and creamy, one of the better starters - Charred Baby Broccoli: unexpectedly tasty, but greasy at the bottom - Truffle Indian Corn: another unexpected treat - 1980 Curried Prawns: the description on the menu does not describe the dish at all. You get a healthy serving of whole prawns, chickpea-vegetable medley, rice and chutney. I've heard this place characterized as a burger joint, but I didn't have food envy with this dish. The food was good, but nothing exciting. And with the loud noise and mediocre service, I am in no rush to go back for a full meal. If I had to grab a drink after work, however, I'd go right to the more relaxing basement.
(2)
Robert B.
Stopped in for lunch on a Sunday. We both ordered Prime burgers they came out over cooked- ordered medium rare. They tastes like they had been precooked and kept on a warming oven. Cocktails were fine, (hard to pull a bad Sam's Seasonal). Perhaps they had the junior varsity on the line today.
(2)
R C.
Good food, good atmosphere, but super slow service. Our server was obviously on the greener side, and was extremely slow and unattentive. Sadly, our experience suffered. The good food and atmosphere made up for it, and despite the 2 star rating, I would probably return if I were on Newbury looking for a spot to grab a bite.
(2)
Melissa N.
Sat at the Bar while we waited for a patio table. Service was prompt and friendly. Drinks were good; but oh man. When we got to our table we were horrified we are extremely forgiving of flaws and are understanding. We can look around and see the volume and how busy a place is and say to ourselves "its ok if it takes a while to get service here...it happens" So we sit down and are ignored for about 15 minutes. But its ok..we both have a drink from the bar and are talking. We know what we want to order...but maybe our server is weeded? We assume this is not a pool house since by the POS there are about 3 servers standing and talking to eachother... Then a 2top 2 tables down from us gets sat (about 20-25minutes after us) and they are greeted right away. WTF!?!? my buddy goes to the hostess stand and asks for our server. The hostess doesn't even try to feign an apology and walks over to the crowd of servers and points to us. A while later the hostess comes over and explains to us "it will be awhile, there is confusion due to a shift change" Ok, that is understandable..buts its no excuse man! You should know your sections!!! Whatever. Our server finally comes over ( we have been unattended for probably about 25-30 minutes now) and doesn't even apologize. but she is friendly and nice...so whatever. Food is promptly put onthe table. truffle fries are good. I had the hummas salad which was nothing special and Jonny had the octopus salad which wasn't memorable, but good nonetheless... Next our entrees. I got the Carbonera. My pasta was undercooked. Seriously; it took long enough to make. pasta out of the box takes what, 12 minutes to cook? fresh pasta takes under 5 minutes! What is this? Bertuccis???? Again whatever, we order a bottle of prosecco to celebrate a day off. My glass has water marks on it...but whatever. After a bit, my OCD server skills go into effect and I decide to buff those bad boys out. Next we get the Prosecco! YAY!!! I was pleasantly surprised that our server knew that the bottle isn't supposed to "pop" but then she goes to pour the glasses. Male first; meh ok...we aren't old fashioned here. She pick up the glass...my eyes bulge. SHE ISN'T EVEN HOLDING IT BY THE STEM!!! da fuq dudes?? If you are going to sell a product, you should be trained on how to properly serve it. Whats worse is that was something in Jonny's glass. We all saw it. She did nothing... man oh man. Food was decent. nothing memorable or that stood out as "WOW!" and presentation was ok as well. The service. hmm...the server was incredibly friendly and nice. She carried out the tasks as needed; but this was not service. So basically, go in here with low expecatations... don't expect anything special and you will be ok. If you are a stickler for service, don't go here. You will just continue to get pissed as the meal goes on.
(2)
Tom D.
classy / trendy / pricey but you knew this coming here I tried a few of the different dishes offered and while the prices were pretty high the portions were HUGE. The lobster spaghetti dish was creamy and delicious. The half chicken was soft and large, with a generous helping of some delicious garlic fries. Cocktails were pretty standard, beer selection was nothing to write home about. I would definitely come back for the food though
(4)
Courtney S.
Went there on 9/3 labor day weekend and we got there around 8 there was no wait and we got seated on the patio which was nice except for the fact we were practically sitting on the people next to us. No one came to out table for like 15 minutes and then when she finally did she brought us water and ordered our drinks another 10 plus minutes later she comes back with 1 drink and informs me that they are out of the drink that i wanted so i pick another drink and even more time later i finaly get it. We ordered our appetizer and meal at the same time and then they all came out together like really? The table was already small enough and now we have all this food jammed on one table. The calamari was kind of chewy and hard to eat. The mac and cheese was delicious and my friend got the chicken and she liked it. She ordered another of the same drink and that took 20 minutes so at this point we were pretty much over the place and just wanted to get out. Another issue the tables were like grated and had holes so you would think that they would put a napkin or a coaster on the table nope our drinks dripped down our legs the whole time. Not happy nor will i return maybe the one in Dedham will be better.
(2)
Thomas N.
lunch recently, pretty crowded place....we ate in the library which was a lovely smallish room (5 or 6 table with a small bar), the other room upstairs was large and seemed a little crowded and the big bar downstairs seemed just ok, not much atmosphere, do have outside seating which would be great on a really nice day, but give them credit there were a bunch or folks out there on this cook and blustery day....drinks were ok....my paris burger was very good and cooked as ordered, fish and chips were good but not great and sort of pricey i thought, service was good and they are smart enuf to give you a carafe of water on your table.....why doesn't everyone do that???? ok place..
(3)
Heather G.
This review is regarding the cocktails and not the food. I'll give the bar the benefit of the doubt that their co2 tank was empty, so every drink we ordered that required club soda or coke was FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. But, you must switch the tank as soon as a customer tells you, and they did not do that. The mojito on the cocktail menu is really pitiful. But I liked the shock top with vodka. That said, stick to beers and wine at this place.
(2)
Dudley P.
A mixed bag. Most of the space at this Dartmouth street location is harshly contemporary, with all the charm of an elementary school building, and I find it uncomfortably cramped throughout. Yet there is at least one private room thats warm and charming, a complete change of gears. The menu is ample and original, with abundant selections of ham for some reason, I have to look hard for something healthy. Its is also fully priced, as one would expect in this Back Bay location.
(2)
April G.
So, the food can be pretty satisfying. The french toast is very unique. The people who work here are nice -- at least, for the first 10 minutes or so. After that initial "hi how are you moment," however, the luster on the service tarnishes. Experience #1: I've eaten upstairs in the restaurant for brunch. The waiter greeted us -- nevermind that his hands were covered in red bumps -- that's appetizing. But I tried to look past that as he served. I would have looked past that if his service hadn't totally dropped to 0. My friend ordered the French toast (pretty tasty actually), which said it came with lingonberry jam. Yum! We love the swedish fruit, so we were eager to try it. Except that the lingonberry was actually strawberry. Oh, okay. Waiter, can you help us out? Waiter: quizzical stare. Us: yes, we'd like the lingonberry jam that came on the menu. Waiter: we're out. No apologies or consideration that this may have been something to mention before it was served. Us: Can you at least bring more strawberry jam then? tick, tock...20 minutes pass...the french toast is getting cold, until my friend eats it all. He brings the jam, timed to the exact last bite of french toast. We also needed another fork that was clean. Another waiter had to bring it, as our waiter was nowhere to be found. Poor service. Experience #2: So, I really loved that french toast. I thought I could skip the possibility of another service nightmare by ordering it to go and eating it outside in the Copley Square garden. As I pick it up and look in the bag, I notice that there is no silverware and ask for it. The hostess nods, disappears, and reappears without any. "We've run out. You can go around the corner to Boloco and pick some up though. Or to a convenience store." Seriously?? Okay. I'll go and pick up some flour for you, too, as you might be running low on that. Of course, there was a slathering of lingonberry jam only on two slices. Sigh. The Met is not in the cards for me. I'm not planning to return to a restaurant that doesn't factor in good service into its experience. I'll go to Boloco instead, since they sent me there anyway.
(2)
Amy N.
Went here for lunch on a Friday. We sat at the bar downstairs first to order some drinks. The pitcher of spiked peach lemonade we ordered was super salty oddly enough. For lunch, we sat upstairs and the atmosphere was very nice. We ordered the Kobe hot dog, ham and cheese sandwich and the MET chicken club sandwich. Portions were huge! Our food was good though nothing special. i think overall it is a solid place for food and it is centrally located on Newbury. Though I would not go out of my way to eat here.
(3)
Robert A.
My co-workers and I recently went to lunch at the Met and had a great time. The place is very upscale and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I choose the French Onion Raviolis. The dish was a skillet. The raviolis were filled with potato and surrounded by the French onion soup with pulled pork and Swiss cheese. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. Other dishes sampled were the jumbo Kobe beef hot dog, and the meat loaf. Both of my colleagues love it. We will be back.
(4)
Kayla B.
I wanted to rate this restaurant 4.5 stars (Yelp really should make that an option), but I can't bring myself to give it a 5. It was really good food, really good service, and I had a great evening, but I can't say it was spectacular. For drinks I got a blood orange cosmo and my boyfriend got some pineapple beverage. We were both satisfied with the taste of our drinks but wondered how much alcohol was actually in them, since we didn't taste much. I felt a little buzz by the end, though. I highly recommend the blood orange cosmo if you like bitter cocktails. We split a basket of biscuits, which were very good-- soft and flaky on the inside, crispy golden brown on the outside. The honey maple butter that accompanied the biscuits was fantastic. I want to know where they get it from. For dinner I got the mac and cheese. It was very good but very simple. For $14 I kind of expected something with a little more kick or oomph, something to wow me. The portion was so large that I ended up taking more than half of it home (I'm eating it as I type, actually, and it's still good reheated), so I got two meals out of it, but it was a bit pricey for what it is. My boyfriend chose the restaurant week special, which was $35 for bacon steak, sirloin with bone marrow, and whoopie pies with mint ice cream (made with real mint, it was delicious). He said he was happy with his food and it tasted good, but he thought the price was too steep for the amount of food he received. He and I both agreed we wish the prices were a bit lower. We didn't feel like we got ripped off, but it's that little extra expense that makes you wonder if you're going to eat there again or not. The restaurant itself was lovely. It was a nice mix of classy and trendy, and also spotlessly clean. When I say that I don't mean most restaurants are dirty, but this one just had a really clean vibe to it, if that makes sense. We sat on an enclosed deck overlooking Newbury Street, which as nice. Our waiter, Patrick, was very nice and took good care of us throughout the evening. I have no complaints about the restaurant itself or the service. I can't say whether or not I'll be back here for dinner, but perhaps for brunch or lunch when things are slightly cheaper. We passed a room on the way to our table called The Library Room, which looked like a little cocktail lounge. I may have to go back and check that out.
(4)
Dan P.
Stop 2 of my Best Burger in Boston tour, and I must say, this was one of my favorites. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's the best I've had within walking distance to Boston, and especially in the Back Bay. The burger might have been a tad on the over cooked side, I like it med rare, this was closer to medium, but the quality of the meat offset that. The cheese was great and the bacon, oh man the bacon. I think I could go back and just have the bacon for lunch and be happy. The fries were good, but I wasn't blown away by them. For $18, it was a very good burger. I don't know if I'll be going here every week for lunch, but I will be back now and again for sure.
(4)
Mike G.
docking a star for inconsistency. in recent visits, just didn't find the same quality and flavors. the plate of roast cod didn't taste anywhere close to the deliciousness i raved about; chinatown salad sported bone-dry duck (last night's leftovers?), kobe tips were untender. also didn't expect over-battered fish and rubbery grilled squid. + prices are WAY UP. chinatown and back bay salads used to be $9, now $18. wtf?
(3)
Valerie V.
Love this Met location! I have been several times and have always had a great experience. I've only ever sat downstairs, once at the bar, once at a table, and once on the patio. The scene: hip but relaxed and unpretentious. Mostly a younger crowd in the evenings and a Newbury shopping crowd during the day. The bar itself is very unique, with clear shelves displaying the bottles. There is also a Ham & Cheese bar that you can sit around which is a cool touch. The food/drinks: They have a delicious bloody mary as well as a delicious manhattan. Those are the only specialty drinks I have tried but the bartenders are certainly adept at making other drinks or just pouring a cold one. As for food I have tried the following. Tartar duo with taro chips: love this dish and have gotten it more than once. The portion is very very generous which justifies the $16. Kobe Sliders: Tasty because of the kobe and excellent for sharing. Clam Chowder: Wasn't crazy about this. Its a very unusual preparation of clam chowder than I am sure some people would like but I did not. It was too strong with the potato and bacon flavors rather than just letting the clams do their thing. You do get a nice heap of clams on top though. Roasted beet bowl: totally yummy but I am obsessed with beets and therefore bias. BURGERS: The star of the show. Pointless to say how I like mine because everyone has their own way but the quality of the ingredients and whole wheat bun make the burgers so so good. The fries the burgers come with are crispy and flavorful. I will say that the wait staff I have had each time I have gone is pretty mediocre. I am pretty certain that they hire based on looks and not for service talent. Oh well. The bartenders do a great job, so thats at least covered. Love this place and it will continue to be a go-to when I am on Newbury and wanting a burger or a cocktail.
(4)
Emma O.
The biscuits and apple butter are simple divine and the fries are nice as well. However the customer service is seriously lacking. After my family and I seated ourselves we waited for about 20 minutes before a waiter attended to us. Which honestly didn't bother me that much as it was the Fourth of July and quite busy. However when I approached the waiter to ask him if I could receive a menu, before I could even speak he snapped at me "I see you. I see you." Uh great sir I too have 20/20. Actually thats a lie I wear glasses, but anyway before I could say anything else he sauntered off. Finally ten minutes later he returned with menus and took our drink orders which were all waters. Our food came quickly considering how packed the restaurant was. However our waters were no where in sight. Finally I began pointedly swigging from a water bottle in my purse to stave off my thirst. At last the waiter got the message and brought us our waters. All in all is give the food four stars but the service a two. Go there if you can stomach inattentive, caustic service with your meal.
(3)
Jessie R.
My roommate and I popped into the MET last night to see how it was. We sat in the basement at the bar. Everyone was so nice and helpful, and their drink menu is impressive! It was hard to pick! Roomie got the spiked pink lemonade - delish. All the food walking by looked amazing, especially the roasted half chicken with baked potatoe next to us. We got the 'snack' size of fries which came with amaaaazing truffle oil dip! Definitely will be back for an actual meal!
(4)
Anne D.
I hosted my friend's bachelorette party at Met Back Bay on Saturday night and it was absolutely lovely! We were seated (10 of us) in a private room (that also sat another table of 10); and the service was attentive without being intrusive, and we had privacy without feeling like we were too far away from the action at the bars. I also had requested a champagne toast at the table, which they executed perfectly. We ordered an assortment of apps, dinners and desserts and everything was delightful (particularly the homemade biscuits, mac and cheese and toffee pudding - YUM!) My only "eh" with the food was with my Arugula salad; which was easily an entire bag of arugula with barely a tablespoon of the promised parmesan and mushrooms; and there were no hazelnuts on the salad as promised either (another friend got the same salad and had the same issues). Everything else was so nice, I was hesitant to bring it up, and I definitely wouldn't let that stop me from returning to Met.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Good IPA on draft, nice atmosphere tucked away.
(3)
Joanne D.
This place has the best deal in lobster pappardelle. The half order is like a normal plate and plenty of lobster.
(3)
Grind. E.
Exactly, see. Now that's what I'm talking about. I've finally found a classy place to go that doesn't make me feel like a republican. Sure, I've taken some criticism for being too baroque, maybe even Bukowski-esque in some of my reviews but I'm not a total savage and I can prove it. I enjoyed the Met, Back Bay. And I'm not ashamed to say that, Alec C., after returning from a year long sojourn in NYC has been working diligently to add some culture to my life. I have simple tastes and generally enjoy Jameson and PBR so stepping outside of my norm and trying a pinot nior or other eccentricities is something new -- but the Met bar fit the bill just fine. It's sophisticated without being snotty and it helps that the upstairs bar reminded me of a man-cave library study from the 1930's, decked out in mahogany, with old books next to half empty whiskey bottles. I had a 12 year old Glenfiddich scotch and ate the raw Chestnut Hill Tuna & Salmon Tartare. Nothing like raw fish and whiskey to wake up the palette. All the Met is missing is a bearskin rug and a billiards table, and a few Nucky Thompson's lounging around. Minus a star for poor traffic flow and cramped quarters.
(4)
Saba N.
Ehhhh.... It's really nothing special. I like that they have an outside seating area (although, the benches are so slow to the ground compared to the chairs.. its very awkward), but other than that.. it's another average restaurant on newbury st. I had a chopped salad and we ordered some of the small plates. Everything was good, nothing was spectacular. I'd go back, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone... it's just so blah!
(3)
Allison K.
I want to give this place three stars, but unfortunately, my experience was less than wonderful. I would give it two and a half stars if I could. Because I stopped by right before the dinner rush, the hostess offered my friend and me the option of ordering from the bar menu. That was exactly what we wanted, as we were only looking for a quick bite to eat. The problem, however, was the fact that our orders were almost completely messed up. We both ordered the LA burgers because we wanted avocado on our burgers. I ordered medium rare, she ordered medium. When we got our burgers, there was no avocado. We asked the waitress what happened, and she responded that they had run out of avocados. I'm curious as to why she wasn't notified by the kitchen before bringing our burgers out to us. Then, I bit into my burger and it was medium. I assumed that it was because they had overcooked mine, and maybe, like most places, they always overcook the meat. Until I realized my friend's burger was medium rare, and that the kitchen had switched our burgers. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but I had requested no mayo on my burger, so a simple switcharoo of patties wouldn't have fixed our situation. Not to mention, we realized the second mistake halfway through our burgers. By the time we were addressed by management about what had happened, I had already finished my meal. They would have offered us new burgers, but the only one we wanted was the LA burger, and there were no avocados; what would we have eaten then? Luckily, we were comped for our burgers and ended up with a free meal. The burger itself was not bad, although I'm sure if there was a slice of creamy avocado, the ingredients would have been bound together in a much more satisfying and complete manner. The bun was pretty darn good, and the sweet potato fries were a winner. I definitely recommend trying those if you can! Overall, I can't say my experience was very good, but I feel bad giving it such low ratings because they did compensate us with the meal. I might give it another try one day, but I definitely won't be longing for it by any means.
(2)
Meagan F.
While I am always frustrated that MET's table turnover on their patio is incredibly slow (you can hardly ever get a table without an hour wait), I have decided thatm for a Newbury Street restaurant, this is on the more interesting side of the spectrum than many of the tourist traps. MET has many interesting choices on the menu, from their charcuterie board to their small plates. For dinner, my fiance and I always find that the small plates are the way to go here. They are lighter and more unique than the other entrees and make for an interesting meal. For lunch however, their sandwiches are yummy. I recently had the Something Natural sandwich, a tribute to the amazing shop on Nantucket. Many people think that an all veggie sandwich is boring. Not so, I say, once you try MET's. Breakfast seems to be a challenge for MET. The pork stuffed hashbrown I had recently left me feeling like I had eaten greasy McDonalds. My fiance's omlet was pretty boring. The highlight were their selection of oysters which were excellent. Service was slow, even inside where it tends to be better. For something consistent, MET is not a bad choice; but, there are definitely better options in Boston.
(3)
Lisa H.
I'd really rather give this place a 2.5...for such a prime location and for how much I paid, I was disappointed. The burger was good, but not for it's cost. Drinks are horrible for how much they charge--I'll go to a gastropub/mixology bar for that much, thank you.
(2)
Christine T.
Good food. Generous portions. Lovely patio seating. Only problem we had was the slice of cheese that was NOT left out of the egg and hash patty -- as I had specifically requested. I flagged down the waiter and showed him the small heap of food I had cut out and laid on the side of the dish. He expressed dismay and indicated that he had asked the kitchen to not put in the cheese. However, no offer to comp us for our (non-alcoholic) drinks or anything like that. Due to the large portion and heavy nature of the ingredients, I was full even with the food surgery, so I didn't miss that lump of stuff. A little dairy I can handle; a bit more and my body starts telling me I shouldn't be eatin' that stuff in the first place. And, oh. We went back to our hotel room, and I found the Boston magazine article that trashed this place (as a dinner destination.) It was a very interesting read...including notes on spotty service.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
Stopped in for a burger at the bar. Great atmosphere, friendly service and a good burger. Other people's dinners looked good as well. Would have liked to sit outside though.
(4)
Katie D.
....I can't believe I never went here earlier. Met has got a great burger selection that had me drooling immediately. I ended up with the Back Bay Dry-Aged burger, with sharp cheddar. I skipped the onions (though I'm sure for onion-lovers they'd make this burger out of this world), but the double-smoked bacon was delish and just the right consistency (not too crispy, not too fatty). The duck fat fries were the perfect side, of course, though I wish there were an aioli or something with them. My friend got the Boston burger which was also drool-worthy -- insider tip, he ordered the egg a little runny, which seemed to be spot on. The draft beer list was pretty decent -- tried a watermelon beer first, which was interesting but probably not something I'll do again. The cocktail list looked pretty tasty, but we ended up getting bloody marys for the rest of the day (in true Sunday Funday spirit). I am quite picky about my bloodys, and this was quality. A teeny bit gritty, but I guess that's the risk you take drinking such a perfectly peppered beverage. We drank/ate a very leisurely pace (ballpark, 4/5 hours at the downstairs bar), and the bartender didn't seem to mind a bit, which was nice. Probably would've stayed longer if a nearby group wasn't getting extremely rowdy... Overall, good experience and I can't wait to go back and try some cocktails and more burgers :)
(5)
Ashley L.
I decided to give Met another try and I'm so happy I did! I went for dinner this time and was seated in a plush window booth upstairs. Everything on the dinner menu sounded delicious and I was having trouble deciding what to order. Our server Ray was great and continued to check in on us through my indecisiveness (and the rest of the meal). I'm a huge bread eater and couldn't resist starting off with the garlic bread in garlic aioli. It was the perfect mix of crunchy and smooth; I could have eaten 5 baskets of it! For an entree, I ordered the Pepper Crusted Tuna Steak. My tuna was cooked perfectly and the pepper crust was very flavorful and added a nice texture to the dish. My friend ordered the Scottish Salmon and thoroughly enjoyed her dish as well. We managed to have some room left for dessert and decided to split the Sticky Apple Bread Pudding. The bread pudding was so yummy and practically melted in my mouth; it was a great way to end the meal. It was such an enjoyable evening, I cannot wait to come back the next time I'm in town.
(5)
Katy F.
The Met Back Bay is going to hands down be my new go-to dinner spot. We started off in the bar downstairs for some pre-dinner drinks. Crowded, but not unmanageable. The bartender came over right away and made one heck of a dirty martini. I'd 5-star just that. I'd also 5-star the bartender, and not just because he was adorable to look at.... Ok, ok, maybe just because he was adorable to look at. The wait for a our table was about 30 minutes. Not bad for a Saturday night and certainly not bad compared to a neighboring restaurant that gave our wait time at 2-3 hours. Holy cow. Our waiter, Sal, was incredible. Great service, and even greater suggestions. We went with the small plates of hummus, bruschetta, and truffle indian corn salads to start. Sal said the corn salad was a must. I could have hugged him after for leading us in such a deliciously amazing direction. The bruschetta was ok, but probably would try something different next time. The hummus was great, but the hummus to pita ratio was all off. More pita next time please! The Kobe tips got two enthusiastic and saucy thumbs up from us. Very tender with a bit of kick at the end. I ordered the cod after Sal's recommendation and couldn't have been happier. A good solid chunk of tasty. The quinoa and charred broccoli was a nice addition to it. Very filling while still feeling light. For dessert we split the Apple Cider Donughts. Be still my mouth. The cinnamon sauce that accompanied it was delightful. I had to stop myself from grabbing the bowl and licking it clean. Stupid manners. Next time(s) I plan to try the Rigatoni Bolognese, Lobster Pot Pie, and Chicken Ceasar Salad which was a beautiful presentation of 2 whole romaine pieces, one ginormous crouton, and about a 1/4 a roasted chicken. See you again soon, Met Back Bay. See you very soon.
(5)
Lauren L.
I came here on a whim on after randomly running into a friend who lives down the street. We sat at the bar and I spent a good amount of time perusing the menu-everything sounded amazing. I was in the mood for a burger and a beer, so I ordered the Boston Burger and my friend got the mac and cheese. While we were waiting the bar tender brought over some bread and duck confit. I'd never had duck before, so I can't really comment on whether it hit the mark or not. For me, it was way salty. The bread was incredible though. When the burger came out, it looked amazing and I couldn't wait to dig in. Unfortunatly, the excitement ended there. The burger itself was quite bland. So much so not even bacon and a fried egg could make up for it and that's saying something. You can just about throw a fried egg on top of anything and I'll be a happy camper. The fries were crispy but I wish I had asked for them unsalted. I had a bite of my friends mac and cheese and it was nice and creamy with a crunchy top. Not bad but not great either. Overall it was just a meh experience for me. For the prices I was expecting to be overwhelmed. I enjoyed the ambiance so I would go back for drinks and bar snacks.
(3)
Dana C.
Dropped in for brunch on a Sunday morning...UGH! My veggie omelet was NOT an omelet..it was an egg pancake thrown over some frozen veggies with NO cheese. It honestly tasted like cardboard. When the waiter finally came back to clear our table he asked how the food was and I couldn't lie. I told him that it was the worst breakfast that I have ever had and he said he would go back and get the manager..waited 20 minutes and the manager never showed up. It's very clear that costumer service is not one of their strong points. This place will only last because of it's location...cause the food and service will not bring any locals back that care to get quality for their money.
(1)
Alec C.
I took 5 steps into this place and decided that I was going to hate it. I was wrong. It turned out to be pretty bad ass. I didn't think that I would like it because the layout of the restaurant and bar is kinda lame. I was almost knocked over by 3 different servers coming out of the kitchen while I was trying to look for a seat at the upstairs bar. Then I had to squeeze between people and seats just to find a place to sit in the downstairs bar. The whole place was a bit too hectic for what seemed to be a restaurant/ afterwork relaxing drinks kind of spot. Once I had my butt planted though, things got instantly better. They have a very decent wine list with plenty of wines by the glass and some fairly good micro brews ( they get triple bonus points for having left hand milk stout). I started with an old fashion manhattan which was a little weak but very tasty. Then I thought I would throw the server Anna a curve ball and ask some obscure wine questions that I was sure would throw her off since the place had just opened and she hadn't had much time to learn the details of the menu yet. To my surprise, not only was she able to answer all of my questions, but she also made a great recommendation and was even nice enough to give me a sample before pouring me a full glass (something a lot of places wont do if you are going for wine by the glass). I will be asking for Anna as my server the next time I go to Met. My friends and I shared the salmon and tuna tartar, which had some wonderful flavors but was a bit on the gummy side, and an egg plant caprese which was amazing. I hate egg plant, but this sandwich was seriously delicious. The decor was beautiful and the ambience superb except for the place being a bit too crowded. I feel like this is one of those places that is actually much more enjoyable on a slow night. Over all, Met Back Bay is definitely worth a visit. Or two.
(4)
Nat P.
Food was good. Loved the pleasant ambiance sitting in the window of a sunny room with a clean and fresh look. Not sure if our waiter was bad or if it was a matter of poor management (I think both, actually). The place is way too big and not enough staff on hand. Service was really slow....If you have a restaurant that is so big and busy then you need to hire more people, bottom line. The customers are not jerks if they are frustrated by having to wait around forever. They are paying good money and should have good service. We were sitting for what felt like forever before our waiter even came over to acknowledge our existence.
(3)
Sam B.
2nd time going, previously went to the lower bar. This time wanted more sit down dinner so went to the library for the first time. The atmosphere was good, just the food selection was less compared to the lower bar. Had the burger which was mediocre, beer selection was good from normal beers to micro brews. Service was good, just for dinner the selection was just not there.
(3)
Adrian J.
Went here with my mom on our first day of our New England vacation. We sat on the patio. The patio has umbrellas for almost all the tables....all but ours. That's my only reason for lacking one star. It was very hot and got some sun burn! It took a while for them to being us water refills too. Our LA style salmon burger was amazing! Food was great! Great prices for the size of the portions. Great drink menu, even though we didn't partake.
(4)
ML M.
I recently went back to Met Back Bay and had a wonderful experience. i went with two friends from out of town for brunch on Sunday. We sat inside and I was impressed with the decor. They have a section called the library bar that looks like a classy place to go for a drink. My friend had the Captain Crunch french toast with a side of bacon and he said, "This is the kind of meal I would ask for my last meal!" My other friend had the cheese omelet and it was just cheesy enough without being greasy. I did go with the egg white omelet again but on Sundays they have a veggie omelet that came with broccoli and tomatoes and some other veggies which I am forgetting. I don't like onions and it came without as requested. It was pretty good.
(4)
Baking M.
Met Back Bay is in the former location of Joe's American Bar and Grill. Met is also located in Natick and Dedham Legacy Place. I've tried Met one other time for lunch, sitting in the white leather booths and tried the Dry Aged Burger with duck fat fries. The burger was juicy, but I would suggest swapping out the duck fat fries for truffle fries, because the duck fat fries are not anything special. This time around, I tried the Pineapple martini (a lighter juicy version of a pina colada), but didn't have the grilled pineapple vodka flavor as promised. Despite the error in advertising, the drink was tasty and whisked me from the depressing snow lined sidewalks into the Carribean. The first to aspects of the meal were ok. The truffle popcorn was freshly popped, however was missing truffle flavor. The Chinatown salad featured duck breast and drumsticks on a bed of sesame sprinkled cabbage slaw and greens. The menu claimed there was an Asian goddess dressing, not sure what that means still, because the salad didn't seem to have much or any dressing. The Paris burger was a burger I would return again for. Medium rare kobe beef (you could have chose Met Prime Blend / Kobe / Salmon / All-natural Turkey) sandwiched between a sesame bun, melted brie, truffle mayo, caramelized onion and a runny egg on top (like a Croque madame). Luscious, rich and was very memorable. The truffle fries were crispy and seasoned well. The basement lounge has a bar menu with a great variety of burgers (ask for the bar menu, even if you are sitting at the dining room). I especially liked the Library area, I would ask to sit in this area next time around.
(4)
Michael R.
Very simply: This place is absolutely wonderful! The drinks are reasonably priced and amazing, and the food is perfectly decadent. The ambiance is one of the best in Boston and the service is excellent. I happened upon this bar opening tonight and was very very pleasantly surprised. My group had toasted coconut martini, pumpkin martini, margarita pitchers, and some craft beers. All were wonderful and the alcohol selection is unparalleled. I could not give a higher recommendation to try it out.
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Sat outside on a Saturday for lunch and the whole experience would have been close to perfect if it hadn't been for the hostess. We were seated with a scowl and later admonished for temporarily stowing a package on the seat next to us. It would have been funny if it had not been so infuriating. We turned it around by amusing ourselves with the other victim's responses to her haughty approach to customer service. Loved the Burrata with English Peas and Pesto, Hand-cut Buttermilk Biscuits, Short Rib Tacos!!
(4)
Anne K.
Met Bar has quickly become "our place" for girls nights. We have never eaten in the dining area upstairs because the bar downstairs is more casual and lively. Cocktails are creative and they have my favorite wine, which is a plus. Everything we have ordered has been fantastic. Met finds a way to be inventive with the classics, while never going overboard. For instance, they have Kobe burgers with a wasabi mayonnaise and ginger. Sign me up! Calamari is extra crispy and the dipping sauce is to die for. Homemade popcorn with parm is worth munching on. Best for last, shoestring onion rings!! A must if you decide to eat at the Met. Atmosphere is crowded and honestly if you don't get a seat at the bar or a bar table, it is uncomfortable. Always felt like I was in the way standing. We always let the servers know we are waiting for a seat and they have always been helpful and staking out a spot for us.
(4)
L C.
Great addition to the Back Bay! The modern orange decor and soft cushioned chairs really give the Met Back Bay that extra flare. Extremely attentive and friendly staff both up front and at the tables. The Natick and Dedham locations are also owned by the same person. This Met Back Bay would be a full 5 star rating if they offered the burger making option (which I L-O-V-E)! . I think this menu only had one burger choice but there are more options for other items now. Tip: Make reservations!
(4)
Lisa W.
This place is our "Cheers". The bar area up front is fantastic - a warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a delectable and varied bar menu. It is just large enough to be accommodating and just small enough to be intimate. I can't really speak to the main dining room as we've always eaten in the front bar. For my tastes, the bar appetizer menu is more interesting than the dinner menu, but that's just me. A great place to meet for a drink and a bite!
(4)
Liz H.
Friday night scene at the basement bar, 7:30pm: 90% cougars at the bar. Being two late twentysomethings in our after work attire, it wouldn't take much stretch of the imagination to see us turning into this crowd within 10 years. No open chairs, so took us some seat-stalking to finally score seats so we could chow. Drinks: Pumpkin martini (way too sweet! have it for dessert), aviation?, something fruity with gin (delish). However, not really that strong. Stronger drinks definitely see the higher price tag ($14 for the aviation). No angostura bitters for champagne cocktails, but made a "close" replica. Food: Clams Casino - OK, way too many breadcrumbs, a little fishy tasting, could have benefitted from some lemon juice. Duck salad - huge, definitely worth $9, but the duck was dry. Mac & Cheese - Amazing - 'nuff said. All-in-all, it was a fun experience and I think they're still working out food kinks. The service was extremely friendly and decently paced. We'll definitely come back again and hopefully, up the star quotient.
(3)
Alex S.
One of our favorite places. Great new menu with awesome apps to share. We love the food, good wine list and three rooms with different ambiance to choose from.
(5)
David L.
The Met Back Bay boasts a prime location at a scenic intersection, as well as a welcoming atmosphere. I was disappointed, however, when I looked at the menu and found that they do not offer normal house salads. Also, the otherwise friendly and accomodating service shot me down when I attempted to order one off-menu. For an appetizer, I ordered the closest thing to a traditional salad they had, only to find that it was a salad in name only. The gargantuan portion of iceberg lettuce was drowning in ranch dressing and bleu cheese. I was glad I had asked to hold the bacon bits. The macaroni and cheese was surprisingly delicious, but it was very rich and filling, which was a problem because there was so much of it. I recommend the dish, but I advise ordering it to share. In short, the Met is a great meal if you haven't eaten in two days and healthful food is not on your agenda.
(3)
Danielle H.
I realized it must have been a long time since I wandered down that part of Newbury St b/c I was surprised to find that Met had replaced Joe's. Came here at around 6pm for happy hour/snacks and had no trouble finding a large table that could accommodate 6 people. The downstairs bar area seemed to fill up pretty quickly after though. As noted, it does have a very upscale feel and goes beyond your typical happy hour joint. They seemed to have a nice cocktail selection. I had one of the microbrews which was pretty tasty. Also had the kobe beef miniwiches and onion strings, both of which were pretty decent as compared to standard bar food. The thing that stuck out was our waitress seemed pretty aloof and inattentive. It took a while to get her attention on several occasions.
(3)
A B.
Had to find a place for dinner for 10 people after IRENE left us New Yorkers/Philadelphians stranded in Boston after a wedding. We weren't sure where to go, given that nearly every storefront in Backbay was shuttered. The Met Backbay was awesome. They were so friendly. Despite the fact that they had closed the main dining room and were serving a limited menu in the downstairs bar due to the storm, they opened up a table upstairs and the manager waited on us himself. The bar downstairs seemed fun with great TVs. Would be a great place to watch a game. The upstairs dining space was really lovely. Our group's ages spanned from the 60s to the early 20s and there was something for everyone. Food and wine were delicious, even though I am sure they were operating with limited ingredients due to the IRENE shutdown.
(5)
Suzanne M.
I had brunch at Met Back today and it was fabulous. I had the three cheese omelette with crispy hot potatoes and a side order of bacon. I even had one of the make your own bloody Mary's which is a really cool idea. My girlfriend had the veggie omelette with a side Caesar salad. Both of the omelets were light and fluffy and cooked to perfection. When we arrived at 11:30 we had the choice of seats but when we left on hour and a half later the line was long and people seemed to happy wait for a table, I cannot wait to go back and try more of the menu.
(5)
Rick C.
Not as good as its counterpart in Chestnut Hill, our waiter was really strange, food was just OK- the valet parking was awful. Took 20 minutes to get the car- the lot is so far away and they have 2 guys only running back and forth- other people were really pissed off waiting as we were- will not go back
(2)
Ryan P.
We went there on a rainy Sunday to have a drink and an early dinner. We sat in the bar area downstairs. Good TVs, and good windows to people watch on NEwbury. We even saw the star of the 'Jordan's Furniture' commericials (long white hair with pony tail and bear) walking his dog and looking into the restaurant... HA! We got the Met Burger (Medium Rare)... one of the only places that will actually cook your burger medium rare. It was like a beef tartare, with dry aged sirloin. It was excellent to say the least. The Met Truffle fries.. which are for a lack of a better term... 'off the chain' aka very very good with Aoili dipping sauce. The 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese was honestly some of the best Mac and Cheese I have ever had... incredible and perfect portion size. Its a MUST GET! Drinks: She had Iced Tea Libation... Sweet Tea Vodka, Lemon Juice and Homemade Iced Tea. EXCELLENT, she had 2! I had 2 Whales Tale Pale Ales... also excellent. Very Pricey, but expected for a MET restaurant, and location. Service was pretty good overall, except I had to keep asking for refills of water... usually for me, that is a given of refilling once you have finished one glass. The food more than made up for either of those. We
(4)
Richard C.
If you're going to talk the talk you'd better be able to walk the walk, and the Dry-Aged burger at Met Back Bay clearly has issues walking and talking at the same time. The epitome of a burger that sounds really friggin' good on paper (Dr-Aged beef, sharp cheddar, double smoked bacon, port wine onions, organic sesame seed bun) but is a colossal disappointment. There's no debate that a higher price tag has to yield higher expectations and the opportunity for more critiques. It's not nitpicking, that's just the way it is, and this burger, priced at $18, fails in just about every aspect. First and foremost, the promised Dry-Aged beef is frustratingly ordinary, how this costs $7 more than the straight up Prime Blend is beyond me. It tastes like no Dry-Aged meat I've ever had, instead feeling more like it was taken off of the scrap heap. It's also over-cooked, calling it medium would be generous (it's more like a medium-well) despite my ordering it medium-rare. Hard to defend this one, it's sometimes forgivable if the flavor is still there, but for the price tag and the fact that they have an entire menu focused on burgers, it's a tough one to overlook. Unfortunately there is very little flavor to speak of; dry, un-seared, and boring, the burger deserves more. The double smoked bacon is crispy but devoid of any serious smoke, fat or flavor, and the onions are watery and have no hint of the promised Port. I could care less if my bun is organic or not, but I do care if it's dry and seemingly stale. The skin-on Fries are borderline passable, with an oily interior and not enough salt, there was probably less than a dozen of them in the small basket it is served in. It's an egregious burger for $18, over-cooked and bland, the suggestion of superior meat is an insult. Don't fall for the burger that over-promises, because it's most likely going to let you down. But don't think I'm mincing words; this has nothing to do with expectations or having higher hopes, the Met burger was lousy, on my one and only visit, fair or unfair that's what I have to judge.
(1)
Catarina C.
Oh MET. On a walk down Newbury one night, my friend and I decided to stop in here for dinner. Opting to sit inside (i prefer to not eat in a fog of moisture when it is 90 degrees out thank you), we were seated immediately in the side room/banquet. First off, our server was great. She started us out with a bottle of wine and waited patiently for my friend and I to slowly, slowly, slowly decide on what to eat. We are indecisive, and she was very patient. gold star! We first got the lobster dip. I don't know the type of bread that came with it (looks like pita, tastes like chewy nuts,??) but it was delicious. A little greasy, but we knew what fatties we were being when we ordered lobster cheese dip in the first place. The app was very tasty, but stopped being so enticing as it got cold and..ugh grainy cold cheese. We split the chopped salad and sirloin steak as our entree. The salad was delicious! If i wasn't so damn full from the cheesy lobster, i would have MOWED this salad. The sirloin was cooked perfectly but..tasted like a sirloin. Nothing out of the ordinary. One thing I did note was the great music (rappy, beaty, top 40s ish but better) that was playing. It's one thing to eat dinner, but to eat dinner AND jam out to your favorite tunes? Double gold star!!
(4)
Alena K.
The service was fabulous, can't complain at all. Our waiter was friendly, personable and eager to make us happy. The place also looked great and had a great atmosphere. I enjoyed my time there. I'm definately a fan. My only issue was my main entree. I love duck, if theres duck on a menu I always order it. The duck at Met Back Bay was pretty dry and I could hardly eat it. Everything else was great tho! xo Alena
(4)
Diane C.
Heard about their Wednesday night twin lobsters for $25 special. Before the hubbs and I leave Boston, we decided to go give it a try. The food did not disappoint! We ordered the twin lobsters and lobster mac & cheese. DELICIOUS!!!! The lobster was freshly steamed and cut specially for easy eating. The only strange part and room for improvement is kitchen to wait staff communication. We put in our order, and then 15 minutes later, were told that they had run out of lobster (we had reservations at 8pm). TOTALLY bummed, we re-ordered new dishes. But then less than 5 minutes later, our original order came out. SO confused but, in the end, glad we got our lobster. definitely would recommend!
(4)
Joanna L.
I like the Met - it's a great place to sit down for a nice meal in the neighborhood, and everything is dependable; service is always friendly, the upstairs always looks nice, and the food, though not out-of-this-world special - is good quality at reasonable (Back Bay) prices. I always know I'll have a pretty good experience there. Menu has great options for gourmet burgers, as well as good twists on American comfort foods. Truffled fries are delicious. I always come here for dessert, whether it's the sticky toffee pudding, or handmade donuts with chocolate sauce. Sidenote: Avoid the bar downstairs - it lacks the poise and ambience of the upstairs, and feels more like a basement.
(4)
Michelle B.
Terrible service, decent food, good location. Not recommended for large groups. Our hotel concierge recommended this restaurant for our group of 10, and we made a reservation. We walked to the restaurant, and, not knowing exactly how long it would take us, we arrived 10 minutes early. We were promptly scolded by the hostess for being there before our reservation time, and told to go to the bar (incidentally the bar was fun, and servers prompt). We were not seated until 20 minutes past our reservation time (despite the strong indication that punctuality was important). As soon as we were seated, we asked if it would be a problem to have separate bills for each couple. We were told it would not be, but might take 'a little time' to sort out. The food was fairly good, but our waitress rarely checked on us to see if we were doing well, and we pretty much had to flag her down to replenish our drinks. At one point I waited 15 minutes for a glass of wine. The bill took ONE HOUR to sort out, and this was after we had actually written on the bill what should be charged to each credit card. It never was correct but by then, we were so irritated we just left. The server was obviously irritated with us, so my husband reminded her that we had asked about this before we ordered anything. She said, "Maybe you just should have brought cash." Excuse me?? We were a group of professionals in town for a conference, we had money to spend, and we were having fun together. If she had actually managed to smile once, or had the bills been correct, she would have made a killer tip. Her loss. We won't be back to The Met.
(2)
Stephanie C.
I went in on a random weekday night for dinner at the bar. First, I loved the Library Bar decor very much. cozy, lounge-like with a small bar (6 chairs I think). A friend recommended them to me for the Short Rib Tacos (off the bar menu). And I asked for them. And I loved them immediately. For dessert, I got the ice cream sandwich trio. It was a great concept, the sandwiches themselves were very tasty, but the plate-up was a bit uninspired. The bartender was great. Jay was his name I think. Friendly, attentive, and when I didn't like the drink I ordered, he took it off the bill and replaced it, no problem. The best part was that the bar was empty when I arrived and full when I left. And all 6 of us were random strangers, chatting over dinner with each other about anything and everything. On a side note, the pasta bolognese that the lady at the other end of the bar ordered looked great, but go with the half order, it's plenty. I can't wait to go back for something off the dinner menu.
(4)
Will S.
We stopped in for a late lunch at Met and were pleasantly surprised by the good food and friendly, hard-working staff. Our waiter / bartender never stopped moving once during the hour we were there. It was impressive. The salmon burger done Tokyo style is definitely recommended!
(3)
Shelly R.
I decided to have my birthday party there last weekend based on the fact that there was an entire bar dedicated to ham and cheese. Excellent. Though it is crowded and very little standing room the combination of three bars among many traditional dining seats makes this a winner in my book. I love to sit at the bar and there is plenty of bar space! The drinks are excellent - I stuck to Blood Orange Cosmos which while strong, were delicious. As I was hanging out by the ham and cheese bar, I had many samples of ham which were all various kinds of American ham, yet exotic in flavor - I hope to get a ham and cheese platter next visit. I was hoping to get a cheaper sample (the platter is $18) so I ordered the ham & cheese bites which ended up being fried squares of prosciutto and cheese with three types of dipping mustard- not what I expected, but it went amazingly well with my second Cosmo. For dinner I was wooed by a promise of a donation to Japan for ordering the Tokyo burger - and there were no regrets there. The medium rare sear on my burger was on the rare side (something most restaurants shy away from - but I love) and it was so good that I ate the entire thing leaving no room for their fries which are nothing special. I can't in good conscience give them five stars because I've only been there once. Also it was a busy Friday so I should cut them some slack, but I had to complain to the manager early in the evening that our waitress forgot twice to bring me water. He was really nice about it and kept the water flowing thereafter. I was there for about 5 hours.
(4)
Carla C.
2 of us had lunch on Sunday. As it happened, Food Network was filming inside, so everyone ate outside. A family of 6 (3 children) was seated next to us, they were visiting from England. They were nice and quiet, but were asked to leave because they need the small tables for small parties (?). I felt terrible that they would be treated this way. On a good note, the arugula salad is excellent (although I was expecting it to have the pistachio covered goat cheese like I have had in other Met Bars). My husband's chopped salad was also excellent. And the wait staff (other than the one who asked the family to leave) was very nice.
(3)
Kim C.
I was excited to try this place because I had heard great things... I ordered a the LA burger medium rare and my daughter got the mini cheeseburgers - also medium rare. My burger came out with bacon, lettuce, and mayo - it was missing the avocado and sprouts - so the server took it back and the kitchen added the other toppings. The server brought back the corrected burger, I took one bite and realized that the burger was well done. Ugh. It took about 5 minutes to get the server's attention, I explained that the burger was not cooked as I ordered it, and she asked if there was something else they could make for me. Um, no thank you. My daughter got through her first mini-cheeseburger but also complained that it was well done. It took another 5 minutes to flag down the server - she had not been back since I called her over to take back my burger. They took both burgers off our bill but what upscale restaurant known for burgers screws up like that? Not going back.
(1)
Cami F.
LOVE the met back bay! Great spot for dinner and drinks with a friend. Their salads are huge and best split, and I really love their grilled artichokes (mmm, garlic aioli dipping sauce). They have some creative drinks but I wouldn't go for drinks alone- the bar can be crowded and there really isn't standing room.
(4)
Keryn B.
I have been a few times for lunch, including stumbling in on their first day open. I love love love the atmosphere in there. The airyness that lacked in Joe's Bar in Grille is so calming. My go to all time favorite that I crave is the chopped salad with chicken, it is literally the best salad I have ever had. If you are with a friend they will even split it for you, it is so big even when it is split. My co-worker and I will split the salad and the chicken sandwich. I need to be a little more adventurous when I am here, but every time I go I with that salad in mind. The burgers are fantastic too. The brownie dessert is pretty good too, it is a deconstructed sundae, the coconut ice cream is my favorite part. I love the bar downstairs, we will eat lunch there every now and again, and the service is awesome.
(4)
Julia G.
Memorial day, just stepped in. They seated us quickly, which was great! Food was good, but the falafel with the salmon was a little too over spiced. Portions are great as well. Cocktails were excellent, boyfriend ordered The Nantucket and I kept stealing sips (poor guy). Worth checking out, overall.
(4)
Claire G.
Five stars for pretentious service. The food was ok. We basically got kicked off the patio after we were done eating but still sipping so-so sangria because they didn't have enough chairs. Not impressed.
(2)
Taz S.
Went late on a Saturday nite. Bar was busy but found table, seats open at bar. Not crazy busy. Good points: They did a fab job on the buildout. I know. I work in building and suffered through it :) But....it looks great. Congrats. Bad points: upwards of 20 min. wait for drink. Bad. Sullen bartenders and servers. Bad. Off drinks. Bad. Deathly slippery floor. Bad. Although...provided some entertainment, watching the slipping/sliding no that wasn't me show. Summary: In this 'hood, plenty of places to plunk down $13/drink. No real reason to do it here. But hey, great job on gutting place.
(2)
Kathleen F.
I was here for dinner when they opened and recently went back for some apps and drinks at the bar. The seafood dishes were very delicious for dinner! I really enjoyed them and our waiter was super friendly. Recent experience at the bar was great too, we got a pitcher of the spiked lemonade and tried the guac with grilled corncakes. The food is very fresh which I like and the guac and really ripe chunks of tomato and corn which was a nice addition! We did come here at a non busy time so the bar service was pretty good. I can see how it could get a little chaotic when the place becomes busier, but overall dining in w' a reservation, and hanging at the bar when it's not too busy were both great experiences.
(4)
Jay S.
We went here for a quick business lunch. We all tried the burgers. I had the Boston burger with an egg on top. Atmosphere is typical Newbury Street. The burgers were very good and very expensive. The fries were average. Overall, an OK experience.
(4)
Eric Y.
Went here for the 1st time on a Saturday night, had reservations for 8pm. I haven't been here since the old Joe's location a few years back and was impressed with the renovation and decor. It has a classy/upscale feel and very comfortable seating arrangements. We ordered 2 small appetizer plates, pita/hummus and brushetta, both were good, but for sure "small appetizers. For main courses we had salmon, kobe beef tips. and a soup/salad combo. Everyone really enjoyed their dishes and they were very well presented and portion size very good as well. Service was great-very nice waiter and personable as well. There is a very cool/busy bar downstairs where you can also get their full menu. Looked like an older crowd for sure, but a relaxed atmosphere. Will for sure return again soon!
(4)
Joanna E.
This place is beautiful, and has a few fun bars to hang out in. The menu is extensive, and you can tell they're really trying...but. But, the food was only OK. And I've been to the two other METs - Chestnut Hill and Natick, which are amazing, 5 star all the way. I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt and assume any kinks are because they're new in town. Or order was 75% wrong. The meat, app, sauce, - they were all the exact opposite of what we ordered. Our waiter was super-sweet, but...like I said, it's still the beginning for them. They did their best to make us feel welcome. Actually, drinks were outstanding. I'll definitely be back, but I'm going to wait a few months....
(3)
Eli R.
It's pretty much unheard of for me to be able to justify paying $18 for a burger and fries, but I was in a burger mood and so was my girlfriend, so we decided to check out the Met Bar's new Newbury Street location. We were there between the lunch and dinner hours, and were told they were only serving the bar menu. We grabbed a seat in the "Library Room" at the top of the stairs, and our waitress quickly came and took our orders. The only complaint about the service was that she spoke too quietly to hear in the crowded and busy lounge, but was otherwise fine. So, the GF and I are looking at the menu, both of us in awe of the offerings. We opted to split the Wild arugula salad, which was flavorful, despite being dressed with only EVOO. The hazlenuts and shaved mushrooms gave the salad more than enough flavor on their own, and the peppery bite of the arugula went with it perfectly. Onto the meals. She opted for the Kobe burger, Tokyo style (avocado / muenster / pickled onions / sticky soy / daikon sprouts / wasabi mayo), and cooked rare. I opted for the Back Bay Dry Aged burger cooked medium rare served with duck fat fries. Both of us were absolutely satisfied with our choices. The meat on the dry-aged burger was succulent and delicious, easily the most flavorful beef I have ever tasted, and my GF's Kobe burger was phenomenal. She rarely finishes a burger, but she couldn't stop eating this one. I felt the same way about mine. I was full about halfway through, but there was no way I was leaving any of it on the plate. They were incredible in every way. While I don't see myself going here often, I will definitely be treating myself to one of these burgers every few months or so because it is just that good.
(4)
John M.
The upstairs layout sucks, who wants to sit in small dark rooms with no atmosphere. The menu is Just OK. bland steaks and burgers. my burger seriously needed some seasoning. Our waiter Jason was great and personable but it's a pain in ass for the servers to get drinks downstairs. The staff downstairs sucks. They are rude. I would never go back.
(2)
scott m.
My first visit at lunch today was almost perfect. Boston burger was cooked exactly as i requested. Egg topping and duck fat fries were delicious. My girlfriends ham & cheese w/ egg, not so much. she found it cumbersome to eat and the cheese a little too soft, making it tasteless. We sat the Library Bar and had great service. Curteous, fast and heavy handed with the cocktail pours. Granted it was not too busy and we had time to linger, so not rushed. The space is different than the old Joes design. Seems more formal that it needs to be. Will be curious to see how they handle a more crowded afternoon or dinner service. Looking forward to going back and trying something else. Cost was what I expected to pay in Back Bay, so no different than other places inthe area.
(4)
Mardget P.
Ambiance is beautiful in the upstairs dining room--the food is pretty good, though typically Newburyish in being overpriced and fancifully described. The staff are really nice and it's a great place for brunch on Sundays in that it's not a yard sale like Joe's or Stephanie's. The buttermilk biscuits are delicious (says a Southerner) and there's a nice variety of breakfast and lunch options. You're better off without ordering fresh items (fruit, salads) as they tend to be of the flavorless or underripe variety--but the hot fudge brownie sundae? YES.
(3)
William G.
I dine here 2 - 3 times per month. I'd give the food and decor a 4.5. All of my issues are with the front of the house. Reception is almost always terrible, and the wait staff is really inconsistent. Reception ranges from cold to rude, and I have been seated right next to another table in an empty room more than once. I also had a waiter that tried to include himself in our conversation while getting the order completely wrong. I've also had a few excellent servers. The bartenders in the library are always friendly and on the ball, especially Ted. The salads are huge. I like to split an arugula salad with a friend as a starter. The small bites are really good, especially the deviled eggs and asparagus. The fish entrees are usually tasty, as is the burger.
(3)
Leila A.
So this place was a little disappointing. Weirdest part first: I'm dining with my husband, a party of 2. When we are ready to pay, we put down our credit card with the check. The waitress comes and picks up the check and looks at us and says: Waitress: "Only one credit card??!!" Me: "umm, huh?" Waitresss: "You don't want to split this check?" No, I did not want to split the check with my husband. Since when does a waitress ask if you want to split a check when you have not said a word about splitting and proffered a single credit card? Weird. Other weird things: Large serving with hummus came with only a few tiny wedges of pita. We asked for more pita, and it came. A new charge was put on the bill for the extra pita. Umm okay, whatever, but should've been mentioned when we ordered it. Moreover, pita serving should be readjusted to match the quantity of hummus. 3 bean salad really only had two beans in it, and both were varieties of string beans. I thought this could use clarification on the menu... Cocktails were tasty, although it was 5 pm and they were out of ginger, which ruled out the two drinks I was most interested in. Artichoke was a little bit on the tough side, and needed salt. What else? Space is cozy, and I kind of liked the atmosphere. But food was a little lacking, and the waitress was seriously awkward. Given the prices and the upscale vibe, it was disappointing.
(2)
Jeff J.
I'd give negative stars if Yelp allowed it. My dinner there last night was probably the single most regrettable dining experience I've had in Boston, or anywhere. Food: I've gotten better rotisserie chicken at gas stations. The "asian goddess dressing" on my salad wasn't even fit for peons. My girlfriend was equally nonplussed at the flavorless slab of tofu that was supposed to pass for "tofu steak". Terrible dining room: My girlfriend and I were seated in the "Conservatory Room". Read: low-ceilinged room with bare walls into which management had jammed seating for about 20. Under good circumstances it would be unpleasant to hear echoes of other diners' conversation bouncing off the walls. We were particularly unlucky last night because our neighbors included a foul family party of about 8 that didn't know how to use inside voices or to refrain from cursing. (I'm not a prude, but I was trying to have a nice dinner with my girlfriend. Echoing A-bombs didn't set the mood I was hoping for.) Clueless serving staff: the kitchen staff brought out food but not utensils. The tables were tiny and yet we had to ask a few time to have our appetizer plates cleared. Halfway into our meal the servers wanted to bring another chair into the already cramped dining room. Surprise...there was no room. But that didn't stop them from asking my girlfriend to move her chair (which she patiently did), and it didn't stop them from pushing her chair and our entire table out of the way when there still wasn't enough room to accommodate more chairs. Anyway, I won't be going back.
(1)
Rene' Y.
Wow. I like the atmosphere. After walking around the city we came here for some drinks and a quick appetizer. We ordered the "Indian corn" from the regular menu rather than the bar menu. It was creamy, sweet, thicker version of corn chowder but 10 times yummier. I will be back soon.
(5)
Cat And Dave U.
All in all, don't waste your money. Take it from us - we are the suckers who have gone back THREE TIMES hoping the last was just a fluke performance. Well, after last nights experience, we've decided to give up hope. Both culinarians, 1 professionally trained and 1 with years of experienced, we are always on the prowl for a great meal. From the outside looking in, the Met bar has everything a culinarian would want - a intriguing menu, a great looking ambiance and a cool & trendy bar. But once you step in the door and sit down to the slow service and mostly vacant menu (as our waiter said last night "before I take your order, let me check with the kitchen to see what else we are out of", you remember the truth to the old term "perception is not always what it seem". We won't bore you with the lousy details of how awful our experiences have been over the past 3 visits, but believe you me - we are done with the disappointments and plan to move on - and DO NOT recommend to ANYONE!
(1)
Alex V.
Only gets better when someone else picks up the tab!
(5)
Angela L.
We will never ever give this restaurant our business again. A beautiful day in Boston and we wanted to sit outside with our dog outside of the railing like you are able to do at every other restaurant in Back Bay. Not here. They asked us to tie him to the tree by the side of Newbury St.. When I went in to discuss this with the manager they just grinned and shrugged their shoulders. I have heard many people complain about Met Bar in the past and I have always defended them because I enjoyed coming here. Not any more!! Met Bar you just lost a very loyal patron. We will be more than happy to take our business to Stephanie's down the street where they welcome our dog with open arms and do not ask us to tie him to a tree by the side of the road. Not to mention the food there is much better.
(1)
Andy C.
Brunch at Met Back Bay was the perfect compliment to this weekend's sudden burst of Spring. With establishments such as Parish, Stephanie's, and Cafe Sonsie serving up stiff competition along Newbury, Met Back Bay definitely emerges as the winner. The dining space is beautifully decorated, complimented by a wide variety of seating options - bar, patio, and dining room. The brunch menu is eclectic, and the servers strike the perfect balance between maintaining attention and privacy (thanks Scott!) The pork stuffed hash brown I had was generous in serving size, and the jalapeno hollandaise sauce added just the right amount of zing to the crispy potatoes. My friend thoroughly enjoyed his tuna tartare, which was refreshing to the palate, and found his burger grilled to perfection. The Quebec maple syrup tart had a light sweet flourish that was decorated nicely with blueberry compote, and the pineapple upside down cake was wonderfully moist without being soggy. All in all, the best brunch experience I've had in Boston so far.
(5)
d f.
Usual, nothing special. Inconsistent drinks depending on who is tending bar. Pricey.
(1)
Lindsay S.
Went here late yesterday afternoon for late lunch/early dinner with my husband. We sat down around 4:30 in the bar area upstairs (self seating). The ambience was nice but everything else was not so hot. My number 1 complaint was our waitress. She took forever to do everything- from giving us menus, to getting us water (which I asked to have with lemon and she forgot so I had to ask again and that took her at least another 10 minutes to do), to getting our food and eventually our bill. Aigh. The food was average Bar/American food with higher prices. My husband and I both got burgers which we shared....one was a Salmon Tokyo burger and the other the Met Paris burger. They were both incredibly messy to eat- sauces and more oozing over the edge. I wish they were put together a bit better. The salmon burger was definitely lacking salt and some flavor. The Paris burger was cooked well done when asked for medium well. And finally the fries were cold and had no salt on them. I asked for salt but by the time our waitress came back with salt, they were practically gone (we were both very hungry!) I would not recommend this place. Honestly you can get a better burger at Applebees for a much cheaper price- and the service will likely be better too. Spend your $$ elsewhere.
(2)
CC K.
Food is terrible here. Save your money and go somewhere else. The burger was hard on the edges , the bacon overcooked into hard little sticks. Burger King is delicious compared to this burger. The rotisserie chicken was dry, French fries were soggy. Service was the only good thing
(1)
Sarah S.
Get the basil martini drink thing. Yes, that is as descriptive as I can get. But seriously, it should be enough. Service tends to be meh, and it's a little spendy, hence 3 stars.
(3)
Kristen F.
I heard Met Back Bay opened this afternoon, but my friend and I went in the evening and sat at the bar downstairs. Our bartender Brian was really great and suggested some awesome appetizers we ended up trying: parmesan truffle fries and some sort of brisket tacos I think. Delicious!!
(4)
Lynda M.
Still feels like Joe's with higher prices, new wood paneling, and a new coat of paint. The downstairs bar is still small, claustrophobic, crowded and underwhelming.
(1)
Ali W.
I remember the days when this spot used to be Joe's.. and it was dark, dank and unimpressive. Now that Met has taken over, it's bright, airy and filled to the gills on a Saturday night. I like that! I came here last night with my boyfriend, and after during a run-through of the space (you have to do that before you commit to a location, my friends) we decided to sit downstairs at the seat-yourself tables. We got a table right away (woo-hoo!) and the bar menu and regular menu are basically the same, except cheaper.. which is always a good thing. The menu boasts a laundry list of fun cocktails, beers and wines by the glass. For food, we ordered a pizzete (unfortunately, lack luster in taste and WAY too wet) and two DIY burgers which were tasty, however not the best burgers I've ever tasted. I know this is probably a moot point, but I wish they had served the burgers on regular sized plates, and pre-cut the pizza. Our server was running around like a chicken with her head cut off, so I can't blame her for making us wait a bit to order food and drinks. She did apologize after we had paid, so I appreciate that. I like to do a dry run-through of a new restaurant so I can yelp it appropriately, but I forgot (dammit!) to check out the bathrooms. I didn't want to be overly creepy, checking people out who were eating, but I can happily say that Met is clean, bustling and full of happy diners. The view from the upstairs dining room is lovely, and the seating areas are full of high-back, leather chairs and cute booths - perfect for a date, or a business dinner. Make sure to make a reservation, especially on a busy weekend night, if you're not OK with seat yourself... definitely give this place a try!
(4)
tasha r.
Mediocre food that is way over priced. Wait staff is very friendly, but there was a lot confusion at our table of six since the food runners constantly put the wrong dish in front of the wrong person. Throughout our entire meal, it was like: "hey, did you order that side of fries or is that mine?" "Wait, is this your appetizer?" "Oh, sorry, I ate some of your side dish."
(2)
Garth S.
Met Back Bay is just what Newbury Street needs: another pretty, higher-end chain restaurant that caters to people who know neither the value of a dollar nor the difference between good food and crap. I thought the Back Bay Restaurant Group (Joe's American, the Atlantic Fish Company, Charley's, etc.) had that covered for the Boston area but apparently there's always room for one more. I'm sorry to say that when H---- and I were there the other night, it was at my suggestion. I was tired of going to the same places and I wanted something different. Because the streets were icy, I didn't want to stray too far from the T. After going through the usual list of Back Bay staples, I remembered that Met recently opened in the space Joe's American vacated last year. I'd been to the Natick and Dedham locations, which were fine, but not great, so I suggested we check out the Back Bay location. At first, H---- was favorably or, as she'd write, "favourably," impressed. It was still early, the restaurant was quiet, and we settled comfortably into the upstairs bar. H---- liked the decor: leather seating, subdued lighting, stock photographs of sophisticated people from the 1930s. (I could swear I saw Amelia Earhart in one of them. Perhaps not a tone one wants to set for a restaurant but whatever . . . ) The waitress came by and took our drink orders. H---- ordered Proseco and I, in keeping with the early 20th Century vibe, requested a sidecar. I will swear that the waitress rolled her eyes when she wrote it down. I can't imagine why; it's a perfectly manly drink if you're generous with the lemon juice and don't (ever, under any circumstances) put sugar on the rim of the glass. But even if I asked for something pink garnished with a cherry and a tiny umbrella, the reaction was just bad form. Strike 1. We ordered appetizers. H---- had the French onion soup and I went with the fried ham and cheese balls. H---- said the soup was good but not great. My ham and cheese was disgusting. It had potential and might have been good but it was either overfried to the point of burnt, just like every other fried item I'd eaten at any of the Met locations, or perhaps it was just time to change the oil in the fryer. In any event, Strike 2. Among the people I know who like Met, the burgers tend to rate high. I had a turkey burger, my second. The first was at the Met Bar at Legacy Place in Dedham. I was not crazy about it then but thought I'd try once more. Some places do turkey burgers well; Met is not one of them. I won't mark down for this, however, because it might be a matter of taste. What I will mark down for is dessert. My simple scoop of mint chip ice cream was delicious. It was, in fact, the best part of the meal but the dirt-encrusted spoon the waitress brought just before the ice cream arrived ruined the moment. I don't know how she could not have noticed it. I did immediately but before I could call her attention to it, she was gone. Strike 3 and, for good measure, Strike 4. H---- and I agreed: The ambiance was nice but that was as far as it went. Maybe I'll try Met Back Bay for lunch one day but I doubt I'll return for dinner any time soon.
(2)
Beverly C.
A reservation was mad the first week in April for a May 20th Law School Graduation. The reservation was for 10 people and was confirmed. On May 11th I received a call that my reservation was being cancelled along with 20 others. They had a better offer from a private party. The GM made no attempt to refer us to a restaurant and he barely apologized as he was more concerned with the other calls he was charged with making. So here I sit in Chicago without a place for my family to go to celebrate this event. Nine days to find a restaurant on graduation weekend. What way is this to run a business?
(1)
Christine H.
where do i begin. my husband and i headed for met back bay after some time on newbury - we've been to other Met restaurants and assumed we'd be safe getting a quick bite here. we've never been more wrong. we ordered the lobster and cheddar cheese dip, and the ham and cheese bites. if you want to try the lobster and cheddar cheese dip Met style - go to stop and shop, buy some cheddar cheese wiz, and spray it on imitation crabmeat. and for ham and cheese bites, ask the butcher for the left over ham fat, roll it in breadcrumbs, then flash fry. we had our tab in hand within 5 minutes of being served. as prompt as the waitress was bringing us our tab, she was pretty oblivious and didn't think to ask why our food was completely untouched and she'd only just served us our first beer. absolute disaster - the food was nauseating and the staff needs a refresher course in hospitality. the only reason to go to met back bay is for a beer. play it safe and get the kind in the bottle.
(1)
Danielle E.
BEWARE!!!! DO NOT GO HERE FOR FOOD!!!!! I have had drinks here on two occassions, they were fine. Recently, I went there for a meal for the first time. I sat at the bar downstairs and ordered the Chinatown salad which is basically a huge bowl filled with (what I assume are) pre chopped salad mixture topped with crispy duck. Before eating the salad I pulled all of the duck off the bone. On the third or fourth bite of my salad I bit down to something so hard I was afraid I had broken my tooth. Assuming I had missed a bone I fished it out of my mouth and it turned out to be an industrial sized STAPLE. It was about an inch or an inch and a half long and looked DIRTY. I was absolutely horrified and disgusted, not to mention it hurt my tooth very badly and I was afraid it had cut my mouth. The bartender took the salad right away, and by the time I had returned from the bathroom he asked me how I was and informed me the manager was coming to talk to me. The manager approached me and said, "first of all I would like to give you my card, I'm the manager here" while never actually stating his name! He asked me if I was okay and then offered to take the salad off the bill, and then left. Honestly he seemed really nervous and completely un-professional. Having worked in restaurants in the past I felt that in this type of situation the manager should have gone above and beyond, not only offering to take the salad off the bill. Of course it needs to be taken off the bill, there was a STAPLE in it. I am very, very dissapointed in every aspect of my evening there and I caution anyone who goes there to inspect their food before eating - if you choose to eat there! Their kitchen is obviously not clean and there is some MAJOR oversight going on there.
(1)
Kir C.
We went to the Met last night and had a horrible experience! The service was beyond bad- the waitress was so slow, and rude to us. We also hated the food- we ended up having an appetizer and leaving. We would never go back!
(1)
Tanya B.
I went to Met Back Bay last night for dinner and I thought it was great! I love the atmosphere, they have really transformed it. The food was also delicious. I liked the appetizer of pretzel sticks and cheese (not sure what kind exactly, but it was good) - it was something fun and different. I got the Met Burger, and it was soooooo good! Definitely something I would crave and want again. My burger came with duck fat french fries, which our waitress raved about, but to be honest, they weren't anything special. If she hadn't told me that they were "different" then I wouldn't have noticed either way. My friend got the Mac and cheese, and for the very reasonable price, they gave her a very generous portion. I also tried it, and thought it was yummy. It's a nice addition to the Newbury St. area. I want to go back and check out the bar downstairs and try more things on the menu!
(4)
W D.
Stopped here for brunch the other day. We were at the end of the brunch service time, so I expected to be rushed through our meal and pushed out the door. Well the second part was accurate as they turned the dining room lights off on us, but the first part was contradicted by our slooowwwwww service. My bloody mary was in fact delicious, although devoid of any perceptible alcohol, and the food was very mediocre. The decor was great, but the music must have been chosen by a teenage dj. Overall, I would only recommend this if you have no issues with overpaying for your food to sit in nice rooms and drink.
(2)
Carol K.
I went there a few weeks ago and experienced one of the most memorable food experiences I've had in over a year...the Truffle Indian Corn!!! Off the hook!!! It was only an appetizer but I could probably that stuff twice a day. It is that good. Loved the roasted Cauliflower and the definitely have a pretty amazing burger. Our server, Alex was extremely helpful and attentive. The atmosphere was cool. What was nice was that I didn't have to order a $30 entree to have a great meal. I will be back there for sure!
(5)
David M.
This place is clean, but the food is so lukewarm. The last time I was there I went downstairs to split a few apps over a glass of wine with a friend. Supposedly the fries were to die for, but I couldn't eat them because they were so salty. The wine choice is good, but I wasn't impressed with anything else, especially not the plastic deer on the wall.
(2)
Sydney K.
food was delicious. the lobster dip is amazing!! must have appetizer. and the bolognese is excellent as well. we also had a really awesome table/booth overlooking newbury st and i lovee people watching :) my waiter was very pleasant and cheerful...not too hard on the eyes either! love love love coming here. everyone needs to go!
(5)
Kristin Z.
For bar only .... Came in because the place I wanted to go to wasn't open. Unfriendly bartenders who don't make it an inviting place to stay for a second drink much less one . I came, I saw, & won't be back.
(1)
Chrishelle C.
We ate at the bar for dinner one Sunday night when they offer gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches for $5.95. They were out of the Classic so I opted for the lobster cheddar dip appetizer as my meal. My boyfriend had the El Amigo grilled cheese with jalapeños, shredded short rib abd queso fresco. The sandwich also came with sweet potato fries. He enjoyed both items a great deal. I think the highlight though was the lobster dip! It had big chunks of lobster meat mixed into cheesy goodness!! And it didn't come with regular chips. Instead it came with arepas, which is this fried corn dough. It was pure ecstasy in your mouth when combined with the dip. Another big plus to this place was the super cold pints of draft beer. It was certainly the coldest glasses of beer I've had while visiting Boston. We went back one more time before we left Boston so that we could get the dip again and it did not disappoint. We also ordered the grilled artichoke appetizer, which was also good, but nothing beats the lobster dip. Sooo yummy!!
(4)
Joanna S.
Came here with a couple if college friends who were upset about the Atlantic Fish Company. Apparently they can't prepare fish properly. We walked down Newbury Street and decided to go in and was pleasantly surprised. We all ordered fish for dinner and they were cooked perfectly. The clam chowder was also delicious The beer list is short and not super great but the service is good.
(4)
Donny R.
Slow service & horrible service, but food was good. We were told the wait would be 25 minutes, but wound up taking 50 minutes. We were fine with the original wait because the bar looked nice, but the service was deplorable. The bar tenders were more focused on what appeared to be their friends and ignored us. Once they decided to serve us they forgot they were supposed to get my girlfriend a drink because they were so focused on their group of friends. Once seated the service continued to decline. The waiter was forgetful (he tried to do everything from memory, but finally realized he had to write down our order) and insisted that my girlfriend could not handle the hotness of the peppercorn ranch. He seemed to refuse to bring this item out for her chicken. He relented and finally brought it out. Guess what? It was like eating regular ranch. Anyway, it is a shame because the food was good, but service is definitely discouraging me from returning. If you do go get the clam chowder it is really good. Just thought I would end on a high note. Thanks.
(2)
Jessica J.
If I could give it a negitive 5 star I would. We went there for my friends birthday party. Besides the waiter being extremely unattentive and forgetting half the things we ordered... The food was just plain bad. Its way over priced for the quality. For instance I ordered the lobster fra diavlo and there we jalopeanos in it... Not normal for that dish. Others ordered the burger (one would think hard to mess up) but soon after she go sick. After all the bad food the waiter ended up charging us to much and it took him forever to get us any refills on drinks or bread. He also couldn't even grate cheese over the pasta. If a place is going to charge this much for food they should really get better at making it and get better staff on hand. I never really post to yelp about my expirences but this one was so bad I felt the need to.
(1)
Lisa G.
Had dinner the other night, the food was good, atmosphere loud and service was ok. It took way too long for our dinner, (45 minutes) and the fire alarms went off for 1/2 hour. No one told us what was going, the Boston hook and ladder truck came and then when the alarm stopped they said it was the burgalar alarm?? Did someone try to steal the $5.00 bread? Yes, they charge you for bread at the table!!
(3)
Christine P.
Went to this bar last night for dinner/drinks on Dartmouth Street. Didn't realize it is the old Joe's American Bar and Grill until I got there. Definitely a huge space, I've heard great things about it and I did think the drink menu was fun. For some reason at 7:45pm last night they were not too busy and so they sat 3 of us at a table meant for 9 or 10 people. I thought that was really odd. The waiter in that room (Library Bar?) was really good at suggesting entrees and drinks and apps. We had the octopus salad which was really good, but tiny. And we had the quinoa stuff, however you spell it, and that was so so. I thought it needed a cracker with it or something. I got the tuna steak which was recommended and delicious. However, I did get ill this morning so that was either the rare tuna or the plentiful drinks I consumed! One drink I had there, the hot toddy, was great; I have a cold and so I wanted something to kick that. My friends got the fountain of youth martini and said those were really good. All in all I'd say this was a decent spot, definitely happening bar, prices probably in-line with that area ($28 for a tuna steak). I wouldn't race to go back although I've heard they do a great brunch so maybe worth checking out.
(3)
Alana F.
So as hospitality students my roommate/best friend and I are very critical about where we eat and spend our money... especially when it comes to our ultimate love... burgers. So it was my 21st birthday and instead of wanting to be belligerent college students all I wanted was a big juicy/decadent burger to make my day. Having had most of the amazing burgers in Boston (shout out SDLT, Houstons, and Blue Ox), we wanted to to try someplace different. Let us tell you, this burger did not disappoint. My friend went for the Paris burger with gooey- over easy egg, caramelized onions, brie and a lot of juicy goodness. I had the LA burger, which was cooked a little more than the medium I asked for, but it was absolutely amazing. Since we have been studying/working in the hospitality field for a while we need to give major shout outs to our server who got sat 7 tables at the same time. You were great, the hostess just needs to keep a better eye out for you. Can't wait to come back for a burger, maybe I'll even go for the famous duck fat fries next time. And the Malbec was great. Thanks MET for a great birthday to remember!
(4)
Jill S.
I had been to The Met for brunch prior to the Holidays. Service was pretty good however the meal was very pricy for fairly basic, non-out-of-this world food. In any event, I chalked it up to the three bottles of champagne I had enjoyed during my visit. So we decided to go back for dinner. The service...uhhhh...the service. Painful to the point that I actually felt bad for our server who was number 1. AWEFUL and 2. in the weeds with 2 tables. I get it we all have tough days but this was unreal. I ordered a Kettle and soda with a lemon. I got a lime, no biggie just asked for a lemon next time she came around. The problem was that everytime I asked for another Kettle and Soda with lemon...guess what I got? Yup a lime. And PLEASE, please don't make me ask you for a drink, this is why I tip you, because you anticipate MY needs as a paying customer. Alright folks...being a sever is not comparable to being a rocket scientist. I know this because as early as I can remember, I have been waiting tables and bartending til I graduated college and after. So I am annoyed at this point however the Kettle One is starting to do its job.... It had been awhile since we had all gotten together so we were chatting away catching up. It was pretty clear we were not ready even though we told her we'd grab her when we were ready to put in our entree course. This did not stop her from constantly coming over and asking "ready"? Ready for what? You to leave us alone? Yes! We ordered, and a very simple request for my Casear with Salmon...please cook my salmon thru. Nope. Raw in the middle...and to make matters worse..my romaine, was crunchy...not the good fresh, crisp crunchy...the I didn't get washed well enough and still was full of dirt crunchy. I will usually involve the manager at this point, but all I wanted to do was leave and never return. Its too bad, the bars and overall atmosphere are great. Just stinks that the food is not worth the price and the service is less than average. Next time I will just go to Abe and Louis, at least you get what you pay for and the service is always spot on.
(2)
K S.
Food was good but service was only OK. I had a reservation for a party of 8 which was for 9pm on Friday. I made the reservation about 5 days in advance and had wanted to come around 8pm but I understand it wasn't available for a group our size. So when we all arrived at Met Back Bay, they couldn't find our reservation - turns out the hostess booked it for Saturday and not Friday. So they scramble to try and seat us which took about 20 minutes, during which we just stood there in the lobby. I understand that mistakes happen so none of us were too upset - we were just hungry because it was getting late. You would think after something like that the service would be great.. oh no, our waiter was slow and treated us rudely. We were all just a little taken back by his attitude. Maybe it was just a fluke, I'd try Met one more time, but if it was the same service I'd think again about returning.
(3)
A E.
I really wish I loved the Met. I want to love met.... But alas I just like it. I'll give a run down: arrived for our reservation for 6 and the Hostess was friendly and responsive. Was seated a fabulous booth - all is good. Server arrived while we were still taking our coats off (no coat check in Jan) and asked us for our cocktail order without giving us time to look at menu. He asked if we wanted Cosmo's to start, as if that's all that women in groups drink. Fast forward: food arrived promptly. Wedge salad was not truly a wedge, no blue cheese as they use ranch instead. Salad comes chopped w tomatoes in it, and almost no dressing. C+ for salads. Split Mac and cheese w my friend. They kindly pre-split the order for us, which was nice. I asked a bottle of hot sauce to give the dish some flavor (super bland...think cheese sauce vs. A nice tangy 5 cheese blend). 10 mins later no hot sauce, while the rest of the table ate. Finally my friend spoke up and asked server for sauce again. He came back w Tobasco poured on a small plate...stating they don't like to have bottles on the table. So I'm supposed to dip my Mac into the sauce? Waiter seemed ticked that I asked for bottle or small bowl instead - no resolution. B- for Mac and cheese. I felt like the bus boy was our server. He continuously tried to take our plates and glasses before we were finished...if there is still food on my plate and my fork is still in my hand, chances are I'm still eating. And when a cocktail is $13, I'm probably going to drink all of it. Bottom line: un-seasoned waitstaff that clearly is used to working at Friday's or Appleby's, entire experience was rushed by our server and left us feeling pushed out. Food looked better on menu than in reality....high aspirations with lackluster execution. B-
(3)
Laleh J.
Decent fare. Sit outside when the weather is good.
(4)
Rebecca C.
I've recently started coming here and it truly has been a treat. My usual bartender lily is always super friendly and quick to get my drinks to me. At the met there Are Multiple rooms with different ambiances. The room down stairs is more of a relaxed room and the other room I have gone to is right above the stairs. It is tiny but makes me feel like I'm in the movie pretty Woman.... Take that how You will. The food here is filling also! It is worth ordering the meatballs on Sunday. My friend got the meatballs With pesto pasta and garlic been and it looked amazing. I got the chicken meat balls with the Mac n cheese. A bit heavier than I expected but still delish!
(5)
Angela L.
Came here for girls brunch after a night out. Thankfully we made reservations for this way ahead of time because the place was packed. Food was okay, a little pricey. I got the eggs and biscuit benedict (I really need to stop getting eggs Benedict!!! But it's too good). This one wasn't particularly any different than other restaurants with their eggs Benedict. It was good. Some friends got the California hen hash house and that looked delicious! Service on a Saturday during prime time brunch hours was poor. It was difficult to find out waiter and we were there a lot longer since it took awhile for us to order, to pay, and to get our check back. I wouldn't be opposed to coming back here (decor of the restaurant is really pretty), but I just thought the food was okay and that it was a little pricey. (I did see a table next to us that had ordered bloody Mary's and it came with a slider attached to it... So I'm intrigued to see what that's like!)
(3)
Simon B.
Objectively one of the worst restaurant I've had in months, as we came to this restaurant for restaurant week. I'm fully aware that for restaurant weeks, restaurants pull out the cheap/high margin stuff. It is $20 for 3 courses, after all, and this is for a restaurant that sells a burger at about $20 as a single dish. But this was on another level, such that I will straight up refuse if one would ask me to join them at MET. Appetizer: I had the shrimp appetizer, which was a ready-made cold mix of shrimp cocktail, a bit of mayo, and avocado on top. A 5 year old could have made this dish, in about 2 minutes. She had the corn with sriracha mayo. The corn looked great, and it was probably the best part of our entire experience. Main course: I had the korean frites. A roasted half chicken topped with cold fries, all laid on the top of what tasted like Heinz red beans. The chicken was overcooked, and neither of us remembered what she had, which tells you all you need to know. Dessert: We both ordered the blackberry cobbler. The dish we received had clearly been in the freezer for too long, as the blackberries (all 3 of them) were frozen HARD. In fact everything was frozen so hard that it was inedible. When the 2nd waiter came and asked (for the first time) if everything was okay, I asked if it was intended that the blackberries were frozen hard. He said: "I'm sorry, the cooks probably put this in the freezer as you ordered a [cheap] restaurant week set menu. They never took it out." And then he left, never waiting for a response, offering a replacement or taking it off our checks. I know how hard it is to run a restaurant. But geez.
(1)
A. D.
It was raining so we took the shelter of their bar and had a beer. Did not really have any food however, on looking they do have a good set of options. Bar tenders were friendly.
(3)
Ryan W.
Once again. I do not understand how this place only has three stars. This is one our favorite restaurants and one of the few places which we return to on a regular basis. We've eaten here several times and have never had a meal we didn't enjoy completely. The last time we ate here with a group of 4. We ordered all of the veggie plates to share which worked well for the group. My wife ordered salmon and enjoyed it. I had steak tips which we delicious. The have a great wine list. Our tab was pretty reasonable coming in under $100 with food, drink and tip. This place is always busy, so definitely make reservations so you don't end up waiting and getting hungry.
(4)
BostonBestEats X.
As part of my ongoing saga to try every burger of note in the Boston area (see ranking and link to photos below), we recently made it to The Met Back Bay, which features a number of fancy burgers on it's various menus, particularly for brunch. Since this was a weeknight dinner, we had only one choice, although it sounded intriguing, if a bit over the top: SALTIE GIRL PRIME BURGER: Wagyu beef, fried lobster, avocado, Angry special sauce, BLT, and fries ($24) [BTW, "Saltie Girl" apparently refers to a Barcelona-inspired seafood spot that will be right next door to The Met, from the same owners, soon to open.] Don't you love how everyone has to have some sort of "special" sauce for their "special" burgers these days (sing along with me: "Two all beef patties, "special" sauce, lettuce, cheese...")? "Special" or not (I can't really remember), this was was a complete disaster of a burger. Please repeat after me: THE 1ST COMMANDMENT OF BURGERS: "Thou shall not pile on more than 4 ingredients on top of your burger, lest it explode all over your shirt." Not only did this just have too many disorganized ingredients stacked on top (including slippery slices of avocado that never had a chance of staying put long enough for me to take a bite), but I couldn't even taste the lobster. I could see it (particularly when it would shoot out onto my plate, after I had stuck it back in), but just not taste it. How about leaving it out next time? For $5 less it still wouldn't be a very good burger, but at least I would feel less used. While the Wagyu had a good chargrilled flavor, it was pretty dry (but at least cooked to med rare spec), although at first bite I actually thought it was a pretty juicy burger (the fat drippings from the bacon tricked me). Oh, and the fries were also over cooked and not very good. $24 is pretty extreme for a burger, even this era of high-end burgers (by way of comparison, the brilliant Craigie is $19). But frankly, I wouldn't pay more than a fiver for this one. Not recommended. Bostons Best Burgers: 1) Craigie on Main's Bar Burger 2) Alden & Harlow's Secret Burger 3) RF O'Sullivan's Black & Blue Burger 4) JM Curley's 5 oz. natural beef patty burger 5) Strip-T's burger 6) Bar Boulud's Classic Burger 7) Post 390's Tavern Burger 8) Washington Square Tavern's Burger 9) The Met Back Bay's Saltie Girl Prime Burger (not recommended) tinyurl.com/BostonsBestB… We also had a few apps including charcuterie, which were OK nothing special, and some pretty good wine (2012 Robert Foley Griffon).
(2)
Jessica S.
Truffle fries and ham egg sandwich was divine. I had the palm beach salad which was sooo good also had the biscuits with maple butter I thought it was great and looking forward to coming back for drinks and dessert. One last thing - a tad loud so prob best to sit outside if you want to have a meaningful convo. Overall, I'd come back.
(4)
Dan D.
Went for brunch on a Saturday, party of 6. Told the wait would be 1 hour for outdoor seating; got a call 10 minutes later saying they were ready for us. #notcomplaining Bloodies were great; cool you got to build your own, including adding a cheeseburger/shrimp/salami addition. Pork Stuffed Hash Brown is kind of a misnomer. Minimal pork, TON of hash brown. The serving was probably too big. The chicken hash had the same issue(s). You could share one of these and get an appetizer with someone and be set. The salmon and tuna tartare was very good, served with slightly stale taro chips. They were kind enough to substitute salmon for an additional helping of tuna. The outdoor seating on a nice day was really lovely.
(3)
Jamie S.
Great experience even on a holiday! Went in after looking on Newbury and were seated within 10 min of arriving on the porch. Had a unique and beautiful view from garden level of the churches and Pru, which towered over us as we ate. The waitstaff was in the weeds but that didn't stop them from being attentive and friendly. Our waitress, Kristin, was great, offering wonderful suggestions to a group of overwhelmed customers (the menu is extensive and it's hard to choose!). I had the prime steakhouse tips with a jalapeño strawberry cucumber margarita. I highly recommend my whole meal! It was filling but light. I would definitely come back but because it's so pricey (like everything else on Newbury) it's not going to be soon.
(5)
Kimmy U.
What a nice surprise! I didn't have much expectations coming in to Met Back Bay. Seemed like most of the reviews were either really high or really low. Well folks, I'm going with the high! We came here for a late dinner and were seated at the Library Bar. Nice little area that wasn't too loud and we could still hear each other We decided to share 3 plates which was just enough for the 3 of us! -LOADED fries. Let me tell you.. these were definitely loaded. We didn't actually see them on the menu, but my friend saw a picture on yelp and they were happy to serve it to us. SO much on it! Cheese, hamburger patty, green onions, mayo, lots and lots of cheese, a fried egg on top! The fries were just ok. By the time we got ate all the toppings and got to the middle/bottom of the dish where the fries were just plain, they were pretty oily.. Good thing we had leftover pasta sauce to dip it in! These were good, but not awesome so I think I'd pass -BRUSSEL SPROUTS mmmmm! It's small, but pretty packed. They serve it 2 ways: roasted and shaved with spicy caesar. I've recently found a love for brussel sprouts and this dish totally reinforced it! -Short rib gnocchi with brown butter squash, brussel sprouts, and pecorino. OMG I'm a huge fan of this one!! We got the half order for $14 but we all wished we got the full order. Everything about it was delicious. The gnocchi was so tender, the butternut squash had the perfect sweetness, of course the brussel sprouts were nicely roasted and seasoned, and the sauce brought it all together. I could eat this for dayz. There's still a lot of items on the menu that I want to try so I'll be coming back!
(4)
Adan G.
Good service, but the food was mediocre at best. Ordered a veggie omelette with potatoes. It was served bordering cold, and had very little cheese. The potatoes were also cold and all broken up, as if they were taken off of somebody else's dish.
(2)
Diandra R.
3 and a half stars for taco Tuesday. Short rib tacos were a 4 out of 10. It had way too many caramelized onions and had this strong underlying taste of mustard or horseradish. I couldn't really put my finger on it but it was definitely a flavor that doesn't belong in a taco. Trust me, it looks better than it tastes. We also got the steak tacos which were a 7 1/2 out of 10. Visually, it didn't look as good as the short rib tacos, presentation wise, but it was far far tastier. The red sangria was decent. I probably would've liked more fruit in it than just a single orange slice but that's probably because I'm being tacky, and this is a nice place.
(3)
Ngan T.
Call me crazy but I saw they were still doing the twin lobster special last night (Wednesday), so I made a last minute reservation for 7:45. We got there about ten minutes early and our table wasn't ready so manfriend and I just headed down to the bar. Our bartender was beyond busy but did a fantastic job making sure we got our drinks. By 8:00pm, we were debating another round since our table still wasn't ready. Our hostess came downstairs to apologize and tell us our table still wasn't ready. Decision made--another round it was. When we were finally seated, our waitress came over out of breath and actually had to pause, take a breather, and then recite water to us. I don't think I'll ever understand the waitstaff here (see previous experience with strangely behaved waiter). We figured she was busy so we ordered everything in one go when she came back with the water. The menu looked fantastic so I forewent the lobster special, opting instead for the lobster dip, the biscuit basket, the gnocchi, and manfriend got the burger. NO WHERE did it say the gnocchi would be spicy--I had tears streaming down my face. You'd think the spice level is something they'd warn patrons about. I left the rest of the thing untouched. Manfriend also had a mishap with his order where he'd requested the salmon with grilled sushi rice, and wasn't told they were out until after ms. waitress took our orders and had us waiting for food. With my plate untouched and manfriend ending up with a burger he didn't really want, we split the burger and ate miserably. The fries also survived. Although calling them fries would be unfair. I'd consider it more of an order of salt with some fries sprinkled on top. Our waitress never bothered to ask why a bunch of food just sat on the table when I requested the check. I guess it must be a normal occurrence here. This was just awful.
(1)
Sam A.
This review is only of my dining experience on Taco Tuesday (great value) when I got their Croque Madame. This sandwich is BOMB. I came in for tacos, but when I saw the new offering, I had to try it. I asked the waitress for her honest opinion, and she didn't steer me wrong! The sandwich is big, bring your appetite. The sandwich is rich-- buttery toast, flavorful ham, Gruyere, egg, goodness-- so brace yourself, but it was magnificent. Plated with an appropriately sized side of Truffle Sage french fries, and a garlic aioli that reminds you are alive (re: not a vampire), this was one of the best decisions I've made all summer. In general, I love MET, Monday's burger special, and Tuesday's Taco deal are some of the best values in the city! The location is great, the drinks are good, you really can't go wrong! Enjoy!
(5)
Natalie M.
I would give this five stars but I found their pricing to be a bit high. Best cocktails we had all night though! I highly recommend sitting near the bar great service!
(4)
Amanda L.
The Good, The Okay, and The Whyyyyyy? I visited The Met last night for some dinner after a spin session with my friends. We were seated immediately upon arrival and were greeted by a friendly waitress. Pitcher of Sangria? Check. A few minutes later she came back with the pitcher. It's a smaller pitcher than other restaurants but not nearly as filled with ice or fruit like other places. The Sangria was sweet and fruity. Grade: B We proceeded to order and got the biscuits with honey butter to start. I ordered the burger for my meal. The biscuits were AWESOME, very warm and seemed fresh out of the oven. Honey butter is always awesome in my book. Grade: A- This would be an A+ if I had never had the oh-so-amazing biscuits at Sweet Checks. Best in the country. For dinner I ordered the burger. I always order my burger Medium Rare and it appeared that it was cooked that way to borderline Medium but it wasn't juicy at all. In fact, I'd describe this burger as dry. The burger itself was bland, needed salt, or anything to help it out, but the bites with the cheese and bacon were better. The burger also includes onions cooked in Port wine. These onions were so sweet they made my mouth cringe. Eek! Was it the worst burger I ever had? Maybe. Probably. Definitely not worth $18 or however overpriced it was for being on Newbury St. I've had fine experiences at the Met Back Bay. Is it the most wonderful restaurant in Boston? God, no. But service is quick and easy and drinks never disappoint.
(3)
Danielle K.
Nice find on the corner of Dartmouth and Newbury in my favorite place in Boston (Back Bay). We went here last Sunday afternoon and sat at the smaller "carving" bar. We ordered the ham and cheese board, and it was delicious, with prosciutto and fennel salami, fresh ricotta, sharp cheddar, a honey biscuit and more. This plate is big enough to share with your friends! We also had a chance to chat a bit with our bar-tender/server, John. Great guy -- great food -- we'll be back!
(4)
Sonia Q.
I really enjoy sitting at their downstairs bar for some cocktails and food. I am in love with Met's chopped salad which has cut up broccoli, beets, corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and huge chunks of bacon! The dressing is nice and light, and the portion is huge! Even the half size portion is large enough that you will have leftovers. I usually top off my salad with salmon, that is fresh but be prepared the salmon portion size is on the small side. I also love their truffle fries! The drinks are good and they usually have a few good beers on tap. Overall my go to when I am craving an awesome salad!
(4)
D K.
Bloodys are great but the food is inconsistent. Eggs Benedict had raw egg and potatoes were hard and undercooked.
(2)
Billy W.
Nice atmosphere. Great Drinks, Busy all the time, and a great place after shopping on Newbury Street. Will be back hopefully someday.
(4)
Jake L.
It seems like most of the not-so-good reviews here center around the service, which we did not have a problem with. A little wait once or twice, but nothing too terrible. The food, on the other hand, absolutely can't be beat. The Nutella Stuffed French Toast is one of the greatest things I've ever tasted; almost like a huge gooey chocolate churro. I'd avoid this if you're trying to eat healthy (along with a lot of things on the menu), but if not - this is something you have to eat before you die! The Truffled Croque Madame might be just as good, and the perfect savory complement to the sweet french toast. A friend and i split both, and it couldn't have been a more perfect combination. The melted cheese oozing down from the top of the sandwich and the egg on top make this almost more of a casserole than a sandwich. I can't not mention the make-your-own Bloody Mary. The best thing about it (besides the plethora of options) is the fact that while you are the one choosing all the ingredients, they still make it for you. So, you don't have to worry about messing it up! But the options are pretty fantastic, from meat and cheese skewers to cheeseburgers to lobster (and many more in between). They also have different sauces and liquors to use, all which make for a unique experience and taste every time! This place definitely is not on the cheaper end for brunch, so don't come here expecting a bargain. That said, you definitely get your money's worth, and I'd definitely recommend it regardless for special occasions if you're looking for a good place to spend a bit more money.
(5)
Kelly S.
Pretty mediocre food and experience for the higher prices. Our group shared a few things and the cauliflower side was flavorless and the Met Club Sandwich chicken was dry enough to package up and send overseas as food rations. Lunch was over $100, not worth it.
(2)
Kaitlin M.
I have never before experienced so many employees standing around doing nothing in a restaurant! I had a coffee cup and water that was empty for my entire meal. Even after I asked for both to be refilled!!! I am not even going to comment on the food because it couldn't be enjoyed until it was cold because I didn't have silverware! Currently staring at three people with there fingers up there ***** while I am trying to get their attention to ask for my bill! USELESS! Grrrr!
(1)
Sophie P.
I've come here several times for drinks and apps, but never a full dinner. BRUNCH For weekend brunch, they have BYOBM: Build Your Own Bloody Mary's. This is great for those adventurous friends who you want to top as many things on your Bloody Mary with. YOU CAN ADD A WHOLE SLIDER AS A GARNISH ON YOUR DRINK. I have never seen this done anywhere else, so if you come here try this at least. Everyone will be staring at you in awe. People will ask you if that's a real burger on your drink. You'll nod and they'll watch as you drink/eat your Bloody Mary. The Bloody Mary itself is very pulpy and spicy of the peppery kind. I'm not sure I liked it. The cocktail onions added a nice touch, but the Bloody Mary itself was too savory for my liking. I did like the slider, though. APPS Salmon/tuna tartare is okay. The taro chips are really interesting with a flaky, light, crunchy texture and a little oily. I could eat those chips all by itself, honestly. Orange miso duck wings are almost a little sour? Very interesting with the flavor of kimchi. DRINKS Grapefruit fizz (+) ACK the Nantucket (+) Blackberry bramble (sour) Tip: If you are trying to sit on the patio, you need to order food with you drinks. Boston law. Next time I'm trying the entrees!
(3)
Kimberly A.
I was visiting Boston with a friend of mine a couple weeks ago. We stopped in here on our last day after reading such wonderful reviews. We decided to split the three cheese omelet and Nutella French toast. The three cheese omelet came with home fries. It was okay but nothing super great. It want bad just not great. The Nutella French toast was pretty good, but also not the greatest thing. They had a really awesome build your Bloody Mary menu which I think is what makes this place so popular. I don't drink bloody Mary's and we were leaving to drive home the same day so I didn't want to drink for brunch. I would definitely recommend this place for brunch it is perfect. The drink selection is wonderful and the food was good.
(4)
Ryan R.
Went here with my mother to grab a bite to eat for lunch. I had recently heard about their famed Paris burger and was interested in trying it out for myself. We had a big meal the night before so we decided to split the burger and their kale salad as well. The burger itself was pretty good, it came with a pretty substantial helping of brie and paired nicely with the egg. I liked the flavor combination, but it fell short of being the best burger in Boston. I also opted to upgrade to the truffle fries, but was pretty disappointed with those as well as they didn't wow me taste-wise. The kale salad was pretty good, but extremely small--especially considering the price and seemed a little light on the avocado. Overall, the atmosphere here is great on the weekends and the service is friendly, but the quality of food, the portion sizes, and the pricing seem a little bit off for me.
(3)
Dan R.
We enjoyed our evening at the Met. We started with an order of the local prosciutto which was a larger order and thickly sliced. Biscuits were plain for my taste but good with the butter. M'lady had the Croque Madame. This one surprised me. Delicate but complex. I had the half-carcass of salt fat, on a bed of basmati salt grains. I hadn't known that salt grew out of paddy fields. The salt was well-steamed, mixed with fat gras, and a hint of soy sauce. I'm sure of this because it would be impossible for this dish to achieve such purity of saltiness from soy sauce alone. I'm certain these were, in fact, salt grains only lightly flavored with soy sauce, but I'm willing to consider the idea that the salt was soaked in soy sauce for many years, then cooked in the soy sauce and then doused again with several pints of soy sauce, before straining, of course. It's unfortunate that I couldn't taste the fat gras due to the "curing" of my taste buds when eating the salt grains, but I could feel its fatty texture in my stomach after a few bites. Combined with the crispy salt skin of the duck-shaped salt carcass, and the layer of salt fat beneath the skin, it was truly an ambitiously salty experience followed by hours of stage-1 digestion in which I could finally experience the notes of the fat gras. And at a parched moment of culinary crescendo, I couldn't help but have the existential feeling that if this were the Matrix, I don't want to ever wake up, because my date was happy and our server was obviously a wonderful human being, and that's when I marveled at the indisputable talents of a chef who could trigger such a revelation through food alone. I honestly look forward to returning, because the menu had such a wide variety of salts and fats.
(4)
Kiki D.
Had a FABULOUS brunch at MET Back Bay! My friend and I went on an overcast Saturday morning and it looked like it might rain so we opted to sit inside but the outdoor seating looks lovely and I will definitely be back to lounge out there for a meal/drinks. I usually go for brunch food more on the breakfast side but I've been searching for a good burger in Boston (harder than one might think...) and these ones looked too good not to try. I got the Paris burger and WHOA. It was a major mess so probably wouldn't recommend this if you're trying to eat in a remotely respectable manner but I enjoyed it in all its messy glory. A moderate sized burger (super rich so you really don't need bigger...trust me) on a great bun with brie, caramelized onions, a fried egg, and truffle mayo-- can't go wrong, right? I also subbed truffle fries for the regular ones -- a little extra but totally worth it. My friend got the tokyo burger with avocado, muenster, pickled onions, soy, sprouts, and wasabi mayo and it was also very good -- very refreshing (if that's possible for a burger I guess?) Despite the fact that it was literally the exact same as what we were ordering for our main dishes, we broke down and ordered the Breakfast fries which were too good to be true -- a giant bowl of fries covered in hunks of burger, melted cheddar, scallions, dollops of mayo, and topped with a fried egg. The bottom of the mound, as a bunch of others have mentioned, was pretty greasy, but that was really just the very bottom. We were pretty much full of fries at that point so didn't mind not eating every little scrap. Overall, highly recommend MET for brunch (the drinks looked delicious too). Sit outside if the weather is nice but you might want to eat the messy burgers inside hidden away from onlookers...or embrace it because let's be honest, everyone else will just be jealous.
(5)
Leah M.
I came here only for drinks, so I can't speak for the food, but my drink was terrible! I got a Painkiller, which is rum, pineapple and coconut, so it's not usually the prettiest, but normally still tasty. However, this one was served to me with curdled coconut milk. Gross!!! At $12 a cocktail, I expect it to be drinkable!
(2)
Sandra M.
Really liked the service, outdoor patio and Bloody Mary mix. Gluten free bread is decent here! Would choose the chicken club over the eggplant sandwich, it was amazing!
(4)
James S.
Wait staff and hostess were extremely rude. The food was so so. Last time I come here
(1)
Moosa D.
Food: 4/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Can't say enough about their service. Everyone is very polite and helpful.
(5)
L D.
The staff, both hostess and waitstaff were rude, the drinks were extremely overpriced and not very good, the food which were FORCED to order, was okay. Apparently, if you would like to sit outside, your are required to order food (which we were not told until after our drink order had been put in). We will NEVER visit the Met again!
(1)
Jennine W.
This restaurant was just "meh". Granted I understand that the Back Bay is obviously going to be pricey in terms of going out to eat...but I'm sorry, a $40 cheese plate (without meat) is just a little absurd. I expect an entire wheel of cheese if I'm paying that. The only redeeming qualities the Met Bar had was it's tasty Merlot I was offered, and my boyfriend's beer that he ordered. Then again, doesn't take much to "make" those. It is in a nice location on Newbury street, so sitting on the patio was nice...but they told us we couldn't sit on the patio unless we were ALL ordering food. So, none of us were that hungry, and we literally just wanted to find a place to have an app to share and some drinks, but instead were forced to spend a ridiculous amount of money on an entree for each of us. I don't see myself returning there anytime soon.
(2)
Tyler L.
Uninspiring neighborhood bar. Decent (not fantastic) beer menu. The food is all over the place and nothing is done great. It is just sort of a confused concept. Either be a pub and serve good food for ~$15 or be a restaurant and serve better food for ~$25-$30...this place does it in the middle and just isn't a place I would ever go out of my way to eat at again. Service was friendly.
(2)
James F.
I've had a gift card for the Met restaurant group burning a hole in my pocket for some time now, so on a recent weekend decided that we would head over for brunch. The food lived up to expectations (really didn't have much of a doubt here) but just as satisfying was the people and decor-watching (i can be amused by a well decorated or architecturally interesting room for a fair amount of time). Service was first-rate as well - can't recommend this location enough.
(4)
Kenneth L.
The food here was not too bad the problem I do notice is that they do get busy so the service may not be so exceptional. As soon as the crowd cleared up a bit the service improved dramatically. The overall taste of the food was good and the preparation was quick. After my order my food came out within 10 minutes, speeds that my dad would approve! The next thing I did noticed is the Monday burger specials, Tuesday tacos specials, and Wednesday lobster specials. I think I might be trying all three next week!
(3)
Michelle G.
Worst service ever! The waiter was being very rude. It took 20 or more minutes to bring out drinks, even appetizers arrive before the drinks. When i told him we were still waiting for the drinks, he answered me: "i know". Totally a rude response to a customer!!! Even after this it still took him 10 minutes more to bring them! We finished appetizers before the drinks. We asked for the manager and explained the situation and asked for a change of waiter. The manager said ok. In about 15 minutes no one came. By the time the new waiter arrived we where annoyed and we just asked for the check and leave!!
(1)
K K.
Worst bar ever! We ordered a couple of glasses of wine and a cheese plate. We got the cheese plate when we almost finished the wine. Bartender and servers don't have any sense to treat a customer. Not kind at all and no manner of service!
(1)
Christine J.
I like their burgers and bolognese pasta. And nice ambiance inside...
(4)
erica w.
. I have to say- I just had a really bad experience at the Met Back Bay. My boyfriend and I had been meaning to try it for some time, and we had an opportunity today for lunch. At first, it seemed great. We sat downstairs, it was cozy, and the waitress was very nice. However, we both ordered meals that involved avocado, and both arrived without it. My salmon burger was consequently pretty dry, and the boyfriend's breakfast burrito was essentially beans and eggs in a tortilla. When we brought this to the attention of the waitress, she discovered that the kitchen had run out of avocado (why didn't you tell us?), but she told us the manager would give us a discount. Ok, fine we think. We didnt ask, but we'll take it. So then the manager comes over and tells us again that we'll get a nice discount to take care of it. Meanwhile, a table of 4 bros next to us has grown to 6 and is completely invading our space, yelling about their romantic exploits from the night before. Not really what I wanted to hear... they are quickly overflowing into our table, and take our extra chair, turn it around, and are pretty much on top of us. And more keep coming. And where is the check? We ask, and are told the manager needed to fix it to accommodate the discount. Ok...10 mins of waiting after than and it arrives...with a discount of $2.55. Seriously? We never asked for a discount, but if you are going to offer it multiple times, and keep us waiting for it, while being overrun by frat boys and sex talk, I feel like 2 bucks off of the entire meal is a little insulting. On the way out, I mentioned how we felt totally forced out of our space, and the manager replied "that wasn't very nice of them (the other table)". No, manger, it wasn't very nice of YOU. This is your restaurant, and you made us feel entirely unwelcome.
(2)
A F.
Very good food. The sandwiches are really good and the price range is not too bad. Their terrace is awesome when weather permits.
(4)
Brooklynn B.
G R E A T Place!!! I had the turkey burger which was the B O M B. I sat at the bar the times I have gone and the bartenders are real chill. You can go for a date, with family, or solo. I've done all. Try any of their specialty drinks, youll love it
(3)
Matt H.
We went for breakfast/brunch on a Monday morning. This is a difficult place if you're not an egg for breakfast person. Having said that the oatmeal was good, but not spectacular. The loosely scrambled eggs again were ok. The bacon was smokey (good) but thin (where was the meat) and (I thought) too crispy - a disappointment! Service was quick and friendly enough - I was not blown away all up
(3)
tman s.
I love how they gutted the space but i"m not sure the look and feel goes with the location! Well anyway the downstairs reminds me of the future on the star ship enterprise... The counters for the bartenders r a pain for them to reach patrons... But anyway the food which i had was the burger very well presented with fries... They also gave me port-wine cheese in a jar with bread stix for an opening round complimentary... Love all the televsions they have downstairs.. The drinks i thought were a bit pricey but what the hell i'm just coming thru..... Hope to visit again soon... Service was top notch as well!
(4)
Amy B.
I came to Met Back Bay for lunch with two colleagues today because it's just a short walk from our office and we were all very happy with our meals. They have the BEST mac & cheese around - it is so delicious and cheesy and creamy and I will definitely be back to eat it again. One of my colleagues got the lobster roll and she ate the entire thing and said it was delicious. The other colleague got a burger with cheese and bacon and loved it. We also split some sweet potato fries which were good and not at all greasy. Our waiter was very attentive, helpful and friendly. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Trish L.
Food drinks and service are all excellent and reliable. I bring out of town business associates here often - if they are dressed up or dressed down, they will still fit in. The burgers are so amazing but they took my favorite kobe burger off the menu. However, everything i have eaten here - breakfast lunch and dinner - has been fantastic. Any problems have been corrected quickly and discreetly. And the bartender takes the time to make my coffee EXACTLY the way i like it. Double shot of espresso with a dollop (no more) of steamed milk.
(4)
Martin H.
Were looking for drinks, found the place by accident. Tried my first watermelon wheat beer and got hooked. Their Calamari freshest I ever had. Great sauce come with Jalapeño and Garlic. Their Boston guacamole better than most Mexican places. Eggplant sandwich to die for. It's a bit expensive, but the service and ambiance were terrific.
(4)
Dani S.
This place has great service - and I've only been there once, with some pretty picky people I might add - and we all had a great experience in all respects : food, atmosphere, service, timing - everything. There are alternatives to the types of bread, and if I remember correctly, there are some vegetarian alternatives to/for the burgers as well. Nothing profound stands out as a drawback. Just a good, laid back - well put together place to at least try.
(4)
christine c.
Really awesome space, really neat bars and really good service (Eric!) This place was wonderful for lunch. The tuna tartar was amazing! A couple of us had some "lunch-sized" salads that were huge! The truffle parm fries were delicious, too. As were the beignets. Eric was prompt with the refills and knowledgeable about the menu, but best of all his dry humor and charming personality provided some excellent entertainment.
(5)
joseph a.
Heard they have great happy hours so came for dinner and decided to order an $18 burger. It was not an $18 burger.
(3)
Marcus C.
I don't think I need to go back here. The food was mediocre (runny polenta), the service was atrocious (didn't bring us the right dishes, left us waiting for way too long) and the atmosphere was severely lacking (so loud).
(2)
william m.
A friend and I visited this wonderful restaurant in December and had a wonderful pre-Holiday dinner. Come a little early if you want to find close side st. parking and pay your meter well. The parking police are very attentive. Met does have valet parking if you like to roll like that. The maitre de was very nice. Escorted us to our table on the second floor. Next time I will request a table next to the tall windows. The view must be beautiful. Our waiter was very nice. Knowledgeable of the menu and gave very good recommendations. Our drink orders were taken and promptly served. Ah, the first drink of the day felt great. Bread sticks and cheese paste was served. The cheese was a cool pink swirl color and very tasty. For appetizers we had the bone marrow. It was nice. Not as good as the Eastern Standards but good. They served the tibia of the cow so there was not a lot of bone marrow available to eat. But there were humongous slices of pan toasted Texas toast (?) surrounding the bone. It tasted good when dipped in the beef sauce on the bottom of the plate. I did not want to eat too much bread though. I wanted to save my tummy for my Kobe steak. I had the Kobe steak tips with sweet potato fries. Very yummy. And the portion size was perfect. Not so much that it felt like eating at Grandma's. My friend had the drunken lobster. The drunken lobster was delicious. The natural flavors of the lobster were brought out so nicely by the chef. The waiter was cool. Attentive, prompt and pleasant. I enjoyed the whole experience from the food, the waitstaff to the ambiance. Next time I will sit at the window and order the NY Prime Steak.
(4)
Chris W.
Had dinner on their first night open to the public. I went in being cynical of faux fancy chain restaurants, but I ended up being very impressed. The atmosphere upstairs felt bland and uninviting, the bar area downstairs and the lounge both have more charm. My cocktail was good but very expensive, just one dollar less than my entree. My entree was one half of a huge chicken which was cooked perfectly. It was very moist and had a thin crackly skin. I ordered it with the jalapeno jam which had a great amount of heat and was tangy at the same time. It also came with creamed spinach which was pretty good. Everyone else at my table got salads which also had good portion sizes. I tried the Asian salad and the duck was a little dry, but the dressing was good. My dinner was delicious and the service was great. It was opening night and kind of quiet when we sat down though, but the restaurant was full by the time we left. I will definitely come back. I like almost everything the BBRG does.
(4)
Simone C.
Love the chopped salad- it really does have every vegetable. The brunch is also lovely - with blood orange and champagne cocktails how can I argue?
(4)
Shawn W.
I've heard many good things about this place. I was out and about shopping with a friend. We had lunch elsewhere. Then we decided to head to the Met for coffee/wine and dessert. The manager was actually really nice and seated us quite fast. However, that's where the niceness ended. I ordered coffee and the friend ordered wine. After a long wait, we finally ordered a chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. The waitress had absolutely NO personality. She NEVER offered to refill my coffee, but always made sure my friend had wine. I know I could've asked, but, as someone who has worked as a waiter - you NEVER want a guest's coffee cup empty. All in all, I probably won't be returning.
(2)
brian b.
I needed a buger fix....badly! Could smell the meat grilling from a half block away. I got the Met Prime Mix with a Boston set up - Bacon, Cheese & Egg along with a Stone Levitation Ale. Ate at the bar, patio was quite busy due to the nice weather. Wait staff seemed to be bustin their humps while I was there. Buger was very good, egg was nicely runny, cheese could have been melted more, bacon was smoky & perfect. Extra points for actually cooking the buger to medium as requested. Beef Short Rib tacos looked really good, but no room, maybe next time. I'd say it's good, but pick your spots, stick to the basics and you should be fine.
(3)
Amy F.
My first time writing a restaurant review...that's how awful our breakfast experience was at The Met. Very disappointing after being served $13 cold "eggs bennie" with the eggs cooked to almost hard boiled and a stale english muffin, and a veggie omelet that was basically cold vegetables with an egg pancake thrown on top. I have to say, this was the worst restaurant food I have ever been served. I was quite embarrassed for the restaurant. I did want to talk to the manager, Dean, however he was too busy. So we paid our bill, gave a tip, and warned a few people on our way out.
(1)
Martine S.
Had the caesar salad with sirloin & it was super yummy. We got our food super fast but our waiter was super slow. It took a while for someone to see what we wanted to eat & to pay. However, I highly recommend this place. The benches outside are kind of low for the tables but it all worked itself out.
(4)
Jaime M.
Not the greatest. Came here the other night with a friend. I know it was a Sunday but the place was DEAD. The food was just 'meh' and service was severly lacking. I hate when waiters forget bread and disappear for hours on end when there is literally NO ONE eating in the restaurant. I ordered a tuna dish-- it was just ok. There are wayyy too many good restaurants in Back Bay to waste a good meal here... wouldn't come back for dinner any time soon.
(2)
Debbie T.
I went here saturday night and the only reason I give it one star is because the pineapple martini is amazing. The food and the service sucks. The hostess was really rude and rolled her eyes several times. You have to pay for bread and everything on the menu that we ordered was not good at all. There were six of us and we each got something different and no one was happy. Really disappointed with this establishment.
(1)
G. B.
They had a breakfast set up outside one weekday morning. We happened to be walking by an noticed it. Stopped in and had some. Good food and reasonably priced with good service. Don't know anything else about this place.
(4)
Jessica L.
Great food and atmosphere. I usually sit downstairs at the meat slicing bar. The waitstaff has always been really friendly. Sometimes the food can take a while to come out but it's understandable since the place is always crowded. Portion sizes are decent. The best thing on the menu is their pasta bolognese with a glass of sangria, it makes for a perfect dinner. Just watch out for the wine glasses, the last two times I've been there, there has been lipstick on my wine glass which really grosses me out!!! So check the rim of your wine glass! Aside from that, it's a great place.
(4)
Kate D.
The Met Back Bay is average at best. The food is mediocre and expensive. The service is slow. The outdoor seating on Newbury St is great, but that's about all The Met has going for it. I've eaten there twice and my 2 year old's grilled cheese was the tastiest thing on the table both times. Hit up Stephanie's or Joe's instead!
(2)
H G.
Worst sangria ever.....they seem to be making it from some bottled syrup and it tastes like one too...
(1)
Lauren B.
Great add to the Back Bay neighborhood. I love their salads and the choice of 3 different ambiances is amazing (library, restaurant and downstairs). Bartenders also very friendly and know their regulars... Such a pleasure to sit down at the bar and have a Sauv. Blanc waiting.....
(4)
S. M. S.
Great menu with something for everyone, reasonable prices, decent execution on each dish we ordered. For the price, location and diverse menu offerings, it's worth a visit.
(4)
Chana B.
Horrific, horrific, service. We came for a few drinks to the bar on the lower level, and the waitress ignored for twenty minutes, half an hour later brought my friend's salad but not our drinks or even any water. You do not serve food without at least water. We were appalled, insulted, and ignored until we voiced our concerns to a different waitress who clearly tried her best to clue in the space cadet who was giving us such bad service. HUGE disappointment. You cannot make it on Newbury street if this is the service you provide.
(1)
Anya R.
I am absolutely in love with this place! Not only is the ambiance amazing, the food is even better. I have been here 4 times and all 4 times I have gotten the Aged Meatballs - these are to die for. I have been with others who have gotten the steak tips, pork and the pot pie - all have loved their food. Highly recommended!
(5)
Steven C.
I feel this place is a bit over-rated for what they provide. The food was good, but they gave me potato chips with my sandwich. I'm not talking the homemade kind just plain potato chips. Not impressed at all. Also they are not flexible with their restaurant week lunch menu. They force the three entrees instead of choosing the two entree option as most places do. I wouldn't recommend this place.
(2)
Elizabeth O.
I love Met Back Bay. First, I feel like this was an inspired choice for location. Met makes so much better use of the space than Joe's American did (and Joe's is better off in its new home a block away), and Met really did a great job with the space. It is elegant, but at the same time casual and comfortable. The downstairs bar is also fun, although better on weekdays as it gets very crowded on weekends. The food is good - not the best I've ever had, but a fun menu and good quality. My husband says the burger is great. I really love the drinks - lots of interesting cocktails, and I almost fell off my seat my first time there when I saw the martinis were only $9! Overall, I love the Met for the great atmosphere and the pleasant prices - and the decent food is just a bonus.
(5)
Pat R.
Meh. Definitely not worth the price. Food was just ok. Three stars instead of 2 b/c the service was excellent. That's all I got.
(3)
Mike C.
Visited Met Back Bay on the recommendation of a concierge at our hotel when we said we were in the mood for burgers. Easily one of the best, if not the best burger I have ever had! All the food was delicious, good atmpsphere--would have eaten outside, but didn't want to wait--and the service was terrific!
(5)
MaryLee B.
It was just okay. I wasn't carzy about the lunch options, but I did like the eggplant sandwich. The sofa seating on the patio is poorly designed...way too low And what is with adding in a 18% gratuity automatically? I've seen that for large groups, but not a solo diner. I usually tip 20% but that bugged me so I didn't add to it
(3)
Whiterock R.
not kid friendly at all. Turned back at the entrance. Would never come here again.
(1)
bozohazard H.
Upscale comfort food (burger, pot pie). Excellent cocktails. Mediocre ambiance in the dining room.
(3)
Amanda R.
Please understand upfront that this rating has nothing to do with the food we consumed while at Met BB. Overall, what few appetizers we had were somewhat tasty, and worth the money spent. This negative rating is solely based on all of the strict rules and regulations that patrons must comply with, and essentially how these rules were implemented to ensure we had an unpleasant experience. A friend was visiting from out of town and we (mistakenly) thought this would be a great place to stop for a few cocktails and snacks while we were waiting for her husband to shower and join us. We were immediately informed upon walking to the front door that we could not sit at an outdoor table unless we ordered food. We stated that this would be no problem, as we had planned on ordering several appetizers to snack on while we had several drinks. After being seated and ordering cocktails, we were then told that each person MUST have food plate in front of them. It is the Law. Trying to be negotiable, we ordered three large appetizers to comply with the regime. As the plates were cleared, we mentioned that our friend's husband was coming to join us and we planned to order more food (possibly dinner) and drinks...the waiter then informed that it was 'not allowed for additional people to join the group'. Please understand that we were three people sitting at a four-top table, so it would not have been a matter of finding a new chair or inconveniencing another table. I was dumbfounded that they would rather kick you to the street than allow an additional person to join you? I am still not entirely sure whether this was a ploy to simply free our table for the next customers, but at this point I don't really care. CHECK PLEASE.
(1)
Tanya C.
Very disappointing! The service was bad and the food was not that good.
(1)
mike b.
I'd consider myself well versed in "Met" culture. Love Chestnut Hill at the bar (Leo rocks!) and certainly know my way around the burger bar menu. Bar menu is the best in city for sure. Onion strings are a must. So, my wife and I went to the back bay spot for dinner and drinks. Super convenient valle which is on the Dartmoth side meaning no need to deal with Newbury at all so that I like. Checked in with the hostess for our 9pm and was informed they were about 30min behind schedule. No big deal because we went up half a flight to the Library Bar. A few tables around the perimeter but more appealing was the 5 seat bar. (don't worry there's a full size bar downstairs as well) We were lucky enough to snag a couple seats within a couple minutes. Opted out of our res and decided to eat at the bar. Two bartenders working hard to supply drinks to the whole restaurant but, made time to go above and beyond to take care of our every need. Great conversation and even better drinks. Food highlights: French onion shop was rockin with melted cheese and wonderfully flavorful broth, chicken pot pie was quite good served with a pancake size puff pastry crust, and the duck was superb. If I say nothing else order the pumpkin martini for dessert! I believe it's called the "mable may" or something like that. I had to wrestle a couple sips from my wife's hand. Unreal! Also had a moment to chat with Kathy the owner. She was very gracious despite dealing with all the many matters to tend to when opening a new restaurant. Highly recommend checking this new spot out. See you at the library! Study up
(5)
Brandon B.
Went here tonight with my GF and I have to say, the space is pretty cool. we sat in the downstairs bar area and it became really packed as seating is first come first serve. If you are looking for a place that has a great atmosphere, this place is it. Service was a little slow, but that was not the fault of our server Anna. She literally was running around as she had tables and bar guest to take car of, so it was understandable. The food was ok. We started with the Pizzaeta and it was a little on the watery side. We each got a burger, I go the Tokyo burger that had muenster cheese, sprouts and some other things as well. What is cool is that you can choose a bar menu which is smaller and cheaper or the regular dinner menu. You also can pick the meat from the Met prime , Kobe, Salmon, or turkey. Nice touch. I suggest this place solely on the atmosphere. Check it out!
(4)
Model M.
While staying in Boston we passed by this restaurant several times. We decided to try it on our last nigh and made reservations. We told them it was our one year anniversary and were promised something special. Let's just say that didn't happen... Reservation time-8:15, seated time-8:33. Then it took about 20 minutes to get water and the drinks were WEAK. After complaining we were told they measure the liquor in the drinks ... Umm isn't that the kind of service you'd get at an Applebee's?! Besides the service the food was decent. We ordered the ham and cheese plate as an appetizer... Not very appetizing. I got the salmon which tastes fresh but greasy. One friend ordered the half chicken an could barely eat it because there was so much bone. My other friend got the mac and cheese and it was so heavy she couldn't eat more than 4 bites and the steak ordered by my other friend was chewy. Bottom line for the price there are much better restaurants in the area. Suggestion try Stephanie's on Newbury.
(1)
Ryan J.
Not a lot of Upscale places I've eaten at for Breakfast other than Panera Bread, but this one takes the Cake. we were sat by the window. They said it was time for Brunch and we just had Water and Coffee while deciding on what we wanted to order. All dad got was Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, Sausage and Homefries, While I got a Salad for Breakfast (I know it sounds odd to get salad for breakfast but I decided to eat something healthy after indulging at Oleana and Hamersley's Bistro last night. The salad I got was Wild Arugula with Pecorino Cheese, Shaved Button Mushrooms, Trufflebert Hazelnuts (Trufflebert is a farm in Portland, Oregon) and a Lemon Vinaigrette, this Salad was Hit and Miss (I love Arugula, one of my favorite leafy greens, Subtle Peppery flavor. Sharp, Salty, Nuttiness from the Pecorino, for some reason I wasn't crazy for the Mushrooms I just don't like them Raw I would've loved for them to be Sauteed or Roasted to bring out more Flavor, The Hazelnuts gave it a nice Crunch and the Vinaigrette gave it some Acidity, although I'd rather them bring me a little cup so I could pour the Vinaigrette instead of them pouring it on being it gets sent out. I give it a 6 out of 10. The Service was Terrific and if I didn't get that Salad here's what I would've got: House Cured Salmon Flatbread, Captain Crunch French Toast, Breakfast Carbonara, Tips & Eggs or The Cure Sandwich. I'll be sure to get one of those next time I dine there for Breakfast. Now after Breakfast we were getting ready to go see all of Boston from the View of the 50th Floor at the Prudential Center Tower.
(4)
Alexandra M.
Came here for drinks and I got the Black Pearl which was fantastic. I had another drink too and if they had a drink list online I could find it in a second but alas.... The staff were funny (making GoT jokes with us).
(5)
Sarah V.
Greek Plate on the bar menu is fantastic....incredibly big tho. Impossible to finish even with 3 people. The beef short rib tacos are also another sharing favorite! Service is average. Food is slightly overpriced, but you get a good amount for your money's worth.
(2)
Hannah C.
Have you ever been so drunk at Brunch you can't see the menu? I got the MET punch on a whim, and even though that thing comes in a small little glass cup, it certainly does pack a punch. I somehow managed to order the Veggie Omelette, my friends making fun of me the entire time. I was not impressed by the omelette, in fact, I was disappointed. It wasn't fresh. I felt like I was eating rubber, which is not appropriate for an expensive place. My friend got the three cheese omelette, which also wasn't fresh, but at least it had cheese. It's impossible to fuck up cheese. Another one of my friend's got the California Hen House Hash, which was a smörgåsbord of potatoes, cheese, avocado, and happiness. What a fantastic Sunday recovery meal that'll leave you full and passed out in the booth. The environment was mostly 24ish year old ladies brunching with mimosas and Anthropology scarves, which is protocol for Sundays on Newbury Street. The staff were very kind and accommodating to our needs, but as soon as I tried to get a free dessert for my friend's "birthday," the waitress pulled out a menu. I ain't paying 15 dollars for some shit I could get from a Betty Crocker box. A whole funfetti cake for me while all da other hoes starve! Overall, I would not recommend coming here for the price you're paying.
(3)
Jenna C.
Yikes. Where do I begin? This review is about the Library Bar, and we only had drinks, so I can't comment on the food. After the service we received, I don't think I'll ever be able to, since I wouldn't ever go back. My story starts on a Saturday afternoon around 3 pm - seven weary women (and ok, I understand this is enough to scare even the most stoic and resilient of servers) stop in for a drink and a bit of AC before the long walk to the Charles Playhouse. The table is set for five, not seven, and despite two attempts to order two pitchers of water and cocktails, the server rushes away before sentences are even finished. One woman gets up and goes directly to the bar to get another pitcher of water.The bartender is confused - why do you want the whole pitcher? While taking drink orders (and only three of seven were mixed drinks - the others were two canned ciders, sparkling water, and a diet coke), the server visibly stops listening and zones out while one woman is ordering her staple: dirty martini, Ketel 1, very dry, lots of olives. The woman has to repeat herself twice. Twenty-five minutes later, when the drinks are finally being made by the slowest bartender in the world, the server brings the ciders. She doesn't pour them, but opens them so the two women that ordered cider can pour it themselves. She also doesn't pour the sparkling water. Just then, the weary women hear a party foul sound: Someone has dropped a tray of drinks. Of course, as they are the only party in the place, the drinks belonged to the women. When they are finally served, the martini is not dirty nor does it have many olives. That woman gets up and goes to the bar to have the drink corrected, as the server is not paying any attention to the table any longer. The only reason this place gets two stars is because the woman with the martini sees the server and manager talking. When she drops the check, the server tells the party that she's taken the mixed drinks off of the bill. Isn't that nice? Okay, thank you. Nice gesture, but that doesn't excuse the poor service.
(2)
Sara C.
We went for Easter brunch and had a wonderful time. Cost was about $35/person including drinks, appetizer, entree, and tip, so a splurge but very worth it for a delicious meal. The highlight was the ricotta beignets. And the hollandaise sauce. Beware, the drinks are VERY strong (and tasty)!
(5)
Michael Q.
Came here for brunch on my vacation with an old friend and man was i impressed!!! The food was so good and I got the cinnamon toast crunch French toast was amazing!! Definitely a full serving here and worth a chance to come and sit and enjoy the food and view. The service was so so kinda chippy maybe it's because I'm from Texas and we are used to and a different kind of service. But it was not the best service. Though the food was amazing so I'll still give it 4 stars for the food
(4)
Jean F.
Delicious brunch w/ my hubbs! The bloody mary bar was unreal (capers the size of a quarter) and the falafel sandwich I devoured was pretty good. I wish it was a little more crispy, but still pretty good. The ambiance was very Newbury St chic and a charming fall brunch setting outside.
(4)
Andee S.
Service was amazing, the waitstaff is fun and professional. You absolutely must try the cap'n crunch breaded french toast.
(5)
Lyndsey C.
Really good but not what I was expecting. I have been to the MET Bar in Natick and am obsessed with the food, especially the Tokyo Burger... anyways, when I was near Newbury last night and craving a burger, and because it is such an awesome location and cool/modern space i went in. The food was great, don't get me wrong... i had the open faced Salmon roll and it was soooo good and a completely different take on the sushi role i know and love. My husband and other guests had the one burger on the menu and said it was great. Food was wonderful, atmosphere was wonderful, great location and is much larger inside than you think, with multiple bars... my only complaint.. .our server was a bit off. He wasn't very friendly, kind of hard to speak with, and we were at one of those huge booths for 6 and he kept insisting to take every plate, menu, napkin, anything really, that was no being used at that very second... almost to a rude and kind of ocd type of a feel. He even interrupted our conversations to get things that could have honestly just stayed there for a few minutes. Overall, really love. Will def be back to have a drink/eat outside when it is warm again, and will hang them sometimes. Just don't expect the same menu as in the other locations.
(4)
Tamara W.
I liked this place for what it is: you standard, run of the mill Persian-esque bar in the heart of Back Bay. We were seated promptly on a Thursday night outside (which has heaters + comfy couch seating). Our waiter was GREAT; very attentive, kind, and did a great job leaving us alone but also checking in to make sure we were taken care of. While its not oyster season I made the mistake of getting oysters; they were small and not very good but I bet everywhere in Boston is like that this time of year maybe? It's on the street which is nice for people watching and it's a great location, just steps from Copley Train Station. It was not too expensive and the sun dried tomato pizza was greasy/cheesy looking but actually really good. Overall a nice choice for something easy and cheap(isn). I will not come back again but glad I tried it once! Tamara
(3)
Kristen S.
Needed a break from the cold and this is the first bar we came across "on" Newbury St. Sat downstairs in the bar and it was a fun, modern vibe. They have a very creative drink menu. I got the rose martini and it was strong, but good. Great place to grab a drink or two with friends.
(4)
Aakriti J.
I didn't find this place so amazing. I hate that all the restaurants on this street don't allow for getting just drinks and sitting outside. I don't really like the inside as it feels a bit like a dungeon and it didn't help that two okay tasting cocktails amounted to a whopping $30 :( I guess back bay is not for poor college students not looking to splurge a lot
(3)
Fred L.
Don't order the turkey burger. After I mentioned how dry it was, the bartender said it's always prepared like this and that while some people don't like it dry, some people love it this way. Wait, what? Thank you for taking it off the bill (I still tipped you $8 on a $17 bill), but seriously try to find me someone who loves overcooked, dry food. I've had brunch here before many times and it's very acceptable food. Certainly not the worst, but not even close to the best. The breakfast fries with hamburger meat, onions, cheese and an egg are however a great hangover cure. All in all, an average spot with a good selection of appetizers and entrees. Stick with brunch if you can.
(3)
Lillian C.
Came in for drinks with some friends on a Friday night before we headed out dancing. I've never tried this place, but walked by many times. On this particular night it was pretty busy, with people outside and downstairs in the bar area. I tried a blood orange martini since it was highly recommended. It was actually quite delicious and I would come back for that anytime! I also wanted a bite to eat and was recommended their short rib tacos and it was delicious! It was really flavorful and the sauce dripped all over when I ate it. They weren't stingy with the meat wither. There was also a side of lettuce and salsa, but the tacos didn't really need it. The shells were also nice and crunchy without being too crispy. Oh, and I also tried some of their cheesy garlic bread? It smelled so good, but lacked flavor. Overall, a good time with some friends with a yummy drink and snack.
(3)
Joni D.
Delicious lunch and attentive service. Food was fresh with ample portions. Not a diner and not cheap but light and bright with outside space and a large bar downstairs.
(4)
Stanley J.
I had dinner on the patio here tonight, at first we were seated by a window that was opened to the restaurant, I've been before but only inside upstairs the noise was so loud we couldn't hear each other seated at a small table about 2 feet away. We politely asked to be moved the street side was cushioned not metal seats. Still a small table. It was cold enough put they should pf lit the patio heaters also but didn't. The server was nice and very attentive. And the food was good and prepared quickly and there was no wait to be seated. I'd say overall 3.5-4stars
(3)
L F.
If you are hanging out in Back Bay Met is a great option for a quick drink or an average type meal. In terms of food, Met is much better for brunch than it is for dinner. The dinner options are fairly boring, and frankly a little overpriced for what you get. They offer a bunch of burgers, some salads, and a few other entrees. If you go on a weeknight, they do have some specials which are a fairly good deal: example, Taco Tuesday. Brunch is definitely more bang for your buck. The entrees are so large you can split them between two people. Try the hen house hash. It's delicious! In the evening, I find Met an enjoyable place to grab a drink and watch whatever sports game is on in their bar. The bar has a ton (probably 6-8) large TVs, with plenty of seating. Service isn't bad. It's pretty average. Sometimes you get an attentive server, sometimes you find yourself ignored for a long period of time. It's really a coin-toss.
(3)
christine p.
I would come here everyday as I practically live on top of it, except the service is just bad. The hosts aren't welcoming (they seem to be auditioning for a part of snobby host at ultra chic restaurant - which this is not). Even the manager isn't very nice. Plus, when you walk in you can smell the bathrooms. It's gross.
(1)
K E.
Good drinks, good food. I've eaten brunch, lunch and dinner there, and each time was really good. Service has always been good as well. The place is pretty big so if you are having a hard time finding a place without a long wait I would definitely try this place.
(4)
Craig S.
Have tried the one at Natick mall and it was always decent so I gave this one a shot. Maybe I ordered wrong but it was really bad . Sat at the "library bar" nice space, but a little strange with the tiny TV off to the side made it hard to watch the game. Wanted something light so got the chopped Met salad with added chicken - it was all bad way too big, like whole head of lettuce big. Way under dressed and bad combo of ingredients, and the chopped salad was not even chopped. Really bothers me when I have to spend 10 minutes chopping my chopped salad. wow cool look how pretty my avocado and chicken slabs are -- chop that shit up! had to take half of it home and even me dressing it up with my own ingredients it was still pretty bad. Not ok for $20! ...yes 20 fing dollars for a bad salad. Saves a star for really good and friendly staff - plus having a pain killer on the drink menu. Feels like a tourist trap.
(2)
Katelyn A.
Met happens to be one of my favorite mid week after work spots. Great vibe at the bar with friendly service. A glass of wine accompanied by the meat and cheese platter or the flat bread is perfectly shared by two. Love the Met
(4)
Martin S.
Had an excellent breakfast here (Salmon flatbread) and the service was also very good. Got a seat outside in the shadow - very nice!
(5)
Katie C.
The Met is one of the few places in the Back Bay where I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off whenever I dine here. I've been to the Met in the Natick Mall (or Collection, or whatever it's called these days) and I liked it. So when my mom was visiting on a rather blustery cool spring day, we stopped in for lunch. From the outside, it looks like one of the types of restaurants you'll need to take a second mortgage after paying the tab, but the prices are very reasonable and the food matches it. We were seated upstairs rather quickly, but the dining room is very cramped. Don't put your drinks at the edge of the table, otherwise they will be on the floor once someone knocks into your table. The service was also very prompt. However, we were in the restaurant on a Friday afternoon and once the restaurant filled up, our server went MIA. My mom had the burger which was enormous and she really liked it. I had the chicken club sandwich which was way more than I bargained for. Very tasty! But a little salty. However, it was a great meal and completely worth the $35+ for lunch. Keep this on your short list to return once the weather gets nicer and the patio seating is available!
(4)
Kristen A.
My first time here and not disappointed! I got the met club which is enough for 2 people and very delicious! Also got the side salad yum! Husband got the rice bowl with salmon and he loved it! The clam chowder is awesome too!
(4)
Alan H.
Almost always gets it right. Very few places in the back bay can cook a burger to order and get it right. Met bar gets it right the first time almost every time. Good food and service and the prices are fair.
(4)
SaraLee C.
I am an unapologetic lover of BRUNCH. And I really wanted to rate this place higher, but, alas... Food: Oof... It's clearly a HIT or MISS depending upon your "expectations". Don't get me wrong, I'm a girl who loves her donuts and her rabbit food, but in the right ... context. Here's what I mean, if I wanted a deep-fried funnel cake, then, I'd gladly go to a carnival and enjoy every last confectionary-sugary-drop, but, I certainly wouldn't travel to Newbury St., to get a perverted version of that as my breakfast. After reading a few reviews, my friend and I ordered the Nutella-engorged-French-Toast (or something to that extent). It tasted like an under-fried donut coated under 3mm of SUGAR (with a dash of cinnamon). My GI and Endocrine system were crying bloody murder after the 3rd oily bite. And my friend and I, TOGETHER, could not finish HALF of it. I was (and STILL am! ) seriously disappointed with the food; it is listed under New American cuisine, but, there is nothing "new" about it. In this day and age, there are so many ways one can be creative about old classic dishes without the knee-jerk reaction to just deep fry and sugar-coat (literally) a classic dish and color it "new". The food looked and tasted uninventive and unrefined (think Frankensteinian alteration of a very basic American dish). Service: Fast, friendly, and good with the refills of coffee and water. Ambiance: The interior design was unimpressive. Large, leather couches that seemingly appeared comfortable, but, were NOT. The view of Newbury street was interesting enough. BOTTOM LINE: I was very disappointed. My beloved French Toast was butchered. Maybe my friend and I chose the wrong dish and so, with that benefit of the doubt, we may venture back at some point, but, no promises.
(2)
Leah K.
On a Saturday morning, I came with my two friends and we were told we should sit at the bar downstairs. Great! So we sat...and we waited...and waited...and waited. Drink order? No thank you. We want food. We order...and wait, and wait....there were maybe 2 people working the bar, and they were rushing, but it was so slow! Our waters didn't get re-filled, and they were empty. If you're serving brunch, why not bring a few more staff members on to beat the rush? For such a nice place, we didn't feel well taken care of. The food was just ok (my burger was really dry), so we weren't so impressed.
(2)
Ekin G.
I put my name on the list for a 45 min wait line and they told me that they would text. So, I started walking down the street to pass the time. Then, I got a text saying I should be there in 5 min. I arrived there 10 min later because I was far. Then, these shameless people told me that I didn't arrive on time so they'll put me on the list again and I have to wait the whole time again. Screw you! You don't know the first thing about running a restaurant!
(1)
Allison H.
I love this place - my husband claims he gets sick every time he eats here...I don't care - I go by myself - i'm that sad lady at the bar scarfing down the gluten free chicken sandwich and big ole glass of wine:)
(4)
Martha P.
I started going here when I lived in the neighborhood after Joe's American Bar & Grill moved from here to down the street, and The Met moved in. Have been here many times and on several occasions brought friends here when they came from out of town, who were happy to sit in a nice, rather trendy, centrally located spot in the Back Bay. The Met has the best burgers I've ever had in a restaurant - I think I've usually ordered the DC Burger, but unlike on the current menu I don't remember it having American cheese - more like cheddar or Swiss. Maybe they've changed the way they make it since I was last here. The French fries are great (are they shoestring fries? they're skinny and delicious and hot when they arrive). Also tried a fruity cocktail here once on a summer night. It was made with pineapple and had bits of toasted coconut around the rim of the glass and, though I usually don't drink such concoctions, it was delicious and made me want another. Any drinks I've had here have been well-made, but then I usually just go for a gin-and-tonic, hard to mess up unless the bartender makes it too weak, but they never do at the Met. When this place was Joe's the interior had a lot of wood. Now that it's The Met it's mostly chrome, which I don't find as warm or inviting. I always sit at the bar when I come here, whether alone or with friends. Service has always been just fine and I've never had to wait too long to place an order or get my food. Five-star burgers, four-star interior, four-star prices. I'm a fan and will be back when I'm in the area.
(4)
Paul N.
Super service for a taco Tuesday with great friends. Three of us ordered a plate of 3 of each kind of tacos, and split them all. Broad selection of cocktails were fun and they made the Brazilian favorite Caipirinha (not on the menu). Chips and guacamole were very tastefully presented, and the banana split was enough for 3. We sat just inside the sidewalk patio door, and it was not too noisy or hot - a lovely evening. Our server was attentive but not overbearing, with a great sense of humor - perfect balance. And the manager/supervisor stopped by twice during our 3-hour leisurely dinner. Not the cheapest place to eat, but I felt it was worth it and actually spent less than I thought I might (it certainly helped that each plate of 3 tacos was only $6!). Overall a great experience!
(4)
Tawheed K.
The location is great but the service is absolutely horrendous. I arrived here on a Friday night and midnight and asked to sit in the patio. 1. They said that you have to order food in order to sit in the patio but have to go inside if I want to order drinks only 2. I said that's fine, I'll order food, I'd like to sit outside. 3. The waitress then said actually, the kitchen is closed so you have to order a drink inside. 4. I grabbed a drink inside and then asked to sit outside. The waitress then said, sorry, even with that drink, you cannot sit outside. Clearly poor management, poor service, and according to the reviews, the food isn't that great anyway. Pass on this place.
(1)
Cindy N.
Stopped here during a visit to Boston, food was okay. The wait was way too long for subpar food.
(1)
Rachel L.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. Like, I went three times in one week last month. Because of its location right off of Newbury and near the Commons, it's a great place to bring friends or family visiting from out of town. I also enjoy the atmosphere of Met; the decor is very nice, but it doesn't feel stuffy or intimidating. Along with loving the overall vibe of Met, I really really like the food! I eat mostly vegetarian, and there's some substantial, delicious meat-free menu items here (so you're not stuck with a boring garden salad for once!). My favorites are the Green Guru Salad and the Something Natural Sandwich- both soooo good. Everyone I've brought here has always loved their food as well! I tried a bit of my friend's calamari last time I was there and it was delicious, and a huge portion. I also love their craft your own bloody's. It makes brunch so much fun, and definitely adds to the experience to compare what different drinks everyone concocted. My friend also ordered a mimosa which she said was very good. I have to give my favorite restaurant only 4 stars because the service can be a bit inconsistent. I've been here and had excellent service, but other times it's like I don't exist. My sister and I sat with our check, ready to be paid, for 20 minutes and not a single worker could be found that whole time. BUT, even when the service isn't great, it's not enough to deter me from coming back!
(4)
Edward H.
Booo!! Didn't even get past the water being served. Watched everyone around us get served, including those that came after us. Decided to give up and go elsewhere. Horrible service indeed!!
(1)
Lina F.
It is a nice addition to the Newbury street neighborhood. The burger was very decent but not the best burger I have had. The restaurant has specials after 5 pm each day which look pretty good. It is a bit pricey for the food you get but you are paying for the atmosphere.
(3)
Elizabeth H.
Love the food at MET and that's what keeps me coming back but the service is always sub par. Today we were addressed twice in two hours. Not ok.
(2)
James R.
I've been here twice now so I think I've seen enough to write a review. My first visit was about a year ago, second was a couple of days ago, both were for lunch. From what I remember the menu hasn't changed much in that time. On my first visit I had a vegetarian open face sandwich, this time I had a club sandwich and a cheddar lobster dip appetizer. Overall the food was kind of what you expect to find at a moderately upscale establishment in Back Bay - standard fare that isn't really worth writing home about (though yelp reviewing is acceptable). The service was satisfactory and the atmosphere is nice - think leather benches on around the outside walls. The patio on Newbury is also a nice option I've never utilized. Pricing is reasonable. Overall Met Back Bay is nothing special but it doesn't really do anything wrong either. I also wasn't too adventurous with the menu so it could be better than I realize.
(3)
Lindsey R.
i'm a local that frequents this restaurant often, and usually have a good meal. I love the atmosphere in the downstairs bar, and the outdoor patio is awesome during the summer. The waitstaff is attentive and very friendly. My one gripe is that they literally charge $15 to add shrimp to a salad. For 3 shrimp this is literally insane, and more than the actual salad itself ($14 for large entree size). I thought my bill was incorrect when the salad ended up being $29, but indeed that's how much they charge. The waitress was somewhat apologetic that I was so surprised by the charge, but didn't do anything further. She could have at least warned me that ordering shrimp (not listed on the menu) was going to cost $15. I would have ordered something else if she had. I personally think this charge is highway robbery, but unfortunately am not that surprised considering they charge over $6 for a bread basket. I'll still continue to go to the Met for a yummy cocktail and burger (delicious fries!) but beware that there are a lot of up-charges.
(3)
Gaby F.
Really really bad place. All about service. Food was OK but when food is just OK service has to be great. Sat whilst waiter ran to other tables for 25 mins! It got so bad they had the hostess laying out silverware. Really incompetent. Leave it to the walk in tourists. Dreadful.
(1)
Jenny S.
LOVING THEIR COCKTAILS!! they were all refreshing & not syrupy or overly sweet as many cocktails can become!! we were even able to enjoy our drinks at a table in the bar area, which was nice and relaxing ---cucumber gimlet (my favorite) ---pimm's cup ---grapefruit fizz NOTE: they have a restaurant and then a bar side w/ a charcuterie bar & let me just say the food smelled amazing!!! i think i'll be coming back to try the food!
(4)
Danae K.
I've been here twice and both times I wasn't impressed. The service was slow, and the waitress wasn't very knowledgeable of the menu. After waiting for about 20 min to get the appetizers, I didn't like that the goat cheese tasted like cream cheese at best... When the main course came out, I was further disappointed with the meat flavor. The quality of food is definitely not the high spot for this place. Good parts of this place? Location, ambiance, overall "calm" environment. I'd try it out again but for drinks only. Never again for lunch/food/dinner.
(3)
Nathan H.
Not a bad place. Should have a higher rating, but my guess is that people get pissy that there are limited outside seats and the staff has a hard time keeping the voluminous foot traffic happy. Food portions were decent, food itself was decent...... This is a solid 3.5, but Yelp doesn't allow 1/2 ratings so we'll go with a 3. Waitress was nice too. Stop in for a nice lunch/drink etc...but please don't wait hours for it because it isn't that great.
(3)
Laurie F.
I'm actually shocked at the negative reviews here, as me and the four others I went to brunch with yesterday were blown away. The two locals had been there before, but myself and the other two visitors were newbies. We came from NYC and are certainly well-versed in SERIOUS eating. Most of us had all also worked in the food/beverage/service industry at some point. I'm only prefacing this review that way because we tend to be a little critical, and having this consensus of how ridiculously good Met Back Bay was is unusual for the group. Brunch started with a bloody mary, ordered off of their bloody mary menu. Wait... you can put a CHEESEBURGER on your bloody mary? Why yes please, I'll have that. In fact, we all did. Other various options included cocktail onions, bacon old bay seasoning, olives, pickles, pepperoncini, horseradish, Met sauce or spices (?), bacon salted rim, cornichons, and probably a ton I'm missing. Did the drink actually cost more than my brunch entree? Sure did. But delicious and totally worth it. The burgers were fresh and delicious. My friend's piece of bacon was a little fatty for her, but when the waiter noticed she had sort of picked around the fat, he asked if it was okay and offered to bring her another piece. THAT'S attention to detail and service. I wish I would've gotten his name to give him a good shout out in this review. Brunch entrees ordered: 2 sandwiches called "The Cure", a pork-stuffed hash brown with fried egg and jalapeno hollandaise, some sort of stuffed french toast, and a truffled croque madame. The portions were enough to install a serious food baby in my belly for the rest of the afternoon. The taste was on point. Everyone raved. New mission: copy these bloody marys for every brunch I host from now on. Maybe I'll have to get back to Met whenever I'm in Boston to do some... er... "research"...
(5)
Maya T.
I took a friend here who was visiting from out of town. We didn't have to wait on a Tuesday night for dinner which was good. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. Our good came out fast. I had the rigatoni bolognese and my friend got the rice bowl. Both were delicious. The only problem was there were mosquitoes in the restaurant! We kept getting bitten, so it was annoying when we were eating. Was ready to leave once we were done eating. We got the ice cream sandwich and it was delicious.
(3)
Tyler S.
There are plenty of other restaurants/bars within walking distance from here that run circles around this place. The service is pretty bad and the drinks and food are nothing special.
(2)
Alex K.
Incredibly disappointing! This place has a great atmosphere and an awesome maître d, but beyond that it is lacking in all categories. The service was dismal, and for the price of entrees (hovering around mid 20s) it was a disappointment. Sad to say I won't be back.
(2)
Scott S.
Awful tartar. Service subpar. Good place for a burger and fries or drinks at bar, but nothing else.
(2)
Emily L.
I like their ambience but their food is only okay. I like the dedham location more. Their burgers are nothing special. The bartender can make pretty good drinks. Got a dirty martini and it was well made.
(2)
Marcy H.
Love this place! Great food and fun atmosphere! Lox at the sunday brunch was fabulous
(4)
Caitlin G.
I'm honestly surprised by all the negative reviews on here! Except for one bad service experience, this place is reliably delicious for food. The drinks, although a bit lackluster and overpriced, are pretty decent as well. This is one of my favorite after-work bars. We usually get a bunch of apps, so that's what my review is mostly based on, but they've all been incredibly good. And I have to say that the broccoli tempura is just otherworldly. Much to my chagrin, they took it off of the menu, and I'm eagerly anticipating the day that it's back on. They tempura-fry broccoli, coat it in some delicious orange glaze, and drizzle some sort of aioli on top. It was sheer ecstasy on a plate. Try the lobster dip, roasted brussel sprouts or any of their salads (Green Guru in particular). I've also had a burger and it was yummy. The only negative is that the drinks are kind of weak; the wine pours are skimptastic, but again, that's what you'd expect from a Boston bar.
(4)
Elly W.
Last minute dine in here for RW. The place is big and clean. Very friendly staff. Me and my cousin had a three course meal each. Watermelon carpaccio and hamachi tacos for appetizers. Both had wonderful flavors. Entree was flank w/ potatoes and lobster gnocchi. Flank was good though one piece was Too dry. The potatoes were different and yummy. Lobster gnocchi with corn and Bacon was delicious. A lot of lobster served. Didn't like the fact the plate was chipped at four places. Also shared roasted asparagus with fried egg, aoili and parmesan. Delicious. Dessert was peanut butter Brownie and peach cobbler with cake and ice cream. I'm not a PB fan, bit the Brownie was pretty good. The cobbler was good, not a fan of warm fruits, but edible. Overall enjoyed our dinner and presentation was artful.
(4)
Simon L.
Came for a birthday brunch. Excellent, slightly briny east coast oysters - several dozen. The mammoth hot dog is grilled nicely and has a thick skin with a good snap when biting through the dog. Spicy mustard is a welcome addition. The bun is buttered and grilled and "almost' fits the meaty dog. The burger has red wine sauteed onions, thick smoked bacon, cheddar cheese. A large, well formed patty has decent seasoning although it is cooked past medium rare to a medium temperature. This has the unfortunate effect of drying out the prime beef. The beef is so prime in fact that there is almost not enough juice content in the meat. Efficient service. Good location. Excellent martinis.
(3)
Jessi R.
I came in for the Hot Chocolate Experience, and decided that dinner beforehand was probably a good idea. I've heard great things about MET, and do not have to hurt any of my friends for leading me astray. The menu was short but had plenty of fairly unique options. Knowing we were ordering dessert, we skipped the appetizer. My wife ordered the Maple Balsamic Salmon and I had Spaghetti Lobster Arrabiata. Hers was excellent, and left her wanting more. Mine was very good, but I wanted a little something "more" to fill it out some--it was very heavy on the pasta with not quite enough of anything else. Dessert was wonderful. We probably should have stuck with the hot chocolate (grown up of course), but couldn't resist and also ordered a chocolate cake and sorbet dish that I can't seem to find on the menu (it's only been a week!!). The cake was a little dry, but the sauce & sorbet mostly made amends. All the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful; the restaurant was clean and it didn't feel stuffy despite it's Newbury St location.
(4)
Jen C.
I just had a surprisingly bad experience at Met Back Bay - my sandwich was horribly made and missing ingredients and our waiter did not appear to like me. I went for lunch and sat downstairs. We ordered our food and drink (no special requests), all was fine. I ordered their Club (with avocado, brie, & arugula). I ate the 1st half, which had a very small piece of chicken, but the bacon and avocado were there. Tasted fine. When I went to eat the 2nd half, realized all the bacon and avocado were on the 1st half. All it had was chicken and arugula (no condiments). Not caring that much, I just asked for a side of mayo The table next to me gets a side of mayo delivered. A minute later I hear a *thunk* and a squeeze bottle of mayo has been placed on the table with a lot of force. When I give a startled jump, the waiter snaps "you asked for mayo, right?". Somehow I completely offended him by asking for mayo. He then completely abandons our table. Someone else clears our plates and we have to wait before he finally comes with the check. He walks by us as we leave and doesn't even say goodbye. When I get back to the office and realize there was no brie on my sandwich...
(2)
Caesar S.
Came here for brunch on a Saturday morning and have nothing but good to say about my experience. I ordered the breakfast burrito with home fries and it was delicious. They were both packed with flavor and nicely seasoned. Their mimosas are good, but small. Solid, friendly service as well. If I were to say anything negative about this place, it would be that it's pricey ($70 bill after tip for two people). But you should expect that due to the fact it's on Newbury Street. Overall, great experience and would definitely recommend it to others.
(4)
Andrew p.
***update*** I left the review below including the description of service and the manager (Steve) read it, took the feedback and went out of his way to make my most recent visit a superior experience. I really appreciate his going the extra mile. *** Previous review: I've come here for the past 2 years and have always enjoyed the Paris burger. Who wouldn't love a perfectly cooked medium rare burger covered in gooey Brie cheese and a fried egg? In general the food is better than most chains but nothing mind blowing. The service is the reason for the 2 star review and really this is due to the hostess and manager who multiple weekends in a row have told us that the wait would be significantly shorter than it was. This past weekend the manager said it would be a 20 min wait that ended up being 1 hour and 15 minutes. I think the most frustrating part is they repeatedly seated "friends" of the manager ahead of people waiting. I hope they can change their management and particularly the manager Steve who clearly does not have the restaurant's best interest at heart.
(4)
Katie B.
I have been to met bar a bunch of times and I went today for lunch and sat at the bar. It is the first sunny and slightly warm day of 2015 so the patio is full and its understandably busy. The service was stressed and the woman manager with the shaved head made everyone in the restaurant know how stressed the staff was. The bartenders were overwhelmed and did the best they could. The food was not as great as I've had in the past. Stick to the ham and cheese bar and you can't lose. Bottom line - manager need to not yell at her staff in front of customers. Ever.
(2)
Teri D.
Ate here last month on a whim as we had just arrived and were hungry. Wish we had found another place. It is a great location right in the thick of things and the outdoor seating is very nice but this day our server?? Sad! Had to wait and wait and wait for everything. Had to flag down another server to get ours to come back once. And then there was the food. We had breakfast there and even though the 3 egg omelet was good the brioche that came with it was so freaking dry it was like trying to eat packing peanuts. The blueberry compote that came with it was great though. Costs: 3 egg omelet - $11 Egg met muffin - $10 Side of bacon - $5 Glass of Pomm juice - $4.00 Not that cheap for two but if the service (and some bread) had been better it wouldn't have mattered.
(2)
Tomi A.
This was my first time having brunch in Boston and I will say this place did not disappointment. To start, I got a Sangria while my friends got "Create-Your-Own" Bloody Mary's. The Sangria was a perfect way to start to the meal and the Bloody Mary's were a world of their own. You could even add a cheeseburger as a garnish! (which had to be done at my table). For food, I debated between the Breakfast Fries and the many different burger options. I eventually went with the Boston Burger with cheddar, bacon, and a delicious egg on top and my friends got the DC Burger, which was your standard All-American Burger, and the Breakfast Fries. The fries were the perfect cure for a hangover but you could only eat so much of it before getting sick of it. My Boston Burger was filling and I would get it again! We ended with "Doughnuts and Coffee" which were Italian ricotta fritters with a cinnamon coating and espresso custard dipping sauce. I absolutely recommend getting these and it is definitely shareable for two or three. All in all, I really enjoyed this place for brunch. Its hard to find places with great food and service and this place makes the cut! I intend on coming back really soon!!
(4)
Boris L.
I will update this review when I get back here to try some food because everything I saw looked amazing. The cocktails that we got were some of the best I have had in the city. The venue itself is really cool, it has a modern/new-age sort of vibe.
(5)
Amanda M.
Great place to eat outside in the Boston downtown area. Although, watch out for the bubble bees they WILL get ya. Almost landed right in my food! But the hostess was very nice about it. Speaking of food, I got the chopped salad and it was wonderful. My friend got the Mac n cheese... It was mouth watering. So crisp and creamy at the same time! Definitely recommend this place next time I'm in town!
(4)
Adrian C.
This review is for the brunch, which was delicious and had some healthy options. I was staying right down the street and went twice on Saturday and Sunday and got the veggie omelette, and the something natural sandwich. The sandwich was delicious and had a heaping portion of vegetables. The omelette was large and also had a good portion of veggies. Prices were what you would expect for the area $13-$15. The atmosphere was cool, a lot of young people drinking but I was in town for a conference so I didn't partake.
(4)
Peter C.
Great location in Back Bay! We ventured into Met to grab a bite during an impromptu Saturday night Pub Crawl. Grabbed a spot at the bar, as the Outdoor seating was all taken up, given the gorgeous weather. We ordered some Stellas and kicked back a few. The bar had pairs of attractive women sitting around, sitting martinis. Seems like a good place to meet late 20s or early 30s girls, if that's what you're looking for. The menu isn't huge, but I'm told they do an amazing burger. We settled on splitting the Loaded Fries. The appetizers don't appear to be the size you'd get at your average chain restaurant. I can split fries and nachos with someone and be completely full at a Chilis or Fridays. Since the Met is a bit more upscale, portions were smaller. The fries were first rate! Hand cut fries, with layers of melted cheese. Topped with a cut up burger and a fried egg. Really good! I wish I had ordered one just for me though. Would have been perfect! :) Wait staff was SUPER friendly. There were a lot of people working there, so it wasn't hard to get service. I noticed a guy who appeared to be a manager or owner, walking around. He kicked back a few glasses of Johnny Walker. I thought that strange that he'd be drinking, while on the job. A very nice guy though. I forgot to add... THE MUSIC. Whatever playlist they had going, it certainly catered to my age group. It's not the 21 crowd. I think it's more for people who are bit more established in their career and looking for a great spot. The music was a HUGE plus. It was a lot of popular songs, and saw a lot of girls singing along. Not hip hop or pop junk. I'm trying to recall all the songs, but all I remember was a Chili Peppers song, but I found myself singing along in my head to most of it.
(4)
Jay N.
I have now had brunch at the Met 4 times, within 2 months. I try to go to other places but this place keeps beckoning me back. The outdoor seating is lovely, indoors is well done, the service is good, and the coffee is terrific! My family and I were all pleased with our meals on my last visit. I would certainly recommend this place.
(4)
Xander M.
1. I've been here twice. Both times, the same two girls were at the door. The look of judgement on their faces was not welcoming. When I mentioned my reservation name, the response was "your party's down stairs" said with a nasty attitude! 2. There was no small fork for my oysters :( 3. The food was phenomenal! 4. The bartender was very nice and welcoming. Recommendation: replace the ladies at the door. They set the tone!!
(2)
Tanya L.
Meeting a friend in downtown Boston for after-work drinks, I was interested in trying Met Back Bay on the corner of Newbury St and Dartmouth since my friend had recommended it. We sat outside in the beautiful Newbury St seating - that is, until we were informed that we had to order food to sit outside. As we both had dinner plans, we opted to move inside. We chose a table in the underground bar area, but it took quite a while for a server to notice us and bring us our drinks. My friend had a cocktail while I had a local microbrew beer. The drinks were good but place became really busy and loud, and the service wasn't terribly attentive. It took forever both outside and inside to be greeted by a server and actually served. The bathroom was also pretty horrible, with many of the stalls without toilet paper and/or looking very rough. If you're going for food, sit outside and enjoy the amazing space. However, if you're just going for drinks I wouldn't recommend it very highly.
(3)
Julia C.
The Met is home to some of the best cocktails in Boston. I would definitely recommend sitting at the bar downstairs, if you can get a seat. The bartender, Tito, is a great guy and will make you awesome drinks! My favorites are the blackberry bramble and the blood orange cosmo. The drinks are strong and sweet, but not too sugary. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or co-workers, or a little afternoon drink once you're done shopping on Newbury. You really can't go wrong with any of the menu items. I've tried just about everything and have had no complaints! I would suggest going to the bar on the earlier side of the night, as it can get pretty crowded. I have one suggestion for this place that would make their rating go from a 4 to a 5 star: 1. Clean the bathrooms more frequently. I can't tell you how many times I have walked into a bathroom there with zero toilet paper. The water in the faucets always comes out FREEZING cold. If they fixed the bathroom issues, this place would be perfect in my book!
(4)
Arden B.
Yum! Went here for brunch last weekend with a girlfriend and ended up staying for nearly three hours! We both ordered the veggie omelette with egg whites. I requested that the omelette not be cooked with butter, and the waiter was totally on board and had no problem with this at all. The only reason I can't give five stars is because the oil they used instead was too dense and left a puddle on my plate. All it really takes to make an omelette is a greased pan, right? It was still delicious nonetheless, and the fruit I ordered on the side was super fresh and flavorful! We had Mimosas and Bellinis. I personally preferred the Mimosa, but the Bellini was great, too, just a little more bitter. I love the Mimosa because it's made with a blood orange puree that's just delightful! The environment in there is so open and nice. Originally we were seated in the library bar, which is dark and not really a very brunchy location. When I asked to be moved, the hostess was happy to oblige immediately. The whole staff was really wonderful! I will definitely be going back when the weather is nicer so I can sit outside! I also had no idea about this incredible Bloody Mary menu, but I assure you, I will be back and I will have my slider on a stick in my cocktail if it's the last thing I do in Boston!
(4)
Roxana F.
Best cesar salad I've EVER had. Holy shit. Their dressing is a bit spicy but this is literally the best I've had, and I'm picky!! = PLUS FIVE STARS Awful service. Slow, and they always mess up orders. = MINUS TWO STARS Don't get the tartare here, you'll be disappointed. You will not, however, be disappointed with the garlic bread or the cold beet or warm octopus salads. Yumm.
(3)
Ashley A.
Took my husband here for his birthday this past week. We had made a reservation, although it wasn't necessary as it was a Tuesday...and the place wasn't really very busy. We were greeted promptly and brought right to our table. Our server was really great and had a lot of great insight as to what we would like on the menu. My husband got the salmon and I got the sausage orecchiete..both were excellent. We would definitely come back again!
(4)
Kassy S.
Went for a delicious brunch this morning. i had made a reservation for four, but they were very accommodating when we had five in our party instead. The food and service were both excellent. I originally ordered the Nutella stuffed french toast but was told they were out so I chose something else. Then the server returned to tell us they got more in and would make it for me after all, very kind of them! I also had a great Bloody Mary and wonderful, fresh orange juice. I would highly recommend and can't wait to return. Thank you!
(5)
Abbie G.
The service wasn't very good and the food was worse. The hollandaise on the eggs Benedict was split and everything was cold and had obviously been sat under the heat light for way too long. The potatoes were hard and bland. Overall terrible experience. Don't get drawn in by the cute patio.
(2)
Jackie C.
Garrett (sp) has been a wonderful waiter/server! Ask for him and you'll get the best service! I had the most wonderful time here! My husband had a late night at the office so I took myself out to dinner. The clam chowder here was amazing and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere was so nice. I ate upstairs and looked over Newbury street while drinking amazing wine and reading my book. I will definitely be back for a nice night our with friends. I can't wait to try the lounge area.
(5)
Diane H.
NAHHHH, I PASS. Why it's sooo crowded at the bar, i don't know. Okay I do, people just need a place after work to hang. It's great for people watching...across the bar, I only got to watch this awkward couple be very boring and play on their phones while i sipped on my drink with my friend. The sangria SUCKS, so please skip it. My mojito needed more sugar to my liking...so i of course chased my bartender down to add more. When we got there the bar was full so we told the host we were just gon sit and wait... and after about 5-10 mins she found us two seats at the bar -- good job, we were about to head out. You aren't gonna get drunk here..so don't try. The drinks are not strong enough.
(2)
Danjackie L.
Had a great meal here with friends on Saturday night. Started in the downstairs bar before having dinner in the upstairs dining area. Only complaint with bar drinks was that they didnt do a slow poor for Guiness. Dinner was fantastic. We ended up ordering a few apps/shareable plates. Truffled fries were wonderful. Mac and cheese was so creamy. The pasta was perfectly al dente vs. soggy and overcooked. The cheeses used had great flavor. Truffled flatbread was also very good with nice thick peices of mushrooms. The ahi tuna/salmon appetizer was also out of this world.
(4)
Kim H.
Went for a birthday dinner here, GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. everyone here seems to be foreigners Very okay pricing !! for newbury st. I loved their fries !! they served it with odd sauce but it was very good . I ordered clam chowder wasn't really happy with it although it was very creamy. I wouldn't come back again. there wasn't much to choose from
(3)
Maria D.
We went here because we couldn't find anywhere else that would seat us within 30 minutes on a Saturday night after 8pm. I had the burger and fries and I was reasonably pleased. It wasn't the best burger I've ever had and the fries were a little bit soggy, but the waiter service was pretty good given the circumstances. The tables were a little bit too close, but it was a nice night so we appreciated being able to eat at a restaurant with outdoor seating. One concern: We asked for Cokes and received Diet Cokes. When I told the waiter, he said it was the machine, took our drinks back and didn't come back with new drinks for twenty minutes. Now, I don't blame him for giving me a Diet Coke (it's the default order around here, I guess), but I do think service could have and should have been significantly quicker than that. He was very apologetic when we got our drinks (after waiting what felt like a lifetime). The food was decent, but it might have been the anticipation that made it taste good. I'll definitely go back, but it's not on my list of top places to eat in the Greater Boston Area.
(3)
Bill S.
Quick service, placed a take out order which was very fast but food quality was only mediocre. Burgers were overdone and not very tasty, so not sure I would run back here again, though its a nice place and quick service so if your expectations are low...
(3)
Giselle H.
Was derpin' around Newbury with two gorgeous ladies and we decided it was afternoon cocktail time. We didn't want to wait, so we chose Met. Given that more than two thirds of the outdoor tables were empty, we figured service would be quick. When we told the hostess we wanted to sit outside, she said that unless all three of us ordered food, we would have to sit inside at the bar. Can we sit outside if we split an appetizer? No. But it's 2:30 in the afternoon and most of the tables are empty? Still no. Never even offered to show us a menu. And so we passed on Met and continued our quest to get sloshed. I pity the waiter whose hostess and/or management puts peculiar and inflexible rules above revenue. We ended up enjoying 4 martinis, a bottle of wine, and 2 appetizers a few doors down. Met's loss!
(1)
Thurayya A.
The food was alrrriiiiiiggghhhttt. But my review is really for the amazing waitress we had. I wanted a virgin cocktail, but I wasn't really sure what I wanted in it (yes, I was being THAT customer). She assured me she would have the bartender make me something special....and he did! I don't even know what was in it, but it was fruity and refreshing. Overall she was just super sweet and gave impeccable service....wish I caught her name. Other than that, I got a burger. It was OK. Not amazing, not awful either. I'd come back if given the chance.
(3)
Marcelo M.
The lack if service in the bar is always frustrating. I get is Sunday and all that, but if show up for work, you need to honor your time. I just come back here bc sometimes is just convenient. Would recommend to any one.
(1)
Rachel B.
Stopped by for dinner on a Tuesday, so it was very quiet. The music was super annoying, like Tom Petty muzak station. Politely asked for them to change the music, with a specific request even, but nothing! Who else was there in the restaurant? No one but myself, my husband, the waitress, and the dumb manager who wouldn't change the crappy music. Food was good, but thanks to the atmosphere, will not be returning.
(2)
Megan B.
Definitely one of my favorite places to eat in the Back Bay! Met Back Bay is super cozy, perfect if you need a quiet place to catch up with friends. The menu is pretty streamlined, upscale comfort food with enough variety for anybody to find something they'd like. They also have great drink & desert menus. I always end up getting the same thing, the short rib tacos and buttermilk biscuits with maple butter--they're the best! The fresh cider donuts and ice cream are also worth trying. The wait staff is always great, super friendly and give great customer service, but are never overbearing. I've never felt rushed here and often take my time and enjoy the loungey atmosphere. Well-recommended if you want something simple but delicious to eat around the Copley Square area.
(4)
Sarah G.
Went here for Taco Tuesday with a group of people from work! Great tacos and great service right at the bar. The tacos were a deal and a good size for the price! Had a cocktail also and it was tasty!
(4)
Lisa L.
Went in for the hot chocolate experience. My friend and I tried the flight of 4 experience, and we made them grown up. All tasted really great, but my favorite was definitely the classic hot chocolate that had bailey's in it. My friend was really excited about trying the salted almond. However, the biscotti that comes with it was hard as a rock! Even after dipping it in the drink, it was so difficult to chew. After downing two of the hot chocolates, we were getting kinda hungry, so we ordered the calamari as a snack. The spicy mayo sauce that comes with it was very tasty, but overall, there wasn't much squid meat to actually eat. A majority of what we got was just crumbs. So that was a total downer. All in all, I would definitely do the flight of 4 experience again. And maybe next time, I would do them without the liquor.
(3)
Tony N.
ANOTHER UPDATE: wtf? Do the owners read reviews or pretend that they don't exist? Like fools, my wife and I went last night to give Met one more try, (we were also too lazy to walk another block). We sit down at the library bar, are barely greeted, and have two menus pretty much tossed down at us. Clearly nothing has changed at this place. We walked out before being subjected to any more crappy service and mediocre food. Went to Back Bay Social Club. As usual, it was awesome. Good by forever Met! Just a quick update to my previous review....not sure what happened here but over the past several months this place has gone downhill. Service downstairs is I attentive and somewhat unfriendly, (students on break?). The food is nowhere near the quality it used to be. Their amazing chopped salad once came with a big juicy piece of chicken when requested. Nowadays it is a small piece of chicken of lesser or equal quality. The salad itself also seems on its own to be more bland. Not sure what is going on here but I went from being a regular to a passerby. Will give it a whirl in a few months of Yelpers think it's worth a shot... Hopefully we will see a change.
(1)
Rachel P.
I am so conflicted about The Met. They have a really great menu with variety and something for everyone- no matter what you're in the mood for. Their outdoor patio is one of my favorites on Newbury. And I love their cocktails! But somehow it doesn't all add up and I feel disappointed by something every time I go. The food is kind of hit or miss, and there is definitely something lacking on the customer service side of things. I find the staff are not knowledgeable about the menu, and are often times not very attentive. There also seems to be some level of professionalism lacking with the hosts/hostesses (only referring to my experience with outdoor seating). I'll definitely keep eating here in the summer because it's right across from my apartment (and like I said, that patio is great) but I stick to drinks and appetizers, nothing too complicated. I am seriously rooting for an improvement!
(3)
Alex B.
Atmosphere / Ambiance - Overall Have been here several times for lunch now since my office is right near by. It does make for a great business lunch environment due to their round tables. Seriously, I hate nothing more than shouting diagonally across a rectangular table when out with colleagues. When I am with friends, I can care less (just throw a fork or something to grab the attention of your friend). Get in there around noon though because it sure picks up after that. Food As for their food I have had very good experiences with their burgers. You basically pick a burger type and then a topping combo. I have had both their regular, kobe, and their salmon burgers. When I am feeling ballsy I go for their Paris Burger. The Paris burger is just something you need to get with the Kobe. The Paris consists of melted brie, fried egg, caramelized onions, and truffle mayo. Each bite made me want to scream out "Oui Oui! Je t'aime!" to the burger. You also gotta go the sweet potato fries route here. Other things I have gotten here was the warm burrata starter which was very good and easy to share. I have also tried the salmon burger - Tokyo style. It sounded much better than it actually tasted. The grilled chicken kabob was more of a deconstructed kabob wrap all separated on a plate and was really not what I was expecting. Service One thing that bothers me about this place is that it appeals to business lunches yet service can be kind of slow despite it seeming perfect for a lunch place. If they were a tad quicker and more diligent about bringing the check and swiping cards towards the end of the meal it would be a place I would return to way more often.
(3)
Madison C.
A little disappointing. I heard the food was delicious and came with my friends for a Sunday brunch. A person at our table had alerted the server to their shellfish allergy. The server had come back to make us aware that the French toast was deep fat fried in the same fryer as shellfish but they would be happy to make it on the grille instead. The server came back during our wait and made us aware that the kitchen had started to make their French toast in the fryer and the server reminded them of the allergy. The server assured us the food would be out soon. When the French toast did come out it was undercooked and, as we soon found out, still cross contaminated. Fortunately, the person had a mild reaction but this is ridiculous. If the kitchen can't accommodate the customers needs, the kitchen needs to be honest and admit it. The server was attentive and seemed to have done his part in communicating to the kitchen but the kitchen seemed to disregard.
(2)
Sam C.
The wait staff was extremely friendly. They catered to our every request with a smile and polite manner. The drinks were delicious, including Pimm's Winter Cup, the Rasperry Fizz, and the Blood Orange Cosmo. The Brussel Sprout appetizer was to die for, and the main courses surpassed all expectations. The dessert was great as well. Cider donuts with a very unique flavor of icecream: salted caramel. The aura is fantastic, the seats comfortable, and the music light and enjoyable. Definitely coming back here. (with my parents cause its not cheap)
(5)
Elisa C.
This place was pretty amazing! I went here with my girlfriends and had the white bean brushetta, spicy calamari, Madame sandwiches, chicken salad, and the Paris burger. All of the food was so tasty and the cheese melted in my mouth. The atmosphere is very laid back, open windows and service was so nice. We stumbled here since Lolita's was closed for lunch but so happy we came here! I'd recommend coming here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch or lunch. Affordable, delicious, and great atmosphere!
(5)
Will N.
Came to the MET back bay for brunch today on Sunday 9-14 and couldn't have left happier, my server was great, the food came out hot and was delicious. Service was impeccable, but have to give the manager props- he made several stops by our table, suggesting cocktails and even paired wine for our steak tip selection for our entrees. I forget his name but he was a charmer as we watched him "work" the dining room. Great establishment on newbury street- I'm unsure why such negative reviews. Great food, service and management. I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK!! Kudos to the owner for putting together a staff that "wows" the guests!!
(5)
S M.
Heard about the bloody marys so thought this would be a good place to come for dinner. I ordered a bloody mary and it was one of the worst ones i've ever had. It was mixed badly and watery. It is always a bad sign when a restaurant cannot even make their signature dish or drink well. I ordered a burger and asked for it well done. I received a burger with blood dripping from it, almost raw in the middle. I sent it back and then was sent a burnt burger, almost completely black, as an insult from the chef. The fries sucked too. Mcdonalds fries taste better. The food here is extremely mediocre and overpriced, the kitchen staff couldnt give a damn about quality. And what "fine dining" restaurant does not know how to cook a burger well done?
(1)
Autumn H.
We stopped in really quick for lunch last Sunday, and it was great! The food was good (some neat stuff on the menu, but also not extremely original). All of us got something different and all of the meals were good. There was nothing mind-blowing about the food, but it was definitely good and the atmosphere was great (we sat in what they call the library, but what I would call, the bar area.) All-in-all, no complaints!
(4)
Kelly A.
I literally just left there on a Thursday night - BEWARE - on Thursday night at 10pm, the mice come out. Understood that every restaurant in Boston probably has some rodent problem, but management tried to tell me "they walk in through the front door." As a patron, if I'm spending $15+ a drink, seeing three nice scurry across your dining room floor is not acceptable. Instead of trying to mediate the situation, the staff took it as "no big deal" and something that must occur often. I'm just happy I didn't eat there.
(1)
Mindy L.
I've been to Met Back Bay twice now and I'm just not sure I'm a super fan. First Visit - Valentine's Day It was virtually empty thanks to our 5:30 PM reservations (my hubs had to get to a basketball game at 9:00 PM so it forced our timeline up a bit) so we got a great seat in the window on the 2nd floor. We glanced at the Valentine's specials but nothing screamed out at us so we ended up ordering from the main menu. First, I love the free pretzel sticks and port cheddar cheese. I probably could have made a meal out of just that. A little less filling than the typical bread and butter you find at most other places and definitely different. I ordered the half order of Chicken Frites and my husband ordered the Croque Monsieur. In the meantime, I sipped on a glass of Malbec (not my favorite Malbec ever but for the life of me, I can't remember the name) and hubby chugged a beer (OK, he didn't chug. Maybe gulped). When my Chicken Frites arrived...it was NOT what I was expecting. I actually received HALF a CHICKEN. Yes, half the whole darn thing...I thought I was going to get thinly sliced, breaded and fried chicken fingers (this was in my head, of course). Not half the chicken. Which makes me think...had I gone with the whole chicken...I would have been brought out a platter of chicken!? The breading was great - Parmesan cheese, some garlic, etc. But there was so little of it and as I was whacking away at the huge half a chicken on my plate...I lost some in the battle. That said, it was cooked divinely. I should have shared the Croque Monsieur with the hubs because he got not one but TWO whole sandwiches. His only complaint was that they were slightly burnt on one side. He ate around it and with two sandwiches to tackle, he didn't leave hungry. Second Visit - random Monday night I met an old colleague at the downstairs bar and we sat at the "Ham Counter." We ordered a couple specialty cocktails (Winter Pimm's Cup and Grapefruit Fizz for me). Both my drinks were very tasty. I then followed up with a burger and sweet potato fries for my order. My friend ordered the Paris Burger (with Brie, onions, etc). The marketing of these burgers has your mouth watering and you can't wait to order. However, the execution missed the mark. The burger was over-cooked and the bun was way to big (and dry) for its britches. I ended up using a knife and fork because it just wasn't worth trying to make my way through all the bread. Sweet potato fries = awesome. Truffle fries = meh. They came out a little lukewarm and just weren't as good as the sweet potato fries. Service was awesome...our waiter was great, very knowledgeable about the cocktails and didn't hover even though we were his only customers!
(3)
Joelle K.
My husband and I had brunch here. I wish we had gone a bit later as we had to wait a half hour for it to get to 11 so that we could order cocktails. They have a nice outdoor seating area and the service was good. We both had omelets (3 cheese for me and ham and cheese for my hubby) with home fries. The home fries were nice and crispy with good spice, and the omelets were decent.
(3)
Katie H.
AMAZING food, best biscuits and garlic bread I have here had. Not the best indoor setting (it's a bit dark) but it does not really matter all that much. I highly recommend trying it out if you are in the area.
(5)
Regis W.
I will start off by saying that I've had many great experiences at Met which is why I'm doing three stars and not two. Today, not so. My favorite menu item on the menu is the short rib taco. They are DELICIOUS and, while on the bar menu, I've never had trouble ordering them in the restaurant. This time around, the server would not let me order them so I settled for their brunch burrito. Do not order their brunch burrito. It is essentially a fat burrito full of eggs and black beans with guacamole on top. Boring and not worth the price. To add Insult to injury, I mentioned that I would go downstairs and order the tacos, the server said she would put in the order for me. So.... I can order the tacos to go but not eat them in the dining room? Makes no sense to me. On a better note - the winter Pimms cup awesome!
(3)
Miraj B.
A bad oyster is generally not a restaurant's fault. I did have a bad one here last night and I fault myself more because I should not have eaten any of them. First off, they were not chilled well. They were served on ice, but felt just south of room temperature. Next, they looked horrible. They were Wellfleets, but the shells were misshapen and chipped. The meat was not presented with any care. There were only six and maybe one looked presentable. Some had the meat flopped over the edge of the shell. It was Valentine's Day, but not necessarily busy there. So where was our server. I would've loved to order a straight whiskey to murder whatever bacteria was making itself comfortable on that luke oyster, but by the time he came back, the entire table had finished eating. I would have never come to a place like this, but if you are forced to be polite by attending, do not get the oysters. Save that yearning for a place that has a passing familiarity with how to properly serve them.
(1)
Lauren P.
So surprised at all of the negative reviews. I guess we were lucky. We sat outside on a beautiful night. I had an excellent Manhattan and wonderful glass of wine. The food was terrific, tuna and salmon tartare, steak with cognac mustard sauce, and my son had the burger of the day. The meat was a tad overcooked on both meals but we still found it delicious. Our server was wonderfully helpful, attentive, perfect service. Maybe they are trying to make up for some past problems. We were very happy.
(5)
Pamina E.
This place is beautiful and I can't complain about the location-- super convenient if you are in the area. The apps are quite tasty-- duck wings with house kimchi were great, the lamb kabobs with beet salad was a hit, truffle fries are always a favorite, the salmon and tuna tartetatare were just ok, a little bland actually. Then came the main dishes... They were all a disappointment. And for the price, my advice would be to skip main dishes and stick to their strong suit-- the apps and sangria.
(3)
Andrew U.
Was easy to get a reservation, nice location. Cocktails were good. Food is so so. Had scallops and pork belly, oysters for app. Oysters were great as was the pork belly. Scallops were plain although it's hard to make them special I guess
(4)
Collins F.
Try the chicken dish. Great place for dinner or brunch!
(4)
Joyce M.
Ok, let me start off by saying I'm being generous giving it 1 star. Sure, the night didn't start off well, but I was willing to let go of the fact that the waitress spilled a glass of red wine on me and my husband as we were trying to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary because, well, accidents happen. Sure, she was apologetic and offered to reimburse us for the cost of laundry... which we told her we wouldn't bill her for...like I said, accidents happen. Ok, my BIGGEST problem with this place is the OVERLOAD of salt. I could only assume one of the following: 1: the chef doesn't taste the food prior to serving. 2: the chef had a cold and he/she physically couldn't taste the amount of salt in the food. 3: the chef tasted the food and thought it was good (shocking!) 4: someone paid the chef to pour salt into our food in order to kill my husband, who already has a high blood pressure condition, hoping to collect on a life insurance policy (which WE DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE). What we ordered? Well, there was the wine... and we were too busy cleaning up our shoes/legs/pants/dress/table/menu to eat an appetizer so we went straight to the main course. My husband had a steak (I forget exactly which one) and I had the fusilli with corn and bacon. When I say it was overloaded with salt, I mean it. I like my food highly seasoned. This was not a normal amount of salt seasoning... it was like someone literally poured salt over the food. Although the waitress accidentally spilled the wine and apologized many times for it, I thought she should have noticed I pretty much left my dish untouched even though I ordered the smaller version of it. But she didn't. Instead, she took it away and brought the bill. No discounts or anything. We were generous with a 15%-18% tip and left without complaining because we couldn't wait to get the hell out of this place. I never dislike a restaurant experience this much but I really, REALLY hated this place. Never going back.
(1)
Grahaeme H.
Very poor service. Waitress said she had never before opened a bottle of wine!! Waited 10 minutes for plates for appetiser and in the end had to shout at another waiter. We were never asked for sides to go with the entrees. And they don't have coffee for dessert!! And don't bother booking if you want to sit outside as that's only first come first served. Final straw was bussers dragging around furniture and remaking tables with loud BANGS This was the last night business meeting for important clients. Not impressed, especially since the food was nothing special and VERY expensive
(1)
Joe J.
Burger is overrated. Not to mention, there was a mix up of what burger went with what fries, and the waiter just sat there awkwardly watching us switch the food in the plates so we could get it right. Sun was in my eyes 60% of the time, and the waiter did not do anything until after the woman at the table next to me mentioned the sun was imposing on their lunch. For everyone that raves about the burger here, I just don't get it. That is just my opinion, but outside of free lunches through work here, I doubt I would ever eat here.
(3)
Jackie L.
I'm sad this restaurant only gets 3 stars (should be at least a 4) but that's what happens when you mix 4-star food with 2-star service. I came here on a Saturday night with 4 friends, and we were seated in this long booth in the dining room which was great. The evening was a celebration of my birthday so I was pretty excited to be here, enjoying a long evening of drinking, dining, and sharing good times with friends. Let's start with the food: Wine: This is the only restaurant in the greater Boston area where I have found a bottle from Murietta's Well, my favorite winery in the Livermore Valley of CA. My husband is from the area and their wines are just outstanding. (Murietta's Well is a smaller, sister winery to the more well-known Wente.) Although we LOVE their whites, this restaurant only had a red blend and was $50 for the bottle, but the wine is just so. darn. good. we could not resist. If they started featuring Murietta whites (especially the meritage) I guarantee you my husband and I would be there at least once a month. Appetizer: Tempura Broccoli with jalapeno jam. Absolutely fantastic. And spicy! Watch out for those green jalapeno pieces. Entree: Thinking ahead to the overall big meal, I ordered a large dinner salad with arugula, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The salad was huge and satisfying with the addition of sirloin steak (though more on that in the "service" section). Side: Stole a few truffle fries from my husband's plate. Awesome. Dessert: Chocolate mousse tart with salted caramel ice cream, cashews, and toffee brittle? Yes please! A total indulgence, and worth it. Now onto the service. My opinion is if you're dining at a restaurant like this, on Boston's Newbury Street, the service should be exceptional. If not exceptional, at least neutral. In this case the service was memorable, but in a very strange way. Our waiter seemed to be extremely nervous, inexperienced, and not at all knowledgeable about the food which was a great disappointment. Inexperience is okay but he should have done more to try to get our questions answered. Also, due to what was presumably his nerves, he would either talk over us or fail to listen to what we were saying. Each time we interacted with him, it was a very bizarre experience. First, although he allowed me to inspect the bottle of wine, he didn't give to me or anyone in my party to taste and instead just began pouring. He was extremely careless in pouring the wine, spilling over the table and wiping with a napkin as he went along. While perusing the menu, I noticed my salad could be ordered topped with chicken or sirloin. In lieu of sirloin, I asked if I could get steak tips, and received an enthusiastic "yes!" But what did I get on my salad? Sirloin. Which was pretty good. But not what I ordered. There was also a lot of confusion around the truffle fries my friends ordered as a side (was there an upcharge? was it $4, $4+$2, $7+$2? This went on for several painful minutes and turned out we had interpreted the menu correctly while our waiter had not.) When my friends' steaks came out, another waiter dropped them off at the table and there was a lot of confusion about whose steaks were whose. After the other waiter left, our assigned waiter apologized that the other guy "didn't speak very good English." It was so awkward. Not to mention the fact that everyone's steak was messed up in terms of done-ness. Also it got hot at some point in the evening and we notified the waiter, who said he would let his manager know to adjust the temperature. We never noticed a change. No one was upset and really the evening wasn't ruined, but I was expecting a lot more. I love the food, love the location, love the ambiance - so I will probably be back - but this restaurant gets only one more chance on their service!
(3)
Erica B.
shockingly terrible. and I used to like this place. We arrived and were unable to find someone (anyone!) with whom to check in for our reservation and seat us for almost ten minutes. Even when we asked for help (3 different people), when we were finally seated, the table had been set but NOT cleaned! (it was sticky and there was food on it!) We ordered a bunch of small plates, including the grilled artichoke, at the suggestion of our curt, somewhat surly, and otherwise impossible-to-locate server. That dish came out first. It is basically inedible. It was room-temperature, previously halved (but not trimmed!) charred-to-a-black crisp, and served with a side of flavor free oil and a side of mayo. it was disgusting and had nearly nothing to eat on it! Next was the hummus - this is supposed to come with harissa, house-made pita chips. Instead it was about 3 oz of garden-variety hummus, severely lacking in salt and acid, dusted with a tiny bit of dried paprika (which, technically, is harissa, but really??!) with five tiny pita chips already IN the dip (getting squishy). Best thing we were served. Then we received the grilled cauliflower - supposed some come with herbs and romesco. Not quite. This was about a whole head of barely cut-up cauliflower, boiled lightly, with a flavorless tomato sauce on top. Also served room temp. It wasn't BAD per se, just intensely skill-less and boring. I'll give them points for size - this was HUGE. We ordered the duo of salmon and tuna carpaccio - also to be served with taro chips. The chips were stale. The "carpaccio"s each were clearly days-old fish (smelled strongly fishy and the consistencies had become that weird soft texture) packed together with mayonnaise. This was so foul that we sent it back. Sending the fish back was an issue. The reason is that our server NEVER checked on us. For like 15 minutes or more, after we received it. We could not get her attention, her back was to us in a small work-alcove. Finally, a different server approached us, we explained the problem, she took the fish (and the fries, up next) away, did not offer to replace it, and did not apparently communicate the issue to our server (and left it on our bill). Finally, we got the last dish (and by now, we were VERRY hungry since other than the cauliflower, there was no food, and no service to try to resolve any of this), the famed truffle fries. greasy, limp, and cold. YES, cold. They are kind of coated entirely with cheese, also, giving them a strong, heavy, flavor. What they did NOT taste like was truffle, or even cheap truffle oil (which can be smelled a mile off, I find it so strong). We sent them back to be re-heated, and what we got was a HUGE inedible mass, similar to the first but now the topmost layer were warm (not piping hot) and still somehow didn't seem cooked through. Served with Mayo, no catsup, no truffle-sauce, no nothing. The bill finally arrived, just dropped on the table with no words. The server cleared the predominantly uneaten dishes without a word or question. (was it ok? did we want it packed up? no, nothing.) It takes another 12 minutes (by this point I am actually looking at my watch) to get the server's attention to call to her attention that we were charged for the fish. 3 minutes later she returns with the adjusted tab. Then doesn't pick up the check for another 20 (yes, TWENTY) minutes. And by this point the restaurant is almost completely empty. I signed it, I walked out, absolutely annoyed (and embarrassed, and hungry!). The worst food that I have been served in Boston in years, made worse by just about the worst service possible shy of her actually being rude.
(1)
Jason N.
Came for valentines day and was told we were part of the TowneHouse experience, which was supposed to include the atmosphere and a prerequisite dinner. We booked three weeks in advance. Despite wanting to spend $120 per person, and being excited about this dinner, they told us upon arrival that we were supposed to sign up in advance for the specialty dinner portion. No where shown on the website was this the case, nor was this instructed by the host when we called to book our meal. Although the manager was oh so NOT understanding of this matter, we went with a Plan B. This is the third failure of this establishment to impress me upon their mistakes. I have to admit that the server was helpful in the matter, I wish the entire experience wasn't ruined....again.
(2)
Cindy K.
I am a fan of this place because its good when you want a decent burger. Although, the past two times I ahve been there, I have been let down. I always order the LA burger and its supposed to come with bacon. And the past two times there was no bacon in there. The bacon is probably the most important part about the burger. The coctails are delish here and service is pretty good as well, minus the forgetting of the bacon. I prefer sitting at the downstairs bar area, the dining room is kinda not my scene. Its more elegant, not my place for a burger.
(3)
Jovanna O.
Went here with one of my friends we are attending a conference in Boston. It started off a little rocky because we did not have a server. We had to ask someone to bring us coffee and then we got a server. I ordered the pancakes with eggs and am they threw in a free sausage for me which was nice. My eggs were perfectly cooked and they were very very delicious fluffy buttery delicious. The pancakes were good they are huge they fill up an entire plate there around 7 to 8 inches round. The sausage was not good at all but it was free so I'm not complaining. My friend ordered the omelette with spinach and Swiss cheese and he said it was delicious. It came with potatoes I had potatoes and they were yummy. It also came with toast. Once we finally got a server the customer service experience was great. They came and checked on us often. The atmosphere inside was very nice very laid-back I like it a lot. My only gripe is they are a little pricey but the food is good and the beginning wasn't so great since we didn't really have a server but I would probably come back.
(3)
Erika S.
I am amazed by all of the negative reviews this place gets. Granted, I've only been here for brunch, but each and every time it has been delicious. Really delicious! My fav place for brunch in Boston. Awesome food, awesome Bloody Mary's!!
(5)
Justin R.
Easily one of my favorite places to eat. Being in the heart of the city, it's a bit noisy and sometimes touristy, however the good food trumps the very few cons (IF you can even call the aforementioned "cons") that this place has. The food is always cooked to perfection, and the staff is very friendly. If you're an urbanite, the atmosphere here is the perfect place for you. They have indoor seating as well as outdoor seating (beautiful during nice weather). Every time I come here I get the "Tokyo Salmon burger" with a side of truffle fries. This meal is simply to die for! Okay, I might be over exaggerating a little now, but I'm definitely addicted. If you've never had truffle fries, please drop what you're doing and do a Scooby-skidaddle over to the Met Back Bay NOW!
(4)
Erin P.
Ugh The Met is going downhill fast!!! First, the Chestnut Hill location closed (not surprised, that place was a joke) and now the one of Newbury is lacking service and respect! Four of us were having drinks outside and then informed when we ordered our second drink by our biatch of a server that "it was a law you have to eat in order to drink on Newbury street." Sharing appetizers was not an option, each person had to order their own dish. That's a scam, it's just to make more money so if you want to drink outside be prepared to pay a lot more. We asked for the bar menu instead of the dinner menu and we got quite an attitude. We order salads and side plates and they were so disappointing. I got an $18 greek salad and it was awful, no dressing and it had dried veiny chicken. My cousin was drinking the house pinot grigio and the server started serving her a $10 glass of wine instead of the $8 because they "ran out" but didn't feel it was necessary to inform my cousin of the price difference. On 2 occasions she told us we could speak to a manager but a manager never came over to us. Instead of sending over a manager she gave us the difference for the price of the wine. This girl was friggin shady! I won't be going here again, this place is a joke!
(1)
Ashleigh W.
Go for Taco Tuesday. The pork tacos were awesome. Also ordered guacamole which was made perfectly (although the bottom of the bowl was filled with lettuce so it was slightly deceiving). The bartenders were on top of it and had a new drink ready for me as soon as I finished the last. Excellent service!
(5)
Blake M.
I sat at the upstairs bar 6/30 . I really wanted to try their burger. I sat down and there was 1 other gentlemen enjoying a glass of wine. It was fairly quiet but the bartender was stressed out. It was almost like he couldn't be bothered by his customers. I tried making small talk but I could tell he didn't want any of it. He complained he had been at work a very long time. I ordered the burger - it came with out cheese. I didn't feel like bothering the bartender so i didn't say anything because I really wanted that Vermont cheddar on it. Oh well, it was still tasty. The lobster roll is $30 - outrageous Food = good. Service = subpar
(3)
Carla D.
Loved the fresh & delicious salad that I ate at the Met on a Saturday afternoon, but must say the seating was uncomfortably cramped. Unfortunately, as time goes by I will remember not the tasty food, but how embarrassed I was when I almost knocked over a lady's drink while trying to squeeze into my appointed seat!
(3)
Natalie F.
The ham and cheese board here is my FAVORITE. Some other highlights include the breakfast fries, the chop salad, and anything for Sunday brunch. This place is great for after work drinks, Taco Tuesdays, lobster Wednesdays, 5 dollar burgers at midnight and anytime it's sunny/warm out on the patio. Love love love this place. They also have great private dining rooms!
Friends have has great brunches here. Sadly our experience today was no so... I got a warm Met 75 in a dirty glass; my brunch companion got a cold burrito and all the over easy eggs had been cooked through from sitting under the heat lamp far too long. We think this was due to out absentee, absent minded waiter; who is clearly trying to break into the world of underwear modeling and trying to pay the bills as a waiter. We had to ask for everything twice and only saw him once every 10-15 minutes. I think the food had real potential if the service hadn't drained the life out of me.
(2)
Dank D.
Now sit down and take a seat as I tell you a simple fact of life: this place was bitchin. I thoroughly enjoyed my entire damn meal. We sat outside right along the street and watched all of the Bostonians and tourists alike as they passed. Beauteous. For starters we had the guac, #LifeChanging. After finishing the chip portions of the guac we proceeded to fork the rest of that s*** out! Hot damn. Delicious. Wallace was our server. He was a gent. After that portion of the meal was demolished, I ordered the falafel burger with the "Athens" toppings. It looked like a flattened potato on a burger, but tasted like I was floating in vegetarian Valhalla. Because this was such a lovely day, I decided to splurge a little and get the met fries. Hot damn s***. Those were delicious. I cannot express, in written or spoken words, how incredible this little shindig was. Would I come back? Fuck yes. 10 out of 10 would bang. Again.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Food was ok - service was horrible. After receiving glasses of iced water and asking the waitress if they had espresso drinks, I asked for an iced latte. Her response was that they didn't have iced lattes. Then when my friend asked if she could substitute the cheddar cheese in her salad for another cheese she said no in a very rude tone. There were other cheeses available as my meal included Gorgonzola. The waitress was also nicer to all of the other patrons. We happened to be the only non white people at the restaurant.
(1)
Maria T.
I never write reviews, but this restaurant was so bad, I just have to do it. We ordered a guac which says it comes with roasted veggies; the guac was FREZER cold, and had no taste. Then we ordered the tartar duo; it was tasteless, and not fresh at all. The wings were dripping oil. The service was the worst, the waitress was extremely rude! Such a bad experience!
(1)
Jessica A.
I think Met is a great place to go for dinner and drinks, or just drinks. There seems to be a shortage of places in between sports bar and fancy $$$ in Back Bay, so I'm pleased to have it so close to home. I've had a variety of dishes from burgers to brussel sprouts to brunch. I will say that it's consistent. Decent selection of craft beers. Even a gluten free menu. It's not my favorite restaurant or anything, but it gets the job done. I think the burgers are better than most that I've tried around here. The truffle fries don't even have truffle oil though. It doesn't make sense. You dip them in a truffle mayo. They should call them fries with truffle mayo. I don't even like mayo, so I'm not sure why I was eating it. Maybe it said aioli and tricked me. Still not the same as real truffle fries. I still keep coming back though!
(4)
P C.
Excellent blood orange cosmo! Burgers are excellent and just the right size. Substitute and go with the sweet potato fries.
(5)
Jeff F.
I'm hugely skeptical of every restaurant on Newbury street. My sense is that they get by on average food and a great location. Met Back Bay is different. Great food with impressive variety, outdoor seating, creative menu and good service. Here's the rundown: - Biscuits (A) - I reconfirmed I don't like biscuits but wife wolfed these down like she was on death row and our friend from Alabama verified their legitimacy - Brussel Sprouts (A-) - Brussel Sprouts are terrible in general, but these were somehow good - Burrata (A-) - great option and I'm a sucker for burrata - Duo Tartar (B+) - Get...the....tuna....tartar (A+). Skip the salmon tartar (D+) - full on regret after my first bite. But the Tuna Tartar was ridiculously good. Tableside tartar is a nice touch - Lobster Pappardelle (B+) - This was weird but somehow pretty good - Rigatoni Bolognese (B+) - solid - Tofu Steak (A-) I'd rather be punched in the face than eat Tofu steak, but our resident Tofu expert declared this to be exceptional - Chicken Parmigiana (B-) - ok My biggest takeaway is that Met Back Bay is ultimate go-to if you're unsure about where to go to dinner since they have everything from fish to meat to pasta/pizza choices. If you're vegetarian they have you covered. That's tough to match given the combination of location and atmosphere.
(4)
Mahina K.
I saw this place on Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell but I swear that's not what made me come here. Boyfriend and I had some time to kill before my appt at Sephora at the Pru. So some lunch was in order. But I thought we wouldn't get a seat on a Saturday morning. Well, not upstairs, but downstairs. Fine by me. Upstairs sounded busy and crowded. Downstairs was much more relaxed. One of like 10 people. I can handle that. I ordered the Paris burger. Brie, caramalized onions, didn't want the fried egg so I put that on the boyfriend's Hash and eggs. He said his hash was good. But i'm far less concerned with that. I was just amazed at how good my burger was. The patty was cooked well, it had a good amount of juices to it, the brie didn't have that waxy part and melted wonderfully over the burger. The fries were amazingly crisp, which I adore. Now, don't confuse them with their burger bar out in Natick, which has a greater amount of burgers on the list. I think given the right timing this place is wonderful. I'm not big on waiting for certain places, but I think I'd wait here for a decent amount of time for a burger like I had. Now to go to the burger bar.
(5)
Brooke S.
I had a private party at Met Back Bay on a Saturday night for a group of about 15 people. The staff was extremely accommodating, spoke with us a number of times before the party, and were very helpful the whole night. We also had 6 young children with us, and the staff was very accommodating of them as well. All of our out of town guests loved the location and the view of Newbury Street from the private room we reserved. The food was great. Some favorite appetizers were the tempura broccoli and lobster cheddar dip. The Brick Chicken was great for a main, and the warm cookies were an excellent dessert. I will definitely be returning!
(5)
Valerie W.
Word to the wise for out of towners here. They may or may not give you a drink if you have an address label sticker on your ID. Yes, I have like 5 of them on the same driver's license. They looked at me and said they couldn't take it or serve me....WTF!? I told them it's just an address change label....they had to take it to management...really!? I did get my drink. Took around 30 minutes to finally get seated outside and it was just myself eating. Service is extremely slow, I felt like I was back in Europe. Ordered the half roasted chicken with fries and a side salad. Salad was large...as it should be for flippin $8. Lacked flavor and it was really only lettuce and tomato and beets. MEH. The chicken and fries were just fine. The pepper sauce that came with it had an odd flavor. Didn't pair with the chicken very well. The 'house' sangria was so-so. Not bad, not great. Certainly not really worth the money in my opionion. Not sure I would come back if I was in the area. Total cost was around $40 for myself for a so-so meal.
(2)
Ella F.
Came here for a work lunch. The service was prompt and nice. I ordered a Back Bay Micro Chopped with salmon. It was just decent. There was nothing special whatsoever about it. For the prices, I would expect higher quality (not just location). Basically, they're getting a 3 because the place is fine, didn't blow me away in either direction.
(3)
William W.
Great atmosphere! Excellent service and awesome food! I would definitely eat here again.
(4)
Courtney H.
Ok I used to think this place was a bit over priced for the area and the food was so so. However after moving to Back Bay and making this place a regular stop, I seriously think this might be the best restaurant on Newbury. I know that's not saying much considering most of the street is filled with average places, but this place is definitely good. While the dinner menu is really good (try the gnocchi, lobster cheddar dip and any burger they are serving) I love their brunch! Their omlettes are always cooked to perfection-fluffy, light and filled with deliciousness! And I could always use one of their blood orange mimosas! The staff is always super friendly too. I booked a large party and Dean couldn't be more accommodating! Oh and did I mention they have a patio? And it's down a bit away from the Newbury crowds? 'Nuff said.
(5)
Michael P.
The place was jammed on the Friday night that we went as a group of 4 adults and 4 kids. We were able to hang out downstairs in the bar area and have some drinks before being seated in our booth upstairs. The service was friendly and attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Sometimes it is not too easy to keep 4 kids happy, but the Met Back Bay helped us to enjoy our evening!
(4)
Nicole S.
Great salads. AMAZING bloody Mary's with bacon salt. Fancy place, but delicious food and beautiful atmosphere. Slightly over priced.
(5)
Brenda P.
Sunday brunch- mmmm,mmmm,mmmm met some friends there and had a great time! I could not decide what to have because everything looked soooo good! Everyone had different burgers: Kobe, LA and Paris and I had the shaved ham and cheese sandwich. Sounds so simple but it was great. If you order the Tokyo burger they donate the proceeds to Japan I was told by the way. Ok so what we ordered was not really brunch food but the menu made it really hard to choose. Some of the stuff on the menu just sounded incredibly good and from the looks of it from other peoples' plates around us: they were! The place is really nice inside and it looks like they have space for outside seating although it was not open just yet. Ordered a freshly squeezed orange juice and cappuccino too. I later noticed that they had guava juice to make mimosas with! Too bad I was so full to try it but impressive to me. Not normal to find guava anything north of 33016. If this place was in Miami, it would compare to a better Van Dykes and I would visit often!
(4)
Doug J.
(score 1-100) -80. This is a fiver yes a five star location. It is one of the few places you can eat outside on Newbury St. It is set down a little from street level and surrounded by bushes so the people watching will be the people on the street and not you but regardless you are outdoors! The food is good but not home run good. I think I agree with the consensus in that it is a 3.5 to 4 star in food quality. This is the best late breakfast or brunch place ...ya know a place to hang out on during weekend mornings. I have had a mimosa and the french toast here and they were good. Burgers are a safe bet... well done and reasonable priced.
(4)
Amy J.
Awesome Bloody Marys - coming from a girl who's really picky about them! Unless you're on a date or getting a table for four, opt for a seat at the bar! We had fast service, sports, chatter with the bartenders, and a pretty laid-back group of fellow visitors. It's located on the main shopping street, so use it as a break!
(4)
Jaime B.
Food & drinks are mediocre & unreliable. Great location but not worth it. They've had the same menu for years. Snooze.
(1)
Crystal C.
Location great, food average, service poor. Went for brunch. Had to wait quite long for drinks and then for the server to return to take food orders. Scrambled eggs were tough and the coffee was cold. I ordered one mimosa. For $33, I believe I was cheated.
(1)
Sarah E.
The worst part about Met Back Bay is the difficult decision of choosing a meal. Everything on the menu sounds incredible, particularly the brunch menu. The food looks just as amazing as it sounds too. I had the turkey burger a la Paris. It was incredible! My table ordered the salmon pizza appetizer. It may have been the single greatest appetizer I've ever eaten. Seriously. the whole group decided it was amazing! My only complaint would be the slow service. It took forever to get our drinks and food. I would have loved a refill on water or coffee. I's blame management over waitstaff. they looked particularly overworked and spread thin. but were always super courteous and friendly
(4)
Bill A.
Met Bar has always been one of my favorite places in the Back Bay but I was just a little disappointed last night. They have awesome burgers but I wanted something different so I went with the fish and chips. A little soggy and greasy but still pretty tasty. Should have gone with the burger. My wife ordered a Tuscan flatbread which was very tasty but cost $17. Way too pricey for an appetizer. My daughter had the bolognese which was huge (even the "small" portion) and she loved it. I'm going to complain a bit about beer. Met's draft beer list is sub par. They always have a few IPAs, a seasonal or two, and wheat beers. I think their manager doesn't like heavier beer because you never see brown, amber or scotch ales, etc. Even some sort of ESB or pale ale would be great but I usually go for the Stella since bitter, hoppy beers aren't my thing and neither are American wheats. How about a Paulaner or Franziskaner? How about a Red Hook ESB or even a Sam Boston Lager? By the way, bottled beers don't count. Anyway, I struggled with the 3 vs. 4 stars but in the end the burgers and short rib tacos bumped it up, so we will continue to frequent Met Back Bay.
(4)
Morgan D.
This place was a nice escape for the hurricane style winds that were abusing us outside. Located off of Newbury St, this place is a real gem. We sat downstairs near the windows to the back. We all ordered wine or prosecco and it was quite a lovely afternoon drink. I ordered the LA Burger Medium, which had avacado, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo. It was very yummmy as were the fries. Others at the table got Eggplant Caprese, Tokyo Turkey Burger and tuna/salmon tar tar. Oh and fries with the truffle sauce. MMMMM. Our waiter was great, and a cutie! This was a great place to enjoy and hour or two of the afternoon.
(4)
Kara C.
Every time I come here, I mis-budget my appetite and fill up too quickly. I guess if my only complaint is that the food is too good and the portions are too big, that's not bad? I've had the sliders (french style is delicious), the tuna tartare (you'll finish it before you can blink), the artichoke appetizer (my favorite). The brussels sprouts were a little intense - a bit too much cheese takes away from the fact that you're eating a vegetable. Overall though, the food is rich, comforting, and can't be beat!
(4)
Mari M.
spent a $100 for 4 people and regretted every penny. ordered the rice bowl with sirloin, dryest meat and definitely two-days old rice. the prime steak is not worth the money, definitely have had better at outback. We tried to tell our server the food tastes bad, but he never came to check on us or refill our drinks. For the price tag of the menu, you expect at least 'is your food ok? do you need anything?" just don't go there
(2)
Chloe B.
Despite the fact that the MET is a chain and tends to be rather touristy it is consistently dependable for a good meal and drink. Whenever I have visitors (friends, grandparents, colleagues) I take them straight to the MET whether its summer, winter, early or late if we are in a bit of a rush and looking for an easy, pleasant meal. My personal favorites are the kale dish and the rigatoni bolognese, and the ham and cheese board is always a crowd pleaser as well. Furthermore, the Library Bar churns out pretty good drinks (I'm partial to the Penicillin) and the outdoor seating in the summer is an excellent place to enjoy almost anything they have to offer.
(4)
Jennifer W.
This is one of our favorites on Newbury street, we usually come here about 2-3 times a month, usually for brunch or drinks and snacks. We've rarely had a full on dinner or sat in the dining room here; we usually come for the nice outdoor seating or downstairs bar. Right now they have a fabulous sparking seasonal sangria, it has peach puree and tastes like a cross between a bellini and a sangria. Their burgers are amazing and you can get pretty much anything you want on them. Truffle fries, biscuits, cheese & ham board, and caesar salad are also favorites. As you see by the items I've listed above, it's really not a "foodie" type of place. It's a restaurant with a great location and a nice bar/outdoor area to have lots of drinks and a few bites after a day of shopping or strolling. And for everyone saying it's overpriced, this is Newbury street, what do you expect???
(4)
Robert D.
Not that good at all. Burger well done both times I went and was ordered med rare. :/ Needs to take time on there love for there food and service , think there to interested in making the green and pushing people in and out to turn tables and flinging out food . No good. Drinks got the 3.
(3)
Paige D.
Always wanted to try this place. Had brunch for the first time and it was excellent. I got the hen house hash which was a large portion and delicious. I ordered off the crafty Bloody Mary menu for my drink, great choice and lots of options. We also ordered their homemade biscuits to share which were very filling. Same price range as many other brunch locations in the area but with better quality food and beautiful patio and atmosphere.
(4)
Anna G.
So I went to the Met last night for the many-ith time. I like to think of it as my neigborhood spot except they never remember me. I prefer to go downstairs to the bar area, get the lobster cheddar dip (that's reaaallll good) and a cocktail. They have a great arugula salad for the summer too. It's a solid spot that's convenient for me but certainly not worth making an extra trip.
(3)
Jus J.
RUDE. I won't go back. I'm not really sure how you can go to a restaurant as a new patron, not really know where the main seating area is, get passed up by various waitstaff and servers, never receive a greeting or direction, make your way to an area to sit down and be told-you have to move you can't sit there. I can't understand that series of events happening when there were about 10 people in the entire restaurant. I know because I was early and wandering around trying to figure out where to sit. How about a "hello", or "are you waiting for someone" or any questions that might convey your interest in me having a decent experience. I'm just asking for decent. This is new england, excellent service, isn't going to happen. But what about decent? The food was...meh...ok. If the food was amazing, i'd give them another shot, but it's not really worth it for bad food and lack of customer service.
(1)
Liz L.
Like a couple of other recent reviewers, I am shocked at all the negative reviews here. I have gone to the Met at lunchtime/brunchtime around five times since they opened in the Back Bay. My food has always been good though the service has been a bit variable. One time the waitstaff was inattentive and the food arrived slowly (we suspected the latter was due to the former), but the rest of the times the service has been good to excellent. We have also stopped in a couple other times when it was already crowded and been given honest assessments of our probable wait time by the hosting staff, who seemed just fine with us deciding to turn and walk out the time we decided it would be too long to wait. I recommend the pancakes and the mac 'n cheese. My usual dining companion here has gotten a few different sandwiches/burritos and has enjoyed them all, although they have yet to try the much-maligned-in-reviews turkey burger. They report that the eggplant sandwich is excellent, though eggplant is often improperly cooked by restaurants.
(5)
Josephine L.
If you like loud, boorish men in suits, the clientele here at 7pm will delight you. Seriously, they'll jostle you and ogle you and generally do everything they can to make you feel like a piece of meat, free of charge. Moving on, the food isn't bad. It's comfort food in large portions. I had the chicken pot pie and toasted coconut martini, and both delivered that "ahhh" sense of satisfaction. The corn with cheese was pretty good if a bit rich but the truffle fries were a huge disappointment. If I wanted blandly seasoned, slightly burnt fries with truffle mayo, that's what I'd order. But I expect truffle fries to be infused with truffle essence IN THE FRY, not on the side. The space is pretty cozy as long as you're not being tormented by aforementioned guys in suits but can be a bit cramped depending on where you sit. Our server was okay but tended to hover over us a little too much. For overall atmosphere, I'd say the Chestnut Hill location is better.
(3)
Sheila G.
I went here one Friday night after work with my co-workers. I joined them late so I wasn't sure where they were seated. I went upstairs and of course they were downstairs but it gave me a chance to see how the place is laid out. There is a bar area and seating area both upstairs and downstairs. We started out at a cozy corner table but as our numbers grew we had to move and put several tables together. We ordered a number of dishes; I tried the short rib tacos (okay), the margherita pizzette (good) and the truffle fries with parmesan dip. (I liked the fries but wasn't crazy about the dip) I'm not sure about the prices as we split the check between the 8 of us and I paid $19.00. Overall it was an okay place to hang out with friends for a drink, it got a little noisy and more crowded as the evening wore on but it has a fun atmosphere with a group. I would go again and recommend it as a "after work" or "let's go for a drink" bar.
(2)
Samantha F.
Housemade butterscotch rum was delicious, and our bartender in the library was a real sweetheart. Lovely place.
(5)
Melissa F.
I don't understand how this place has only 3 stars. I came here for breakfast with a friend and was very pleased with our meal. We sat in the upstairs part of the restaurant. I loved that it was so bright and sunny since there are lots of windows. You can tell this place is more upscale, but at the same time it's very comfortable too. We both ended up ordering the eggs benedict. It was SO good! And I consider myself a snob when it comes to eggs benedict, since lots of places manage to mess it up. At Met they serve it on a biscuit, which I thought would make it heavy but somehow it was very light. Their crispy potatoes were delish too. I highly recommend ordering the french press for two because it was amazing. I'm sure the regular drip coffee is good too, but if you like darker/stronger coffee, get the french press. I'm happy I finally got a chance to try out Met. Their prices weren't too bad, especially for Newbury street. Can't wait to come back for dinner and drinks.
(4)
Evan J.
I was invited back by the owner and had a much better experience. I think part of the weakness before was that the winter menu just wasn't very good. This time around, I shared the falafel and truffle corn appetizers (yum!) and had a middle-of-the-road sirloin tip entree. What really made it though was our server - I think his name was Michael. Very funny and helpful in guiding us through the new menu.
(3)
john j.
Really disappointing food. Ordered a pricey large salad, expecting lots of good ingredients. What came out was mostly lettuce and beets. The "Eggs Benedict" had no hollandaise sauce, which in my book is somewhat like serving a ham & cheese sandwich with just two slices of pasty american cheese. Service was OK.
(2)
E L.
Bad food and way overpriced for the quality. The service was good, though (hence 2 stars instead of 1). We got the lobster cheddar dip, the fried calamari and the lobster parpadelle. We didn't like any of them (way too greasy, and unrefined). I am sure we would have gotten better quality in an Applebee's for 1/3 of the price. If you are charging $30 for a pasta dish with a few lobster pieces in it, it better be, at least, good. Our waitress was really sweet and friendly. Really disappointing, but then again, we didn't check out the reviews on yelp before going there... "Our bad".
(2)
David S.
Just say: GOOD: - To start order the "Fried Calamari". The red sauce is very good. A little bit sweet and spicy, the perfect mix then! - The best Burger (or mix of flavors because the meat is simply good/normal) you can eat in Boston!! is amazing! Take the "Paris Burger" (a delicious mix of Brie cheese, sweet onions, Truffle mayo and fried egg)! Keep on mind that this Burger is only in the Bar Menu, but you can order it in the restaurant as well! ask for it! BAD: - Sometimes they have mistakes about they overcook the meet if you want medium-rear your Burger, but not always. - The personal could be more friendly. thanks!
(4)
Daniel A.
An excellent place for an old school drink or some really good food. First of all, you have a choice when you walk in here...you can go downstairs to the relaxed bar area, or you can go upstairs for the prohibition type bar. Both areas have the same prices, but I prefer upstairs at the bar with a great bartender. I was fortunate enough to have Jay as the bartender that night, and he knows how to make some serious drinks! He also has an extensive wine knowledge, so if you are in the mood for a great drink...GO UPSTAIRS. The food was delicious here too. Fresh cheeses, and one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. I am not kidding. As them what their recommended pasta dish is and you will be in heaven.
(4)
Michael K.
Dropped in on a slow Wednesday. Atmosphere: Nice, clean place that appears upscale. Only complaint was that in an empty restaurant they seated us next to 3 loud sales guys when plenty of other tables were available. Service: Really good waiter. Friendly, wanted to help and only disappeared once Food: Huge portions. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, found the lobster to be tasty, but in limited supply. The mac and cheese was mac and cheese. I also had fried oysters as an appetizer, but they were flavorless. Cost: High, but not unreasonable. If you go out once a week, i'd suggest some place else; but if you want an ok place for a business dinner, you could do much worse. Overall: Has potential, but not there yet.
(3)
James D.
Some of the worst service I have experienced. The location is great and the food is ok. But we had to wait exceptionally long to be greeted. Even longer for our drinks to arrive and even longer for our food to arrive. The worst part is that the waitress didn't even seem to care or perhaps even notice. It seemed like the waitress was the issue because she didn't seem to think 15 minutes to wait for drinks was a long time. After everything taking so long it didn't matter how the food tasted at that point. All we could think about was how frustrated we were with the lack of service.
(2)
Marya K.
If I could give this place negative stars I would. My little brother went in before us to get a table and the manager looked down at him like he didn't even exist. Oh wait Manager......You do what for work? This is your career?? Oh I'm sorry you are a restaurant manager????!! Right..... Well keep patting yourself on the back because pretty sure my little brother makes three times as much as your pathetic little wait staff salary. I won't ever go back there and it's too bad because the food is actually decent and it's a fun place for brunch.
(1)
Dawn E.
Ham and cheese Deliciousness Got me through 'Til dinner. Nothing grand Or real unique About the Met Back Bay Spot.
(3)
Alex R.
The menu is a little scattered, not many options. I went for the hot chocolate trifecta which was delicious! Get it grown up. I had the croque Madame with Gruyere cheese which was to die for. Burgers are good too.
(4)
Ellen H.
I am genuinely surprised at the negative reviews; I think this place is a real gem. Came here on a chilly Thursday night completely by surprise -- went on a dinner mission with a girlfriend and were turned away from both Red Lantern and Lolita! We wandered onto Newbury and saw Met and when they said "come on in", we practically ran. We were seated in the upstairs dining room in a bay window and given good service by our waiter, Travis. The menu is interesting and we went with the Iced-N-Sweet pitcher. That's right, a pitcher of cocktails for $24. They were well-made, and Travis refilled our cocktail glasses and water glasses whenever they got low. The usual "bread basket" was sesame hard breadsticks and basically cheese whiz in a steel cup. WAY underwhelming for an upscale restaurant. If the management knows what they're doing, they'll take a page from Capital Grille and keep the sesame sticks, but include them in a variety basket of artisan breads with butter or oil, or maybe even butter/oil AND the cheesewhiz option. But not just cheese whiz. Way weird for the atmosphere. We both ordered the wedge salad and 2 more pitchers of cocktails. The salads were HA-YUGE. A full head of lettuce, delicious, fresh, amazing, and perfectly priced. The drinks continued to be excellent, but the last pitcher seemed a touch weaker than the first two -- not sure if this was my imagination or a sign that we had consumed enough. Side of truffle fries were so-so. Maybe I'm just not a truffle person? I was expecting little wedges of potato heaven. We got about 6 drinks from each pitcher, so at $24 per, the drinks were a steal and I would ABSOLUTELY come back for drinks anytime I get a chance! Total bill for 3 pitches, 2 salads, and fries was $110. Not bad. Service was great - thanks, Travis! Atmosphere was actually awesome - date-worthy, family-dinner worthy, drinks-worthy, just-hanging-out worthy. Love it!
(4)
Stella L.
I live right next to MET back bay so I've been there numerous times but something has always gone wrong; I've gotten the wrong meal or been charged more/double, etc. The food is good so I kept going back but this is the last time. I was there on 9/15/13 with my roommate and her brother. I ordered the truffle fries which are $9.43. I did not get a drink or anything and we got separate checks. Our waiter was nice but he was a little clumsy; little did I know how much frustration he would cause me. We signed the separate checks and went home. I look at my statement the next day and see that they charged me TWICE, $60.99 for my roommates' meal and $9.43 for mine. I call them back and speak to the hostess who was very nice, and she said I would get a call back from Dan (the manager); this was at 1.55pm. I do not hear back from Dan so I call him at 5:15pm. He is nice and says he was extremely busy but he will look into it and call me back in an hour. 3 hours go by and nothing so I call HIM back at 9:00pm and he just replies that the charge was deleted and it should be deleted from my account that day. The next day, I check my statement and see that the $60.99 is still pending and now I have been CHARGED $19.63 for my meal. Apparently, the waiter tipped himself $10.00. Apparently, its normal to tip MORE than the actual meal. Now even more frustrated, I just called the restaurant and the hostess said the manager will be in within the hour and should get back to me. I am not holding my breath.... Honestly, this is ridiculous and if i was not OCD about checking my statement, these charges could have gone through and my $9 meal would've cost me $80!! Food is not bad but bring cash if you can because I do not trust them with my card.
(2)
Benjamin C.
My girlfriend and I love to brunch on Sunday. She recommended the Met Bar. I can honestly say that I haven't been made happier by a meal at a restaurant in years. I had their Poached Eggs (Bennie) with the Met Shrimp Mary and a side of bacon. We sat in a beautiful embankment that allowed us to view Newbury Street. The Shrimp Mary is epic. It is 22 ounces of savory bloody marry with two jumbo olives, a stalk of celery, and a gigantic shrimp. The rim of the glass is coated in Old Bay seasoning. It's $15 and worth every penny. The Eggs Benedict was wonderful. Perfectly poached eggs over a bed of ham and spinach with cream hollandaise sauce. I ate myself stupid. I took a star off for service. My girlfriend was not pleased with the lack of attention we had received. She needed coffee refills and had to swap out some dirty silverware in the table. It was difficult to flag down our waitress as she wasn't around unless she was within a few feet, which was rare. I recommend this location for a decadent brunch. Even if Eggs Benedict isn't your thing, they have a lot to choose from including cheese plates. Can't wait to go back for another special brunch.
(4)
Anne K.
I ate brunch here with a friend and loved it. I had the breakfast burrito which was delicious, and a bellini (note their menu differs a bit from what is seen online). I would have given five stars except for the seating arrangements - I sat next to my friend which was just awkward. Also FYI, they don't have valet available for brunch.
(4)
Paul S.
I am a fan for the place only because of the bartender named Roderick, from South Carolina. It's expense and the male-host will throw you back. BUT if you really are curious about this restaurant then find when and where Roderick is behind the bar, and have him serve you. I will honestly go back there just to chat it up with him. DON'T miss him. He's a great guy to know.
(3)
Carolyn K.
A few friends and I recently went back after our originally bad experience and Met Back Bay did everything they could to make up for it. My friends and I were seated right away and the service was excellent. We had a very attentive, cheery waitress who did everything she could to make our experience as pleasurable as possible. As a vegetarian, I was wavering between the Macaroni and Cheese (which I had last time and knew was good) and a Tofu Steak dish. I decided on the Tofu Steak to mix things up. It was good, but the Macaroni and Cheese is better. I realize I am just not a health food person. Tip: The buttermilk biscuits are AMAZING. They are a must-have appetizer. My friends were also very happy with their meals. The portion sizes were ample and left just enough room for desert. I personally recommend the peanut butter chocolate cake for desert. They also have a "build your own sundae" option which is a lot of fun. I believe a lot has changed in the year since Met Back Bay first opened on Newbury street. Our service was drastically improved. The food has always been good (at least what my friends and I have ordered). The Mac & Cheese is my favorite. As I said in the original review, the ambiance and environment is classy and romantic. My main complaint was the spotty service. However, the service has been greatly improved and I highly recommend going to MBB for a fantastic evening out in Boston. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Matt C.
MET was a great addition to the back bay. It is the type of place that can accommodate a group of people with varying tastes in food/drinks. I find that because it does nothing amazing it is always a fall-back place where you are stumped or looking for a filler. The burger deal on Monday is great but beyond that the best adjective to describe MET is simply "good enough"
(3)
Clara L.
Pretty disappointing experience. I've heard good things about Met Back Bay, but our experience didn't match up. There wasn't a wait the evening we went, so that was nice. After we were seated on the patio, we waited about 10 minutes to even be greeted by our server. It was merely a hi and I will be back, after which it took another 10 minutes and an inquiry on our part to get some water and order drinks. The drinks took nearly another 15-20 minutes to be delivered. Our server had no personality, everything was monotone and he spoke at nearly a whisper and had to be asked to repeat some things. My pineapple martini was quite tasty, my boyfriend's burger was good and my fish was tender. However, the truffle fries were very upsetting. I was charged an additional $2 to change my regular fries for the truffled ones, and there was absolutely no truffle flavor. The parmesan was sprinkled lightly over the fries and they were somewhat soggy. We were only checked on once during the entire meal, and had to flag him down for a refill. Our service finally picked up after our plates were cleared and the check came. Our dinner took over an hour and the patio was not full. There were at least 4 servers and 4 assistants on the patio, and many of them kept running into each other. Overall, I think things could have been more streamlined to improve speed and quality of service.
(2)
Brandon L.
I have to say the food here really has been very good when I've gone. Service.......HORRIBLE. Just recently went and our waiter was on another planet........just stared at us for no reason......never seen gay guys before? Had to ask for everything!!! Dishes for apps.....silverware.....drinks....like this guy was oblivious. BAD. Was the salmon wild or farm raised? Clueless......had to go ask......back ten minutes later with the answer.....seriously? Is wild btw.........
(2)
Michelle K.
I went here for brunch, the food and service were great! We couldn't get outdoor seating because of the wait, but the indoor area's decor was amazing. Their burger was simple, yet juicy.
(5)
Lynn J.
REVIEW of BRUNCH ONLY! LOCATION: 5 STAR...Recessed (AKA hidden from your spouse) outdoor deck with padded benches and shade umbrellas. (Cheaters...this Shout Out's for YOU) SERVICE: 4 STAR...Waitress was friendly, but unwilling to make what she called "Starbucks Coffee" when I asked if they served any "specialty coffees with caramel or chocolate syrup." I ended up with a boring ice tea. Our check ended up 2 Back Bay $6 coffees cheaper. (Hey...manager...break out the hershey's syrup bottles and step up to fancier coffee with higher brunch bills.) FOOD: 3 STAR...My "Captain Crunch French Toast" was...AWFUL. It was blackened AKA burnt, and neither crunchy nor sweet. It barely qualified, I guess, as there was Cap-n-Crunch sprinkled over it? I've devoured my share of "Corn Flake Coated French Toast," and this version is an EPIC FAIL. My dining partner's burger was full of gourmet goodness. I'd give it 5 STARS, but it tasted better than it looked. The fries were greasy looking shoe strings...whose flavor fullness surprised my happy mouth. HINT: Order a burger. Skip the french toast!
(4)
Jamie H.
i don't mind going, but i really can't get behind the hype for met back bay. some of my friends love it, but every time i go i'm underwhelmed and the service leaves a bit to be desired. the first time i went, the service was so slow and it took about 45 minutes before our apps even arrived. the lobster dip was congealed, and we had to beg for more corn chips that finally arrived burnt. the waiter seemed distracted and annoyed, and it was even tough to get our glasses refilled with water. on another visit, the waitress was extremely nice and friendly, but she wasn't necessarily great. she forgot a few small things, and she put in the incorrect burger order for one person in our party and he didn't get the corrected burger until about 15 minutes later and by that point the rest of us had pretty much finished eating. i do have to say she was very apologetic and she did take it off the bill. for the most part, the food is okay, but i feel like there are so many better and even less expensive options in the area. the corn chips are definitely a highlight, and the french fries are really good too. i just don't think it's worth it for the price - i spent $14 on an egg white omelet with veggies (not even cheese), and the burgers run up pretty high too once you add anything beyond lettuce and tomato. some of the sandwiches quickly get to be too heavy and dense to finish the whole thing. the drinks are pretty good, and i definitely recommend the bloody mary for brunch, and the ACK as an afternoon cocktail (citrus vodka, st. germain, and iced tea). the cucumber mojito is good, but tiny.
(2)
Chris I.
The only reason I am giving this place 2 stars is because the food was decent and quick. The service was horrendous bordering on non-existant and the bathrooms were disgusting. The Dedham location is immensely better in both quality of food and service. If you want to try this restaurant head to Legacy Place the experience is way better.
(2)
Gina C.
Great food but subpar service. The cocktails are great, try the Met Painkiller. The bathroom was pretty gross for such an upscale restaurant.
(3)
Bradley B.
Always walk by this place finally stopped in for an early dinner. Sat at the bar and the menu was very small and not a lot appealed to me. It did say bar menu so maybe a larger menu exists. I settled for the croque madam, no egg, it was good but so cheesy I started feeling a littlest sick by the time I finished my sandwich. That might just be me though, not bad, but no reason for me to come back.
(3)
Tiffany J.
The food here is so overpriced and service is actually terrible. We sat in a mostly empty room for 45 minutes waiting for our waitress to walk by. The food itself tastes fine and their biscuits are really good, but they messed up one of the orders and didn't really do much about it. Talk about a dining experience that leaves much to be desired.
(2)
Kate B.
I came here for lunch with a friend a few days ago and I've been here a few times before and had their burger which is amazing. The last few times I've been here I've had decent service, however this time the service was definitely not up to par with the quality of the food or the area. After waiting 10 minutes just to get water, a server comes over and the first words out of his mouth were, "What do you want?" Not even kidding. No hello, nothing. It was a Friday afternoon with only 3 other tables in sight and at least 2 other servers and my friend and I couldn't understand why our waiter was so rude. I also had to approach someone who worked there that wasn't our server just to get some more water. Just very disappointing for a nice restaurant on Newbury St. The only thing that saved the meal i guess were the delicious burgers. I got a turkey Tokyo burger that was delicious and my friend got a Salmon Athens burger but the salmon was a bit overcooked. I will most likely return, but probably will recommend this place with strong reservations from now on.
(2)
Olivia L.
Had a delightful autumn luncheon at Met Back Bay. Without getting into specifics of the dishes we ordered, I would say the food was seasonal, nicely presented and quite tasty! The view of Newbury and Dartmouth Streets was so charming. The banquets are quite comfy and the overall atmosphere, in my opinion, is somewhat of a modern-clubby-casual chic standard. The ladies' rest room was very well attended and clean--a big plus! My only reservation in holding back a star was the service. I thought it was a bit unprofessional and disappointing. I had to ask for a beverage, rather than being offered one. Dessert was never offered, either. The young wait staff person didn't have the polish or sophistication for a restaurant of this class. Despite this, I will be back for another try. Who knows...everyone has an off day from time to time, so perhaps our server does a better job than this.
(4)
Lana K.
Stopped here for a quick bite a couple of weeks ago. Wanted to keep it on the light side, so opted for ahi tuna salad instead of a burger. Basically, don't even BOTHER eating here unless you plan to get a burger. My salad was absolutely miniscule, but still cost a fortune, and I have definitely had better tasting meals. I left feeling completely ripped off. Bottom line, go ahead and get a burger, or come for cocktails later in the evening. But if you want anything else--go to another restaurant! I recommend Sonsie at the Mass Ave end of Newbury.
(2)
Megan B.
This rating is really a 3.5 but I think last nights experience pushed me to go towards a 4. I've been to MET for brunch, lunch and dinner and had mostly good but varying experiences. Overall I think the food is good, drinks are good, and the service has been good, except on a few occasions, and so I enjoy coming back here. Last night I went for their Monday night burger deal, which was fantastic. $5 for a burger and fries. I think their burger menu at lunch is the best thing on the menu. They have a nice patio on Newbury as well. I love coming here for lunch in the summer and will be back for the burger deal on Monday
(4)
Liz S.
I chose this restaurant spontaneously because my husband and I were hungry and it was close by. I mistakenly assumed that any restaurant in this prime location would have to be good. Wrong! I ordered trout in horseradish something-or-other. The fish was absolutely flavorless and the sides were weakly horseradish-tinged slop. I've had much better trout for half the price at other restaurants. If there were anything else on the menu I could eat (I have a gluten allergy) I would have sent it back. My husband reported that even his burger and fries weren't very good. How can a burger and fries not be good?! Disappointing.
(2)
Meg N.
Visited Met on a Saturday afternoon for lunch - I had heard good things, but unfortunately was disappointed. The Good - The interior decoration was very nice (as were the bathrooms) and the room we sat in beautiful (we were seated right by a window with nice views of Newbury). The service was also quite good and we liked how we received our own bottle of water on the table. We both had wine and it was not overpriced and very good. The Bad - This is why I won't be back - the food - unfortunately the food was not as good as other places in the area (brunch places and steak places nearby). I had the Paris burger (ordered medium rare - came out well done) and my friend had the pork stuffed hash brown. The burger was good, despite being overcooked, but my friend said her brunch was greasy (you could see pools) and had no flavor. Also, the tables, glasses and dinner /glass wear did not seem overly clean (a bit worrisome). Looking around the restaurant there were a lot of 20-30 somethings and I think the restaurant is surviving on being trendy (and perhaps having good drinks and a nice patio in the summer). Met has so much potential - they should really work on the food.
(2)
Tinku R.
Decent place for dinner on Newbury Street. Great interiors and great service. Cocktail menu is also quite impressive. We came here for a late night dinner on a Saturday night and it hit the spot. We split a burger and ordered a cocktail. The burger was okay and the cocktail was great. The service was fantastic. Initially they situated us in the library bar room. We didn't like it so much so we asked them to change to another room overlooking to Newbury Street. They were very nice to do it.
(4)
Jennifer T.
Nice restaurant with comfortable seats, although we made reservations for a booth, we were given a table instead. The menu had several choices, but didnt feel extensive - there were plenty of salad options, ham & cheese options, and steak choices. I got the kobe steak tips, which was served mixed in with argula and on top of a bed of whipped egg concoction. The beef was tender, flavorful, and plentiful. The intriguing mixture of the egg and salad was an interesting mix. My husband's prime rib was tender and sizeable portion, and he loved his crunchy fries. The choices of steak sauces were unique; he got the sante fe jam that was slightly sweet and with a kick. The service wasnt stellar though, the waiter wasnt too knowledgeable on the menu, absent-mindedly poured our friend's water glass only half way before wandering away, and we had to ask repeatedly before they remembered to come back out with some ketchup for the 3 of us who had fries with our meals. Overall, food was good, but not too much range in choices, and service could have been better... good, but not worth the newbury price tag.
(3)
Eric S.
Ate outside for brunch. Got a seat right away, but it was hot and bright - only limited seats are covered by umbrellas (we had partial coverage at our table). The tables rock and are hard to sit close to and you can't lean in and have a conversation easily due to that mixed with the rocking table. No problem - get around this by getting booze - they have fantastic mixed drinks. I was hungover and enjoyed an excellent bloody mary. French toast was great, pancakes were good. The food isn't amazing, but much better than average. Seems like a trendy spot, fun to be outside - annoying if you can't get under an umbrella due to heat/light issues (esp if hungover). Very busy.
(3)
Andrew P.
For a Newbury Street location, this restaurant leaves something to be desired. Yesterday, I was showing some family who had never been to Boston before the Back Bay area and we decided to stop in to Met Bar for a glass of wine and some appetizers. When we walked in the main door around 5:30pm, there was no one at the host stand, so we walked into the bar area. We encountered a staff member who was very pleasant and we asked if it were ok to sit outside as they had heaters and we wanted to enjoy the outdoors. We walked into the outdoor patio area and interrupted another staff member, this little cranky guy wearing a hoodie (very unprofessional if you ask me), texting on his phone. He interrupted us with the other staff member and asked very abruptly if we were "going to be eating". We said no, meaning we weren't having a full meal and he then told us we "need to order at least something or you can't sit outside". I thought this very strange as all of the waitstaff outside were standing around doing nothing, chatting with each other as there were only 3 or so tables full outside. This put our experience off to a bad start. Then our drinks took about 20 minutes to get to our table. The bar was about 50 feet away mind you. I could've gone to the bar and got them myself faster. As we sat and waited for our drinks, the little man with the hoodie stood around doing nothing, texting or facebooking or something on his phone while people continued to come down the stairs from the sidewalk looking lost (ie wanting a table) while he basically ignored them until they physically would ask him for assistance. At one point, a manager came outside to speak to him, he quickly hid his cell phone so the manager couldn't see and the manager asked him to take his place up on the sidewalk at the host stand. He went up there for about 30 seconds and then came right back to his doing nothing and texting. Our drinks finally arrived. Two of our Martini drinks were filled only about 1/2 way and one was full. Why would you serve a Martini only 1/2 way filled? My wine glass was covered in dishwasher crud and I had to send it back. If I have to say something nice about this place it would be that our server was very pleasant, and the food that did come (because you remember that you HAVE to order food to sit outside, even when it's dead and no-one is there) out was very good. If you do choose to go here, I'd definitely recommend the Lobster dip and any one of the Pizzettes. However, I woudn't really recommend this place as the service leaves something to be desired.
(2)
Joy Y.
My friends and I came in after a long afternoon of bridesmaid dress shopping, so we were definitely in need of a drink or two. The cocktail list was pretty comprehensive and had enough options that certainly convinced us to drink a few more than we had intended. My favorite-- The Mighty Mable (vanilla vodka, ginger syrup and roasted pumpkin puree) I am not kidding when I say this is about the best damn drink I've ever had. It went down like a milkshake and packed enough punch to make it worth my while. I also tried the Mayflower and the Grilled Pineapple Martini which were pretty tasty as well. Seeing as how shopping also made us hungry, we also ordered the pizzette (bacon, caramelized onions, alpine cheese) the fries with truffle parmesan dip and the kobe sliders with wasabi mayo. Okay, so the food was good too, not as good as the drinks, but not too shabby either. The fries were amazing and I never knew I could like wasabi mayo so much, but the pizzette left quite a lot to be desired. What gave my rating a three however, was the service. Our waitress was... how do I say this nicely... well, lets just say she wasn't the smartest kid on the block. Sure, maybe it was her first night or maybe it was an off day, but we really weren't a difficult table, and there were only four of us. Basically our food took a really long time (because I'm pretty sure she forgot to put our order in) and we definitely asked for waters at least twice. Not hard, especially on a Wednesday, with maybe three other tables full in the whole place. Met Back Bay is on the expensive side. I mean sure you are on Newbury St and all, but for the amount of food we got, it seemed a bit much. I guess you are paying for ambiance though, which the Met sure has. I'll come back though, if not for anything else, definitely for the drinks. Yum!
(3)
Michael C.
Went to the Met Bar for a company lunch, they were easily able to accommodate the 7 of us. Our waiter was very helpful recommending and describing dishes, especially the different choices for meat in the burger bar. I went with the Met Dry Aged Burger on his recommendation and it did not disappoint! We got a bunch of apps but the biggest (surprise) hit was the croissants filled with cheese. We also had: Bacon wrapped scallops - good, but nothing out of the ordinary Chinatown Salad - It is big enough for a meal but better to split with the table Toffee Pudding - It was rich and delicious but not exactly a pudding, more of a cake
(4)
Cathy L.
The food is heavy and delicious - I recommend the clam chowder and mushroom flatbread. However, the bar downstairs smells funny.
(3)
Chris F.
Good enough place but didn't live up to the hype. Came on a Wednesday for dinner with the lady, the vibe is nice and the decor is classy. Service was fine, on par with the other back bay snob spots. Drink menu was excellent - the wine was great. Had the lobster which was as good as I expected, I hear the burgers are great too. The place was good but didn't do anything to differentiate itself from other similar style eateries. Worth a try once if you've never been.
(4)
Laura S.
I've been there for brunch and it was delicious! I had the cap'n crunch pancakes and a mimosa and they were both amazing. Today I had the eggplant caprese sandwich for lunch and it was .... alright. Nothing great but nothing bad. My dad had the met mac n cheese and it was delicious! I had a bite and would definitely recommend it! Also, my mom had the burger and she liked it as well. You definitely pay for the quiet and nice atmosphere... But you definitely don't pay for the service (or lack thereof). I would recommend this restaurant if you're looking to pay for a nice atmosphere and pretty good food. I plan on going back for brunch at some point for a special occasion.
(4)
Kristen L.
Ok, so I get that you're in a prime Newbury Street location and people are lined up to get first crack at your morning patio drinking. But would it kill you to throw some semi-decent service in with that mimosa?? I went to Met for the first time for an early brunch last Sunday. While the food was good, the service was severely lacking at pretty much every turn. The first big strike is when I went to order the Crabby Mary and my waiter informed me that they were "out" of the drink (not when I placed my order, mind you, but after he had already taken 15 minutes to place the orders at the bar). This would have been forgiveable had it not taken said waiter about 20 minutes to come over and take our drink order initially, by which time I had already bonded over the drink's description on the menu and had my easily breakable heart very much set on 22 oz. of crabby, tomatoey goodness. Strike two occured when I later tried to order another specialty bloody mary on the menu and got the same response. At this point I was pretty much ready to just grab some vodka at the nearest liquor store. I mean, there's not a whole lot of drinks on the Met's brunch menu, so if you're going to be out of say, half, of them, you probably want to give folks a heads up at the beginning of the ordering experience so everyone can manage their expectations, not to mention expedite the process. So probably 30 minutes after sitting down we were finally able to hold our waiter captive for long enough to actually put in our food order. Not surprisingly, when I asked if I could get the breakfast burrito without meat, I was told no, that the chorizo was already mixed in with the beans (strike three!). Are you sensing a theme here, people? Ultimately, no complaints on the food, but the slow service and poor management combined with less-than-gracious staff was so bad it almost reached comical levels. We should have just waited for Globe to open at 11...
(2)
Tani H.
Great place around the corner from our place in Boston. Food is quite good, and service is friendly, if a little haphazard. I actually can and do recommend it, and will probably head there for lunch today. It could easily be a 5 star place with better coordinated service.
(3)
Jake S.
Two stars for inside dining, 4 stars for outside dining with bar menu. For a burger and a drink it is probably best on newbury. Would never come back for formal dinner like eating here outside.
(3)
Mackenzie F.
Let me start by saying I try not to judge a restaurant by restaurant week experiences. Generally we will go during restaurant week and if the food good and intriguing or the service amazing, we will go back during normal menu times. This is going to be one of those situations. First course was truly delicious. I had the Bacon Steak with caramel, sea salt, jalapeño, citrus, green tomato puree, brioche crunch. Mine was missing the brioche crunch (but I don't think I missed it) and was fun and surprising and delicious with every bite and the boy had their ham and cheese tasting platter which featured prosciutto, salami, country ham, tarentaise, Cabot cloth bound cheddar, and Maytag blue, also very delicious. First Course : 4 stars. The main course is where we both were unimpressed. They ran out of 2 of 3 offerings and also the bone marrow that should have accompanied our tenderloin. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly. It melted in the mouth but just didn't have any wow factor to it. ( Maybe the lack of the bone marrow butter) we ended up getting a bit of that Maytag Blue on side to give it some character. They did offer to sub a side in place of the marrow. I ordered the garlicky spinach and the boy got the creamed, which he loved! ( I tasted it was great!) but that was the best part of both of our main courses. They fries tasted dried out like they had been sitting for a very long time before arriving at our table. But they weren't even supposed to be there the menu said "crispy garlic duchess potato stars". Main Course: 2 stars. Dessert was where things really turned back around for me. Admittedly both restaurant week desserts were gone, but they offered to sub anything from the dessert menu. I went with Valrhona Chocolate & Donuts (bittersweet & caramelia chocolate, spiced mini donuts, caramel sauce). Which I was skeptical about at first..but I am so happy I had it. They weren't doughnuts like we think about around here. More like beignets or the fried dough you get a fair. But BETTER the chocolate and cream were delicious too but those doughnuts I would go back for! The boy liked his well enough too but wasn't a huge fan of the coconut ice cream..but I loved it =) Dessert 4 stars Which bring us to service! Our waiter (Chris N. ) was wonderful throughout the entire evening. So friendly! So helpful! As I mentioned above a lot of things weren't available and I know it is his job to keep us happy but it just felt he went WAY out of his way to make things right! He was so pleasant and not pushy or rushing us. Chatted with us a bit and later talked wine with us (not just about what we were drinking) and brought us tastings of his recommendations which were delightful! Brought the bottle out so we could take mental pictures! I feel dinner should always be an experience and he made it a very pleasant one. Service: 5 stars Overall I will be excited to go back and try their full menu. And of course ask if Chris is working that night before making my reservation!
(3)
Yolanda Y.
I really enjoyed the egg breakfast sandwich. It was good portions of everything. The potatoes were not so great though. They tasted like they were once frozen. The service was prompt but I also felt like the waitress was rushing people maybe unintentionally.
(3)
barbara r.
I guess I should have got a Burger here. Seems like appetizers were much tastier than the main course meal. Got pork belly , it was delightful, had a wonderful glazed pineapple with a very unique yet delicious green sauce. The beet salad was perfect. Main entree was a Cobb salad which was very plain and very big. On the menu it said it had everything! But all I really saw was finely chopped lettuce and small amounts of bacon bits corn beets carrots. I have to fish for the good stuff with my fork. Fish and chips....again..nothing special, very plain and overpriced, crab roll was very good however the roll it was placed in was not so appetizing, burger with an egg in it seemed to have hit the spot. SERVICE Like in my previous review....SLOW!! I wanted to enjoy another glass of wine before my main meal and didn't get to because there was no waiter in site to ask before my main meal came out!!! No water refills, took them a good while to bring out utensils.....again patient So.Cal girl enjoying the Boston view, great outdoor sitting patio!!! I would not come here again. nothing personal just seems like there are better things to eat see and do in Boston!
(2)
Lauren L.
Solid brunch spot we found while wandering along Newbury Street. Food was good, place was nice, big menu to choose from. Not the most memorable meal of the trip, but definitely did the trick.
(3)
E Z.
My girlfriends and I went during Taco Tuesday. It's a great deal! 3 tacos for $6. There is a selection of pork carnitas, steak tips, or beef short rib tacos and you can only select one flavor, which was inconvenient because we all wanted to try the different taco styles. I had one serving of the pork carnitas and it was definitely filling. You must try the homemade mill biscuits with honey maple butter - the best part of the meal! We also ordered a round of mussels as an appetizer - a huge serving and very reasonably priced. We sat inside and the service was a bit delayed. The cocktails are famous and rightly so!
(4)
Robert C.
It's not cheap, but nothing is cheap on Newbury Street Boston. For a break after walking around Copley Place, the Prudential and Back Bay shops and sights, a cushioned seat against the wall, with a half dozen oysters, some sweet potato fries (with a great horseradish dip), cold draft or cocktail, makes for a very relaxing moment. The outside patio is below street level, pretty much blocking out vehicular and pedestrian noise and creating an oasis of intimacy. But, sit way back against the wall, where you may enjoy some privacy and comfort.
(3)
Amy C.
Kathy, the owner of the Met Bar, kindly contacted me and apologised for the poor service I received. I'd like to thank you for doing so, and I realise that it is not yours or the establishment's fault for the poor experience I had there. I think it is a good sign for the Met that their management read and act on reviews they find here. I appreciate the good will, so thanks again Kathy.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Elisa C.
This place was pretty amazing! I went here with my girlfriends and had the white bean brushetta, spicy calamari, Madame sandwiches, chicken salad, and the Paris burger. All of the food was so tasty and the cheese melted in my mouth. The atmosphere is very laid back, open windows and service was so nice. We stumbled here since Lolita's was closed for lunch but so happy we came here! I'd recommend coming here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch or lunch. Affordable, delicious, and great atmosphere!
(5)Will N.
Came to the MET back bay for brunch today on Sunday 9-14 and couldn't have left happier, my server was great, the food came out hot and was delicious. Service was impeccable, but have to give the manager props- he made several stops by our table, suggesting cocktails and even paired wine for our steak tip selection for our entrees. I forget his name but he was a charmer as we watched him "work" the dining room. Great establishment on newbury street- I'm unsure why such negative reviews. Great food, service and management. I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK!! Kudos to the owner for putting together a staff that "wows" the guests!!
(5)S M.
Heard about the bloody marys so thought this would be a good place to come for dinner. I ordered a bloody mary and it was one of the worst ones i've ever had. It was mixed badly and watery. It is always a bad sign when a restaurant cannot even make their signature dish or drink well. I ordered a burger and asked for it well done. I received a burger with blood dripping from it, almost raw in the middle. I sent it back and then was sent a burnt burger, almost completely black, as an insult from the chef. The fries sucked too. Mcdonalds fries taste better. The food here is extremely mediocre and overpriced, the kitchen staff couldnt give a damn about quality. And what "fine dining" restaurant does not know how to cook a burger well done?
(1)Autumn H.
We stopped in really quick for lunch last Sunday, and it was great! The food was good (some neat stuff on the menu, but also not extremely original). All of us got something different and all of the meals were good. There was nothing mind-blowing about the food, but it was definitely good and the atmosphere was great (we sat in what they call the library, but what I would call, the bar area.) All-in-all, no complaints!
(4)Kelly A.
I literally just left there on a Thursday night - BEWARE - on Thursday night at 10pm, the mice come out. Understood that every restaurant in Boston probably has some rodent problem, but management tried to tell me "they walk in through the front door." As a patron, if I'm spending $15+ a drink, seeing three nice scurry across your dining room floor is not acceptable. Instead of trying to mediate the situation, the staff took it as "no big deal" and something that must occur often. I'm just happy I didn't eat there.
(1)Mindy L.
I've been to Met Back Bay twice now and I'm just not sure I'm a super fan. First Visit - Valentine's Day It was virtually empty thanks to our 5:30 PM reservations (my hubs had to get to a basketball game at 9:00 PM so it forced our timeline up a bit) so we got a great seat in the window on the 2nd floor. We glanced at the Valentine's specials but nothing screamed out at us so we ended up ordering from the main menu. First, I love the free pretzel sticks and port cheddar cheese. I probably could have made a meal out of just that. A little less filling than the typical bread and butter you find at most other places and definitely different. I ordered the half order of Chicken Frites and my husband ordered the Croque Monsieur. In the meantime, I sipped on a glass of Malbec (not my favorite Malbec ever but for the life of me, I can't remember the name) and hubby chugged a beer (OK, he didn't chug. Maybe gulped). When my Chicken Frites arrived...it was NOT what I was expecting. I actually received HALF a CHICKEN. Yes, half the whole darn thing...I thought I was going to get thinly sliced, breaded and fried chicken fingers (this was in my head, of course). Not half the chicken. Which makes me think...had I gone with the whole chicken...I would have been brought out a platter of chicken!? The breading was great - Parmesan cheese, some garlic, etc. But there was so little of it and as I was whacking away at the huge half a chicken on my plate...I lost some in the battle. That said, it was cooked divinely. I should have shared the Croque Monsieur with the hubs because he got not one but TWO whole sandwiches. His only complaint was that they were slightly burnt on one side. He ate around it and with two sandwiches to tackle, he didn't leave hungry. Second Visit - random Monday night I met an old colleague at the downstairs bar and we sat at the "Ham Counter." We ordered a couple specialty cocktails (Winter Pimm's Cup and Grapefruit Fizz for me). Both my drinks were very tasty. I then followed up with a burger and sweet potato fries for my order. My friend ordered the Paris Burger (with Brie, onions, etc). The marketing of these burgers has your mouth watering and you can't wait to order. However, the execution missed the mark. The burger was over-cooked and the bun was way to big (and dry) for its britches. I ended up using a knife and fork because it just wasn't worth trying to make my way through all the bread. Sweet potato fries = awesome. Truffle fries = meh. They came out a little lukewarm and just weren't as good as the sweet potato fries. Service was awesome...our waiter was great, very knowledgeable about the cocktails and didn't hover even though we were his only customers!
(3)Joelle K.
My husband and I had brunch here. I wish we had gone a bit later as we had to wait a half hour for it to get to 11 so that we could order cocktails. They have a nice outdoor seating area and the service was good. We both had omelets (3 cheese for me and ham and cheese for my hubby) with home fries. The home fries were nice and crispy with good spice, and the omelets were decent.
(3)Katie H.
AMAZING food, best biscuits and garlic bread I have here had. Not the best indoor setting (it's a bit dark) but it does not really matter all that much. I highly recommend trying it out if you are in the area.
(5)Regis W.
I will start off by saying that I've had many great experiences at Met which is why I'm doing three stars and not two. Today, not so. My favorite menu item on the menu is the short rib taco. They are DELICIOUS and, while on the bar menu, I've never had trouble ordering them in the restaurant. This time around, the server would not let me order them so I settled for their brunch burrito. Do not order their brunch burrito. It is essentially a fat burrito full of eggs and black beans with guacamole on top. Boring and not worth the price. To add Insult to injury, I mentioned that I would go downstairs and order the tacos, the server said she would put in the order for me. So.... I can order the tacos to go but not eat them in the dining room? Makes no sense to me. On a better note - the winter Pimms cup awesome!
(3)Miraj B.
A bad oyster is generally not a restaurant's fault. I did have a bad one here last night and I fault myself more because I should not have eaten any of them. First off, they were not chilled well. They were served on ice, but felt just south of room temperature. Next, they looked horrible. They were Wellfleets, but the shells were misshapen and chipped. The meat was not presented with any care. There were only six and maybe one looked presentable. Some had the meat flopped over the edge of the shell. It was Valentine's Day, but not necessarily busy there. So where was our server. I would've loved to order a straight whiskey to murder whatever bacteria was making itself comfortable on that luke oyster, but by the time he came back, the entire table had finished eating. I would have never come to a place like this, but if you are forced to be polite by attending, do not get the oysters. Save that yearning for a place that has a passing familiarity with how to properly serve them.
(1)Lauren P.
So surprised at all of the negative reviews. I guess we were lucky. We sat outside on a beautiful night. I had an excellent Manhattan and wonderful glass of wine. The food was terrific, tuna and salmon tartare, steak with cognac mustard sauce, and my son had the burger of the day. The meat was a tad overcooked on both meals but we still found it delicious. Our server was wonderfully helpful, attentive, perfect service. Maybe they are trying to make up for some past problems. We were very happy.
(5)Pamina E.
This place is beautiful and I can't complain about the location-- super convenient if you are in the area. The apps are quite tasty-- duck wings with house kimchi were great, the lamb kabobs with beet salad was a hit, truffle fries are always a favorite, the salmon and tuna tartetatare were just ok, a little bland actually. Then came the main dishes... They were all a disappointment. And for the price, my advice would be to skip main dishes and stick to their strong suit-- the apps and sangria.
(3)Matt C.
MET was a great addition to the back bay. It is the type of place that can accommodate a group of people with varying tastes in food/drinks. I find that because it does nothing amazing it is always a fall-back place where you are stumped or looking for a filler. The burger deal on Monday is great but beyond that the best adjective to describe MET is simply "good enough"
(3)Joyce M.
Ok, let me start off by saying I'm being generous giving it 1 star. Sure, the night didn't start off well, but I was willing to let go of the fact that the waitress spilled a glass of red wine on me and my husband as we were trying to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary because, well, accidents happen. Sure, she was apologetic and offered to reimburse us for the cost of laundry... which we told her we wouldn't bill her for...like I said, accidents happen. Ok, my BIGGEST problem with this place is the OVERLOAD of salt. I could only assume one of the following: 1: the chef doesn't taste the food prior to serving. 2: the chef had a cold and he/she physically couldn't taste the amount of salt in the food. 3: the chef tasted the food and thought it was good (shocking!) 4: someone paid the chef to pour salt into our food in order to kill my husband, who already has a high blood pressure condition, hoping to collect on a life insurance policy (which WE DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE). What we ordered? Well, there was the wine... and we were too busy cleaning up our shoes/legs/pants/dress/table/menu to eat an appetizer so we went straight to the main course. My husband had a steak (I forget exactly which one) and I had the fusilli with corn and bacon. When I say it was overloaded with salt, I mean it. I like my food highly seasoned. This was not a normal amount of salt seasoning... it was like someone literally poured salt over the food. Although the waitress accidentally spilled the wine and apologized many times for it, I thought she should have noticed I pretty much left my dish untouched even though I ordered the smaller version of it. But she didn't. Instead, she took it away and brought the bill. No discounts or anything. We were generous with a 15%-18% tip and left without complaining because we couldn't wait to get the hell out of this place. I never dislike a restaurant experience this much but I really, REALLY hated this place. Never going back.
(1)Grahaeme H.
Very poor service. Waitress said she had never before opened a bottle of wine!! Waited 10 minutes for plates for appetiser and in the end had to shout at another waiter. We were never asked for sides to go with the entrees. And they don't have coffee for dessert!! And don't bother booking if you want to sit outside as that's only first come first served. Final straw was bussers dragging around furniture and remaking tables with loud BANGS This was the last night business meeting for important clients. Not impressed, especially since the food was nothing special and VERY expensive
(1)Andrew U.
Was easy to get a reservation, nice location. Cocktails were good. Food is so so. Had scallops and pork belly, oysters for app. Oysters were great as was the pork belly. Scallops were plain although it's hard to make them special I guess
(4)Joe J.
Burger is overrated. Not to mention, there was a mix up of what burger went with what fries, and the waiter just sat there awkwardly watching us switch the food in the plates so we could get it right. Sun was in my eyes 60% of the time, and the waiter did not do anything until after the woman at the table next to me mentioned the sun was imposing on their lunch. For everyone that raves about the burger here, I just don't get it. That is just my opinion, but outside of free lunches through work here, I doubt I would ever eat here.
(3)Jackie L.
I'm sad this restaurant only gets 3 stars (should be at least a 4) but that's what happens when you mix 4-star food with 2-star service. I came here on a Saturday night with 4 friends, and we were seated in this long booth in the dining room which was great. The evening was a celebration of my birthday so I was pretty excited to be here, enjoying a long evening of drinking, dining, and sharing good times with friends. Let's start with the food: Wine: This is the only restaurant in the greater Boston area where I have found a bottle from Murietta's Well, my favorite winery in the Livermore Valley of CA. My husband is from the area and their wines are just outstanding. (Murietta's Well is a smaller, sister winery to the more well-known Wente.) Although we LOVE their whites, this restaurant only had a red blend and was $50 for the bottle, but the wine is just so. darn. good. we could not resist. If they started featuring Murietta whites (especially the meritage) I guarantee you my husband and I would be there at least once a month. Appetizer: Tempura Broccoli with jalapeno jam. Absolutely fantastic. And spicy! Watch out for those green jalapeno pieces. Entree: Thinking ahead to the overall big meal, I ordered a large dinner salad with arugula, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The salad was huge and satisfying with the addition of sirloin steak (though more on that in the "service" section). Side: Stole a few truffle fries from my husband's plate. Awesome. Dessert: Chocolate mousse tart with salted caramel ice cream, cashews, and toffee brittle? Yes please! A total indulgence, and worth it. Now onto the service. My opinion is if you're dining at a restaurant like this, on Boston's Newbury Street, the service should be exceptional. If not exceptional, at least neutral. In this case the service was memorable, but in a very strange way. Our waiter seemed to be extremely nervous, inexperienced, and not at all knowledgeable about the food which was a great disappointment. Inexperience is okay but he should have done more to try to get our questions answered. Also, due to what was presumably his nerves, he would either talk over us or fail to listen to what we were saying. Each time we interacted with him, it was a very bizarre experience. First, although he allowed me to inspect the bottle of wine, he didn't give to me or anyone in my party to taste and instead just began pouring. He was extremely careless in pouring the wine, spilling over the table and wiping with a napkin as he went along. While perusing the menu, I noticed my salad could be ordered topped with chicken or sirloin. In lieu of sirloin, I asked if I could get steak tips, and received an enthusiastic "yes!" But what did I get on my salad? Sirloin. Which was pretty good. But not what I ordered. There was also a lot of confusion around the truffle fries my friends ordered as a side (was there an upcharge? was it $4, $4+$2, $7+$2? This went on for several painful minutes and turned out we had interpreted the menu correctly while our waiter had not.) When my friends' steaks came out, another waiter dropped them off at the table and there was a lot of confusion about whose steaks were whose. After the other waiter left, our assigned waiter apologized that the other guy "didn't speak very good English." It was so awkward. Not to mention the fact that everyone's steak was messed up in terms of done-ness. Also it got hot at some point in the evening and we notified the waiter, who said he would let his manager know to adjust the temperature. We never noticed a change. No one was upset and really the evening wasn't ruined, but I was expecting a lot more. I love the food, love the location, love the ambiance - so I will probably be back - but this restaurant gets only one more chance on their service!
(3)Erica B.
shockingly terrible. and I used to like this place. We arrived and were unable to find someone (anyone!) with whom to check in for our reservation and seat us for almost ten minutes. Even when we asked for help (3 different people), when we were finally seated, the table had been set but NOT cleaned! (it was sticky and there was food on it!) We ordered a bunch of small plates, including the grilled artichoke, at the suggestion of our curt, somewhat surly, and otherwise impossible-to-locate server. That dish came out first. It is basically inedible. It was room-temperature, previously halved (but not trimmed!) charred-to-a-black crisp, and served with a side of flavor free oil and a side of mayo. it was disgusting and had nearly nothing to eat on it! Next was the hummus - this is supposed to come with harissa, house-made pita chips. Instead it was about 3 oz of garden-variety hummus, severely lacking in salt and acid, dusted with a tiny bit of dried paprika (which, technically, is harissa, but really??!) with five tiny pita chips already IN the dip (getting squishy). Best thing we were served. Then we received the grilled cauliflower - supposed some come with herbs and romesco. Not quite. This was about a whole head of barely cut-up cauliflower, boiled lightly, with a flavorless tomato sauce on top. Also served room temp. It wasn't BAD per se, just intensely skill-less and boring. I'll give them points for size - this was HUGE. We ordered the duo of salmon and tuna carpaccio - also to be served with taro chips. The chips were stale. The "carpaccio"s each were clearly days-old fish (smelled strongly fishy and the consistencies had become that weird soft texture) packed together with mayonnaise. This was so foul that we sent it back. Sending the fish back was an issue. The reason is that our server NEVER checked on us. For like 15 minutes or more, after we received it. We could not get her attention, her back was to us in a small work-alcove. Finally, a different server approached us, we explained the problem, she took the fish (and the fries, up next) away, did not offer to replace it, and did not apparently communicate the issue to our server (and left it on our bill). Finally, we got the last dish (and by now, we were VERRY hungry since other than the cauliflower, there was no food, and no service to try to resolve any of this), the famed truffle fries. greasy, limp, and cold. YES, cold. They are kind of coated entirely with cheese, also, giving them a strong, heavy, flavor. What they did NOT taste like was truffle, or even cheap truffle oil (which can be smelled a mile off, I find it so strong). We sent them back to be re-heated, and what we got was a HUGE inedible mass, similar to the first but now the topmost layer were warm (not piping hot) and still somehow didn't seem cooked through. Served with Mayo, no catsup, no truffle-sauce, no nothing. The bill finally arrived, just dropped on the table with no words. The server cleared the predominantly uneaten dishes without a word or question. (was it ok? did we want it packed up? no, nothing.) It takes another 12 minutes (by this point I am actually looking at my watch) to get the server's attention to call to her attention that we were charged for the fish. 3 minutes later she returns with the adjusted tab. Then doesn't pick up the check for another 20 (yes, TWENTY) minutes. And by this point the restaurant is almost completely empty. I signed it, I walked out, absolutely annoyed (and embarrassed, and hungry!). The worst food that I have been served in Boston in years, made worse by just about the worst service possible shy of her actually being rude.
(1)Jason N.
Came for valentines day and was told we were part of the TowneHouse experience, which was supposed to include the atmosphere and a prerequisite dinner. We booked three weeks in advance. Despite wanting to spend $120 per person, and being excited about this dinner, they told us upon arrival that we were supposed to sign up in advance for the specialty dinner portion. No where shown on the website was this the case, nor was this instructed by the host when we called to book our meal. Although the manager was oh so NOT understanding of this matter, we went with a Plan B. This is the third failure of this establishment to impress me upon their mistakes. I have to admit that the server was helpful in the matter, I wish the entire experience wasn't ruined....again.
(2)Cindy K.
I am a fan of this place because its good when you want a decent burger. Although, the past two times I ahve been there, I have been let down. I always order the LA burger and its supposed to come with bacon. And the past two times there was no bacon in there. The bacon is probably the most important part about the burger. The coctails are delish here and service is pretty good as well, minus the forgetting of the bacon. I prefer sitting at the downstairs bar area, the dining room is kinda not my scene. Its more elegant, not my place for a burger.
(3)Jovanna O.
Went here with one of my friends we are attending a conference in Boston. It started off a little rocky because we did not have a server. We had to ask someone to bring us coffee and then we got a server. I ordered the pancakes with eggs and am they threw in a free sausage for me which was nice. My eggs were perfectly cooked and they were very very delicious fluffy buttery delicious. The pancakes were good they are huge they fill up an entire plate there around 7 to 8 inches round. The sausage was not good at all but it was free so I'm not complaining. My friend ordered the omelette with spinach and Swiss cheese and he said it was delicious. It came with potatoes I had potatoes and they were yummy. It also came with toast. Once we finally got a server the customer service experience was great. They came and checked on us often. The atmosphere inside was very nice very laid-back I like it a lot. My only gripe is they are a little pricey but the food is good and the beginning wasn't so great since we didn't really have a server but I would probably come back.
(3)Erika S.
I am amazed by all of the negative reviews this place gets. Granted, I've only been here for brunch, but each and every time it has been delicious. Really delicious! My fav place for brunch in Boston. Awesome food, awesome Bloody Mary's!!
(5)Justin R.
Easily one of my favorite places to eat. Being in the heart of the city, it's a bit noisy and sometimes touristy, however the good food trumps the very few cons (IF you can even call the aforementioned "cons") that this place has. The food is always cooked to perfection, and the staff is very friendly. If you're an urbanite, the atmosphere here is the perfect place for you. They have indoor seating as well as outdoor seating (beautiful during nice weather). Every time I come here I get the "Tokyo Salmon burger" with a side of truffle fries. This meal is simply to die for! Okay, I might be over exaggerating a little now, but I'm definitely addicted. If you've never had truffle fries, please drop what you're doing and do a Scooby-skidaddle over to the Met Back Bay NOW!
(4)Erin P.
Ugh The Met is going downhill fast!!! First, the Chestnut Hill location closed (not surprised, that place was a joke) and now the one of Newbury is lacking service and respect! Four of us were having drinks outside and then informed when we ordered our second drink by our biatch of a server that "it was a law you have to eat in order to drink on Newbury street." Sharing appetizers was not an option, each person had to order their own dish. That's a scam, it's just to make more money so if you want to drink outside be prepared to pay a lot more. We asked for the bar menu instead of the dinner menu and we got quite an attitude. We order salads and side plates and they were so disappointing. I got an $18 greek salad and it was awful, no dressing and it had dried veiny chicken. My cousin was drinking the house pinot grigio and the server started serving her a $10 glass of wine instead of the $8 because they "ran out" but didn't feel it was necessary to inform my cousin of the price difference. On 2 occasions she told us we could speak to a manager but a manager never came over to us. Instead of sending over a manager she gave us the difference for the price of the wine. This girl was friggin shady! I won't be going here again, this place is a joke!
(1)Ashleigh W.
Go for Taco Tuesday. The pork tacos were awesome. Also ordered guacamole which was made perfectly (although the bottom of the bowl was filled with lettuce so it was slightly deceiving). The bartenders were on top of it and had a new drink ready for me as soon as I finished the last. Excellent service!
(5)Michelle K.
I went here for brunch, the food and service were great! We couldn't get outdoor seating because of the wait, but the indoor area's decor was amazing. Their burger was simple, yet juicy.
(5)Lynn J.
REVIEW of BRUNCH ONLY! LOCATION: 5 STAR...Recessed (AKA hidden from your spouse) outdoor deck with padded benches and shade umbrellas. (Cheaters...this Shout Out's for YOU) SERVICE: 4 STAR...Waitress was friendly, but unwilling to make what she called "Starbucks Coffee" when I asked if they served any "specialty coffees with caramel or chocolate syrup." I ended up with a boring ice tea. Our check ended up 2 Back Bay $6 coffees cheaper. (Hey...manager...break out the hershey's syrup bottles and step up to fancier coffee with higher brunch bills.) FOOD: 3 STAR...My "Captain Crunch French Toast" was...AWFUL. It was blackened AKA burnt, and neither crunchy nor sweet. It barely qualified, I guess, as there was Cap-n-Crunch sprinkled over it? I've devoured my share of "Corn Flake Coated French Toast," and this version is an EPIC FAIL. My dining partner's burger was full of gourmet goodness. I'd give it 5 STARS, but it tasted better than it looked. The fries were greasy looking shoe strings...whose flavor fullness surprised my happy mouth. HINT: Order a burger. Skip the french toast!
(4)Collins F.
Try the chicken dish. Great place for dinner or brunch!
(4)Jamie H.
i don't mind going, but i really can't get behind the hype for met back bay. some of my friends love it, but every time i go i'm underwhelmed and the service leaves a bit to be desired. the first time i went, the service was so slow and it took about 45 minutes before our apps even arrived. the lobster dip was congealed, and we had to beg for more corn chips that finally arrived burnt. the waiter seemed distracted and annoyed, and it was even tough to get our glasses refilled with water. on another visit, the waitress was extremely nice and friendly, but she wasn't necessarily great. she forgot a few small things, and she put in the incorrect burger order for one person in our party and he didn't get the corrected burger until about 15 minutes later and by that point the rest of us had pretty much finished eating. i do have to say she was very apologetic and she did take it off the bill. for the most part, the food is okay, but i feel like there are so many better and even less expensive options in the area. the corn chips are definitely a highlight, and the french fries are really good too. i just don't think it's worth it for the price - i spent $14 on an egg white omelet with veggies (not even cheese), and the burgers run up pretty high too once you add anything beyond lettuce and tomato. some of the sandwiches quickly get to be too heavy and dense to finish the whole thing. the drinks are pretty good, and i definitely recommend the bloody mary for brunch, and the ACK as an afternoon cocktail (citrus vodka, st. germain, and iced tea). the cucumber mojito is good, but tiny.
(2)Chris I.
The only reason I am giving this place 2 stars is because the food was decent and quick. The service was horrendous bordering on non-existant and the bathrooms were disgusting. The Dedham location is immensely better in both quality of food and service. If you want to try this restaurant head to Legacy Place the experience is way better.
(2)Gina C.
Great food but subpar service. The cocktails are great, try the Met Painkiller. The bathroom was pretty gross for such an upscale restaurant.
(3)Bradley B.
Always walk by this place finally stopped in for an early dinner. Sat at the bar and the menu was very small and not a lot appealed to me. It did say bar menu so maybe a larger menu exists. I settled for the croque madam, no egg, it was good but so cheesy I started feeling a littlest sick by the time I finished my sandwich. That might just be me though, not bad, but no reason for me to come back.
(3)Tinku R.
Decent place for dinner on Newbury Street. Great interiors and great service. Cocktail menu is also quite impressive. We came here for a late night dinner on a Saturday night and it hit the spot. We split a burger and ordered a cocktail. The burger was okay and the cocktail was great. The service was fantastic. Initially they situated us in the library bar room. We didn't like it so much so we asked them to change to another room overlooking to Newbury Street. They were very nice to do it.
(4)Kate B.
I came here for lunch with a friend a few days ago and I've been here a few times before and had their burger which is amazing. The last few times I've been here I've had decent service, however this time the service was definitely not up to par with the quality of the food or the area. After waiting 10 minutes just to get water, a server comes over and the first words out of his mouth were, "What do you want?" Not even kidding. No hello, nothing. It was a Friday afternoon with only 3 other tables in sight and at least 2 other servers and my friend and I couldn't understand why our waiter was so rude. I also had to approach someone who worked there that wasn't our server just to get some more water. Just very disappointing for a nice restaurant on Newbury St. The only thing that saved the meal i guess were the delicious burgers. I got a turkey Tokyo burger that was delicious and my friend got a Salmon Athens burger but the salmon was a bit overcooked. I will most likely return, but probably will recommend this place with strong reservations from now on.
(2)Olivia L.
Had a delightful autumn luncheon at Met Back Bay. Without getting into specifics of the dishes we ordered, I would say the food was seasonal, nicely presented and quite tasty! The view of Newbury and Dartmouth Streets was so charming. The banquets are quite comfy and the overall atmosphere, in my opinion, is somewhat of a modern-clubby-casual chic standard. The ladies' rest room was very well attended and clean--a big plus! My only reservation in holding back a star was the service. I thought it was a bit unprofessional and disappointing. I had to ask for a beverage, rather than being offered one. Dessert was never offered, either. The young wait staff person didn't have the polish or sophistication for a restaurant of this class. Despite this, I will be back for another try. Who knows...everyone has an off day from time to time, so perhaps our server does a better job than this.
(4)Lana K.
Stopped here for a quick bite a couple of weeks ago. Wanted to keep it on the light side, so opted for ahi tuna salad instead of a burger. Basically, don't even BOTHER eating here unless you plan to get a burger. My salad was absolutely miniscule, but still cost a fortune, and I have definitely had better tasting meals. I left feeling completely ripped off. Bottom line, go ahead and get a burger, or come for cocktails later in the evening. But if you want anything else--go to another restaurant! I recommend Sonsie at the Mass Ave end of Newbury.
(2)Megan B.
This rating is really a 3.5 but I think last nights experience pushed me to go towards a 4. I've been to MET for brunch, lunch and dinner and had mostly good but varying experiences. Overall I think the food is good, drinks are good, and the service has been good, except on a few occasions, and so I enjoy coming back here. Last night I went for their Monday night burger deal, which was fantastic. $5 for a burger and fries. I think their burger menu at lunch is the best thing on the menu. They have a nice patio on Newbury as well. I love coming here for lunch in the summer and will be back for the burger deal on Monday
(4)Jeff F.
I'm hugely skeptical of every restaurant on Newbury street. My sense is that they get by on average food and a great location. Met Back Bay is different. Great food with impressive variety, outdoor seating, creative menu and good service. Here's the rundown: - Biscuits (A) - I reconfirmed I don't like biscuits but wife wolfed these down like she was on death row and our friend from Alabama verified their legitimacy - Brussel Sprouts (A-) - Brussel Sprouts are terrible in general, but these were somehow good - Burrata (A-) - great option and I'm a sucker for burrata - Duo Tartar (B+) - Get...the....tuna....tartar (A+). Skip the salmon tartar (D+) - full on regret after my first bite. But the Tuna Tartar was ridiculously good. Tableside tartar is a nice touch - Lobster Pappardelle (B+) - This was weird but somehow pretty good - Rigatoni Bolognese (B+) - solid - Tofu Steak (A-) I'd rather be punched in the face than eat Tofu steak, but our resident Tofu expert declared this to be exceptional - Chicken Parmigiana (B-) - ok My biggest takeaway is that Met Back Bay is ultimate go-to if you're unsure about where to go to dinner since they have everything from fish to meat to pasta/pizza choices. If you're vegetarian they have you covered. That's tough to match given the combination of location and atmosphere.
(4)Mahina K.
I saw this place on Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell but I swear that's not what made me come here. Boyfriend and I had some time to kill before my appt at Sephora at the Pru. So some lunch was in order. But I thought we wouldn't get a seat on a Saturday morning. Well, not upstairs, but downstairs. Fine by me. Upstairs sounded busy and crowded. Downstairs was much more relaxed. One of like 10 people. I can handle that. I ordered the Paris burger. Brie, caramalized onions, didn't want the fried egg so I put that on the boyfriend's Hash and eggs. He said his hash was good. But i'm far less concerned with that. I was just amazed at how good my burger was. The patty was cooked well, it had a good amount of juices to it, the brie didn't have that waxy part and melted wonderfully over the burger. The fries were amazingly crisp, which I adore. Now, don't confuse them with their burger bar out in Natick, which has a greater amount of burgers on the list. I think given the right timing this place is wonderful. I'm not big on waiting for certain places, but I think I'd wait here for a decent amount of time for a burger like I had. Now to go to the burger bar.
(5)Brooke S.
I had a private party at Met Back Bay on a Saturday night for a group of about 15 people. The staff was extremely accommodating, spoke with us a number of times before the party, and were very helpful the whole night. We also had 6 young children with us, and the staff was very accommodating of them as well. All of our out of town guests loved the location and the view of Newbury Street from the private room we reserved. The food was great. Some favorite appetizers were the tempura broccoli and lobster cheddar dip. The Brick Chicken was great for a main, and the warm cookies were an excellent dessert. I will definitely be returning!
(5)Valerie W.
Word to the wise for out of towners here. They may or may not give you a drink if you have an address label sticker on your ID. Yes, I have like 5 of them on the same driver's license. They looked at me and said they couldn't take it or serve me....WTF!? I told them it's just an address change label....they had to take it to management...really!? I did get my drink. Took around 30 minutes to finally get seated outside and it was just myself eating. Service is extremely slow, I felt like I was back in Europe. Ordered the half roasted chicken with fries and a side salad. Salad was large...as it should be for flippin $8. Lacked flavor and it was really only lettuce and tomato and beets. MEH. The chicken and fries were just fine. The pepper sauce that came with it had an odd flavor. Didn't pair with the chicken very well. The 'house' sangria was so-so. Not bad, not great. Certainly not really worth the money in my opionion. Not sure I would come back if I was in the area. Total cost was around $40 for myself for a so-so meal.
(2)Ella F.
Came here for a work lunch. The service was prompt and nice. I ordered a Back Bay Micro Chopped with salmon. It was just decent. There was nothing special whatsoever about it. For the prices, I would expect higher quality (not just location). Basically, they're getting a 3 because the place is fine, didn't blow me away in either direction.
(3)William W.
Great atmosphere! Excellent service and awesome food! I would definitely eat here again.
(4)Courtney H.
Ok I used to think this place was a bit over priced for the area and the food was so so. However after moving to Back Bay and making this place a regular stop, I seriously think this might be the best restaurant on Newbury. I know that's not saying much considering most of the street is filled with average places, but this place is definitely good. While the dinner menu is really good (try the gnocchi, lobster cheddar dip and any burger they are serving) I love their brunch! Their omlettes are always cooked to perfection-fluffy, light and filled with deliciousness! And I could always use one of their blood orange mimosas! The staff is always super friendly too. I booked a large party and Dean couldn't be more accommodating! Oh and did I mention they have a patio? And it's down a bit away from the Newbury crowds? 'Nuff said.
(5)Michael P.
The place was jammed on the Friday night that we went as a group of 4 adults and 4 kids. We were able to hang out downstairs in the bar area and have some drinks before being seated in our booth upstairs. The service was friendly and attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Sometimes it is not too easy to keep 4 kids happy, but the Met Back Bay helped us to enjoy our evening!
(4)Nicole S.
Great salads. AMAZING bloody Mary's with bacon salt. Fancy place, but delicious food and beautiful atmosphere. Slightly over priced.
(5)Brenda P.
Sunday brunch- mmmm,mmmm,mmmm met some friends there and had a great time! I could not decide what to have because everything looked soooo good! Everyone had different burgers: Kobe, LA and Paris and I had the shaved ham and cheese sandwich. Sounds so simple but it was great. If you order the Tokyo burger they donate the proceeds to Japan I was told by the way. Ok so what we ordered was not really brunch food but the menu made it really hard to choose. Some of the stuff on the menu just sounded incredibly good and from the looks of it from other peoples' plates around us: they were! The place is really nice inside and it looks like they have space for outside seating although it was not open just yet. Ordered a freshly squeezed orange juice and cappuccino too. I later noticed that they had guava juice to make mimosas with! Too bad I was so full to try it but impressive to me. Not normal to find guava anything north of 33016. If this place was in Miami, it would compare to a better Van Dykes and I would visit often!
(4)Doug J.
(score 1-100) -80. This is a fiver yes a five star location. It is one of the few places you can eat outside on Newbury St. It is set down a little from street level and surrounded by bushes so the people watching will be the people on the street and not you but regardless you are outdoors! The food is good but not home run good. I think I agree with the consensus in that it is a 3.5 to 4 star in food quality. This is the best late breakfast or brunch place ...ya know a place to hang out on during weekend mornings. I have had a mimosa and the french toast here and they were good. Burgers are a safe bet... well done and reasonable priced.
(4)Amy J.
Awesome Bloody Marys - coming from a girl who's really picky about them! Unless you're on a date or getting a table for four, opt for a seat at the bar! We had fast service, sports, chatter with the bartenders, and a pretty laid-back group of fellow visitors. It's located on the main shopping street, so use it as a break!
(4)Jaime B.
Food & drinks are mediocre & unreliable. Great location but not worth it. They've had the same menu for years. Snooze.
(1)Crystal C.
Location great, food average, service poor. Went for brunch. Had to wait quite long for drinks and then for the server to return to take food orders. Scrambled eggs were tough and the coffee was cold. I ordered one mimosa. For $33, I believe I was cheated.
(1)Sarah E.
The worst part about Met Back Bay is the difficult decision of choosing a meal. Everything on the menu sounds incredible, particularly the brunch menu. The food looks just as amazing as it sounds too. I had the turkey burger a la Paris. It was incredible! My table ordered the salmon pizza appetizer. It may have been the single greatest appetizer I've ever eaten. Seriously. the whole group decided it was amazing! My only complaint would be the slow service. It took forever to get our drinks and food. I would have loved a refill on water or coffee. I's blame management over waitstaff. they looked particularly overworked and spread thin. but were always super courteous and friendly
(4)Bill A.
Met Bar has always been one of my favorite places in the Back Bay but I was just a little disappointed last night. They have awesome burgers but I wanted something different so I went with the fish and chips. A little soggy and greasy but still pretty tasty. Should have gone with the burger. My wife ordered a Tuscan flatbread which was very tasty but cost $17. Way too pricey for an appetizer. My daughter had the bolognese which was huge (even the "small" portion) and she loved it. I'm going to complain a bit about beer. Met's draft beer list is sub par. They always have a few IPAs, a seasonal or two, and wheat beers. I think their manager doesn't like heavier beer because you never see brown, amber or scotch ales, etc. Even some sort of ESB or pale ale would be great but I usually go for the Stella since bitter, hoppy beers aren't my thing and neither are American wheats. How about a Paulaner or Franziskaner? How about a Red Hook ESB or even a Sam Boston Lager? By the way, bottled beers don't count. Anyway, I struggled with the 3 vs. 4 stars but in the end the burgers and short rib tacos bumped it up, so we will continue to frequent Met Back Bay.
(4)Morgan D.
This place was a nice escape for the hurricane style winds that were abusing us outside. Located off of Newbury St, this place is a real gem. We sat downstairs near the windows to the back. We all ordered wine or prosecco and it was quite a lovely afternoon drink. I ordered the LA Burger Medium, which had avacado, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo. It was very yummmy as were the fries. Others at the table got Eggplant Caprese, Tokyo Turkey Burger and tuna/salmon tar tar. Oh and fries with the truffle sauce. MMMMM. Our waiter was great, and a cutie! This was a great place to enjoy and hour or two of the afternoon.
(4)Kara C.
Every time I come here, I mis-budget my appetite and fill up too quickly. I guess if my only complaint is that the food is too good and the portions are too big, that's not bad? I've had the sliders (french style is delicious), the tuna tartare (you'll finish it before you can blink), the artichoke appetizer (my favorite). The brussels sprouts were a little intense - a bit too much cheese takes away from the fact that you're eating a vegetable. Overall though, the food is rich, comforting, and can't be beat!
(4)Mari M.
spent a $100 for 4 people and regretted every penny. ordered the rice bowl with sirloin, dryest meat and definitely two-days old rice. the prime steak is not worth the money, definitely have had better at outback. We tried to tell our server the food tastes bad, but he never came to check on us or refill our drinks. For the price tag of the menu, you expect at least 'is your food ok? do you need anything?" just don't go there
(2)Chloe B.
Despite the fact that the MET is a chain and tends to be rather touristy it is consistently dependable for a good meal and drink. Whenever I have visitors (friends, grandparents, colleagues) I take them straight to the MET whether its summer, winter, early or late if we are in a bit of a rush and looking for an easy, pleasant meal. My personal favorites are the kale dish and the rigatoni bolognese, and the ham and cheese board is always a crowd pleaser as well. Furthermore, the Library Bar churns out pretty good drinks (I'm partial to the Penicillin) and the outdoor seating in the summer is an excellent place to enjoy almost anything they have to offer.
(4)Jennifer W.
This is one of our favorites on Newbury street, we usually come here about 2-3 times a month, usually for brunch or drinks and snacks. We've rarely had a full on dinner or sat in the dining room here; we usually come for the nice outdoor seating or downstairs bar. Right now they have a fabulous sparking seasonal sangria, it has peach puree and tastes like a cross between a bellini and a sangria. Their burgers are amazing and you can get pretty much anything you want on them. Truffle fries, biscuits, cheese & ham board, and caesar salad are also favorites. As you see by the items I've listed above, it's really not a "foodie" type of place. It's a restaurant with a great location and a nice bar/outdoor area to have lots of drinks and a few bites after a day of shopping or strolling. And for everyone saying it's overpriced, this is Newbury street, what do you expect???
(4)Robert D.
Not that good at all. Burger well done both times I went and was ordered med rare. :/ Needs to take time on there love for there food and service , think there to interested in making the green and pushing people in and out to turn tables and flinging out food . No good. Drinks got the 3.
(3)Paige D.
Always wanted to try this place. Had brunch for the first time and it was excellent. I got the hen house hash which was a large portion and delicious. I ordered off the crafty Bloody Mary menu for my drink, great choice and lots of options. We also ordered their homemade biscuits to share which were very filling. Same price range as many other brunch locations in the area but with better quality food and beautiful patio and atmosphere.
(4)Anna G.
So I went to the Met last night for the many-ith time. I like to think of it as my neigborhood spot except they never remember me. I prefer to go downstairs to the bar area, get the lobster cheddar dip (that's reaaallll good) and a cocktail. They have a great arugula salad for the summer too. It's a solid spot that's convenient for me but certainly not worth making an extra trip.
(3)Jus J.
RUDE. I won't go back. I'm not really sure how you can go to a restaurant as a new patron, not really know where the main seating area is, get passed up by various waitstaff and servers, never receive a greeting or direction, make your way to an area to sit down and be told-you have to move you can't sit there. I can't understand that series of events happening when there were about 10 people in the entire restaurant. I know because I was early and wandering around trying to figure out where to sit. How about a "hello", or "are you waiting for someone" or any questions that might convey your interest in me having a decent experience. I'm just asking for decent. This is new england, excellent service, isn't going to happen. But what about decent? The food was...meh...ok. If the food was amazing, i'd give them another shot, but it's not really worth it for bad food and lack of customer service.
(1)Liz L.
Like a couple of other recent reviewers, I am shocked at all the negative reviews here. I have gone to the Met at lunchtime/brunchtime around five times since they opened in the Back Bay. My food has always been good though the service has been a bit variable. One time the waitstaff was inattentive and the food arrived slowly (we suspected the latter was due to the former), but the rest of the times the service has been good to excellent. We have also stopped in a couple other times when it was already crowded and been given honest assessments of our probable wait time by the hosting staff, who seemed just fine with us deciding to turn and walk out the time we decided it would be too long to wait. I recommend the pancakes and the mac 'n cheese. My usual dining companion here has gotten a few different sandwiches/burritos and has enjoyed them all, although they have yet to try the much-maligned-in-reviews turkey burger. They report that the eggplant sandwich is excellent, though eggplant is often improperly cooked by restaurants.
(5)Josephine L.
If you like loud, boorish men in suits, the clientele here at 7pm will delight you. Seriously, they'll jostle you and ogle you and generally do everything they can to make you feel like a piece of meat, free of charge. Moving on, the food isn't bad. It's comfort food in large portions. I had the chicken pot pie and toasted coconut martini, and both delivered that "ahhh" sense of satisfaction. The corn with cheese was pretty good if a bit rich but the truffle fries were a huge disappointment. If I wanted blandly seasoned, slightly burnt fries with truffle mayo, that's what I'd order. But I expect truffle fries to be infused with truffle essence IN THE FRY, not on the side. The space is pretty cozy as long as you're not being tormented by aforementioned guys in suits but can be a bit cramped depending on where you sit. Our server was okay but tended to hover over us a little too much. For overall atmosphere, I'd say the Chestnut Hill location is better.
(3)Sheila G.
I went here one Friday night after work with my co-workers. I joined them late so I wasn't sure where they were seated. I went upstairs and of course they were downstairs but it gave me a chance to see how the place is laid out. There is a bar area and seating area both upstairs and downstairs. We started out at a cozy corner table but as our numbers grew we had to move and put several tables together. We ordered a number of dishes; I tried the short rib tacos (okay), the margherita pizzette (good) and the truffle fries with parmesan dip. (I liked the fries but wasn't crazy about the dip) I'm not sure about the prices as we split the check between the 8 of us and I paid $19.00. Overall it was an okay place to hang out with friends for a drink, it got a little noisy and more crowded as the evening wore on but it has a fun atmosphere with a group. I would go again and recommend it as a "after work" or "let's go for a drink" bar.
(2)Samantha F.
Housemade butterscotch rum was delicious, and our bartender in the library was a real sweetheart. Lovely place.
(5)Andrew P.
For a Newbury Street location, this restaurant leaves something to be desired. Yesterday, I was showing some family who had never been to Boston before the Back Bay area and we decided to stop in to Met Bar for a glass of wine and some appetizers. When we walked in the main door around 5:30pm, there was no one at the host stand, so we walked into the bar area. We encountered a staff member who was very pleasant and we asked if it were ok to sit outside as they had heaters and we wanted to enjoy the outdoors. We walked into the outdoor patio area and interrupted another staff member, this little cranky guy wearing a hoodie (very unprofessional if you ask me), texting on his phone. He interrupted us with the other staff member and asked very abruptly if we were "going to be eating". We said no, meaning we weren't having a full meal and he then told us we "need to order at least something or you can't sit outside". I thought this very strange as all of the waitstaff outside were standing around doing nothing, chatting with each other as there were only 3 or so tables full outside. This put our experience off to a bad start. Then our drinks took about 20 minutes to get to our table. The bar was about 50 feet away mind you. I could've gone to the bar and got them myself faster. As we sat and waited for our drinks, the little man with the hoodie stood around doing nothing, texting or facebooking or something on his phone while people continued to come down the stairs from the sidewalk looking lost (ie wanting a table) while he basically ignored them until they physically would ask him for assistance. At one point, a manager came outside to speak to him, he quickly hid his cell phone so the manager couldn't see and the manager asked him to take his place up on the sidewalk at the host stand. He went up there for about 30 seconds and then came right back to his doing nothing and texting. Our drinks finally arrived. Two of our Martini drinks were filled only about 1/2 way and one was full. Why would you serve a Martini only 1/2 way filled? My wine glass was covered in dishwasher crud and I had to send it back. If I have to say something nice about this place it would be that our server was very pleasant, and the food that did come (because you remember that you HAVE to order food to sit outside, even when it's dead and no-one is there) out was very good. If you do choose to go here, I'd definitely recommend the Lobster dip and any one of the Pizzettes. However, I woudn't really recommend this place as the service leaves something to be desired.
(2)Michael C.
Went to the Met Bar for a company lunch, they were easily able to accommodate the 7 of us. Our waiter was very helpful recommending and describing dishes, especially the different choices for meat in the burger bar. I went with the Met Dry Aged Burger on his recommendation and it did not disappoint! We got a bunch of apps but the biggest (surprise) hit was the croissants filled with cheese. We also had: Bacon wrapped scallops - good, but nothing out of the ordinary Chinatown Salad - It is big enough for a meal but better to split with the table Toffee Pudding - It was rich and delicious but not exactly a pudding, more of a cake
(4)Cathy L.
The food is heavy and delicious - I recommend the clam chowder and mushroom flatbread. However, the bar downstairs smells funny.
(3)Chris F.
Good enough place but didn't live up to the hype. Came on a Wednesday for dinner with the lady, the vibe is nice and the decor is classy. Service was fine, on par with the other back bay snob spots. Drink menu was excellent - the wine was great. Had the lobster which was as good as I expected, I hear the burgers are great too. The place was good but didn't do anything to differentiate itself from other similar style eateries. Worth a try once if you've never been.
(4)Laura S.
I've been there for brunch and it was delicious! I had the cap'n crunch pancakes and a mimosa and they were both amazing. Today I had the eggplant caprese sandwich for lunch and it was .... alright. Nothing great but nothing bad. My dad had the met mac n cheese and it was delicious! I had a bite and would definitely recommend it! Also, my mom had the burger and she liked it as well. You definitely pay for the quiet and nice atmosphere... But you definitely don't pay for the service (or lack thereof). I would recommend this restaurant if you're looking to pay for a nice atmosphere and pretty good food. I plan on going back for brunch at some point for a special occasion.
(4)Kristen L.
Ok, so I get that you're in a prime Newbury Street location and people are lined up to get first crack at your morning patio drinking. But would it kill you to throw some semi-decent service in with that mimosa?? I went to Met for the first time for an early brunch last Sunday. While the food was good, the service was severely lacking at pretty much every turn. The first big strike is when I went to order the Crabby Mary and my waiter informed me that they were "out" of the drink (not when I placed my order, mind you, but after he had already taken 15 minutes to place the orders at the bar). This would have been forgiveable had it not taken said waiter about 20 minutes to come over and take our drink order initially, by which time I had already bonded over the drink's description on the menu and had my easily breakable heart very much set on 22 oz. of crabby, tomatoey goodness. Strike two occured when I later tried to order another specialty bloody mary on the menu and got the same response. At this point I was pretty much ready to just grab some vodka at the nearest liquor store. I mean, there's not a whole lot of drinks on the Met's brunch menu, so if you're going to be out of say, half, of them, you probably want to give folks a heads up at the beginning of the ordering experience so everyone can manage their expectations, not to mention expedite the process. So probably 30 minutes after sitting down we were finally able to hold our waiter captive for long enough to actually put in our food order. Not surprisingly, when I asked if I could get the breakfast burrito without meat, I was told no, that the chorizo was already mixed in with the beans (strike three!). Are you sensing a theme here, people? Ultimately, no complaints on the food, but the slow service and poor management combined with less-than-gracious staff was so bad it almost reached comical levels. We should have just waited for Globe to open at 11...
(2)Tani H.
Great place around the corner from our place in Boston. Food is quite good, and service is friendly, if a little haphazard. I actually can and do recommend it, and will probably head there for lunch today. It could easily be a 5 star place with better coordinated service.
(3)Mackenzie F.
Let me start by saying I try not to judge a restaurant by restaurant week experiences. Generally we will go during restaurant week and if the food good and intriguing or the service amazing, we will go back during normal menu times. This is going to be one of those situations. First course was truly delicious. I had the Bacon Steak with caramel, sea salt, jalapeño, citrus, green tomato puree, brioche crunch. Mine was missing the brioche crunch (but I don't think I missed it) and was fun and surprising and delicious with every bite and the boy had their ham and cheese tasting platter which featured prosciutto, salami, country ham, tarentaise, Cabot cloth bound cheddar, and Maytag blue, also very delicious. First Course : 4 stars. The main course is where we both were unimpressed. They ran out of 2 of 3 offerings and also the bone marrow that should have accompanied our tenderloin. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly. It melted in the mouth but just didn't have any wow factor to it. ( Maybe the lack of the bone marrow butter) we ended up getting a bit of that Maytag Blue on side to give it some character. They did offer to sub a side in place of the marrow. I ordered the garlicky spinach and the boy got the creamed, which he loved! ( I tasted it was great!) but that was the best part of both of our main courses. They fries tasted dried out like they had been sitting for a very long time before arriving at our table. But they weren't even supposed to be there the menu said "crispy garlic duchess potato stars". Main Course: 2 stars. Dessert was where things really turned back around for me. Admittedly both restaurant week desserts were gone, but they offered to sub anything from the dessert menu. I went with Valrhona Chocolate & Donuts (bittersweet & caramelia chocolate, spiced mini donuts, caramel sauce). Which I was skeptical about at first..but I am so happy I had it. They weren't doughnuts like we think about around here. More like beignets or the fried dough you get a fair. But BETTER the chocolate and cream were delicious too but those doughnuts I would go back for! The boy liked his well enough too but wasn't a huge fan of the coconut ice cream..but I loved it =) Dessert 4 stars Which bring us to service! Our waiter (Chris N. ) was wonderful throughout the entire evening. So friendly! So helpful! As I mentioned above a lot of things weren't available and I know it is his job to keep us happy but it just felt he went WAY out of his way to make things right! He was so pleasant and not pushy or rushing us. Chatted with us a bit and later talked wine with us (not just about what we were drinking) and brought us tastings of his recommendations which were delightful! Brought the bottle out so we could take mental pictures! I feel dinner should always be an experience and he made it a very pleasant one. Service: 5 stars Overall I will be excited to go back and try their full menu. And of course ask if Chris is working that night before making my reservation!
(3)Yolanda Y.
I really enjoyed the egg breakfast sandwich. It was good portions of everything. The potatoes were not so great though. They tasted like they were once frozen. The service was prompt but I also felt like the waitress was rushing people maybe unintentionally.
(3)barbara r.
I guess I should have got a Burger here. Seems like appetizers were much tastier than the main course meal. Got pork belly , it was delightful, had a wonderful glazed pineapple with a very unique yet delicious green sauce. The beet salad was perfect. Main entree was a Cobb salad which was very plain and very big. On the menu it said it had everything! But all I really saw was finely chopped lettuce and small amounts of bacon bits corn beets carrots. I have to fish for the good stuff with my fork. Fish and chips....again..nothing special, very plain and overpriced, crab roll was very good however the roll it was placed in was not so appetizing, burger with an egg in it seemed to have hit the spot. SERVICE Like in my previous review....SLOW!! I wanted to enjoy another glass of wine before my main meal and didn't get to because there was no waiter in site to ask before my main meal came out!!! No water refills, took them a good while to bring out utensils.....again patient So.Cal girl enjoying the Boston view, great outdoor sitting patio!!! I would not come here again. nothing personal just seems like there are better things to eat see and do in Boston!
(2)Lauren L.
Solid brunch spot we found while wandering along Newbury Street. Food was good, place was nice, big menu to choose from. Not the most memorable meal of the trip, but definitely did the trick.
(3)E Z.
My girlfriends and I went during Taco Tuesday. It's a great deal! 3 tacos for $6. There is a selection of pork carnitas, steak tips, or beef short rib tacos and you can only select one flavor, which was inconvenient because we all wanted to try the different taco styles. I had one serving of the pork carnitas and it was definitely filling. You must try the homemade mill biscuits with honey maple butter - the best part of the meal! We also ordered a round of mussels as an appetizer - a huge serving and very reasonably priced. We sat inside and the service was a bit delayed. The cocktails are famous and rightly so!
(4)Robert C.
It's not cheap, but nothing is cheap on Newbury Street Boston. For a break after walking around Copley Place, the Prudential and Back Bay shops and sights, a cushioned seat against the wall, with a half dozen oysters, some sweet potato fries (with a great horseradish dip), cold draft or cocktail, makes for a very relaxing moment. The outside patio is below street level, pretty much blocking out vehicular and pedestrian noise and creating an oasis of intimacy. But, sit way back against the wall, where you may enjoy some privacy and comfort.
(3)Amy C.
Kathy, the owner of the Met Bar, kindly contacted me and apologised for the poor service I received. I'd like to thank you for doing so, and I realise that it is not yours or the establishment's fault for the poor experience I had there. I think it is a good sign for the Met that their management read and act on reviews they find here. I appreciate the good will, so thanks again Kathy.
(3)Robyn S.
I have been to the Met in Chestnut Hill and always have a good experience. I was in Boston Met on Wed at the downstairs bar and the service was horrible. Could not get a drink and waited for a while to order food. The bill was incorrect, they never put the food on the bill. Had to let the female bartender know to add the food on the bill so we could pay. That also took a long time. Lots of competition in the area, Better places to go, sorry R
(2)Jake S.
Two stars for inside dining, 4 stars for outside dining with bar menu. For a burger and a drink it is probably best on newbury. Would never come back for formal dinner like eating here outside.
(3)Kate L.
Two dollar Taco Tuesdays is a great deal! Def enough for a girl's dinner :) I ordered the skirt steak tacos which were a LITTLE undercooked but they never asked how I wanted them so that was fine. Very tasty! Tried the pork ones and didn't like the combo w the pineapple... a little dry too. ordered a 2.50 side of chips and salsa and it was basically like EXTRA chunky roasted veggies/salsa. SOOO good. wanted to eat it with a fork and no chips! Bartender was pretty slow and wines were overpriced. Good ambiance though on a rainy night.
(3)Robert F.
Just awful. After waiting an hour an a half, after being told several times the food would be out in a few minutes, the manager with an attitude and a chip on his shoulder came over to say he didn't know how long it would be. Never again
(1)DJ D.
Monday burger night can't be beat, but the staff seemed a bit frazzled & a tad too formal for the setting. The food is very good, though, and the atmosphere lively.
(3)Amir K.
Great specials on Taco's, decent margaritas. Pretty cool atmosphere, could be pricey without specials
(4)Jade R.
**Lunch Review** Went downstairs for lunch with family. It was empty around 11:30 am on Saturday, but filled up very quickly. It was nothing special, but still good. TRIO OF BEETS. If you like beets, this is a great (little) appetizer. Very fresh, colorful, and delicious. There are bits of chopped, fresh ginger which really pairs well with the beets! Very refreshing! I got the MUSSELS - broth, eh. but the actual mussels were beautifully large! Two people got the BURGERS. TOKYO style and BOSTON style. Tokyo was unique, and boston, well, im obsessed with burgers that have a fried egg on top, and that was just that, with some bacon and cheese of course. the FRIES are awesome, kept grabbing for those!! The other got the kebob, and he said that the actual kebob wasn't flavorful, so, obviously I had to see for myself. And he's right... it was definitely moist, but no flavor whatsoever. The rest of the dish was great though, with a trio of different sauces, pita and olives.
(3)Alexis C.
The food is okay, but the prices are on the high side for what you get. You can see every food popular food trend on the menu, which reminds me a little too much of a girl wearing all the fashion trends of the moment at once--not recommended in both cases. Gives off a pretentious, pompous air, which I can see appealing to some. I would not go again because there's too many better places to eat.
(3)Jenessa C.
For cocktails, they make a great bee's knee. Nice atmosphere too, friendly staff, and a good location. We didn't have food, so I can't comment on that.
(4)Janina T.
I've heard good things about this place, especially their burgers. My sister and I walk in on a Saturday afternoon at around 3 PM and just head to the bar since it's relatively quiet anyway. We sit down and the bartender barely acknowledges our presence. When he finally comes to ask what we want, we give him our drink orders then he simply ignores when I say I want to order a burger....ummm, thanks? (a-hole) He comes back maybe 10 or so minutes later with our drinks, a diet coke for me and a glass of wine for my sister. Wow, God, it must really take out an arm if it takes 2 minutes to press the "diet coke" button and another 8 minutes to pour a glass of wine. Way to break a sweat there, buddy. We FINALLY get to order. Our meals take a bit longer than I'd like but give the drinks took 10 minutes to pour, not mix or bake or whatever the eff you do with drinks nowadays, waiting 20 minutes for food doesn't seem so bad. I get my burger, which I asked for as Medium Well. It's charred in the outside. Gross. I take maybe 2 or 3 bites before I decide I can't put myself through that crap anymore and just don't eat it. The AMAZING bartender comes and does the usual "how's everything", I say meh. I'm not going to play nice at this point. My sister tells him that my burgers kind of really burnt. He doesn't seem to be fazed. We notice that someone talks to him when he walks towards the back. Looks the be a manager because he comes out later all pleasant and s*** and says it's on the house. Oh sorry, am I supposed to kiss your ass now because you're not making me pay for a burger that was burnt in the first place? Yeah, most likely never coming back here. The 1-star is for the comp-ed food.
(1)Thien N.
I came here during Restaurant Week for lunch with a friend and an out of towner guest. Restaurant Week(s) is always my favorite time since so many restaurants participate in it so you get a wide variety of cuisines you can try. We opted for Met this time around. I started off with a Met bloody mary. Although not on their menu, it's one of the better bloody mary's I've had in Boston. Disclaimer: I've only tried bloody mary at about 4 places around Boylston/Newbury area. I started with an Asian-inspired spring roll stuffed with lettuce, rice noodles, and shrimp with a side of wasabi peas, asian mayo and hefty slices of avocados! YUM! For the main entree, I had the lobster mac 'n cheese. Portion was not too big but quite filling. It was extremely creamy and chunks of lobster! Typically, I am not a big fan of any types of mac 'n cheese (1. I'm lactose and 2. I just don't like it). This mac 'n cheese was delicious though! My friend opted for the footlong kobe hot dog, which was also great as well. SO SO SO Good! However, a hot dot will always taste like a hot dog, but kobe anything is an upgrade, and so was their homemade footlong bun to accommodate. For dessert, I had the panna cotta with raspberry sauce and fresh strawberries. YUM!!! I can't describe you to how good the panna cotta was. It satisfied my sweet tooth and more! While this review is mainly for Met's restaurant week menu, I also got a chance to look at their regular lunch menu. Prices were not too bad (~$10-15) for a sandwich and a bit more for their signature dishes. I will be back sometime soon for another bloody mary and to try their regular menu. It didn't hurt that their service was quick and the servers were very attentive! The decor of the restaurant was simple but elegant. I can't wait for summer and outdoor seating!
(4)Dan A.
Would prefer to give ZERO stars. Just an annoying and frustrating experience. Wasted meal. Wasted money. I have given this place enough tries to redeem itself but it continually fails and is a major let-down...so never again. Pretty sad considering it had promise. We sat at the charcuterie bar and drinks took a long time. My friend said his Manhattan was not good. $12.50 wasted. He had just arrived from a cross-country flight and was starving so we asked for some bread. Our "server" said he would get us some. He then disappeared for a while...had to ask a manager for some bread. The manager then told us that they don't normally offer bread before meals. So I told him that our server was misinformed and regardless- we should get some bread. He obliged. So after having to plead for a f'ing basket of bread before our STEAK meal- a basket of 6 stale pieces of plain white bread was delivered to us. No butter, no oil, no NOTHING. We asked for butter and were told they have a cinnamon butter they use for French toast. WTF is THAT? We are about to eat dinner. Did we just land in a F'ing IHOP? Seriously? No butter? I doubt it. So we asked for olive oil. Problem solved, I guess. So main course comes- he got the steak frites. Small meat portion and the frites were "just a mess" according to my friend. I got the steak tips. Nice amount of meat but the mashed potatoes were ice cold. Normally I would have sent the dish back but I was at that point of "F it...just eat the overpriced, unimpressive dish and get the hell out of here". Finally, to add further insult - when the bill came, there was a $6.00 "garlic bread" charge on the bill. Unbelievable. I told the server that we were never told there was a charge for a basket of shitty, dry, stale, white bread. Are they insane? The server told me "the manager said he explained it to you... Blah blah..." WRONG F'ING RESPONSE! Take that shit off the bill. How DARE YOU!?!? I was so insulted and am even getting worked up AGAIN as I type this. I hope the management reads this and sees this as a textbook "how NOT to treat your guests 101 primer". Ridiculous. Unacceptable. BEYOND POOR! We will NEVER be back.
(1)Melissa R.
I love sitting in the upstairs bar area. Ask for the bar menu. The truffle fries are super tasty and always a great option if you're just stopping in for a drink or 3. My favorite item is the eggplant caprese sandwich. The eggplant is cooked perfectly! It can easily be shared with a friend. The staff is friendly and the ambiance is great.
(4)Rachel C.
This place is definitely A-OK in my book! My boyfriend and I stopped in here after a long wak through Brookline and the Back Bay to warm up and try some of the truffle popcorn that came highly recommended by some friends from my gym. The popcorn did not disappoint! Reasonably priced beer and wine for the area, and while the cocktails looked good, I was just not in the mood, so I stuck with a glass of Pinot Grigio. I would definitely stop in again for drinks and popcorn, but the rest of the food menu didn't really have anything that stuck out to me.
(3)Cornelia M.
Come here on Monday nights for their $5 burger nights!! Love the burgers! However if you're looking for one of their special burgers any other time don't expect to get one! They can technically make you one but will charge you a la carte for all the ingredients! Service is fine, not too overbearing!
(3)Martha D.
I wanted to be wowed by the MET bar but instead I was pretty meh about it. The interior space is cool, very "drinks in the library with your tweed clad uncle." So it's got that going for it. However, they had an outbreak of fruit flies when I went so they were flying all around our table. It didn't add to the ambiance. That aside, I thought my burger was good but not great. I tried a bite of the Mac & Cheese and it was delightful- creamy and rich. But $14 for a dish I can make at home doesn't really get me excited. MET bar is a fancy place with fancy prices, but I think there are better high end options in the area. This place is more suited to business meetings over scotch. Hold the fruit flies.
(3)Sam G.
Despite the impeccable service, Met back bay is a waste of time and money. It is an unnecessarily expensive place to get Kraft cheese wiz and bread sticks. I would suggest visiting one of the other eating establishment that have higher quality and a larger variety. Not worth it.
(1)Nicole R.
Met Bar is actually a great idea for lunch on the weekends or dinner and drinks during the week as well. My my recent visit was actually for lunch this past weekend. I was meeting up with my Father for a bite and we figured this would be an ideal spot to catch-up. Per usual, the venue didn't fail. If you're unfamiliar with Met Bar, there is a split entry when you arrive. One part is the dining room upstairs and then the bar and additional seating downstairs. I have always eaten/ had drinks downstairs as it's a much more casual experience with a livelier crowd. Being situated as it is on Newbury Street, it always has a pretty good crowd anyway, but I find upstairs to be more formal than where my interests lie. The fare at Met Bar is pretty standard - burgers, salads, cheese plates, sandwiches, etc. during lunch. My Father went with the french onion soup and wedge salad and I chose the MET "L.A." CHOPPED salad. Great reviews all the way around. I thought my salad was a great portion and filled with a proportionate blend of all the ingredients. I topped it with the roasted chicken, which came out perfectly juicy and paired well with the avocado and cheeses in the salad. Solid reviews on my Father's behalf as well with regard to the soup and salad. In the afternoon, the place wasn't too packed, but enough so that there was a constant buzz. Most people were dressed casually, with some groups dressed a bit nicer for showers or family gatherings for special events. The server was perfectly attentive to our needs throughout the meal and the host staff was also very attentive both when arriving and when leaving. I'd say Met Bar is a ideal place for a mid-day bite on the weekends and for drinks in the evenings as well. Particularly because of the location and the atmosphere.
(4)Maureen O.
Food was awesome! Staff really friendly with great customer service- especially the bartender Brian- he was great!!!! Fun place to hang out :-)
(5)Mel B.
Loved this place for brunch! We went with a big group while I was in town visiting friends and they put us by a big, sunny window. I love the interior of this place. We started with a round of their homemade biscuits which were so so good; definitely a good thing to start off with here. I got the "Something Natural" open-faced sandwich and loved it. It was really fresh, with hummus, cucumber, carrots, and avocado, sprouts and sunflower seeds layered on a thick piece of seven grain bread. Bread was a little hard but it was a light, but filling, meal that kept me going the whole day. They have a ton of great looking stuff on the menu so I would definitely come back.
(4)Sherene J.
As a tourist of any city, I don't normally write reviews of restaurants in that city just because I don't think it's fair. Met Back Bay is so good I had to write a review. We were looking for something with steak and other options and WOW, did this place deliver. I had the Scottish Salmon and honestly, everything on the plate was outstanding. I was sorry I had to finish it all because I loved it so. The salmon was cooked perfectly, the falafel was fragrant and spicy, the hummus was creamy and fantastic with the salmon, and the yogurt puree was the perfect cool complement. People I was with ordered the swordfish (amazing), the trout (not as good as the swordfish, but still fantastic), and the bone in sirloin (excellent). There was nothing on our table that was even average, except maybe the odd cheese that came with the pretzels they serve instead of bread. My only complaint was my drink. I ordered the blood orange cosmo and it was not enough blood orange or enough cosmo. Overall, the food and service was really great here and I will make it a point to come back!
(5)Pat R.
Meh. Definitely not worth the price. Food was just ok. Three stars instead of 2 b/c the service was excellent. That's all I got.
(3)Mike C.
Visited Met Back Bay on the recommendation of a concierge at our hotel when we said we were in the mood for burgers. Easily one of the best, if not the best burger I have ever had! All the food was delicious, good atmpsphere--would have eaten outside, but didn't want to wait--and the service was terrific!
(5)MaryLee B.
It was just okay. I wasn't carzy about the lunch options, but I did like the eggplant sandwich. The sofa seating on the patio is poorly designed...way too low And what is with adding in a 18% gratuity automatically? I've seen that for large groups, but not a solo diner. I usually tip 20% but that bugged me so I didn't add to it
(3)Whiterock R.
not kid friendly at all. Turned back at the entrance. Would never come here again.
(1)bozohazard H.
Upscale comfort food (burger, pot pie). Excellent cocktails. Mediocre ambiance in the dining room.
(3)Amanda R.
Please understand upfront that this rating has nothing to do with the food we consumed while at Met BB. Overall, what few appetizers we had were somewhat tasty, and worth the money spent. This negative rating is solely based on all of the strict rules and regulations that patrons must comply with, and essentially how these rules were implemented to ensure we had an unpleasant experience. A friend was visiting from out of town and we (mistakenly) thought this would be a great place to stop for a few cocktails and snacks while we were waiting for her husband to shower and join us. We were immediately informed upon walking to the front door that we could not sit at an outdoor table unless we ordered food. We stated that this would be no problem, as we had planned on ordering several appetizers to snack on while we had several drinks. After being seated and ordering cocktails, we were then told that each person MUST have food plate in front of them. It is the Law. Trying to be negotiable, we ordered three large appetizers to comply with the regime. As the plates were cleared, we mentioned that our friend's husband was coming to join us and we planned to order more food (possibly dinner) and drinks...the waiter then informed that it was 'not allowed for additional people to join the group'. Please understand that we were three people sitting at a four-top table, so it would not have been a matter of finding a new chair or inconveniencing another table. I was dumbfounded that they would rather kick you to the street than allow an additional person to join you? I am still not entirely sure whether this was a ploy to simply free our table for the next customers, but at this point I don't really care. CHECK PLEASE.
(1)Tanya C.
Very disappointing! The service was bad and the food was not that good.
(1)mike b.
I'd consider myself well versed in "Met" culture. Love Chestnut Hill at the bar (Leo rocks!) and certainly know my way around the burger bar menu. Bar menu is the best in city for sure. Onion strings are a must. So, my wife and I went to the back bay spot for dinner and drinks. Super convenient valle which is on the Dartmoth side meaning no need to deal with Newbury at all so that I like. Checked in with the hostess for our 9pm and was informed they were about 30min behind schedule. No big deal because we went up half a flight to the Library Bar. A few tables around the perimeter but more appealing was the 5 seat bar. (don't worry there's a full size bar downstairs as well) We were lucky enough to snag a couple seats within a couple minutes. Opted out of our res and decided to eat at the bar. Two bartenders working hard to supply drinks to the whole restaurant but, made time to go above and beyond to take care of our every need. Great conversation and even better drinks. Food highlights: French onion shop was rockin with melted cheese and wonderfully flavorful broth, chicken pot pie was quite good served with a pancake size puff pastry crust, and the duck was superb. If I say nothing else order the pumpkin martini for dessert! I believe it's called the "mable may" or something like that. I had to wrestle a couple sips from my wife's hand. Unreal! Also had a moment to chat with Kathy the owner. She was very gracious despite dealing with all the many matters to tend to when opening a new restaurant. Highly recommend checking this new spot out. See you at the library! Study up
(5)Brandon B.
Went here tonight with my GF and I have to say, the space is pretty cool. we sat in the downstairs bar area and it became really packed as seating is first come first serve. If you are looking for a place that has a great atmosphere, this place is it. Service was a little slow, but that was not the fault of our server Anna. She literally was running around as she had tables and bar guest to take car of, so it was understandable. The food was ok. We started with the Pizzaeta and it was a little on the watery side. We each got a burger, I go the Tokyo burger that had muenster cheese, sprouts and some other things as well. What is cool is that you can choose a bar menu which is smaller and cheaper or the regular dinner menu. You also can pick the meat from the Met prime , Kobe, Salmon, or turkey. Nice touch. I suggest this place solely on the atmosphere. Check it out!
(4)Model M.
While staying in Boston we passed by this restaurant several times. We decided to try it on our last nigh and made reservations. We told them it was our one year anniversary and were promised something special. Let's just say that didn't happen... Reservation time-8:15, seated time-8:33. Then it took about 20 minutes to get water and the drinks were WEAK. After complaining we were told they measure the liquor in the drinks ... Umm isn't that the kind of service you'd get at an Applebee's?! Besides the service the food was decent. We ordered the ham and cheese plate as an appetizer... Not very appetizing. I got the salmon which tastes fresh but greasy. One friend ordered the half chicken an could barely eat it because there was so much bone. My other friend got the mac and cheese and it was so heavy she couldn't eat more than 4 bites and the steak ordered by my other friend was chewy. Bottom line for the price there are much better restaurants in the area. Suggestion try Stephanie's on Newbury.
(1)Christine H.
where do i begin. my husband and i headed for met back bay after some time on newbury - we've been to other Met restaurants and assumed we'd be safe getting a quick bite here. we've never been more wrong. we ordered the lobster and cheddar cheese dip, and the ham and cheese bites. if you want to try the lobster and cheddar cheese dip Met style - go to stop and shop, buy some cheddar cheese wiz, and spray it on imitation crabmeat. and for ham and cheese bites, ask the butcher for the left over ham fat, roll it in breadcrumbs, then flash fry. we had our tab in hand within 5 minutes of being served. as prompt as the waitress was bringing us our tab, she was pretty oblivious and didn't think to ask why our food was completely untouched and she'd only just served us our first beer. absolute disaster - the food was nauseating and the staff needs a refresher course in hospitality. the only reason to go to met back bay is for a beer. play it safe and get the kind in the bottle.
(1)Danielle E.
BEWARE!!!! DO NOT GO HERE FOR FOOD!!!!! I have had drinks here on two occassions, they were fine. Recently, I went there for a meal for the first time. I sat at the bar downstairs and ordered the Chinatown salad which is basically a huge bowl filled with (what I assume are) pre chopped salad mixture topped with crispy duck. Before eating the salad I pulled all of the duck off the bone. On the third or fourth bite of my salad I bit down to something so hard I was afraid I had broken my tooth. Assuming I had missed a bone I fished it out of my mouth and it turned out to be an industrial sized STAPLE. It was about an inch or an inch and a half long and looked DIRTY. I was absolutely horrified and disgusted, not to mention it hurt my tooth very badly and I was afraid it had cut my mouth. The bartender took the salad right away, and by the time I had returned from the bathroom he asked me how I was and informed me the manager was coming to talk to me. The manager approached me and said, "first of all I would like to give you my card, I'm the manager here" while never actually stating his name! He asked me if I was okay and then offered to take the salad off the bill, and then left. Honestly he seemed really nervous and completely un-professional. Having worked in restaurants in the past I felt that in this type of situation the manager should have gone above and beyond, not only offering to take the salad off the bill. Of course it needs to be taken off the bill, there was a STAPLE in it. I am very, very dissapointed in every aspect of my evening there and I caution anyone who goes there to inspect their food before eating - if you choose to eat there! Their kitchen is obviously not clean and there is some MAJOR oversight going on there.
(1)Kir C.
We went to the Met last night and had a horrible experience! The service was beyond bad- the waitress was so slow, and rude to us. We also hated the food- we ended up having an appetizer and leaving. We would never go back!
(1)Tanya B.
I went to Met Back Bay last night for dinner and I thought it was great! I love the atmosphere, they have really transformed it. The food was also delicious. I liked the appetizer of pretzel sticks and cheese (not sure what kind exactly, but it was good) - it was something fun and different. I got the Met Burger, and it was soooooo good! Definitely something I would crave and want again. My burger came with duck fat french fries, which our waitress raved about, but to be honest, they weren't anything special. If she hadn't told me that they were "different" then I wouldn't have noticed either way. My friend got the Mac and cheese, and for the very reasonable price, they gave her a very generous portion. I also tried it, and thought it was yummy. It's a nice addition to the Newbury St. area. I want to go back and check out the bar downstairs and try more things on the menu!
(4)W D.
Stopped here for brunch the other day. We were at the end of the brunch service time, so I expected to be rushed through our meal and pushed out the door. Well the second part was accurate as they turned the dining room lights off on us, but the first part was contradicted by our slooowwwwww service. My bloody mary was in fact delicious, although devoid of any perceptible alcohol, and the food was very mediocre. The decor was great, but the music must have been chosen by a teenage dj. Overall, I would only recommend this if you have no issues with overpaying for your food to sit in nice rooms and drink.
(2)Carol K.
I went there a few weeks ago and experienced one of the most memorable food experiences I've had in over a year...the Truffle Indian Corn!!! Off the hook!!! It was only an appetizer but I could probably that stuff twice a day. It is that good. Loved the roasted Cauliflower and the definitely have a pretty amazing burger. Our server, Alex was extremely helpful and attentive. The atmosphere was cool. What was nice was that I didn't have to order a $30 entree to have a great meal. I will be back there for sure!
(5)David M.
This place is clean, but the food is so lukewarm. The last time I was there I went downstairs to split a few apps over a glass of wine with a friend. Supposedly the fries were to die for, but I couldn't eat them because they were so salty. The wine choice is good, but I wasn't impressed with anything else, especially not the plastic deer on the wall.
(2)Sydney K.
food was delicious. the lobster dip is amazing!! must have appetizer. and the bolognese is excellent as well. we also had a really awesome table/booth overlooking newbury st and i lovee people watching :) my waiter was very pleasant and cheerful...not too hard on the eyes either! love love love coming here. everyone needs to go!
(5)Kristin Z.
For bar only .... Came in because the place I wanted to go to wasn't open. Unfriendly bartenders who don't make it an inviting place to stay for a second drink much less one . I came, I saw, & won't be back.
(1)Chrishelle C.
We ate at the bar for dinner one Sunday night when they offer gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches for $5.95. They were out of the Classic so I opted for the lobster cheddar dip appetizer as my meal. My boyfriend had the El Amigo grilled cheese with jalapeños, shredded short rib abd queso fresco. The sandwich also came with sweet potato fries. He enjoyed both items a great deal. I think the highlight though was the lobster dip! It had big chunks of lobster meat mixed into cheesy goodness!! And it didn't come with regular chips. Instead it came with arepas, which is this fried corn dough. It was pure ecstasy in your mouth when combined with the dip. Another big plus to this place was the super cold pints of draft beer. It was certainly the coldest glasses of beer I've had while visiting Boston. We went back one more time before we left Boston so that we could get the dip again and it did not disappoint. We also ordered the grilled artichoke appetizer, which was also good, but nothing beats the lobster dip. Sooo yummy!!
(4)Joanna S.
Came here with a couple if college friends who were upset about the Atlantic Fish Company. Apparently they can't prepare fish properly. We walked down Newbury Street and decided to go in and was pleasantly surprised. We all ordered fish for dinner and they were cooked perfectly. The clam chowder was also delicious The beer list is short and not super great but the service is good.
(4)Donny R.
Slow service & horrible service, but food was good. We were told the wait would be 25 minutes, but wound up taking 50 minutes. We were fine with the original wait because the bar looked nice, but the service was deplorable. The bar tenders were more focused on what appeared to be their friends and ignored us. Once they decided to serve us they forgot they were supposed to get my girlfriend a drink because they were so focused on their group of friends. Once seated the service continued to decline. The waiter was forgetful (he tried to do everything from memory, but finally realized he had to write down our order) and insisted that my girlfriend could not handle the hotness of the peppercorn ranch. He seemed to refuse to bring this item out for her chicken. He relented and finally brought it out. Guess what? It was like eating regular ranch. Anyway, it is a shame because the food was good, but service is definitely discouraging me from returning. If you do go get the clam chowder it is really good. Just thought I would end on a high note. Thanks.
(2)Jessica J.
If I could give it a negitive 5 star I would. We went there for my friends birthday party. Besides the waiter being extremely unattentive and forgetting half the things we ordered... The food was just plain bad. Its way over priced for the quality. For instance I ordered the lobster fra diavlo and there we jalopeanos in it... Not normal for that dish. Others ordered the burger (one would think hard to mess up) but soon after she go sick. After all the bad food the waiter ended up charging us to much and it took him forever to get us any refills on drinks or bread. He also couldn't even grate cheese over the pasta. If a place is going to charge this much for food they should really get better at making it and get better staff on hand. I never really post to yelp about my expirences but this one was so bad I felt the need to.
(1)Lisa G.
Had dinner the other night, the food was good, atmosphere loud and service was ok. It took way too long for our dinner, (45 minutes) and the fire alarms went off for 1/2 hour. No one told us what was going, the Boston hook and ladder truck came and then when the alarm stopped they said it was the burgalar alarm?? Did someone try to steal the $5.00 bread? Yes, they charge you for bread at the table!!
(3)Christine P.
Went to this bar last night for dinner/drinks on Dartmouth Street. Didn't realize it is the old Joe's American Bar and Grill until I got there. Definitely a huge space, I've heard great things about it and I did think the drink menu was fun. For some reason at 7:45pm last night they were not too busy and so they sat 3 of us at a table meant for 9 or 10 people. I thought that was really odd. The waiter in that room (Library Bar?) was really good at suggesting entrees and drinks and apps. We had the octopus salad which was really good, but tiny. And we had the quinoa stuff, however you spell it, and that was so so. I thought it needed a cracker with it or something. I got the tuna steak which was recommended and delicious. However, I did get ill this morning so that was either the rare tuna or the plentiful drinks I consumed! One drink I had there, the hot toddy, was great; I have a cold and so I wanted something to kick that. My friends got the fountain of youth martini and said those were really good. All in all I'd say this was a decent spot, definitely happening bar, prices probably in-line with that area ($28 for a tuna steak). I wouldn't race to go back although I've heard they do a great brunch so maybe worth checking out.
(3)Alana F.
So as hospitality students my roommate/best friend and I are very critical about where we eat and spend our money... especially when it comes to our ultimate love... burgers. So it was my 21st birthday and instead of wanting to be belligerent college students all I wanted was a big juicy/decadent burger to make my day. Having had most of the amazing burgers in Boston (shout out SDLT, Houstons, and Blue Ox), we wanted to to try someplace different. Let us tell you, this burger did not disappoint. My friend went for the Paris burger with gooey- over easy egg, caramelized onions, brie and a lot of juicy goodness. I had the LA burger, which was cooked a little more than the medium I asked for, but it was absolutely amazing. Since we have been studying/working in the hospitality field for a while we need to give major shout outs to our server who got sat 7 tables at the same time. You were great, the hostess just needs to keep a better eye out for you. Can't wait to come back for a burger, maybe I'll even go for the famous duck fat fries next time. And the Malbec was great. Thanks MET for a great birthday to remember!
(4)Jill S.
I had been to The Met for brunch prior to the Holidays. Service was pretty good however the meal was very pricy for fairly basic, non-out-of-this world food. In any event, I chalked it up to the three bottles of champagne I had enjoyed during my visit. So we decided to go back for dinner. The service...uhhhh...the service. Painful to the point that I actually felt bad for our server who was number 1. AWEFUL and 2. in the weeds with 2 tables. I get it we all have tough days but this was unreal. I ordered a Kettle and soda with a lemon. I got a lime, no biggie just asked for a lemon next time she came around. The problem was that everytime I asked for another Kettle and Soda with lemon...guess what I got? Yup a lime. And PLEASE, please don't make me ask you for a drink, this is why I tip you, because you anticipate MY needs as a paying customer. Alright folks...being a sever is not comparable to being a rocket scientist. I know this because as early as I can remember, I have been waiting tables and bartending til I graduated college and after. So I am annoyed at this point however the Kettle One is starting to do its job.... It had been awhile since we had all gotten together so we were chatting away catching up. It was pretty clear we were not ready even though we told her we'd grab her when we were ready to put in our entree course. This did not stop her from constantly coming over and asking "ready"? Ready for what? You to leave us alone? Yes! We ordered, and a very simple request for my Casear with Salmon...please cook my salmon thru. Nope. Raw in the middle...and to make matters worse..my romaine, was crunchy...not the good fresh, crisp crunchy...the I didn't get washed well enough and still was full of dirt crunchy. I will usually involve the manager at this point, but all I wanted to do was leave and never return. Its too bad, the bars and overall atmosphere are great. Just stinks that the food is not worth the price and the service is less than average. Next time I will just go to Abe and Louis, at least you get what you pay for and the service is always spot on.
(2)K S.
Food was good but service was only OK. I had a reservation for a party of 8 which was for 9pm on Friday. I made the reservation about 5 days in advance and had wanted to come around 8pm but I understand it wasn't available for a group our size. So when we all arrived at Met Back Bay, they couldn't find our reservation - turns out the hostess booked it for Saturday and not Friday. So they scramble to try and seat us which took about 20 minutes, during which we just stood there in the lobby. I understand that mistakes happen so none of us were too upset - we were just hungry because it was getting late. You would think after something like that the service would be great.. oh no, our waiter was slow and treated us rudely. We were all just a little taken back by his attitude. Maybe it was just a fluke, I'd try Met one more time, but if it was the same service I'd think again about returning.
(3)A E.
I really wish I loved the Met. I want to love met.... But alas I just like it. I'll give a run down: arrived for our reservation for 6 and the Hostess was friendly and responsive. Was seated a fabulous booth - all is good. Server arrived while we were still taking our coats off (no coat check in Jan) and asked us for our cocktail order without giving us time to look at menu. He asked if we wanted Cosmo's to start, as if that's all that women in groups drink. Fast forward: food arrived promptly. Wedge salad was not truly a wedge, no blue cheese as they use ranch instead. Salad comes chopped w tomatoes in it, and almost no dressing. C+ for salads. Split Mac and cheese w my friend. They kindly pre-split the order for us, which was nice. I asked a bottle of hot sauce to give the dish some flavor (super bland...think cheese sauce vs. A nice tangy 5 cheese blend). 10 mins later no hot sauce, while the rest of the table ate. Finally my friend spoke up and asked server for sauce again. He came back w Tobasco poured on a small plate...stating they don't like to have bottles on the table. So I'm supposed to dip my Mac into the sauce? Waiter seemed ticked that I asked for bottle or small bowl instead - no resolution. B- for Mac and cheese. I felt like the bus boy was our server. He continuously tried to take our plates and glasses before we were finished...if there is still food on my plate and my fork is still in my hand, chances are I'm still eating. And when a cocktail is $13, I'm probably going to drink all of it. Bottom line: un-seasoned waitstaff that clearly is used to working at Friday's or Appleby's, entire experience was rushed by our server and left us feeling pushed out. Food looked better on menu than in reality....high aspirations with lackluster execution. B-
(3)Kiki D.
Had a FABULOUS brunch at MET Back Bay! My friend and I went on an overcast Saturday morning and it looked like it might rain so we opted to sit inside but the outdoor seating looks lovely and I will definitely be back to lounge out there for a meal/drinks. I usually go for brunch food more on the breakfast side but I've been searching for a good burger in Boston (harder than one might think...) and these ones looked too good not to try. I got the Paris burger and WHOA. It was a major mess so probably wouldn't recommend this if you're trying to eat in a remotely respectable manner but I enjoyed it in all its messy glory. A moderate sized burger (super rich so you really don't need bigger...trust me) on a great bun with brie, caramelized onions, a fried egg, and truffle mayo-- can't go wrong, right? I also subbed truffle fries for the regular ones -- a little extra but totally worth it. My friend got the tokyo burger with avocado, muenster, pickled onions, soy, sprouts, and wasabi mayo and it was also very good -- very refreshing (if that's possible for a burger I guess?) Despite the fact that it was literally the exact same as what we were ordering for our main dishes, we broke down and ordered the Breakfast fries which were too good to be true -- a giant bowl of fries covered in hunks of burger, melted cheddar, scallions, dollops of mayo, and topped with a fried egg. The bottom of the mound, as a bunch of others have mentioned, was pretty greasy, but that was really just the very bottom. We were pretty much full of fries at that point so didn't mind not eating every little scrap. Overall, highly recommend MET for brunch (the drinks looked delicious too). Sit outside if the weather is nice but you might want to eat the messy burgers inside hidden away from onlookers...or embrace it because let's be honest, everyone else will just be jealous.
(5)Leah M.
I came here only for drinks, so I can't speak for the food, but my drink was terrible! I got a Painkiller, which is rum, pineapple and coconut, so it's not usually the prettiest, but normally still tasty. However, this one was served to me with curdled coconut milk. Gross!!! At $12 a cocktail, I expect it to be drinkable!
(2)Sandra M.
Really liked the service, outdoor patio and Bloody Mary mix. Gluten free bread is decent here! Would choose the chicken club over the eggplant sandwich, it was amazing!
(4)James S.
Wait staff and hostess were extremely rude. The food was so so. Last time I come here
(1)Moosa D.
Food: 4/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Can't say enough about their service. Everyone is very polite and helpful.
(5)Danae K.
I've been here twice and both times I wasn't impressed. The service was slow, and the waitress wasn't very knowledgeable of the menu. After waiting for about 20 min to get the appetizers, I didn't like that the goat cheese tasted like cream cheese at best... When the main course came out, I was further disappointed with the meat flavor. The quality of food is definitely not the high spot for this place. Good parts of this place? Location, ambiance, overall "calm" environment. I'd try it out again but for drinks only. Never again for lunch/food/dinner.
(3)Jennine W.
This restaurant was just "meh". Granted I understand that the Back Bay is obviously going to be pricey in terms of going out to eat...but I'm sorry, a $40 cheese plate (without meat) is just a little absurd. I expect an entire wheel of cheese if I'm paying that. The only redeeming qualities the Met Bar had was it's tasty Merlot I was offered, and my boyfriend's beer that he ordered. Then again, doesn't take much to "make" those. It is in a nice location on Newbury street, so sitting on the patio was nice...but they told us we couldn't sit on the patio unless we were ALL ordering food. So, none of us were that hungry, and we literally just wanted to find a place to have an app to share and some drinks, but instead were forced to spend a ridiculous amount of money on an entree for each of us. I don't see myself returning there anytime soon.
(2)Tyler L.
Uninspiring neighborhood bar. Decent (not fantastic) beer menu. The food is all over the place and nothing is done great. It is just sort of a confused concept. Either be a pub and serve good food for ~$15 or be a restaurant and serve better food for ~$25-$30...this place does it in the middle and just isn't a place I would ever go out of my way to eat at again. Service was friendly.
(2)James F.
I've had a gift card for the Met restaurant group burning a hole in my pocket for some time now, so on a recent weekend decided that we would head over for brunch. The food lived up to expectations (really didn't have much of a doubt here) but just as satisfying was the people and decor-watching (i can be amused by a well decorated or architecturally interesting room for a fair amount of time). Service was first-rate as well - can't recommend this location enough.
(4)Kenneth L.
The food here was not too bad the problem I do notice is that they do get busy so the service may not be so exceptional. As soon as the crowd cleared up a bit the service improved dramatically. The overall taste of the food was good and the preparation was quick. After my order my food came out within 10 minutes, speeds that my dad would approve! The next thing I did noticed is the Monday burger specials, Tuesday tacos specials, and Wednesday lobster specials. I think I might be trying all three next week!
(3)Nathan H.
Not a bad place. Should have a higher rating, but my guess is that people get pissy that there are limited outside seats and the staff has a hard time keeping the voluminous foot traffic happy. Food portions were decent, food itself was decent...... This is a solid 3.5, but Yelp doesn't allow 1/2 ratings so we'll go with a 3. Waitress was nice too. Stop in for a nice lunch/drink etc...but please don't wait hours for it because it isn't that great.
(3)Michelle G.
Worst service ever! The waiter was being very rude. It took 20 or more minutes to bring out drinks, even appetizers arrive before the drinks. When i told him we were still waiting for the drinks, he answered me: "i know". Totally a rude response to a customer!!! Even after this it still took him 10 minutes more to bring them! We finished appetizers before the drinks. We asked for the manager and explained the situation and asked for a change of waiter. The manager said ok. In about 15 minutes no one came. By the time the new waiter arrived we where annoyed and we just asked for the check and leave!!
(1)Ryan J.
Not a lot of Upscale places I've eaten at for Breakfast other than Panera Bread, but this one takes the Cake. we were sat by the window. They said it was time for Brunch and we just had Water and Coffee while deciding on what we wanted to order. All dad got was Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, Sausage and Homefries, While I got a Salad for Breakfast (I know it sounds odd to get salad for breakfast but I decided to eat something healthy after indulging at Oleana and Hamersley's Bistro last night. The salad I got was Wild Arugula with Pecorino Cheese, Shaved Button Mushrooms, Trufflebert Hazelnuts (Trufflebert is a farm in Portland, Oregon) and a Lemon Vinaigrette, this Salad was Hit and Miss (I love Arugula, one of my favorite leafy greens, Subtle Peppery flavor. Sharp, Salty, Nuttiness from the Pecorino, for some reason I wasn't crazy for the Mushrooms I just don't like them Raw I would've loved for them to be Sauteed or Roasted to bring out more Flavor, The Hazelnuts gave it a nice Crunch and the Vinaigrette gave it some Acidity, although I'd rather them bring me a little cup so I could pour the Vinaigrette instead of them pouring it on being it gets sent out. I give it a 6 out of 10. The Service was Terrific and if I didn't get that Salad here's what I would've got: House Cured Salmon Flatbread, Captain Crunch French Toast, Breakfast Carbonara, Tips & Eggs or The Cure Sandwich. I'll be sure to get one of those next time I dine there for Breakfast. Now after Breakfast we were getting ready to go see all of Boston from the View of the 50th Floor at the Prudential Center Tower.
(4)Alexandra M.
Came here for drinks and I got the Black Pearl which was fantastic. I had another drink too and if they had a drink list online I could find it in a second but alas.... The staff were funny (making GoT jokes with us).
(5)Sarah V.
Greek Plate on the bar menu is fantastic....incredibly big tho. Impossible to finish even with 3 people. The beef short rib tacos are also another sharing favorite! Service is average. Food is slightly overpriced, but you get a good amount for your money's worth.
(2)Hannah C.
Have you ever been so drunk at Brunch you can't see the menu? I got the MET punch on a whim, and even though that thing comes in a small little glass cup, it certainly does pack a punch. I somehow managed to order the Veggie Omelette, my friends making fun of me the entire time. I was not impressed by the omelette, in fact, I was disappointed. It wasn't fresh. I felt like I was eating rubber, which is not appropriate for an expensive place. My friend got the three cheese omelette, which also wasn't fresh, but at least it had cheese. It's impossible to fuck up cheese. Another one of my friend's got the California Hen House Hash, which was a smörgåsbord of potatoes, cheese, avocado, and happiness. What a fantastic Sunday recovery meal that'll leave you full and passed out in the booth. The environment was mostly 24ish year old ladies brunching with mimosas and Anthropology scarves, which is protocol for Sundays on Newbury Street. The staff were very kind and accommodating to our needs, but as soon as I tried to get a free dessert for my friend's "birthday," the waitress pulled out a menu. I ain't paying 15 dollars for some shit I could get from a Betty Crocker box. A whole funfetti cake for me while all da other hoes starve! Overall, I would not recommend coming here for the price you're paying.
(3)Jenna C.
Yikes. Where do I begin? This review is about the Library Bar, and we only had drinks, so I can't comment on the food. After the service we received, I don't think I'll ever be able to, since I wouldn't ever go back. My story starts on a Saturday afternoon around 3 pm - seven weary women (and ok, I understand this is enough to scare even the most stoic and resilient of servers) stop in for a drink and a bit of AC before the long walk to the Charles Playhouse. The table is set for five, not seven, and despite two attempts to order two pitchers of water and cocktails, the server rushes away before sentences are even finished. One woman gets up and goes directly to the bar to get another pitcher of water.The bartender is confused - why do you want the whole pitcher? While taking drink orders (and only three of seven were mixed drinks - the others were two canned ciders, sparkling water, and a diet coke), the server visibly stops listening and zones out while one woman is ordering her staple: dirty martini, Ketel 1, very dry, lots of olives. The woman has to repeat herself twice. Twenty-five minutes later, when the drinks are finally being made by the slowest bartender in the world, the server brings the ciders. She doesn't pour them, but opens them so the two women that ordered cider can pour it themselves. She also doesn't pour the sparkling water. Just then, the weary women hear a party foul sound: Someone has dropped a tray of drinks. Of course, as they are the only party in the place, the drinks belonged to the women. When they are finally served, the martini is not dirty nor does it have many olives. That woman gets up and goes to the bar to have the drink corrected, as the server is not paying any attention to the table any longer. The only reason this place gets two stars is because the woman with the martini sees the server and manager talking. When she drops the check, the server tells the party that she's taken the mixed drinks off of the bill. Isn't that nice? Okay, thank you. Nice gesture, but that doesn't excuse the poor service.
(2)Sara C.
We went for Easter brunch and had a wonderful time. Cost was about $35/person including drinks, appetizer, entree, and tip, so a splurge but very worth it for a delicious meal. The highlight was the ricotta beignets. And the hollandaise sauce. Beware, the drinks are VERY strong (and tasty)!
(5)Michael Q.
Came here for brunch on my vacation with an old friend and man was i impressed!!! The food was so good and I got the cinnamon toast crunch French toast was amazing!! Definitely a full serving here and worth a chance to come and sit and enjoy the food and view. The service was so so kinda chippy maybe it's because I'm from Texas and we are used to and a different kind of service. But it was not the best service. Though the food was amazing so I'll still give it 4 stars for the food
(4)Jean F.
Delicious brunch w/ my hubbs! The bloody mary bar was unreal (capers the size of a quarter) and the falafel sandwich I devoured was pretty good. I wish it was a little more crispy, but still pretty good. The ambiance was very Newbury St chic and a charming fall brunch setting outside.
(4)Andee S.
Service was amazing, the waitstaff is fun and professional. You absolutely must try the cap'n crunch breaded french toast.
(5)Lyndsey C.
Really good but not what I was expecting. I have been to the MET Bar in Natick and am obsessed with the food, especially the Tokyo Burger... anyways, when I was near Newbury last night and craving a burger, and because it is such an awesome location and cool/modern space i went in. The food was great, don't get me wrong... i had the open faced Salmon roll and it was soooo good and a completely different take on the sushi role i know and love. My husband and other guests had the one burger on the menu and said it was great. Food was wonderful, atmosphere was wonderful, great location and is much larger inside than you think, with multiple bars... my only complaint.. .our server was a bit off. He wasn't very friendly, kind of hard to speak with, and we were at one of those huge booths for 6 and he kept insisting to take every plate, menu, napkin, anything really, that was no being used at that very second... almost to a rude and kind of ocd type of a feel. He even interrupted our conversations to get things that could have honestly just stayed there for a few minutes. Overall, really love. Will def be back to have a drink/eat outside when it is warm again, and will hang them sometimes. Just don't expect the same menu as in the other locations.
(4)Tamara W.
I liked this place for what it is: you standard, run of the mill Persian-esque bar in the heart of Back Bay. We were seated promptly on a Thursday night outside (which has heaters + comfy couch seating). Our waiter was GREAT; very attentive, kind, and did a great job leaving us alone but also checking in to make sure we were taken care of. While its not oyster season I made the mistake of getting oysters; they were small and not very good but I bet everywhere in Boston is like that this time of year maybe? It's on the street which is nice for people watching and it's a great location, just steps from Copley Train Station. It was not too expensive and the sun dried tomato pizza was greasy/cheesy looking but actually really good. Overall a nice choice for something easy and cheap(isn). I will not come back again but glad I tried it once! Tamara
(3)Kristen S.
Needed a break from the cold and this is the first bar we came across "on" Newbury St. Sat downstairs in the bar and it was a fun, modern vibe. They have a very creative drink menu. I got the rose martini and it was strong, but good. Great place to grab a drink or two with friends.
(4)Aakriti J.
I didn't find this place so amazing. I hate that all the restaurants on this street don't allow for getting just drinks and sitting outside. I don't really like the inside as it feels a bit like a dungeon and it didn't help that two okay tasting cocktails amounted to a whopping $30 :( I guess back bay is not for poor college students not looking to splurge a lot
(3)christine p.
I would come here everyday as I practically live on top of it, except the service is just bad. The hosts aren't welcoming (they seem to be auditioning for a part of snobby host at ultra chic restaurant - which this is not). Even the manager isn't very nice. Plus, when you walk in you can smell the bathrooms. It's gross.
(1)K E.
Good drinks, good food. I've eaten brunch, lunch and dinner there, and each time was really good. Service has always been good as well. The place is pretty big so if you are having a hard time finding a place without a long wait I would definitely try this place.
(4)Peter C.
Great location in Back Bay! We ventured into Met to grab a bite during an impromptu Saturday night Pub Crawl. Grabbed a spot at the bar, as the Outdoor seating was all taken up, given the gorgeous weather. We ordered some Stellas and kicked back a few. The bar had pairs of attractive women sitting around, sitting martinis. Seems like a good place to meet late 20s or early 30s girls, if that's what you're looking for. The menu isn't huge, but I'm told they do an amazing burger. We settled on splitting the Loaded Fries. The appetizers don't appear to be the size you'd get at your average chain restaurant. I can split fries and nachos with someone and be completely full at a Chilis or Fridays. Since the Met is a bit more upscale, portions were smaller. The fries were first rate! Hand cut fries, with layers of melted cheese. Topped with a cut up burger and a fried egg. Really good! I wish I had ordered one just for me though. Would have been perfect! :) Wait staff was SUPER friendly. There were a lot of people working there, so it wasn't hard to get service. I noticed a guy who appeared to be a manager or owner, walking around. He kicked back a few glasses of Johnny Walker. I thought that strange that he'd be drinking, while on the job. A very nice guy though. I forgot to add... THE MUSIC. Whatever playlist they had going, it certainly catered to my age group. It's not the 21 crowd. I think it's more for people who are bit more established in their career and looking for a great spot. The music was a HUGE plus. It was a lot of popular songs, and saw a lot of girls singing along. Not hip hop or pop junk. I'm trying to recall all the songs, but all I remember was a Chili Peppers song, but I found myself singing along in my head to most of it.
(4)Jay N.
I have now had brunch at the Met 4 times, within 2 months. I try to go to other places but this place keeps beckoning me back. The outdoor seating is lovely, indoors is well done, the service is good, and the coffee is terrific! My family and I were all pleased with our meals on my last visit. I would certainly recommend this place.
(4)Xander M.
1. I've been here twice. Both times, the same two girls were at the door. The look of judgement on their faces was not welcoming. When I mentioned my reservation name, the response was "your party's down stairs" said with a nasty attitude! 2. There was no small fork for my oysters :( 3. The food was phenomenal! 4. The bartender was very nice and welcoming. Recommendation: replace the ladies at the door. They set the tone!!
(2)Tanya L.
Meeting a friend in downtown Boston for after-work drinks, I was interested in trying Met Back Bay on the corner of Newbury St and Dartmouth since my friend had recommended it. We sat outside in the beautiful Newbury St seating - that is, until we were informed that we had to order food to sit outside. As we both had dinner plans, we opted to move inside. We chose a table in the underground bar area, but it took quite a while for a server to notice us and bring us our drinks. My friend had a cocktail while I had a local microbrew beer. The drinks were good but place became really busy and loud, and the service wasn't terribly attentive. It took forever both outside and inside to be greeted by a server and actually served. The bathroom was also pretty horrible, with many of the stalls without toilet paper and/or looking very rough. If you're going for food, sit outside and enjoy the amazing space. However, if you're just going for drinks I wouldn't recommend it very highly.
(3)Adan G.
Good service, but the food was mediocre at best. Ordered a veggie omelette with potatoes. It was served bordering cold, and had very little cheese. The potatoes were also cold and all broken up, as if they were taken off of somebody else's dish.
(2)Diandra R.
3 and a half stars for taco Tuesday. Short rib tacos were a 4 out of 10. It had way too many caramelized onions and had this strong underlying taste of mustard or horseradish. I couldn't really put my finger on it but it was definitely a flavor that doesn't belong in a taco. Trust me, it looks better than it tastes. We also got the steak tacos which were a 7 1/2 out of 10. Visually, it didn't look as good as the short rib tacos, presentation wise, but it was far far tastier. The red sangria was decent. I probably would've liked more fruit in it than just a single orange slice but that's probably because I'm being tacky, and this is a nice place.
(3)Craig S.
Have tried the one at Natick mall and it was always decent so I gave this one a shot. Maybe I ordered wrong but it was really bad . Sat at the "library bar" nice space, but a little strange with the tiny TV off to the side made it hard to watch the game. Wanted something light so got the chopped Met salad with added chicken - it was all bad way too big, like whole head of lettuce big. Way under dressed and bad combo of ingredients, and the chopped salad was not even chopped. Really bothers me when I have to spend 10 minutes chopping my chopped salad. wow cool look how pretty my avocado and chicken slabs are -- chop that shit up! had to take half of it home and even me dressing it up with my own ingredients it was still pretty bad. Not ok for $20! ...yes 20 fing dollars for a bad salad. Saves a star for really good and friendly staff - plus having a pain killer on the drink menu. Feels like a tourist trap.
(2)Katelyn A.
Met happens to be one of my favorite mid week after work spots. Great vibe at the bar with friendly service. A glass of wine accompanied by the meat and cheese platter or the flat bread is perfectly shared by two. Love the Met
(4)Martin S.
Had an excellent breakfast here (Salmon flatbread) and the service was also very good. Got a seat outside in the shadow - very nice!
(5)Curtis T.
We came here at the suggestion of our hotel and they definitely steered us right. Our server Ella was fantastic (We're all professional bartenders and she should teach a class) attentive, knowledgable, and engaging. The carpaccio was some of the best I've ever eaten, and the tuna was indescribably good. Simple fresh cooking, always the right way to go!
(5)Marissa P.
No thanks! Boring menu, shitty service, awful atmosphere, sub-par food. Go elsewhere.
(2)Katie C.
The Met is one of the few places in the Back Bay where I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off whenever I dine here. I've been to the Met in the Natick Mall (or Collection, or whatever it's called these days) and I liked it. So when my mom was visiting on a rather blustery cool spring day, we stopped in for lunch. From the outside, it looks like one of the types of restaurants you'll need to take a second mortgage after paying the tab, but the prices are very reasonable and the food matches it. We were seated upstairs rather quickly, but the dining room is very cramped. Don't put your drinks at the edge of the table, otherwise they will be on the floor once someone knocks into your table. The service was also very prompt. However, we were in the restaurant on a Friday afternoon and once the restaurant filled up, our server went MIA. My mom had the burger which was enormous and she really liked it. I had the chicken club sandwich which was way more than I bargained for. Very tasty! But a little salty. However, it was a great meal and completely worth the $35+ for lunch. Keep this on your short list to return once the weather gets nicer and the patio seating is available!
(4)Kristen A.
My first time here and not disappointed! I got the met club which is enough for 2 people and very delicious! Also got the side salad yum! Husband got the rice bowl with salmon and he loved it! The clam chowder is awesome too!
(4)Alan H.
Almost always gets it right. Very few places in the back bay can cook a burger to order and get it right. Met bar gets it right the first time almost every time. Good food and service and the prices are fair.
(4)Ryan W.
Once again. I do not understand how this place only has three stars. This is one our favorite restaurants and one of the few places which we return to on a regular basis. We've eaten here several times and have never had a meal we didn't enjoy completely. The last time we ate here with a group of 4. We ordered all of the veggie plates to share which worked well for the group. My wife ordered salmon and enjoyed it. I had steak tips which we delicious. The have a great wine list. Our tab was pretty reasonable coming in under $100 with food, drink and tip. This place is always busy, so definitely make reservations so you don't end up waiting and getting hungry.
(4)L D.
The staff, both hostess and waitstaff were rude, the drinks were extremely overpriced and not very good, the food which were FORCED to order, was okay. Apparently, if you would like to sit outside, your are required to order food (which we were not told until after our drink order had been put in). We will NEVER visit the Met again!
(1)Amanda Y.
My friend and I were shopping around the area and decided to drop by for brunch. We went in and were told to get any table we wanted. We sat there and waited for about 15 minutes and we still weren't given any menu. So, we finally requested for the menu and it took forever to come. We had to ask the same waiter for it twice. Water also took forever to come. When we were finally ready to order, we ordered oysters and a main course. He said that they were out of those. Seriously? You could have told us earlier. He went away and we were so annoyed and disappointed with the service that we just left the place. Never ever coming back again.
(1)SaraLee C.
I am an unapologetic lover of BRUNCH. And I really wanted to rate this place higher, but, alas... Food: Oof... It's clearly a HIT or MISS depending upon your "expectations". Don't get me wrong, I'm a girl who loves her donuts and her rabbit food, but in the right ... context. Here's what I mean, if I wanted a deep-fried funnel cake, then, I'd gladly go to a carnival and enjoy every last confectionary-sugary-drop, but, I certainly wouldn't travel to Newbury St., to get a perverted version of that as my breakfast. After reading a few reviews, my friend and I ordered the Nutella-engorged-French-Toast (or something to that extent). It tasted like an under-fried donut coated under 3mm of SUGAR (with a dash of cinnamon). My GI and Endocrine system were crying bloody murder after the 3rd oily bite. And my friend and I, TOGETHER, could not finish HALF of it. I was (and STILL am! ) seriously disappointed with the food; it is listed under New American cuisine, but, there is nothing "new" about it. In this day and age, there are so many ways one can be creative about old classic dishes without the knee-jerk reaction to just deep fry and sugar-coat (literally) a classic dish and color it "new". The food looked and tasted uninventive and unrefined (think Frankensteinian alteration of a very basic American dish). Service: Fast, friendly, and good with the refills of coffee and water. Ambiance: The interior design was unimpressive. Large, leather couches that seemingly appeared comfortable, but, were NOT. The view of Newbury street was interesting enough. BOTTOM LINE: I was very disappointed. My beloved French Toast was butchered. Maybe my friend and I chose the wrong dish and so, with that benefit of the doubt, we may venture back at some point, but, no promises.
(2)Leah K.
On a Saturday morning, I came with my two friends and we were told we should sit at the bar downstairs. Great! So we sat...and we waited...and waited...and waited. Drink order? No thank you. We want food. We order...and wait, and wait....there were maybe 2 people working the bar, and they were rushing, but it was so slow! Our waters didn't get re-filled, and they were empty. If you're serving brunch, why not bring a few more staff members on to beat the rush? For such a nice place, we didn't feel well taken care of. The food was just ok (my burger was really dry), so we weren't so impressed.
(2)Ekin G.
I put my name on the list for a 45 min wait line and they told me that they would text. So, I started walking down the street to pass the time. Then, I got a text saying I should be there in 5 min. I arrived there 10 min later because I was far. Then, these shameless people told me that I didn't arrive on time so they'll put me on the list again and I have to wait the whole time again. Screw you! You don't know the first thing about running a restaurant!
(1)Allison H.
I love this place - my husband claims he gets sick every time he eats here...I don't care - I go by myself - i'm that sad lady at the bar scarfing down the gluten free chicken sandwich and big ole glass of wine:)
(4)Martha P.
I started going here when I lived in the neighborhood after Joe's American Bar & Grill moved from here to down the street, and The Met moved in. Have been here many times and on several occasions brought friends here when they came from out of town, who were happy to sit in a nice, rather trendy, centrally located spot in the Back Bay. The Met has the best burgers I've ever had in a restaurant - I think I've usually ordered the DC Burger, but unlike on the current menu I don't remember it having American cheese - more like cheddar or Swiss. Maybe they've changed the way they make it since I was last here. The French fries are great (are they shoestring fries? they're skinny and delicious and hot when they arrive). Also tried a fruity cocktail here once on a summer night. It was made with pineapple and had bits of toasted coconut around the rim of the glass and, though I usually don't drink such concoctions, it was delicious and made me want another. Any drinks I've had here have been well-made, but then I usually just go for a gin-and-tonic, hard to mess up unless the bartender makes it too weak, but they never do at the Met. When this place was Joe's the interior had a lot of wood. Now that it's The Met it's mostly chrome, which I don't find as warm or inviting. I always sit at the bar when I come here, whether alone or with friends. Service has always been just fine and I've never had to wait too long to place an order or get my food. Five-star burgers, four-star interior, four-star prices. I'm a fan and will be back when I'm in the area.
(4)Paul N.
Super service for a taco Tuesday with great friends. Three of us ordered a plate of 3 of each kind of tacos, and split them all. Broad selection of cocktails were fun and they made the Brazilian favorite Caipirinha (not on the menu). Chips and guacamole were very tastefully presented, and the banana split was enough for 3. We sat just inside the sidewalk patio door, and it was not too noisy or hot - a lovely evening. Our server was attentive but not overbearing, with a great sense of humor - perfect balance. And the manager/supervisor stopped by twice during our 3-hour leisurely dinner. Not the cheapest place to eat, but I felt it was worth it and actually spent less than I thought I might (it certainly helped that each plate of 3 tacos was only $6!). Overall a great experience!
(4)Tawheed K.
The location is great but the service is absolutely horrendous. I arrived here on a Friday night and midnight and asked to sit in the patio. 1. They said that you have to order food in order to sit in the patio but have to go inside if I want to order drinks only 2. I said that's fine, I'll order food, I'd like to sit outside. 3. The waitress then said actually, the kitchen is closed so you have to order a drink inside. 4. I grabbed a drink inside and then asked to sit outside. The waitress then said, sorry, even with that drink, you cannot sit outside. Clearly poor management, poor service, and according to the reviews, the food isn't that great anyway. Pass on this place.
(1)Cindy N.
Stopped here during a visit to Boston, food was okay. The wait was way too long for subpar food.
(1)Rachel L.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. Like, I went three times in one week last month. Because of its location right off of Newbury and near the Commons, it's a great place to bring friends or family visiting from out of town. I also enjoy the atmosphere of Met; the decor is very nice, but it doesn't feel stuffy or intimidating. Along with loving the overall vibe of Met, I really really like the food! I eat mostly vegetarian, and there's some substantial, delicious meat-free menu items here (so you're not stuck with a boring garden salad for once!). My favorites are the Green Guru Salad and the Something Natural Sandwich- both soooo good. Everyone I've brought here has always loved their food as well! I tried a bit of my friend's calamari last time I was there and it was delicious, and a huge portion. I also love their craft your own bloody's. It makes brunch so much fun, and definitely adds to the experience to compare what different drinks everyone concocted. My friend also ordered a mimosa which she said was very good. I have to give my favorite restaurant only 4 stars because the service can be a bit inconsistent. I've been here and had excellent service, but other times it's like I don't exist. My sister and I sat with our check, ready to be paid, for 20 minutes and not a single worker could be found that whole time. BUT, even when the service isn't great, it's not enough to deter me from coming back!
(4)Matt B.
While it's a little pricey, I'd have to say it's worth it. The burgers here are fantastic. The chicken sandwich is also a favorite. Plus the environment and feel of the place is one of the best in Boston without a doubt and the staff have always been very friendly and helpful.
(5)Dan N.
Wow... great spot on Newbury St. Hung out for a couple hours sampling cheese and pork products at the bar. Robain was our tender, and he's a great guy to talk to and keep you company while you relax and indulge. Highly recommend getting a bar seat.
(5)Theodore Y.
I'm a sucker for whiskey, so the Peninsula cocktail was a definite smash. Back Bay Dry-aged Burger. The patty was delicious. But the bun was too small, and the overall burger was just too oily. The service was on its game and the Peninsula brought this up to 4 stars.
(4)Mark S.
This place is great for people watching on Newbury - awesome patio. The food is ok but kinda pricey. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Katie V.
Had brunch here on Sunday and it was ok -- the atmosphere was definitely chaotic and the servers looked extremely harried. Understandable if you're a brunch place on Newbury Street. Still, it took almost 10 minutes for our server to say hi and pour water. Something that detracted from the experience was the loud table of two women next to us. Not Met's fault, but their conversation and general behavior was so annoying that I kept having to remind myself not to stare/judge. So I guess be warned that the clientele might irritate you. Food-wise, I had the smoked salmon flatbread (it's billed as a pizza, but it's more like a flatbread). It was tasty -- bit skimpy on the salmon, but the sunny side-up egg on top is a nice touch and it was perfectly cooked (nice runny yolk). My friend indulged his inner 5-year-old and got the Capt Crunch-coated French Toast. No complaints there. I also ordered a side of potatoes (the ones that come with the egg dishes, described as crispy Yukon Golds). What I actually got was a side of turkey meatball hash (the server said he hit the wrong button in the computer). Fortunately, I'm not a vegetarian, so I ate it and it wasn't a big deal. But it wasn't what I wanted and neither I nor the server realized the mistake until I'd eaten most of it. All in all, an okay experience....got the job done.
(3)Parul L.
I have been going to Met for some time now (since it opened), and it is a great go to spot in Back Bay. The winter menu has been more comfort food, with pot pie and biscuits and yummy sides. I remember having an interesting shrimp and corn pizza which made me go, "huh", which is what I like about this place. Pair that with good drinks, and I think this is a great go to spot. We also caught the Bruins game here, and it was a lively bar scene downstairs, which makes it a good spot for any night. The upstairs is a bit more formal, but still with the same great food. I recently stopped by for lunch, and had an awesome turkey burger which I would love to have again soon! I also threw an event here, which was awesome, though a bit pricey. They do a nice job overall.
(4)Bronwen Y.
This review is specifically for The Met's breakfast. /disclaimer I was so bummed out that my regular brunch haunts were not extending their Sunday brunch on the President's Day holiday, especially since I had some friends up from NYC to see the Beantown sights. I remembered the cheerful rooster sign outside the Met, and thought we'd give it a shot. The breakfast prices are VERY reasonable, especially given that this is Newbury Street. Most of the dishes are between $10 and $15, and it is definitely worth it. The dining room is bright and airy, with great views of Newbury and fantastic people watching as a result. We squeezed in in the last 15 mins of breakfast service, and were greeted cheerfully and promptly. I'd go back for the Met McMuffin Club - english muffin with egg, ham and cheese... and bacon, lettuce and tomato. To die for! The fresh squeezed orange juice is also the real deal (and made to order). Also at our table was the crunchy oat brioche french toast and the biscuit eggs benedict - all with rave reviews. I'd definitely recommend checking it out sometime, especially if you have a need for a sit down breakfast on a weekday!
(4)Colleen H.
It's 50/50 here, I have to say. If you sit upstairs, in the cute little bar area, you're golden. It's charming, intimate, and the food is pretty good (...mostly in the fancy burger sense). If you go downstairs, things just seem to fall apart. It's a bit too dark, almost starts to feel like a pub, and the service is terrible. I'd be scared to come here with a party in the event that we never get waited on, because coming here just as two hasn't really given us much luck. Something you must try is the Paris burger (you can get it at any of their locations) It has Brie, fried egg, caramelized onion, and truffle mayo...that's right, I said truffle. For someone that isn't a huge burger fan, this is the closest thing to heaven I've ever tasted between two buns.
(3)Cait M.
Brunchers, beware. Stopped by for brunch today because we were in the area running errands. Usually, I avoid eating on Newbury Street and this experience reminded me why. First - we were told there was a 40 minute wait to sit outside, even though we could see that there were available tables, and there was no one waiting in front of us. Once we were seated inside, our waiter - who was friendly but really inattentive took our orders. He had a very difficult time answering my husband's questions about some of the menu items, as though he hasn't ever seen, let alone eaten the food. 20 minutes or more later, the food came out - though we had yet to get our drinks. It would be another 10 minutes before our Bloody Marys arrived, and when they did they were terrible. Watery and bland. Easily the worst I've ever had. I actually complained to the waiter - and I seriously NEVER send things back. On a good point - they did take the cost of my drink off the bill. As for the food, it was not good. Everything was flavorless - no salt or pepper, let alone more complex flavors. The home-fries were stale and over done, my veggie omelette was fine - the veggies were steamed and tasteless. The eggs had the texture of egg-beaters. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing right either. My husband ordered the hash, which was really just some chicken and gravy poured over the aforementioned bland home-fries. He was not a fan. We were really sort of shocked at how bad our experience was, from the service to the food, and it wasn't cheap either. It is a shame because the food and drink menus both looked great. I was hoping Met would turn out to be an easy go-to spot in Back Bay - but I don't think we'll be returning.
(1)Jean Y.
My husband and I went for a late lunch - outside tables were full so we went inside. We stood around waiting for someone to take us to a table but no such luck - my husband asked one of the waitstaff and she said we could sit at any table - we waited 15 min for service but was I ignored. I had to flag down a waiter - bad sign we should have walked out. I ordered the giant lobster roll and it looked great until we realized that the roll was mainly roll with very little lobster - at $28 you would expect a little more lobster than the couple of tablespoons that we were given - mentioned this to the waiter but he explained the the meat was carefully weighed - he didn't seem sympathetic at all. This is the last time that we will ever go to this restaurant. They obviously don't need the business.
(1)Ruth B.
Cute place with a comfortable atmosphere. The food was excellent and service was pretty good for how busy they are! I would recommend this place and their breakfast burrito! Yum!
(4)Patryce S.
Their burgers are to die for! I got the Paris burger and my fiance' got the salmon burger and it was just simply amazing!! Only thing I would have to complain about is the waiter told us there were other fries to choose from but failed to mention that this was an "upgrade" and charged us each an additional $2 for getting the sweet potato fries and the truffle fries. So basically he up selled us by $4 for fries which is ridiculous. He should have told us in the beginning instead of being sneaky about it..felt that way to me anyway. If he didnt do that then this place would have a 5 start from me. :) UPDATE: I have to give this place 5 stars now because we went back for lunch and our server was awesome!! We pretty much ordered the same thing and "upgraded" our fries again and she didnt charge us. I guess that other waiter we had the day before was just a stingy a**hole looking for more money lol. Anyways this place rocks!!!
(5)Alexey V.
I wouldn't give it even one star... Came there with friend who doesn't wanted to order anything. So after I ordered an omelette we've been told that to sit on a patio my friend has to order an entree. Needles to say that the whole patio was empty and there wasn't a line waiting to be seated. So we left. No one apologized. Unbelievably rude...
(1)C O.
After waiting 10 minutes for the host to return to the host station, so we could be seated for brunch we were told we could seat ourselves upstairs at the library bar. Um ok. So we headed up to the bar and found a spot only to wait another 15 minutes for a server to actually come over, say hi and fill our glasses with water. The room was full of hungover 20 year olds all WAY too excited about their "breakfast fries" -- a ginormous bowl of fries covered with cheese, onions and eggs with a burger and egg on top. The menu said you should specify which veggies you did NOT want in their "lots of veggies" omelet, so I said no onions...and ended up with a spinach (frozen, yuck) and tomato omelet. The "smashed fried potatoes" it was supposed to come with was just a side of home fries. Luckily we ordered a side of biscuits, which saved brunch....they were buttery, flaky and delicious and came with a side of maple butter with salt on top. These were delicious! I would only go here if you like overpriced food and lousy slow service. Sonsie on Newbury, Church in Fenway or Zaftigs in Brookline have a much better brunch (and waitstaff).
(2)Oz L.
Saturday night and this backbay bar has last call at 11:45. WTF, are you kidding me!!! And the website says they close at 1AM--- bbyes. My biz goes elsewhere---
(1)Dan P.
Stop 2 of my Best Burger in Boston tour, and I must say, this was one of my favorites. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's the best I've had within walking distance to Boston, and especially in the Back Bay. The burger might have been a tad on the over cooked side, I like it med rare, this was closer to medium, but the quality of the meat offset that. The cheese was great and the bacon, oh man the bacon. I think I could go back and just have the bacon for lunch and be happy. The fries were good, but I wasn't blown away by them. For $18, it was a very good burger. I don't know if I'll be going here every week for lunch, but I will be back now and again for sure.
(4)Clare F.
The Met Back Bay is pretty good. I have been twice now, with differing experience in terms of seating. The first time, we had a larger party, and people were able to trickle in while the rest of us could sit and wait for them. The second time, it was me with one friend, and I was not able to sit until she arrived. She was searching for parking, which on a Friday night during the holiday season near Newbury Street is no easy task. I was asked to just wait for her to be seated. I understand that as a policy, especially on a super busy night, but we were led to a room with a large number of open tables. Why did I have to wait in the lobby? Both times I ordered the chopped salad (no bacon) and truffle fries. The salad is HUGE and there is definitely $14 worth of salad in there. The truffle fries are always good, with parm sprinkled on top and ketchup AND truffle mayo for dipping purposes. 4.5 stars for the fries alone. The first time I was there, I ordered the Gypsy. It comes with Chartreuse, which I don't care for at all, and I asked the waitress if you could taste it. She said not at all, so I ordered it. But I definitely could taste the Chartreuse. So the next 3 Gypsys were specifically Chartreuse-free (and VERY potent). Second time I ordered orange, cranberry and vodka (vitamins for my head cold plus booze) and the waiter suggested a blood orange martini, which I politely declined. My drink came in a low ball glass and was generously filled. My friend was bummed because they didn't have the seared tuna that she usually gets. We had a third person join us, which at that point was no problem. She ordered a burger and absolutely loved it. Generous portions for the semi-higher prices. I just wish I could have waited at my table rather than awkwardly standing in the entrance.
(3)Michelle K.
This review is for the burgers only. I ordered the the Met prime blend with the Tokyo set up. I was intrigued by the mix of ingredients: avocado, muenster, pickled onions, sticky soy, daikon sprouts, and wasabi mayo. Sounds delicious right? May have had a fighting chance had they not done the number one thing to ruin a burger -- overcook the meat. I asked for medium and anticipated a juicy, blushing pink burger. I was instead met with a something much closer to well done. No pink + No juices = No happiness. May have been an off night, but doesn't really reflect very kindly on their other dishes if they can't get something as simple as cooking a burger right. I was also off put by the fact that they charged my friend an extra 2 dollars for adding lettuce to her burger..really? Friends have raved about this place, so may have to come back to try their other goods but will definitely be staying away from the burgers.
(2)Lisa I.
I would come here just to order their buttermilk biscuits with honey-maple butter. They are TO DIE FOR. The rest of their menu is ok. The truffled corn is good, but really heavy. The burgers are solid. Truffle french fries are delish. Skip the salads - nothing original and pretty boring. Also go somewhere else for dessert - they're very mediocre and don't taste homemade. Cocktails are yummy, although I wish they'd bring back my favorite drink, The French Kiss!! I'm giving them 4 stars because I like the atmosphere. The downstairs bar area is cozy and if you're lucky enough to grab a table, can be quite comfortable. The upstairs dining area also has a cozy feel and is quiet enough that you can actually carry on a conversation.
(4)Rachel K.
I came here last night to get dinner and drinks with a friend. We sat at the downstairs bar. The bartender, Ted, was awesome! He was a very good bartender, he was friendly and kept me entertained while waiting for my friend to find parking (which is NEVER quick on Newbury), and made us some drinks that were both delicious and POTENT- haha. My salmon burger (Tokyo style) was excellent, and my friend loved her turkey burger (LA style) as well. I have been here a few other times, and I can always rely on the food and drinks to both be very good, definitely above average. There is also a nice variety and something here for everyone. I am shocked to see the average review for this place any less than 4 stars.
(5)Lynnie T.
I was in Boston this past weekend for a mini vacation and I heard the burgers & cocktails were oh so necessary to try at the Met. I had the Fried Calamari, Tokyo burger & Spiked Peach Lemonade for dinner. I always get calamari whenever I see it on ANY menu so it goes without saying, I've had some good and bad calamari in my time. At the Met though, the calamari was perfectly cooked. I liked the batter to calamari ratio and, the overall size of each piece was consistent (which I always appreciate). The chili sauce was delicious! It definitely spruced up the already yummy calamari. I'd get this again and again if I were living in Boston haha. I got the Tokyo burger medium rare which was properly cooked (yay!); it was very moist and juicy. I think on my particular burger, the wasabi mayo wasn't spread evenly so the first 3-4 bites tasted like any other burger...kinda disappointing. But by the fifth bite, I got the wasabi mayo which had just enough heat and the flavors all worked well together. As for the Spiked Peach Lemonade, OMG I can drink this for days! Not to sound like a lush but it was a pretty damn good cocktail. Overall, I liked everything I had at the Met Back Bay. Ambiance was nice and moody. The interior is gorgeous; a little more formal that usual but it didn't feel pretentious. My waiter was very kind to make sure we were satisfied with our meals. This place is worth checking out :D
(4)Meg H.
I would give zero stars if possible. I went here on Sunday with my friend's family. We were sent downstairs and told to sit anywhere. Except, we were a party of 6 and there were no clean tables! We sat for about 10 minutes at a dirty table while we waited for them to clear the table we wanted. Our waitress completely neglected us, and what should have been an in-and-out meal in less than an hour took over an hour and a half. We waited at least 20 minutes for our burgers to come after we finished our appetizer, and the appetizer plates were never cleared. I also got sick a few hours later - I bet they poisoned my burger!
(1)Ed P.
Stopped in for a quick lunch with co-workers on a lunch break. Lobster bacon roll was fantastic although for $19 you'd expect it to come with more than a small hand full of potato chips. Co-worker had the 1/2 chicken-now this is a WINNER - roasted with nice, tasty herb baste, generous portion and great wedge fries. That's what I order next time here. Sit on the low deck and watch the Boston locals walk by. We were on a tight time line, told our waiter and he expedited our order. Food hit the table fast BUT, he disappeared when it came time for us to pay. Had to flag down another waiter to close bill. All in all, tasty, great location and interesting people watching.
(4)Carla A.
Location location location. This is my 3rd time- but first for lunch. Lucky for the food and service, the atmosphere shines and distracts you. For the price and Newbury Street location, I had higher expectations- I expected the type of experience I have had at night for dinner. Not the case or even close. We sat on the patio. The server took several minutes to acknowledge us, spoke in a soft tone while looking down at the notes causing us to say excuse me a few times. Lunch arrived promptly- kudos to the food runners- the largest salad I have ever seen- although bland. The sandwich was a good portion as well, with excellent flavor - however the bread was completely dried out. Our server seemed much more interested in turning the table than attending to our needs. **Note to those that dine on the patio- there is an automatic 18% gratuity added- regardless of table size- with no mention of this on the menu**
(2)Taylor G.
I had brunch at Met Back Bay last weekend, and was extremely impressed. I decided to order a turkey burger with traditional fixings, and was very impressed. It was quite delicious! After letting the waiter know that I had a nut allergy, he prepared me a side salad instead of the french fries that come with the burger. I will most certainly be back!
(5)M L.
After previous positive experiences, tonight's visit to Met was a letdown. Prices are thoroughly out of whack, at least for the vegetarian items I had. My Kung Pao tofu was simply flavorless, undercooked, soft tofu with a couple morsels of broccoli and peanuts for good measure. Portion was very small. The sautéed kale and garlic oil salad, while delicious, came in a bowl the size of a teacup.
(2)Liz K.
Love this spot. Have been a few times and always have a great experience. The chopped salad is my favorite and the truffle fries are a must. MET has a great drink menu with lots of fun cocktails. My favorite is the Iced-n-sweet. You can also get pitchers of some of the cocktails which is nice. Great spot for a date night or to go with a group of friends. The service is good and the decor is nice, clean, and classy. There are a few different rooms to eat in upstairs and a nice bar area downstairs. Great location too- right off of Newbury Street near Copley.
(4)Marc F.
It was pricey, but pretty good. Lobster cheese dip was excellent, and the Paris burger with the Prime beef was excellent. Just look for the photo I posted (it's the burger with the egg in it). Drinks were fine and the ambience was nice. It's worth noting the time of day that my girlfriend and I got here - 12:30 p.m. - as it probably makes a difference. We were seated inside and it wasn't too crowded, and our waitress was attentive and helpful.
(4)Jules L.
I stopped by the MET Bar near Newbury St for lunch. I was pleasantly surprised that Chris is now bartending at the MET. Yeh!!! He is one of Boston's finest bartenders. He has a great personality, he's fast, and he knows how to make an awesome cocktails. The MET is lucky to have you!
(5)Scott J.
I had high hopes for Met, but it was pretty disappointing. The ambiance is lovely and the service excellent, but the sky-high prices aren't justified in the quality of the food. My lobster fra diavolo came with a linguini that had nearly no taste (though it was a plentiful, full portion) and I was surprised that it had both large chunks of lobster, along with a partial shell that still had lobster meat in it. I mean, make up your mind? There were some aspects that were wonderful, though, like the griddled garlic bread (but not worth $5) -- in fact, charging for bread baskets (however gourmet) is robbery. The Caesar salad certainly had its moments, but way too much cutting was involved. I was kind of bummed that they didn't have any cider, since that's pretty common in Boston. The sticky toffee pudding was simply amazing. No complaints there, it was a total piece of heaven. We were a large group and it was already loud in there, so it was difficult to hold a conversation sometimes. I think this place is more hype and area than anything, but I would go back for dessert or drinks in a heartbeat. And the hostess was gorgeous.
(3)Kirsten K.
Back Bay Fave that Came Through for a Big Party in a Pinch! Ok - so I have always enjoyed Met Back Bay, but my experience last weekend made me a raving fan - and they deserve to get props! Situation: It was my going away dinner ... we made a reservation at another Boston hotspot for a party of 12. When it came time to confirm our reservation, we found that it wasn't there! ZOINKS. What to do? Call all around ... Response: Met Back Bay not only said, yep - we have space in one of our private rooms. Do you want to come check it out? My friend who was close by went over and it looked perfect ... we said yes and frantically let everyone know. On Site: The space was in fact awesome ... by happenstance we were next to a cozy fireplace and an area that allowed us to have a little bar / mingling area which was so perfect. Our group expanded to about 15 and we rearranged the tables to make it work ... no issues and total cooperation from the Met team. Service: Though our group was a bit overwhelming (and unexpected), Jamel did an amazing job! He'd waited on me and a friend two weeks earlier and even remembered what wine we drank. Score. Jamel did a terrific job and we had such fun ... learning it was his birthday and celebrating right along with him too:) Food: Delish overall. Nothing is crazy fancy, but everything is a bit of a classic with a twist. I split an arugula salad and the bolognese ... several had the chopped salad, burgers, steaks and even one pair got the lobster. Portions are always generous and we enjoyed our 3.5 hour meal with many bottles of wine. All in all ... you can NEVER go wrong with Met Back Bay ... sometimes you might struggle to get a seat or it could be crowded ... but it's a great usual to have handy anytime. Thanks Met Back Bay & Jamel for helping make our group's evening special! PS - On any given day of the week, their Chopped Salad with oil-free dressing tastes decadent but is on the healthy side! Go for it with a nice glass of wine ... you earned it! :)
(4)Joel M.
I've been searching for a great caprese sandwich since I moved to Boston without much luck, as it's one of my favorites. The fried eggplant caprese here is probably the best sandwich I've had in years, and just writing this review makes me want to go back and get another. I just stopped randomly in after acting like a tourist strolling down Newbury, and ate at the upstairs bar with great service. There was only one other patron at ~3:00 in the afternoon so I can't comment on what it's like during busier times.
(5)Taryn C.
Sorry folks, this is an honest to goodness review. My husband and I are HUGE fans of the Met Bar on Bolyston out in Chestnut Hill. This new spot just doesn't have what it takes. The bar downstairs isn't painted nicely - there are splotchy unfinished spots on the walls. The waitress didn't bring us menus for 20 minutes, then another 15 to take our drink order, then ANOTHER 15 to get our 3 measly glasses of wine. To make it even worse, the water she brought out was in a dirty pitcher and there were dirty glasses. Yuck. I would have been more understanding if the place was busy, but it wasn't. There were plenty of open tables. I'm going to have to stick to the sister locations in Chestnut Hill and Dedham. At least it's easier to park over there. Get your act together, Met Bar! You are better than this!
(2)Karlis B.
I am resisting the urge to write this review in all caps although I think it'd be appropriate since Met Back Bay is so freaking loud. Sitting in the Library (upstairs seating area) was like being in a night club: we had to yell our orders and turn the volume up on the conversation. But to sum it up, Met Back Bay does not make the shortlist. The hype just led to disappointment. The service was odd: the waiter asked for our food order about 2 min after we sat down. Wine for the table was just left for us to pour (and the the white was not chilled). Small plate appetizers were served with no serving spoons. And we had to ask for everything that should have come without request. But on to the food. We ate: - Tuna Tartare, prepared tableside: the tuna was very fresh, but this is only as good as the ingredients you decide to put in it (I'd go soy and ginger) - Baked Local Ricotta: delicious and creamy, one of the better starters - Charred Baby Broccoli: unexpectedly tasty, but greasy at the bottom - Truffle Indian Corn: another unexpected treat - 1980 Curried Prawns: the description on the menu does not describe the dish at all. You get a healthy serving of whole prawns, chickpea-vegetable medley, rice and chutney. I've heard this place characterized as a burger joint, but I didn't have food envy with this dish. The food was good, but nothing exciting. And with the loud noise and mediocre service, I am in no rush to go back for a full meal. If I had to grab a drink after work, however, I'd go right to the more relaxing basement.
(2)Melissa N.
Sat at the Bar while we waited for a patio table. Service was prompt and friendly. Drinks were good; but oh man. When we got to our table we were horrified we are extremely forgiving of flaws and are understanding. We can look around and see the volume and how busy a place is and say to ourselves "its ok if it takes a while to get service here...it happens" So we sit down and are ignored for about 15 minutes. But its ok..we both have a drink from the bar and are talking. We know what we want to order...but maybe our server is weeded? We assume this is not a pool house since by the POS there are about 3 servers standing and talking to eachother... Then a 2top 2 tables down from us gets sat (about 20-25minutes after us) and they are greeted right away. WTF!?!? my buddy goes to the hostess stand and asks for our server. The hostess doesn't even try to feign an apology and walks over to the crowd of servers and points to us. A while later the hostess comes over and explains to us "it will be awhile, there is confusion due to a shift change" Ok, that is understandable..buts its no excuse man! You should know your sections!!! Whatever. Our server finally comes over ( we have been unattended for probably about 25-30 minutes now) and doesn't even apologize. but she is friendly and nice...so whatever. Food is promptly put onthe table. truffle fries are good. I had the hummas salad which was nothing special and Jonny had the octopus salad which wasn't memorable, but good nonetheless... Next our entrees. I got the Carbonera. My pasta was undercooked. Seriously; it took long enough to make. pasta out of the box takes what, 12 minutes to cook? fresh pasta takes under 5 minutes! What is this? Bertuccis???? Again whatever, we order a bottle of prosecco to celebrate a day off. My glass has water marks on it...but whatever. After a bit, my OCD server skills go into effect and I decide to buff those bad boys out. Next we get the Prosecco! YAY!!! I was pleasantly surprised that our server knew that the bottle isn't supposed to "pop" but then she goes to pour the glasses. Male first; meh ok...we aren't old fashioned here. She pick up the glass...my eyes bulge. SHE ISN'T EVEN HOLDING IT BY THE STEM!!! da fuq dudes?? If you are going to sell a product, you should be trained on how to properly serve it. Whats worse is that was something in Jonny's glass. We all saw it. She did nothing... man oh man. Food was decent. nothing memorable or that stood out as "WOW!" and presentation was ok as well. The service. hmm...the server was incredibly friendly and nice. She carried out the tasks as needed; but this was not service. So basically, go in here with low expecatations... don't expect anything special and you will be ok. If you are a stickler for service, don't go here. You will just continue to get pissed as the meal goes on.
(2)Tom D.
classy / trendy / pricey but you knew this coming here I tried a few of the different dishes offered and while the prices were pretty high the portions were HUGE. The lobster spaghetti dish was creamy and delicious. The half chicken was soft and large, with a generous helping of some delicious garlic fries. Cocktails were pretty standard, beer selection was nothing to write home about. I would definitely come back for the food though
(4)Courtney S.
Went there on 9/3 labor day weekend and we got there around 8 there was no wait and we got seated on the patio which was nice except for the fact we were practically sitting on the people next to us. No one came to out table for like 15 minutes and then when she finally did she brought us water and ordered our drinks another 10 plus minutes later she comes back with 1 drink and informs me that they are out of the drink that i wanted so i pick another drink and even more time later i finaly get it. We ordered our appetizer and meal at the same time and then they all came out together like really? The table was already small enough and now we have all this food jammed on one table. The calamari was kind of chewy and hard to eat. The mac and cheese was delicious and my friend got the chicken and she liked it. She ordered another of the same drink and that took 20 minutes so at this point we were pretty much over the place and just wanted to get out. Another issue the tables were like grated and had holes so you would think that they would put a napkin or a coaster on the table nope our drinks dripped down our legs the whole time. Not happy nor will i return maybe the one in Dedham will be better.
(2)Thomas N.
lunch recently, pretty crowded place....we ate in the library which was a lovely smallish room (5 or 6 table with a small bar), the other room upstairs was large and seemed a little crowded and the big bar downstairs seemed just ok, not much atmosphere, do have outside seating which would be great on a really nice day, but give them credit there were a bunch or folks out there on this cook and blustery day....drinks were ok....my paris burger was very good and cooked as ordered, fish and chips were good but not great and sort of pricey i thought, service was good and they are smart enuf to give you a carafe of water on your table.....why doesn't everyone do that???? ok place..
(3)Heather G.
This review is regarding the cocktails and not the food. I'll give the bar the benefit of the doubt that their co2 tank was empty, so every drink we ordered that required club soda or coke was FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. But, you must switch the tank as soon as a customer tells you, and they did not do that. The mojito on the cocktail menu is really pitiful. But I liked the shock top with vodka. That said, stick to beers and wine at this place.
(2)Robert B.
Stopped in for lunch on a Sunday. We both ordered Prime burgers they came out over cooked- ordered medium rare. They tastes like they had been precooked and kept on a warming oven. Cocktails were fine, (hard to pull a bad Sam's Seasonal). Perhaps they had the junior varsity on the line today.
(2)R C.
Good food, good atmosphere, but super slow service. Our server was obviously on the greener side, and was extremely slow and unattentive. Sadly, our experience suffered. The good food and atmosphere made up for it, and despite the 2 star rating, I would probably return if I were on Newbury looking for a spot to grab a bite.
(2)April G.
So, the food can be pretty satisfying. The french toast is very unique. The people who work here are nice -- at least, for the first 10 minutes or so. After that initial "hi how are you moment," however, the luster on the service tarnishes. Experience #1: I've eaten upstairs in the restaurant for brunch. The waiter greeted us -- nevermind that his hands were covered in red bumps -- that's appetizing. But I tried to look past that as he served. I would have looked past that if his service hadn't totally dropped to 0. My friend ordered the French toast (pretty tasty actually), which said it came with lingonberry jam. Yum! We love the swedish fruit, so we were eager to try it. Except that the lingonberry was actually strawberry. Oh, okay. Waiter, can you help us out? Waiter: quizzical stare. Us: yes, we'd like the lingonberry jam that came on the menu. Waiter: we're out. No apologies or consideration that this may have been something to mention before it was served. Us: Can you at least bring more strawberry jam then? tick, tock...20 minutes pass...the french toast is getting cold, until my friend eats it all. He brings the jam, timed to the exact last bite of french toast. We also needed another fork that was clean. Another waiter had to bring it, as our waiter was nowhere to be found. Poor service. Experience #2: So, I really loved that french toast. I thought I could skip the possibility of another service nightmare by ordering it to go and eating it outside in the Copley Square garden. As I pick it up and look in the bag, I notice that there is no silverware and ask for it. The hostess nods, disappears, and reappears without any. "We've run out. You can go around the corner to Boloco and pick some up though. Or to a convenience store." Seriously?? Okay. I'll go and pick up some flour for you, too, as you might be running low on that. Of course, there was a slathering of lingonberry jam only on two slices. Sigh. The Met is not in the cards for me. I'm not planning to return to a restaurant that doesn't factor in good service into its experience. I'll go to Boloco instead, since they sent me there anyway.
(2)Amy N.
Went here for lunch on a Friday. We sat at the bar downstairs first to order some drinks. The pitcher of spiked peach lemonade we ordered was super salty oddly enough. For lunch, we sat upstairs and the atmosphere was very nice. We ordered the Kobe hot dog, ham and cheese sandwich and the MET chicken club sandwich. Portions were huge! Our food was good though nothing special. i think overall it is a solid place for food and it is centrally located on Newbury. Though I would not go out of my way to eat here.
(3)Robert A.
My co-workers and I recently went to lunch at the Met and had a great time. The place is very upscale and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I choose the French Onion Raviolis. The dish was a skillet. The raviolis were filled with potato and surrounded by the French onion soup with pulled pork and Swiss cheese. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. Other dishes sampled were the jumbo Kobe beef hot dog, and the meat loaf. Both of my colleagues love it. We will be back.
(4)Kayla B.
I wanted to rate this restaurant 4.5 stars (Yelp really should make that an option), but I can't bring myself to give it a 5. It was really good food, really good service, and I had a great evening, but I can't say it was spectacular. For drinks I got a blood orange cosmo and my boyfriend got some pineapple beverage. We were both satisfied with the taste of our drinks but wondered how much alcohol was actually in them, since we didn't taste much. I felt a little buzz by the end, though. I highly recommend the blood orange cosmo if you like bitter cocktails. We split a basket of biscuits, which were very good-- soft and flaky on the inside, crispy golden brown on the outside. The honey maple butter that accompanied the biscuits was fantastic. I want to know where they get it from. For dinner I got the mac and cheese. It was very good but very simple. For $14 I kind of expected something with a little more kick or oomph, something to wow me. The portion was so large that I ended up taking more than half of it home (I'm eating it as I type, actually, and it's still good reheated), so I got two meals out of it, but it was a bit pricey for what it is. My boyfriend chose the restaurant week special, which was $35 for bacon steak, sirloin with bone marrow, and whoopie pies with mint ice cream (made with real mint, it was delicious). He said he was happy with his food and it tasted good, but he thought the price was too steep for the amount of food he received. He and I both agreed we wish the prices were a bit lower. We didn't feel like we got ripped off, but it's that little extra expense that makes you wonder if you're going to eat there again or not. The restaurant itself was lovely. It was a nice mix of classy and trendy, and also spotlessly clean. When I say that I don't mean most restaurants are dirty, but this one just had a really clean vibe to it, if that makes sense. We sat on an enclosed deck overlooking Newbury Street, which as nice. Our waiter, Patrick, was very nice and took good care of us throughout the evening. I have no complaints about the restaurant itself or the service. I can't say whether or not I'll be back here for dinner, but perhaps for brunch or lunch when things are slightly cheaper. We passed a room on the way to our table called The Library Room, which looked like a little cocktail lounge. I may have to go back and check that out.
(4)Jessie R.
My roommate and I popped into the MET last night to see how it was. We sat in the basement at the bar. Everyone was so nice and helpful, and their drink menu is impressive! It was hard to pick! Roomie got the spiked pink lemonade - delish. All the food walking by looked amazing, especially the roasted half chicken with baked potatoe next to us. We got the 'snack' size of fries which came with amaaaazing truffle oil dip! Definitely will be back for an actual meal!
(4)Dudley P.
A mixed bag. Most of the space at this Dartmouth street location is harshly contemporary, with all the charm of an elementary school building, and I find it uncomfortably cramped throughout. Yet there is at least one private room thats warm and charming, a complete change of gears. The menu is ample and original, with abundant selections of ham for some reason, I have to look hard for something healthy. Its is also fully priced, as one would expect in this Back Bay location.
(2)Valerie V.
Love this Met location! I have been several times and have always had a great experience. I've only ever sat downstairs, once at the bar, once at a table, and once on the patio. The scene: hip but relaxed and unpretentious. Mostly a younger crowd in the evenings and a Newbury shopping crowd during the day. The bar itself is very unique, with clear shelves displaying the bottles. There is also a Ham & Cheese bar that you can sit around which is a cool touch. The food/drinks: They have a delicious bloody mary as well as a delicious manhattan. Those are the only specialty drinks I have tried but the bartenders are certainly adept at making other drinks or just pouring a cold one. As for food I have tried the following. Tartar duo with taro chips: love this dish and have gotten it more than once. The portion is very very generous which justifies the $16. Kobe Sliders: Tasty because of the kobe and excellent for sharing. Clam Chowder: Wasn't crazy about this. Its a very unusual preparation of clam chowder than I am sure some people would like but I did not. It was too strong with the potato and bacon flavors rather than just letting the clams do their thing. You do get a nice heap of clams on top though. Roasted beet bowl: totally yummy but I am obsessed with beets and therefore bias. BURGERS: The star of the show. Pointless to say how I like mine because everyone has their own way but the quality of the ingredients and whole wheat bun make the burgers so so good. The fries the burgers come with are crispy and flavorful. I will say that the wait staff I have had each time I have gone is pretty mediocre. I am pretty certain that they hire based on looks and not for service talent. Oh well. The bartenders do a great job, so thats at least covered. Love this place and it will continue to be a go-to when I am on Newbury and wanting a burger or a cocktail.
(4)Emma O.
The biscuits and apple butter are simple divine and the fries are nice as well. However the customer service is seriously lacking. After my family and I seated ourselves we waited for about 20 minutes before a waiter attended to us. Which honestly didn't bother me that much as it was the Fourth of July and quite busy. However when I approached the waiter to ask him if I could receive a menu, before I could even speak he snapped at me "I see you. I see you." Uh great sir I too have 20/20. Actually thats a lie I wear glasses, but anyway before I could say anything else he sauntered off. Finally ten minutes later he returned with menus and took our drink orders which were all waters. Our food came quickly considering how packed the restaurant was. However our waters were no where in sight. Finally I began pointedly swigging from a water bottle in my purse to stave off my thirst. At last the waiter got the message and brought us our waters. All in all is give the food four stars but the service a two. Go there if you can stomach inattentive, caustic service with your meal.
(3)Mike G.
docking a star for inconsistency. in recent visits, just didn't find the same quality and flavors. the plate of roast cod didn't taste anywhere close to the deliciousness i raved about; chinatown salad sported bone-dry duck (last night's leftovers?), kobe tips were untender. also didn't expect over-battered fish and rubbery grilled squid. + prices are WAY UP. chinatown and back bay salads used to be $9, now $18. wtf?
(3)Anne D.
I hosted my friend's bachelorette party at Met Back Bay on Saturday night and it was absolutely lovely! We were seated (10 of us) in a private room (that also sat another table of 10); and the service was attentive without being intrusive, and we had privacy without feeling like we were too far away from the action at the bars. I also had requested a champagne toast at the table, which they executed perfectly. We ordered an assortment of apps, dinners and desserts and everything was delightful (particularly the homemade biscuits, mac and cheese and toffee pudding - YUM!) My only "eh" with the food was with my Arugula salad; which was easily an entire bag of arugula with barely a tablespoon of the promised parmesan and mushrooms; and there were no hazelnuts on the salad as promised either (another friend got the same salad and had the same issues). Everything else was so nice, I was hesitant to bring it up, and I definitely wouldn't let that stop me from returning to Met.
(4)Rebecca S.
Good IPA on draft, nice atmosphere tucked away.
(3)Joanne D.
This place has the best deal in lobster pappardelle. The half order is like a normal plate and plenty of lobster.
(3)Grind. E.
Exactly, see. Now that's what I'm talking about. I've finally found a classy place to go that doesn't make me feel like a republican. Sure, I've taken some criticism for being too baroque, maybe even Bukowski-esque in some of my reviews but I'm not a total savage and I can prove it. I enjoyed the Met, Back Bay. And I'm not ashamed to say that, Alec C., after returning from a year long sojourn in NYC has been working diligently to add some culture to my life. I have simple tastes and generally enjoy Jameson and PBR so stepping outside of my norm and trying a pinot nior or other eccentricities is something new -- but the Met bar fit the bill just fine. It's sophisticated without being snotty and it helps that the upstairs bar reminded me of a man-cave library study from the 1930's, decked out in mahogany, with old books next to half empty whiskey bottles. I had a 12 year old Glenfiddich scotch and ate the raw Chestnut Hill Tuna & Salmon Tartare. Nothing like raw fish and whiskey to wake up the palette. All the Met is missing is a bearskin rug and a billiards table, and a few Nucky Thompson's lounging around. Minus a star for poor traffic flow and cramped quarters.
(4)Saba N.
Ehhhh.... It's really nothing special. I like that they have an outside seating area (although, the benches are so slow to the ground compared to the chairs.. its very awkward), but other than that.. it's another average restaurant on newbury st. I had a chopped salad and we ordered some of the small plates. Everything was good, nothing was spectacular. I'd go back, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone... it's just so blah!
(3)Allison K.
I want to give this place three stars, but unfortunately, my experience was less than wonderful. I would give it two and a half stars if I could. Because I stopped by right before the dinner rush, the hostess offered my friend and me the option of ordering from the bar menu. That was exactly what we wanted, as we were only looking for a quick bite to eat. The problem, however, was the fact that our orders were almost completely messed up. We both ordered the LA burgers because we wanted avocado on our burgers. I ordered medium rare, she ordered medium. When we got our burgers, there was no avocado. We asked the waitress what happened, and she responded that they had run out of avocados. I'm curious as to why she wasn't notified by the kitchen before bringing our burgers out to us. Then, I bit into my burger and it was medium. I assumed that it was because they had overcooked mine, and maybe, like most places, they always overcook the meat. Until I realized my friend's burger was medium rare, and that the kitchen had switched our burgers. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but I had requested no mayo on my burger, so a simple switcharoo of patties wouldn't have fixed our situation. Not to mention, we realized the second mistake halfway through our burgers. By the time we were addressed by management about what had happened, I had already finished my meal. They would have offered us new burgers, but the only one we wanted was the LA burger, and there were no avocados; what would we have eaten then? Luckily, we were comped for our burgers and ended up with a free meal. The burger itself was not bad, although I'm sure if there was a slice of creamy avocado, the ingredients would have been bound together in a much more satisfying and complete manner. The bun was pretty darn good, and the sweet potato fries were a winner. I definitely recommend trying those if you can! Overall, I can't say my experience was very good, but I feel bad giving it such low ratings because they did compensate us with the meal. I might give it another try one day, but I definitely won't be longing for it by any means.
(2)Meagan F.
While I am always frustrated that MET's table turnover on their patio is incredibly slow (you can hardly ever get a table without an hour wait), I have decided thatm for a Newbury Street restaurant, this is on the more interesting side of the spectrum than many of the tourist traps. MET has many interesting choices on the menu, from their charcuterie board to their small plates. For dinner, my fiance and I always find that the small plates are the way to go here. They are lighter and more unique than the other entrees and make for an interesting meal. For lunch however, their sandwiches are yummy. I recently had the Something Natural sandwich, a tribute to the amazing shop on Nantucket. Many people think that an all veggie sandwich is boring. Not so, I say, once you try MET's. Breakfast seems to be a challenge for MET. The pork stuffed hashbrown I had recently left me feeling like I had eaten greasy McDonalds. My fiance's omlet was pretty boring. The highlight were their selection of oysters which were excellent. Service was slow, even inside where it tends to be better. For something consistent, MET is not a bad choice; but, there are definitely better options in Boston.
(3)Lisa H.
I'd really rather give this place a 2.5...for such a prime location and for how much I paid, I was disappointed. The burger was good, but not for it's cost. Drinks are horrible for how much they charge--I'll go to a gastropub/mixology bar for that much, thank you.
(2)Christine T.
Good food. Generous portions. Lovely patio seating. Only problem we had was the slice of cheese that was NOT left out of the egg and hash patty -- as I had specifically requested. I flagged down the waiter and showed him the small heap of food I had cut out and laid on the side of the dish. He expressed dismay and indicated that he had asked the kitchen to not put in the cheese. However, no offer to comp us for our (non-alcoholic) drinks or anything like that. Due to the large portion and heavy nature of the ingredients, I was full even with the food surgery, so I didn't miss that lump of stuff. A little dairy I can handle; a bit more and my body starts telling me I shouldn't be eatin' that stuff in the first place. And, oh. We went back to our hotel room, and I found the Boston magazine article that trashed this place (as a dinner destination.) It was a very interesting read...including notes on spotty service.
(4)Jeffrey S.
Stopped in for a burger at the bar. Great atmosphere, friendly service and a good burger. Other people's dinners looked good as well. Would have liked to sit outside though.
(4)Katie D.
....I can't believe I never went here earlier. Met has got a great burger selection that had me drooling immediately. I ended up with the Back Bay Dry-Aged burger, with sharp cheddar. I skipped the onions (though I'm sure for onion-lovers they'd make this burger out of this world), but the double-smoked bacon was delish and just the right consistency (not too crispy, not too fatty). The duck fat fries were the perfect side, of course, though I wish there were an aioli or something with them. My friend got the Boston burger which was also drool-worthy -- insider tip, he ordered the egg a little runny, which seemed to be spot on. The draft beer list was pretty decent -- tried a watermelon beer first, which was interesting but probably not something I'll do again. The cocktail list looked pretty tasty, but we ended up getting bloody marys for the rest of the day (in true Sunday Funday spirit). I am quite picky about my bloodys, and this was quality. A teeny bit gritty, but I guess that's the risk you take drinking such a perfectly peppered beverage. We drank/ate a very leisurely pace (ballpark, 4/5 hours at the downstairs bar), and the bartender didn't seem to mind a bit, which was nice. Probably would've stayed longer if a nearby group wasn't getting extremely rowdy... Overall, good experience and I can't wait to go back and try some cocktails and more burgers :)
(5)Ashley L.
I decided to give Met another try and I'm so happy I did! I went for dinner this time and was seated in a plush window booth upstairs. Everything on the dinner menu sounded delicious and I was having trouble deciding what to order. Our server Ray was great and continued to check in on us through my indecisiveness (and the rest of the meal). I'm a huge bread eater and couldn't resist starting off with the garlic bread in garlic aioli. It was the perfect mix of crunchy and smooth; I could have eaten 5 baskets of it! For an entree, I ordered the Pepper Crusted Tuna Steak. My tuna was cooked perfectly and the pepper crust was very flavorful and added a nice texture to the dish. My friend ordered the Scottish Salmon and thoroughly enjoyed her dish as well. We managed to have some room left for dessert and decided to split the Sticky Apple Bread Pudding. The bread pudding was so yummy and practically melted in my mouth; it was a great way to end the meal. It was such an enjoyable evening, I cannot wait to come back the next time I'm in town.
(5)Katy F.
The Met Back Bay is going to hands down be my new go-to dinner spot. We started off in the bar downstairs for some pre-dinner drinks. Crowded, but not unmanageable. The bartender came over right away and made one heck of a dirty martini. I'd 5-star just that. I'd also 5-star the bartender, and not just because he was adorable to look at.... Ok, ok, maybe just because he was adorable to look at. The wait for a our table was about 30 minutes. Not bad for a Saturday night and certainly not bad compared to a neighboring restaurant that gave our wait time at 2-3 hours. Holy cow. Our waiter, Sal, was incredible. Great service, and even greater suggestions. We went with the small plates of hummus, bruschetta, and truffle indian corn salads to start. Sal said the corn salad was a must. I could have hugged him after for leading us in such a deliciously amazing direction. The bruschetta was ok, but probably would try something different next time. The hummus was great, but the hummus to pita ratio was all off. More pita next time please! The Kobe tips got two enthusiastic and saucy thumbs up from us. Very tender with a bit of kick at the end. I ordered the cod after Sal's recommendation and couldn't have been happier. A good solid chunk of tasty. The quinoa and charred broccoli was a nice addition to it. Very filling while still feeling light. For dessert we split the Apple Cider Donughts. Be still my mouth. The cinnamon sauce that accompanied it was delightful. I had to stop myself from grabbing the bowl and licking it clean. Stupid manners. Next time(s) I plan to try the Rigatoni Bolognese, Lobster Pot Pie, and Chicken Ceasar Salad which was a beautiful presentation of 2 whole romaine pieces, one ginormous crouton, and about a 1/4 a roasted chicken. See you again soon, Met Back Bay. See you very soon.
(5)Lauren L.
I came here on a whim on after randomly running into a friend who lives down the street. We sat at the bar and I spent a good amount of time perusing the menu-everything sounded amazing. I was in the mood for a burger and a beer, so I ordered the Boston Burger and my friend got the mac and cheese. While we were waiting the bar tender brought over some bread and duck confit. I'd never had duck before, so I can't really comment on whether it hit the mark or not. For me, it was way salty. The bread was incredible though. When the burger came out, it looked amazing and I couldn't wait to dig in. Unfortunatly, the excitement ended there. The burger itself was quite bland. So much so not even bacon and a fried egg could make up for it and that's saying something. You can just about throw a fried egg on top of anything and I'll be a happy camper. The fries were crispy but I wish I had asked for them unsalted. I had a bite of my friends mac and cheese and it was nice and creamy with a crunchy top. Not bad but not great either. Overall it was just a meh experience for me. For the prices I was expecting to be overwhelmed. I enjoyed the ambiance so I would go back for drinks and bar snacks.
(3)Dana C.
Dropped in for brunch on a Sunday morning...UGH! My veggie omelet was NOT an omelet..it was an egg pancake thrown over some frozen veggies with NO cheese. It honestly tasted like cardboard. When the waiter finally came back to clear our table he asked how the food was and I couldn't lie. I told him that it was the worst breakfast that I have ever had and he said he would go back and get the manager..waited 20 minutes and the manager never showed up. It's very clear that costumer service is not one of their strong points. This place will only last because of it's location...cause the food and service will not bring any locals back that care to get quality for their money.
(1)Alec C.
I took 5 steps into this place and decided that I was going to hate it. I was wrong. It turned out to be pretty bad ass. I didn't think that I would like it because the layout of the restaurant and bar is kinda lame. I was almost knocked over by 3 different servers coming out of the kitchen while I was trying to look for a seat at the upstairs bar. Then I had to squeeze between people and seats just to find a place to sit in the downstairs bar. The whole place was a bit too hectic for what seemed to be a restaurant/ afterwork relaxing drinks kind of spot. Once I had my butt planted though, things got instantly better. They have a very decent wine list with plenty of wines by the glass and some fairly good micro brews ( they get triple bonus points for having left hand milk stout). I started with an old fashion manhattan which was a little weak but very tasty. Then I thought I would throw the server Anna a curve ball and ask some obscure wine questions that I was sure would throw her off since the place had just opened and she hadn't had much time to learn the details of the menu yet. To my surprise, not only was she able to answer all of my questions, but she also made a great recommendation and was even nice enough to give me a sample before pouring me a full glass (something a lot of places wont do if you are going for wine by the glass). I will be asking for Anna as my server the next time I go to Met. My friends and I shared the salmon and tuna tartar, which had some wonderful flavors but was a bit on the gummy side, and an egg plant caprese which was amazing. I hate egg plant, but this sandwich was seriously delicious. The decor was beautiful and the ambience superb except for the place being a bit too crowded. I feel like this is one of those places that is actually much more enjoyable on a slow night. Over all, Met Back Bay is definitely worth a visit. Or two.
(4)Nat P.
Food was good. Loved the pleasant ambiance sitting in the window of a sunny room with a clean and fresh look. Not sure if our waiter was bad or if it was a matter of poor management (I think both, actually). The place is way too big and not enough staff on hand. Service was really slow....If you have a restaurant that is so big and busy then you need to hire more people, bottom line. The customers are not jerks if they are frustrated by having to wait around forever. They are paying good money and should have good service. We were sitting for what felt like forever before our waiter even came over to acknowledge our existence.
(3)Sam B.
2nd time going, previously went to the lower bar. This time wanted more sit down dinner so went to the library for the first time. The atmosphere was good, just the food selection was less compared to the lower bar. Had the burger which was mediocre, beer selection was good from normal beers to micro brews. Service was good, just for dinner the selection was just not there.
(3)Adrian J.
Went here with my mom on our first day of our New England vacation. We sat on the patio. The patio has umbrellas for almost all the tables....all but ours. That's my only reason for lacking one star. It was very hot and got some sun burn! It took a while for them to being us water refills too. Our LA style salmon burger was amazing! Food was great! Great prices for the size of the portions. Great drink menu, even though we didn't partake.
(4)ML M.
I recently went back to Met Back Bay and had a wonderful experience. i went with two friends from out of town for brunch on Sunday. We sat inside and I was impressed with the decor. They have a section called the library bar that looks like a classy place to go for a drink. My friend had the Captain Crunch french toast with a side of bacon and he said, "This is the kind of meal I would ask for my last meal!" My other friend had the cheese omelet and it was just cheesy enough without being greasy. I did go with the egg white omelet again but on Sundays they have a veggie omelet that came with broccoli and tomatoes and some other veggies which I am forgetting. I don't like onions and it came without as requested. It was pretty good.
(4)Baking M.
Met Back Bay is in the former location of Joe's American Bar and Grill. Met is also located in Natick and Dedham Legacy Place. I've tried Met one other time for lunch, sitting in the white leather booths and tried the Dry Aged Burger with duck fat fries. The burger was juicy, but I would suggest swapping out the duck fat fries for truffle fries, because the duck fat fries are not anything special. This time around, I tried the Pineapple martini (a lighter juicy version of a pina colada), but didn't have the grilled pineapple vodka flavor as promised. Despite the error in advertising, the drink was tasty and whisked me from the depressing snow lined sidewalks into the Carribean. The first to aspects of the meal were ok. The truffle popcorn was freshly popped, however was missing truffle flavor. The Chinatown salad featured duck breast and drumsticks on a bed of sesame sprinkled cabbage slaw and greens. The menu claimed there was an Asian goddess dressing, not sure what that means still, because the salad didn't seem to have much or any dressing. The Paris burger was a burger I would return again for. Medium rare kobe beef (you could have chose Met Prime Blend / Kobe / Salmon / All-natural Turkey) sandwiched between a sesame bun, melted brie, truffle mayo, caramelized onion and a runny egg on top (like a Croque madame). Luscious, rich and was very memorable. The truffle fries were crispy and seasoned well. The basement lounge has a bar menu with a great variety of burgers (ask for the bar menu, even if you are sitting at the dining room). I especially liked the Library area, I would ask to sit in this area next time around.
(4)Michael R.
Very simply: This place is absolutely wonderful! The drinks are reasonably priced and amazing, and the food is perfectly decadent. The ambiance is one of the best in Boston and the service is excellent. I happened upon this bar opening tonight and was very very pleasantly surprised. My group had toasted coconut martini, pumpkin martini, margarita pitchers, and some craft beers. All were wonderful and the alcohol selection is unparalleled. I could not give a higher recommendation to try it out.
(5)Elizabeth M.
Sat outside on a Saturday for lunch and the whole experience would have been close to perfect if it hadn't been for the hostess. We were seated with a scowl and later admonished for temporarily stowing a package on the seat next to us. It would have been funny if it had not been so infuriating. We turned it around by amusing ourselves with the other victim's responses to her haughty approach to customer service. Loved the Burrata with English Peas and Pesto, Hand-cut Buttermilk Biscuits, Short Rib Tacos!!
(4)Anne K.
Met Bar has quickly become "our place" for girls nights. We have never eaten in the dining area upstairs because the bar downstairs is more casual and lively. Cocktails are creative and they have my favorite wine, which is a plus. Everything we have ordered has been fantastic. Met finds a way to be inventive with the classics, while never going overboard. For instance, they have Kobe burgers with a wasabi mayonnaise and ginger. Sign me up! Calamari is extra crispy and the dipping sauce is to die for. Homemade popcorn with parm is worth munching on. Best for last, shoestring onion rings!! A must if you decide to eat at the Met. Atmosphere is crowded and honestly if you don't get a seat at the bar or a bar table, it is uncomfortable. Always felt like I was in the way standing. We always let the servers know we are waiting for a seat and they have always been helpful and staking out a spot for us.
(4)L C.
Great addition to the Back Bay! The modern orange decor and soft cushioned chairs really give the Met Back Bay that extra flare. Extremely attentive and friendly staff both up front and at the tables. The Natick and Dedham locations are also owned by the same person. This Met Back Bay would be a full 5 star rating if they offered the burger making option (which I L-O-V-E)! . I think this menu only had one burger choice but there are more options for other items now. Tip: Make reservations!
(4)Lisa W.
This place is our "Cheers". The bar area up front is fantastic - a warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a delectable and varied bar menu. It is just large enough to be accommodating and just small enough to be intimate. I can't really speak to the main dining room as we've always eaten in the front bar. For my tastes, the bar appetizer menu is more interesting than the dinner menu, but that's just me. A great place to meet for a drink and a bite!
(4)Liz H.
Friday night scene at the basement bar, 7:30pm: 90% cougars at the bar. Being two late twentysomethings in our after work attire, it wouldn't take much stretch of the imagination to see us turning into this crowd within 10 years. No open chairs, so took us some seat-stalking to finally score seats so we could chow. Drinks: Pumpkin martini (way too sweet! have it for dessert), aviation?, something fruity with gin (delish). However, not really that strong. Stronger drinks definitely see the higher price tag ($14 for the aviation). No angostura bitters for champagne cocktails, but made a "close" replica. Food: Clams Casino - OK, way too many breadcrumbs, a little fishy tasting, could have benefitted from some lemon juice. Duck salad - huge, definitely worth $9, but the duck was dry. Mac & Cheese - Amazing - 'nuff said. All-in-all, it was a fun experience and I think they're still working out food kinks. The service was extremely friendly and decently paced. We'll definitely come back again and hopefully, up the star quotient.
(3)Alex S.
One of our favorite places. Great new menu with awesome apps to share. We love the food, good wine list and three rooms with different ambiance to choose from.
(5)David L.
The Met Back Bay boasts a prime location at a scenic intersection, as well as a welcoming atmosphere. I was disappointed, however, when I looked at the menu and found that they do not offer normal house salads. Also, the otherwise friendly and accomodating service shot me down when I attempted to order one off-menu. For an appetizer, I ordered the closest thing to a traditional salad they had, only to find that it was a salad in name only. The gargantuan portion of iceberg lettuce was drowning in ranch dressing and bleu cheese. I was glad I had asked to hold the bacon bits. The macaroni and cheese was surprisingly delicious, but it was very rich and filling, which was a problem because there was so much of it. I recommend the dish, but I advise ordering it to share. In short, the Met is a great meal if you haven't eaten in two days and healthful food is not on your agenda.
(3)Danielle H.
I realized it must have been a long time since I wandered down that part of Newbury St b/c I was surprised to find that Met had replaced Joe's. Came here at around 6pm for happy hour/snacks and had no trouble finding a large table that could accommodate 6 people. The downstairs bar area seemed to fill up pretty quickly after though. As noted, it does have a very upscale feel and goes beyond your typical happy hour joint. They seemed to have a nice cocktail selection. I had one of the microbrews which was pretty tasty. Also had the kobe beef miniwiches and onion strings, both of which were pretty decent as compared to standard bar food. The thing that stuck out was our waitress seemed pretty aloof and inattentive. It took a while to get her attention on several occasions.
(3)A B.
Had to find a place for dinner for 10 people after IRENE left us New Yorkers/Philadelphians stranded in Boston after a wedding. We weren't sure where to go, given that nearly every storefront in Backbay was shuttered. The Met Backbay was awesome. They were so friendly. Despite the fact that they had closed the main dining room and were serving a limited menu in the downstairs bar due to the storm, they opened up a table upstairs and the manager waited on us himself. The bar downstairs seemed fun with great TVs. Would be a great place to watch a game. The upstairs dining space was really lovely. Our group's ages spanned from the 60s to the early 20s and there was something for everyone. Food and wine were delicious, even though I am sure they were operating with limited ingredients due to the IRENE shutdown.
(5)Suzanne M.
I had brunch at Met Back today and it was fabulous. I had the three cheese omelette with crispy hot potatoes and a side order of bacon. I even had one of the make your own bloody Mary's which is a really cool idea. My girlfriend had the veggie omelette with a side Caesar salad. Both of the omelets were light and fluffy and cooked to perfection. When we arrived at 11:30 we had the choice of seats but when we left on hour and a half later the line was long and people seemed to happy wait for a table, I cannot wait to go back and try more of the menu.
(5)Rick C.
Not as good as its counterpart in Chestnut Hill, our waiter was really strange, food was just OK- the valet parking was awful. Took 20 minutes to get the car- the lot is so far away and they have 2 guys only running back and forth- other people were really pissed off waiting as we were- will not go back
(2)Ryan P.
We went there on a rainy Sunday to have a drink and an early dinner. We sat in the bar area downstairs. Good TVs, and good windows to people watch on NEwbury. We even saw the star of the 'Jordan's Furniture' commericials (long white hair with pony tail and bear) walking his dog and looking into the restaurant... HA! We got the Met Burger (Medium Rare)... one of the only places that will actually cook your burger medium rare. It was like a beef tartare, with dry aged sirloin. It was excellent to say the least. The Met Truffle fries.. which are for a lack of a better term... 'off the chain' aka very very good with Aoili dipping sauce. The 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese was honestly some of the best Mac and Cheese I have ever had... incredible and perfect portion size. Its a MUST GET! Drinks: She had Iced Tea Libation... Sweet Tea Vodka, Lemon Juice and Homemade Iced Tea. EXCELLENT, she had 2! I had 2 Whales Tale Pale Ales... also excellent. Very Pricey, but expected for a MET restaurant, and location. Service was pretty good overall, except I had to keep asking for refills of water... usually for me, that is a given of refilling once you have finished one glass. The food more than made up for either of those. We
(4)Richard C.
If you're going to talk the talk you'd better be able to walk the walk, and the Dry-Aged burger at Met Back Bay clearly has issues walking and talking at the same time. The epitome of a burger that sounds really friggin' good on paper (Dr-Aged beef, sharp cheddar, double smoked bacon, port wine onions, organic sesame seed bun) but is a colossal disappointment. There's no debate that a higher price tag has to yield higher expectations and the opportunity for more critiques. It's not nitpicking, that's just the way it is, and this burger, priced at $18, fails in just about every aspect. First and foremost, the promised Dry-Aged beef is frustratingly ordinary, how this costs $7 more than the straight up Prime Blend is beyond me. It tastes like no Dry-Aged meat I've ever had, instead feeling more like it was taken off of the scrap heap. It's also over-cooked, calling it medium would be generous (it's more like a medium-well) despite my ordering it medium-rare. Hard to defend this one, it's sometimes forgivable if the flavor is still there, but for the price tag and the fact that they have an entire menu focused on burgers, it's a tough one to overlook. Unfortunately there is very little flavor to speak of; dry, un-seared, and boring, the burger deserves more. The double smoked bacon is crispy but devoid of any serious smoke, fat or flavor, and the onions are watery and have no hint of the promised Port. I could care less if my bun is organic or not, but I do care if it's dry and seemingly stale. The skin-on Fries are borderline passable, with an oily interior and not enough salt, there was probably less than a dozen of them in the small basket it is served in. It's an egregious burger for $18, over-cooked and bland, the suggestion of superior meat is an insult. Don't fall for the burger that over-promises, because it's most likely going to let you down. But don't think I'm mincing words; this has nothing to do with expectations or having higher hopes, the Met burger was lousy, on my one and only visit, fair or unfair that's what I have to judge.
(1)Catarina C.
Oh MET. On a walk down Newbury one night, my friend and I decided to stop in here for dinner. Opting to sit inside (i prefer to not eat in a fog of moisture when it is 90 degrees out thank you), we were seated immediately in the side room/banquet. First off, our server was great. She started us out with a bottle of wine and waited patiently for my friend and I to slowly, slowly, slowly decide on what to eat. We are indecisive, and she was very patient. gold star! We first got the lobster dip. I don't know the type of bread that came with it (looks like pita, tastes like chewy nuts,??) but it was delicious. A little greasy, but we knew what fatties we were being when we ordered lobster cheese dip in the first place. The app was very tasty, but stopped being so enticing as it got cold and..ugh grainy cold cheese. We split the chopped salad and sirloin steak as our entree. The salad was delicious! If i wasn't so damn full from the cheesy lobster, i would have MOWED this salad. The sirloin was cooked perfectly but..tasted like a sirloin. Nothing out of the ordinary. One thing I did note was the great music (rappy, beaty, top 40s ish but better) that was playing. It's one thing to eat dinner, but to eat dinner AND jam out to your favorite tunes? Double gold star!!
(4)Alena K.
The service was fabulous, can't complain at all. Our waiter was friendly, personable and eager to make us happy. The place also looked great and had a great atmosphere. I enjoyed my time there. I'm definately a fan. My only issue was my main entree. I love duck, if theres duck on a menu I always order it. The duck at Met Back Bay was pretty dry and I could hardly eat it. Everything else was great tho! xo Alena
(4)Diane C.
Heard about their Wednesday night twin lobsters for $25 special. Before the hubbs and I leave Boston, we decided to go give it a try. The food did not disappoint! We ordered the twin lobsters and lobster mac & cheese. DELICIOUS!!!! The lobster was freshly steamed and cut specially for easy eating. The only strange part and room for improvement is kitchen to wait staff communication. We put in our order, and then 15 minutes later, were told that they had run out of lobster (we had reservations at 8pm). TOTALLY bummed, we re-ordered new dishes. But then less than 5 minutes later, our original order came out. SO confused but, in the end, glad we got our lobster. definitely would recommend!
(4)Joanna L.
I like the Met - it's a great place to sit down for a nice meal in the neighborhood, and everything is dependable; service is always friendly, the upstairs always looks nice, and the food, though not out-of-this-world special - is good quality at reasonable (Back Bay) prices. I always know I'll have a pretty good experience there. Menu has great options for gourmet burgers, as well as good twists on American comfort foods. Truffled fries are delicious. I always come here for dessert, whether it's the sticky toffee pudding, or handmade donuts with chocolate sauce. Sidenote: Avoid the bar downstairs - it lacks the poise and ambience of the upstairs, and feels more like a basement.
(4)Michelle B.
Terrible service, decent food, good location. Not recommended for large groups. Our hotel concierge recommended this restaurant for our group of 10, and we made a reservation. We walked to the restaurant, and, not knowing exactly how long it would take us, we arrived 10 minutes early. We were promptly scolded by the hostess for being there before our reservation time, and told to go to the bar (incidentally the bar was fun, and servers prompt). We were not seated until 20 minutes past our reservation time (despite the strong indication that punctuality was important). As soon as we were seated, we asked if it would be a problem to have separate bills for each couple. We were told it would not be, but might take 'a little time' to sort out. The food was fairly good, but our waitress rarely checked on us to see if we were doing well, and we pretty much had to flag her down to replenish our drinks. At one point I waited 15 minutes for a glass of wine. The bill took ONE HOUR to sort out, and this was after we had actually written on the bill what should be charged to each credit card. It never was correct but by then, we were so irritated we just left. The server was obviously irritated with us, so my husband reminded her that we had asked about this before we ordered anything. She said, "Maybe you just should have brought cash." Excuse me?? We were a group of professionals in town for a conference, we had money to spend, and we were having fun together. If she had actually managed to smile once, or had the bills been correct, she would have made a killer tip. Her loss. We won't be back to The Met.
(2)Stephanie C.
I went in on a random weekday night for dinner at the bar. First, I loved the Library Bar decor very much. cozy, lounge-like with a small bar (6 chairs I think). A friend recommended them to me for the Short Rib Tacos (off the bar menu). And I asked for them. And I loved them immediately. For dessert, I got the ice cream sandwich trio. It was a great concept, the sandwiches themselves were very tasty, but the plate-up was a bit uninspired. The bartender was great. Jay was his name I think. Friendly, attentive, and when I didn't like the drink I ordered, he took it off the bill and replaced it, no problem. The best part was that the bar was empty when I arrived and full when I left. And all 6 of us were random strangers, chatting over dinner with each other about anything and everything. On a side note, the pasta bolognese that the lady at the other end of the bar ordered looked great, but go with the half order, it's plenty. I can't wait to go back for something off the dinner menu.
(4)Will S.
We stopped in for a late lunch at Met and were pleasantly surprised by the good food and friendly, hard-working staff. Our waiter / bartender never stopped moving once during the hour we were there. It was impressive. The salmon burger done Tokyo style is definitely recommended!
(3)Shelly R.
I decided to have my birthday party there last weekend based on the fact that there was an entire bar dedicated to ham and cheese. Excellent. Though it is crowded and very little standing room the combination of three bars among many traditional dining seats makes this a winner in my book. I love to sit at the bar and there is plenty of bar space! The drinks are excellent - I stuck to Blood Orange Cosmos which while strong, were delicious. As I was hanging out by the ham and cheese bar, I had many samples of ham which were all various kinds of American ham, yet exotic in flavor - I hope to get a ham and cheese platter next visit. I was hoping to get a cheaper sample (the platter is $18) so I ordered the ham & cheese bites which ended up being fried squares of prosciutto and cheese with three types of dipping mustard- not what I expected, but it went amazingly well with my second Cosmo. For dinner I was wooed by a promise of a donation to Japan for ordering the Tokyo burger - and there were no regrets there. The medium rare sear on my burger was on the rare side (something most restaurants shy away from - but I love) and it was so good that I ate the entire thing leaving no room for their fries which are nothing special. I can't in good conscience give them five stars because I've only been there once. Also it was a busy Friday so I should cut them some slack, but I had to complain to the manager early in the evening that our waitress forgot twice to bring me water. He was really nice about it and kept the water flowing thereafter. I was there for about 5 hours.
(4)Carla C.
2 of us had lunch on Sunday. As it happened, Food Network was filming inside, so everyone ate outside. A family of 6 (3 children) was seated next to us, they were visiting from England. They were nice and quiet, but were asked to leave because they need the small tables for small parties (?). I felt terrible that they would be treated this way. On a good note, the arugula salad is excellent (although I was expecting it to have the pistachio covered goat cheese like I have had in other Met Bars). My husband's chopped salad was also excellent. And the wait staff (other than the one who asked the family to leave) was very nice.
(3)Kim C.
I was excited to try this place because I had heard great things... I ordered a the LA burger medium rare and my daughter got the mini cheeseburgers - also medium rare. My burger came out with bacon, lettuce, and mayo - it was missing the avocado and sprouts - so the server took it back and the kitchen added the other toppings. The server brought back the corrected burger, I took one bite and realized that the burger was well done. Ugh. It took about 5 minutes to get the server's attention, I explained that the burger was not cooked as I ordered it, and she asked if there was something else they could make for me. Um, no thank you. My daughter got through her first mini-cheeseburger but also complained that it was well done. It took another 5 minutes to flag down the server - she had not been back since I called her over to take back my burger. They took both burgers off our bill but what upscale restaurant known for burgers screws up like that? Not going back.
(1)Cami F.
LOVE the met back bay! Great spot for dinner and drinks with a friend. Their salads are huge and best split, and I really love their grilled artichokes (mmm, garlic aioli dipping sauce). They have some creative drinks but I wouldn't go for drinks alone- the bar can be crowded and there really isn't standing room.
(4)Keryn B.
I have been a few times for lunch, including stumbling in on their first day open. I love love love the atmosphere in there. The airyness that lacked in Joe's Bar in Grille is so calming. My go to all time favorite that I crave is the chopped salad with chicken, it is literally the best salad I have ever had. If you are with a friend they will even split it for you, it is so big even when it is split. My co-worker and I will split the salad and the chicken sandwich. I need to be a little more adventurous when I am here, but every time I go I with that salad in mind. The burgers are fantastic too. The brownie dessert is pretty good too, it is a deconstructed sundae, the coconut ice cream is my favorite part. I love the bar downstairs, we will eat lunch there every now and again, and the service is awesome.
(4)Julia G.
Memorial day, just stepped in. They seated us quickly, which was great! Food was good, but the falafel with the salmon was a little too over spiced. Portions are great as well. Cocktails were excellent, boyfriend ordered The Nantucket and I kept stealing sips (poor guy). Worth checking out, overall.
(4)Claire G.
Five stars for pretentious service. The food was ok. We basically got kicked off the patio after we were done eating but still sipping so-so sangria because they didn't have enough chairs. Not impressed.
(2)Taz S.
Went late on a Saturday nite. Bar was busy but found table, seats open at bar. Not crazy busy. Good points: They did a fab job on the buildout. I know. I work in building and suffered through it :) But....it looks great. Congrats. Bad points: upwards of 20 min. wait for drink. Bad. Sullen bartenders and servers. Bad. Off drinks. Bad. Deathly slippery floor. Bad. Although...provided some entertainment, watching the slipping/sliding no that wasn't me show. Summary: In this 'hood, plenty of places to plunk down $13/drink. No real reason to do it here. But hey, great job on gutting place.
(2)Kathleen F.
I was here for dinner when they opened and recently went back for some apps and drinks at the bar. The seafood dishes were very delicious for dinner! I really enjoyed them and our waiter was super friendly. Recent experience at the bar was great too, we got a pitcher of the spiked lemonade and tried the guac with grilled corncakes. The food is very fresh which I like and the guac and really ripe chunks of tomato and corn which was a nice addition! We did come here at a non busy time so the bar service was pretty good. I can see how it could get a little chaotic when the place becomes busier, but overall dining in w' a reservation, and hanging at the bar when it's not too busy were both great experiences.
(4)Jay S.
We went here for a quick business lunch. We all tried the burgers. I had the Boston burger with an egg on top. Atmosphere is typical Newbury Street. The burgers were very good and very expensive. The fries were average. Overall, an OK experience.
(4)Eric Y.
Went here for the 1st time on a Saturday night, had reservations for 8pm. I haven't been here since the old Joe's location a few years back and was impressed with the renovation and decor. It has a classy/upscale feel and very comfortable seating arrangements. We ordered 2 small appetizer plates, pita/hummus and brushetta, both were good, but for sure "small appetizers. For main courses we had salmon, kobe beef tips. and a soup/salad combo. Everyone really enjoyed their dishes and they were very well presented and portion size very good as well. Service was great-very nice waiter and personable as well. There is a very cool/busy bar downstairs where you can also get their full menu. Looked like an older crowd for sure, but a relaxed atmosphere. Will for sure return again soon!
(4)Joanna E.
This place is beautiful, and has a few fun bars to hang out in. The menu is extensive, and you can tell they're really trying...but. But, the food was only OK. And I've been to the two other METs - Chestnut Hill and Natick, which are amazing, 5 star all the way. I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt and assume any kinks are because they're new in town. Or order was 75% wrong. The meat, app, sauce, - they were all the exact opposite of what we ordered. Our waiter was super-sweet, but...like I said, it's still the beginning for them. They did their best to make us feel welcome. Actually, drinks were outstanding. I'll definitely be back, but I'm going to wait a few months....
(3)Eli R.
It's pretty much unheard of for me to be able to justify paying $18 for a burger and fries, but I was in a burger mood and so was my girlfriend, so we decided to check out the Met Bar's new Newbury Street location. We were there between the lunch and dinner hours, and were told they were only serving the bar menu. We grabbed a seat in the "Library Room" at the top of the stairs, and our waitress quickly came and took our orders. The only complaint about the service was that she spoke too quietly to hear in the crowded and busy lounge, but was otherwise fine. So, the GF and I are looking at the menu, both of us in awe of the offerings. We opted to split the Wild arugula salad, which was flavorful, despite being dressed with only EVOO. The hazlenuts and shaved mushrooms gave the salad more than enough flavor on their own, and the peppery bite of the arugula went with it perfectly. Onto the meals. She opted for the Kobe burger, Tokyo style (avocado / muenster / pickled onions / sticky soy / daikon sprouts / wasabi mayo), and cooked rare. I opted for the Back Bay Dry Aged burger cooked medium rare served with duck fat fries. Both of us were absolutely satisfied with our choices. The meat on the dry-aged burger was succulent and delicious, easily the most flavorful beef I have ever tasted, and my GF's Kobe burger was phenomenal. She rarely finishes a burger, but she couldn't stop eating this one. I felt the same way about mine. I was full about halfway through, but there was no way I was leaving any of it on the plate. They were incredible in every way. While I don't see myself going here often, I will definitely be treating myself to one of these burgers every few months or so because it is just that good.
(4)John M.
The upstairs layout sucks, who wants to sit in small dark rooms with no atmosphere. The menu is Just OK. bland steaks and burgers. my burger seriously needed some seasoning. Our waiter Jason was great and personable but it's a pain in ass for the servers to get drinks downstairs. The staff downstairs sucks. They are rude. I would never go back.
(2)scott m.
My first visit at lunch today was almost perfect. Boston burger was cooked exactly as i requested. Egg topping and duck fat fries were delicious. My girlfriends ham & cheese w/ egg, not so much. she found it cumbersome to eat and the cheese a little too soft, making it tasteless. We sat the Library Bar and had great service. Curteous, fast and heavy handed with the cocktail pours. Granted it was not too busy and we had time to linger, so not rushed. The space is different than the old Joes design. Seems more formal that it needs to be. Will be curious to see how they handle a more crowded afternoon or dinner service. Looking forward to going back and trying something else. Cost was what I expected to pay in Back Bay, so no different than other places inthe area.
(4)Mardget P.
Ambiance is beautiful in the upstairs dining room--the food is pretty good, though typically Newburyish in being overpriced and fancifully described. The staff are really nice and it's a great place for brunch on Sundays in that it's not a yard sale like Joe's or Stephanie's. The buttermilk biscuits are delicious (says a Southerner) and there's a nice variety of breakfast and lunch options. You're better off without ordering fresh items (fruit, salads) as they tend to be of the flavorless or underripe variety--but the hot fudge brownie sundae? YES.
(3)William G.
I dine here 2 - 3 times per month. I'd give the food and decor a 4.5. All of my issues are with the front of the house. Reception is almost always terrible, and the wait staff is really inconsistent. Reception ranges from cold to rude, and I have been seated right next to another table in an empty room more than once. I also had a waiter that tried to include himself in our conversation while getting the order completely wrong. I've also had a few excellent servers. The bartenders in the library are always friendly and on the ball, especially Ted. The salads are huge. I like to split an arugula salad with a friend as a starter. The small bites are really good, especially the deviled eggs and asparagus. The fish entrees are usually tasty, as is the burger.
(3)Leila A.
So this place was a little disappointing. Weirdest part first: I'm dining with my husband, a party of 2. When we are ready to pay, we put down our credit card with the check. The waitress comes and picks up the check and looks at us and says: Waitress: "Only one credit card??!!" Me: "umm, huh?" Waitresss: "You don't want to split this check?" No, I did not want to split the check with my husband. Since when does a waitress ask if you want to split a check when you have not said a word about splitting and proffered a single credit card? Weird. Other weird things: Large serving with hummus came with only a few tiny wedges of pita. We asked for more pita, and it came. A new charge was put on the bill for the extra pita. Umm okay, whatever, but should've been mentioned when we ordered it. Moreover, pita serving should be readjusted to match the quantity of hummus. 3 bean salad really only had two beans in it, and both were varieties of string beans. I thought this could use clarification on the menu... Cocktails were tasty, although it was 5 pm and they were out of ginger, which ruled out the two drinks I was most interested in. Artichoke was a little bit on the tough side, and needed salt. What else? Space is cozy, and I kind of liked the atmosphere. But food was a little lacking, and the waitress was seriously awkward. Given the prices and the upscale vibe, it was disappointing.
(2)Jeff J.
I'd give negative stars if Yelp allowed it. My dinner there last night was probably the single most regrettable dining experience I've had in Boston, or anywhere. Food: I've gotten better rotisserie chicken at gas stations. The "asian goddess dressing" on my salad wasn't even fit for peons. My girlfriend was equally nonplussed at the flavorless slab of tofu that was supposed to pass for "tofu steak". Terrible dining room: My girlfriend and I were seated in the "Conservatory Room". Read: low-ceilinged room with bare walls into which management had jammed seating for about 20. Under good circumstances it would be unpleasant to hear echoes of other diners' conversation bouncing off the walls. We were particularly unlucky last night because our neighbors included a foul family party of about 8 that didn't know how to use inside voices or to refrain from cursing. (I'm not a prude, but I was trying to have a nice dinner with my girlfriend. Echoing A-bombs didn't set the mood I was hoping for.) Clueless serving staff: the kitchen staff brought out food but not utensils. The tables were tiny and yet we had to ask a few time to have our appetizer plates cleared. Halfway into our meal the servers wanted to bring another chair into the already cramped dining room. Surprise...there was no room. But that didn't stop them from asking my girlfriend to move her chair (which she patiently did), and it didn't stop them from pushing her chair and our entire table out of the way when there still wasn't enough room to accommodate more chairs. Anyway, I won't be going back.
(1)Rene' Y.
Wow. I like the atmosphere. After walking around the city we came here for some drinks and a quick appetizer. We ordered the "Indian corn" from the regular menu rather than the bar menu. It was creamy, sweet, thicker version of corn chowder but 10 times yummier. I will be back soon.
(5)Cat And Dave U.
All in all, don't waste your money. Take it from us - we are the suckers who have gone back THREE TIMES hoping the last was just a fluke performance. Well, after last nights experience, we've decided to give up hope. Both culinarians, 1 professionally trained and 1 with years of experienced, we are always on the prowl for a great meal. From the outside looking in, the Met bar has everything a culinarian would want - a intriguing menu, a great looking ambiance and a cool & trendy bar. But once you step in the door and sit down to the slow service and mostly vacant menu (as our waiter said last night "before I take your order, let me check with the kitchen to see what else we are out of", you remember the truth to the old term "perception is not always what it seem". We won't bore you with the lousy details of how awful our experiences have been over the past 3 visits, but believe you me - we are done with the disappointments and plan to move on - and DO NOT recommend to ANYONE!
(1)Alex V.
Only gets better when someone else picks up the tab!
(5)Angela L.
We will never ever give this restaurant our business again. A beautiful day in Boston and we wanted to sit outside with our dog outside of the railing like you are able to do at every other restaurant in Back Bay. Not here. They asked us to tie him to the tree by the side of Newbury St.. When I went in to discuss this with the manager they just grinned and shrugged their shoulders. I have heard many people complain about Met Bar in the past and I have always defended them because I enjoyed coming here. Not any more!! Met Bar you just lost a very loyal patron. We will be more than happy to take our business to Stephanie's down the street where they welcome our dog with open arms and do not ask us to tie him to a tree by the side of the road. Not to mention the food there is much better.
(1)Andy C.
Brunch at Met Back Bay was the perfect compliment to this weekend's sudden burst of Spring. With establishments such as Parish, Stephanie's, and Cafe Sonsie serving up stiff competition along Newbury, Met Back Bay definitely emerges as the winner. The dining space is beautifully decorated, complimented by a wide variety of seating options - bar, patio, and dining room. The brunch menu is eclectic, and the servers strike the perfect balance between maintaining attention and privacy (thanks Scott!) The pork stuffed hash brown I had was generous in serving size, and the jalapeno hollandaise sauce added just the right amount of zing to the crispy potatoes. My friend thoroughly enjoyed his tuna tartare, which was refreshing to the palate, and found his burger grilled to perfection. The Quebec maple syrup tart had a light sweet flourish that was decorated nicely with blueberry compote, and the pineapple upside down cake was wonderfully moist without being soggy. All in all, the best brunch experience I've had in Boston so far.
(5)d f.
Usual, nothing special. Inconsistent drinks depending on who is tending bar. Pricey.
(1)Lindsay S.
Went here late yesterday afternoon for late lunch/early dinner with my husband. We sat down around 4:30 in the bar area upstairs (self seating). The ambience was nice but everything else was not so hot. My number 1 complaint was our waitress. She took forever to do everything- from giving us menus, to getting us water (which I asked to have with lemon and she forgot so I had to ask again and that took her at least another 10 minutes to do), to getting our food and eventually our bill. Aigh. The food was average Bar/American food with higher prices. My husband and I both got burgers which we shared....one was a Salmon Tokyo burger and the other the Met Paris burger. They were both incredibly messy to eat- sauces and more oozing over the edge. I wish they were put together a bit better. The salmon burger was definitely lacking salt and some flavor. The Paris burger was cooked well done when asked for medium well. And finally the fries were cold and had no salt on them. I asked for salt but by the time our waitress came back with salt, they were practically gone (we were both very hungry!) I would not recommend this place. Honestly you can get a better burger at Applebees for a much cheaper price- and the service will likely be better too. Spend your $$ elsewhere.
(2)CC K.
Food is terrible here. Save your money and go somewhere else. The burger was hard on the edges , the bacon overcooked into hard little sticks. Burger King is delicious compared to this burger. The rotisserie chicken was dry, French fries were soggy. Service was the only good thing
(1)Sarah S.
Get the basil martini drink thing. Yes, that is as descriptive as I can get. But seriously, it should be enough. Service tends to be meh, and it's a little spendy, hence 3 stars.
(3)Kristen F.
I heard Met Back Bay opened this afternoon, but my friend and I went in the evening and sat at the bar downstairs. Our bartender Brian was really great and suggested some awesome appetizers we ended up trying: parmesan truffle fries and some sort of brisket tacos I think. Delicious!!
(4)Lynda M.
Still feels like Joe's with higher prices, new wood paneling, and a new coat of paint. The downstairs bar is still small, claustrophobic, crowded and underwhelming.
(1)Ali W.
I remember the days when this spot used to be Joe's.. and it was dark, dank and unimpressive. Now that Met has taken over, it's bright, airy and filled to the gills on a Saturday night. I like that! I came here last night with my boyfriend, and after during a run-through of the space (you have to do that before you commit to a location, my friends) we decided to sit downstairs at the seat-yourself tables. We got a table right away (woo-hoo!) and the bar menu and regular menu are basically the same, except cheaper.. which is always a good thing. The menu boasts a laundry list of fun cocktails, beers and wines by the glass. For food, we ordered a pizzete (unfortunately, lack luster in taste and WAY too wet) and two DIY burgers which were tasty, however not the best burgers I've ever tasted. I know this is probably a moot point, but I wish they had served the burgers on regular sized plates, and pre-cut the pizza. Our server was running around like a chicken with her head cut off, so I can't blame her for making us wait a bit to order food and drinks. She did apologize after we had paid, so I appreciate that. I like to do a dry run-through of a new restaurant so I can yelp it appropriately, but I forgot (dammit!) to check out the bathrooms. I didn't want to be overly creepy, checking people out who were eating, but I can happily say that Met is clean, bustling and full of happy diners. The view from the upstairs dining room is lovely, and the seating areas are full of high-back, leather chairs and cute booths - perfect for a date, or a business dinner. Make sure to make a reservation, especially on a busy weekend night, if you're not OK with seat yourself... definitely give this place a try!
(4)tasha r.
Mediocre food that is way over priced. Wait staff is very friendly, but there was a lot confusion at our table of six since the food runners constantly put the wrong dish in front of the wrong person. Throughout our entire meal, it was like: "hey, did you order that side of fries or is that mine?" "Wait, is this your appetizer?" "Oh, sorry, I ate some of your side dish."
(2)Garth S.
Met Back Bay is just what Newbury Street needs: another pretty, higher-end chain restaurant that caters to people who know neither the value of a dollar nor the difference between good food and crap. I thought the Back Bay Restaurant Group (Joe's American, the Atlantic Fish Company, Charley's, etc.) had that covered for the Boston area but apparently there's always room for one more. I'm sorry to say that when H---- and I were there the other night, it was at my suggestion. I was tired of going to the same places and I wanted something different. Because the streets were icy, I didn't want to stray too far from the T. After going through the usual list of Back Bay staples, I remembered that Met recently opened in the space Joe's American vacated last year. I'd been to the Natick and Dedham locations, which were fine, but not great, so I suggested we check out the Back Bay location. At first, H---- was favorably or, as she'd write, "favourably," impressed. It was still early, the restaurant was quiet, and we settled comfortably into the upstairs bar. H---- liked the decor: leather seating, subdued lighting, stock photographs of sophisticated people from the 1930s. (I could swear I saw Amelia Earhart in one of them. Perhaps not a tone one wants to set for a restaurant but whatever . . . ) The waitress came by and took our drink orders. H---- ordered Proseco and I, in keeping with the early 20th Century vibe, requested a sidecar. I will swear that the waitress rolled her eyes when she wrote it down. I can't imagine why; it's a perfectly manly drink if you're generous with the lemon juice and don't (ever, under any circumstances) put sugar on the rim of the glass. But even if I asked for something pink garnished with a cherry and a tiny umbrella, the reaction was just bad form. Strike 1. We ordered appetizers. H---- had the French onion soup and I went with the fried ham and cheese balls. H---- said the soup was good but not great. My ham and cheese was disgusting. It had potential and might have been good but it was either overfried to the point of burnt, just like every other fried item I'd eaten at any of the Met locations, or perhaps it was just time to change the oil in the fryer. In any event, Strike 2. Among the people I know who like Met, the burgers tend to rate high. I had a turkey burger, my second. The first was at the Met Bar at Legacy Place in Dedham. I was not crazy about it then but thought I'd try once more. Some places do turkey burgers well; Met is not one of them. I won't mark down for this, however, because it might be a matter of taste. What I will mark down for is dessert. My simple scoop of mint chip ice cream was delicious. It was, in fact, the best part of the meal but the dirt-encrusted spoon the waitress brought just before the ice cream arrived ruined the moment. I don't know how she could not have noticed it. I did immediately but before I could call her attention to it, she was gone. Strike 3 and, for good measure, Strike 4. H---- and I agreed: The ambiance was nice but that was as far as it went. Maybe I'll try Met Back Bay for lunch one day but I doubt I'll return for dinner any time soon.
(2)Beverly C.
A reservation was mad the first week in April for a May 20th Law School Graduation. The reservation was for 10 people and was confirmed. On May 11th I received a call that my reservation was being cancelled along with 20 others. They had a better offer from a private party. The GM made no attempt to refer us to a restaurant and he barely apologized as he was more concerned with the other calls he was charged with making. So here I sit in Chicago without a place for my family to go to celebrate this event. Nine days to find a restaurant on graduation weekend. What way is this to run a business?
(1)erica w.
. I have to say- I just had a really bad experience at the Met Back Bay. My boyfriend and I had been meaning to try it for some time, and we had an opportunity today for lunch. At first, it seemed great. We sat downstairs, it was cozy, and the waitress was very nice. However, we both ordered meals that involved avocado, and both arrived without it. My salmon burger was consequently pretty dry, and the boyfriend's breakfast burrito was essentially beans and eggs in a tortilla. When we brought this to the attention of the waitress, she discovered that the kitchen had run out of avocado (why didn't you tell us?), but she told us the manager would give us a discount. Ok, fine we think. We didnt ask, but we'll take it. So then the manager comes over and tells us again that we'll get a nice discount to take care of it. Meanwhile, a table of 4 bros next to us has grown to 6 and is completely invading our space, yelling about their romantic exploits from the night before. Not really what I wanted to hear... they are quickly overflowing into our table, and take our extra chair, turn it around, and are pretty much on top of us. And more keep coming. And where is the check? We ask, and are told the manager needed to fix it to accommodate the discount. Ok...10 mins of waiting after than and it arrives...with a discount of $2.55. Seriously? We never asked for a discount, but if you are going to offer it multiple times, and keep us waiting for it, while being overrun by frat boys and sex talk, I feel like 2 bucks off of the entire meal is a little insulting. On the way out, I mentioned how we felt totally forced out of our space, and the manager replied "that wasn't very nice of them (the other table)". No, manger, it wasn't very nice of YOU. This is your restaurant, and you made us feel entirely unwelcome.
(2)A F.
Very good food. The sandwiches are really good and the price range is not too bad. Their terrace is awesome when weather permits.
(4)Brooklynn B.
G R E A T Place!!! I had the turkey burger which was the B O M B. I sat at the bar the times I have gone and the bartenders are real chill. You can go for a date, with family, or solo. I've done all. Try any of their specialty drinks, youll love it
(3)Matt H.
We went for breakfast/brunch on a Monday morning. This is a difficult place if you're not an egg for breakfast person. Having said that the oatmeal was good, but not spectacular. The loosely scrambled eggs again were ok. The bacon was smokey (good) but thin (where was the meat) and (I thought) too crispy - a disappointment! Service was quick and friendly enough - I was not blown away all up
(3)tman s.
I love how they gutted the space but i"m not sure the look and feel goes with the location! Well anyway the downstairs reminds me of the future on the star ship enterprise... The counters for the bartenders r a pain for them to reach patrons... But anyway the food which i had was the burger very well presented with fries... They also gave me port-wine cheese in a jar with bread stix for an opening round complimentary... Love all the televsions they have downstairs.. The drinks i thought were a bit pricey but what the hell i'm just coming thru..... Hope to visit again soon... Service was top notch as well!
(4)Amy B.
I came to Met Back Bay for lunch with two colleagues today because it's just a short walk from our office and we were all very happy with our meals. They have the BEST mac & cheese around - it is so delicious and cheesy and creamy and I will definitely be back to eat it again. One of my colleagues got the lobster roll and she ate the entire thing and said it was delicious. The other colleague got a burger with cheese and bacon and loved it. We also split some sweet potato fries which were good and not at all greasy. Our waiter was very attentive, helpful and friendly. I will definitely be back!
(4)Trish L.
Food drinks and service are all excellent and reliable. I bring out of town business associates here often - if they are dressed up or dressed down, they will still fit in. The burgers are so amazing but they took my favorite kobe burger off the menu. However, everything i have eaten here - breakfast lunch and dinner - has been fantastic. Any problems have been corrected quickly and discreetly. And the bartender takes the time to make my coffee EXACTLY the way i like it. Double shot of espresso with a dollop (no more) of steamed milk.
(4)Martin H.
Were looking for drinks, found the place by accident. Tried my first watermelon wheat beer and got hooked. Their Calamari freshest I ever had. Great sauce come with Jalapeño and Garlic. Their Boston guacamole better than most Mexican places. Eggplant sandwich to die for. It's a bit expensive, but the service and ambiance were terrific.
(4)Dani S.
This place has great service - and I've only been there once, with some pretty picky people I might add - and we all had a great experience in all respects : food, atmosphere, service, timing - everything. There are alternatives to the types of bread, and if I remember correctly, there are some vegetarian alternatives to/for the burgers as well. Nothing profound stands out as a drawback. Just a good, laid back - well put together place to at least try.
(4)christine c.
Really awesome space, really neat bars and really good service (Eric!) This place was wonderful for lunch. The tuna tartar was amazing! A couple of us had some "lunch-sized" salads that were huge! The truffle parm fries were delicious, too. As were the beignets. Eric was prompt with the refills and knowledgeable about the menu, but best of all his dry humor and charming personality provided some excellent entertainment.
(5)joseph a.
Heard they have great happy hours so came for dinner and decided to order an $18 burger. It was not an $18 burger.
(3)Marcus C.
I don't think I need to go back here. The food was mediocre (runny polenta), the service was atrocious (didn't bring us the right dishes, left us waiting for way too long) and the atmosphere was severely lacking (so loud).
(2)william m.
A friend and I visited this wonderful restaurant in December and had a wonderful pre-Holiday dinner. Come a little early if you want to find close side st. parking and pay your meter well. The parking police are very attentive. Met does have valet parking if you like to roll like that. The maitre de was very nice. Escorted us to our table on the second floor. Next time I will request a table next to the tall windows. The view must be beautiful. Our waiter was very nice. Knowledgeable of the menu and gave very good recommendations. Our drink orders were taken and promptly served. Ah, the first drink of the day felt great. Bread sticks and cheese paste was served. The cheese was a cool pink swirl color and very tasty. For appetizers we had the bone marrow. It was nice. Not as good as the Eastern Standards but good. They served the tibia of the cow so there was not a lot of bone marrow available to eat. But there were humongous slices of pan toasted Texas toast (?) surrounding the bone. It tasted good when dipped in the beef sauce on the bottom of the plate. I did not want to eat too much bread though. I wanted to save my tummy for my Kobe steak. I had the Kobe steak tips with sweet potato fries. Very yummy. And the portion size was perfect. Not so much that it felt like eating at Grandma's. My friend had the drunken lobster. The drunken lobster was delicious. The natural flavors of the lobster were brought out so nicely by the chef. The waiter was cool. Attentive, prompt and pleasant. I enjoyed the whole experience from the food, the waitstaff to the ambiance. Next time I will sit at the window and order the NY Prime Steak.
(4)Chris W.
Had dinner on their first night open to the public. I went in being cynical of faux fancy chain restaurants, but I ended up being very impressed. The atmosphere upstairs felt bland and uninviting, the bar area downstairs and the lounge both have more charm. My cocktail was good but very expensive, just one dollar less than my entree. My entree was one half of a huge chicken which was cooked perfectly. It was very moist and had a thin crackly skin. I ordered it with the jalapeno jam which had a great amount of heat and was tangy at the same time. It also came with creamed spinach which was pretty good. Everyone else at my table got salads which also had good portion sizes. I tried the Asian salad and the duck was a little dry, but the dressing was good. My dinner was delicious and the service was great. It was opening night and kind of quiet when we sat down though, but the restaurant was full by the time we left. I will definitely come back. I like almost everything the BBRG does.
(4)Simone C.
Love the chopped salad- it really does have every vegetable. The brunch is also lovely - with blood orange and champagne cocktails how can I argue?
(4)Shawn W.
I've heard many good things about this place. I was out and about shopping with a friend. We had lunch elsewhere. Then we decided to head to the Met for coffee/wine and dessert. The manager was actually really nice and seated us quite fast. However, that's where the niceness ended. I ordered coffee and the friend ordered wine. After a long wait, we finally ordered a chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. The waitress had absolutely NO personality. She NEVER offered to refill my coffee, but always made sure my friend had wine. I know I could've asked, but, as someone who has worked as a waiter - you NEVER want a guest's coffee cup empty. All in all, I probably won't be returning.
(2)brian b.
I needed a buger fix....badly! Could smell the meat grilling from a half block away. I got the Met Prime Mix with a Boston set up - Bacon, Cheese & Egg along with a Stone Levitation Ale. Ate at the bar, patio was quite busy due to the nice weather. Wait staff seemed to be bustin their humps while I was there. Buger was very good, egg was nicely runny, cheese could have been melted more, bacon was smoky & perfect. Extra points for actually cooking the buger to medium as requested. Beef Short Rib tacos looked really good, but no room, maybe next time. I'd say it's good, but pick your spots, stick to the basics and you should be fine.
(3)Amy F.
My first time writing a restaurant review...that's how awful our breakfast experience was at The Met. Very disappointing after being served $13 cold "eggs bennie" with the eggs cooked to almost hard boiled and a stale english muffin, and a veggie omelet that was basically cold vegetables with an egg pancake thrown on top. I have to say, this was the worst restaurant food I have ever been served. I was quite embarrassed for the restaurant. I did want to talk to the manager, Dean, however he was too busy. So we paid our bill, gave a tip, and warned a few people on our way out.
(1)Martine S.
Had the caesar salad with sirloin & it was super yummy. We got our food super fast but our waiter was super slow. It took a while for someone to see what we wanted to eat & to pay. However, I highly recommend this place. The benches outside are kind of low for the tables but it all worked itself out.
(4)Jaime M.
Not the greatest. Came here the other night with a friend. I know it was a Sunday but the place was DEAD. The food was just 'meh' and service was severly lacking. I hate when waiters forget bread and disappear for hours on end when there is literally NO ONE eating in the restaurant. I ordered a tuna dish-- it was just ok. There are wayyy too many good restaurants in Back Bay to waste a good meal here... wouldn't come back for dinner any time soon.
(2)Debbie T.
I went here saturday night and the only reason I give it one star is because the pineapple martini is amazing. The food and the service sucks. The hostess was really rude and rolled her eyes several times. You have to pay for bread and everything on the menu that we ordered was not good at all. There were six of us and we each got something different and no one was happy. Really disappointed with this establishment.
(1)G. B.
They had a breakfast set up outside one weekday morning. We happened to be walking by an noticed it. Stopped in and had some. Good food and reasonably priced with good service. Don't know anything else about this place.
(4)Jessica L.
Great food and atmosphere. I usually sit downstairs at the meat slicing bar. The waitstaff has always been really friendly. Sometimes the food can take a while to come out but it's understandable since the place is always crowded. Portion sizes are decent. The best thing on the menu is their pasta bolognese with a glass of sangria, it makes for a perfect dinner. Just watch out for the wine glasses, the last two times I've been there, there has been lipstick on my wine glass which really grosses me out!!! So check the rim of your wine glass! Aside from that, it's a great place.
(4)Kate D.
The Met Back Bay is average at best. The food is mediocre and expensive. The service is slow. The outdoor seating on Newbury St is great, but that's about all The Met has going for it. I've eaten there twice and my 2 year old's grilled cheese was the tastiest thing on the table both times. Hit up Stephanie's or Joe's instead!
(2)H G.
Worst sangria ever.....they seem to be making it from some bottled syrup and it tastes like one too...
(1)Lauren B.
Great add to the Back Bay neighborhood. I love their salads and the choice of 3 different ambiances is amazing (library, restaurant and downstairs). Bartenders also very friendly and know their regulars... Such a pleasure to sit down at the bar and have a Sauv. Blanc waiting.....
(4)S. M. S.
Great menu with something for everyone, reasonable prices, decent execution on each dish we ordered. For the price, location and diverse menu offerings, it's worth a visit.
(4)Chana B.
Horrific, horrific, service. We came for a few drinks to the bar on the lower level, and the waitress ignored for twenty minutes, half an hour later brought my friend's salad but not our drinks or even any water. You do not serve food without at least water. We were appalled, insulted, and ignored until we voiced our concerns to a different waitress who clearly tried her best to clue in the space cadet who was giving us such bad service. HUGE disappointment. You cannot make it on Newbury street if this is the service you provide.
(1)Anya R.
I am absolutely in love with this place! Not only is the ambiance amazing, the food is even better. I have been here 4 times and all 4 times I have gotten the Aged Meatballs - these are to die for. I have been with others who have gotten the steak tips, pork and the pot pie - all have loved their food. Highly recommended!
(5)Steven C.
I feel this place is a bit over-rated for what they provide. The food was good, but they gave me potato chips with my sandwich. I'm not talking the homemade kind just plain potato chips. Not impressed at all. Also they are not flexible with their restaurant week lunch menu. They force the three entrees instead of choosing the two entree option as most places do. I wouldn't recommend this place.
(2)Elizabeth O.
I love Met Back Bay. First, I feel like this was an inspired choice for location. Met makes so much better use of the space than Joe's American did (and Joe's is better off in its new home a block away), and Met really did a great job with the space. It is elegant, but at the same time casual and comfortable. The downstairs bar is also fun, although better on weekdays as it gets very crowded on weekends. The food is good - not the best I've ever had, but a fun menu and good quality. My husband says the burger is great. I really love the drinks - lots of interesting cocktails, and I almost fell off my seat my first time there when I saw the martinis were only $9! Overall, I love the Met for the great atmosphere and the pleasant prices - and the decent food is just a bonus.
(5)Edward H.
Booo!! Didn't even get past the water being served. Watched everyone around us get served, including those that came after us. Decided to give up and go elsewhere. Horrible service indeed!!
(1)Lina F.
It is a nice addition to the Newbury street neighborhood. The burger was very decent but not the best burger I have had. The restaurant has specials after 5 pm each day which look pretty good. It is a bit pricey for the food you get but you are paying for the atmosphere.
(3)Elizabeth H.
Love the food at MET and that's what keeps me coming back but the service is always sub par. Today we were addressed twice in two hours. Not ok.
(2)James R.
I've been here twice now so I think I've seen enough to write a review. My first visit was about a year ago, second was a couple of days ago, both were for lunch. From what I remember the menu hasn't changed much in that time. On my first visit I had a vegetarian open face sandwich, this time I had a club sandwich and a cheddar lobster dip appetizer. Overall the food was kind of what you expect to find at a moderately upscale establishment in Back Bay - standard fare that isn't really worth writing home about (though yelp reviewing is acceptable). The service was satisfactory and the atmosphere is nice - think leather benches on around the outside walls. The patio on Newbury is also a nice option I've never utilized. Pricing is reasonable. Overall Met Back Bay is nothing special but it doesn't really do anything wrong either. I also wasn't too adventurous with the menu so it could be better than I realize.
(3)Lindsey R.
i'm a local that frequents this restaurant often, and usually have a good meal. I love the atmosphere in the downstairs bar, and the outdoor patio is awesome during the summer. The waitstaff is attentive and very friendly. My one gripe is that they literally charge $15 to add shrimp to a salad. For 3 shrimp this is literally insane, and more than the actual salad itself ($14 for large entree size). I thought my bill was incorrect when the salad ended up being $29, but indeed that's how much they charge. The waitress was somewhat apologetic that I was so surprised by the charge, but didn't do anything further. She could have at least warned me that ordering shrimp (not listed on the menu) was going to cost $15. I would have ordered something else if she had. I personally think this charge is highway robbery, but unfortunately am not that surprised considering they charge over $6 for a bread basket. I'll still continue to go to the Met for a yummy cocktail and burger (delicious fries!) but beware that there are a lot of up-charges.
(3)Gaby F.
Really really bad place. All about service. Food was OK but when food is just OK service has to be great. Sat whilst waiter ran to other tables for 25 mins! It got so bad they had the hostess laying out silverware. Really incompetent. Leave it to the walk in tourists. Dreadful.
(1)Jenny S.
LOVING THEIR COCKTAILS!! they were all refreshing & not syrupy or overly sweet as many cocktails can become!! we were even able to enjoy our drinks at a table in the bar area, which was nice and relaxing ---cucumber gimlet (my favorite) ---pimm's cup ---grapefruit fizz NOTE: they have a restaurant and then a bar side w/ a charcuterie bar & let me just say the food smelled amazing!!! i think i'll be coming back to try the food!
(4)Laurie F.
I'm actually shocked at the negative reviews here, as me and the four others I went to brunch with yesterday were blown away. The two locals had been there before, but myself and the other two visitors were newbies. We came from NYC and are certainly well-versed in SERIOUS eating. Most of us had all also worked in the food/beverage/service industry at some point. I'm only prefacing this review that way because we tend to be a little critical, and having this consensus of how ridiculously good Met Back Bay was is unusual for the group. Brunch started with a bloody mary, ordered off of their bloody mary menu. Wait... you can put a CHEESEBURGER on your bloody mary? Why yes please, I'll have that. In fact, we all did. Other various options included cocktail onions, bacon old bay seasoning, olives, pickles, pepperoncini, horseradish, Met sauce or spices (?), bacon salted rim, cornichons, and probably a ton I'm missing. Did the drink actually cost more than my brunch entree? Sure did. But delicious and totally worth it. The burgers were fresh and delicious. My friend's piece of bacon was a little fatty for her, but when the waiter noticed she had sort of picked around the fat, he asked if it was okay and offered to bring her another piece. THAT'S attention to detail and service. I wish I would've gotten his name to give him a good shout out in this review. Brunch entrees ordered: 2 sandwiches called "The Cure", a pork-stuffed hash brown with fried egg and jalapeno hollandaise, some sort of stuffed french toast, and a truffled croque madame. The portions were enough to install a serious food baby in my belly for the rest of the afternoon. The taste was on point. Everyone raved. New mission: copy these bloody marys for every brunch I host from now on. Maybe I'll have to get back to Met whenever I'm in Boston to do some... er... "research"...
(5)Maya T.
I took a friend here who was visiting from out of town. We didn't have to wait on a Tuesday night for dinner which was good. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. Our good came out fast. I had the rigatoni bolognese and my friend got the rice bowl. Both were delicious. The only problem was there were mosquitoes in the restaurant! We kept getting bitten, so it was annoying when we were eating. Was ready to leave once we were done eating. We got the ice cream sandwich and it was delicious.
(3)Tyler S.
There are plenty of other restaurants/bars within walking distance from here that run circles around this place. The service is pretty bad and the drinks and food are nothing special.
(2)Alex K.
Incredibly disappointing! This place has a great atmosphere and an awesome maître d, but beyond that it is lacking in all categories. The service was dismal, and for the price of entrees (hovering around mid 20s) it was a disappointment. Sad to say I won't be back.
(2)Scott S.
Awful tartar. Service subpar. Good place for a burger and fries or drinks at bar, but nothing else.
(2)Emily L.
I like their ambience but their food is only okay. I like the dedham location more. Their burgers are nothing special. The bartender can make pretty good drinks. Got a dirty martini and it was well made.
(2)Marcy H.
Love this place! Great food and fun atmosphere! Lox at the sunday brunch was fabulous
(4)Caitlin G.
I'm honestly surprised by all the negative reviews on here! Except for one bad service experience, this place is reliably delicious for food. The drinks, although a bit lackluster and overpriced, are pretty decent as well. This is one of my favorite after-work bars. We usually get a bunch of apps, so that's what my review is mostly based on, but they've all been incredibly good. And I have to say that the broccoli tempura is just otherworldly. Much to my chagrin, they took it off of the menu, and I'm eagerly anticipating the day that it's back on. They tempura-fry broccoli, coat it in some delicious orange glaze, and drizzle some sort of aioli on top. It was sheer ecstasy on a plate. Try the lobster dip, roasted brussel sprouts or any of their salads (Green Guru in particular). I've also had a burger and it was yummy. The only negative is that the drinks are kind of weak; the wine pours are skimptastic, but again, that's what you'd expect from a Boston bar.
(4)Elly W.
Last minute dine in here for RW. The place is big and clean. Very friendly staff. Me and my cousin had a three course meal each. Watermelon carpaccio and hamachi tacos for appetizers. Both had wonderful flavors. Entree was flank w/ potatoes and lobster gnocchi. Flank was good though one piece was Too dry. The potatoes were different and yummy. Lobster gnocchi with corn and Bacon was delicious. A lot of lobster served. Didn't like the fact the plate was chipped at four places. Also shared roasted asparagus with fried egg, aoili and parmesan. Delicious. Dessert was peanut butter Brownie and peach cobbler with cake and ice cream. I'm not a PB fan, bit the Brownie was pretty good. The cobbler was good, not a fan of warm fruits, but edible. Overall enjoyed our dinner and presentation was artful.
(4)Simon L.
Came for a birthday brunch. Excellent, slightly briny east coast oysters - several dozen. The mammoth hot dog is grilled nicely and has a thick skin with a good snap when biting through the dog. Spicy mustard is a welcome addition. The bun is buttered and grilled and "almost' fits the meaty dog. The burger has red wine sauteed onions, thick smoked bacon, cheddar cheese. A large, well formed patty has decent seasoning although it is cooked past medium rare to a medium temperature. This has the unfortunate effect of drying out the prime beef. The beef is so prime in fact that there is almost not enough juice content in the meat. Efficient service. Good location. Excellent martinis.
(3)Jessi R.
I came in for the Hot Chocolate Experience, and decided that dinner beforehand was probably a good idea. I've heard great things about MET, and do not have to hurt any of my friends for leading me astray. The menu was short but had plenty of fairly unique options. Knowing we were ordering dessert, we skipped the appetizer. My wife ordered the Maple Balsamic Salmon and I had Spaghetti Lobster Arrabiata. Hers was excellent, and left her wanting more. Mine was very good, but I wanted a little something "more" to fill it out some--it was very heavy on the pasta with not quite enough of anything else. Dessert was wonderful. We probably should have stuck with the hot chocolate (grown up of course), but couldn't resist and also ordered a chocolate cake and sorbet dish that I can't seem to find on the menu (it's only been a week!!). The cake was a little dry, but the sauce & sorbet mostly made amends. All the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful; the restaurant was clean and it didn't feel stuffy despite it's Newbury St location.
(4)D K.
Bloodys are great but the food is inconsistent. Eggs Benedict had raw egg and potatoes were hard and undercooked.
(2)Billy W.
Nice atmosphere. Great Drinks, Busy all the time, and a great place after shopping on Newbury Street. Will be back hopefully someday.
(4)Fred L.
Don't order the turkey burger. After I mentioned how dry it was, the bartender said it's always prepared like this and that while some people don't like it dry, some people love it this way. Wait, what? Thank you for taking it off the bill (I still tipped you $8 on a $17 bill), but seriously try to find me someone who loves overcooked, dry food. I've had brunch here before many times and it's very acceptable food. Certainly not the worst, but not even close to the best. The breakfast fries with hamburger meat, onions, cheese and an egg are however a great hangover cure. All in all, an average spot with a good selection of appetizers and entrees. Stick with brunch if you can.
(3)Jen C.
I just had a surprisingly bad experience at Met Back Bay - my sandwich was horribly made and missing ingredients and our waiter did not appear to like me. I went for lunch and sat downstairs. We ordered our food and drink (no special requests), all was fine. I ordered their Club (with avocado, brie, & arugula). I ate the 1st half, which had a very small piece of chicken, but the bacon and avocado were there. Tasted fine. When I went to eat the 2nd half, realized all the bacon and avocado were on the 1st half. All it had was chicken and arugula (no condiments). Not caring that much, I just asked for a side of mayo The table next to me gets a side of mayo delivered. A minute later I hear a *thunk* and a squeeze bottle of mayo has been placed on the table with a lot of force. When I give a startled jump, the waiter snaps "you asked for mayo, right?". Somehow I completely offended him by asking for mayo. He then completely abandons our table. Someone else clears our plates and we have to wait before he finally comes with the check. He walks by us as we leave and doesn't even say goodbye. When I get back to the office and realize there was no brie on my sandwich...
(2)Caesar S.
Came here for brunch on a Saturday morning and have nothing but good to say about my experience. I ordered the breakfast burrito with home fries and it was delicious. They were both packed with flavor and nicely seasoned. Their mimosas are good, but small. Solid, friendly service as well. If I were to say anything negative about this place, it would be that it's pricey ($70 bill after tip for two people). But you should expect that due to the fact it's on Newbury Street. Overall, great experience and would definitely recommend it to others.
(4)Andrew p.
***update*** I left the review below including the description of service and the manager (Steve) read it, took the feedback and went out of his way to make my most recent visit a superior experience. I really appreciate his going the extra mile. *** Previous review: I've come here for the past 2 years and have always enjoyed the Paris burger. Who wouldn't love a perfectly cooked medium rare burger covered in gooey Brie cheese and a fried egg? In general the food is better than most chains but nothing mind blowing. The service is the reason for the 2 star review and really this is due to the hostess and manager who multiple weekends in a row have told us that the wait would be significantly shorter than it was. This past weekend the manager said it would be a 20 min wait that ended up being 1 hour and 15 minutes. I think the most frustrating part is they repeatedly seated "friends" of the manager ahead of people waiting. I hope they can change their management and particularly the manager Steve who clearly does not have the restaurant's best interest at heart.
(4)Katie B.
I have been to met bar a bunch of times and I went today for lunch and sat at the bar. It is the first sunny and slightly warm day of 2015 so the patio is full and its understandably busy. The service was stressed and the woman manager with the shaved head made everyone in the restaurant know how stressed the staff was. The bartenders were overwhelmed and did the best they could. The food was not as great as I've had in the past. Stick to the ham and cheese bar and you can't lose. Bottom line - manager need to not yell at her staff in front of customers. Ever.
(2)Teri D.
Ate here last month on a whim as we had just arrived and were hungry. Wish we had found another place. It is a great location right in the thick of things and the outdoor seating is very nice but this day our server?? Sad! Had to wait and wait and wait for everything. Had to flag down another server to get ours to come back once. And then there was the food. We had breakfast there and even though the 3 egg omelet was good the brioche that came with it was so freaking dry it was like trying to eat packing peanuts. The blueberry compote that came with it was great though. Costs: 3 egg omelet - $11 Egg met muffin - $10 Side of bacon - $5 Glass of Pomm juice - $4.00 Not that cheap for two but if the service (and some bread) had been better it wouldn't have mattered.
(2)Laleh J.
Decent fare. Sit outside when the weather is good.
(4)Lillian C.
Came in for drinks with some friends on a Friday night before we headed out dancing. I've never tried this place, but walked by many times. On this particular night it was pretty busy, with people outside and downstairs in the bar area. I tried a blood orange martini since it was highly recommended. It was actually quite delicious and I would come back for that anytime! I also wanted a bite to eat and was recommended their short rib tacos and it was delicious! It was really flavorful and the sauce dripped all over when I ate it. They weren't stingy with the meat wither. There was also a side of lettuce and salsa, but the tacos didn't really need it. The shells were also nice and crunchy without being too crispy. Oh, and I also tried some of their cheesy garlic bread? It smelled so good, but lacked flavor. Overall, a good time with some friends with a yummy drink and snack.
(3)Joni D.
Delicious lunch and attentive service. Food was fresh with ample portions. Not a diner and not cheap but light and bright with outside space and a large bar downstairs.
(4)Stanley J.
I had dinner on the patio here tonight, at first we were seated by a window that was opened to the restaurant, I've been before but only inside upstairs the noise was so loud we couldn't hear each other seated at a small table about 2 feet away. We politely asked to be moved the street side was cushioned not metal seats. Still a small table. It was cold enough put they should pf lit the patio heaters also but didn't. The server was nice and very attentive. And the food was good and prepared quickly and there was no wait to be seated. I'd say overall 3.5-4stars
(3)Melissa F.
I don't understand how this place has only 3 stars. I came here for breakfast with a friend and was very pleased with our meal. We sat in the upstairs part of the restaurant. I loved that it was so bright and sunny since there are lots of windows. You can tell this place is more upscale, but at the same time it's very comfortable too. We both ended up ordering the eggs benedict. It was SO good! And I consider myself a snob when it comes to eggs benedict, since lots of places manage to mess it up. At Met they serve it on a biscuit, which I thought would make it heavy but somehow it was very light. Their crispy potatoes were delish too. I highly recommend ordering the french press for two because it was amazing. I'm sure the regular drip coffee is good too, but if you like darker/stronger coffee, get the french press. I'm happy I finally got a chance to try out Met. Their prices weren't too bad, especially for Newbury street. Can't wait to come back for dinner and drinks.
(4)Evan J.
I was invited back by the owner and had a much better experience. I think part of the weakness before was that the winter menu just wasn't very good. This time around, I shared the falafel and truffle corn appetizers (yum!) and had a middle-of-the-road sirloin tip entree. What really made it though was our server - I think his name was Michael. Very funny and helpful in guiding us through the new menu.
(3)john j.
Really disappointing food. Ordered a pricey large salad, expecting lots of good ingredients. What came out was mostly lettuce and beets. The "Eggs Benedict" had no hollandaise sauce, which in my book is somewhat like serving a ham & cheese sandwich with just two slices of pasty american cheese. Service was OK.
(2)E L.
Bad food and way overpriced for the quality. The service was good, though (hence 2 stars instead of 1). We got the lobster cheddar dip, the fried calamari and the lobster parpadelle. We didn't like any of them (way too greasy, and unrefined). I am sure we would have gotten better quality in an Applebee's for 1/3 of the price. If you are charging $30 for a pasta dish with a few lobster pieces in it, it better be, at least, good. Our waitress was really sweet and friendly. Really disappointing, but then again, we didn't check out the reviews on yelp before going there... "Our bad".
(2)David S.
Just say: GOOD: - To start order the "Fried Calamari". The red sauce is very good. A little bit sweet and spicy, the perfect mix then! - The best Burger (or mix of flavors because the meat is simply good/normal) you can eat in Boston!! is amazing! Take the "Paris Burger" (a delicious mix of Brie cheese, sweet onions, Truffle mayo and fried egg)! Keep on mind that this Burger is only in the Bar Menu, but you can order it in the restaurant as well! ask for it! BAD: - Sometimes they have mistakes about they overcook the meet if you want medium-rear your Burger, but not always. - The personal could be more friendly. thanks!
(4)Daniel A.
An excellent place for an old school drink or some really good food. First of all, you have a choice when you walk in here...you can go downstairs to the relaxed bar area, or you can go upstairs for the prohibition type bar. Both areas have the same prices, but I prefer upstairs at the bar with a great bartender. I was fortunate enough to have Jay as the bartender that night, and he knows how to make some serious drinks! He also has an extensive wine knowledge, so if you are in the mood for a great drink...GO UPSTAIRS. The food was delicious here too. Fresh cheeses, and one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. I am not kidding. As them what their recommended pasta dish is and you will be in heaven.
(4)Michael K.
Dropped in on a slow Wednesday. Atmosphere: Nice, clean place that appears upscale. Only complaint was that in an empty restaurant they seated us next to 3 loud sales guys when plenty of other tables were available. Service: Really good waiter. Friendly, wanted to help and only disappeared once Food: Huge portions. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, found the lobster to be tasty, but in limited supply. The mac and cheese was mac and cheese. I also had fried oysters as an appetizer, but they were flavorless. Cost: High, but not unreasonable. If you go out once a week, i'd suggest some place else; but if you want an ok place for a business dinner, you could do much worse. Overall: Has potential, but not there yet.
(3)James D.
Some of the worst service I have experienced. The location is great and the food is ok. But we had to wait exceptionally long to be greeted. Even longer for our drinks to arrive and even longer for our food to arrive. The worst part is that the waitress didn't even seem to care or perhaps even notice. It seemed like the waitress was the issue because she didn't seem to think 15 minutes to wait for drinks was a long time. After everything taking so long it didn't matter how the food tasted at that point. All we could think about was how frustrated we were with the lack of service.
(2)Marya K.
If I could give this place negative stars I would. My little brother went in before us to get a table and the manager looked down at him like he didn't even exist. Oh wait Manager......You do what for work? This is your career?? Oh I'm sorry you are a restaurant manager????!! Right..... Well keep patting yourself on the back because pretty sure my little brother makes three times as much as your pathetic little wait staff salary. I won't ever go back there and it's too bad because the food is actually decent and it's a fun place for brunch.
(1)Dawn E.
Ham and cheese Deliciousness Got me through 'Til dinner. Nothing grand Or real unique About the Met Back Bay Spot.
(3)Alex R.
The menu is a little scattered, not many options. I went for the hot chocolate trifecta which was delicious! Get it grown up. I had the croque Madame with Gruyere cheese which was to die for. Burgers are good too.
(4)Ellen H.
I am genuinely surprised at the negative reviews; I think this place is a real gem. Came here on a chilly Thursday night completely by surprise -- went on a dinner mission with a girlfriend and were turned away from both Red Lantern and Lolita! We wandered onto Newbury and saw Met and when they said "come on in", we practically ran. We were seated in the upstairs dining room in a bay window and given good service by our waiter, Travis. The menu is interesting and we went with the Iced-N-Sweet pitcher. That's right, a pitcher of cocktails for $24. They were well-made, and Travis refilled our cocktail glasses and water glasses whenever they got low. The usual "bread basket" was sesame hard breadsticks and basically cheese whiz in a steel cup. WAY underwhelming for an upscale restaurant. If the management knows what they're doing, they'll take a page from Capital Grille and keep the sesame sticks, but include them in a variety basket of artisan breads with butter or oil, or maybe even butter/oil AND the cheesewhiz option. But not just cheese whiz. Way weird for the atmosphere. We both ordered the wedge salad and 2 more pitchers of cocktails. The salads were HA-YUGE. A full head of lettuce, delicious, fresh, amazing, and perfectly priced. The drinks continued to be excellent, but the last pitcher seemed a touch weaker than the first two -- not sure if this was my imagination or a sign that we had consumed enough. Side of truffle fries were so-so. Maybe I'm just not a truffle person? I was expecting little wedges of potato heaven. We got about 6 drinks from each pitcher, so at $24 per, the drinks were a steal and I would ABSOLUTELY come back for drinks anytime I get a chance! Total bill for 3 pitches, 2 salads, and fries was $110. Not bad. Service was great - thanks, Travis! Atmosphere was actually awesome - date-worthy, family-dinner worthy, drinks-worthy, just-hanging-out worthy. Love it!
(4)Stella L.
I live right next to MET back bay so I've been there numerous times but something has always gone wrong; I've gotten the wrong meal or been charged more/double, etc. The food is good so I kept going back but this is the last time. I was there on 9/15/13 with my roommate and her brother. I ordered the truffle fries which are $9.43. I did not get a drink or anything and we got separate checks. Our waiter was nice but he was a little clumsy; little did I know how much frustration he would cause me. We signed the separate checks and went home. I look at my statement the next day and see that they charged me TWICE, $60.99 for my roommates' meal and $9.43 for mine. I call them back and speak to the hostess who was very nice, and she said I would get a call back from Dan (the manager); this was at 1.55pm. I do not hear back from Dan so I call him at 5:15pm. He is nice and says he was extremely busy but he will look into it and call me back in an hour. 3 hours go by and nothing so I call HIM back at 9:00pm and he just replies that the charge was deleted and it should be deleted from my account that day. The next day, I check my statement and see that the $60.99 is still pending and now I have been CHARGED $19.63 for my meal. Apparently, the waiter tipped himself $10.00. Apparently, its normal to tip MORE than the actual meal. Now even more frustrated, I just called the restaurant and the hostess said the manager will be in within the hour and should get back to me. I am not holding my breath.... Honestly, this is ridiculous and if i was not OCD about checking my statement, these charges could have gone through and my $9 meal would've cost me $80!! Food is not bad but bring cash if you can because I do not trust them with my card.
(2)Benjamin C.
My girlfriend and I love to brunch on Sunday. She recommended the Met Bar. I can honestly say that I haven't been made happier by a meal at a restaurant in years. I had their Poached Eggs (Bennie) with the Met Shrimp Mary and a side of bacon. We sat in a beautiful embankment that allowed us to view Newbury Street. The Shrimp Mary is epic. It is 22 ounces of savory bloody marry with two jumbo olives, a stalk of celery, and a gigantic shrimp. The rim of the glass is coated in Old Bay seasoning. It's $15 and worth every penny. The Eggs Benedict was wonderful. Perfectly poached eggs over a bed of ham and spinach with cream hollandaise sauce. I ate myself stupid. I took a star off for service. My girlfriend was not pleased with the lack of attention we had received. She needed coffee refills and had to swap out some dirty silverware in the table. It was difficult to flag down our waitress as she wasn't around unless she was within a few feet, which was rare. I recommend this location for a decadent brunch. Even if Eggs Benedict isn't your thing, they have a lot to choose from including cheese plates. Can't wait to go back for another special brunch.
(4)Anne K.
I ate brunch here with a friend and loved it. I had the breakfast burrito which was delicious, and a bellini (note their menu differs a bit from what is seen online). I would have given five stars except for the seating arrangements - I sat next to my friend which was just awkward. Also FYI, they don't have valet available for brunch.
(4)Paul S.
I am a fan for the place only because of the bartender named Roderick, from South Carolina. It's expense and the male-host will throw you back. BUT if you really are curious about this restaurant then find when and where Roderick is behind the bar, and have him serve you. I will honestly go back there just to chat it up with him. DON'T miss him. He's a great guy to know.
(3)Carolyn K.
A few friends and I recently went back after our originally bad experience and Met Back Bay did everything they could to make up for it. My friends and I were seated right away and the service was excellent. We had a very attentive, cheery waitress who did everything she could to make our experience as pleasurable as possible. As a vegetarian, I was wavering between the Macaroni and Cheese (which I had last time and knew was good) and a Tofu Steak dish. I decided on the Tofu Steak to mix things up. It was good, but the Macaroni and Cheese is better. I realize I am just not a health food person. Tip: The buttermilk biscuits are AMAZING. They are a must-have appetizer. My friends were also very happy with their meals. The portion sizes were ample and left just enough room for desert. I personally recommend the peanut butter chocolate cake for desert. They also have a "build your own sundae" option which is a lot of fun. I believe a lot has changed in the year since Met Back Bay first opened on Newbury street. Our service was drastically improved. The food has always been good (at least what my friends and I have ordered). The Mac & Cheese is my favorite. As I said in the original review, the ambiance and environment is classy and romantic. My main complaint was the spotty service. However, the service has been greatly improved and I highly recommend going to MBB for a fantastic evening out in Boston. I will definitely go back.
(5)Clara L.
Pretty disappointing experience. I've heard good things about Met Back Bay, but our experience didn't match up. There wasn't a wait the evening we went, so that was nice. After we were seated on the patio, we waited about 10 minutes to even be greeted by our server. It was merely a hi and I will be back, after which it took another 10 minutes and an inquiry on our part to get some water and order drinks. The drinks took nearly another 15-20 minutes to be delivered. Our server had no personality, everything was monotone and he spoke at nearly a whisper and had to be asked to repeat some things. My pineapple martini was quite tasty, my boyfriend's burger was good and my fish was tender. However, the truffle fries were very upsetting. I was charged an additional $2 to change my regular fries for the truffled ones, and there was absolutely no truffle flavor. The parmesan was sprinkled lightly over the fries and they were somewhat soggy. We were only checked on once during the entire meal, and had to flag him down for a refill. Our service finally picked up after our plates were cleared and the check came. Our dinner took over an hour and the patio was not full. There were at least 4 servers and 4 assistants on the patio, and many of them kept running into each other. Overall, I think things could have been more streamlined to improve speed and quality of service.
(2)Brandon L.
I have to say the food here really has been very good when I've gone. Service.......HORRIBLE. Just recently went and our waiter was on another planet........just stared at us for no reason......never seen gay guys before? Had to ask for everything!!! Dishes for apps.....silverware.....drinks....like this guy was oblivious. BAD. Was the salmon wild or farm raised? Clueless......had to go ask......back ten minutes later with the answer.....seriously? Is wild btw.........
(2)Emma J.
Coming from someone with restaurant experience.. You don't ever tell someone to go find themselves seats... If you're asking to be seated.. Especially with a large party with kids! Disappointed on how rude the hostess was..
(1)E J.
Wonderful ambiance and food. Classy and tasteful decor. Perfect for romantic dinner. Food is exceptional across the board. Not cheap, but certainly not crazy overpriced like the capital grill...and fare is comparable. The "hot chocolate experience" is not to be missed, though the desserts--and the dessert menu--left us disappointed. Also exceptional place for classy, romantic, maybe business drinks. Go.
(4)vanya k.
Overpriced! I was charged $27 for a Caesar salad ($12 on the menu), with added grilled shrimp. The waitress did not ding necessary to mention that 3 pieces of shrimp cost $15, even though the most expensive add-in to a salad listed is salmon for $9. That will be a salad I will remember! And I am not going back.. Who knows, maybe next time I get charged $20 for a soup with extra cheese on top?!?!
(2)Sally R.
If you ever want a salad at a restaurant, go to Met. I know it sounds counterintuitive, because I typically think of Met as a good after-work or pre-dinner place to grab a beer (great, simple liste) and some mac and cheese balls. Or a cocktail (small list, but some gems on there) and a charcuterie board. Nope, I'm telling you to get the arugula salad with salmon on top. In the last 3 months I've had this salad around 5 times, and it is consistently amazing. AMAZING. I've never had a full meal at Met, but always gone for drinks and apps. Or drinks and a few small plates to share. When the burger and fries trays make their way through the large downstairs bar, they always look terrific. I love how big the menu is here, the fact you can sit outside when the weather cooperates, and how you can usually get a seat for the drinks and apps experience. Yay! I'm a fan.
(4)Sara S.
The GOOD: - The Truffle Indian Corn and Local Burrata with English Peas and Pesto are DELICIOUS and generously portioned as "starters" The BAD: - My dirty martini was not served dirty - Our entrees arrived at the exact same time as our starters, literally (I'm not exaggerating) four minutes after we ordered - They forgot the chicken on my salad - They also forgot the cheese and avocado on my salad (in salad description) - They didn't serve my dressing on the side as requested - Fork was so bent that it was unusable and had to ask for a new one There ya have it, folks. You decide if it's worth it.
(2)Shannon S.
I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars... and settled on 3. Let me explain. We arrived at about 1pm on a Saturday and were told that we could try to find a place in the lounge or wait for a table (20 mins or so)... we went for the lounge. Found seats at the bar (3 of us) and were promptly greeted by the bartender. We ordered a pitcher of sangria. For $24, I expected something MUCH better. There was SO much ice in the pitcher AND in our glasses, we barely ended up with a glass each. And it wasn't that great. Watered down and just disappointing. We started with the biscuits and duck-fat fries. The biscuits were yummy and the duck-fat fries were delicious. They were crunchy and smokey and I could feel them going straight to my thighs. But it's the holidays right? I ordered the eggplant caprese sandwhich. Not terrible but pretty bland. It needed some sort of sauce or something... it was dry and all I could taste was bread and fried-ness. Bummer. All in all, not a terrible meal but for dropping $40 (each!) for lunch, I would've liked a more memorable food-experience.
(3)Josh W.
Great food! Good Service. It seems every review I read about this place is based one bad experience or some type of unfortunate human error. I think the people who eat here often like myself need to share more. You cannot deny your taste buds when you are here. The brunch and the burgers are top notch. The Chef is amazing he knows what people want. This is a gem in such an upscale neighborhood like the back bay. The ham and cheese bar is innovative and is the perfect appetizer. The cocktails are amazing too, I hope to eventually try them all. I will be back again and again and when friends go to Boston I tell them to stop by and get a burger. The last person I recommended to go here, had brunch, and actually went back for dinner the same day with a client because they wanted to be sure to impress. They did.
(5)Ana S.
Paid my first visit to the MET bar after hearing many compliments from friends and was not disappointed! I found the atmosphere both inside and out to be comfortable and chic and the staff very attentive. I enjoyed a wonderful chopped salad for lunch so much that I went back for brunch and was equally impressed with that meal as well! Patrick, one of the managers, was very thorough with the customers ensuring they were satisfied with their experiences. It was a pleasure to see a manager so on top of things and clearly enjoying his work. Anna, one of the servers was very friendly and helpful in explaining the dishes which was much appreciated. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Boston!
(4)Kojack ..
very good food. excellent salads. decent price and attentive service.
(4)Reem o.
Absurd for a Back Bay establishment...went for a light brunch and forced us each to order food separately (couldn't share an appetizer)!!! Plenty of better places to go nearby...keep walking if you are thinking of stopping by.
(1)Tiffany J.
The food here is so overpriced and service is actually terrible. We sat in a mostly empty room for 45 minutes waiting for our waitress to walk by. The food itself tastes fine and their biscuits are really good, but they messed up one of the orders and didn't really do much about it. Talk about a dining experience that leaves much to be desired.
(2)Liz S.
I chose this restaurant spontaneously because my husband and I were hungry and it was close by. I mistakenly assumed that any restaurant in this prime location would have to be good. Wrong! I ordered trout in horseradish something-or-other. The fish was absolutely flavorless and the sides were weakly horseradish-tinged slop. I've had much better trout for half the price at other restaurants. If there were anything else on the menu I could eat (I have a gluten allergy) I would have sent it back. My husband reported that even his burger and fries weren't very good. How can a burger and fries not be good?! Disappointing.
(2)Meg N.
Visited Met on a Saturday afternoon for lunch - I had heard good things, but unfortunately was disappointed. The Good - The interior decoration was very nice (as were the bathrooms) and the room we sat in beautiful (we were seated right by a window with nice views of Newbury). The service was also quite good and we liked how we received our own bottle of water on the table. We both had wine and it was not overpriced and very good. The Bad - This is why I won't be back - the food - unfortunately the food was not as good as other places in the area (brunch places and steak places nearby). I had the Paris burger (ordered medium rare - came out well done) and my friend had the pork stuffed hash brown. The burger was good, despite being overcooked, but my friend said her brunch was greasy (you could see pools) and had no flavor. Also, the tables, glasses and dinner /glass wear did not seem overly clean (a bit worrisome). Looking around the restaurant there were a lot of 20-30 somethings and I think the restaurant is surviving on being trendy (and perhaps having good drinks and a nice patio in the summer). Met has so much potential - they should really work on the food.
(2)Jennifer T.
Nice restaurant with comfortable seats, although we made reservations for a booth, we were given a table instead. The menu had several choices, but didnt feel extensive - there were plenty of salad options, ham & cheese options, and steak choices. I got the kobe steak tips, which was served mixed in with argula and on top of a bed of whipped egg concoction. The beef was tender, flavorful, and plentiful. The intriguing mixture of the egg and salad was an interesting mix. My husband's prime rib was tender and sizeable portion, and he loved his crunchy fries. The choices of steak sauces were unique; he got the sante fe jam that was slightly sweet and with a kick. The service wasnt stellar though, the waiter wasnt too knowledgeable on the menu, absent-mindedly poured our friend's water glass only half way before wandering away, and we had to ask repeatedly before they remembered to come back out with some ketchup for the 3 of us who had fries with our meals. Overall, food was good, but not too much range in choices, and service could have been better... good, but not worth the newbury price tag.
(3)Eric S.
Ate outside for brunch. Got a seat right away, but it was hot and bright - only limited seats are covered by umbrellas (we had partial coverage at our table). The tables rock and are hard to sit close to and you can't lean in and have a conversation easily due to that mixed with the rocking table. No problem - get around this by getting booze - they have fantastic mixed drinks. I was hungover and enjoyed an excellent bloody mary. French toast was great, pancakes were good. The food isn't amazing, but much better than average. Seems like a trendy spot, fun to be outside - annoying if you can't get under an umbrella due to heat/light issues (esp if hungover). Very busy.
(3)Joy Y.
My friends and I came in after a long afternoon of bridesmaid dress shopping, so we were definitely in need of a drink or two. The cocktail list was pretty comprehensive and had enough options that certainly convinced us to drink a few more than we had intended. My favorite-- The Mighty Mable (vanilla vodka, ginger syrup and roasted pumpkin puree) I am not kidding when I say this is about the best damn drink I've ever had. It went down like a milkshake and packed enough punch to make it worth my while. I also tried the Mayflower and the Grilled Pineapple Martini which were pretty tasty as well. Seeing as how shopping also made us hungry, we also ordered the pizzette (bacon, caramelized onions, alpine cheese) the fries with truffle parmesan dip and the kobe sliders with wasabi mayo. Okay, so the food was good too, not as good as the drinks, but not too shabby either. The fries were amazing and I never knew I could like wasabi mayo so much, but the pizzette left quite a lot to be desired. What gave my rating a three however, was the service. Our waitress was... how do I say this nicely... well, lets just say she wasn't the smartest kid on the block. Sure, maybe it was her first night or maybe it was an off day, but we really weren't a difficult table, and there were only four of us. Basically our food took a really long time (because I'm pretty sure she forgot to put our order in) and we definitely asked for waters at least twice. Not hard, especially on a Wednesday, with maybe three other tables full in the whole place. Met Back Bay is on the expensive side. I mean sure you are on Newbury St and all, but for the amount of food we got, it seemed a bit much. I guess you are paying for ambiance though, which the Met sure has. I'll come back though, if not for anything else, definitely for the drinks. Yum!
(3)Tomi A.
This was my first time having brunch in Boston and I will say this place did not disappointment. To start, I got a Sangria while my friends got "Create-Your-Own" Bloody Mary's. The Sangria was a perfect way to start to the meal and the Bloody Mary's were a world of their own. You could even add a cheeseburger as a garnish! (which had to be done at my table). For food, I debated between the Breakfast Fries and the many different burger options. I eventually went with the Boston Burger with cheddar, bacon, and a delicious egg on top and my friends got the DC Burger, which was your standard All-American Burger, and the Breakfast Fries. The fries were the perfect cure for a hangover but you could only eat so much of it before getting sick of it. My Boston Burger was filling and I would get it again! We ended with "Doughnuts and Coffee" which were Italian ricotta fritters with a cinnamon coating and espresso custard dipping sauce. I absolutely recommend getting these and it is definitely shareable for two or three. All in all, I really enjoyed this place for brunch. Its hard to find places with great food and service and this place makes the cut! I intend on coming back really soon!!
(4)Boris L.
I will update this review when I get back here to try some food because everything I saw looked amazing. The cocktails that we got were some of the best I have had in the city. The venue itself is really cool, it has a modern/new-age sort of vibe.
(5)Rebecca C.
I've recently started coming here and it truly has been a treat. My usual bartender lily is always super friendly and quick to get my drinks to me. At the met there Are Multiple rooms with different ambiances. The room down stairs is more of a relaxed room and the other room I have gone to is right above the stairs. It is tiny but makes me feel like I'm in the movie pretty Woman.... Take that how You will. The food here is filling also! It is worth ordering the meatballs on Sunday. My friend got the meatballs With pesto pasta and garlic been and it looked amazing. I got the chicken meat balls with the Mac n cheese. A bit heavier than I expected but still delish!
(5)Angela L.
Came here for girls brunch after a night out. Thankfully we made reservations for this way ahead of time because the place was packed. Food was okay, a little pricey. I got the eggs and biscuit benedict (I really need to stop getting eggs Benedict!!! But it's too good). This one wasn't particularly any different than other restaurants with their eggs Benedict. It was good. Some friends got the California hen hash house and that looked delicious! Service on a Saturday during prime time brunch hours was poor. It was difficult to find out waiter and we were there a lot longer since it took awhile for us to order, to pay, and to get our check back. I wouldn't be opposed to coming back here (decor of the restaurant is really pretty), but I just thought the food was okay and that it was a little pricey. (I did see a table next to us that had ordered bloody Mary's and it came with a slider attached to it... So I'm intrigued to see what that's like!)
(3)Simon B.
Objectively one of the worst restaurant I've had in months, as we came to this restaurant for restaurant week. I'm fully aware that for restaurant weeks, restaurants pull out the cheap/high margin stuff. It is $20 for 3 courses, after all, and this is for a restaurant that sells a burger at about $20 as a single dish. But this was on another level, such that I will straight up refuse if one would ask me to join them at MET. Appetizer: I had the shrimp appetizer, which was a ready-made cold mix of shrimp cocktail, a bit of mayo, and avocado on top. A 5 year old could have made this dish, in about 2 minutes. She had the corn with sriracha mayo. The corn looked great, and it was probably the best part of our entire experience. Main course: I had the korean frites. A roasted half chicken topped with cold fries, all laid on the top of what tasted like Heinz red beans. The chicken was overcooked, and neither of us remembered what she had, which tells you all you need to know. Dessert: We both ordered the blackberry cobbler. The dish we received had clearly been in the freezer for too long, as the blackberries (all 3 of them) were frozen HARD. In fact everything was frozen so hard that it was inedible. When the 2nd waiter came and asked (for the first time) if everything was okay, I asked if it was intended that the blackberries were frozen hard. He said: "I'm sorry, the cooks probably put this in the freezer as you ordered a [cheap] restaurant week set menu. They never took it out." And then he left, never waiting for a response, offering a replacement or taking it off our checks. I know how hard it is to run a restaurant. But geez.
(1)A. D.
It was raining so we took the shelter of their bar and had a beer. Did not really have any food however, on looking they do have a good set of options. Bar tenders were friendly.
(3)BostonBestEats X.
As part of my ongoing saga to try every burger of note in the Boston area (see ranking and link to photos below), we recently made it to The Met Back Bay, which features a number of fancy burgers on it's various menus, particularly for brunch. Since this was a weeknight dinner, we had only one choice, although it sounded intriguing, if a bit over the top: SALTIE GIRL PRIME BURGER: Wagyu beef, fried lobster, avocado, Angry special sauce, BLT, and fries ($24) [BTW, "Saltie Girl" apparently refers to a Barcelona-inspired seafood spot that will be right next door to The Met, from the same owners, soon to open.] Don't you love how everyone has to have some sort of "special" sauce for their "special" burgers these days (sing along with me: "Two all beef patties, "special" sauce, lettuce, cheese...")? "Special" or not (I can't really remember), this was was a complete disaster of a burger. Please repeat after me: THE 1ST COMMANDMENT OF BURGERS: "Thou shall not pile on more than 4 ingredients on top of your burger, lest it explode all over your shirt." Not only did this just have too many disorganized ingredients stacked on top (including slippery slices of avocado that never had a chance of staying put long enough for me to take a bite), but I couldn't even taste the lobster. I could see it (particularly when it would shoot out onto my plate, after I had stuck it back in), but just not taste it. How about leaving it out next time? For $5 less it still wouldn't be a very good burger, but at least I would feel less used. While the Wagyu had a good chargrilled flavor, it was pretty dry (but at least cooked to med rare spec), although at first bite I actually thought it was a pretty juicy burger (the fat drippings from the bacon tricked me). Oh, and the fries were also over cooked and not very good. $24 is pretty extreme for a burger, even this era of high-end burgers (by way of comparison, the brilliant Craigie is $19). But frankly, I wouldn't pay more than a fiver for this one. Not recommended. Bostons Best Burgers: 1) Craigie on Main's Bar Burger 2) Alden & Harlow's Secret Burger 3) RF O'Sullivan's Black & Blue Burger 4) JM Curley's 5 oz. natural beef patty burger 5) Strip-T's burger 6) Bar Boulud's Classic Burger 7) Post 390's Tavern Burger 8) Washington Square Tavern's Burger 9) The Met Back Bay's Saltie Girl Prime Burger (not recommended) tinyurl.com/BostonsBestB… We also had a few apps including charcuterie, which were OK nothing special, and some pretty good wine (2012 Robert Foley Griffon).
(2)Jessica S.
Truffle fries and ham egg sandwich was divine. I had the palm beach salad which was sooo good also had the biscuits with maple butter I thought it was great and looking forward to coming back for drinks and dessert. One last thing - a tad loud so prob best to sit outside if you want to have a meaningful convo. Overall, I'd come back.
(4)Dan D.
Went for brunch on a Saturday, party of 6. Told the wait would be 1 hour for outdoor seating; got a call 10 minutes later saying they were ready for us. #notcomplaining Bloodies were great; cool you got to build your own, including adding a cheeseburger/shrimp/salami addition. Pork Stuffed Hash Brown is kind of a misnomer. Minimal pork, TON of hash brown. The serving was probably too big. The chicken hash had the same issue(s). You could share one of these and get an appetizer with someone and be set. The salmon and tuna tartare was very good, served with slightly stale taro chips. They were kind enough to substitute salmon for an additional helping of tuna. The outdoor seating on a nice day was really lovely.
(3)Jamie S.
Great experience even on a holiday! Went in after looking on Newbury and were seated within 10 min of arriving on the porch. Had a unique and beautiful view from garden level of the churches and Pru, which towered over us as we ate. The waitstaff was in the weeds but that didn't stop them from being attentive and friendly. Our waitress, Kristin, was great, offering wonderful suggestions to a group of overwhelmed customers (the menu is extensive and it's hard to choose!). I had the prime steakhouse tips with a jalapeño strawberry cucumber margarita. I highly recommend my whole meal! It was filling but light. I would definitely come back but because it's so pricey (like everything else on Newbury) it's not going to be soon.
(5)Kimmy U.
What a nice surprise! I didn't have much expectations coming in to Met Back Bay. Seemed like most of the reviews were either really high or really low. Well folks, I'm going with the high! We came here for a late dinner and were seated at the Library Bar. Nice little area that wasn't too loud and we could still hear each other We decided to share 3 plates which was just enough for the 3 of us! -LOADED fries. Let me tell you.. these were definitely loaded. We didn't actually see them on the menu, but my friend saw a picture on yelp and they were happy to serve it to us. SO much on it! Cheese, hamburger patty, green onions, mayo, lots and lots of cheese, a fried egg on top! The fries were just ok. By the time we got ate all the toppings and got to the middle/bottom of the dish where the fries were just plain, they were pretty oily.. Good thing we had leftover pasta sauce to dip it in! These were good, but not awesome so I think I'd pass -BRUSSEL SPROUTS mmmmm! It's small, but pretty packed. They serve it 2 ways: roasted and shaved with spicy caesar. I've recently found a love for brussel sprouts and this dish totally reinforced it! -Short rib gnocchi with brown butter squash, brussel sprouts, and pecorino. OMG I'm a huge fan of this one!! We got the half order for $14 but we all wished we got the full order. Everything about it was delicious. The gnocchi was so tender, the butternut squash had the perfect sweetness, of course the brussel sprouts were nicely roasted and seasoned, and the sauce brought it all together. I could eat this for dayz. There's still a lot of items on the menu that I want to try so I'll be coming back!
(4)K K.
Worst bar ever! We ordered a couple of glasses of wine and a cheese plate. We got the cheese plate when we almost finished the wine. Bartender and servers don't have any sense to treat a customer. Not kind at all and no manner of service!
(1)L F.
If you are hanging out in Back Bay Met is a great option for a quick drink or an average type meal. In terms of food, Met is much better for brunch than it is for dinner. The dinner options are fairly boring, and frankly a little overpriced for what you get. They offer a bunch of burgers, some salads, and a few other entrees. If you go on a weeknight, they do have some specials which are a fairly good deal: example, Taco Tuesday. Brunch is definitely more bang for your buck. The entrees are so large you can split them between two people. Try the hen house hash. It's delicious! In the evening, I find Met an enjoyable place to grab a drink and watch whatever sports game is on in their bar. The bar has a ton (probably 6-8) large TVs, with plenty of seating. Service isn't bad. It's pretty average. Sometimes you get an attentive server, sometimes you find yourself ignored for a long period of time. It's really a coin-toss.
(3)Ngan T.
Call me crazy but I saw they were still doing the twin lobster special last night (Wednesday), so I made a last minute reservation for 7:45. We got there about ten minutes early and our table wasn't ready so manfriend and I just headed down to the bar. Our bartender was beyond busy but did a fantastic job making sure we got our drinks. By 8:00pm, we were debating another round since our table still wasn't ready. Our hostess came downstairs to apologize and tell us our table still wasn't ready. Decision made--another round it was. When we were finally seated, our waitress came over out of breath and actually had to pause, take a breather, and then recite water to us. I don't think I'll ever understand the waitstaff here (see previous experience with strangely behaved waiter). We figured she was busy so we ordered everything in one go when she came back with the water. The menu looked fantastic so I forewent the lobster special, opting instead for the lobster dip, the biscuit basket, the gnocchi, and manfriend got the burger. NO WHERE did it say the gnocchi would be spicy--I had tears streaming down my face. You'd think the spice level is something they'd warn patrons about. I left the rest of the thing untouched. Manfriend also had a mishap with his order where he'd requested the salmon with grilled sushi rice, and wasn't told they were out until after ms. waitress took our orders and had us waiting for food. With my plate untouched and manfriend ending up with a burger he didn't really want, we split the burger and ate miserably. The fries also survived. Although calling them fries would be unfair. I'd consider it more of an order of salt with some fries sprinkled on top. Our waitress never bothered to ask why a bunch of food just sat on the table when I requested the check. I guess it must be a normal occurrence here. This was just awful.
(1)Sam A.
This review is only of my dining experience on Taco Tuesday (great value) when I got their Croque Madame. This sandwich is BOMB. I came in for tacos, but when I saw the new offering, I had to try it. I asked the waitress for her honest opinion, and she didn't steer me wrong! The sandwich is big, bring your appetite. The sandwich is rich-- buttery toast, flavorful ham, Gruyere, egg, goodness-- so brace yourself, but it was magnificent. Plated with an appropriately sized side of Truffle Sage french fries, and a garlic aioli that reminds you are alive (re: not a vampire), this was one of the best decisions I've made all summer. In general, I love MET, Monday's burger special, and Tuesday's Taco deal are some of the best values in the city! The location is great, the drinks are good, you really can't go wrong! Enjoy!
(5)Natalie M.
I would give this five stars but I found their pricing to be a bit high. Best cocktails we had all night though! I highly recommend sitting near the bar great service!
(4)Blake M.
I sat at the upstairs bar 6/30 . I really wanted to try their burger. I sat down and there was 1 other gentlemen enjoying a glass of wine. It was fairly quiet but the bartender was stressed out. It was almost like he couldn't be bothered by his customers. I tried making small talk but I could tell he didn't want any of it. He complained he had been at work a very long time. I ordered the burger - it came with out cheese. I didn't feel like bothering the bartender so i didn't say anything because I really wanted that Vermont cheddar on it. Oh well, it was still tasty. The lobster roll is $30 - outrageous Food = good. Service = subpar
(3)Carla D.
Loved the fresh & delicious salad that I ate at the Met on a Saturday afternoon, but must say the seating was uncomfortably cramped. Unfortunately, as time goes by I will remember not the tasty food, but how embarrassed I was when I almost knocked over a lady's drink while trying to squeeze into my appointed seat!
(3)Natalie F.
The ham and cheese board here is my FAVORITE. Some other highlights include the breakfast fries, the chop salad, and anything for Sunday brunch. This place is great for after work drinks, Taco Tuesdays, lobster Wednesdays, 5 dollar burgers at midnight and anytime it's sunny/warm out on the patio. Love love love this place. They also have great private dining rooms!
(5)Corey L.
Stopped in on a Saturday at 2 (20 min wait for 2) and sat outside. Great spot. Server was attentive but too much of an a$$ kisser. I had the Tokyo Burger, which was really flavorful and quite good. Got a side salad for $2 up charge and it was about the size of a small tea cup. I was pissed. It was insulting. For that (and the overpricedness - similar to other places in the area), I give it a 2. My lady friend had an arugula salad w salmon. Okay, but certainly not worth $19. And the salmon was basically a hunk of meat without any flavoring sitting on top. Dessert: creme brûlée w chocolate macaroons: macaroons were really good and the creme brûlée was okay. Food was fine, but the restaurant itself gets a downgrade
(2)Jennifer R.
Friends have has great brunches here. Sadly our experience today was no so... I got a warm Met 75 in a dirty glass; my brunch companion got a cold burrito and all the over easy eggs had been cooked through from sitting under the heat lamp far too long. We think this was due to out absentee, absent minded waiter; who is clearly trying to break into the world of underwear modeling and trying to pay the bills as a waiter. We had to ask for everything twice and only saw him once every 10-15 minutes. I think the food had real potential if the service hadn't drained the life out of me.
(2)Dank D.
Now sit down and take a seat as I tell you a simple fact of life: this place was bitchin. I thoroughly enjoyed my entire damn meal. We sat outside right along the street and watched all of the Bostonians and tourists alike as they passed. Beauteous. For starters we had the guac, #LifeChanging. After finishing the chip portions of the guac we proceeded to fork the rest of that s*** out! Hot damn. Delicious. Wallace was our server. He was a gent. After that portion of the meal was demolished, I ordered the falafel burger with the "Athens" toppings. It looked like a flattened potato on a burger, but tasted like I was floating in vegetarian Valhalla. Because this was such a lovely day, I decided to splurge a little and get the met fries. Hot damn s***. Those were delicious. I cannot express, in written or spoken words, how incredible this little shindig was. Would I come back? Fuck yes. 10 out of 10 would bang. Again.
(5)Jennifer L.
Food was ok - service was horrible. After receiving glasses of iced water and asking the waitress if they had espresso drinks, I asked for an iced latte. Her response was that they didn't have iced lattes. Then when my friend asked if she could substitute the cheddar cheese in her salad for another cheese she said no in a very rude tone. There were other cheeses available as my meal included Gorgonzola. The waitress was also nicer to all of the other patrons. We happened to be the only non white people at the restaurant.
(1)Maria T.
I never write reviews, but this restaurant was so bad, I just have to do it. We ordered a guac which says it comes with roasted veggies; the guac was FREZER cold, and had no taste. Then we ordered the tartar duo; it was tasteless, and not fresh at all. The wings were dripping oil. The service was the worst, the waitress was extremely rude! Such a bad experience!
(1)Jessica A.
I think Met is a great place to go for dinner and drinks, or just drinks. There seems to be a shortage of places in between sports bar and fancy $$$ in Back Bay, so I'm pleased to have it so close to home. I've had a variety of dishes from burgers to brussel sprouts to brunch. I will say that it's consistent. Decent selection of craft beers. Even a gluten free menu. It's not my favorite restaurant or anything, but it gets the job done. I think the burgers are better than most that I've tried around here. The truffle fries don't even have truffle oil though. It doesn't make sense. You dip them in a truffle mayo. They should call them fries with truffle mayo. I don't even like mayo, so I'm not sure why I was eating it. Maybe it said aioli and tricked me. Still not the same as real truffle fries. I still keep coming back though!
(4)P C.
Excellent blood orange cosmo! Burgers are excellent and just the right size. Substitute and go with the sweet potato fries.
(5)Christine J.
I like their burgers and bolognese pasta. And nice ambiance inside...
(4)Julia C.
The Met is home to some of the best cocktails in Boston. I would definitely recommend sitting at the bar downstairs, if you can get a seat. The bartender, Tito, is a great guy and will make you awesome drinks! My favorites are the blackberry bramble and the blood orange cosmo. The drinks are strong and sweet, but not too sugary. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or co-workers, or a little afternoon drink once you're done shopping on Newbury. You really can't go wrong with any of the menu items. I've tried just about everything and have had no complaints! I would suggest going to the bar on the earlier side of the night, as it can get pretty crowded. I have one suggestion for this place that would make their rating go from a 4 to a 5 star: 1. Clean the bathrooms more frequently. I can't tell you how many times I have walked into a bathroom there with zero toilet paper. The water in the faucets always comes out FREEZING cold. If they fixed the bathroom issues, this place would be perfect in my book!
(4)Arden B.
Yum! Went here for brunch last weekend with a girlfriend and ended up staying for nearly three hours! We both ordered the veggie omelette with egg whites. I requested that the omelette not be cooked with butter, and the waiter was totally on board and had no problem with this at all. The only reason I can't give five stars is because the oil they used instead was too dense and left a puddle on my plate. All it really takes to make an omelette is a greased pan, right? It was still delicious nonetheless, and the fruit I ordered on the side was super fresh and flavorful! We had Mimosas and Bellinis. I personally preferred the Mimosa, but the Bellini was great, too, just a little more bitter. I love the Mimosa because it's made with a blood orange puree that's just delightful! The environment in there is so open and nice. Originally we were seated in the library bar, which is dark and not really a very brunchy location. When I asked to be moved, the hostess was happy to oblige immediately. The whole staff was really wonderful! I will definitely be going back when the weather is nicer so I can sit outside! I also had no idea about this incredible Bloody Mary menu, but I assure you, I will be back and I will have my slider on a stick in my cocktail if it's the last thing I do in Boston!
(4)Roxana F.
Best cesar salad I've EVER had. Holy shit. Their dressing is a bit spicy but this is literally the best I've had, and I'm picky!! = PLUS FIVE STARS Awful service. Slow, and they always mess up orders. = MINUS TWO STARS Don't get the tartare here, you'll be disappointed. You will not, however, be disappointed with the garlic bread or the cold beet or warm octopus salads. Yumm.
(3)Ashley A.
Took my husband here for his birthday this past week. We had made a reservation, although it wasn't necessary as it was a Tuesday...and the place wasn't really very busy. We were greeted promptly and brought right to our table. Our server was really great and had a lot of great insight as to what we would like on the menu. My husband got the salmon and I got the sausage orecchiete..both were excellent. We would definitely come back again!
(4)Kassy S.
Went for a delicious brunch this morning. i had made a reservation for four, but they were very accommodating when we had five in our party instead. The food and service were both excellent. I originally ordered the Nutella stuffed french toast but was told they were out so I chose something else. Then the server returned to tell us they got more in and would make it for me after all, very kind of them! I also had a great Bloody Mary and wonderful, fresh orange juice. I would highly recommend and can't wait to return. Thank you!
(5)Abbie G.
The service wasn't very good and the food was worse. The hollandaise on the eggs Benedict was split and everything was cold and had obviously been sat under the heat light for way too long. The potatoes were hard and bland. Overall terrible experience. Don't get drawn in by the cute patio.
(2)Jackie C.
Garrett (sp) has been a wonderful waiter/server! Ask for him and you'll get the best service! I had the most wonderful time here! My husband had a late night at the office so I took myself out to dinner. The clam chowder here was amazing and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere was so nice. I ate upstairs and looked over Newbury street while drinking amazing wine and reading my book. I will definitely be back for a nice night our with friends. I can't wait to try the lounge area.
(5)Diane H.
NAHHHH, I PASS. Why it's sooo crowded at the bar, i don't know. Okay I do, people just need a place after work to hang. It's great for people watching...across the bar, I only got to watch this awkward couple be very boring and play on their phones while i sipped on my drink with my friend. The sangria SUCKS, so please skip it. My mojito needed more sugar to my liking...so i of course chased my bartender down to add more. When we got there the bar was full so we told the host we were just gon sit and wait... and after about 5-10 mins she found us two seats at the bar -- good job, we were about to head out. You aren't gonna get drunk here..so don't try. The drinks are not strong enough.
(2)Danjackie L.
Had a great meal here with friends on Saturday night. Started in the downstairs bar before having dinner in the upstairs dining area. Only complaint with bar drinks was that they didnt do a slow poor for Guiness. Dinner was fantastic. We ended up ordering a few apps/shareable plates. Truffled fries were wonderful. Mac and cheese was so creamy. The pasta was perfectly al dente vs. soggy and overcooked. The cheeses used had great flavor. Truffled flatbread was also very good with nice thick peices of mushrooms. The ahi tuna/salmon appetizer was also out of this world.
(4)Maria D.
We went here because we couldn't find anywhere else that would seat us within 30 minutes on a Saturday night after 8pm. I had the burger and fries and I was reasonably pleased. It wasn't the best burger I've ever had and the fries were a little bit soggy, but the waiter service was pretty good given the circumstances. The tables were a little bit too close, but it was a nice night so we appreciated being able to eat at a restaurant with outdoor seating. One concern: We asked for Cokes and received Diet Cokes. When I told the waiter, he said it was the machine, took our drinks back and didn't come back with new drinks for twenty minutes. Now, I don't blame him for giving me a Diet Coke (it's the default order around here, I guess), but I do think service could have and should have been significantly quicker than that. He was very apologetic when we got our drinks (after waiting what felt like a lifetime). The food was decent, but it might have been the anticipation that made it taste good. I'll definitely go back, but it's not on my list of top places to eat in the Greater Boston Area.
(3)Bill S.
Quick service, placed a take out order which was very fast but food quality was only mediocre. Burgers were overdone and not very tasty, so not sure I would run back here again, though its a nice place and quick service so if your expectations are low...
(3)Giselle H.
Was derpin' around Newbury with two gorgeous ladies and we decided it was afternoon cocktail time. We didn't want to wait, so we chose Met. Given that more than two thirds of the outdoor tables were empty, we figured service would be quick. When we told the hostess we wanted to sit outside, she said that unless all three of us ordered food, we would have to sit inside at the bar. Can we sit outside if we split an appetizer? No. But it's 2:30 in the afternoon and most of the tables are empty? Still no. Never even offered to show us a menu. And so we passed on Met and continued our quest to get sloshed. I pity the waiter whose hostess and/or management puts peculiar and inflexible rules above revenue. We ended up enjoying 4 martinis, a bottle of wine, and 2 appetizers a few doors down. Met's loss!
(1)Thurayya A.
The food was alrrriiiiiiggghhhttt. But my review is really for the amazing waitress we had. I wanted a virgin cocktail, but I wasn't really sure what I wanted in it (yes, I was being THAT customer). She assured me she would have the bartender make me something special....and he did! I don't even know what was in it, but it was fruity and refreshing. Overall she was just super sweet and gave impeccable service....wish I caught her name. Other than that, I got a burger. It was OK. Not amazing, not awful either. I'd come back if given the chance.
(3)Marcelo M.
The lack if service in the bar is always frustrating. I get is Sunday and all that, but if show up for work, you need to honor your time. I just come back here bc sometimes is just convenient. Would recommend to any one.
(1)Rachel B.
Stopped by for dinner on a Tuesday, so it was very quiet. The music was super annoying, like Tom Petty muzak station. Politely asked for them to change the music, with a specific request even, but nothing! Who else was there in the restaurant? No one but myself, my husband, the waitress, and the dumb manager who wouldn't change the crappy music. Food was good, but thanks to the atmosphere, will not be returning.
(2)Kim H.
Went for a birthday dinner here, GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. everyone here seems to be foreigners Very okay pricing !! for newbury st. I loved their fries !! they served it with odd sauce but it was very good . I ordered clam chowder wasn't really happy with it although it was very creamy. I wouldn't come back again. there wasn't much to choose from
(3)Megan B.
Definitely one of my favorite places to eat in the Back Bay! Met Back Bay is super cozy, perfect if you need a quiet place to catch up with friends. The menu is pretty streamlined, upscale comfort food with enough variety for anybody to find something they'd like. They also have great drink & desert menus. I always end up getting the same thing, the short rib tacos and buttermilk biscuits with maple butter--they're the best! The fresh cider donuts and ice cream are also worth trying. The wait staff is always great, super friendly and give great customer service, but are never overbearing. I've never felt rushed here and often take my time and enjoy the loungey atmosphere. Well-recommended if you want something simple but delicious to eat around the Copley Square area.
(4)Sarah G.
Went here for Taco Tuesday with a group of people from work! Great tacos and great service right at the bar. The tacos were a deal and a good size for the price! Had a cocktail also and it was tasty!
(4)Lisa L.
Went in for the hot chocolate experience. My friend and I tried the flight of 4 experience, and we made them grown up. All tasted really great, but my favorite was definitely the classic hot chocolate that had bailey's in it. My friend was really excited about trying the salted almond. However, the biscotti that comes with it was hard as a rock! Even after dipping it in the drink, it was so difficult to chew. After downing two of the hot chocolates, we were getting kinda hungry, so we ordered the calamari as a snack. The spicy mayo sauce that comes with it was very tasty, but overall, there wasn't much squid meat to actually eat. A majority of what we got was just crumbs. So that was a total downer. All in all, I would definitely do the flight of 4 experience again. And maybe next time, I would do them without the liquor.
(3)Tony N.
ANOTHER UPDATE: wtf? Do the owners read reviews or pretend that they don't exist? Like fools, my wife and I went last night to give Met one more try, (we were also too lazy to walk another block). We sit down at the library bar, are barely greeted, and have two menus pretty much tossed down at us. Clearly nothing has changed at this place. We walked out before being subjected to any more crappy service and mediocre food. Went to Back Bay Social Club. As usual, it was awesome. Good by forever Met! Just a quick update to my previous review....not sure what happened here but over the past several months this place has gone downhill. Service downstairs is I attentive and somewhat unfriendly, (students on break?). The food is nowhere near the quality it used to be. Their amazing chopped salad once came with a big juicy piece of chicken when requested. Nowadays it is a small piece of chicken of lesser or equal quality. The salad itself also seems on its own to be more bland. Not sure what is going on here but I went from being a regular to a passerby. Will give it a whirl in a few months of Yelpers think it's worth a shot... Hopefully we will see a change.
(1)Rachel P.
I am so conflicted about The Met. They have a really great menu with variety and something for everyone- no matter what you're in the mood for. Their outdoor patio is one of my favorites on Newbury. And I love their cocktails! But somehow it doesn't all add up and I feel disappointed by something every time I go. The food is kind of hit or miss, and there is definitely something lacking on the customer service side of things. I find the staff are not knowledgeable about the menu, and are often times not very attentive. There also seems to be some level of professionalism lacking with the hosts/hostesses (only referring to my experience with outdoor seating). I'll definitely keep eating here in the summer because it's right across from my apartment (and like I said, that patio is great) but I stick to drinks and appetizers, nothing too complicated. I am seriously rooting for an improvement!
(3)Alex B.
Atmosphere / Ambiance - Overall Have been here several times for lunch now since my office is right near by. It does make for a great business lunch environment due to their round tables. Seriously, I hate nothing more than shouting diagonally across a rectangular table when out with colleagues. When I am with friends, I can care less (just throw a fork or something to grab the attention of your friend). Get in there around noon though because it sure picks up after that. Food As for their food I have had very good experiences with their burgers. You basically pick a burger type and then a topping combo. I have had both their regular, kobe, and their salmon burgers. When I am feeling ballsy I go for their Paris Burger. The Paris burger is just something you need to get with the Kobe. The Paris consists of melted brie, fried egg, caramelized onions, and truffle mayo. Each bite made me want to scream out "Oui Oui! Je t'aime!" to the burger. You also gotta go the sweet potato fries route here. Other things I have gotten here was the warm burrata starter which was very good and easy to share. I have also tried the salmon burger - Tokyo style. It sounded much better than it actually tasted. The grilled chicken kabob was more of a deconstructed kabob wrap all separated on a plate and was really not what I was expecting. Service One thing that bothers me about this place is that it appeals to business lunches yet service can be kind of slow despite it seeming perfect for a lunch place. If they were a tad quicker and more diligent about bringing the check and swiping cards towards the end of the meal it would be a place I would return to way more often.
(3)Madison C.
A little disappointing. I heard the food was delicious and came with my friends for a Sunday brunch. A person at our table had alerted the server to their shellfish allergy. The server had come back to make us aware that the French toast was deep fat fried in the same fryer as shellfish but they would be happy to make it on the grille instead. The server came back during our wait and made us aware that the kitchen had started to make their French toast in the fryer and the server reminded them of the allergy. The server assured us the food would be out soon. When the French toast did come out it was undercooked and, as we soon found out, still cross contaminated. Fortunately, the person had a mild reaction but this is ridiculous. If the kitchen can't accommodate the customers needs, the kitchen needs to be honest and admit it. The server was attentive and seemed to have done his part in communicating to the kitchen but the kitchen seemed to disregard.
(2)Sam C.
The wait staff was extremely friendly. They catered to our every request with a smile and polite manner. The drinks were delicious, including Pimm's Winter Cup, the Rasperry Fizz, and the Blood Orange Cosmo. The Brussel Sprout appetizer was to die for, and the main courses surpassed all expectations. The dessert was great as well. Cider donuts with a very unique flavor of icecream: salted caramel. The aura is fantastic, the seats comfortable, and the music light and enjoyable. Definitely coming back here. (with my parents cause its not cheap)
(5)Amanda L.
The Good, The Okay, and The Whyyyyyy? I visited The Met last night for some dinner after a spin session with my friends. We were seated immediately upon arrival and were greeted by a friendly waitress. Pitcher of Sangria? Check. A few minutes later she came back with the pitcher. It's a smaller pitcher than other restaurants but not nearly as filled with ice or fruit like other places. The Sangria was sweet and fruity. Grade: B We proceeded to order and got the biscuits with honey butter to start. I ordered the burger for my meal. The biscuits were AWESOME, very warm and seemed fresh out of the oven. Honey butter is always awesome in my book. Grade: A- This would be an A+ if I had never had the oh-so-amazing biscuits at Sweet Checks. Best in the country. For dinner I ordered the burger. I always order my burger Medium Rare and it appeared that it was cooked that way to borderline Medium but it wasn't juicy at all. In fact, I'd describe this burger as dry. The burger itself was bland, needed salt, or anything to help it out, but the bites with the cheese and bacon were better. The burger also includes onions cooked in Port wine. These onions were so sweet they made my mouth cringe. Eek! Was it the worst burger I ever had? Maybe. Probably. Definitely not worth $18 or however overpriced it was for being on Newbury St. I've had fine experiences at the Met Back Bay. Is it the most wonderful restaurant in Boston? God, no. But service is quick and easy and drinks never disappoint.
(3)Danielle K.
Nice find on the corner of Dartmouth and Newbury in my favorite place in Boston (Back Bay). We went here last Sunday afternoon and sat at the smaller "carving" bar. We ordered the ham and cheese board, and it was delicious, with prosciutto and fennel salami, fresh ricotta, sharp cheddar, a honey biscuit and more. This plate is big enough to share with your friends! We also had a chance to chat a bit with our bar-tender/server, John. Great guy -- great food -- we'll be back!
(4)Sonia Q.
I really enjoy sitting at their downstairs bar for some cocktails and food. I am in love with Met's chopped salad which has cut up broccoli, beets, corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and huge chunks of bacon! The dressing is nice and light, and the portion is huge! Even the half size portion is large enough that you will have leftovers. I usually top off my salad with salmon, that is fresh but be prepared the salmon portion size is on the small side. I also love their truffle fries! The drinks are good and they usually have a few good beers on tap. Overall my go to when I am craving an awesome salad!
(4)Amanda M.
Great place to eat outside in the Boston downtown area. Although, watch out for the bubble bees they WILL get ya. Almost landed right in my food! But the hostess was very nice about it. Speaking of food, I got the chopped salad and it was wonderful. My friend got the Mac n cheese... It was mouth watering. So crisp and creamy at the same time! Definitely recommend this place next time I'm in town!
(4)Adrian C.
This review is for the brunch, which was delicious and had some healthy options. I was staying right down the street and went twice on Saturday and Sunday and got the veggie omelette, and the something natural sandwich. The sandwich was delicious and had a heaping portion of vegetables. The omelette was large and also had a good portion of veggies. Prices were what you would expect for the area $13-$15. The atmosphere was cool, a lot of young people drinking but I was in town for a conference so I didn't partake.
(4)Jake L.
It seems like most of the not-so-good reviews here center around the service, which we did not have a problem with. A little wait once or twice, but nothing too terrible. The food, on the other hand, absolutely can't be beat. The Nutella Stuffed French Toast is one of the greatest things I've ever tasted; almost like a huge gooey chocolate churro. I'd avoid this if you're trying to eat healthy (along with a lot of things on the menu), but if not - this is something you have to eat before you die! The Truffled Croque Madame might be just as good, and the perfect savory complement to the sweet french toast. A friend and i split both, and it couldn't have been a more perfect combination. The melted cheese oozing down from the top of the sandwich and the egg on top make this almost more of a casserole than a sandwich. I can't not mention the make-your-own Bloody Mary. The best thing about it (besides the plethora of options) is the fact that while you are the one choosing all the ingredients, they still make it for you. So, you don't have to worry about messing it up! But the options are pretty fantastic, from meat and cheese skewers to cheeseburgers to lobster (and many more in between). They also have different sauces and liquors to use, all which make for a unique experience and taste every time! This place definitely is not on the cheaper end for brunch, so don't come here expecting a bargain. That said, you definitely get your money's worth, and I'd definitely recommend it regardless for special occasions if you're looking for a good place to spend a bit more money.
(5)Kelly S.
Pretty mediocre food and experience for the higher prices. Our group shared a few things and the cauliflower side was flavorless and the Met Club Sandwich chicken was dry enough to package up and send overseas as food rations. Lunch was over $100, not worth it.
(2)Kaitlin M.
I have never before experienced so many employees standing around doing nothing in a restaurant! I had a coffee cup and water that was empty for my entire meal. Even after I asked for both to be refilled!!! I am not even going to comment on the food because it couldn't be enjoyed until it was cold because I didn't have silverware! Currently staring at three people with there fingers up there ***** while I am trying to get their attention to ask for my bill! USELESS! Grrrr!
(1)Sophie P.
I've come here several times for drinks and apps, but never a full dinner. BRUNCH For weekend brunch, they have BYOBM: Build Your Own Bloody Mary's. This is great for those adventurous friends who you want to top as many things on your Bloody Mary with. YOU CAN ADD A WHOLE SLIDER AS A GARNISH ON YOUR DRINK. I have never seen this done anywhere else, so if you come here try this at least. Everyone will be staring at you in awe. People will ask you if that's a real burger on your drink. You'll nod and they'll watch as you drink/eat your Bloody Mary. The Bloody Mary itself is very pulpy and spicy of the peppery kind. I'm not sure I liked it. The cocktail onions added a nice touch, but the Bloody Mary itself was too savory for my liking. I did like the slider, though. APPS Salmon/tuna tartare is okay. The taro chips are really interesting with a flaky, light, crunchy texture and a little oily. I could eat those chips all by itself, honestly. Orange miso duck wings are almost a little sour? Very interesting with the flavor of kimchi. DRINKS Grapefruit fizz (+) ACK the Nantucket (+) Blackberry bramble (sour) Tip: If you are trying to sit on the patio, you need to order food with you drinks. Boston law. Next time I'm trying the entrees!
(3)Kimberly A.
I was visiting Boston with a friend of mine a couple weeks ago. We stopped in here on our last day after reading such wonderful reviews. We decided to split the three cheese omelet and Nutella French toast. The three cheese omelet came with home fries. It was okay but nothing super great. It want bad just not great. The Nutella French toast was pretty good, but also not the greatest thing. They had a really awesome build your Bloody Mary menu which I think is what makes this place so popular. I don't drink bloody Mary's and we were leaving to drive home the same day so I didn't want to drink for brunch. I would definitely recommend this place for brunch it is perfect. The drink selection is wonderful and the food was good.
(4)Ryan R.
Went here with my mother to grab a bite to eat for lunch. I had recently heard about their famed Paris burger and was interested in trying it out for myself. We had a big meal the night before so we decided to split the burger and their kale salad as well. The burger itself was pretty good, it came with a pretty substantial helping of brie and paired nicely with the egg. I liked the flavor combination, but it fell short of being the best burger in Boston. I also opted to upgrade to the truffle fries, but was pretty disappointed with those as well as they didn't wow me taste-wise. The kale salad was pretty good, but extremely small--especially considering the price and seemed a little light on the avocado. Overall, the atmosphere here is great on the weekends and the service is friendly, but the quality of food, the portion sizes, and the pricing seem a little bit off for me.
(3)Dan R.
We enjoyed our evening at the Met. We started with an order of the local prosciutto which was a larger order and thickly sliced. Biscuits were plain for my taste but good with the butter. M'lady had the Croque Madame. This one surprised me. Delicate but complex. I had the half-carcass of salt fat, on a bed of basmati salt grains. I hadn't known that salt grew out of paddy fields. The salt was well-steamed, mixed with fat gras, and a hint of soy sauce. I'm sure of this because it would be impossible for this dish to achieve such purity of saltiness from soy sauce alone. I'm certain these were, in fact, salt grains only lightly flavored with soy sauce, but I'm willing to consider the idea that the salt was soaked in soy sauce for many years, then cooked in the soy sauce and then doused again with several pints of soy sauce, before straining, of course. It's unfortunate that I couldn't taste the fat gras due to the "curing" of my taste buds when eating the salt grains, but I could feel its fatty texture in my stomach after a few bites. Combined with the crispy salt skin of the duck-shaped salt carcass, and the layer of salt fat beneath the skin, it was truly an ambitiously salty experience followed by hours of stage-1 digestion in which I could finally experience the notes of the fat gras. And at a parched moment of culinary crescendo, I couldn't help but have the existential feeling that if this were the Matrix, I don't want to ever wake up, because my date was happy and our server was obviously a wonderful human being, and that's when I marveled at the indisputable talents of a chef who could trigger such a revelation through food alone. I honestly look forward to returning, because the menu had such a wide variety of salts and fats.
(4)Robyn S.
I have been to the Met in Chestnut Hill and always have a good experience. I was in Boston Met on Wed at the downstairs bar and the service was horrible. Could not get a drink and waited for a while to order food. The bill was incorrect, they never put the food on the bill. Had to let the female bartender know to add the food on the bill so we could pay. That also took a long time. Lots of competition in the area, Better places to go, sorry R
(2)Kate L.
Two dollar Taco Tuesdays is a great deal! Def enough for a girl's dinner :) I ordered the skirt steak tacos which were a LITTLE undercooked but they never asked how I wanted them so that was fine. Very tasty! Tried the pork ones and didn't like the combo w the pineapple... a little dry too. ordered a 2.50 side of chips and salsa and it was basically like EXTRA chunky roasted veggies/salsa. SOOO good. wanted to eat it with a fork and no chips! Bartender was pretty slow and wines were overpriced. Good ambiance though on a rainy night.
(3)Robert F.
Just awful. After waiting an hour an a half, after being told several times the food would be out in a few minutes, the manager with an attitude and a chip on his shoulder came over to say he didn't know how long it would be. Never again
(1)DJ D.
Monday burger night can't be beat, but the staff seemed a bit frazzled & a tad too formal for the setting. The food is very good, though, and the atmosphere lively.
(3)Amir K.
Great specials on Taco's, decent margaritas. Pretty cool atmosphere, could be pricey without specials
(4)Jade R.
**Lunch Review** Went downstairs for lunch with family. It was empty around 11:30 am on Saturday, but filled up very quickly. It was nothing special, but still good. TRIO OF BEETS. If you like beets, this is a great (little) appetizer. Very fresh, colorful, and delicious. There are bits of chopped, fresh ginger which really pairs well with the beets! Very refreshing! I got the MUSSELS - broth, eh. but the actual mussels were beautifully large! Two people got the BURGERS. TOKYO style and BOSTON style. Tokyo was unique, and boston, well, im obsessed with burgers that have a fried egg on top, and that was just that, with some bacon and cheese of course. the FRIES are awesome, kept grabbing for those!! The other got the kebob, and he said that the actual kebob wasn't flavorful, so, obviously I had to see for myself. And he's right... it was definitely moist, but no flavor whatsoever. The rest of the dish was great though, with a trio of different sauces, pita and olives.
(3)Alexis C.
The food is okay, but the prices are on the high side for what you get. You can see every food popular food trend on the menu, which reminds me a little too much of a girl wearing all the fashion trends of the moment at once--not recommended in both cases. Gives off a pretentious, pompous air, which I can see appealing to some. I would not go again because there's too many better places to eat.
(3)Jenessa C.
For cocktails, they make a great bee's knee. Nice atmosphere too, friendly staff, and a good location. We didn't have food, so I can't comment on that.
(4)Janina T.
I've heard good things about this place, especially their burgers. My sister and I walk in on a Saturday afternoon at around 3 PM and just head to the bar since it's relatively quiet anyway. We sit down and the bartender barely acknowledges our presence. When he finally comes to ask what we want, we give him our drink orders then he simply ignores when I say I want to order a burger....ummm, thanks? (a-hole) He comes back maybe 10 or so minutes later with our drinks, a diet coke for me and a glass of wine for my sister. Wow, God, it must really take out an arm if it takes 2 minutes to press the "diet coke" button and another 8 minutes to pour a glass of wine. Way to break a sweat there, buddy. We FINALLY get to order. Our meals take a bit longer than I'd like but give the drinks took 10 minutes to pour, not mix or bake or whatever the eff you do with drinks nowadays, waiting 20 minutes for food doesn't seem so bad. I get my burger, which I asked for as Medium Well. It's charred in the outside. Gross. I take maybe 2 or 3 bites before I decide I can't put myself through that crap anymore and just don't eat it. The AMAZING bartender comes and does the usual "how's everything", I say meh. I'm not going to play nice at this point. My sister tells him that my burgers kind of really burnt. He doesn't seem to be fazed. We notice that someone talks to him when he walks towards the back. Looks the be a manager because he comes out later all pleasant and s*** and says it's on the house. Oh sorry, am I supposed to kiss your ass now because you're not making me pay for a burger that was burnt in the first place? Yeah, most likely never coming back here. The 1-star is for the comp-ed food.
(1)Thien N.
I came here during Restaurant Week for lunch with a friend and an out of towner guest. Restaurant Week(s) is always my favorite time since so many restaurants participate in it so you get a wide variety of cuisines you can try. We opted for Met this time around. I started off with a Met bloody mary. Although not on their menu, it's one of the better bloody mary's I've had in Boston. Disclaimer: I've only tried bloody mary at about 4 places around Boylston/Newbury area. I started with an Asian-inspired spring roll stuffed with lettuce, rice noodles, and shrimp with a side of wasabi peas, asian mayo and hefty slices of avocados! YUM! For the main entree, I had the lobster mac 'n cheese. Portion was not too big but quite filling. It was extremely creamy and chunks of lobster! Typically, I am not a big fan of any types of mac 'n cheese (1. I'm lactose and 2. I just don't like it). This mac 'n cheese was delicious though! My friend opted for the footlong kobe hot dog, which was also great as well. SO SO SO Good! However, a hot dot will always taste like a hot dog, but kobe anything is an upgrade, and so was their homemade footlong bun to accommodate. For dessert, I had the panna cotta with raspberry sauce and fresh strawberries. YUM!!! I can't describe you to how good the panna cotta was. It satisfied my sweet tooth and more! While this review is mainly for Met's restaurant week menu, I also got a chance to look at their regular lunch menu. Prices were not too bad (~$10-15) for a sandwich and a bit more for their signature dishes. I will be back sometime soon for another bloody mary and to try their regular menu. It didn't hurt that their service was quick and the servers were very attentive! The decor of the restaurant was simple but elegant. I can't wait for summer and outdoor seating!
(4)Dan A.
Would prefer to give ZERO stars. Just an annoying and frustrating experience. Wasted meal. Wasted money. I have given this place enough tries to redeem itself but it continually fails and is a major let-down...so never again. Pretty sad considering it had promise. We sat at the charcuterie bar and drinks took a long time. My friend said his Manhattan was not good. $12.50 wasted. He had just arrived from a cross-country flight and was starving so we asked for some bread. Our "server" said he would get us some. He then disappeared for a while...had to ask a manager for some bread. The manager then told us that they don't normally offer bread before meals. So I told him that our server was misinformed and regardless- we should get some bread. He obliged. So after having to plead for a f'ing basket of bread before our STEAK meal- a basket of 6 stale pieces of plain white bread was delivered to us. No butter, no oil, no NOTHING. We asked for butter and were told they have a cinnamon butter they use for French toast. WTF is THAT? We are about to eat dinner. Did we just land in a F'ing IHOP? Seriously? No butter? I doubt it. So we asked for olive oil. Problem solved, I guess. So main course comes- he got the steak frites. Small meat portion and the frites were "just a mess" according to my friend. I got the steak tips. Nice amount of meat but the mashed potatoes were ice cold. Normally I would have sent the dish back but I was at that point of "F it...just eat the overpriced, unimpressive dish and get the hell out of here". Finally, to add further insult - when the bill came, there was a $6.00 "garlic bread" charge on the bill. Unbelievable. I told the server that we were never told there was a charge for a basket of shitty, dry, stale, white bread. Are they insane? The server told me "the manager said he explained it to you... Blah blah..." WRONG F'ING RESPONSE! Take that shit off the bill. How DARE YOU!?!? I was so insulted and am even getting worked up AGAIN as I type this. I hope the management reads this and sees this as a textbook "how NOT to treat your guests 101 primer". Ridiculous. Unacceptable. BEYOND POOR! We will NEVER be back.
(1)Melissa R.
I love sitting in the upstairs bar area. Ask for the bar menu. The truffle fries are super tasty and always a great option if you're just stopping in for a drink or 3. My favorite item is the eggplant caprese sandwich. The eggplant is cooked perfectly! It can easily be shared with a friend. The staff is friendly and the ambiance is great.
(4)Rachel C.
This place is definitely A-OK in my book! My boyfriend and I stopped in here after a long wak through Brookline and the Back Bay to warm up and try some of the truffle popcorn that came highly recommended by some friends from my gym. The popcorn did not disappoint! Reasonably priced beer and wine for the area, and while the cocktails looked good, I was just not in the mood, so I stuck with a glass of Pinot Grigio. I would definitely stop in again for drinks and popcorn, but the rest of the food menu didn't really have anything that stuck out to me.
(3)Cornelia M.
Come here on Monday nights for their $5 burger nights!! Love the burgers! However if you're looking for one of their special burgers any other time don't expect to get one! They can technically make you one but will charge you a la carte for all the ingredients! Service is fine, not too overbearing!
(3)Martha D.
I wanted to be wowed by the MET bar but instead I was pretty meh about it. The interior space is cool, very "drinks in the library with your tweed clad uncle." So it's got that going for it. However, they had an outbreak of fruit flies when I went so they were flying all around our table. It didn't add to the ambiance. That aside, I thought my burger was good but not great. I tried a bite of the Mac & Cheese and it was delightful- creamy and rich. But $14 for a dish I can make at home doesn't really get me excited. MET bar is a fancy place with fancy prices, but I think there are better high end options in the area. This place is more suited to business meetings over scotch. Hold the fruit flies.
(3)Sam G.
Despite the impeccable service, Met back bay is a waste of time and money. It is an unnecessarily expensive place to get Kraft cheese wiz and bread sticks. I would suggest visiting one of the other eating establishment that have higher quality and a larger variety. Not worth it.
(1)Nicole R.
Met Bar is actually a great idea for lunch on the weekends or dinner and drinks during the week as well. My my recent visit was actually for lunch this past weekend. I was meeting up with my Father for a bite and we figured this would be an ideal spot to catch-up. Per usual, the venue didn't fail. If you're unfamiliar with Met Bar, there is a split entry when you arrive. One part is the dining room upstairs and then the bar and additional seating downstairs. I have always eaten/ had drinks downstairs as it's a much more casual experience with a livelier crowd. Being situated as it is on Newbury Street, it always has a pretty good crowd anyway, but I find upstairs to be more formal than where my interests lie. The fare at Met Bar is pretty standard - burgers, salads, cheese plates, sandwiches, etc. during lunch. My Father went with the french onion soup and wedge salad and I chose the MET "L.A." CHOPPED salad. Great reviews all the way around. I thought my salad was a great portion and filled with a proportionate blend of all the ingredients. I topped it with the roasted chicken, which came out perfectly juicy and paired well with the avocado and cheeses in the salad. Solid reviews on my Father's behalf as well with regard to the soup and salad. In the afternoon, the place wasn't too packed, but enough so that there was a constant buzz. Most people were dressed casually, with some groups dressed a bit nicer for showers or family gatherings for special events. The server was perfectly attentive to our needs throughout the meal and the host staff was also very attentive both when arriving and when leaving. I'd say Met Bar is a ideal place for a mid-day bite on the weekends and for drinks in the evenings as well. Particularly because of the location and the atmosphere.
(4)Maureen O.
Food was awesome! Staff really friendly with great customer service- especially the bartender Brian- he was great!!!! Fun place to hang out :-)
(5)Mel B.
Loved this place for brunch! We went with a big group while I was in town visiting friends and they put us by a big, sunny window. I love the interior of this place. We started with a round of their homemade biscuits which were so so good; definitely a good thing to start off with here. I got the "Something Natural" open-faced sandwich and loved it. It was really fresh, with hummus, cucumber, carrots, and avocado, sprouts and sunflower seeds layered on a thick piece of seven grain bread. Bread was a little hard but it was a light, but filling, meal that kept me going the whole day. They have a ton of great looking stuff on the menu so I would definitely come back.
(4)Sherene J.
As a tourist of any city, I don't normally write reviews of restaurants in that city just because I don't think it's fair. Met Back Bay is so good I had to write a review. We were looking for something with steak and other options and WOW, did this place deliver. I had the Scottish Salmon and honestly, everything on the plate was outstanding. I was sorry I had to finish it all because I loved it so. The salmon was cooked perfectly, the falafel was fragrant and spicy, the hummus was creamy and fantastic with the salmon, and the yogurt puree was the perfect cool complement. People I was with ordered the swordfish (amazing), the trout (not as good as the swordfish, but still fantastic), and the bone in sirloin (excellent). There was nothing on our table that was even average, except maybe the odd cheese that came with the pretzels they serve instead of bread. My only complaint was my drink. I ordered the blood orange cosmo and it was not enough blood orange or enough cosmo. Overall, the food and service was really great here and I will make it a point to come back!
(5)Emma J.
Coming from someone with restaurant experience.. You don't ever tell someone to go find themselves seats... If you're asking to be seated.. Especially with a large party with kids! Disappointed on how rude the hostess was..
(1)E J.
Wonderful ambiance and food. Classy and tasteful decor. Perfect for romantic dinner. Food is exceptional across the board. Not cheap, but certainly not crazy overpriced like the capital grill...and fare is comparable. The "hot chocolate experience" is not to be missed, though the desserts--and the dessert menu--left us disappointed. Also exceptional place for classy, romantic, maybe business drinks. Go.
(4)vanya k.
Overpriced! I was charged $27 for a Caesar salad ($12 on the menu), with added grilled shrimp. The waitress did not ding necessary to mention that 3 pieces of shrimp cost $15, even though the most expensive add-in to a salad listed is salmon for $9. That will be a salad I will remember! And I am not going back.. Who knows, maybe next time I get charged $20 for a soup with extra cheese on top?!?!
(2)Sally R.
If you ever want a salad at a restaurant, go to Met. I know it sounds counterintuitive, because I typically think of Met as a good after-work or pre-dinner place to grab a beer (great, simple liste) and some mac and cheese balls. Or a cocktail (small list, but some gems on there) and a charcuterie board. Nope, I'm telling you to get the arugula salad with salmon on top. In the last 3 months I've had this salad around 5 times, and it is consistently amazing. AMAZING. I've never had a full meal at Met, but always gone for drinks and apps. Or drinks and a few small plates to share. When the burger and fries trays make their way through the large downstairs bar, they always look terrific. I love how big the menu is here, the fact you can sit outside when the weather cooperates, and how you can usually get a seat for the drinks and apps experience. Yay! I'm a fan.
(4)Sara S.
The GOOD: - The Truffle Indian Corn and Local Burrata with English Peas and Pesto are DELICIOUS and generously portioned as "starters" The BAD: - My dirty martini was not served dirty - Our entrees arrived at the exact same time as our starters, literally (I'm not exaggerating) four minutes after we ordered - They forgot the chicken on my salad - They also forgot the cheese and avocado on my salad (in salad description) - They didn't serve my dressing on the side as requested - Fork was so bent that it was unusable and had to ask for a new one There ya have it, folks. You decide if it's worth it.
(2)Shannon S.
I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars... and settled on 3. Let me explain. We arrived at about 1pm on a Saturday and were told that we could try to find a place in the lounge or wait for a table (20 mins or so)... we went for the lounge. Found seats at the bar (3 of us) and were promptly greeted by the bartender. We ordered a pitcher of sangria. For $24, I expected something MUCH better. There was SO much ice in the pitcher AND in our glasses, we barely ended up with a glass each. And it wasn't that great. Watered down and just disappointing. We started with the biscuits and duck-fat fries. The biscuits were yummy and the duck-fat fries were delicious. They were crunchy and smokey and I could feel them going straight to my thighs. But it's the holidays right? I ordered the eggplant caprese sandwhich. Not terrible but pretty bland. It needed some sort of sauce or something... it was dry and all I could taste was bread and fried-ness. Bummer. All in all, not a terrible meal but for dropping $40 (each!) for lunch, I would've liked a more memorable food-experience.
(3)Josh W.
Great food! Good Service. It seems every review I read about this place is based one bad experience or some type of unfortunate human error. I think the people who eat here often like myself need to share more. You cannot deny your taste buds when you are here. The brunch and the burgers are top notch. The Chef is amazing he knows what people want. This is a gem in such an upscale neighborhood like the back bay. The ham and cheese bar is innovative and is the perfect appetizer. The cocktails are amazing too, I hope to eventually try them all. I will be back again and again and when friends go to Boston I tell them to stop by and get a burger. The last person I recommended to go here, had brunch, and actually went back for dinner the same day with a client because they wanted to be sure to impress. They did.
(5)Ana S.
Paid my first visit to the MET bar after hearing many compliments from friends and was not disappointed! I found the atmosphere both inside and out to be comfortable and chic and the staff very attentive. I enjoyed a wonderful chopped salad for lunch so much that I went back for brunch and was equally impressed with that meal as well! Patrick, one of the managers, was very thorough with the customers ensuring they were satisfied with their experiences. It was a pleasure to see a manager so on top of things and clearly enjoying his work. Anna, one of the servers was very friendly and helpful in explaining the dishes which was much appreciated. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Boston!
(4)Kojack ..
very good food. excellent salads. decent price and attentive service.
(4)Reem o.
Absurd for a Back Bay establishment...went for a light brunch and forced us each to order food separately (couldn't share an appetizer)!!! Plenty of better places to go nearby...keep walking if you are thinking of stopping by.
(1)Matt B.
While it's a little pricey, I'd have to say it's worth it. The burgers here are fantastic. The chicken sandwich is also a favorite. Plus the environment and feel of the place is one of the best in Boston without a doubt and the staff have always been very friendly and helpful.
(5)Dan N.
Wow... great spot on Newbury St. Hung out for a couple hours sampling cheese and pork products at the bar. Robain was our tender, and he's a great guy to talk to and keep you company while you relax and indulge. Highly recommend getting a bar seat.
(5)Theodore Y.
I'm a sucker for whiskey, so the Peninsula cocktail was a definite smash. Back Bay Dry-aged Burger. The patty was delicious. But the bun was too small, and the overall burger was just too oily. The service was on its game and the Peninsula brought this up to 4 stars.
(4)Mark S.
This place is great for people watching on Newbury - awesome patio. The food is ok but kinda pricey. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Curtis T.
We came here at the suggestion of our hotel and they definitely steered us right. Our server Ella was fantastic (We're all professional bartenders and she should teach a class) attentive, knowledgable, and engaging. The carpaccio was some of the best I've ever eaten, and the tuna was indescribably good. Simple fresh cooking, always the right way to go!
(5)Marissa P.
No thanks! Boring menu, shitty service, awful atmosphere, sub-par food. Go elsewhere.
(2)Katie V.
Had brunch here on Sunday and it was ok -- the atmosphere was definitely chaotic and the servers looked extremely harried. Understandable if you're a brunch place on Newbury Street. Still, it took almost 10 minutes for our server to say hi and pour water. Something that detracted from the experience was the loud table of two women next to us. Not Met's fault, but their conversation and general behavior was so annoying that I kept having to remind myself not to stare/judge. So I guess be warned that the clientele might irritate you. Food-wise, I had the smoked salmon flatbread (it's billed as a pizza, but it's more like a flatbread). It was tasty -- bit skimpy on the salmon, but the sunny side-up egg on top is a nice touch and it was perfectly cooked (nice runny yolk). My friend indulged his inner 5-year-old and got the Capt Crunch-coated French Toast. No complaints there. I also ordered a side of potatoes (the ones that come with the egg dishes, described as crispy Yukon Golds). What I actually got was a side of turkey meatball hash (the server said he hit the wrong button in the computer). Fortunately, I'm not a vegetarian, so I ate it and it wasn't a big deal. But it wasn't what I wanted and neither I nor the server realized the mistake until I'd eaten most of it. All in all, an okay experience....got the job done.
(3)Parul L.
I have been going to Met for some time now (since it opened), and it is a great go to spot in Back Bay. The winter menu has been more comfort food, with pot pie and biscuits and yummy sides. I remember having an interesting shrimp and corn pizza which made me go, "huh", which is what I like about this place. Pair that with good drinks, and I think this is a great go to spot. We also caught the Bruins game here, and it was a lively bar scene downstairs, which makes it a good spot for any night. The upstairs is a bit more formal, but still with the same great food. I recently stopped by for lunch, and had an awesome turkey burger which I would love to have again soon! I also threw an event here, which was awesome, though a bit pricey. They do a nice job overall.
(4)Bronwen Y.
This review is specifically for The Met's breakfast. /disclaimer I was so bummed out that my regular brunch haunts were not extending their Sunday brunch on the President's Day holiday, especially since I had some friends up from NYC to see the Beantown sights. I remembered the cheerful rooster sign outside the Met, and thought we'd give it a shot. The breakfast prices are VERY reasonable, especially given that this is Newbury Street. Most of the dishes are between $10 and $15, and it is definitely worth it. The dining room is bright and airy, with great views of Newbury and fantastic people watching as a result. We squeezed in in the last 15 mins of breakfast service, and were greeted cheerfully and promptly. I'd go back for the Met McMuffin Club - english muffin with egg, ham and cheese... and bacon, lettuce and tomato. To die for! The fresh squeezed orange juice is also the real deal (and made to order). Also at our table was the crunchy oat brioche french toast and the biscuit eggs benedict - all with rave reviews. I'd definitely recommend checking it out sometime, especially if you have a need for a sit down breakfast on a weekday!
(4)Colleen H.
It's 50/50 here, I have to say. If you sit upstairs, in the cute little bar area, you're golden. It's charming, intimate, and the food is pretty good (...mostly in the fancy burger sense). If you go downstairs, things just seem to fall apart. It's a bit too dark, almost starts to feel like a pub, and the service is terrible. I'd be scared to come here with a party in the event that we never get waited on, because coming here just as two hasn't really given us much luck. Something you must try is the Paris burger (you can get it at any of their locations) It has Brie, fried egg, caramelized onion, and truffle mayo...that's right, I said truffle. For someone that isn't a huge burger fan, this is the closest thing to heaven I've ever tasted between two buns.
(3)Cait M.
Brunchers, beware. Stopped by for brunch today because we were in the area running errands. Usually, I avoid eating on Newbury Street and this experience reminded me why. First - we were told there was a 40 minute wait to sit outside, even though we could see that there were available tables, and there was no one waiting in front of us. Once we were seated inside, our waiter - who was friendly but really inattentive took our orders. He had a very difficult time answering my husband's questions about some of the menu items, as though he hasn't ever seen, let alone eaten the food. 20 minutes or more later, the food came out - though we had yet to get our drinks. It would be another 10 minutes before our Bloody Marys arrived, and when they did they were terrible. Watery and bland. Easily the worst I've ever had. I actually complained to the waiter - and I seriously NEVER send things back. On a good point - they did take the cost of my drink off the bill. As for the food, it was not good. Everything was flavorless - no salt or pepper, let alone more complex flavors. The home-fries were stale and over done, my veggie omelette was fine - the veggies were steamed and tasteless. The eggs had the texture of egg-beaters. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing right either. My husband ordered the hash, which was really just some chicken and gravy poured over the aforementioned bland home-fries. He was not a fan. We were really sort of shocked at how bad our experience was, from the service to the food, and it wasn't cheap either. It is a shame because the food and drink menus both looked great. I was hoping Met would turn out to be an easy go-to spot in Back Bay - but I don't think we'll be returning.
(1)Jean Y.
My husband and I went for a late lunch - outside tables were full so we went inside. We stood around waiting for someone to take us to a table but no such luck - my husband asked one of the waitstaff and she said we could sit at any table - we waited 15 min for service but was I ignored. I had to flag down a waiter - bad sign we should have walked out. I ordered the giant lobster roll and it looked great until we realized that the roll was mainly roll with very little lobster - at $28 you would expect a little more lobster than the couple of tablespoons that we were given - mentioned this to the waiter but he explained the the meat was carefully weighed - he didn't seem sympathetic at all. This is the last time that we will ever go to this restaurant. They obviously don't need the business.
(1)Ruth B.
Cute place with a comfortable atmosphere. The food was excellent and service was pretty good for how busy they are! I would recommend this place and their breakfast burrito! Yum!
(4)Patryce S.
Their burgers are to die for! I got the Paris burger and my fiance' got the salmon burger and it was just simply amazing!! Only thing I would have to complain about is the waiter told us there were other fries to choose from but failed to mention that this was an "upgrade" and charged us each an additional $2 for getting the sweet potato fries and the truffle fries. So basically he up selled us by $4 for fries which is ridiculous. He should have told us in the beginning instead of being sneaky about it..felt that way to me anyway. If he didnt do that then this place would have a 5 start from me. :) UPDATE: I have to give this place 5 stars now because we went back for lunch and our server was awesome!! We pretty much ordered the same thing and "upgraded" our fries again and she didnt charge us. I guess that other waiter we had the day before was just a stingy a**hole looking for more money lol. Anyways this place rocks!!!
(5)Alexey V.
I wouldn't give it even one star... Came there with friend who doesn't wanted to order anything. So after I ordered an omelette we've been told that to sit on a patio my friend has to order an entree. Needles to say that the whole patio was empty and there wasn't a line waiting to be seated. So we left. No one apologized. Unbelievably rude...
(1)C O.
After waiting 10 minutes for the host to return to the host station, so we could be seated for brunch we were told we could seat ourselves upstairs at the library bar. Um ok. So we headed up to the bar and found a spot only to wait another 15 minutes for a server to actually come over, say hi and fill our glasses with water. The room was full of hungover 20 year olds all WAY too excited about their "breakfast fries" -- a ginormous bowl of fries covered with cheese, onions and eggs with a burger and egg on top. The menu said you should specify which veggies you did NOT want in their "lots of veggies" omelet, so I said no onions...and ended up with a spinach (frozen, yuck) and tomato omelet. The "smashed fried potatoes" it was supposed to come with was just a side of home fries. Luckily we ordered a side of biscuits, which saved brunch....they were buttery, flaky and delicious and came with a side of maple butter with salt on top. These were delicious! I would only go here if you like overpriced food and lousy slow service. Sonsie on Newbury, Church in Fenway or Zaftigs in Brookline have a much better brunch (and waitstaff).
(2)Oz L.
Saturday night and this backbay bar has last call at 11:45. WTF, are you kidding me!!! And the website says they close at 1AM--- bbyes. My biz goes elsewhere---
(1)Amanda Y.
My friend and I were shopping around the area and decided to drop by for brunch. We went in and were told to get any table we wanted. We sat there and waited for about 15 minutes and we still weren't given any menu. So, we finally requested for the menu and it took forever to come. We had to ask the same waiter for it twice. Water also took forever to come. When we were finally ready to order, we ordered oysters and a main course. He said that they were out of those. Seriously? You could have told us earlier. He went away and we were so annoyed and disappointed with the service that we just left the place. Never ever coming back again.
(1)Clare F.
The Met Back Bay is pretty good. I have been twice now, with differing experience in terms of seating. The first time, we had a larger party, and people were able to trickle in while the rest of us could sit and wait for them. The second time, it was me with one friend, and I was not able to sit until she arrived. She was searching for parking, which on a Friday night during the holiday season near Newbury Street is no easy task. I was asked to just wait for her to be seated. I understand that as a policy, especially on a super busy night, but we were led to a room with a large number of open tables. Why did I have to wait in the lobby? Both times I ordered the chopped salad (no bacon) and truffle fries. The salad is HUGE and there is definitely $14 worth of salad in there. The truffle fries are always good, with parm sprinkled on top and ketchup AND truffle mayo for dipping purposes. 4.5 stars for the fries alone. The first time I was there, I ordered the Gypsy. It comes with Chartreuse, which I don't care for at all, and I asked the waitress if you could taste it. She said not at all, so I ordered it. But I definitely could taste the Chartreuse. So the next 3 Gypsys were specifically Chartreuse-free (and VERY potent). Second time I ordered orange, cranberry and vodka (vitamins for my head cold plus booze) and the waiter suggested a blood orange martini, which I politely declined. My drink came in a low ball glass and was generously filled. My friend was bummed because they didn't have the seared tuna that she usually gets. We had a third person join us, which at that point was no problem. She ordered a burger and absolutely loved it. Generous portions for the semi-higher prices. I just wish I could have waited at my table rather than awkwardly standing in the entrance.
(3)Michelle K.
This review is for the burgers only. I ordered the the Met prime blend with the Tokyo set up. I was intrigued by the mix of ingredients: avocado, muenster, pickled onions, sticky soy, daikon sprouts, and wasabi mayo. Sounds delicious right? May have had a fighting chance had they not done the number one thing to ruin a burger -- overcook the meat. I asked for medium and anticipated a juicy, blushing pink burger. I was instead met with a something much closer to well done. No pink + No juices = No happiness. May have been an off night, but doesn't really reflect very kindly on their other dishes if they can't get something as simple as cooking a burger right. I was also off put by the fact that they charged my friend an extra 2 dollars for adding lettuce to her burger..really? Friends have raved about this place, so may have to come back to try their other goods but will definitely be staying away from the burgers.
(2)Lisa I.
I would come here just to order their buttermilk biscuits with honey-maple butter. They are TO DIE FOR. The rest of their menu is ok. The truffled corn is good, but really heavy. The burgers are solid. Truffle french fries are delish. Skip the salads - nothing original and pretty boring. Also go somewhere else for dessert - they're very mediocre and don't taste homemade. Cocktails are yummy, although I wish they'd bring back my favorite drink, The French Kiss!! I'm giving them 4 stars because I like the atmosphere. The downstairs bar area is cozy and if you're lucky enough to grab a table, can be quite comfortable. The upstairs dining area also has a cozy feel and is quiet enough that you can actually carry on a conversation.
(4)Rachel K.
I came here last night to get dinner and drinks with a friend. We sat at the downstairs bar. The bartender, Ted, was awesome! He was a very good bartender, he was friendly and kept me entertained while waiting for my friend to find parking (which is NEVER quick on Newbury), and made us some drinks that were both delicious and POTENT- haha. My salmon burger (Tokyo style) was excellent, and my friend loved her turkey burger (LA style) as well. I have been here a few other times, and I can always rely on the food and drinks to both be very good, definitely above average. There is also a nice variety and something here for everyone. I am shocked to see the average review for this place any less than 4 stars.
(5)Lynnie T.
I was in Boston this past weekend for a mini vacation and I heard the burgers & cocktails were oh so necessary to try at the Met. I had the Fried Calamari, Tokyo burger & Spiked Peach Lemonade for dinner. I always get calamari whenever I see it on ANY menu so it goes without saying, I've had some good and bad calamari in my time. At the Met though, the calamari was perfectly cooked. I liked the batter to calamari ratio and, the overall size of each piece was consistent (which I always appreciate). The chili sauce was delicious! It definitely spruced up the already yummy calamari. I'd get this again and again if I were living in Boston haha. I got the Tokyo burger medium rare which was properly cooked (yay!); it was very moist and juicy. I think on my particular burger, the wasabi mayo wasn't spread evenly so the first 3-4 bites tasted like any other burger...kinda disappointing. But by the fifth bite, I got the wasabi mayo which had just enough heat and the flavors all worked well together. As for the Spiked Peach Lemonade, OMG I can drink this for days! Not to sound like a lush but it was a pretty damn good cocktail. Overall, I liked everything I had at the Met Back Bay. Ambiance was nice and moody. The interior is gorgeous; a little more formal that usual but it didn't feel pretentious. My waiter was very kind to make sure we were satisfied with our meals. This place is worth checking out :D
(4)Meg H.
I would give zero stars if possible. I went here on Sunday with my friend's family. We were sent downstairs and told to sit anywhere. Except, we were a party of 6 and there were no clean tables! We sat for about 10 minutes at a dirty table while we waited for them to clear the table we wanted. Our waitress completely neglected us, and what should have been an in-and-out meal in less than an hour took over an hour and a half. We waited at least 20 minutes for our burgers to come after we finished our appetizer, and the appetizer plates were never cleared. I also got sick a few hours later - I bet they poisoned my burger!
(1)Ed P.
Stopped in for a quick lunch with co-workers on a lunch break. Lobster bacon roll was fantastic although for $19 you'd expect it to come with more than a small hand full of potato chips. Co-worker had the 1/2 chicken-now this is a WINNER - roasted with nice, tasty herb baste, generous portion and great wedge fries. That's what I order next time here. Sit on the low deck and watch the Boston locals walk by. We were on a tight time line, told our waiter and he expedited our order. Food hit the table fast BUT, he disappeared when it came time for us to pay. Had to flag down another waiter to close bill. All in all, tasty, great location and interesting people watching.
(4)Carla A.
Location location location. This is my 3rd time- but first for lunch. Lucky for the food and service, the atmosphere shines and distracts you. For the price and Newbury Street location, I had higher expectations- I expected the type of experience I have had at night for dinner. Not the case or even close. We sat on the patio. The server took several minutes to acknowledge us, spoke in a soft tone while looking down at the notes causing us to say excuse me a few times. Lunch arrived promptly- kudos to the food runners- the largest salad I have ever seen- although bland. The sandwich was a good portion as well, with excellent flavor - however the bread was completely dried out. Our server seemed much more interested in turning the table than attending to our needs. **Note to those that dine on the patio- there is an automatic 18% gratuity added- regardless of table size- with no mention of this on the menu**
(2)Taylor G.
I had brunch at Met Back Bay last weekend, and was extremely impressed. I decided to order a turkey burger with traditional fixings, and was very impressed. It was quite delicious! After letting the waiter know that I had a nut allergy, he prepared me a side salad instead of the french fries that come with the burger. I will most certainly be back!
(5)M L.
After previous positive experiences, tonight's visit to Met was a letdown. Prices are thoroughly out of whack, at least for the vegetarian items I had. My Kung Pao tofu was simply flavorless, undercooked, soft tofu with a couple morsels of broccoli and peanuts for good measure. Portion was very small. The sautéed kale and garlic oil salad, while delicious, came in a bowl the size of a teacup.
(2)Liz K.
Love this spot. Have been a few times and always have a great experience. The chopped salad is my favorite and the truffle fries are a must. MET has a great drink menu with lots of fun cocktails. My favorite is the Iced-n-sweet. You can also get pitchers of some of the cocktails which is nice. Great spot for a date night or to go with a group of friends. The service is good and the decor is nice, clean, and classy. There are a few different rooms to eat in upstairs and a nice bar area downstairs. Great location too- right off of Newbury Street near Copley.
(4)Marc F.
It was pricey, but pretty good. Lobster cheese dip was excellent, and the Paris burger with the Prime beef was excellent. Just look for the photo I posted (it's the burger with the egg in it). Drinks were fine and the ambience was nice. It's worth noting the time of day that my girlfriend and I got here - 12:30 p.m. - as it probably makes a difference. We were seated inside and it wasn't too crowded, and our waitress was attentive and helpful.
(4)Jules L.
I stopped by the MET Bar near Newbury St for lunch. I was pleasantly surprised that Chris is now bartending at the MET. Yeh!!! He is one of Boston's finest bartenders. He has a great personality, he's fast, and he knows how to make an awesome cocktails. The MET is lucky to have you!
(5)Scott J.
I had high hopes for Met, but it was pretty disappointing. The ambiance is lovely and the service excellent, but the sky-high prices aren't justified in the quality of the food. My lobster fra diavolo came with a linguini that had nearly no taste (though it was a plentiful, full portion) and I was surprised that it had both large chunks of lobster, along with a partial shell that still had lobster meat in it. I mean, make up your mind? There were some aspects that were wonderful, though, like the griddled garlic bread (but not worth $5) -- in fact, charging for bread baskets (however gourmet) is robbery. The Caesar salad certainly had its moments, but way too much cutting was involved. I was kind of bummed that they didn't have any cider, since that's pretty common in Boston. The sticky toffee pudding was simply amazing. No complaints there, it was a total piece of heaven. We were a large group and it was already loud in there, so it was difficult to hold a conversation sometimes. I think this place is more hype and area than anything, but I would go back for dessert or drinks in a heartbeat. And the hostess was gorgeous.
(3)Kirsten K.
Back Bay Fave that Came Through for a Big Party in a Pinch! Ok - so I have always enjoyed Met Back Bay, but my experience last weekend made me a raving fan - and they deserve to get props! Situation: It was my going away dinner ... we made a reservation at another Boston hotspot for a party of 12. When it came time to confirm our reservation, we found that it wasn't there! ZOINKS. What to do? Call all around ... Response: Met Back Bay not only said, yep - we have space in one of our private rooms. Do you want to come check it out? My friend who was close by went over and it looked perfect ... we said yes and frantically let everyone know. On Site: The space was in fact awesome ... by happenstance we were next to a cozy fireplace and an area that allowed us to have a little bar / mingling area which was so perfect. Our group expanded to about 15 and we rearranged the tables to make it work ... no issues and total cooperation from the Met team. Service: Though our group was a bit overwhelming (and unexpected), Jamel did an amazing job! He'd waited on me and a friend two weeks earlier and even remembered what wine we drank. Score. Jamel did a terrific job and we had such fun ... learning it was his birthday and celebrating right along with him too:) Food: Delish overall. Nothing is crazy fancy, but everything is a bit of a classic with a twist. I split an arugula salad and the bolognese ... several had the chopped salad, burgers, steaks and even one pair got the lobster. Portions are always generous and we enjoyed our 3.5 hour meal with many bottles of wine. All in all ... you can NEVER go wrong with Met Back Bay ... sometimes you might struggle to get a seat or it could be crowded ... but it's a great usual to have handy anytime. Thanks Met Back Bay & Jamel for helping make our group's evening special! PS - On any given day of the week, their Chopped Salad with oil-free dressing tastes decadent but is on the healthy side! Go for it with a nice glass of wine ... you earned it! :)
(4)Joel M.
I've been searching for a great caprese sandwich since I moved to Boston without much luck, as it's one of my favorites. The fried eggplant caprese here is probably the best sandwich I've had in years, and just writing this review makes me want to go back and get another. I just stopped randomly in after acting like a tourist strolling down Newbury, and ate at the upstairs bar with great service. There was only one other patron at ~3:00 in the afternoon so I can't comment on what it's like during busier times.
(5)Taryn C.
Sorry folks, this is an honest to goodness review. My husband and I are HUGE fans of the Met Bar on Bolyston out in Chestnut Hill. This new spot just doesn't have what it takes. The bar downstairs isn't painted nicely - there are splotchy unfinished spots on the walls. The waitress didn't bring us menus for 20 minutes, then another 15 to take our drink order, then ANOTHER 15 to get our 3 measly glasses of wine. To make it even worse, the water she brought out was in a dirty pitcher and there were dirty glasses. Yuck. I would have been more understanding if the place was busy, but it wasn't. There were plenty of open tables. I'm going to have to stick to the sister locations in Chestnut Hill and Dedham. At least it's easier to park over there. Get your act together, Met Bar! You are better than this!
(2)Karlis B.
I am resisting the urge to write this review in all caps although I think it'd be appropriate since Met Back Bay is so freaking loud. Sitting in the Library (upstairs seating area) was like being in a night club: we had to yell our orders and turn the volume up on the conversation. But to sum it up, Met Back Bay does not make the shortlist. The hype just led to disappointment. The service was odd: the waiter asked for our food order about 2 min after we sat down. Wine for the table was just left for us to pour (and the the white was not chilled). Small plate appetizers were served with no serving spoons. And we had to ask for everything that should have come without request. But on to the food. We ate: - Tuna Tartare, prepared tableside: the tuna was very fresh, but this is only as good as the ingredients you decide to put in it (I'd go soy and ginger) - Baked Local Ricotta: delicious and creamy, one of the better starters - Charred Baby Broccoli: unexpectedly tasty, but greasy at the bottom - Truffle Indian Corn: another unexpected treat - 1980 Curried Prawns: the description on the menu does not describe the dish at all. You get a healthy serving of whole prawns, chickpea-vegetable medley, rice and chutney. I've heard this place characterized as a burger joint, but I didn't have food envy with this dish. The food was good, but nothing exciting. And with the loud noise and mediocre service, I am in no rush to go back for a full meal. If I had to grab a drink after work, however, I'd go right to the more relaxing basement.
(2)Robert B.
Stopped in for lunch on a Sunday. We both ordered Prime burgers they came out over cooked- ordered medium rare. They tastes like they had been precooked and kept on a warming oven. Cocktails were fine, (hard to pull a bad Sam's Seasonal). Perhaps they had the junior varsity on the line today.
(2)R C.
Good food, good atmosphere, but super slow service. Our server was obviously on the greener side, and was extremely slow and unattentive. Sadly, our experience suffered. The good food and atmosphere made up for it, and despite the 2 star rating, I would probably return if I were on Newbury looking for a spot to grab a bite.
(2)Melissa N.
Sat at the Bar while we waited for a patio table. Service was prompt and friendly. Drinks were good; but oh man. When we got to our table we were horrified we are extremely forgiving of flaws and are understanding. We can look around and see the volume and how busy a place is and say to ourselves "its ok if it takes a while to get service here...it happens" So we sit down and are ignored for about 15 minutes. But its ok..we both have a drink from the bar and are talking. We know what we want to order...but maybe our server is weeded? We assume this is not a pool house since by the POS there are about 3 servers standing and talking to eachother... Then a 2top 2 tables down from us gets sat (about 20-25minutes after us) and they are greeted right away. WTF!?!? my buddy goes to the hostess stand and asks for our server. The hostess doesn't even try to feign an apology and walks over to the crowd of servers and points to us. A while later the hostess comes over and explains to us "it will be awhile, there is confusion due to a shift change" Ok, that is understandable..buts its no excuse man! You should know your sections!!! Whatever. Our server finally comes over ( we have been unattended for probably about 25-30 minutes now) and doesn't even apologize. but she is friendly and nice...so whatever. Food is promptly put onthe table. truffle fries are good. I had the hummas salad which was nothing special and Jonny had the octopus salad which wasn't memorable, but good nonetheless... Next our entrees. I got the Carbonera. My pasta was undercooked. Seriously; it took long enough to make. pasta out of the box takes what, 12 minutes to cook? fresh pasta takes under 5 minutes! What is this? Bertuccis???? Again whatever, we order a bottle of prosecco to celebrate a day off. My glass has water marks on it...but whatever. After a bit, my OCD server skills go into effect and I decide to buff those bad boys out. Next we get the Prosecco! YAY!!! I was pleasantly surprised that our server knew that the bottle isn't supposed to "pop" but then she goes to pour the glasses. Male first; meh ok...we aren't old fashioned here. She pick up the glass...my eyes bulge. SHE ISN'T EVEN HOLDING IT BY THE STEM!!! da fuq dudes?? If you are going to sell a product, you should be trained on how to properly serve it. Whats worse is that was something in Jonny's glass. We all saw it. She did nothing... man oh man. Food was decent. nothing memorable or that stood out as "WOW!" and presentation was ok as well. The service. hmm...the server was incredibly friendly and nice. She carried out the tasks as needed; but this was not service. So basically, go in here with low expecatations... don't expect anything special and you will be ok. If you are a stickler for service, don't go here. You will just continue to get pissed as the meal goes on.
(2)Tom D.
classy / trendy / pricey but you knew this coming here I tried a few of the different dishes offered and while the prices were pretty high the portions were HUGE. The lobster spaghetti dish was creamy and delicious. The half chicken was soft and large, with a generous helping of some delicious garlic fries. Cocktails were pretty standard, beer selection was nothing to write home about. I would definitely come back for the food though
(4)Courtney S.
Went there on 9/3 labor day weekend and we got there around 8 there was no wait and we got seated on the patio which was nice except for the fact we were practically sitting on the people next to us. No one came to out table for like 15 minutes and then when she finally did she brought us water and ordered our drinks another 10 plus minutes later she comes back with 1 drink and informs me that they are out of the drink that i wanted so i pick another drink and even more time later i finaly get it. We ordered our appetizer and meal at the same time and then they all came out together like really? The table was already small enough and now we have all this food jammed on one table. The calamari was kind of chewy and hard to eat. The mac and cheese was delicious and my friend got the chicken and she liked it. She ordered another of the same drink and that took 20 minutes so at this point we were pretty much over the place and just wanted to get out. Another issue the tables were like grated and had holes so you would think that they would put a napkin or a coaster on the table nope our drinks dripped down our legs the whole time. Not happy nor will i return maybe the one in Dedham will be better.
(2)Thomas N.
lunch recently, pretty crowded place....we ate in the library which was a lovely smallish room (5 or 6 table with a small bar), the other room upstairs was large and seemed a little crowded and the big bar downstairs seemed just ok, not much atmosphere, do have outside seating which would be great on a really nice day, but give them credit there were a bunch or folks out there on this cook and blustery day....drinks were ok....my paris burger was very good and cooked as ordered, fish and chips were good but not great and sort of pricey i thought, service was good and they are smart enuf to give you a carafe of water on your table.....why doesn't everyone do that???? ok place..
(3)Heather G.
This review is regarding the cocktails and not the food. I'll give the bar the benefit of the doubt that their co2 tank was empty, so every drink we ordered that required club soda or coke was FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. But, you must switch the tank as soon as a customer tells you, and they did not do that. The mojito on the cocktail menu is really pitiful. But I liked the shock top with vodka. That said, stick to beers and wine at this place.
(2)Dudley P.
A mixed bag. Most of the space at this Dartmouth street location is harshly contemporary, with all the charm of an elementary school building, and I find it uncomfortably cramped throughout. Yet there is at least one private room thats warm and charming, a complete change of gears. The menu is ample and original, with abundant selections of ham for some reason, I have to look hard for something healthy. Its is also fully priced, as one would expect in this Back Bay location.
(2)April G.
So, the food can be pretty satisfying. The french toast is very unique. The people who work here are nice -- at least, for the first 10 minutes or so. After that initial "hi how are you moment," however, the luster on the service tarnishes. Experience #1: I've eaten upstairs in the restaurant for brunch. The waiter greeted us -- nevermind that his hands were covered in red bumps -- that's appetizing. But I tried to look past that as he served. I would have looked past that if his service hadn't totally dropped to 0. My friend ordered the French toast (pretty tasty actually), which said it came with lingonberry jam. Yum! We love the swedish fruit, so we were eager to try it. Except that the lingonberry was actually strawberry. Oh, okay. Waiter, can you help us out? Waiter: quizzical stare. Us: yes, we'd like the lingonberry jam that came on the menu. Waiter: we're out. No apologies or consideration that this may have been something to mention before it was served. Us: Can you at least bring more strawberry jam then? tick, tock...20 minutes pass...the french toast is getting cold, until my friend eats it all. He brings the jam, timed to the exact last bite of french toast. We also needed another fork that was clean. Another waiter had to bring it, as our waiter was nowhere to be found. Poor service. Experience #2: So, I really loved that french toast. I thought I could skip the possibility of another service nightmare by ordering it to go and eating it outside in the Copley Square garden. As I pick it up and look in the bag, I notice that there is no silverware and ask for it. The hostess nods, disappears, and reappears without any. "We've run out. You can go around the corner to Boloco and pick some up though. Or to a convenience store." Seriously?? Okay. I'll go and pick up some flour for you, too, as you might be running low on that. Of course, there was a slathering of lingonberry jam only on two slices. Sigh. The Met is not in the cards for me. I'm not planning to return to a restaurant that doesn't factor in good service into its experience. I'll go to Boloco instead, since they sent me there anyway.
(2)Amy N.
Went here for lunch on a Friday. We sat at the bar downstairs first to order some drinks. The pitcher of spiked peach lemonade we ordered was super salty oddly enough. For lunch, we sat upstairs and the atmosphere was very nice. We ordered the Kobe hot dog, ham and cheese sandwich and the MET chicken club sandwich. Portions were huge! Our food was good though nothing special. i think overall it is a solid place for food and it is centrally located on Newbury. Though I would not go out of my way to eat here.
(3)Robert A.
My co-workers and I recently went to lunch at the Met and had a great time. The place is very upscale and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I choose the French Onion Raviolis. The dish was a skillet. The raviolis were filled with potato and surrounded by the French onion soup with pulled pork and Swiss cheese. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. Other dishes sampled were the jumbo Kobe beef hot dog, and the meat loaf. Both of my colleagues love it. We will be back.
(4)Kayla B.
I wanted to rate this restaurant 4.5 stars (Yelp really should make that an option), but I can't bring myself to give it a 5. It was really good food, really good service, and I had a great evening, but I can't say it was spectacular. For drinks I got a blood orange cosmo and my boyfriend got some pineapple beverage. We were both satisfied with the taste of our drinks but wondered how much alcohol was actually in them, since we didn't taste much. I felt a little buzz by the end, though. I highly recommend the blood orange cosmo if you like bitter cocktails. We split a basket of biscuits, which were very good-- soft and flaky on the inside, crispy golden brown on the outside. The honey maple butter that accompanied the biscuits was fantastic. I want to know where they get it from. For dinner I got the mac and cheese. It was very good but very simple. For $14 I kind of expected something with a little more kick or oomph, something to wow me. The portion was so large that I ended up taking more than half of it home (I'm eating it as I type, actually, and it's still good reheated), so I got two meals out of it, but it was a bit pricey for what it is. My boyfriend chose the restaurant week special, which was $35 for bacon steak, sirloin with bone marrow, and whoopie pies with mint ice cream (made with real mint, it was delicious). He said he was happy with his food and it tasted good, but he thought the price was too steep for the amount of food he received. He and I both agreed we wish the prices were a bit lower. We didn't feel like we got ripped off, but it's that little extra expense that makes you wonder if you're going to eat there again or not. The restaurant itself was lovely. It was a nice mix of classy and trendy, and also spotlessly clean. When I say that I don't mean most restaurants are dirty, but this one just had a really clean vibe to it, if that makes sense. We sat on an enclosed deck overlooking Newbury Street, which as nice. Our waiter, Patrick, was very nice and took good care of us throughout the evening. I have no complaints about the restaurant itself or the service. I can't say whether or not I'll be back here for dinner, but perhaps for brunch or lunch when things are slightly cheaper. We passed a room on the way to our table called The Library Room, which looked like a little cocktail lounge. I may have to go back and check that out.
(4)Dan P.
Stop 2 of my Best Burger in Boston tour, and I must say, this was one of my favorites. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's the best I've had within walking distance to Boston, and especially in the Back Bay. The burger might have been a tad on the over cooked side, I like it med rare, this was closer to medium, but the quality of the meat offset that. The cheese was great and the bacon, oh man the bacon. I think I could go back and just have the bacon for lunch and be happy. The fries were good, but I wasn't blown away by them. For $18, it was a very good burger. I don't know if I'll be going here every week for lunch, but I will be back now and again for sure.
(4)Mike G.
docking a star for inconsistency. in recent visits, just didn't find the same quality and flavors. the plate of roast cod didn't taste anywhere close to the deliciousness i raved about; chinatown salad sported bone-dry duck (last night's leftovers?), kobe tips were untender. also didn't expect over-battered fish and rubbery grilled squid. + prices are WAY UP. chinatown and back bay salads used to be $9, now $18. wtf?
(3)Valerie V.
Love this Met location! I have been several times and have always had a great experience. I've only ever sat downstairs, once at the bar, once at a table, and once on the patio. The scene: hip but relaxed and unpretentious. Mostly a younger crowd in the evenings and a Newbury shopping crowd during the day. The bar itself is very unique, with clear shelves displaying the bottles. There is also a Ham & Cheese bar that you can sit around which is a cool touch. The food/drinks: They have a delicious bloody mary as well as a delicious manhattan. Those are the only specialty drinks I have tried but the bartenders are certainly adept at making other drinks or just pouring a cold one. As for food I have tried the following. Tartar duo with taro chips: love this dish and have gotten it more than once. The portion is very very generous which justifies the $16. Kobe Sliders: Tasty because of the kobe and excellent for sharing. Clam Chowder: Wasn't crazy about this. Its a very unusual preparation of clam chowder than I am sure some people would like but I did not. It was too strong with the potato and bacon flavors rather than just letting the clams do their thing. You do get a nice heap of clams on top though. Roasted beet bowl: totally yummy but I am obsessed with beets and therefore bias. BURGERS: The star of the show. Pointless to say how I like mine because everyone has their own way but the quality of the ingredients and whole wheat bun make the burgers so so good. The fries the burgers come with are crispy and flavorful. I will say that the wait staff I have had each time I have gone is pretty mediocre. I am pretty certain that they hire based on looks and not for service talent. Oh well. The bartenders do a great job, so thats at least covered. Love this place and it will continue to be a go-to when I am on Newbury and wanting a burger or a cocktail.
(4)Emma O.
The biscuits and apple butter are simple divine and the fries are nice as well. However the customer service is seriously lacking. After my family and I seated ourselves we waited for about 20 minutes before a waiter attended to us. Which honestly didn't bother me that much as it was the Fourth of July and quite busy. However when I approached the waiter to ask him if I could receive a menu, before I could even speak he snapped at me "I see you. I see you." Uh great sir I too have 20/20. Actually thats a lie I wear glasses, but anyway before I could say anything else he sauntered off. Finally ten minutes later he returned with menus and took our drink orders which were all waters. Our food came quickly considering how packed the restaurant was. However our waters were no where in sight. Finally I began pointedly swigging from a water bottle in my purse to stave off my thirst. At last the waiter got the message and brought us our waters. All in all is give the food four stars but the service a two. Go there if you can stomach inattentive, caustic service with your meal.
(3)Jessie R.
My roommate and I popped into the MET last night to see how it was. We sat in the basement at the bar. Everyone was so nice and helpful, and their drink menu is impressive! It was hard to pick! Roomie got the spiked pink lemonade - delish. All the food walking by looked amazing, especially the roasted half chicken with baked potatoe next to us. We got the 'snack' size of fries which came with amaaaazing truffle oil dip! Definitely will be back for an actual meal!
(4)Anne D.
I hosted my friend's bachelorette party at Met Back Bay on Saturday night and it was absolutely lovely! We were seated (10 of us) in a private room (that also sat another table of 10); and the service was attentive without being intrusive, and we had privacy without feeling like we were too far away from the action at the bars. I also had requested a champagne toast at the table, which they executed perfectly. We ordered an assortment of apps, dinners and desserts and everything was delightful (particularly the homemade biscuits, mac and cheese and toffee pudding - YUM!) My only "eh" with the food was with my Arugula salad; which was easily an entire bag of arugula with barely a tablespoon of the promised parmesan and mushrooms; and there were no hazelnuts on the salad as promised either (another friend got the same salad and had the same issues). Everything else was so nice, I was hesitant to bring it up, and I definitely wouldn't let that stop me from returning to Met.
(4)Rebecca S.
Good IPA on draft, nice atmosphere tucked away.
(3)Joanne D.
This place has the best deal in lobster pappardelle. The half order is like a normal plate and plenty of lobster.
(3)Grind. E.
Exactly, see. Now that's what I'm talking about. I've finally found a classy place to go that doesn't make me feel like a republican. Sure, I've taken some criticism for being too baroque, maybe even Bukowski-esque in some of my reviews but I'm not a total savage and I can prove it. I enjoyed the Met, Back Bay. And I'm not ashamed to say that, Alec C., after returning from a year long sojourn in NYC has been working diligently to add some culture to my life. I have simple tastes and generally enjoy Jameson and PBR so stepping outside of my norm and trying a pinot nior or other eccentricities is something new -- but the Met bar fit the bill just fine. It's sophisticated without being snotty and it helps that the upstairs bar reminded me of a man-cave library study from the 1930's, decked out in mahogany, with old books next to half empty whiskey bottles. I had a 12 year old Glenfiddich scotch and ate the raw Chestnut Hill Tuna & Salmon Tartare. Nothing like raw fish and whiskey to wake up the palette. All the Met is missing is a bearskin rug and a billiards table, and a few Nucky Thompson's lounging around. Minus a star for poor traffic flow and cramped quarters.
(4)Saba N.
Ehhhh.... It's really nothing special. I like that they have an outside seating area (although, the benches are so slow to the ground compared to the chairs.. its very awkward), but other than that.. it's another average restaurant on newbury st. I had a chopped salad and we ordered some of the small plates. Everything was good, nothing was spectacular. I'd go back, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone... it's just so blah!
(3)Allison K.
I want to give this place three stars, but unfortunately, my experience was less than wonderful. I would give it two and a half stars if I could. Because I stopped by right before the dinner rush, the hostess offered my friend and me the option of ordering from the bar menu. That was exactly what we wanted, as we were only looking for a quick bite to eat. The problem, however, was the fact that our orders were almost completely messed up. We both ordered the LA burgers because we wanted avocado on our burgers. I ordered medium rare, she ordered medium. When we got our burgers, there was no avocado. We asked the waitress what happened, and she responded that they had run out of avocados. I'm curious as to why she wasn't notified by the kitchen before bringing our burgers out to us. Then, I bit into my burger and it was medium. I assumed that it was because they had overcooked mine, and maybe, like most places, they always overcook the meat. Until I realized my friend's burger was medium rare, and that the kitchen had switched our burgers. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but I had requested no mayo on my burger, so a simple switcharoo of patties wouldn't have fixed our situation. Not to mention, we realized the second mistake halfway through our burgers. By the time we were addressed by management about what had happened, I had already finished my meal. They would have offered us new burgers, but the only one we wanted was the LA burger, and there were no avocados; what would we have eaten then? Luckily, we were comped for our burgers and ended up with a free meal. The burger itself was not bad, although I'm sure if there was a slice of creamy avocado, the ingredients would have been bound together in a much more satisfying and complete manner. The bun was pretty darn good, and the sweet potato fries were a winner. I definitely recommend trying those if you can! Overall, I can't say my experience was very good, but I feel bad giving it such low ratings because they did compensate us with the meal. I might give it another try one day, but I definitely won't be longing for it by any means.
(2)Meagan F.
While I am always frustrated that MET's table turnover on their patio is incredibly slow (you can hardly ever get a table without an hour wait), I have decided thatm for a Newbury Street restaurant, this is on the more interesting side of the spectrum than many of the tourist traps. MET has many interesting choices on the menu, from their charcuterie board to their small plates. For dinner, my fiance and I always find that the small plates are the way to go here. They are lighter and more unique than the other entrees and make for an interesting meal. For lunch however, their sandwiches are yummy. I recently had the Something Natural sandwich, a tribute to the amazing shop on Nantucket. Many people think that an all veggie sandwich is boring. Not so, I say, once you try MET's. Breakfast seems to be a challenge for MET. The pork stuffed hashbrown I had recently left me feeling like I had eaten greasy McDonalds. My fiance's omlet was pretty boring. The highlight were their selection of oysters which were excellent. Service was slow, even inside where it tends to be better. For something consistent, MET is not a bad choice; but, there are definitely better options in Boston.
(3)Lisa H.
I'd really rather give this place a 2.5...for such a prime location and for how much I paid, I was disappointed. The burger was good, but not for it's cost. Drinks are horrible for how much they charge--I'll go to a gastropub/mixology bar for that much, thank you.
(2)Christine T.
Good food. Generous portions. Lovely patio seating. Only problem we had was the slice of cheese that was NOT left out of the egg and hash patty -- as I had specifically requested. I flagged down the waiter and showed him the small heap of food I had cut out and laid on the side of the dish. He expressed dismay and indicated that he had asked the kitchen to not put in the cheese. However, no offer to comp us for our (non-alcoholic) drinks or anything like that. Due to the large portion and heavy nature of the ingredients, I was full even with the food surgery, so I didn't miss that lump of stuff. A little dairy I can handle; a bit more and my body starts telling me I shouldn't be eatin' that stuff in the first place. And, oh. We went back to our hotel room, and I found the Boston magazine article that trashed this place (as a dinner destination.) It was a very interesting read...including notes on spotty service.
(4)Jeffrey S.
Stopped in for a burger at the bar. Great atmosphere, friendly service and a good burger. Other people's dinners looked good as well. Would have liked to sit outside though.
(4)Katie D.
....I can't believe I never went here earlier. Met has got a great burger selection that had me drooling immediately. I ended up with the Back Bay Dry-Aged burger, with sharp cheddar. I skipped the onions (though I'm sure for onion-lovers they'd make this burger out of this world), but the double-smoked bacon was delish and just the right consistency (not too crispy, not too fatty). The duck fat fries were the perfect side, of course, though I wish there were an aioli or something with them. My friend got the Boston burger which was also drool-worthy -- insider tip, he ordered the egg a little runny, which seemed to be spot on. The draft beer list was pretty decent -- tried a watermelon beer first, which was interesting but probably not something I'll do again. The cocktail list looked pretty tasty, but we ended up getting bloody marys for the rest of the day (in true Sunday Funday spirit). I am quite picky about my bloodys, and this was quality. A teeny bit gritty, but I guess that's the risk you take drinking such a perfectly peppered beverage. We drank/ate a very leisurely pace (ballpark, 4/5 hours at the downstairs bar), and the bartender didn't seem to mind a bit, which was nice. Probably would've stayed longer if a nearby group wasn't getting extremely rowdy... Overall, good experience and I can't wait to go back and try some cocktails and more burgers :)
(5)Ashley L.
I decided to give Met another try and I'm so happy I did! I went for dinner this time and was seated in a plush window booth upstairs. Everything on the dinner menu sounded delicious and I was having trouble deciding what to order. Our server Ray was great and continued to check in on us through my indecisiveness (and the rest of the meal). I'm a huge bread eater and couldn't resist starting off with the garlic bread in garlic aioli. It was the perfect mix of crunchy and smooth; I could have eaten 5 baskets of it! For an entree, I ordered the Pepper Crusted Tuna Steak. My tuna was cooked perfectly and the pepper crust was very flavorful and added a nice texture to the dish. My friend ordered the Scottish Salmon and thoroughly enjoyed her dish as well. We managed to have some room left for dessert and decided to split the Sticky Apple Bread Pudding. The bread pudding was so yummy and practically melted in my mouth; it was a great way to end the meal. It was such an enjoyable evening, I cannot wait to come back the next time I'm in town.
(5)Katy F.
The Met Back Bay is going to hands down be my new go-to dinner spot. We started off in the bar downstairs for some pre-dinner drinks. Crowded, but not unmanageable. The bartender came over right away and made one heck of a dirty martini. I'd 5-star just that. I'd also 5-star the bartender, and not just because he was adorable to look at.... Ok, ok, maybe just because he was adorable to look at. The wait for a our table was about 30 minutes. Not bad for a Saturday night and certainly not bad compared to a neighboring restaurant that gave our wait time at 2-3 hours. Holy cow. Our waiter, Sal, was incredible. Great service, and even greater suggestions. We went with the small plates of hummus, bruschetta, and truffle indian corn salads to start. Sal said the corn salad was a must. I could have hugged him after for leading us in such a deliciously amazing direction. The bruschetta was ok, but probably would try something different next time. The hummus was great, but the hummus to pita ratio was all off. More pita next time please! The Kobe tips got two enthusiastic and saucy thumbs up from us. Very tender with a bit of kick at the end. I ordered the cod after Sal's recommendation and couldn't have been happier. A good solid chunk of tasty. The quinoa and charred broccoli was a nice addition to it. Very filling while still feeling light. For dessert we split the Apple Cider Donughts. Be still my mouth. The cinnamon sauce that accompanied it was delightful. I had to stop myself from grabbing the bowl and licking it clean. Stupid manners. Next time(s) I plan to try the Rigatoni Bolognese, Lobster Pot Pie, and Chicken Ceasar Salad which was a beautiful presentation of 2 whole romaine pieces, one ginormous crouton, and about a 1/4 a roasted chicken. See you again soon, Met Back Bay. See you very soon.
(5)Lauren L.
I came here on a whim on after randomly running into a friend who lives down the street. We sat at the bar and I spent a good amount of time perusing the menu-everything sounded amazing. I was in the mood for a burger and a beer, so I ordered the Boston Burger and my friend got the mac and cheese. While we were waiting the bar tender brought over some bread and duck confit. I'd never had duck before, so I can't really comment on whether it hit the mark or not. For me, it was way salty. The bread was incredible though. When the burger came out, it looked amazing and I couldn't wait to dig in. Unfortunatly, the excitement ended there. The burger itself was quite bland. So much so not even bacon and a fried egg could make up for it and that's saying something. You can just about throw a fried egg on top of anything and I'll be a happy camper. The fries were crispy but I wish I had asked for them unsalted. I had a bite of my friends mac and cheese and it was nice and creamy with a crunchy top. Not bad but not great either. Overall it was just a meh experience for me. For the prices I was expecting to be overwhelmed. I enjoyed the ambiance so I would go back for drinks and bar snacks.
(3)Dana C.
Dropped in for brunch on a Sunday morning...UGH! My veggie omelet was NOT an omelet..it was an egg pancake thrown over some frozen veggies with NO cheese. It honestly tasted like cardboard. When the waiter finally came back to clear our table he asked how the food was and I couldn't lie. I told him that it was the worst breakfast that I have ever had and he said he would go back and get the manager..waited 20 minutes and the manager never showed up. It's very clear that costumer service is not one of their strong points. This place will only last because of it's location...cause the food and service will not bring any locals back that care to get quality for their money.
(1)Alec C.
I took 5 steps into this place and decided that I was going to hate it. I was wrong. It turned out to be pretty bad ass. I didn't think that I would like it because the layout of the restaurant and bar is kinda lame. I was almost knocked over by 3 different servers coming out of the kitchen while I was trying to look for a seat at the upstairs bar. Then I had to squeeze between people and seats just to find a place to sit in the downstairs bar. The whole place was a bit too hectic for what seemed to be a restaurant/ afterwork relaxing drinks kind of spot. Once I had my butt planted though, things got instantly better. They have a very decent wine list with plenty of wines by the glass and some fairly good micro brews ( they get triple bonus points for having left hand milk stout). I started with an old fashion manhattan which was a little weak but very tasty. Then I thought I would throw the server Anna a curve ball and ask some obscure wine questions that I was sure would throw her off since the place had just opened and she hadn't had much time to learn the details of the menu yet. To my surprise, not only was she able to answer all of my questions, but she also made a great recommendation and was even nice enough to give me a sample before pouring me a full glass (something a lot of places wont do if you are going for wine by the glass). I will be asking for Anna as my server the next time I go to Met. My friends and I shared the salmon and tuna tartar, which had some wonderful flavors but was a bit on the gummy side, and an egg plant caprese which was amazing. I hate egg plant, but this sandwich was seriously delicious. The decor was beautiful and the ambience superb except for the place being a bit too crowded. I feel like this is one of those places that is actually much more enjoyable on a slow night. Over all, Met Back Bay is definitely worth a visit. Or two.
(4)Nat P.
Food was good. Loved the pleasant ambiance sitting in the window of a sunny room with a clean and fresh look. Not sure if our waiter was bad or if it was a matter of poor management (I think both, actually). The place is way too big and not enough staff on hand. Service was really slow....If you have a restaurant that is so big and busy then you need to hire more people, bottom line. The customers are not jerks if they are frustrated by having to wait around forever. They are paying good money and should have good service. We were sitting for what felt like forever before our waiter even came over to acknowledge our existence.
(3)Sam B.
2nd time going, previously went to the lower bar. This time wanted more sit down dinner so went to the library for the first time. The atmosphere was good, just the food selection was less compared to the lower bar. Had the burger which was mediocre, beer selection was good from normal beers to micro brews. Service was good, just for dinner the selection was just not there.
(3)Adrian J.
Went here with my mom on our first day of our New England vacation. We sat on the patio. The patio has umbrellas for almost all the tables....all but ours. That's my only reason for lacking one star. It was very hot and got some sun burn! It took a while for them to being us water refills too. Our LA style salmon burger was amazing! Food was great! Great prices for the size of the portions. Great drink menu, even though we didn't partake.
(4)ML M.
I recently went back to Met Back Bay and had a wonderful experience. i went with two friends from out of town for brunch on Sunday. We sat inside and I was impressed with the decor. They have a section called the library bar that looks like a classy place to go for a drink. My friend had the Captain Crunch french toast with a side of bacon and he said, "This is the kind of meal I would ask for my last meal!" My other friend had the cheese omelet and it was just cheesy enough without being greasy. I did go with the egg white omelet again but on Sundays they have a veggie omelet that came with broccoli and tomatoes and some other veggies which I am forgetting. I don't like onions and it came without as requested. It was pretty good.
(4)Baking M.
Met Back Bay is in the former location of Joe's American Bar and Grill. Met is also located in Natick and Dedham Legacy Place. I've tried Met one other time for lunch, sitting in the white leather booths and tried the Dry Aged Burger with duck fat fries. The burger was juicy, but I would suggest swapping out the duck fat fries for truffle fries, because the duck fat fries are not anything special. This time around, I tried the Pineapple martini (a lighter juicy version of a pina colada), but didn't have the grilled pineapple vodka flavor as promised. Despite the error in advertising, the drink was tasty and whisked me from the depressing snow lined sidewalks into the Carribean. The first to aspects of the meal were ok. The truffle popcorn was freshly popped, however was missing truffle flavor. The Chinatown salad featured duck breast and drumsticks on a bed of sesame sprinkled cabbage slaw and greens. The menu claimed there was an Asian goddess dressing, not sure what that means still, because the salad didn't seem to have much or any dressing. The Paris burger was a burger I would return again for. Medium rare kobe beef (you could have chose Met Prime Blend / Kobe / Salmon / All-natural Turkey) sandwiched between a sesame bun, melted brie, truffle mayo, caramelized onion and a runny egg on top (like a Croque madame). Luscious, rich and was very memorable. The truffle fries were crispy and seasoned well. The basement lounge has a bar menu with a great variety of burgers (ask for the bar menu, even if you are sitting at the dining room). I especially liked the Library area, I would ask to sit in this area next time around.
(4)Michael R.
Very simply: This place is absolutely wonderful! The drinks are reasonably priced and amazing, and the food is perfectly decadent. The ambiance is one of the best in Boston and the service is excellent. I happened upon this bar opening tonight and was very very pleasantly surprised. My group had toasted coconut martini, pumpkin martini, margarita pitchers, and some craft beers. All were wonderful and the alcohol selection is unparalleled. I could not give a higher recommendation to try it out.
(5)Elizabeth M.
Sat outside on a Saturday for lunch and the whole experience would have been close to perfect if it hadn't been for the hostess. We were seated with a scowl and later admonished for temporarily stowing a package on the seat next to us. It would have been funny if it had not been so infuriating. We turned it around by amusing ourselves with the other victim's responses to her haughty approach to customer service. Loved the Burrata with English Peas and Pesto, Hand-cut Buttermilk Biscuits, Short Rib Tacos!!
(4)Anne K.
Met Bar has quickly become "our place" for girls nights. We have never eaten in the dining area upstairs because the bar downstairs is more casual and lively. Cocktails are creative and they have my favorite wine, which is a plus. Everything we have ordered has been fantastic. Met finds a way to be inventive with the classics, while never going overboard. For instance, they have Kobe burgers with a wasabi mayonnaise and ginger. Sign me up! Calamari is extra crispy and the dipping sauce is to die for. Homemade popcorn with parm is worth munching on. Best for last, shoestring onion rings!! A must if you decide to eat at the Met. Atmosphere is crowded and honestly if you don't get a seat at the bar or a bar table, it is uncomfortable. Always felt like I was in the way standing. We always let the servers know we are waiting for a seat and they have always been helpful and staking out a spot for us.
(4)L C.
Great addition to the Back Bay! The modern orange decor and soft cushioned chairs really give the Met Back Bay that extra flare. Extremely attentive and friendly staff both up front and at the tables. The Natick and Dedham locations are also owned by the same person. This Met Back Bay would be a full 5 star rating if they offered the burger making option (which I L-O-V-E)! . I think this menu only had one burger choice but there are more options for other items now. Tip: Make reservations!
(4)Lisa W.
This place is our "Cheers". The bar area up front is fantastic - a warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a delectable and varied bar menu. It is just large enough to be accommodating and just small enough to be intimate. I can't really speak to the main dining room as we've always eaten in the front bar. For my tastes, the bar appetizer menu is more interesting than the dinner menu, but that's just me. A great place to meet for a drink and a bite!
(4)Liz H.
Friday night scene at the basement bar, 7:30pm: 90% cougars at the bar. Being two late twentysomethings in our after work attire, it wouldn't take much stretch of the imagination to see us turning into this crowd within 10 years. No open chairs, so took us some seat-stalking to finally score seats so we could chow. Drinks: Pumpkin martini (way too sweet! have it for dessert), aviation?, something fruity with gin (delish). However, not really that strong. Stronger drinks definitely see the higher price tag ($14 for the aviation). No angostura bitters for champagne cocktails, but made a "close" replica. Food: Clams Casino - OK, way too many breadcrumbs, a little fishy tasting, could have benefitted from some lemon juice. Duck salad - huge, definitely worth $9, but the duck was dry. Mac & Cheese - Amazing - 'nuff said. All-in-all, it was a fun experience and I think they're still working out food kinks. The service was extremely friendly and decently paced. We'll definitely come back again and hopefully, up the star quotient.
(3)Alex S.
One of our favorite places. Great new menu with awesome apps to share. We love the food, good wine list and three rooms with different ambiance to choose from.
(5)David L.
The Met Back Bay boasts a prime location at a scenic intersection, as well as a welcoming atmosphere. I was disappointed, however, when I looked at the menu and found that they do not offer normal house salads. Also, the otherwise friendly and accomodating service shot me down when I attempted to order one off-menu. For an appetizer, I ordered the closest thing to a traditional salad they had, only to find that it was a salad in name only. The gargantuan portion of iceberg lettuce was drowning in ranch dressing and bleu cheese. I was glad I had asked to hold the bacon bits. The macaroni and cheese was surprisingly delicious, but it was very rich and filling, which was a problem because there was so much of it. I recommend the dish, but I advise ordering it to share. In short, the Met is a great meal if you haven't eaten in two days and healthful food is not on your agenda.
(3)Danielle H.
I realized it must have been a long time since I wandered down that part of Newbury St b/c I was surprised to find that Met had replaced Joe's. Came here at around 6pm for happy hour/snacks and had no trouble finding a large table that could accommodate 6 people. The downstairs bar area seemed to fill up pretty quickly after though. As noted, it does have a very upscale feel and goes beyond your typical happy hour joint. They seemed to have a nice cocktail selection. I had one of the microbrews which was pretty tasty. Also had the kobe beef miniwiches and onion strings, both of which were pretty decent as compared to standard bar food. The thing that stuck out was our waitress seemed pretty aloof and inattentive. It took a while to get her attention on several occasions.
(3)A B.
Had to find a place for dinner for 10 people after IRENE left us New Yorkers/Philadelphians stranded in Boston after a wedding. We weren't sure where to go, given that nearly every storefront in Backbay was shuttered. The Met Backbay was awesome. They were so friendly. Despite the fact that they had closed the main dining room and were serving a limited menu in the downstairs bar due to the storm, they opened up a table upstairs and the manager waited on us himself. The bar downstairs seemed fun with great TVs. Would be a great place to watch a game. The upstairs dining space was really lovely. Our group's ages spanned from the 60s to the early 20s and there was something for everyone. Food and wine were delicious, even though I am sure they were operating with limited ingredients due to the IRENE shutdown.
(5)Suzanne M.
I had brunch at Met Back today and it was fabulous. I had the three cheese omelette with crispy hot potatoes and a side order of bacon. I even had one of the make your own bloody Mary's which is a really cool idea. My girlfriend had the veggie omelette with a side Caesar salad. Both of the omelets were light and fluffy and cooked to perfection. When we arrived at 11:30 we had the choice of seats but when we left on hour and a half later the line was long and people seemed to happy wait for a table, I cannot wait to go back and try more of the menu.
(5)Rick C.
Not as good as its counterpart in Chestnut Hill, our waiter was really strange, food was just OK- the valet parking was awful. Took 20 minutes to get the car- the lot is so far away and they have 2 guys only running back and forth- other people were really pissed off waiting as we were- will not go back
(2)Ryan P.
We went there on a rainy Sunday to have a drink and an early dinner. We sat in the bar area downstairs. Good TVs, and good windows to people watch on NEwbury. We even saw the star of the 'Jordan's Furniture' commericials (long white hair with pony tail and bear) walking his dog and looking into the restaurant... HA! We got the Met Burger (Medium Rare)... one of the only places that will actually cook your burger medium rare. It was like a beef tartare, with dry aged sirloin. It was excellent to say the least. The Met Truffle fries.. which are for a lack of a better term... 'off the chain' aka very very good with Aoili dipping sauce. The 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese was honestly some of the best Mac and Cheese I have ever had... incredible and perfect portion size. Its a MUST GET! Drinks: She had Iced Tea Libation... Sweet Tea Vodka, Lemon Juice and Homemade Iced Tea. EXCELLENT, she had 2! I had 2 Whales Tale Pale Ales... also excellent. Very Pricey, but expected for a MET restaurant, and location. Service was pretty good overall, except I had to keep asking for refills of water... usually for me, that is a given of refilling once you have finished one glass. The food more than made up for either of those. We
(4)Richard C.
If you're going to talk the talk you'd better be able to walk the walk, and the Dry-Aged burger at Met Back Bay clearly has issues walking and talking at the same time. The epitome of a burger that sounds really friggin' good on paper (Dr-Aged beef, sharp cheddar, double smoked bacon, port wine onions, organic sesame seed bun) but is a colossal disappointment. There's no debate that a higher price tag has to yield higher expectations and the opportunity for more critiques. It's not nitpicking, that's just the way it is, and this burger, priced at $18, fails in just about every aspect. First and foremost, the promised Dry-Aged beef is frustratingly ordinary, how this costs $7 more than the straight up Prime Blend is beyond me. It tastes like no Dry-Aged meat I've ever had, instead feeling more like it was taken off of the scrap heap. It's also over-cooked, calling it medium would be generous (it's more like a medium-well) despite my ordering it medium-rare. Hard to defend this one, it's sometimes forgivable if the flavor is still there, but for the price tag and the fact that they have an entire menu focused on burgers, it's a tough one to overlook. Unfortunately there is very little flavor to speak of; dry, un-seared, and boring, the burger deserves more. The double smoked bacon is crispy but devoid of any serious smoke, fat or flavor, and the onions are watery and have no hint of the promised Port. I could care less if my bun is organic or not, but I do care if it's dry and seemingly stale. The skin-on Fries are borderline passable, with an oily interior and not enough salt, there was probably less than a dozen of them in the small basket it is served in. It's an egregious burger for $18, over-cooked and bland, the suggestion of superior meat is an insult. Don't fall for the burger that over-promises, because it's most likely going to let you down. But don't think I'm mincing words; this has nothing to do with expectations or having higher hopes, the Met burger was lousy, on my one and only visit, fair or unfair that's what I have to judge.
(1)Catarina C.
Oh MET. On a walk down Newbury one night, my friend and I decided to stop in here for dinner. Opting to sit inside (i prefer to not eat in a fog of moisture when it is 90 degrees out thank you), we were seated immediately in the side room/banquet. First off, our server was great. She started us out with a bottle of wine and waited patiently for my friend and I to slowly, slowly, slowly decide on what to eat. We are indecisive, and she was very patient. gold star! We first got the lobster dip. I don't know the type of bread that came with it (looks like pita, tastes like chewy nuts,??) but it was delicious. A little greasy, but we knew what fatties we were being when we ordered lobster cheese dip in the first place. The app was very tasty, but stopped being so enticing as it got cold and..ugh grainy cold cheese. We split the chopped salad and sirloin steak as our entree. The salad was delicious! If i wasn't so damn full from the cheesy lobster, i would have MOWED this salad. The sirloin was cooked perfectly but..tasted like a sirloin. Nothing out of the ordinary. One thing I did note was the great music (rappy, beaty, top 40s ish but better) that was playing. It's one thing to eat dinner, but to eat dinner AND jam out to your favorite tunes? Double gold star!!
(4)Alena K.
The service was fabulous, can't complain at all. Our waiter was friendly, personable and eager to make us happy. The place also looked great and had a great atmosphere. I enjoyed my time there. I'm definately a fan. My only issue was my main entree. I love duck, if theres duck on a menu I always order it. The duck at Met Back Bay was pretty dry and I could hardly eat it. Everything else was great tho! xo Alena
(4)Diane C.
Heard about their Wednesday night twin lobsters for $25 special. Before the hubbs and I leave Boston, we decided to go give it a try. The food did not disappoint! We ordered the twin lobsters and lobster mac & cheese. DELICIOUS!!!! The lobster was freshly steamed and cut specially for easy eating. The only strange part and room for improvement is kitchen to wait staff communication. We put in our order, and then 15 minutes later, were told that they had run out of lobster (we had reservations at 8pm). TOTALLY bummed, we re-ordered new dishes. But then less than 5 minutes later, our original order came out. SO confused but, in the end, glad we got our lobster. definitely would recommend!
(4)Joanna L.
I like the Met - it's a great place to sit down for a nice meal in the neighborhood, and everything is dependable; service is always friendly, the upstairs always looks nice, and the food, though not out-of-this-world special - is good quality at reasonable (Back Bay) prices. I always know I'll have a pretty good experience there. Menu has great options for gourmet burgers, as well as good twists on American comfort foods. Truffled fries are delicious. I always come here for dessert, whether it's the sticky toffee pudding, or handmade donuts with chocolate sauce. Sidenote: Avoid the bar downstairs - it lacks the poise and ambience of the upstairs, and feels more like a basement.
(4)Michelle B.
Terrible service, decent food, good location. Not recommended for large groups. Our hotel concierge recommended this restaurant for our group of 10, and we made a reservation. We walked to the restaurant, and, not knowing exactly how long it would take us, we arrived 10 minutes early. We were promptly scolded by the hostess for being there before our reservation time, and told to go to the bar (incidentally the bar was fun, and servers prompt). We were not seated until 20 minutes past our reservation time (despite the strong indication that punctuality was important). As soon as we were seated, we asked if it would be a problem to have separate bills for each couple. We were told it would not be, but might take 'a little time' to sort out. The food was fairly good, but our waitress rarely checked on us to see if we were doing well, and we pretty much had to flag her down to replenish our drinks. At one point I waited 15 minutes for a glass of wine. The bill took ONE HOUR to sort out, and this was after we had actually written on the bill what should be charged to each credit card. It never was correct but by then, we were so irritated we just left. The server was obviously irritated with us, so my husband reminded her that we had asked about this before we ordered anything. She said, "Maybe you just should have brought cash." Excuse me?? We were a group of professionals in town for a conference, we had money to spend, and we were having fun together. If she had actually managed to smile once, or had the bills been correct, she would have made a killer tip. Her loss. We won't be back to The Met.
(2)Stephanie C.
I went in on a random weekday night for dinner at the bar. First, I loved the Library Bar decor very much. cozy, lounge-like with a small bar (6 chairs I think). A friend recommended them to me for the Short Rib Tacos (off the bar menu). And I asked for them. And I loved them immediately. For dessert, I got the ice cream sandwich trio. It was a great concept, the sandwiches themselves were very tasty, but the plate-up was a bit uninspired. The bartender was great. Jay was his name I think. Friendly, attentive, and when I didn't like the drink I ordered, he took it off the bill and replaced it, no problem. The best part was that the bar was empty when I arrived and full when I left. And all 6 of us were random strangers, chatting over dinner with each other about anything and everything. On a side note, the pasta bolognese that the lady at the other end of the bar ordered looked great, but go with the half order, it's plenty. I can't wait to go back for something off the dinner menu.
(4)Will S.
We stopped in for a late lunch at Met and were pleasantly surprised by the good food and friendly, hard-working staff. Our waiter / bartender never stopped moving once during the hour we were there. It was impressive. The salmon burger done Tokyo style is definitely recommended!
(3)Shelly R.
I decided to have my birthday party there last weekend based on the fact that there was an entire bar dedicated to ham and cheese. Excellent. Though it is crowded and very little standing room the combination of three bars among many traditional dining seats makes this a winner in my book. I love to sit at the bar and there is plenty of bar space! The drinks are excellent - I stuck to Blood Orange Cosmos which while strong, were delicious. As I was hanging out by the ham and cheese bar, I had many samples of ham which were all various kinds of American ham, yet exotic in flavor - I hope to get a ham and cheese platter next visit. I was hoping to get a cheaper sample (the platter is $18) so I ordered the ham & cheese bites which ended up being fried squares of prosciutto and cheese with three types of dipping mustard- not what I expected, but it went amazingly well with my second Cosmo. For dinner I was wooed by a promise of a donation to Japan for ordering the Tokyo burger - and there were no regrets there. The medium rare sear on my burger was on the rare side (something most restaurants shy away from - but I love) and it was so good that I ate the entire thing leaving no room for their fries which are nothing special. I can't in good conscience give them five stars because I've only been there once. Also it was a busy Friday so I should cut them some slack, but I had to complain to the manager early in the evening that our waitress forgot twice to bring me water. He was really nice about it and kept the water flowing thereafter. I was there for about 5 hours.
(4)Carla C.
2 of us had lunch on Sunday. As it happened, Food Network was filming inside, so everyone ate outside. A family of 6 (3 children) was seated next to us, they were visiting from England. They were nice and quiet, but were asked to leave because they need the small tables for small parties (?). I felt terrible that they would be treated this way. On a good note, the arugula salad is excellent (although I was expecting it to have the pistachio covered goat cheese like I have had in other Met Bars). My husband's chopped salad was also excellent. And the wait staff (other than the one who asked the family to leave) was very nice.
(3)Kim C.
I was excited to try this place because I had heard great things... I ordered a the LA burger medium rare and my daughter got the mini cheeseburgers - also medium rare. My burger came out with bacon, lettuce, and mayo - it was missing the avocado and sprouts - so the server took it back and the kitchen added the other toppings. The server brought back the corrected burger, I took one bite and realized that the burger was well done. Ugh. It took about 5 minutes to get the server's attention, I explained that the burger was not cooked as I ordered it, and she asked if there was something else they could make for me. Um, no thank you. My daughter got through her first mini-cheeseburger but also complained that it was well done. It took another 5 minutes to flag down the server - she had not been back since I called her over to take back my burger. They took both burgers off our bill but what upscale restaurant known for burgers screws up like that? Not going back.
(1)Cami F.
LOVE the met back bay! Great spot for dinner and drinks with a friend. Their salads are huge and best split, and I really love their grilled artichokes (mmm, garlic aioli dipping sauce). They have some creative drinks but I wouldn't go for drinks alone- the bar can be crowded and there really isn't standing room.
(4)Keryn B.
I have been a few times for lunch, including stumbling in on their first day open. I love love love the atmosphere in there. The airyness that lacked in Joe's Bar in Grille is so calming. My go to all time favorite that I crave is the chopped salad with chicken, it is literally the best salad I have ever had. If you are with a friend they will even split it for you, it is so big even when it is split. My co-worker and I will split the salad and the chicken sandwich. I need to be a little more adventurous when I am here, but every time I go I with that salad in mind. The burgers are fantastic too. The brownie dessert is pretty good too, it is a deconstructed sundae, the coconut ice cream is my favorite part. I love the bar downstairs, we will eat lunch there every now and again, and the service is awesome.
(4)Julia G.
Memorial day, just stepped in. They seated us quickly, which was great! Food was good, but the falafel with the salmon was a little too over spiced. Portions are great as well. Cocktails were excellent, boyfriend ordered The Nantucket and I kept stealing sips (poor guy). Worth checking out, overall.
(4)Claire G.
Five stars for pretentious service. The food was ok. We basically got kicked off the patio after we were done eating but still sipping so-so sangria because they didn't have enough chairs. Not impressed.
(2)Taz S.
Went late on a Saturday nite. Bar was busy but found table, seats open at bar. Not crazy busy. Good points: They did a fab job on the buildout. I know. I work in building and suffered through it :) But....it looks great. Congrats. Bad points: upwards of 20 min. wait for drink. Bad. Sullen bartenders and servers. Bad. Off drinks. Bad. Deathly slippery floor. Bad. Although...provided some entertainment, watching the slipping/sliding no that wasn't me show. Summary: In this 'hood, plenty of places to plunk down $13/drink. No real reason to do it here. But hey, great job on gutting place.
(2)Kathleen F.
I was here for dinner when they opened and recently went back for some apps and drinks at the bar. The seafood dishes were very delicious for dinner! I really enjoyed them and our waiter was super friendly. Recent experience at the bar was great too, we got a pitcher of the spiked lemonade and tried the guac with grilled corncakes. The food is very fresh which I like and the guac and really ripe chunks of tomato and corn which was a nice addition! We did come here at a non busy time so the bar service was pretty good. I can see how it could get a little chaotic when the place becomes busier, but overall dining in w' a reservation, and hanging at the bar when it's not too busy were both great experiences.
(4)Jay S.
We went here for a quick business lunch. We all tried the burgers. I had the Boston burger with an egg on top. Atmosphere is typical Newbury Street. The burgers were very good and very expensive. The fries were average. Overall, an OK experience.
(4)Eric Y.
Went here for the 1st time on a Saturday night, had reservations for 8pm. I haven't been here since the old Joe's location a few years back and was impressed with the renovation and decor. It has a classy/upscale feel and very comfortable seating arrangements. We ordered 2 small appetizer plates, pita/hummus and brushetta, both were good, but for sure "small appetizers. For main courses we had salmon, kobe beef tips. and a soup/salad combo. Everyone really enjoyed their dishes and they were very well presented and portion size very good as well. Service was great-very nice waiter and personable as well. There is a very cool/busy bar downstairs where you can also get their full menu. Looked like an older crowd for sure, but a relaxed atmosphere. Will for sure return again soon!
(4)Joanna E.
This place is beautiful, and has a few fun bars to hang out in. The menu is extensive, and you can tell they're really trying...but. But, the food was only OK. And I've been to the two other METs - Chestnut Hill and Natick, which are amazing, 5 star all the way. I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt and assume any kinks are because they're new in town. Or order was 75% wrong. The meat, app, sauce, - they were all the exact opposite of what we ordered. Our waiter was super-sweet, but...like I said, it's still the beginning for them. They did their best to make us feel welcome. Actually, drinks were outstanding. I'll definitely be back, but I'm going to wait a few months....
(3)Eli R.
It's pretty much unheard of for me to be able to justify paying $18 for a burger and fries, but I was in a burger mood and so was my girlfriend, so we decided to check out the Met Bar's new Newbury Street location. We were there between the lunch and dinner hours, and were told they were only serving the bar menu. We grabbed a seat in the "Library Room" at the top of the stairs, and our waitress quickly came and took our orders. The only complaint about the service was that she spoke too quietly to hear in the crowded and busy lounge, but was otherwise fine. So, the GF and I are looking at the menu, both of us in awe of the offerings. We opted to split the Wild arugula salad, which was flavorful, despite being dressed with only EVOO. The hazlenuts and shaved mushrooms gave the salad more than enough flavor on their own, and the peppery bite of the arugula went with it perfectly. Onto the meals. She opted for the Kobe burger, Tokyo style (avocado / muenster / pickled onions / sticky soy / daikon sprouts / wasabi mayo), and cooked rare. I opted for the Back Bay Dry Aged burger cooked medium rare served with duck fat fries. Both of us were absolutely satisfied with our choices. The meat on the dry-aged burger was succulent and delicious, easily the most flavorful beef I have ever tasted, and my GF's Kobe burger was phenomenal. She rarely finishes a burger, but she couldn't stop eating this one. I felt the same way about mine. I was full about halfway through, but there was no way I was leaving any of it on the plate. They were incredible in every way. While I don't see myself going here often, I will definitely be treating myself to one of these burgers every few months or so because it is just that good.
(4)John M.
The upstairs layout sucks, who wants to sit in small dark rooms with no atmosphere. The menu is Just OK. bland steaks and burgers. my burger seriously needed some seasoning. Our waiter Jason was great and personable but it's a pain in ass for the servers to get drinks downstairs. The staff downstairs sucks. They are rude. I would never go back.
(2)scott m.
My first visit at lunch today was almost perfect. Boston burger was cooked exactly as i requested. Egg topping and duck fat fries were delicious. My girlfriends ham & cheese w/ egg, not so much. she found it cumbersome to eat and the cheese a little too soft, making it tasteless. We sat the Library Bar and had great service. Curteous, fast and heavy handed with the cocktail pours. Granted it was not too busy and we had time to linger, so not rushed. The space is different than the old Joes design. Seems more formal that it needs to be. Will be curious to see how they handle a more crowded afternoon or dinner service. Looking forward to going back and trying something else. Cost was what I expected to pay in Back Bay, so no different than other places inthe area.
(4)Mardget P.
Ambiance is beautiful in the upstairs dining room--the food is pretty good, though typically Newburyish in being overpriced and fancifully described. The staff are really nice and it's a great place for brunch on Sundays in that it's not a yard sale like Joe's or Stephanie's. The buttermilk biscuits are delicious (says a Southerner) and there's a nice variety of breakfast and lunch options. You're better off without ordering fresh items (fruit, salads) as they tend to be of the flavorless or underripe variety--but the hot fudge brownie sundae? YES.
(3)William G.
I dine here 2 - 3 times per month. I'd give the food and decor a 4.5. All of my issues are with the front of the house. Reception is almost always terrible, and the wait staff is really inconsistent. Reception ranges from cold to rude, and I have been seated right next to another table in an empty room more than once. I also had a waiter that tried to include himself in our conversation while getting the order completely wrong. I've also had a few excellent servers. The bartenders in the library are always friendly and on the ball, especially Ted. The salads are huge. I like to split an arugula salad with a friend as a starter. The small bites are really good, especially the deviled eggs and asparagus. The fish entrees are usually tasty, as is the burger.
(3)Leila A.
So this place was a little disappointing. Weirdest part first: I'm dining with my husband, a party of 2. When we are ready to pay, we put down our credit card with the check. The waitress comes and picks up the check and looks at us and says: Waitress: "Only one credit card??!!" Me: "umm, huh?" Waitresss: "You don't want to split this check?" No, I did not want to split the check with my husband. Since when does a waitress ask if you want to split a check when you have not said a word about splitting and proffered a single credit card? Weird. Other weird things: Large serving with hummus came with only a few tiny wedges of pita. We asked for more pita, and it came. A new charge was put on the bill for the extra pita. Umm okay, whatever, but should've been mentioned when we ordered it. Moreover, pita serving should be readjusted to match the quantity of hummus. 3 bean salad really only had two beans in it, and both were varieties of string beans. I thought this could use clarification on the menu... Cocktails were tasty, although it was 5 pm and they were out of ginger, which ruled out the two drinks I was most interested in. Artichoke was a little bit on the tough side, and needed salt. What else? Space is cozy, and I kind of liked the atmosphere. But food was a little lacking, and the waitress was seriously awkward. Given the prices and the upscale vibe, it was disappointing.
(2)Jeff J.
I'd give negative stars if Yelp allowed it. My dinner there last night was probably the single most regrettable dining experience I've had in Boston, or anywhere. Food: I've gotten better rotisserie chicken at gas stations. The "asian goddess dressing" on my salad wasn't even fit for peons. My girlfriend was equally nonplussed at the flavorless slab of tofu that was supposed to pass for "tofu steak". Terrible dining room: My girlfriend and I were seated in the "Conservatory Room". Read: low-ceilinged room with bare walls into which management had jammed seating for about 20. Under good circumstances it would be unpleasant to hear echoes of other diners' conversation bouncing off the walls. We were particularly unlucky last night because our neighbors included a foul family party of about 8 that didn't know how to use inside voices or to refrain from cursing. (I'm not a prude, but I was trying to have a nice dinner with my girlfriend. Echoing A-bombs didn't set the mood I was hoping for.) Clueless serving staff: the kitchen staff brought out food but not utensils. The tables were tiny and yet we had to ask a few time to have our appetizer plates cleared. Halfway into our meal the servers wanted to bring another chair into the already cramped dining room. Surprise...there was no room. But that didn't stop them from asking my girlfriend to move her chair (which she patiently did), and it didn't stop them from pushing her chair and our entire table out of the way when there still wasn't enough room to accommodate more chairs. Anyway, I won't be going back.
(1)Rene' Y.
Wow. I like the atmosphere. After walking around the city we came here for some drinks and a quick appetizer. We ordered the "Indian corn" from the regular menu rather than the bar menu. It was creamy, sweet, thicker version of corn chowder but 10 times yummier. I will be back soon.
(5)Cat And Dave U.
All in all, don't waste your money. Take it from us - we are the suckers who have gone back THREE TIMES hoping the last was just a fluke performance. Well, after last nights experience, we've decided to give up hope. Both culinarians, 1 professionally trained and 1 with years of experienced, we are always on the prowl for a great meal. From the outside looking in, the Met bar has everything a culinarian would want - a intriguing menu, a great looking ambiance and a cool & trendy bar. But once you step in the door and sit down to the slow service and mostly vacant menu (as our waiter said last night "before I take your order, let me check with the kitchen to see what else we are out of", you remember the truth to the old term "perception is not always what it seem". We won't bore you with the lousy details of how awful our experiences have been over the past 3 visits, but believe you me - we are done with the disappointments and plan to move on - and DO NOT recommend to ANYONE!
(1)Alex V.
Only gets better when someone else picks up the tab!
(5)Angela L.
We will never ever give this restaurant our business again. A beautiful day in Boston and we wanted to sit outside with our dog outside of the railing like you are able to do at every other restaurant in Back Bay. Not here. They asked us to tie him to the tree by the side of Newbury St.. When I went in to discuss this with the manager they just grinned and shrugged their shoulders. I have heard many people complain about Met Bar in the past and I have always defended them because I enjoyed coming here. Not any more!! Met Bar you just lost a very loyal patron. We will be more than happy to take our business to Stephanie's down the street where they welcome our dog with open arms and do not ask us to tie him to a tree by the side of the road. Not to mention the food there is much better.
(1)Andy C.
Brunch at Met Back Bay was the perfect compliment to this weekend's sudden burst of Spring. With establishments such as Parish, Stephanie's, and Cafe Sonsie serving up stiff competition along Newbury, Met Back Bay definitely emerges as the winner. The dining space is beautifully decorated, complimented by a wide variety of seating options - bar, patio, and dining room. The brunch menu is eclectic, and the servers strike the perfect balance between maintaining attention and privacy (thanks Scott!) The pork stuffed hash brown I had was generous in serving size, and the jalapeno hollandaise sauce added just the right amount of zing to the crispy potatoes. My friend thoroughly enjoyed his tuna tartare, which was refreshing to the palate, and found his burger grilled to perfection. The Quebec maple syrup tart had a light sweet flourish that was decorated nicely with blueberry compote, and the pineapple upside down cake was wonderfully moist without being soggy. All in all, the best brunch experience I've had in Boston so far.
(5)d f.
Usual, nothing special. Inconsistent drinks depending on who is tending bar. Pricey.
(1)Lindsay S.
Went here late yesterday afternoon for late lunch/early dinner with my husband. We sat down around 4:30 in the bar area upstairs (self seating). The ambience was nice but everything else was not so hot. My number 1 complaint was our waitress. She took forever to do everything- from giving us menus, to getting us water (which I asked to have with lemon and she forgot so I had to ask again and that took her at least another 10 minutes to do), to getting our food and eventually our bill. Aigh. The food was average Bar/American food with higher prices. My husband and I both got burgers which we shared....one was a Salmon Tokyo burger and the other the Met Paris burger. They were both incredibly messy to eat- sauces and more oozing over the edge. I wish they were put together a bit better. The salmon burger was definitely lacking salt and some flavor. The Paris burger was cooked well done when asked for medium well. And finally the fries were cold and had no salt on them. I asked for salt but by the time our waitress came back with salt, they were practically gone (we were both very hungry!) I would not recommend this place. Honestly you can get a better burger at Applebees for a much cheaper price- and the service will likely be better too. Spend your $$ elsewhere.
(2)CC K.
Food is terrible here. Save your money and go somewhere else. The burger was hard on the edges , the bacon overcooked into hard little sticks. Burger King is delicious compared to this burger. The rotisserie chicken was dry, French fries were soggy. Service was the only good thing
(1)Sarah S.
Get the basil martini drink thing. Yes, that is as descriptive as I can get. But seriously, it should be enough. Service tends to be meh, and it's a little spendy, hence 3 stars.
(3)Kristen F.
I heard Met Back Bay opened this afternoon, but my friend and I went in the evening and sat at the bar downstairs. Our bartender Brian was really great and suggested some awesome appetizers we ended up trying: parmesan truffle fries and some sort of brisket tacos I think. Delicious!!
(4)Lynda M.
Still feels like Joe's with higher prices, new wood paneling, and a new coat of paint. The downstairs bar is still small, claustrophobic, crowded and underwhelming.
(1)Ali W.
I remember the days when this spot used to be Joe's.. and it was dark, dank and unimpressive. Now that Met has taken over, it's bright, airy and filled to the gills on a Saturday night. I like that! I came here last night with my boyfriend, and after during a run-through of the space (you have to do that before you commit to a location, my friends) we decided to sit downstairs at the seat-yourself tables. We got a table right away (woo-hoo!) and the bar menu and regular menu are basically the same, except cheaper.. which is always a good thing. The menu boasts a laundry list of fun cocktails, beers and wines by the glass. For food, we ordered a pizzete (unfortunately, lack luster in taste and WAY too wet) and two DIY burgers which were tasty, however not the best burgers I've ever tasted. I know this is probably a moot point, but I wish they had served the burgers on regular sized plates, and pre-cut the pizza. Our server was running around like a chicken with her head cut off, so I can't blame her for making us wait a bit to order food and drinks. She did apologize after we had paid, so I appreciate that. I like to do a dry run-through of a new restaurant so I can yelp it appropriately, but I forgot (dammit!) to check out the bathrooms. I didn't want to be overly creepy, checking people out who were eating, but I can happily say that Met is clean, bustling and full of happy diners. The view from the upstairs dining room is lovely, and the seating areas are full of high-back, leather chairs and cute booths - perfect for a date, or a business dinner. Make sure to make a reservation, especially on a busy weekend night, if you're not OK with seat yourself... definitely give this place a try!
(4)tasha r.
Mediocre food that is way over priced. Wait staff is very friendly, but there was a lot confusion at our table of six since the food runners constantly put the wrong dish in front of the wrong person. Throughout our entire meal, it was like: "hey, did you order that side of fries or is that mine?" "Wait, is this your appetizer?" "Oh, sorry, I ate some of your side dish."
(2)Garth S.
Met Back Bay is just what Newbury Street needs: another pretty, higher-end chain restaurant that caters to people who know neither the value of a dollar nor the difference between good food and crap. I thought the Back Bay Restaurant Group (Joe's American, the Atlantic Fish Company, Charley's, etc.) had that covered for the Boston area but apparently there's always room for one more. I'm sorry to say that when H---- and I were there the other night, it was at my suggestion. I was tired of going to the same places and I wanted something different. Because the streets were icy, I didn't want to stray too far from the T. After going through the usual list of Back Bay staples, I remembered that Met recently opened in the space Joe's American vacated last year. I'd been to the Natick and Dedham locations, which were fine, but not great, so I suggested we check out the Back Bay location. At first, H---- was favorably or, as she'd write, "favourably," impressed. It was still early, the restaurant was quiet, and we settled comfortably into the upstairs bar. H---- liked the decor: leather seating, subdued lighting, stock photographs of sophisticated people from the 1930s. (I could swear I saw Amelia Earhart in one of them. Perhaps not a tone one wants to set for a restaurant but whatever . . . ) The waitress came by and took our drink orders. H---- ordered Proseco and I, in keeping with the early 20th Century vibe, requested a sidecar. I will swear that the waitress rolled her eyes when she wrote it down. I can't imagine why; it's a perfectly manly drink if you're generous with the lemon juice and don't (ever, under any circumstances) put sugar on the rim of the glass. But even if I asked for something pink garnished with a cherry and a tiny umbrella, the reaction was just bad form. Strike 1. We ordered appetizers. H---- had the French onion soup and I went with the fried ham and cheese balls. H---- said the soup was good but not great. My ham and cheese was disgusting. It had potential and might have been good but it was either overfried to the point of burnt, just like every other fried item I'd eaten at any of the Met locations, or perhaps it was just time to change the oil in the fryer. In any event, Strike 2. Among the people I know who like Met, the burgers tend to rate high. I had a turkey burger, my second. The first was at the Met Bar at Legacy Place in Dedham. I was not crazy about it then but thought I'd try once more. Some places do turkey burgers well; Met is not one of them. I won't mark down for this, however, because it might be a matter of taste. What I will mark down for is dessert. My simple scoop of mint chip ice cream was delicious. It was, in fact, the best part of the meal but the dirt-encrusted spoon the waitress brought just before the ice cream arrived ruined the moment. I don't know how she could not have noticed it. I did immediately but before I could call her attention to it, she was gone. Strike 3 and, for good measure, Strike 4. H---- and I agreed: The ambiance was nice but that was as far as it went. Maybe I'll try Met Back Bay for lunch one day but I doubt I'll return for dinner any time soon.
(2)Beverly C.
A reservation was mad the first week in April for a May 20th Law School Graduation. The reservation was for 10 people and was confirmed. On May 11th I received a call that my reservation was being cancelled along with 20 others. They had a better offer from a private party. The GM made no attempt to refer us to a restaurant and he barely apologized as he was more concerned with the other calls he was charged with making. So here I sit in Chicago without a place for my family to go to celebrate this event. Nine days to find a restaurant on graduation weekend. What way is this to run a business?
(1)Christine H.
where do i begin. my husband and i headed for met back bay after some time on newbury - we've been to other Met restaurants and assumed we'd be safe getting a quick bite here. we've never been more wrong. we ordered the lobster and cheddar cheese dip, and the ham and cheese bites. if you want to try the lobster and cheddar cheese dip Met style - go to stop and shop, buy some cheddar cheese wiz, and spray it on imitation crabmeat. and for ham and cheese bites, ask the butcher for the left over ham fat, roll it in breadcrumbs, then flash fry. we had our tab in hand within 5 minutes of being served. as prompt as the waitress was bringing us our tab, she was pretty oblivious and didn't think to ask why our food was completely untouched and she'd only just served us our first beer. absolute disaster - the food was nauseating and the staff needs a refresher course in hospitality. the only reason to go to met back bay is for a beer. play it safe and get the kind in the bottle.
(1)Danielle E.
BEWARE!!!! DO NOT GO HERE FOR FOOD!!!!! I have had drinks here on two occassions, they were fine. Recently, I went there for a meal for the first time. I sat at the bar downstairs and ordered the Chinatown salad which is basically a huge bowl filled with (what I assume are) pre chopped salad mixture topped with crispy duck. Before eating the salad I pulled all of the duck off the bone. On the third or fourth bite of my salad I bit down to something so hard I was afraid I had broken my tooth. Assuming I had missed a bone I fished it out of my mouth and it turned out to be an industrial sized STAPLE. It was about an inch or an inch and a half long and looked DIRTY. I was absolutely horrified and disgusted, not to mention it hurt my tooth very badly and I was afraid it had cut my mouth. The bartender took the salad right away, and by the time I had returned from the bathroom he asked me how I was and informed me the manager was coming to talk to me. The manager approached me and said, "first of all I would like to give you my card, I'm the manager here" while never actually stating his name! He asked me if I was okay and then offered to take the salad off the bill, and then left. Honestly he seemed really nervous and completely un-professional. Having worked in restaurants in the past I felt that in this type of situation the manager should have gone above and beyond, not only offering to take the salad off the bill. Of course it needs to be taken off the bill, there was a STAPLE in it. I am very, very dissapointed in every aspect of my evening there and I caution anyone who goes there to inspect their food before eating - if you choose to eat there! Their kitchen is obviously not clean and there is some MAJOR oversight going on there.
(1)Kir C.
We went to the Met last night and had a horrible experience! The service was beyond bad- the waitress was so slow, and rude to us. We also hated the food- we ended up having an appetizer and leaving. We would never go back!
(1)Tanya B.
I went to Met Back Bay last night for dinner and I thought it was great! I love the atmosphere, they have really transformed it. The food was also delicious. I liked the appetizer of pretzel sticks and cheese (not sure what kind exactly, but it was good) - it was something fun and different. I got the Met Burger, and it was soooooo good! Definitely something I would crave and want again. My burger came with duck fat french fries, which our waitress raved about, but to be honest, they weren't anything special. If she hadn't told me that they were "different" then I wouldn't have noticed either way. My friend got the Mac and cheese, and for the very reasonable price, they gave her a very generous portion. I also tried it, and thought it was yummy. It's a nice addition to the Newbury St. area. I want to go back and check out the bar downstairs and try more things on the menu!
(4)W D.
Stopped here for brunch the other day. We were at the end of the brunch service time, so I expected to be rushed through our meal and pushed out the door. Well the second part was accurate as they turned the dining room lights off on us, but the first part was contradicted by our slooowwwwww service. My bloody mary was in fact delicious, although devoid of any perceptible alcohol, and the food was very mediocre. The decor was great, but the music must have been chosen by a teenage dj. Overall, I would only recommend this if you have no issues with overpaying for your food to sit in nice rooms and drink.
(2)Carol K.
I went there a few weeks ago and experienced one of the most memorable food experiences I've had in over a year...the Truffle Indian Corn!!! Off the hook!!! It was only an appetizer but I could probably that stuff twice a day. It is that good. Loved the roasted Cauliflower and the definitely have a pretty amazing burger. Our server, Alex was extremely helpful and attentive. The atmosphere was cool. What was nice was that I didn't have to order a $30 entree to have a great meal. I will be back there for sure!
(5)David M.
This place is clean, but the food is so lukewarm. The last time I was there I went downstairs to split a few apps over a glass of wine with a friend. Supposedly the fries were to die for, but I couldn't eat them because they were so salty. The wine choice is good, but I wasn't impressed with anything else, especially not the plastic deer on the wall.
(2)Sydney K.
food was delicious. the lobster dip is amazing!! must have appetizer. and the bolognese is excellent as well. we also had a really awesome table/booth overlooking newbury st and i lovee people watching :) my waiter was very pleasant and cheerful...not too hard on the eyes either! love love love coming here. everyone needs to go!
(5)Kristin Z.
For bar only .... Came in because the place I wanted to go to wasn't open. Unfriendly bartenders who don't make it an inviting place to stay for a second drink much less one . I came, I saw, & won't be back.
(1)Chrishelle C.
We ate at the bar for dinner one Sunday night when they offer gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches for $5.95. They were out of the Classic so I opted for the lobster cheddar dip appetizer as my meal. My boyfriend had the El Amigo grilled cheese with jalapeños, shredded short rib abd queso fresco. The sandwich also came with sweet potato fries. He enjoyed both items a great deal. I think the highlight though was the lobster dip! It had big chunks of lobster meat mixed into cheesy goodness!! And it didn't come with regular chips. Instead it came with arepas, which is this fried corn dough. It was pure ecstasy in your mouth when combined with the dip. Another big plus to this place was the super cold pints of draft beer. It was certainly the coldest glasses of beer I've had while visiting Boston. We went back one more time before we left Boston so that we could get the dip again and it did not disappoint. We also ordered the grilled artichoke appetizer, which was also good, but nothing beats the lobster dip. Sooo yummy!!
(4)Joanna S.
Came here with a couple if college friends who were upset about the Atlantic Fish Company. Apparently they can't prepare fish properly. We walked down Newbury Street and decided to go in and was pleasantly surprised. We all ordered fish for dinner and they were cooked perfectly. The clam chowder was also delicious The beer list is short and not super great but the service is good.
(4)Donny R.
Slow service & horrible service, but food was good. We were told the wait would be 25 minutes, but wound up taking 50 minutes. We were fine with the original wait because the bar looked nice, but the service was deplorable. The bar tenders were more focused on what appeared to be their friends and ignored us. Once they decided to serve us they forgot they were supposed to get my girlfriend a drink because they were so focused on their group of friends. Once seated the service continued to decline. The waiter was forgetful (he tried to do everything from memory, but finally realized he had to write down our order) and insisted that my girlfriend could not handle the hotness of the peppercorn ranch. He seemed to refuse to bring this item out for her chicken. He relented and finally brought it out. Guess what? It was like eating regular ranch. Anyway, it is a shame because the food was good, but service is definitely discouraging me from returning. If you do go get the clam chowder it is really good. Just thought I would end on a high note. Thanks.
(2)Jessica J.
If I could give it a negitive 5 star I would. We went there for my friends birthday party. Besides the waiter being extremely unattentive and forgetting half the things we ordered... The food was just plain bad. Its way over priced for the quality. For instance I ordered the lobster fra diavlo and there we jalopeanos in it... Not normal for that dish. Others ordered the burger (one would think hard to mess up) but soon after she go sick. After all the bad food the waiter ended up charging us to much and it took him forever to get us any refills on drinks or bread. He also couldn't even grate cheese over the pasta. If a place is going to charge this much for food they should really get better at making it and get better staff on hand. I never really post to yelp about my expirences but this one was so bad I felt the need to.
(1)Lisa G.
Had dinner the other night, the food was good, atmosphere loud and service was ok. It took way too long for our dinner, (45 minutes) and the fire alarms went off for 1/2 hour. No one told us what was going, the Boston hook and ladder truck came and then when the alarm stopped they said it was the burgalar alarm?? Did someone try to steal the $5.00 bread? Yes, they charge you for bread at the table!!
(3)Christine P.
Went to this bar last night for dinner/drinks on Dartmouth Street. Didn't realize it is the old Joe's American Bar and Grill until I got there. Definitely a huge space, I've heard great things about it and I did think the drink menu was fun. For some reason at 7:45pm last night they were not too busy and so they sat 3 of us at a table meant for 9 or 10 people. I thought that was really odd. The waiter in that room (Library Bar?) was really good at suggesting entrees and drinks and apps. We had the octopus salad which was really good, but tiny. And we had the quinoa stuff, however you spell it, and that was so so. I thought it needed a cracker with it or something. I got the tuna steak which was recommended and delicious. However, I did get ill this morning so that was either the rare tuna or the plentiful drinks I consumed! One drink I had there, the hot toddy, was great; I have a cold and so I wanted something to kick that. My friends got the fountain of youth martini and said those were really good. All in all I'd say this was a decent spot, definitely happening bar, prices probably in-line with that area ($28 for a tuna steak). I wouldn't race to go back although I've heard they do a great brunch so maybe worth checking out.
(3)Alana F.
So as hospitality students my roommate/best friend and I are very critical about where we eat and spend our money... especially when it comes to our ultimate love... burgers. So it was my 21st birthday and instead of wanting to be belligerent college students all I wanted was a big juicy/decadent burger to make my day. Having had most of the amazing burgers in Boston (shout out SDLT, Houstons, and Blue Ox), we wanted to to try someplace different. Let us tell you, this burger did not disappoint. My friend went for the Paris burger with gooey- over easy egg, caramelized onions, brie and a lot of juicy goodness. I had the LA burger, which was cooked a little more than the medium I asked for, but it was absolutely amazing. Since we have been studying/working in the hospitality field for a while we need to give major shout outs to our server who got sat 7 tables at the same time. You were great, the hostess just needs to keep a better eye out for you. Can't wait to come back for a burger, maybe I'll even go for the famous duck fat fries next time. And the Malbec was great. Thanks MET for a great birthday to remember!
(4)Jill S.
I had been to The Met for brunch prior to the Holidays. Service was pretty good however the meal was very pricy for fairly basic, non-out-of-this world food. In any event, I chalked it up to the three bottles of champagne I had enjoyed during my visit. So we decided to go back for dinner. The service...uhhhh...the service. Painful to the point that I actually felt bad for our server who was number 1. AWEFUL and 2. in the weeds with 2 tables. I get it we all have tough days but this was unreal. I ordered a Kettle and soda with a lemon. I got a lime, no biggie just asked for a lemon next time she came around. The problem was that everytime I asked for another Kettle and Soda with lemon...guess what I got? Yup a lime. And PLEASE, please don't make me ask you for a drink, this is why I tip you, because you anticipate MY needs as a paying customer. Alright folks...being a sever is not comparable to being a rocket scientist. I know this because as early as I can remember, I have been waiting tables and bartending til I graduated college and after. So I am annoyed at this point however the Kettle One is starting to do its job.... It had been awhile since we had all gotten together so we were chatting away catching up. It was pretty clear we were not ready even though we told her we'd grab her when we were ready to put in our entree course. This did not stop her from constantly coming over and asking "ready"? Ready for what? You to leave us alone? Yes! We ordered, and a very simple request for my Casear with Salmon...please cook my salmon thru. Nope. Raw in the middle...and to make matters worse..my romaine, was crunchy...not the good fresh, crisp crunchy...the I didn't get washed well enough and still was full of dirt crunchy. I will usually involve the manager at this point, but all I wanted to do was leave and never return. Its too bad, the bars and overall atmosphere are great. Just stinks that the food is not worth the price and the service is less than average. Next time I will just go to Abe and Louis, at least you get what you pay for and the service is always spot on.
(2)K S.
Food was good but service was only OK. I had a reservation for a party of 8 which was for 9pm on Friday. I made the reservation about 5 days in advance and had wanted to come around 8pm but I understand it wasn't available for a group our size. So when we all arrived at Met Back Bay, they couldn't find our reservation - turns out the hostess booked it for Saturday and not Friday. So they scramble to try and seat us which took about 20 minutes, during which we just stood there in the lobby. I understand that mistakes happen so none of us were too upset - we were just hungry because it was getting late. You would think after something like that the service would be great.. oh no, our waiter was slow and treated us rudely. We were all just a little taken back by his attitude. Maybe it was just a fluke, I'd try Met one more time, but if it was the same service I'd think again about returning.
(3)A E.
I really wish I loved the Met. I want to love met.... But alas I just like it. I'll give a run down: arrived for our reservation for 6 and the Hostess was friendly and responsive. Was seated a fabulous booth - all is good. Server arrived while we were still taking our coats off (no coat check in Jan) and asked us for our cocktail order without giving us time to look at menu. He asked if we wanted Cosmo's to start, as if that's all that women in groups drink. Fast forward: food arrived promptly. Wedge salad was not truly a wedge, no blue cheese as they use ranch instead. Salad comes chopped w tomatoes in it, and almost no dressing. C+ for salads. Split Mac and cheese w my friend. They kindly pre-split the order for us, which was nice. I asked a bottle of hot sauce to give the dish some flavor (super bland...think cheese sauce vs. A nice tangy 5 cheese blend). 10 mins later no hot sauce, while the rest of the table ate. Finally my friend spoke up and asked server for sauce again. He came back w Tobasco poured on a small plate...stating they don't like to have bottles on the table. So I'm supposed to dip my Mac into the sauce? Waiter seemed ticked that I asked for bottle or small bowl instead - no resolution. B- for Mac and cheese. I felt like the bus boy was our server. He continuously tried to take our plates and glasses before we were finished...if there is still food on my plate and my fork is still in my hand, chances are I'm still eating. And when a cocktail is $13, I'm probably going to drink all of it. Bottom line: un-seasoned waitstaff that clearly is used to working at Friday's or Appleby's, entire experience was rushed by our server and left us feeling pushed out. Food looked better on menu than in reality....high aspirations with lackluster execution. B-
(3)Laleh J.
Decent fare. Sit outside when the weather is good.
(4)Rebecca C.
I've recently started coming here and it truly has been a treat. My usual bartender lily is always super friendly and quick to get my drinks to me. At the met there Are Multiple rooms with different ambiances. The room down stairs is more of a relaxed room and the other room I have gone to is right above the stairs. It is tiny but makes me feel like I'm in the movie pretty Woman.... Take that how You will. The food here is filling also! It is worth ordering the meatballs on Sunday. My friend got the meatballs With pesto pasta and garlic been and it looked amazing. I got the chicken meat balls with the Mac n cheese. A bit heavier than I expected but still delish!
(5)Angela L.
Came here for girls brunch after a night out. Thankfully we made reservations for this way ahead of time because the place was packed. Food was okay, a little pricey. I got the eggs and biscuit benedict (I really need to stop getting eggs Benedict!!! But it's too good). This one wasn't particularly any different than other restaurants with their eggs Benedict. It was good. Some friends got the California hen hash house and that looked delicious! Service on a Saturday during prime time brunch hours was poor. It was difficult to find out waiter and we were there a lot longer since it took awhile for us to order, to pay, and to get our check back. I wouldn't be opposed to coming back here (decor of the restaurant is really pretty), but I just thought the food was okay and that it was a little pricey. (I did see a table next to us that had ordered bloody Mary's and it came with a slider attached to it... So I'm intrigued to see what that's like!)
(3)Simon B.
Objectively one of the worst restaurant I've had in months, as we came to this restaurant for restaurant week. I'm fully aware that for restaurant weeks, restaurants pull out the cheap/high margin stuff. It is $20 for 3 courses, after all, and this is for a restaurant that sells a burger at about $20 as a single dish. But this was on another level, such that I will straight up refuse if one would ask me to join them at MET. Appetizer: I had the shrimp appetizer, which was a ready-made cold mix of shrimp cocktail, a bit of mayo, and avocado on top. A 5 year old could have made this dish, in about 2 minutes. She had the corn with sriracha mayo. The corn looked great, and it was probably the best part of our entire experience. Main course: I had the korean frites. A roasted half chicken topped with cold fries, all laid on the top of what tasted like Heinz red beans. The chicken was overcooked, and neither of us remembered what she had, which tells you all you need to know. Dessert: We both ordered the blackberry cobbler. The dish we received had clearly been in the freezer for too long, as the blackberries (all 3 of them) were frozen HARD. In fact everything was frozen so hard that it was inedible. When the 2nd waiter came and asked (for the first time) if everything was okay, I asked if it was intended that the blackberries were frozen hard. He said: "I'm sorry, the cooks probably put this in the freezer as you ordered a [cheap] restaurant week set menu. They never took it out." And then he left, never waiting for a response, offering a replacement or taking it off our checks. I know how hard it is to run a restaurant. But geez.
(1)A. D.
It was raining so we took the shelter of their bar and had a beer. Did not really have any food however, on looking they do have a good set of options. Bar tenders were friendly.
(3)Ryan W.
Once again. I do not understand how this place only has three stars. This is one our favorite restaurants and one of the few places which we return to on a regular basis. We've eaten here several times and have never had a meal we didn't enjoy completely. The last time we ate here with a group of 4. We ordered all of the veggie plates to share which worked well for the group. My wife ordered salmon and enjoyed it. I had steak tips which we delicious. The have a great wine list. Our tab was pretty reasonable coming in under $100 with food, drink and tip. This place is always busy, so definitely make reservations so you don't end up waiting and getting hungry.
(4)BostonBestEats X.
As part of my ongoing saga to try every burger of note in the Boston area (see ranking and link to photos below), we recently made it to The Met Back Bay, which features a number of fancy burgers on it's various menus, particularly for brunch. Since this was a weeknight dinner, we had only one choice, although it sounded intriguing, if a bit over the top: SALTIE GIRL PRIME BURGER: Wagyu beef, fried lobster, avocado, Angry special sauce, BLT, and fries ($24) [BTW, "Saltie Girl" apparently refers to a Barcelona-inspired seafood spot that will be right next door to The Met, from the same owners, soon to open.] Don't you love how everyone has to have some sort of "special" sauce for their "special" burgers these days (sing along with me: "Two all beef patties, "special" sauce, lettuce, cheese...")? "Special" or not (I can't really remember), this was was a complete disaster of a burger. Please repeat after me: THE 1ST COMMANDMENT OF BURGERS: "Thou shall not pile on more than 4 ingredients on top of your burger, lest it explode all over your shirt." Not only did this just have too many disorganized ingredients stacked on top (including slippery slices of avocado that never had a chance of staying put long enough for me to take a bite), but I couldn't even taste the lobster. I could see it (particularly when it would shoot out onto my plate, after I had stuck it back in), but just not taste it. How about leaving it out next time? For $5 less it still wouldn't be a very good burger, but at least I would feel less used. While the Wagyu had a good chargrilled flavor, it was pretty dry (but at least cooked to med rare spec), although at first bite I actually thought it was a pretty juicy burger (the fat drippings from the bacon tricked me). Oh, and the fries were also over cooked and not very good. $24 is pretty extreme for a burger, even this era of high-end burgers (by way of comparison, the brilliant Craigie is $19). But frankly, I wouldn't pay more than a fiver for this one. Not recommended. Bostons Best Burgers: 1) Craigie on Main's Bar Burger 2) Alden & Harlow's Secret Burger 3) RF O'Sullivan's Black & Blue Burger 4) JM Curley's 5 oz. natural beef patty burger 5) Strip-T's burger 6) Bar Boulud's Classic Burger 7) Post 390's Tavern Burger 8) Washington Square Tavern's Burger 9) The Met Back Bay's Saltie Girl Prime Burger (not recommended) tinyurl.com/BostonsBestB… We also had a few apps including charcuterie, which were OK nothing special, and some pretty good wine (2012 Robert Foley Griffon).
(2)Jessica S.
Truffle fries and ham egg sandwich was divine. I had the palm beach salad which was sooo good also had the biscuits with maple butter I thought it was great and looking forward to coming back for drinks and dessert. One last thing - a tad loud so prob best to sit outside if you want to have a meaningful convo. Overall, I'd come back.
(4)Dan D.
Went for brunch on a Saturday, party of 6. Told the wait would be 1 hour for outdoor seating; got a call 10 minutes later saying they were ready for us. #notcomplaining Bloodies were great; cool you got to build your own, including adding a cheeseburger/shrimp/salami addition. Pork Stuffed Hash Brown is kind of a misnomer. Minimal pork, TON of hash brown. The serving was probably too big. The chicken hash had the same issue(s). You could share one of these and get an appetizer with someone and be set. The salmon and tuna tartare was very good, served with slightly stale taro chips. They were kind enough to substitute salmon for an additional helping of tuna. The outdoor seating on a nice day was really lovely.
(3)Jamie S.
Great experience even on a holiday! Went in after looking on Newbury and were seated within 10 min of arriving on the porch. Had a unique and beautiful view from garden level of the churches and Pru, which towered over us as we ate. The waitstaff was in the weeds but that didn't stop them from being attentive and friendly. Our waitress, Kristin, was great, offering wonderful suggestions to a group of overwhelmed customers (the menu is extensive and it's hard to choose!). I had the prime steakhouse tips with a jalapeño strawberry cucumber margarita. I highly recommend my whole meal! It was filling but light. I would definitely come back but because it's so pricey (like everything else on Newbury) it's not going to be soon.
(5)Kimmy U.
What a nice surprise! I didn't have much expectations coming in to Met Back Bay. Seemed like most of the reviews were either really high or really low. Well folks, I'm going with the high! We came here for a late dinner and were seated at the Library Bar. Nice little area that wasn't too loud and we could still hear each other We decided to share 3 plates which was just enough for the 3 of us! -LOADED fries. Let me tell you.. these were definitely loaded. We didn't actually see them on the menu, but my friend saw a picture on yelp and they were happy to serve it to us. SO much on it! Cheese, hamburger patty, green onions, mayo, lots and lots of cheese, a fried egg on top! The fries were just ok. By the time we got ate all the toppings and got to the middle/bottom of the dish where the fries were just plain, they were pretty oily.. Good thing we had leftover pasta sauce to dip it in! These were good, but not awesome so I think I'd pass -BRUSSEL SPROUTS mmmmm! It's small, but pretty packed. They serve it 2 ways: roasted and shaved with spicy caesar. I've recently found a love for brussel sprouts and this dish totally reinforced it! -Short rib gnocchi with brown butter squash, brussel sprouts, and pecorino. OMG I'm a huge fan of this one!! We got the half order for $14 but we all wished we got the full order. Everything about it was delicious. The gnocchi was so tender, the butternut squash had the perfect sweetness, of course the brussel sprouts were nicely roasted and seasoned, and the sauce brought it all together. I could eat this for dayz. There's still a lot of items on the menu that I want to try so I'll be coming back!
(4)Adan G.
Good service, but the food was mediocre at best. Ordered a veggie omelette with potatoes. It was served bordering cold, and had very little cheese. The potatoes were also cold and all broken up, as if they were taken off of somebody else's dish.
(2)Diandra R.
3 and a half stars for taco Tuesday. Short rib tacos were a 4 out of 10. It had way too many caramelized onions and had this strong underlying taste of mustard or horseradish. I couldn't really put my finger on it but it was definitely a flavor that doesn't belong in a taco. Trust me, it looks better than it tastes. We also got the steak tacos which were a 7 1/2 out of 10. Visually, it didn't look as good as the short rib tacos, presentation wise, but it was far far tastier. The red sangria was decent. I probably would've liked more fruit in it than just a single orange slice but that's probably because I'm being tacky, and this is a nice place.
(3)Ngan T.
Call me crazy but I saw they were still doing the twin lobster special last night (Wednesday), so I made a last minute reservation for 7:45. We got there about ten minutes early and our table wasn't ready so manfriend and I just headed down to the bar. Our bartender was beyond busy but did a fantastic job making sure we got our drinks. By 8:00pm, we were debating another round since our table still wasn't ready. Our hostess came downstairs to apologize and tell us our table still wasn't ready. Decision made--another round it was. When we were finally seated, our waitress came over out of breath and actually had to pause, take a breather, and then recite water to us. I don't think I'll ever understand the waitstaff here (see previous experience with strangely behaved waiter). We figured she was busy so we ordered everything in one go when she came back with the water. The menu looked fantastic so I forewent the lobster special, opting instead for the lobster dip, the biscuit basket, the gnocchi, and manfriend got the burger. NO WHERE did it say the gnocchi would be spicy--I had tears streaming down my face. You'd think the spice level is something they'd warn patrons about. I left the rest of the thing untouched. Manfriend also had a mishap with his order where he'd requested the salmon with grilled sushi rice, and wasn't told they were out until after ms. waitress took our orders and had us waiting for food. With my plate untouched and manfriend ending up with a burger he didn't really want, we split the burger and ate miserably. The fries also survived. Although calling them fries would be unfair. I'd consider it more of an order of salt with some fries sprinkled on top. Our waitress never bothered to ask why a bunch of food just sat on the table when I requested the check. I guess it must be a normal occurrence here. This was just awful.
(1)Sam A.
This review is only of my dining experience on Taco Tuesday (great value) when I got their Croque Madame. This sandwich is BOMB. I came in for tacos, but when I saw the new offering, I had to try it. I asked the waitress for her honest opinion, and she didn't steer me wrong! The sandwich is big, bring your appetite. The sandwich is rich-- buttery toast, flavorful ham, Gruyere, egg, goodness-- so brace yourself, but it was magnificent. Plated with an appropriately sized side of Truffle Sage french fries, and a garlic aioli that reminds you are alive (re: not a vampire), this was one of the best decisions I've made all summer. In general, I love MET, Monday's burger special, and Tuesday's Taco deal are some of the best values in the city! The location is great, the drinks are good, you really can't go wrong! Enjoy!
(5)Natalie M.
I would give this five stars but I found their pricing to be a bit high. Best cocktails we had all night though! I highly recommend sitting near the bar great service!
(4)Amanda L.
The Good, The Okay, and The Whyyyyyy? I visited The Met last night for some dinner after a spin session with my friends. We were seated immediately upon arrival and were greeted by a friendly waitress. Pitcher of Sangria? Check. A few minutes later she came back with the pitcher. It's a smaller pitcher than other restaurants but not nearly as filled with ice or fruit like other places. The Sangria was sweet and fruity. Grade: B We proceeded to order and got the biscuits with honey butter to start. I ordered the burger for my meal. The biscuits were AWESOME, very warm and seemed fresh out of the oven. Honey butter is always awesome in my book. Grade: A- This would be an A+ if I had never had the oh-so-amazing biscuits at Sweet Checks. Best in the country. For dinner I ordered the burger. I always order my burger Medium Rare and it appeared that it was cooked that way to borderline Medium but it wasn't juicy at all. In fact, I'd describe this burger as dry. The burger itself was bland, needed salt, or anything to help it out, but the bites with the cheese and bacon were better. The burger also includes onions cooked in Port wine. These onions were so sweet they made my mouth cringe. Eek! Was it the worst burger I ever had? Maybe. Probably. Definitely not worth $18 or however overpriced it was for being on Newbury St. I've had fine experiences at the Met Back Bay. Is it the most wonderful restaurant in Boston? God, no. But service is quick and easy and drinks never disappoint.
(3)Danielle K.
Nice find on the corner of Dartmouth and Newbury in my favorite place in Boston (Back Bay). We went here last Sunday afternoon and sat at the smaller "carving" bar. We ordered the ham and cheese board, and it was delicious, with prosciutto and fennel salami, fresh ricotta, sharp cheddar, a honey biscuit and more. This plate is big enough to share with your friends! We also had a chance to chat a bit with our bar-tender/server, John. Great guy -- great food -- we'll be back!
(4)Sonia Q.
I really enjoy sitting at their downstairs bar for some cocktails and food. I am in love with Met's chopped salad which has cut up broccoli, beets, corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and huge chunks of bacon! The dressing is nice and light, and the portion is huge! Even the half size portion is large enough that you will have leftovers. I usually top off my salad with salmon, that is fresh but be prepared the salmon portion size is on the small side. I also love their truffle fries! The drinks are good and they usually have a few good beers on tap. Overall my go to when I am craving an awesome salad!
(4)D K.
Bloodys are great but the food is inconsistent. Eggs Benedict had raw egg and potatoes were hard and undercooked.
(2)Billy W.
Nice atmosphere. Great Drinks, Busy all the time, and a great place after shopping on Newbury Street. Will be back hopefully someday.
(4)Jake L.
It seems like most of the not-so-good reviews here center around the service, which we did not have a problem with. A little wait once or twice, but nothing too terrible. The food, on the other hand, absolutely can't be beat. The Nutella Stuffed French Toast is one of the greatest things I've ever tasted; almost like a huge gooey chocolate churro. I'd avoid this if you're trying to eat healthy (along with a lot of things on the menu), but if not - this is something you have to eat before you die! The Truffled Croque Madame might be just as good, and the perfect savory complement to the sweet french toast. A friend and i split both, and it couldn't have been a more perfect combination. The melted cheese oozing down from the top of the sandwich and the egg on top make this almost more of a casserole than a sandwich. I can't not mention the make-your-own Bloody Mary. The best thing about it (besides the plethora of options) is the fact that while you are the one choosing all the ingredients, they still make it for you. So, you don't have to worry about messing it up! But the options are pretty fantastic, from meat and cheese skewers to cheeseburgers to lobster (and many more in between). They also have different sauces and liquors to use, all which make for a unique experience and taste every time! This place definitely is not on the cheaper end for brunch, so don't come here expecting a bargain. That said, you definitely get your money's worth, and I'd definitely recommend it regardless for special occasions if you're looking for a good place to spend a bit more money.
(5)Kelly S.
Pretty mediocre food and experience for the higher prices. Our group shared a few things and the cauliflower side was flavorless and the Met Club Sandwich chicken was dry enough to package up and send overseas as food rations. Lunch was over $100, not worth it.
(2)Kaitlin M.
I have never before experienced so many employees standing around doing nothing in a restaurant! I had a coffee cup and water that was empty for my entire meal. Even after I asked for both to be refilled!!! I am not even going to comment on the food because it couldn't be enjoyed until it was cold because I didn't have silverware! Currently staring at three people with there fingers up there ***** while I am trying to get their attention to ask for my bill! USELESS! Grrrr!
(1)Sophie P.
I've come here several times for drinks and apps, but never a full dinner. BRUNCH For weekend brunch, they have BYOBM: Build Your Own Bloody Mary's. This is great for those adventurous friends who you want to top as many things on your Bloody Mary with. YOU CAN ADD A WHOLE SLIDER AS A GARNISH ON YOUR DRINK. I have never seen this done anywhere else, so if you come here try this at least. Everyone will be staring at you in awe. People will ask you if that's a real burger on your drink. You'll nod and they'll watch as you drink/eat your Bloody Mary. The Bloody Mary itself is very pulpy and spicy of the peppery kind. I'm not sure I liked it. The cocktail onions added a nice touch, but the Bloody Mary itself was too savory for my liking. I did like the slider, though. APPS Salmon/tuna tartare is okay. The taro chips are really interesting with a flaky, light, crunchy texture and a little oily. I could eat those chips all by itself, honestly. Orange miso duck wings are almost a little sour? Very interesting with the flavor of kimchi. DRINKS Grapefruit fizz (+) ACK the Nantucket (+) Blackberry bramble (sour) Tip: If you are trying to sit on the patio, you need to order food with you drinks. Boston law. Next time I'm trying the entrees!
(3)Kimberly A.
I was visiting Boston with a friend of mine a couple weeks ago. We stopped in here on our last day after reading such wonderful reviews. We decided to split the three cheese omelet and Nutella French toast. The three cheese omelet came with home fries. It was okay but nothing super great. It want bad just not great. The Nutella French toast was pretty good, but also not the greatest thing. They had a really awesome build your Bloody Mary menu which I think is what makes this place so popular. I don't drink bloody Mary's and we were leaving to drive home the same day so I didn't want to drink for brunch. I would definitely recommend this place for brunch it is perfect. The drink selection is wonderful and the food was good.
(4)Ryan R.
Went here with my mother to grab a bite to eat for lunch. I had recently heard about their famed Paris burger and was interested in trying it out for myself. We had a big meal the night before so we decided to split the burger and their kale salad as well. The burger itself was pretty good, it came with a pretty substantial helping of brie and paired nicely with the egg. I liked the flavor combination, but it fell short of being the best burger in Boston. I also opted to upgrade to the truffle fries, but was pretty disappointed with those as well as they didn't wow me taste-wise. The kale salad was pretty good, but extremely small--especially considering the price and seemed a little light on the avocado. Overall, the atmosphere here is great on the weekends and the service is friendly, but the quality of food, the portion sizes, and the pricing seem a little bit off for me.
(3)Dan R.
We enjoyed our evening at the Met. We started with an order of the local prosciutto which was a larger order and thickly sliced. Biscuits were plain for my taste but good with the butter. M'lady had the Croque Madame. This one surprised me. Delicate but complex. I had the half-carcass of salt fat, on a bed of basmati salt grains. I hadn't known that salt grew out of paddy fields. The salt was well-steamed, mixed with fat gras, and a hint of soy sauce. I'm sure of this because it would be impossible for this dish to achieve such purity of saltiness from soy sauce alone. I'm certain these were, in fact, salt grains only lightly flavored with soy sauce, but I'm willing to consider the idea that the salt was soaked in soy sauce for many years, then cooked in the soy sauce and then doused again with several pints of soy sauce, before straining, of course. It's unfortunate that I couldn't taste the fat gras due to the "curing" of my taste buds when eating the salt grains, but I could feel its fatty texture in my stomach after a few bites. Combined with the crispy salt skin of the duck-shaped salt carcass, and the layer of salt fat beneath the skin, it was truly an ambitiously salty experience followed by hours of stage-1 digestion in which I could finally experience the notes of the fat gras. And at a parched moment of culinary crescendo, I couldn't help but have the existential feeling that if this were the Matrix, I don't want to ever wake up, because my date was happy and our server was obviously a wonderful human being, and that's when I marveled at the indisputable talents of a chef who could trigger such a revelation through food alone. I honestly look forward to returning, because the menu had such a wide variety of salts and fats.
(4)Kiki D.
Had a FABULOUS brunch at MET Back Bay! My friend and I went on an overcast Saturday morning and it looked like it might rain so we opted to sit inside but the outdoor seating looks lovely and I will definitely be back to lounge out there for a meal/drinks. I usually go for brunch food more on the breakfast side but I've been searching for a good burger in Boston (harder than one might think...) and these ones looked too good not to try. I got the Paris burger and WHOA. It was a major mess so probably wouldn't recommend this if you're trying to eat in a remotely respectable manner but I enjoyed it in all its messy glory. A moderate sized burger (super rich so you really don't need bigger...trust me) on a great bun with brie, caramelized onions, a fried egg, and truffle mayo-- can't go wrong, right? I also subbed truffle fries for the regular ones -- a little extra but totally worth it. My friend got the tokyo burger with avocado, muenster, pickled onions, soy, sprouts, and wasabi mayo and it was also very good -- very refreshing (if that's possible for a burger I guess?) Despite the fact that it was literally the exact same as what we were ordering for our main dishes, we broke down and ordered the Breakfast fries which were too good to be true -- a giant bowl of fries covered in hunks of burger, melted cheddar, scallions, dollops of mayo, and topped with a fried egg. The bottom of the mound, as a bunch of others have mentioned, was pretty greasy, but that was really just the very bottom. We were pretty much full of fries at that point so didn't mind not eating every little scrap. Overall, highly recommend MET for brunch (the drinks looked delicious too). Sit outside if the weather is nice but you might want to eat the messy burgers inside hidden away from onlookers...or embrace it because let's be honest, everyone else will just be jealous.
(5)Leah M.
I came here only for drinks, so I can't speak for the food, but my drink was terrible! I got a Painkiller, which is rum, pineapple and coconut, so it's not usually the prettiest, but normally still tasty. However, this one was served to me with curdled coconut milk. Gross!!! At $12 a cocktail, I expect it to be drinkable!
(2)Sandra M.
Really liked the service, outdoor patio and Bloody Mary mix. Gluten free bread is decent here! Would choose the chicken club over the eggplant sandwich, it was amazing!
(4)James S.
Wait staff and hostess were extremely rude. The food was so so. Last time I come here
(1)Moosa D.
Food: 4/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Can't say enough about their service. Everyone is very polite and helpful.
(5)L D.
The staff, both hostess and waitstaff were rude, the drinks were extremely overpriced and not very good, the food which were FORCED to order, was okay. Apparently, if you would like to sit outside, your are required to order food (which we were not told until after our drink order had been put in). We will NEVER visit the Met again!
(1)Jennine W.
This restaurant was just "meh". Granted I understand that the Back Bay is obviously going to be pricey in terms of going out to eat...but I'm sorry, a $40 cheese plate (without meat) is just a little absurd. I expect an entire wheel of cheese if I'm paying that. The only redeeming qualities the Met Bar had was it's tasty Merlot I was offered, and my boyfriend's beer that he ordered. Then again, doesn't take much to "make" those. It is in a nice location on Newbury street, so sitting on the patio was nice...but they told us we couldn't sit on the patio unless we were ALL ordering food. So, none of us were that hungry, and we literally just wanted to find a place to have an app to share and some drinks, but instead were forced to spend a ridiculous amount of money on an entree for each of us. I don't see myself returning there anytime soon.
(2)Tyler L.
Uninspiring neighborhood bar. Decent (not fantastic) beer menu. The food is all over the place and nothing is done great. It is just sort of a confused concept. Either be a pub and serve good food for ~$15 or be a restaurant and serve better food for ~$25-$30...this place does it in the middle and just isn't a place I would ever go out of my way to eat at again. Service was friendly.
(2)James F.
I've had a gift card for the Met restaurant group burning a hole in my pocket for some time now, so on a recent weekend decided that we would head over for brunch. The food lived up to expectations (really didn't have much of a doubt here) but just as satisfying was the people and decor-watching (i can be amused by a well decorated or architecturally interesting room for a fair amount of time). Service was first-rate as well - can't recommend this location enough.
(4)Kenneth L.
The food here was not too bad the problem I do notice is that they do get busy so the service may not be so exceptional. As soon as the crowd cleared up a bit the service improved dramatically. The overall taste of the food was good and the preparation was quick. After my order my food came out within 10 minutes, speeds that my dad would approve! The next thing I did noticed is the Monday burger specials, Tuesday tacos specials, and Wednesday lobster specials. I think I might be trying all three next week!
(3)Michelle G.
Worst service ever! The waiter was being very rude. It took 20 or more minutes to bring out drinks, even appetizers arrive before the drinks. When i told him we were still waiting for the drinks, he answered me: "i know". Totally a rude response to a customer!!! Even after this it still took him 10 minutes more to bring them! We finished appetizers before the drinks. We asked for the manager and explained the situation and asked for a change of waiter. The manager said ok. In about 15 minutes no one came. By the time the new waiter arrived we where annoyed and we just asked for the check and leave!!
(1)K K.
Worst bar ever! We ordered a couple of glasses of wine and a cheese plate. We got the cheese plate when we almost finished the wine. Bartender and servers don't have any sense to treat a customer. Not kind at all and no manner of service!
(1)Christine J.
I like their burgers and bolognese pasta. And nice ambiance inside...
(4)erica w.
. I have to say- I just had a really bad experience at the Met Back Bay. My boyfriend and I had been meaning to try it for some time, and we had an opportunity today for lunch. At first, it seemed great. We sat downstairs, it was cozy, and the waitress was very nice. However, we both ordered meals that involved avocado, and both arrived without it. My salmon burger was consequently pretty dry, and the boyfriend's breakfast burrito was essentially beans and eggs in a tortilla. When we brought this to the attention of the waitress, she discovered that the kitchen had run out of avocado (why didn't you tell us?), but she told us the manager would give us a discount. Ok, fine we think. We didnt ask, but we'll take it. So then the manager comes over and tells us again that we'll get a nice discount to take care of it. Meanwhile, a table of 4 bros next to us has grown to 6 and is completely invading our space, yelling about their romantic exploits from the night before. Not really what I wanted to hear... they are quickly overflowing into our table, and take our extra chair, turn it around, and are pretty much on top of us. And more keep coming. And where is the check? We ask, and are told the manager needed to fix it to accommodate the discount. Ok...10 mins of waiting after than and it arrives...with a discount of $2.55. Seriously? We never asked for a discount, but if you are going to offer it multiple times, and keep us waiting for it, while being overrun by frat boys and sex talk, I feel like 2 bucks off of the entire meal is a little insulting. On the way out, I mentioned how we felt totally forced out of our space, and the manager replied "that wasn't very nice of them (the other table)". No, manger, it wasn't very nice of YOU. This is your restaurant, and you made us feel entirely unwelcome.
(2)A F.
Very good food. The sandwiches are really good and the price range is not too bad. Their terrace is awesome when weather permits.
(4)Brooklynn B.
G R E A T Place!!! I had the turkey burger which was the B O M B. I sat at the bar the times I have gone and the bartenders are real chill. You can go for a date, with family, or solo. I've done all. Try any of their specialty drinks, youll love it
(3)Matt H.
We went for breakfast/brunch on a Monday morning. This is a difficult place if you're not an egg for breakfast person. Having said that the oatmeal was good, but not spectacular. The loosely scrambled eggs again were ok. The bacon was smokey (good) but thin (where was the meat) and (I thought) too crispy - a disappointment! Service was quick and friendly enough - I was not blown away all up
(3)tman s.
I love how they gutted the space but i"m not sure the look and feel goes with the location! Well anyway the downstairs reminds me of the future on the star ship enterprise... The counters for the bartenders r a pain for them to reach patrons... But anyway the food which i had was the burger very well presented with fries... They also gave me port-wine cheese in a jar with bread stix for an opening round complimentary... Love all the televsions they have downstairs.. The drinks i thought were a bit pricey but what the hell i'm just coming thru..... Hope to visit again soon... Service was top notch as well!
(4)Amy B.
I came to Met Back Bay for lunch with two colleagues today because it's just a short walk from our office and we were all very happy with our meals. They have the BEST mac & cheese around - it is so delicious and cheesy and creamy and I will definitely be back to eat it again. One of my colleagues got the lobster roll and she ate the entire thing and said it was delicious. The other colleague got a burger with cheese and bacon and loved it. We also split some sweet potato fries which were good and not at all greasy. Our waiter was very attentive, helpful and friendly. I will definitely be back!
(4)Trish L.
Food drinks and service are all excellent and reliable. I bring out of town business associates here often - if they are dressed up or dressed down, they will still fit in. The burgers are so amazing but they took my favorite kobe burger off the menu. However, everything i have eaten here - breakfast lunch and dinner - has been fantastic. Any problems have been corrected quickly and discreetly. And the bartender takes the time to make my coffee EXACTLY the way i like it. Double shot of espresso with a dollop (no more) of steamed milk.
(4)Martin H.
Were looking for drinks, found the place by accident. Tried my first watermelon wheat beer and got hooked. Their Calamari freshest I ever had. Great sauce come with Jalapeño and Garlic. Their Boston guacamole better than most Mexican places. Eggplant sandwich to die for. It's a bit expensive, but the service and ambiance were terrific.
(4)Dani S.
This place has great service - and I've only been there once, with some pretty picky people I might add - and we all had a great experience in all respects : food, atmosphere, service, timing - everything. There are alternatives to the types of bread, and if I remember correctly, there are some vegetarian alternatives to/for the burgers as well. Nothing profound stands out as a drawback. Just a good, laid back - well put together place to at least try.
(4)christine c.
Really awesome space, really neat bars and really good service (Eric!) This place was wonderful for lunch. The tuna tartar was amazing! A couple of us had some "lunch-sized" salads that were huge! The truffle parm fries were delicious, too. As were the beignets. Eric was prompt with the refills and knowledgeable about the menu, but best of all his dry humor and charming personality provided some excellent entertainment.
(5)joseph a.
Heard they have great happy hours so came for dinner and decided to order an $18 burger. It was not an $18 burger.
(3)Marcus C.
I don't think I need to go back here. The food was mediocre (runny polenta), the service was atrocious (didn't bring us the right dishes, left us waiting for way too long) and the atmosphere was severely lacking (so loud).
(2)william m.
A friend and I visited this wonderful restaurant in December and had a wonderful pre-Holiday dinner. Come a little early if you want to find close side st. parking and pay your meter well. The parking police are very attentive. Met does have valet parking if you like to roll like that. The maitre de was very nice. Escorted us to our table on the second floor. Next time I will request a table next to the tall windows. The view must be beautiful. Our waiter was very nice. Knowledgeable of the menu and gave very good recommendations. Our drink orders were taken and promptly served. Ah, the first drink of the day felt great. Bread sticks and cheese paste was served. The cheese was a cool pink swirl color and very tasty. For appetizers we had the bone marrow. It was nice. Not as good as the Eastern Standards but good. They served the tibia of the cow so there was not a lot of bone marrow available to eat. But there were humongous slices of pan toasted Texas toast (?) surrounding the bone. It tasted good when dipped in the beef sauce on the bottom of the plate. I did not want to eat too much bread though. I wanted to save my tummy for my Kobe steak. I had the Kobe steak tips with sweet potato fries. Very yummy. And the portion size was perfect. Not so much that it felt like eating at Grandma's. My friend had the drunken lobster. The drunken lobster was delicious. The natural flavors of the lobster were brought out so nicely by the chef. The waiter was cool. Attentive, prompt and pleasant. I enjoyed the whole experience from the food, the waitstaff to the ambiance. Next time I will sit at the window and order the NY Prime Steak.
(4)Chris W.
Had dinner on their first night open to the public. I went in being cynical of faux fancy chain restaurants, but I ended up being very impressed. The atmosphere upstairs felt bland and uninviting, the bar area downstairs and the lounge both have more charm. My cocktail was good but very expensive, just one dollar less than my entree. My entree was one half of a huge chicken which was cooked perfectly. It was very moist and had a thin crackly skin. I ordered it with the jalapeno jam which had a great amount of heat and was tangy at the same time. It also came with creamed spinach which was pretty good. Everyone else at my table got salads which also had good portion sizes. I tried the Asian salad and the duck was a little dry, but the dressing was good. My dinner was delicious and the service was great. It was opening night and kind of quiet when we sat down though, but the restaurant was full by the time we left. I will definitely come back. I like almost everything the BBRG does.
(4)Simone C.
Love the chopped salad- it really does have every vegetable. The brunch is also lovely - with blood orange and champagne cocktails how can I argue?
(4)Shawn W.
I've heard many good things about this place. I was out and about shopping with a friend. We had lunch elsewhere. Then we decided to head to the Met for coffee/wine and dessert. The manager was actually really nice and seated us quite fast. However, that's where the niceness ended. I ordered coffee and the friend ordered wine. After a long wait, we finally ordered a chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. The waitress had absolutely NO personality. She NEVER offered to refill my coffee, but always made sure my friend had wine. I know I could've asked, but, as someone who has worked as a waiter - you NEVER want a guest's coffee cup empty. All in all, I probably won't be returning.
(2)brian b.
I needed a buger fix....badly! Could smell the meat grilling from a half block away. I got the Met Prime Mix with a Boston set up - Bacon, Cheese & Egg along with a Stone Levitation Ale. Ate at the bar, patio was quite busy due to the nice weather. Wait staff seemed to be bustin their humps while I was there. Buger was very good, egg was nicely runny, cheese could have been melted more, bacon was smoky & perfect. Extra points for actually cooking the buger to medium as requested. Beef Short Rib tacos looked really good, but no room, maybe next time. I'd say it's good, but pick your spots, stick to the basics and you should be fine.
(3)Amy F.
My first time writing a restaurant review...that's how awful our breakfast experience was at The Met. Very disappointing after being served $13 cold "eggs bennie" with the eggs cooked to almost hard boiled and a stale english muffin, and a veggie omelet that was basically cold vegetables with an egg pancake thrown on top. I have to say, this was the worst restaurant food I have ever been served. I was quite embarrassed for the restaurant. I did want to talk to the manager, Dean, however he was too busy. So we paid our bill, gave a tip, and warned a few people on our way out.
(1)Martine S.
Had the caesar salad with sirloin & it was super yummy. We got our food super fast but our waiter was super slow. It took a while for someone to see what we wanted to eat & to pay. However, I highly recommend this place. The benches outside are kind of low for the tables but it all worked itself out.
(4)Jaime M.
Not the greatest. Came here the other night with a friend. I know it was a Sunday but the place was DEAD. The food was just 'meh' and service was severly lacking. I hate when waiters forget bread and disappear for hours on end when there is literally NO ONE eating in the restaurant. I ordered a tuna dish-- it was just ok. There are wayyy too many good restaurants in Back Bay to waste a good meal here... wouldn't come back for dinner any time soon.
(2)Debbie T.
I went here saturday night and the only reason I give it one star is because the pineapple martini is amazing. The food and the service sucks. The hostess was really rude and rolled her eyes several times. You have to pay for bread and everything on the menu that we ordered was not good at all. There were six of us and we each got something different and no one was happy. Really disappointed with this establishment.
(1)G. B.
They had a breakfast set up outside one weekday morning. We happened to be walking by an noticed it. Stopped in and had some. Good food and reasonably priced with good service. Don't know anything else about this place.
(4)Jessica L.
Great food and atmosphere. I usually sit downstairs at the meat slicing bar. The waitstaff has always been really friendly. Sometimes the food can take a while to come out but it's understandable since the place is always crowded. Portion sizes are decent. The best thing on the menu is their pasta bolognese with a glass of sangria, it makes for a perfect dinner. Just watch out for the wine glasses, the last two times I've been there, there has been lipstick on my wine glass which really grosses me out!!! So check the rim of your wine glass! Aside from that, it's a great place.
(4)Kate D.
The Met Back Bay is average at best. The food is mediocre and expensive. The service is slow. The outdoor seating on Newbury St is great, but that's about all The Met has going for it. I've eaten there twice and my 2 year old's grilled cheese was the tastiest thing on the table both times. Hit up Stephanie's or Joe's instead!
(2)H G.
Worst sangria ever.....they seem to be making it from some bottled syrup and it tastes like one too...
(1)Lauren B.
Great add to the Back Bay neighborhood. I love their salads and the choice of 3 different ambiances is amazing (library, restaurant and downstairs). Bartenders also very friendly and know their regulars... Such a pleasure to sit down at the bar and have a Sauv. Blanc waiting.....
(4)S. M. S.
Great menu with something for everyone, reasonable prices, decent execution on each dish we ordered. For the price, location and diverse menu offerings, it's worth a visit.
(4)Chana B.
Horrific, horrific, service. We came for a few drinks to the bar on the lower level, and the waitress ignored for twenty minutes, half an hour later brought my friend's salad but not our drinks or even any water. You do not serve food without at least water. We were appalled, insulted, and ignored until we voiced our concerns to a different waitress who clearly tried her best to clue in the space cadet who was giving us such bad service. HUGE disappointment. You cannot make it on Newbury street if this is the service you provide.
(1)Anya R.
I am absolutely in love with this place! Not only is the ambiance amazing, the food is even better. I have been here 4 times and all 4 times I have gotten the Aged Meatballs - these are to die for. I have been with others who have gotten the steak tips, pork and the pot pie - all have loved their food. Highly recommended!
(5)Steven C.
I feel this place is a bit over-rated for what they provide. The food was good, but they gave me potato chips with my sandwich. I'm not talking the homemade kind just plain potato chips. Not impressed at all. Also they are not flexible with their restaurant week lunch menu. They force the three entrees instead of choosing the two entree option as most places do. I wouldn't recommend this place.
(2)Elizabeth O.
I love Met Back Bay. First, I feel like this was an inspired choice for location. Met makes so much better use of the space than Joe's American did (and Joe's is better off in its new home a block away), and Met really did a great job with the space. It is elegant, but at the same time casual and comfortable. The downstairs bar is also fun, although better on weekdays as it gets very crowded on weekends. The food is good - not the best I've ever had, but a fun menu and good quality. My husband says the burger is great. I really love the drinks - lots of interesting cocktails, and I almost fell off my seat my first time there when I saw the martinis were only $9! Overall, I love the Met for the great atmosphere and the pleasant prices - and the decent food is just a bonus.
(5)Pat R.
Meh. Definitely not worth the price. Food was just ok. Three stars instead of 2 b/c the service was excellent. That's all I got.
(3)Mike C.
Visited Met Back Bay on the recommendation of a concierge at our hotel when we said we were in the mood for burgers. Easily one of the best, if not the best burger I have ever had! All the food was delicious, good atmpsphere--would have eaten outside, but didn't want to wait--and the service was terrific!
(5)MaryLee B.
It was just okay. I wasn't carzy about the lunch options, but I did like the eggplant sandwich. The sofa seating on the patio is poorly designed...way too low And what is with adding in a 18% gratuity automatically? I've seen that for large groups, but not a solo diner. I usually tip 20% but that bugged me so I didn't add to it
(3)Whiterock R.
not kid friendly at all. Turned back at the entrance. Would never come here again.
(1)bozohazard H.
Upscale comfort food (burger, pot pie). Excellent cocktails. Mediocre ambiance in the dining room.
(3)Amanda R.
Please understand upfront that this rating has nothing to do with the food we consumed while at Met BB. Overall, what few appetizers we had were somewhat tasty, and worth the money spent. This negative rating is solely based on all of the strict rules and regulations that patrons must comply with, and essentially how these rules were implemented to ensure we had an unpleasant experience. A friend was visiting from out of town and we (mistakenly) thought this would be a great place to stop for a few cocktails and snacks while we were waiting for her husband to shower and join us. We were immediately informed upon walking to the front door that we could not sit at an outdoor table unless we ordered food. We stated that this would be no problem, as we had planned on ordering several appetizers to snack on while we had several drinks. After being seated and ordering cocktails, we were then told that each person MUST have food plate in front of them. It is the Law. Trying to be negotiable, we ordered three large appetizers to comply with the regime. As the plates were cleared, we mentioned that our friend's husband was coming to join us and we planned to order more food (possibly dinner) and drinks...the waiter then informed that it was 'not allowed for additional people to join the group'. Please understand that we were three people sitting at a four-top table, so it would not have been a matter of finding a new chair or inconveniencing another table. I was dumbfounded that they would rather kick you to the street than allow an additional person to join you? I am still not entirely sure whether this was a ploy to simply free our table for the next customers, but at this point I don't really care. CHECK PLEASE.
(1)Tanya C.
Very disappointing! The service was bad and the food was not that good.
(1)mike b.
I'd consider myself well versed in "Met" culture. Love Chestnut Hill at the bar (Leo rocks!) and certainly know my way around the burger bar menu. Bar menu is the best in city for sure. Onion strings are a must. So, my wife and I went to the back bay spot for dinner and drinks. Super convenient valle which is on the Dartmoth side meaning no need to deal with Newbury at all so that I like. Checked in with the hostess for our 9pm and was informed they were about 30min behind schedule. No big deal because we went up half a flight to the Library Bar. A few tables around the perimeter but more appealing was the 5 seat bar. (don't worry there's a full size bar downstairs as well) We were lucky enough to snag a couple seats within a couple minutes. Opted out of our res and decided to eat at the bar. Two bartenders working hard to supply drinks to the whole restaurant but, made time to go above and beyond to take care of our every need. Great conversation and even better drinks. Food highlights: French onion shop was rockin with melted cheese and wonderfully flavorful broth, chicken pot pie was quite good served with a pancake size puff pastry crust, and the duck was superb. If I say nothing else order the pumpkin martini for dessert! I believe it's called the "mable may" or something like that. I had to wrestle a couple sips from my wife's hand. Unreal! Also had a moment to chat with Kathy the owner. She was very gracious despite dealing with all the many matters to tend to when opening a new restaurant. Highly recommend checking this new spot out. See you at the library! Study up
(5)Brandon B.
Went here tonight with my GF and I have to say, the space is pretty cool. we sat in the downstairs bar area and it became really packed as seating is first come first serve. If you are looking for a place that has a great atmosphere, this place is it. Service was a little slow, but that was not the fault of our server Anna. She literally was running around as she had tables and bar guest to take car of, so it was understandable. The food was ok. We started with the Pizzaeta and it was a little on the watery side. We each got a burger, I go the Tokyo burger that had muenster cheese, sprouts and some other things as well. What is cool is that you can choose a bar menu which is smaller and cheaper or the regular dinner menu. You also can pick the meat from the Met prime , Kobe, Salmon, or turkey. Nice touch. I suggest this place solely on the atmosphere. Check it out!
(4)Model M.
While staying in Boston we passed by this restaurant several times. We decided to try it on our last nigh and made reservations. We told them it was our one year anniversary and were promised something special. Let's just say that didn't happen... Reservation time-8:15, seated time-8:33. Then it took about 20 minutes to get water and the drinks were WEAK. After complaining we were told they measure the liquor in the drinks ... Umm isn't that the kind of service you'd get at an Applebee's?! Besides the service the food was decent. We ordered the ham and cheese plate as an appetizer... Not very appetizing. I got the salmon which tastes fresh but greasy. One friend ordered the half chicken an could barely eat it because there was so much bone. My other friend got the mac and cheese and it was so heavy she couldn't eat more than 4 bites and the steak ordered by my other friend was chewy. Bottom line for the price there are much better restaurants in the area. Suggestion try Stephanie's on Newbury.
(1)Ryan J.
Not a lot of Upscale places I've eaten at for Breakfast other than Panera Bread, but this one takes the Cake. we were sat by the window. They said it was time for Brunch and we just had Water and Coffee while deciding on what we wanted to order. All dad got was Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, Sausage and Homefries, While I got a Salad for Breakfast (I know it sounds odd to get salad for breakfast but I decided to eat something healthy after indulging at Oleana and Hamersley's Bistro last night. The salad I got was Wild Arugula with Pecorino Cheese, Shaved Button Mushrooms, Trufflebert Hazelnuts (Trufflebert is a farm in Portland, Oregon) and a Lemon Vinaigrette, this Salad was Hit and Miss (I love Arugula, one of my favorite leafy greens, Subtle Peppery flavor. Sharp, Salty, Nuttiness from the Pecorino, for some reason I wasn't crazy for the Mushrooms I just don't like them Raw I would've loved for them to be Sauteed or Roasted to bring out more Flavor, The Hazelnuts gave it a nice Crunch and the Vinaigrette gave it some Acidity, although I'd rather them bring me a little cup so I could pour the Vinaigrette instead of them pouring it on being it gets sent out. I give it a 6 out of 10. The Service was Terrific and if I didn't get that Salad here's what I would've got: House Cured Salmon Flatbread, Captain Crunch French Toast, Breakfast Carbonara, Tips & Eggs or The Cure Sandwich. I'll be sure to get one of those next time I dine there for Breakfast. Now after Breakfast we were getting ready to go see all of Boston from the View of the 50th Floor at the Prudential Center Tower.
(4)Alexandra M.
Came here for drinks and I got the Black Pearl which was fantastic. I had another drink too and if they had a drink list online I could find it in a second but alas.... The staff were funny (making GoT jokes with us).
(5)Sarah V.
Greek Plate on the bar menu is fantastic....incredibly big tho. Impossible to finish even with 3 people. The beef short rib tacos are also another sharing favorite! Service is average. Food is slightly overpriced, but you get a good amount for your money's worth.
(2)Hannah C.
Have you ever been so drunk at Brunch you can't see the menu? I got the MET punch on a whim, and even though that thing comes in a small little glass cup, it certainly does pack a punch. I somehow managed to order the Veggie Omelette, my friends making fun of me the entire time. I was not impressed by the omelette, in fact, I was disappointed. It wasn't fresh. I felt like I was eating rubber, which is not appropriate for an expensive place. My friend got the three cheese omelette, which also wasn't fresh, but at least it had cheese. It's impossible to fuck up cheese. Another one of my friend's got the California Hen House Hash, which was a smörgåsbord of potatoes, cheese, avocado, and happiness. What a fantastic Sunday recovery meal that'll leave you full and passed out in the booth. The environment was mostly 24ish year old ladies brunching with mimosas and Anthropology scarves, which is protocol for Sundays on Newbury Street. The staff were very kind and accommodating to our needs, but as soon as I tried to get a free dessert for my friend's "birthday," the waitress pulled out a menu. I ain't paying 15 dollars for some shit I could get from a Betty Crocker box. A whole funfetti cake for me while all da other hoes starve! Overall, I would not recommend coming here for the price you're paying.
(3)Jenna C.
Yikes. Where do I begin? This review is about the Library Bar, and we only had drinks, so I can't comment on the food. After the service we received, I don't think I'll ever be able to, since I wouldn't ever go back. My story starts on a Saturday afternoon around 3 pm - seven weary women (and ok, I understand this is enough to scare even the most stoic and resilient of servers) stop in for a drink and a bit of AC before the long walk to the Charles Playhouse. The table is set for five, not seven, and despite two attempts to order two pitchers of water and cocktails, the server rushes away before sentences are even finished. One woman gets up and goes directly to the bar to get another pitcher of water.The bartender is confused - why do you want the whole pitcher? While taking drink orders (and only three of seven were mixed drinks - the others were two canned ciders, sparkling water, and a diet coke), the server visibly stops listening and zones out while one woman is ordering her staple: dirty martini, Ketel 1, very dry, lots of olives. The woman has to repeat herself twice. Twenty-five minutes later, when the drinks are finally being made by the slowest bartender in the world, the server brings the ciders. She doesn't pour them, but opens them so the two women that ordered cider can pour it themselves. She also doesn't pour the sparkling water. Just then, the weary women hear a party foul sound: Someone has dropped a tray of drinks. Of course, as they are the only party in the place, the drinks belonged to the women. When they are finally served, the martini is not dirty nor does it have many olives. That woman gets up and goes to the bar to have the drink corrected, as the server is not paying any attention to the table any longer. The only reason this place gets two stars is because the woman with the martini sees the server and manager talking. When she drops the check, the server tells the party that she's taken the mixed drinks off of the bill. Isn't that nice? Okay, thank you. Nice gesture, but that doesn't excuse the poor service.
(2)Sara C.
We went for Easter brunch and had a wonderful time. Cost was about $35/person including drinks, appetizer, entree, and tip, so a splurge but very worth it for a delicious meal. The highlight was the ricotta beignets. And the hollandaise sauce. Beware, the drinks are VERY strong (and tasty)!
(5)Michael Q.
Came here for brunch on my vacation with an old friend and man was i impressed!!! The food was so good and I got the cinnamon toast crunch French toast was amazing!! Definitely a full serving here and worth a chance to come and sit and enjoy the food and view. The service was so so kinda chippy maybe it's because I'm from Texas and we are used to and a different kind of service. But it was not the best service. Though the food was amazing so I'll still give it 4 stars for the food
(4)Jean F.
Delicious brunch w/ my hubbs! The bloody mary bar was unreal (capers the size of a quarter) and the falafel sandwich I devoured was pretty good. I wish it was a little more crispy, but still pretty good. The ambiance was very Newbury St chic and a charming fall brunch setting outside.
(4)Andee S.
Service was amazing, the waitstaff is fun and professional. You absolutely must try the cap'n crunch breaded french toast.
(5)Lyndsey C.
Really good but not what I was expecting. I have been to the MET Bar in Natick and am obsessed with the food, especially the Tokyo Burger... anyways, when I was near Newbury last night and craving a burger, and because it is such an awesome location and cool/modern space i went in. The food was great, don't get me wrong... i had the open faced Salmon roll and it was soooo good and a completely different take on the sushi role i know and love. My husband and other guests had the one burger on the menu and said it was great. Food was wonderful, atmosphere was wonderful, great location and is much larger inside than you think, with multiple bars... my only complaint.. .our server was a bit off. He wasn't very friendly, kind of hard to speak with, and we were at one of those huge booths for 6 and he kept insisting to take every plate, menu, napkin, anything really, that was no being used at that very second... almost to a rude and kind of ocd type of a feel. He even interrupted our conversations to get things that could have honestly just stayed there for a few minutes. Overall, really love. Will def be back to have a drink/eat outside when it is warm again, and will hang them sometimes. Just don't expect the same menu as in the other locations.
(4)Tamara W.
I liked this place for what it is: you standard, run of the mill Persian-esque bar in the heart of Back Bay. We were seated promptly on a Thursday night outside (which has heaters + comfy couch seating). Our waiter was GREAT; very attentive, kind, and did a great job leaving us alone but also checking in to make sure we were taken care of. While its not oyster season I made the mistake of getting oysters; they were small and not very good but I bet everywhere in Boston is like that this time of year maybe? It's on the street which is nice for people watching and it's a great location, just steps from Copley Train Station. It was not too expensive and the sun dried tomato pizza was greasy/cheesy looking but actually really good. Overall a nice choice for something easy and cheap(isn). I will not come back again but glad I tried it once! Tamara
(3)Kristen S.
Needed a break from the cold and this is the first bar we came across "on" Newbury St. Sat downstairs in the bar and it was a fun, modern vibe. They have a very creative drink menu. I got the rose martini and it was strong, but good. Great place to grab a drink or two with friends.
(4)Aakriti J.
I didn't find this place so amazing. I hate that all the restaurants on this street don't allow for getting just drinks and sitting outside. I don't really like the inside as it feels a bit like a dungeon and it didn't help that two okay tasting cocktails amounted to a whopping $30 :( I guess back bay is not for poor college students not looking to splurge a lot
(3)Fred L.
Don't order the turkey burger. After I mentioned how dry it was, the bartender said it's always prepared like this and that while some people don't like it dry, some people love it this way. Wait, what? Thank you for taking it off the bill (I still tipped you $8 on a $17 bill), but seriously try to find me someone who loves overcooked, dry food. I've had brunch here before many times and it's very acceptable food. Certainly not the worst, but not even close to the best. The breakfast fries with hamburger meat, onions, cheese and an egg are however a great hangover cure. All in all, an average spot with a good selection of appetizers and entrees. Stick with brunch if you can.
(3)Lillian C.
Came in for drinks with some friends on a Friday night before we headed out dancing. I've never tried this place, but walked by many times. On this particular night it was pretty busy, with people outside and downstairs in the bar area. I tried a blood orange martini since it was highly recommended. It was actually quite delicious and I would come back for that anytime! I also wanted a bite to eat and was recommended their short rib tacos and it was delicious! It was really flavorful and the sauce dripped all over when I ate it. They weren't stingy with the meat wither. There was also a side of lettuce and salsa, but the tacos didn't really need it. The shells were also nice and crunchy without being too crispy. Oh, and I also tried some of their cheesy garlic bread? It smelled so good, but lacked flavor. Overall, a good time with some friends with a yummy drink and snack.
(3)Joni D.
Delicious lunch and attentive service. Food was fresh with ample portions. Not a diner and not cheap but light and bright with outside space and a large bar downstairs.
(4)Stanley J.
I had dinner on the patio here tonight, at first we were seated by a window that was opened to the restaurant, I've been before but only inside upstairs the noise was so loud we couldn't hear each other seated at a small table about 2 feet away. We politely asked to be moved the street side was cushioned not metal seats. Still a small table. It was cold enough put they should pf lit the patio heaters also but didn't. The server was nice and very attentive. And the food was good and prepared quickly and there was no wait to be seated. I'd say overall 3.5-4stars
(3)L F.
If you are hanging out in Back Bay Met is a great option for a quick drink or an average type meal. In terms of food, Met is much better for brunch than it is for dinner. The dinner options are fairly boring, and frankly a little overpriced for what you get. They offer a bunch of burgers, some salads, and a few other entrees. If you go on a weeknight, they do have some specials which are a fairly good deal: example, Taco Tuesday. Brunch is definitely more bang for your buck. The entrees are so large you can split them between two people. Try the hen house hash. It's delicious! In the evening, I find Met an enjoyable place to grab a drink and watch whatever sports game is on in their bar. The bar has a ton (probably 6-8) large TVs, with plenty of seating. Service isn't bad. It's pretty average. Sometimes you get an attentive server, sometimes you find yourself ignored for a long period of time. It's really a coin-toss.
(3)christine p.
I would come here everyday as I practically live on top of it, except the service is just bad. The hosts aren't welcoming (they seem to be auditioning for a part of snobby host at ultra chic restaurant - which this is not). Even the manager isn't very nice. Plus, when you walk in you can smell the bathrooms. It's gross.
(1)K E.
Good drinks, good food. I've eaten brunch, lunch and dinner there, and each time was really good. Service has always been good as well. The place is pretty big so if you are having a hard time finding a place without a long wait I would definitely try this place.
(4)Craig S.
Have tried the one at Natick mall and it was always decent so I gave this one a shot. Maybe I ordered wrong but it was really bad . Sat at the "library bar" nice space, but a little strange with the tiny TV off to the side made it hard to watch the game. Wanted something light so got the chopped Met salad with added chicken - it was all bad way too big, like whole head of lettuce big. Way under dressed and bad combo of ingredients, and the chopped salad was not even chopped. Really bothers me when I have to spend 10 minutes chopping my chopped salad. wow cool look how pretty my avocado and chicken slabs are -- chop that shit up! had to take half of it home and even me dressing it up with my own ingredients it was still pretty bad. Not ok for $20! ...yes 20 fing dollars for a bad salad. Saves a star for really good and friendly staff - plus having a pain killer on the drink menu. Feels like a tourist trap.
(2)Katelyn A.
Met happens to be one of my favorite mid week after work spots. Great vibe at the bar with friendly service. A glass of wine accompanied by the meat and cheese platter or the flat bread is perfectly shared by two. Love the Met
(4)Martin S.
Had an excellent breakfast here (Salmon flatbread) and the service was also very good. Got a seat outside in the shadow - very nice!
(5)Katie C.
The Met is one of the few places in the Back Bay where I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off whenever I dine here. I've been to the Met in the Natick Mall (or Collection, or whatever it's called these days) and I liked it. So when my mom was visiting on a rather blustery cool spring day, we stopped in for lunch. From the outside, it looks like one of the types of restaurants you'll need to take a second mortgage after paying the tab, but the prices are very reasonable and the food matches it. We were seated upstairs rather quickly, but the dining room is very cramped. Don't put your drinks at the edge of the table, otherwise they will be on the floor once someone knocks into your table. The service was also very prompt. However, we were in the restaurant on a Friday afternoon and once the restaurant filled up, our server went MIA. My mom had the burger which was enormous and she really liked it. I had the chicken club sandwich which was way more than I bargained for. Very tasty! But a little salty. However, it was a great meal and completely worth the $35+ for lunch. Keep this on your short list to return once the weather gets nicer and the patio seating is available!
(4)Kristen A.
My first time here and not disappointed! I got the met club which is enough for 2 people and very delicious! Also got the side salad yum! Husband got the rice bowl with salmon and he loved it! The clam chowder is awesome too!
(4)Alan H.
Almost always gets it right. Very few places in the back bay can cook a burger to order and get it right. Met bar gets it right the first time almost every time. Good food and service and the prices are fair.
(4)SaraLee C.
I am an unapologetic lover of BRUNCH. And I really wanted to rate this place higher, but, alas... Food: Oof... It's clearly a HIT or MISS depending upon your "expectations". Don't get me wrong, I'm a girl who loves her donuts and her rabbit food, but in the right ... context. Here's what I mean, if I wanted a deep-fried funnel cake, then, I'd gladly go to a carnival and enjoy every last confectionary-sugary-drop, but, I certainly wouldn't travel to Newbury St., to get a perverted version of that as my breakfast. After reading a few reviews, my friend and I ordered the Nutella-engorged-French-Toast (or something to that extent). It tasted like an under-fried donut coated under 3mm of SUGAR (with a dash of cinnamon). My GI and Endocrine system were crying bloody murder after the 3rd oily bite. And my friend and I, TOGETHER, could not finish HALF of it. I was (and STILL am! ) seriously disappointed with the food; it is listed under New American cuisine, but, there is nothing "new" about it. In this day and age, there are so many ways one can be creative about old classic dishes without the knee-jerk reaction to just deep fry and sugar-coat (literally) a classic dish and color it "new". The food looked and tasted uninventive and unrefined (think Frankensteinian alteration of a very basic American dish). Service: Fast, friendly, and good with the refills of coffee and water. Ambiance: The interior design was unimpressive. Large, leather couches that seemingly appeared comfortable, but, were NOT. The view of Newbury street was interesting enough. BOTTOM LINE: I was very disappointed. My beloved French Toast was butchered. Maybe my friend and I chose the wrong dish and so, with that benefit of the doubt, we may venture back at some point, but, no promises.
(2)Leah K.
On a Saturday morning, I came with my two friends and we were told we should sit at the bar downstairs. Great! So we sat...and we waited...and waited...and waited. Drink order? No thank you. We want food. We order...and wait, and wait....there were maybe 2 people working the bar, and they were rushing, but it was so slow! Our waters didn't get re-filled, and they were empty. If you're serving brunch, why not bring a few more staff members on to beat the rush? For such a nice place, we didn't feel well taken care of. The food was just ok (my burger was really dry), so we weren't so impressed.
(2)Ekin G.
I put my name on the list for a 45 min wait line and they told me that they would text. So, I started walking down the street to pass the time. Then, I got a text saying I should be there in 5 min. I arrived there 10 min later because I was far. Then, these shameless people told me that I didn't arrive on time so they'll put me on the list again and I have to wait the whole time again. Screw you! You don't know the first thing about running a restaurant!
(1)Allison H.
I love this place - my husband claims he gets sick every time he eats here...I don't care - I go by myself - i'm that sad lady at the bar scarfing down the gluten free chicken sandwich and big ole glass of wine:)
(4)Martha P.
I started going here when I lived in the neighborhood after Joe's American Bar & Grill moved from here to down the street, and The Met moved in. Have been here many times and on several occasions brought friends here when they came from out of town, who were happy to sit in a nice, rather trendy, centrally located spot in the Back Bay. The Met has the best burgers I've ever had in a restaurant - I think I've usually ordered the DC Burger, but unlike on the current menu I don't remember it having American cheese - more like cheddar or Swiss. Maybe they've changed the way they make it since I was last here. The French fries are great (are they shoestring fries? they're skinny and delicious and hot when they arrive). Also tried a fruity cocktail here once on a summer night. It was made with pineapple and had bits of toasted coconut around the rim of the glass and, though I usually don't drink such concoctions, it was delicious and made me want another. Any drinks I've had here have been well-made, but then I usually just go for a gin-and-tonic, hard to mess up unless the bartender makes it too weak, but they never do at the Met. When this place was Joe's the interior had a lot of wood. Now that it's The Met it's mostly chrome, which I don't find as warm or inviting. I always sit at the bar when I come here, whether alone or with friends. Service has always been just fine and I've never had to wait too long to place an order or get my food. Five-star burgers, four-star interior, four-star prices. I'm a fan and will be back when I'm in the area.
(4)Paul N.
Super service for a taco Tuesday with great friends. Three of us ordered a plate of 3 of each kind of tacos, and split them all. Broad selection of cocktails were fun and they made the Brazilian favorite Caipirinha (not on the menu). Chips and guacamole were very tastefully presented, and the banana split was enough for 3. We sat just inside the sidewalk patio door, and it was not too noisy or hot - a lovely evening. Our server was attentive but not overbearing, with a great sense of humor - perfect balance. And the manager/supervisor stopped by twice during our 3-hour leisurely dinner. Not the cheapest place to eat, but I felt it was worth it and actually spent less than I thought I might (it certainly helped that each plate of 3 tacos was only $6!). Overall a great experience!
(4)Tawheed K.
The location is great but the service is absolutely horrendous. I arrived here on a Friday night and midnight and asked to sit in the patio. 1. They said that you have to order food in order to sit in the patio but have to go inside if I want to order drinks only 2. I said that's fine, I'll order food, I'd like to sit outside. 3. The waitress then said actually, the kitchen is closed so you have to order a drink inside. 4. I grabbed a drink inside and then asked to sit outside. The waitress then said, sorry, even with that drink, you cannot sit outside. Clearly poor management, poor service, and according to the reviews, the food isn't that great anyway. Pass on this place.
(1)Cindy N.
Stopped here during a visit to Boston, food was okay. The wait was way too long for subpar food.
(1)Rachel L.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. Like, I went three times in one week last month. Because of its location right off of Newbury and near the Commons, it's a great place to bring friends or family visiting from out of town. I also enjoy the atmosphere of Met; the decor is very nice, but it doesn't feel stuffy or intimidating. Along with loving the overall vibe of Met, I really really like the food! I eat mostly vegetarian, and there's some substantial, delicious meat-free menu items here (so you're not stuck with a boring garden salad for once!). My favorites are the Green Guru Salad and the Something Natural Sandwich- both soooo good. Everyone I've brought here has always loved their food as well! I tried a bit of my friend's calamari last time I was there and it was delicious, and a huge portion. I also love their craft your own bloody's. It makes brunch so much fun, and definitely adds to the experience to compare what different drinks everyone concocted. My friend also ordered a mimosa which she said was very good. I have to give my favorite restaurant only 4 stars because the service can be a bit inconsistent. I've been here and had excellent service, but other times it's like I don't exist. My sister and I sat with our check, ready to be paid, for 20 minutes and not a single worker could be found that whole time. BUT, even when the service isn't great, it's not enough to deter me from coming back!
(4)Edward H.
Booo!! Didn't even get past the water being served. Watched everyone around us get served, including those that came after us. Decided to give up and go elsewhere. Horrible service indeed!!
(1)Lina F.
It is a nice addition to the Newbury street neighborhood. The burger was very decent but not the best burger I have had. The restaurant has specials after 5 pm each day which look pretty good. It is a bit pricey for the food you get but you are paying for the atmosphere.
(3)Elizabeth H.
Love the food at MET and that's what keeps me coming back but the service is always sub par. Today we were addressed twice in two hours. Not ok.
(2)James R.
I've been here twice now so I think I've seen enough to write a review. My first visit was about a year ago, second was a couple of days ago, both were for lunch. From what I remember the menu hasn't changed much in that time. On my first visit I had a vegetarian open face sandwich, this time I had a club sandwich and a cheddar lobster dip appetizer. Overall the food was kind of what you expect to find at a moderately upscale establishment in Back Bay - standard fare that isn't really worth writing home about (though yelp reviewing is acceptable). The service was satisfactory and the atmosphere is nice - think leather benches on around the outside walls. The patio on Newbury is also a nice option I've never utilized. Pricing is reasonable. Overall Met Back Bay is nothing special but it doesn't really do anything wrong either. I also wasn't too adventurous with the menu so it could be better than I realize.
(3)Lindsey R.
i'm a local that frequents this restaurant often, and usually have a good meal. I love the atmosphere in the downstairs bar, and the outdoor patio is awesome during the summer. The waitstaff is attentive and very friendly. My one gripe is that they literally charge $15 to add shrimp to a salad. For 3 shrimp this is literally insane, and more than the actual salad itself ($14 for large entree size). I thought my bill was incorrect when the salad ended up being $29, but indeed that's how much they charge. The waitress was somewhat apologetic that I was so surprised by the charge, but didn't do anything further. She could have at least warned me that ordering shrimp (not listed on the menu) was going to cost $15. I would have ordered something else if she had. I personally think this charge is highway robbery, but unfortunately am not that surprised considering they charge over $6 for a bread basket. I'll still continue to go to the Met for a yummy cocktail and burger (delicious fries!) but beware that there are a lot of up-charges.
(3)Gaby F.
Really really bad place. All about service. Food was OK but when food is just OK service has to be great. Sat whilst waiter ran to other tables for 25 mins! It got so bad they had the hostess laying out silverware. Really incompetent. Leave it to the walk in tourists. Dreadful.
(1)Jenny S.
LOVING THEIR COCKTAILS!! they were all refreshing & not syrupy or overly sweet as many cocktails can become!! we were even able to enjoy our drinks at a table in the bar area, which was nice and relaxing ---cucumber gimlet (my favorite) ---pimm's cup ---grapefruit fizz NOTE: they have a restaurant and then a bar side w/ a charcuterie bar & let me just say the food smelled amazing!!! i think i'll be coming back to try the food!
(4)Danae K.
I've been here twice and both times I wasn't impressed. The service was slow, and the waitress wasn't very knowledgeable of the menu. After waiting for about 20 min to get the appetizers, I didn't like that the goat cheese tasted like cream cheese at best... When the main course came out, I was further disappointed with the meat flavor. The quality of food is definitely not the high spot for this place. Good parts of this place? Location, ambiance, overall "calm" environment. I'd try it out again but for drinks only. Never again for lunch/food/dinner.
(3)Nathan H.
Not a bad place. Should have a higher rating, but my guess is that people get pissy that there are limited outside seats and the staff has a hard time keeping the voluminous foot traffic happy. Food portions were decent, food itself was decent...... This is a solid 3.5, but Yelp doesn't allow 1/2 ratings so we'll go with a 3. Waitress was nice too. Stop in for a nice lunch/drink etc...but please don't wait hours for it because it isn't that great.
(3)Laurie F.
I'm actually shocked at the negative reviews here, as me and the four others I went to brunch with yesterday were blown away. The two locals had been there before, but myself and the other two visitors were newbies. We came from NYC and are certainly well-versed in SERIOUS eating. Most of us had all also worked in the food/beverage/service industry at some point. I'm only prefacing this review that way because we tend to be a little critical, and having this consensus of how ridiculously good Met Back Bay was is unusual for the group. Brunch started with a bloody mary, ordered off of their bloody mary menu. Wait... you can put a CHEESEBURGER on your bloody mary? Why yes please, I'll have that. In fact, we all did. Other various options included cocktail onions, bacon old bay seasoning, olives, pickles, pepperoncini, horseradish, Met sauce or spices (?), bacon salted rim, cornichons, and probably a ton I'm missing. Did the drink actually cost more than my brunch entree? Sure did. But delicious and totally worth it. The burgers were fresh and delicious. My friend's piece of bacon was a little fatty for her, but when the waiter noticed she had sort of picked around the fat, he asked if it was okay and offered to bring her another piece. THAT'S attention to detail and service. I wish I would've gotten his name to give him a good shout out in this review. Brunch entrees ordered: 2 sandwiches called "The Cure", a pork-stuffed hash brown with fried egg and jalapeno hollandaise, some sort of stuffed french toast, and a truffled croque madame. The portions were enough to install a serious food baby in my belly for the rest of the afternoon. The taste was on point. Everyone raved. New mission: copy these bloody marys for every brunch I host from now on. Maybe I'll have to get back to Met whenever I'm in Boston to do some... er... "research"...
(5)Maya T.
I took a friend here who was visiting from out of town. We didn't have to wait on a Tuesday night for dinner which was good. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. Our good came out fast. I had the rigatoni bolognese and my friend got the rice bowl. Both were delicious. The only problem was there were mosquitoes in the restaurant! We kept getting bitten, so it was annoying when we were eating. Was ready to leave once we were done eating. We got the ice cream sandwich and it was delicious.
(3)Tyler S.
There are plenty of other restaurants/bars within walking distance from here that run circles around this place. The service is pretty bad and the drinks and food are nothing special.
(2)Alex K.
Incredibly disappointing! This place has a great atmosphere and an awesome maître d, but beyond that it is lacking in all categories. The service was dismal, and for the price of entrees (hovering around mid 20s) it was a disappointment. Sad to say I won't be back.
(2)Scott S.
Awful tartar. Service subpar. Good place for a burger and fries or drinks at bar, but nothing else.
(2)Emily L.
I like their ambience but their food is only okay. I like the dedham location more. Their burgers are nothing special. The bartender can make pretty good drinks. Got a dirty martini and it was well made.
(2)Marcy H.
Love this place! Great food and fun atmosphere! Lox at the sunday brunch was fabulous
(4)Caitlin G.
I'm honestly surprised by all the negative reviews on here! Except for one bad service experience, this place is reliably delicious for food. The drinks, although a bit lackluster and overpriced, are pretty decent as well. This is one of my favorite after-work bars. We usually get a bunch of apps, so that's what my review is mostly based on, but they've all been incredibly good. And I have to say that the broccoli tempura is just otherworldly. Much to my chagrin, they took it off of the menu, and I'm eagerly anticipating the day that it's back on. They tempura-fry broccoli, coat it in some delicious orange glaze, and drizzle some sort of aioli on top. It was sheer ecstasy on a plate. Try the lobster dip, roasted brussel sprouts or any of their salads (Green Guru in particular). I've also had a burger and it was yummy. The only negative is that the drinks are kind of weak; the wine pours are skimptastic, but again, that's what you'd expect from a Boston bar.
(4)Elly W.
Last minute dine in here for RW. The place is big and clean. Very friendly staff. Me and my cousin had a three course meal each. Watermelon carpaccio and hamachi tacos for appetizers. Both had wonderful flavors. Entree was flank w/ potatoes and lobster gnocchi. Flank was good though one piece was Too dry. The potatoes were different and yummy. Lobster gnocchi with corn and Bacon was delicious. A lot of lobster served. Didn't like the fact the plate was chipped at four places. Also shared roasted asparagus with fried egg, aoili and parmesan. Delicious. Dessert was peanut butter Brownie and peach cobbler with cake and ice cream. I'm not a PB fan, bit the Brownie was pretty good. The cobbler was good, not a fan of warm fruits, but edible. Overall enjoyed our dinner and presentation was artful.
(4)Simon L.
Came for a birthday brunch. Excellent, slightly briny east coast oysters - several dozen. The mammoth hot dog is grilled nicely and has a thick skin with a good snap when biting through the dog. Spicy mustard is a welcome addition. The bun is buttered and grilled and "almost' fits the meaty dog. The burger has red wine sauteed onions, thick smoked bacon, cheddar cheese. A large, well formed patty has decent seasoning although it is cooked past medium rare to a medium temperature. This has the unfortunate effect of drying out the prime beef. The beef is so prime in fact that there is almost not enough juice content in the meat. Efficient service. Good location. Excellent martinis.
(3)Jessi R.
I came in for the Hot Chocolate Experience, and decided that dinner beforehand was probably a good idea. I've heard great things about MET, and do not have to hurt any of my friends for leading me astray. The menu was short but had plenty of fairly unique options. Knowing we were ordering dessert, we skipped the appetizer. My wife ordered the Maple Balsamic Salmon and I had Spaghetti Lobster Arrabiata. Hers was excellent, and left her wanting more. Mine was very good, but I wanted a little something "more" to fill it out some--it was very heavy on the pasta with not quite enough of anything else. Dessert was wonderful. We probably should have stuck with the hot chocolate (grown up of course), but couldn't resist and also ordered a chocolate cake and sorbet dish that I can't seem to find on the menu (it's only been a week!!). The cake was a little dry, but the sauce & sorbet mostly made amends. All the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful; the restaurant was clean and it didn't feel stuffy despite it's Newbury St location.
(4)Jen C.
I just had a surprisingly bad experience at Met Back Bay - my sandwich was horribly made and missing ingredients and our waiter did not appear to like me. I went for lunch and sat downstairs. We ordered our food and drink (no special requests), all was fine. I ordered their Club (with avocado, brie, & arugula). I ate the 1st half, which had a very small piece of chicken, but the bacon and avocado were there. Tasted fine. When I went to eat the 2nd half, realized all the bacon and avocado were on the 1st half. All it had was chicken and arugula (no condiments). Not caring that much, I just asked for a side of mayo The table next to me gets a side of mayo delivered. A minute later I hear a *thunk* and a squeeze bottle of mayo has been placed on the table with a lot of force. When I give a startled jump, the waiter snaps "you asked for mayo, right?". Somehow I completely offended him by asking for mayo. He then completely abandons our table. Someone else clears our plates and we have to wait before he finally comes with the check. He walks by us as we leave and doesn't even say goodbye. When I get back to the office and realize there was no brie on my sandwich...
(2)Caesar S.
Came here for brunch on a Saturday morning and have nothing but good to say about my experience. I ordered the breakfast burrito with home fries and it was delicious. They were both packed with flavor and nicely seasoned. Their mimosas are good, but small. Solid, friendly service as well. If I were to say anything negative about this place, it would be that it's pricey ($70 bill after tip for two people). But you should expect that due to the fact it's on Newbury Street. Overall, great experience and would definitely recommend it to others.
(4)Andrew p.
***update*** I left the review below including the description of service and the manager (Steve) read it, took the feedback and went out of his way to make my most recent visit a superior experience. I really appreciate his going the extra mile. *** Previous review: I've come here for the past 2 years and have always enjoyed the Paris burger. Who wouldn't love a perfectly cooked medium rare burger covered in gooey Brie cheese and a fried egg? In general the food is better than most chains but nothing mind blowing. The service is the reason for the 2 star review and really this is due to the hostess and manager who multiple weekends in a row have told us that the wait would be significantly shorter than it was. This past weekend the manager said it would be a 20 min wait that ended up being 1 hour and 15 minutes. I think the most frustrating part is they repeatedly seated "friends" of the manager ahead of people waiting. I hope they can change their management and particularly the manager Steve who clearly does not have the restaurant's best interest at heart.
(4)Katie B.
I have been to met bar a bunch of times and I went today for lunch and sat at the bar. It is the first sunny and slightly warm day of 2015 so the patio is full and its understandably busy. The service was stressed and the woman manager with the shaved head made everyone in the restaurant know how stressed the staff was. The bartenders were overwhelmed and did the best they could. The food was not as great as I've had in the past. Stick to the ham and cheese bar and you can't lose. Bottom line - manager need to not yell at her staff in front of customers. Ever.
(2)Teri D.
Ate here last month on a whim as we had just arrived and were hungry. Wish we had found another place. It is a great location right in the thick of things and the outdoor seating is very nice but this day our server?? Sad! Had to wait and wait and wait for everything. Had to flag down another server to get ours to come back once. And then there was the food. We had breakfast there and even though the 3 egg omelet was good the brioche that came with it was so freaking dry it was like trying to eat packing peanuts. The blueberry compote that came with it was great though. Costs: 3 egg omelet - $11 Egg met muffin - $10 Side of bacon - $5 Glass of Pomm juice - $4.00 Not that cheap for two but if the service (and some bread) had been better it wouldn't have mattered.
(2)Tomi A.
This was my first time having brunch in Boston and I will say this place did not disappointment. To start, I got a Sangria while my friends got "Create-Your-Own" Bloody Mary's. The Sangria was a perfect way to start to the meal and the Bloody Mary's were a world of their own. You could even add a cheeseburger as a garnish! (which had to be done at my table). For food, I debated between the Breakfast Fries and the many different burger options. I eventually went with the Boston Burger with cheddar, bacon, and a delicious egg on top and my friends got the DC Burger, which was your standard All-American Burger, and the Breakfast Fries. The fries were the perfect cure for a hangover but you could only eat so much of it before getting sick of it. My Boston Burger was filling and I would get it again! We ended with "Doughnuts and Coffee" which were Italian ricotta fritters with a cinnamon coating and espresso custard dipping sauce. I absolutely recommend getting these and it is definitely shareable for two or three. All in all, I really enjoyed this place for brunch. Its hard to find places with great food and service and this place makes the cut! I intend on coming back really soon!!
(4)Boris L.
I will update this review when I get back here to try some food because everything I saw looked amazing. The cocktails that we got were some of the best I have had in the city. The venue itself is really cool, it has a modern/new-age sort of vibe.
(5)Amanda M.
Great place to eat outside in the Boston downtown area. Although, watch out for the bubble bees they WILL get ya. Almost landed right in my food! But the hostess was very nice about it. Speaking of food, I got the chopped salad and it was wonderful. My friend got the Mac n cheese... It was mouth watering. So crisp and creamy at the same time! Definitely recommend this place next time I'm in town!
(4)Adrian C.
This review is for the brunch, which was delicious and had some healthy options. I was staying right down the street and went twice on Saturday and Sunday and got the veggie omelette, and the something natural sandwich. The sandwich was delicious and had a heaping portion of vegetables. The omelette was large and also had a good portion of veggies. Prices were what you would expect for the area $13-$15. The atmosphere was cool, a lot of young people drinking but I was in town for a conference so I didn't partake.
(4)Peter C.
Great location in Back Bay! We ventured into Met to grab a bite during an impromptu Saturday night Pub Crawl. Grabbed a spot at the bar, as the Outdoor seating was all taken up, given the gorgeous weather. We ordered some Stellas and kicked back a few. The bar had pairs of attractive women sitting around, sitting martinis. Seems like a good place to meet late 20s or early 30s girls, if that's what you're looking for. The menu isn't huge, but I'm told they do an amazing burger. We settled on splitting the Loaded Fries. The appetizers don't appear to be the size you'd get at your average chain restaurant. I can split fries and nachos with someone and be completely full at a Chilis or Fridays. Since the Met is a bit more upscale, portions were smaller. The fries were first rate! Hand cut fries, with layers of melted cheese. Topped with a cut up burger and a fried egg. Really good! I wish I had ordered one just for me though. Would have been perfect! :) Wait staff was SUPER friendly. There were a lot of people working there, so it wasn't hard to get service. I noticed a guy who appeared to be a manager or owner, walking around. He kicked back a few glasses of Johnny Walker. I thought that strange that he'd be drinking, while on the job. A very nice guy though. I forgot to add... THE MUSIC. Whatever playlist they had going, it certainly catered to my age group. It's not the 21 crowd. I think it's more for people who are bit more established in their career and looking for a great spot. The music was a HUGE plus. It was a lot of popular songs, and saw a lot of girls singing along. Not hip hop or pop junk. I'm trying to recall all the songs, but all I remember was a Chili Peppers song, but I found myself singing along in my head to most of it.
(4)Jay N.
I have now had brunch at the Met 4 times, within 2 months. I try to go to other places but this place keeps beckoning me back. The outdoor seating is lovely, indoors is well done, the service is good, and the coffee is terrific! My family and I were all pleased with our meals on my last visit. I would certainly recommend this place.
(4)Xander M.
1. I've been here twice. Both times, the same two girls were at the door. The look of judgement on their faces was not welcoming. When I mentioned my reservation name, the response was "your party's down stairs" said with a nasty attitude! 2. There was no small fork for my oysters :( 3. The food was phenomenal! 4. The bartender was very nice and welcoming. Recommendation: replace the ladies at the door. They set the tone!!
(2)Tanya L.
Meeting a friend in downtown Boston for after-work drinks, I was interested in trying Met Back Bay on the corner of Newbury St and Dartmouth since my friend had recommended it. We sat outside in the beautiful Newbury St seating - that is, until we were informed that we had to order food to sit outside. As we both had dinner plans, we opted to move inside. We chose a table in the underground bar area, but it took quite a while for a server to notice us and bring us our drinks. My friend had a cocktail while I had a local microbrew beer. The drinks were good but place became really busy and loud, and the service wasn't terribly attentive. It took forever both outside and inside to be greeted by a server and actually served. The bathroom was also pretty horrible, with many of the stalls without toilet paper and/or looking very rough. If you're going for food, sit outside and enjoy the amazing space. However, if you're just going for drinks I wouldn't recommend it very highly.
(3)Julia C.
The Met is home to some of the best cocktails in Boston. I would definitely recommend sitting at the bar downstairs, if you can get a seat. The bartender, Tito, is a great guy and will make you awesome drinks! My favorites are the blackberry bramble and the blood orange cosmo. The drinks are strong and sweet, but not too sugary. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or co-workers, or a little afternoon drink once you're done shopping on Newbury. You really can't go wrong with any of the menu items. I've tried just about everything and have had no complaints! I would suggest going to the bar on the earlier side of the night, as it can get pretty crowded. I have one suggestion for this place that would make their rating go from a 4 to a 5 star: 1. Clean the bathrooms more frequently. I can't tell you how many times I have walked into a bathroom there with zero toilet paper. The water in the faucets always comes out FREEZING cold. If they fixed the bathroom issues, this place would be perfect in my book!
(4)Arden B.
Yum! Went here for brunch last weekend with a girlfriend and ended up staying for nearly three hours! We both ordered the veggie omelette with egg whites. I requested that the omelette not be cooked with butter, and the waiter was totally on board and had no problem with this at all. The only reason I can't give five stars is because the oil they used instead was too dense and left a puddle on my plate. All it really takes to make an omelette is a greased pan, right? It was still delicious nonetheless, and the fruit I ordered on the side was super fresh and flavorful! We had Mimosas and Bellinis. I personally preferred the Mimosa, but the Bellini was great, too, just a little more bitter. I love the Mimosa because it's made with a blood orange puree that's just delightful! The environment in there is so open and nice. Originally we were seated in the library bar, which is dark and not really a very brunchy location. When I asked to be moved, the hostess was happy to oblige immediately. The whole staff was really wonderful! I will definitely be going back when the weather is nicer so I can sit outside! I also had no idea about this incredible Bloody Mary menu, but I assure you, I will be back and I will have my slider on a stick in my cocktail if it's the last thing I do in Boston!
(4)Roxana F.
Best cesar salad I've EVER had. Holy shit. Their dressing is a bit spicy but this is literally the best I've had, and I'm picky!! = PLUS FIVE STARS Awful service. Slow, and they always mess up orders. = MINUS TWO STARS Don't get the tartare here, you'll be disappointed. You will not, however, be disappointed with the garlic bread or the cold beet or warm octopus salads. Yumm.
(3)Ashley A.
Took my husband here for his birthday this past week. We had made a reservation, although it wasn't necessary as it was a Tuesday...and the place wasn't really very busy. We were greeted promptly and brought right to our table. Our server was really great and had a lot of great insight as to what we would like on the menu. My husband got the salmon and I got the sausage orecchiete..both were excellent. We would definitely come back again!
(4)Kassy S.
Went for a delicious brunch this morning. i had made a reservation for four, but they were very accommodating when we had five in our party instead. The food and service were both excellent. I originally ordered the Nutella stuffed french toast but was told they were out so I chose something else. Then the server returned to tell us they got more in and would make it for me after all, very kind of them! I also had a great Bloody Mary and wonderful, fresh orange juice. I would highly recommend and can't wait to return. Thank you!
(5)Abbie G.
The service wasn't very good and the food was worse. The hollandaise on the eggs Benedict was split and everything was cold and had obviously been sat under the heat light for way too long. The potatoes were hard and bland. Overall terrible experience. Don't get drawn in by the cute patio.
(2)Jackie C.
Garrett (sp) has been a wonderful waiter/server! Ask for him and you'll get the best service! I had the most wonderful time here! My husband had a late night at the office so I took myself out to dinner. The clam chowder here was amazing and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere was so nice. I ate upstairs and looked over Newbury street while drinking amazing wine and reading my book. I will definitely be back for a nice night our with friends. I can't wait to try the lounge area.
(5)Diane H.
NAHHHH, I PASS. Why it's sooo crowded at the bar, i don't know. Okay I do, people just need a place after work to hang. It's great for people watching...across the bar, I only got to watch this awkward couple be very boring and play on their phones while i sipped on my drink with my friend. The sangria SUCKS, so please skip it. My mojito needed more sugar to my liking...so i of course chased my bartender down to add more. When we got there the bar was full so we told the host we were just gon sit and wait... and after about 5-10 mins she found us two seats at the bar -- good job, we were about to head out. You aren't gonna get drunk here..so don't try. The drinks are not strong enough.
(2)Danjackie L.
Had a great meal here with friends on Saturday night. Started in the downstairs bar before having dinner in the upstairs dining area. Only complaint with bar drinks was that they didnt do a slow poor for Guiness. Dinner was fantastic. We ended up ordering a few apps/shareable plates. Truffled fries were wonderful. Mac and cheese was so creamy. The pasta was perfectly al dente vs. soggy and overcooked. The cheeses used had great flavor. Truffled flatbread was also very good with nice thick peices of mushrooms. The ahi tuna/salmon appetizer was also out of this world.
(4)Kim H.
Went for a birthday dinner here, GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. everyone here seems to be foreigners Very okay pricing !! for newbury st. I loved their fries !! they served it with odd sauce but it was very good . I ordered clam chowder wasn't really happy with it although it was very creamy. I wouldn't come back again. there wasn't much to choose from
(3)Maria D.
We went here because we couldn't find anywhere else that would seat us within 30 minutes on a Saturday night after 8pm. I had the burger and fries and I was reasonably pleased. It wasn't the best burger I've ever had and the fries were a little bit soggy, but the waiter service was pretty good given the circumstances. The tables were a little bit too close, but it was a nice night so we appreciated being able to eat at a restaurant with outdoor seating. One concern: We asked for Cokes and received Diet Cokes. When I told the waiter, he said it was the machine, took our drinks back and didn't come back with new drinks for twenty minutes. Now, I don't blame him for giving me a Diet Coke (it's the default order around here, I guess), but I do think service could have and should have been significantly quicker than that. He was very apologetic when we got our drinks (after waiting what felt like a lifetime). The food was decent, but it might have been the anticipation that made it taste good. I'll definitely go back, but it's not on my list of top places to eat in the Greater Boston Area.
(3)Bill S.
Quick service, placed a take out order which was very fast but food quality was only mediocre. Burgers were overdone and not very tasty, so not sure I would run back here again, though its a nice place and quick service so if your expectations are low...
(3)Giselle H.
Was derpin' around Newbury with two gorgeous ladies and we decided it was afternoon cocktail time. We didn't want to wait, so we chose Met. Given that more than two thirds of the outdoor tables were empty, we figured service would be quick. When we told the hostess we wanted to sit outside, she said that unless all three of us ordered food, we would have to sit inside at the bar. Can we sit outside if we split an appetizer? No. But it's 2:30 in the afternoon and most of the tables are empty? Still no. Never even offered to show us a menu. And so we passed on Met and continued our quest to get sloshed. I pity the waiter whose hostess and/or management puts peculiar and inflexible rules above revenue. We ended up enjoying 4 martinis, a bottle of wine, and 2 appetizers a few doors down. Met's loss!
(1)Thurayya A.
The food was alrrriiiiiiggghhhttt. But my review is really for the amazing waitress we had. I wanted a virgin cocktail, but I wasn't really sure what I wanted in it (yes, I was being THAT customer). She assured me she would have the bartender make me something special....and he did! I don't even know what was in it, but it was fruity and refreshing. Overall she was just super sweet and gave impeccable service....wish I caught her name. Other than that, I got a burger. It was OK. Not amazing, not awful either. I'd come back if given the chance.
(3)Marcelo M.
The lack if service in the bar is always frustrating. I get is Sunday and all that, but if show up for work, you need to honor your time. I just come back here bc sometimes is just convenient. Would recommend to any one.
(1)Rachel B.
Stopped by for dinner on a Tuesday, so it was very quiet. The music was super annoying, like Tom Petty muzak station. Politely asked for them to change the music, with a specific request even, but nothing! Who else was there in the restaurant? No one but myself, my husband, the waitress, and the dumb manager who wouldn't change the crappy music. Food was good, but thanks to the atmosphere, will not be returning.
(2)Megan B.
Definitely one of my favorite places to eat in the Back Bay! Met Back Bay is super cozy, perfect if you need a quiet place to catch up with friends. The menu is pretty streamlined, upscale comfort food with enough variety for anybody to find something they'd like. They also have great drink & desert menus. I always end up getting the same thing, the short rib tacos and buttermilk biscuits with maple butter--they're the best! The fresh cider donuts and ice cream are also worth trying. The wait staff is always great, super friendly and give great customer service, but are never overbearing. I've never felt rushed here and often take my time and enjoy the loungey atmosphere. Well-recommended if you want something simple but delicious to eat around the Copley Square area.
(4)Sarah G.
Went here for Taco Tuesday with a group of people from work! Great tacos and great service right at the bar. The tacos were a deal and a good size for the price! Had a cocktail also and it was tasty!
(4)Lisa L.
Went in for the hot chocolate experience. My friend and I tried the flight of 4 experience, and we made them grown up. All tasted really great, but my favorite was definitely the classic hot chocolate that had bailey's in it. My friend was really excited about trying the salted almond. However, the biscotti that comes with it was hard as a rock! Even after dipping it in the drink, it was so difficult to chew. After downing two of the hot chocolates, we were getting kinda hungry, so we ordered the calamari as a snack. The spicy mayo sauce that comes with it was very tasty, but overall, there wasn't much squid meat to actually eat. A majority of what we got was just crumbs. So that was a total downer. All in all, I would definitely do the flight of 4 experience again. And maybe next time, I would do them without the liquor.
(3)Tony N.
ANOTHER UPDATE: wtf? Do the owners read reviews or pretend that they don't exist? Like fools, my wife and I went last night to give Met one more try, (we were also too lazy to walk another block). We sit down at the library bar, are barely greeted, and have two menus pretty much tossed down at us. Clearly nothing has changed at this place. We walked out before being subjected to any more crappy service and mediocre food. Went to Back Bay Social Club. As usual, it was awesome. Good by forever Met! Just a quick update to my previous review....not sure what happened here but over the past several months this place has gone downhill. Service downstairs is I attentive and somewhat unfriendly, (students on break?). The food is nowhere near the quality it used to be. Their amazing chopped salad once came with a big juicy piece of chicken when requested. Nowadays it is a small piece of chicken of lesser or equal quality. The salad itself also seems on its own to be more bland. Not sure what is going on here but I went from being a regular to a passerby. Will give it a whirl in a few months of Yelpers think it's worth a shot... Hopefully we will see a change.
(1)Rachel P.
I am so conflicted about The Met. They have a really great menu with variety and something for everyone- no matter what you're in the mood for. Their outdoor patio is one of my favorites on Newbury. And I love their cocktails! But somehow it doesn't all add up and I feel disappointed by something every time I go. The food is kind of hit or miss, and there is definitely something lacking on the customer service side of things. I find the staff are not knowledgeable about the menu, and are often times not very attentive. There also seems to be some level of professionalism lacking with the hosts/hostesses (only referring to my experience with outdoor seating). I'll definitely keep eating here in the summer because it's right across from my apartment (and like I said, that patio is great) but I stick to drinks and appetizers, nothing too complicated. I am seriously rooting for an improvement!
(3)Alex B.
Atmosphere / Ambiance - Overall Have been here several times for lunch now since my office is right near by. It does make for a great business lunch environment due to their round tables. Seriously, I hate nothing more than shouting diagonally across a rectangular table when out with colleagues. When I am with friends, I can care less (just throw a fork or something to grab the attention of your friend). Get in there around noon though because it sure picks up after that. Food As for their food I have had very good experiences with their burgers. You basically pick a burger type and then a topping combo. I have had both their regular, kobe, and their salmon burgers. When I am feeling ballsy I go for their Paris Burger. The Paris burger is just something you need to get with the Kobe. The Paris consists of melted brie, fried egg, caramelized onions, and truffle mayo. Each bite made me want to scream out "Oui Oui! Je t'aime!" to the burger. You also gotta go the sweet potato fries route here. Other things I have gotten here was the warm burrata starter which was very good and easy to share. I have also tried the salmon burger - Tokyo style. It sounded much better than it actually tasted. The grilled chicken kabob was more of a deconstructed kabob wrap all separated on a plate and was really not what I was expecting. Service One thing that bothers me about this place is that it appeals to business lunches yet service can be kind of slow despite it seeming perfect for a lunch place. If they were a tad quicker and more diligent about bringing the check and swiping cards towards the end of the meal it would be a place I would return to way more often.
(3)Madison C.
A little disappointing. I heard the food was delicious and came with my friends for a Sunday brunch. A person at our table had alerted the server to their shellfish allergy. The server had come back to make us aware that the French toast was deep fat fried in the same fryer as shellfish but they would be happy to make it on the grille instead. The server came back during our wait and made us aware that the kitchen had started to make their French toast in the fryer and the server reminded them of the allergy. The server assured us the food would be out soon. When the French toast did come out it was undercooked and, as we soon found out, still cross contaminated. Fortunately, the person had a mild reaction but this is ridiculous. If the kitchen can't accommodate the customers needs, the kitchen needs to be honest and admit it. The server was attentive and seemed to have done his part in communicating to the kitchen but the kitchen seemed to disregard.
(2)Sam C.
The wait staff was extremely friendly. They catered to our every request with a smile and polite manner. The drinks were delicious, including Pimm's Winter Cup, the Rasperry Fizz, and the Blood Orange Cosmo. The Brussel Sprout appetizer was to die for, and the main courses surpassed all expectations. The dessert was great as well. Cider donuts with a very unique flavor of icecream: salted caramel. The aura is fantastic, the seats comfortable, and the music light and enjoyable. Definitely coming back here. (with my parents cause its not cheap)
(5)Elisa C.
This place was pretty amazing! I went here with my girlfriends and had the white bean brushetta, spicy calamari, Madame sandwiches, chicken salad, and the Paris burger. All of the food was so tasty and the cheese melted in my mouth. The atmosphere is very laid back, open windows and service was so nice. We stumbled here since Lolita's was closed for lunch but so happy we came here! I'd recommend coming here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch or lunch. Affordable, delicious, and great atmosphere!
(5)Will N.
Came to the MET back bay for brunch today on Sunday 9-14 and couldn't have left happier, my server was great, the food came out hot and was delicious. Service was impeccable, but have to give the manager props- he made several stops by our table, suggesting cocktails and even paired wine for our steak tip selection for our entrees. I forget his name but he was a charmer as we watched him "work" the dining room. Great establishment on newbury street- I'm unsure why such negative reviews. Great food, service and management. I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK!! Kudos to the owner for putting together a staff that "wows" the guests!!
(5)S M.
Heard about the bloody marys so thought this would be a good place to come for dinner. I ordered a bloody mary and it was one of the worst ones i've ever had. It was mixed badly and watery. It is always a bad sign when a restaurant cannot even make their signature dish or drink well. I ordered a burger and asked for it well done. I received a burger with blood dripping from it, almost raw in the middle. I sent it back and then was sent a burnt burger, almost completely black, as an insult from the chef. The fries sucked too. Mcdonalds fries taste better. The food here is extremely mediocre and overpriced, the kitchen staff couldnt give a damn about quality. And what "fine dining" restaurant does not know how to cook a burger well done?
(1)Autumn H.
We stopped in really quick for lunch last Sunday, and it was great! The food was good (some neat stuff on the menu, but also not extremely original). All of us got something different and all of the meals were good. There was nothing mind-blowing about the food, but it was definitely good and the atmosphere was great (we sat in what they call the library, but what I would call, the bar area.) All-in-all, no complaints!
(4)Kelly A.
I literally just left there on a Thursday night - BEWARE - on Thursday night at 10pm, the mice come out. Understood that every restaurant in Boston probably has some rodent problem, but management tried to tell me "they walk in through the front door." As a patron, if I'm spending $15+ a drink, seeing three nice scurry across your dining room floor is not acceptable. Instead of trying to mediate the situation, the staff took it as "no big deal" and something that must occur often. I'm just happy I didn't eat there.
(1)Mindy L.
I've been to Met Back Bay twice now and I'm just not sure I'm a super fan. First Visit - Valentine's Day It was virtually empty thanks to our 5:30 PM reservations (my hubs had to get to a basketball game at 9:00 PM so it forced our timeline up a bit) so we got a great seat in the window on the 2nd floor. We glanced at the Valentine's specials but nothing screamed out at us so we ended up ordering from the main menu. First, I love the free pretzel sticks and port cheddar cheese. I probably could have made a meal out of just that. A little less filling than the typical bread and butter you find at most other places and definitely different. I ordered the half order of Chicken Frites and my husband ordered the Croque Monsieur. In the meantime, I sipped on a glass of Malbec (not my favorite Malbec ever but for the life of me, I can't remember the name) and hubby chugged a beer (OK, he didn't chug. Maybe gulped). When my Chicken Frites arrived...it was NOT what I was expecting. I actually received HALF a CHICKEN. Yes, half the whole darn thing...I thought I was going to get thinly sliced, breaded and fried chicken fingers (this was in my head, of course). Not half the chicken. Which makes me think...had I gone with the whole chicken...I would have been brought out a platter of chicken!? The breading was great - Parmesan cheese, some garlic, etc. But there was so little of it and as I was whacking away at the huge half a chicken on my plate...I lost some in the battle. That said, it was cooked divinely. I should have shared the Croque Monsieur with the hubs because he got not one but TWO whole sandwiches. His only complaint was that they were slightly burnt on one side. He ate around it and with two sandwiches to tackle, he didn't leave hungry. Second Visit - random Monday night I met an old colleague at the downstairs bar and we sat at the "Ham Counter." We ordered a couple specialty cocktails (Winter Pimm's Cup and Grapefruit Fizz for me). Both my drinks were very tasty. I then followed up with a burger and sweet potato fries for my order. My friend ordered the Paris Burger (with Brie, onions, etc). The marketing of these burgers has your mouth watering and you can't wait to order. However, the execution missed the mark. The burger was over-cooked and the bun was way to big (and dry) for its britches. I ended up using a knife and fork because it just wasn't worth trying to make my way through all the bread. Sweet potato fries = awesome. Truffle fries = meh. They came out a little lukewarm and just weren't as good as the sweet potato fries. Service was awesome...our waiter was great, very knowledgeable about the cocktails and didn't hover even though we were his only customers!
(3)Joelle K.
My husband and I had brunch here. I wish we had gone a bit later as we had to wait a half hour for it to get to 11 so that we could order cocktails. They have a nice outdoor seating area and the service was good. We both had omelets (3 cheese for me and ham and cheese for my hubby) with home fries. The home fries were nice and crispy with good spice, and the omelets were decent.
(3)Katie H.
AMAZING food, best biscuits and garlic bread I have here had. Not the best indoor setting (it's a bit dark) but it does not really matter all that much. I highly recommend trying it out if you are in the area.
(5)Regis W.
I will start off by saying that I've had many great experiences at Met which is why I'm doing three stars and not two. Today, not so. My favorite menu item on the menu is the short rib taco. They are DELICIOUS and, while on the bar menu, I've never had trouble ordering them in the restaurant. This time around, the server would not let me order them so I settled for their brunch burrito. Do not order their brunch burrito. It is essentially a fat burrito full of eggs and black beans with guacamole on top. Boring and not worth the price. To add Insult to injury, I mentioned that I would go downstairs and order the tacos, the server said she would put in the order for me. So.... I can order the tacos to go but not eat them in the dining room? Makes no sense to me. On a better note - the winter Pimms cup awesome!
(3)Miraj B.
A bad oyster is generally not a restaurant's fault. I did have a bad one here last night and I fault myself more because I should not have eaten any of them. First off, they were not chilled well. They were served on ice, but felt just south of room temperature. Next, they looked horrible. They were Wellfleets, but the shells were misshapen and chipped. The meat was not presented with any care. There were only six and maybe one looked presentable. Some had the meat flopped over the edge of the shell. It was Valentine's Day, but not necessarily busy there. So where was our server. I would've loved to order a straight whiskey to murder whatever bacteria was making itself comfortable on that luke oyster, but by the time he came back, the entire table had finished eating. I would have never come to a place like this, but if you are forced to be polite by attending, do not get the oysters. Save that yearning for a place that has a passing familiarity with how to properly serve them.
(1)Lauren P.
So surprised at all of the negative reviews. I guess we were lucky. We sat outside on a beautiful night. I had an excellent Manhattan and wonderful glass of wine. The food was terrific, tuna and salmon tartare, steak with cognac mustard sauce, and my son had the burger of the day. The meat was a tad overcooked on both meals but we still found it delicious. Our server was wonderfully helpful, attentive, perfect service. Maybe they are trying to make up for some past problems. We were very happy.
(5)Pamina E.
This place is beautiful and I can't complain about the location-- super convenient if you are in the area. The apps are quite tasty-- duck wings with house kimchi were great, the lamb kabobs with beet salad was a hit, truffle fries are always a favorite, the salmon and tuna tartetatare were just ok, a little bland actually. Then came the main dishes... They were all a disappointment. And for the price, my advice would be to skip main dishes and stick to their strong suit-- the apps and sangria.
(3)Andrew U.
Was easy to get a reservation, nice location. Cocktails were good. Food is so so. Had scallops and pork belly, oysters for app. Oysters were great as was the pork belly. Scallops were plain although it's hard to make them special I guess
(4)Collins F.
Try the chicken dish. Great place for dinner or brunch!
(4)Joyce M.
Ok, let me start off by saying I'm being generous giving it 1 star. Sure, the night didn't start off well, but I was willing to let go of the fact that the waitress spilled a glass of red wine on me and my husband as we were trying to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary because, well, accidents happen. Sure, she was apologetic and offered to reimburse us for the cost of laundry... which we told her we wouldn't bill her for...like I said, accidents happen. Ok, my BIGGEST problem with this place is the OVERLOAD of salt. I could only assume one of the following: 1: the chef doesn't taste the food prior to serving. 2: the chef had a cold and he/she physically couldn't taste the amount of salt in the food. 3: the chef tasted the food and thought it was good (shocking!) 4: someone paid the chef to pour salt into our food in order to kill my husband, who already has a high blood pressure condition, hoping to collect on a life insurance policy (which WE DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE). What we ordered? Well, there was the wine... and we were too busy cleaning up our shoes/legs/pants/dress/table/menu to eat an appetizer so we went straight to the main course. My husband had a steak (I forget exactly which one) and I had the fusilli with corn and bacon. When I say it was overloaded with salt, I mean it. I like my food highly seasoned. This was not a normal amount of salt seasoning... it was like someone literally poured salt over the food. Although the waitress accidentally spilled the wine and apologized many times for it, I thought she should have noticed I pretty much left my dish untouched even though I ordered the smaller version of it. But she didn't. Instead, she took it away and brought the bill. No discounts or anything. We were generous with a 15%-18% tip and left without complaining because we couldn't wait to get the hell out of this place. I never dislike a restaurant experience this much but I really, REALLY hated this place. Never going back.
(1)Grahaeme H.
Very poor service. Waitress said she had never before opened a bottle of wine!! Waited 10 minutes for plates for appetiser and in the end had to shout at another waiter. We were never asked for sides to go with the entrees. And they don't have coffee for dessert!! And don't bother booking if you want to sit outside as that's only first come first served. Final straw was bussers dragging around furniture and remaking tables with loud BANGS This was the last night business meeting for important clients. Not impressed, especially since the food was nothing special and VERY expensive
(1)Joe J.
Burger is overrated. Not to mention, there was a mix up of what burger went with what fries, and the waiter just sat there awkwardly watching us switch the food in the plates so we could get it right. Sun was in my eyes 60% of the time, and the waiter did not do anything until after the woman at the table next to me mentioned the sun was imposing on their lunch. For everyone that raves about the burger here, I just don't get it. That is just my opinion, but outside of free lunches through work here, I doubt I would ever eat here.
(3)Jackie L.
I'm sad this restaurant only gets 3 stars (should be at least a 4) but that's what happens when you mix 4-star food with 2-star service. I came here on a Saturday night with 4 friends, and we were seated in this long booth in the dining room which was great. The evening was a celebration of my birthday so I was pretty excited to be here, enjoying a long evening of drinking, dining, and sharing good times with friends. Let's start with the food: Wine: This is the only restaurant in the greater Boston area where I have found a bottle from Murietta's Well, my favorite winery in the Livermore Valley of CA. My husband is from the area and their wines are just outstanding. (Murietta's Well is a smaller, sister winery to the more well-known Wente.) Although we LOVE their whites, this restaurant only had a red blend and was $50 for the bottle, but the wine is just so. darn. good. we could not resist. If they started featuring Murietta whites (especially the meritage) I guarantee you my husband and I would be there at least once a month. Appetizer: Tempura Broccoli with jalapeno jam. Absolutely fantastic. And spicy! Watch out for those green jalapeno pieces. Entree: Thinking ahead to the overall big meal, I ordered a large dinner salad with arugula, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The salad was huge and satisfying with the addition of sirloin steak (though more on that in the "service" section). Side: Stole a few truffle fries from my husband's plate. Awesome. Dessert: Chocolate mousse tart with salted caramel ice cream, cashews, and toffee brittle? Yes please! A total indulgence, and worth it. Now onto the service. My opinion is if you're dining at a restaurant like this, on Boston's Newbury Street, the service should be exceptional. If not exceptional, at least neutral. In this case the service was memorable, but in a very strange way. Our waiter seemed to be extremely nervous, inexperienced, and not at all knowledgeable about the food which was a great disappointment. Inexperience is okay but he should have done more to try to get our questions answered. Also, due to what was presumably his nerves, he would either talk over us or fail to listen to what we were saying. Each time we interacted with him, it was a very bizarre experience. First, although he allowed me to inspect the bottle of wine, he didn't give to me or anyone in my party to taste and instead just began pouring. He was extremely careless in pouring the wine, spilling over the table and wiping with a napkin as he went along. While perusing the menu, I noticed my salad could be ordered topped with chicken or sirloin. In lieu of sirloin, I asked if I could get steak tips, and received an enthusiastic "yes!" But what did I get on my salad? Sirloin. Which was pretty good. But not what I ordered. There was also a lot of confusion around the truffle fries my friends ordered as a side (was there an upcharge? was it $4, $4+$2, $7+$2? This went on for several painful minutes and turned out we had interpreted the menu correctly while our waiter had not.) When my friends' steaks came out, another waiter dropped them off at the table and there was a lot of confusion about whose steaks were whose. After the other waiter left, our assigned waiter apologized that the other guy "didn't speak very good English." It was so awkward. Not to mention the fact that everyone's steak was messed up in terms of done-ness. Also it got hot at some point in the evening and we notified the waiter, who said he would let his manager know to adjust the temperature. We never noticed a change. No one was upset and really the evening wasn't ruined, but I was expecting a lot more. I love the food, love the location, love the ambiance - so I will probably be back - but this restaurant gets only one more chance on their service!
(3)Erica B.
shockingly terrible. and I used to like this place. We arrived and were unable to find someone (anyone!) with whom to check in for our reservation and seat us for almost ten minutes. Even when we asked for help (3 different people), when we were finally seated, the table had been set but NOT cleaned! (it was sticky and there was food on it!) We ordered a bunch of small plates, including the grilled artichoke, at the suggestion of our curt, somewhat surly, and otherwise impossible-to-locate server. That dish came out first. It is basically inedible. It was room-temperature, previously halved (but not trimmed!) charred-to-a-black crisp, and served with a side of flavor free oil and a side of mayo. it was disgusting and had nearly nothing to eat on it! Next was the hummus - this is supposed to come with harissa, house-made pita chips. Instead it was about 3 oz of garden-variety hummus, severely lacking in salt and acid, dusted with a tiny bit of dried paprika (which, technically, is harissa, but really??!) with five tiny pita chips already IN the dip (getting squishy). Best thing we were served. Then we received the grilled cauliflower - supposed some come with herbs and romesco. Not quite. This was about a whole head of barely cut-up cauliflower, boiled lightly, with a flavorless tomato sauce on top. Also served room temp. It wasn't BAD per se, just intensely skill-less and boring. I'll give them points for size - this was HUGE. We ordered the duo of salmon and tuna carpaccio - also to be served with taro chips. The chips were stale. The "carpaccio"s each were clearly days-old fish (smelled strongly fishy and the consistencies had become that weird soft texture) packed together with mayonnaise. This was so foul that we sent it back. Sending the fish back was an issue. The reason is that our server NEVER checked on us. For like 15 minutes or more, after we received it. We could not get her attention, her back was to us in a small work-alcove. Finally, a different server approached us, we explained the problem, she took the fish (and the fries, up next) away, did not offer to replace it, and did not apparently communicate the issue to our server (and left it on our bill). Finally, we got the last dish (and by now, we were VERRY hungry since other than the cauliflower, there was no food, and no service to try to resolve any of this), the famed truffle fries. greasy, limp, and cold. YES, cold. They are kind of coated entirely with cheese, also, giving them a strong, heavy, flavor. What they did NOT taste like was truffle, or even cheap truffle oil (which can be smelled a mile off, I find it so strong). We sent them back to be re-heated, and what we got was a HUGE inedible mass, similar to the first but now the topmost layer were warm (not piping hot) and still somehow didn't seem cooked through. Served with Mayo, no catsup, no truffle-sauce, no nothing. The bill finally arrived, just dropped on the table with no words. The server cleared the predominantly uneaten dishes without a word or question. (was it ok? did we want it packed up? no, nothing.) It takes another 12 minutes (by this point I am actually looking at my watch) to get the server's attention to call to her attention that we were charged for the fish. 3 minutes later she returns with the adjusted tab. Then doesn't pick up the check for another 20 (yes, TWENTY) minutes. And by this point the restaurant is almost completely empty. I signed it, I walked out, absolutely annoyed (and embarrassed, and hungry!). The worst food that I have been served in Boston in years, made worse by just about the worst service possible shy of her actually being rude.
(1)Jason N.
Came for valentines day and was told we were part of the TowneHouse experience, which was supposed to include the atmosphere and a prerequisite dinner. We booked three weeks in advance. Despite wanting to spend $120 per person, and being excited about this dinner, they told us upon arrival that we were supposed to sign up in advance for the specialty dinner portion. No where shown on the website was this the case, nor was this instructed by the host when we called to book our meal. Although the manager was oh so NOT understanding of this matter, we went with a Plan B. This is the third failure of this establishment to impress me upon their mistakes. I have to admit that the server was helpful in the matter, I wish the entire experience wasn't ruined....again.
(2)Cindy K.
I am a fan of this place because its good when you want a decent burger. Although, the past two times I ahve been there, I have been let down. I always order the LA burger and its supposed to come with bacon. And the past two times there was no bacon in there. The bacon is probably the most important part about the burger. The coctails are delish here and service is pretty good as well, minus the forgetting of the bacon. I prefer sitting at the downstairs bar area, the dining room is kinda not my scene. Its more elegant, not my place for a burger.
(3)Jovanna O.
Went here with one of my friends we are attending a conference in Boston. It started off a little rocky because we did not have a server. We had to ask someone to bring us coffee and then we got a server. I ordered the pancakes with eggs and am they threw in a free sausage for me which was nice. My eggs were perfectly cooked and they were very very delicious fluffy buttery delicious. The pancakes were good they are huge they fill up an entire plate there around 7 to 8 inches round. The sausage was not good at all but it was free so I'm not complaining. My friend ordered the omelette with spinach and Swiss cheese and he said it was delicious. It came with potatoes I had potatoes and they were yummy. It also came with toast. Once we finally got a server the customer service experience was great. They came and checked on us often. The atmosphere inside was very nice very laid-back I like it a lot. My only gripe is they are a little pricey but the food is good and the beginning wasn't so great since we didn't really have a server but I would probably come back.
(3)Erika S.
I am amazed by all of the negative reviews this place gets. Granted, I've only been here for brunch, but each and every time it has been delicious. Really delicious! My fav place for brunch in Boston. Awesome food, awesome Bloody Mary's!!
(5)Justin R.
Easily one of my favorite places to eat. Being in the heart of the city, it's a bit noisy and sometimes touristy, however the good food trumps the very few cons (IF you can even call the aforementioned "cons") that this place has. The food is always cooked to perfection, and the staff is very friendly. If you're an urbanite, the atmosphere here is the perfect place for you. They have indoor seating as well as outdoor seating (beautiful during nice weather). Every time I come here I get the "Tokyo Salmon burger" with a side of truffle fries. This meal is simply to die for! Okay, I might be over exaggerating a little now, but I'm definitely addicted. If you've never had truffle fries, please drop what you're doing and do a Scooby-skidaddle over to the Met Back Bay NOW!
(4)Erin P.
Ugh The Met is going downhill fast!!! First, the Chestnut Hill location closed (not surprised, that place was a joke) and now the one of Newbury is lacking service and respect! Four of us were having drinks outside and then informed when we ordered our second drink by our biatch of a server that "it was a law you have to eat in order to drink on Newbury street." Sharing appetizers was not an option, each person had to order their own dish. That's a scam, it's just to make more money so if you want to drink outside be prepared to pay a lot more. We asked for the bar menu instead of the dinner menu and we got quite an attitude. We order salads and side plates and they were so disappointing. I got an $18 greek salad and it was awful, no dressing and it had dried veiny chicken. My cousin was drinking the house pinot grigio and the server started serving her a $10 glass of wine instead of the $8 because they "ran out" but didn't feel it was necessary to inform my cousin of the price difference. On 2 occasions she told us we could speak to a manager but a manager never came over to us. Instead of sending over a manager she gave us the difference for the price of the wine. This girl was friggin shady! I won't be going here again, this place is a joke!
(1)Ashleigh W.
Go for Taco Tuesday. The pork tacos were awesome. Also ordered guacamole which was made perfectly (although the bottom of the bowl was filled with lettuce so it was slightly deceiving). The bartenders were on top of it and had a new drink ready for me as soon as I finished the last. Excellent service!
(5)Blake M.
I sat at the upstairs bar 6/30 . I really wanted to try their burger. I sat down and there was 1 other gentlemen enjoying a glass of wine. It was fairly quiet but the bartender was stressed out. It was almost like he couldn't be bothered by his customers. I tried making small talk but I could tell he didn't want any of it. He complained he had been at work a very long time. I ordered the burger - it came with out cheese. I didn't feel like bothering the bartender so i didn't say anything because I really wanted that Vermont cheddar on it. Oh well, it was still tasty. The lobster roll is $30 - outrageous Food = good. Service = subpar
(3)Carla D.
Loved the fresh & delicious salad that I ate at the Met on a Saturday afternoon, but must say the seating was uncomfortably cramped. Unfortunately, as time goes by I will remember not the tasty food, but how embarrassed I was when I almost knocked over a lady's drink while trying to squeeze into my appointed seat!
(3)Natalie F.
The ham and cheese board here is my FAVORITE. Some other highlights include the breakfast fries, the chop salad, and anything for Sunday brunch. This place is great for after work drinks, Taco Tuesdays, lobster Wednesdays, 5 dollar burgers at midnight and anytime it's sunny/warm out on the patio. Love love love this place. They also have great private dining rooms!
(5)Corey L.
Stopped in on a Saturday at 2 (20 min wait for 2) and sat outside. Great spot. Server was attentive but too much of an a$$ kisser. I had the Tokyo Burger, which was really flavorful and quite good. Got a side salad for $2 up charge and it was about the size of a small tea cup. I was pissed. It was insulting. For that (and the overpricedness - similar to other places in the area), I give it a 2. My lady friend had an arugula salad w salmon. Okay, but certainly not worth $19. And the salmon was basically a hunk of meat without any flavoring sitting on top. Dessert: creme brûlée w chocolate macaroons: macaroons were really good and the creme brûlée was okay. Food was fine, but the restaurant itself gets a downgrade
(2)Jennifer R.
Friends have has great brunches here. Sadly our experience today was no so... I got a warm Met 75 in a dirty glass; my brunch companion got a cold burrito and all the over easy eggs had been cooked through from sitting under the heat lamp far too long. We think this was due to out absentee, absent minded waiter; who is clearly trying to break into the world of underwear modeling and trying to pay the bills as a waiter. We had to ask for everything twice and only saw him once every 10-15 minutes. I think the food had real potential if the service hadn't drained the life out of me.
(2)Dank D.
Now sit down and take a seat as I tell you a simple fact of life: this place was bitchin. I thoroughly enjoyed my entire damn meal. We sat outside right along the street and watched all of the Bostonians and tourists alike as they passed. Beauteous. For starters we had the guac, #LifeChanging. After finishing the chip portions of the guac we proceeded to fork the rest of that s*** out! Hot damn. Delicious. Wallace was our server. He was a gent. After that portion of the meal was demolished, I ordered the falafel burger with the "Athens" toppings. It looked like a flattened potato on a burger, but tasted like I was floating in vegetarian Valhalla. Because this was such a lovely day, I decided to splurge a little and get the met fries. Hot damn s***. Those were delicious. I cannot express, in written or spoken words, how incredible this little shindig was. Would I come back? Fuck yes. 10 out of 10 would bang. Again.
(5)Jennifer L.
Food was ok - service was horrible. After receiving glasses of iced water and asking the waitress if they had espresso drinks, I asked for an iced latte. Her response was that they didn't have iced lattes. Then when my friend asked if she could substitute the cheddar cheese in her salad for another cheese she said no in a very rude tone. There were other cheeses available as my meal included Gorgonzola. The waitress was also nicer to all of the other patrons. We happened to be the only non white people at the restaurant.
(1)Maria T.
I never write reviews, but this restaurant was so bad, I just have to do it. We ordered a guac which says it comes with roasted veggies; the guac was FREZER cold, and had no taste. Then we ordered the tartar duo; it was tasteless, and not fresh at all. The wings were dripping oil. The service was the worst, the waitress was extremely rude! Such a bad experience!
(1)Jessica A.
I think Met is a great place to go for dinner and drinks, or just drinks. There seems to be a shortage of places in between sports bar and fancy $$$ in Back Bay, so I'm pleased to have it so close to home. I've had a variety of dishes from burgers to brussel sprouts to brunch. I will say that it's consistent. Decent selection of craft beers. Even a gluten free menu. It's not my favorite restaurant or anything, but it gets the job done. I think the burgers are better than most that I've tried around here. The truffle fries don't even have truffle oil though. It doesn't make sense. You dip them in a truffle mayo. They should call them fries with truffle mayo. I don't even like mayo, so I'm not sure why I was eating it. Maybe it said aioli and tricked me. Still not the same as real truffle fries. I still keep coming back though!
(4)P C.
Excellent blood orange cosmo! Burgers are excellent and just the right size. Substitute and go with the sweet potato fries.
(5)Jeff F.
I'm hugely skeptical of every restaurant on Newbury street. My sense is that they get by on average food and a great location. Met Back Bay is different. Great food with impressive variety, outdoor seating, creative menu and good service. Here's the rundown: - Biscuits (A) - I reconfirmed I don't like biscuits but wife wolfed these down like she was on death row and our friend from Alabama verified their legitimacy - Brussel Sprouts (A-) - Brussel Sprouts are terrible in general, but these were somehow good - Burrata (A-) - great option and I'm a sucker for burrata - Duo Tartar (B+) - Get...the....tuna....tartar (A+). Skip the salmon tartar (D+) - full on regret after my first bite. But the Tuna Tartar was ridiculously good. Tableside tartar is a nice touch - Lobster Pappardelle (B+) - This was weird but somehow pretty good - Rigatoni Bolognese (B+) - solid - Tofu Steak (A-) I'd rather be punched in the face than eat Tofu steak, but our resident Tofu expert declared this to be exceptional - Chicken Parmigiana (B-) - ok My biggest takeaway is that Met Back Bay is ultimate go-to if you're unsure about where to go to dinner since they have everything from fish to meat to pasta/pizza choices. If you're vegetarian they have you covered. That's tough to match given the combination of location and atmosphere.
(4)Mahina K.
I saw this place on Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell but I swear that's not what made me come here. Boyfriend and I had some time to kill before my appt at Sephora at the Pru. So some lunch was in order. But I thought we wouldn't get a seat on a Saturday morning. Well, not upstairs, but downstairs. Fine by me. Upstairs sounded busy and crowded. Downstairs was much more relaxed. One of like 10 people. I can handle that. I ordered the Paris burger. Brie, caramalized onions, didn't want the fried egg so I put that on the boyfriend's Hash and eggs. He said his hash was good. But i'm far less concerned with that. I was just amazed at how good my burger was. The patty was cooked well, it had a good amount of juices to it, the brie didn't have that waxy part and melted wonderfully over the burger. The fries were amazingly crisp, which I adore. Now, don't confuse them with their burger bar out in Natick, which has a greater amount of burgers on the list. I think given the right timing this place is wonderful. I'm not big on waiting for certain places, but I think I'd wait here for a decent amount of time for a burger like I had. Now to go to the burger bar.
(5)Brooke S.
I had a private party at Met Back Bay on a Saturday night for a group of about 15 people. The staff was extremely accommodating, spoke with us a number of times before the party, and were very helpful the whole night. We also had 6 young children with us, and the staff was very accommodating of them as well. All of our out of town guests loved the location and the view of Newbury Street from the private room we reserved. The food was great. Some favorite appetizers were the tempura broccoli and lobster cheddar dip. The Brick Chicken was great for a main, and the warm cookies were an excellent dessert. I will definitely be returning!
(5)Valerie W.
Word to the wise for out of towners here. They may or may not give you a drink if you have an address label sticker on your ID. Yes, I have like 5 of them on the same driver's license. They looked at me and said they couldn't take it or serve me....WTF!? I told them it's just an address change label....they had to take it to management...really!? I did get my drink. Took around 30 minutes to finally get seated outside and it was just myself eating. Service is extremely slow, I felt like I was back in Europe. Ordered the half roasted chicken with fries and a side salad. Salad was large...as it should be for flippin $8. Lacked flavor and it was really only lettuce and tomato and beets. MEH. The chicken and fries were just fine. The pepper sauce that came with it had an odd flavor. Didn't pair with the chicken very well. The 'house' sangria was so-so. Not bad, not great. Certainly not really worth the money in my opionion. Not sure I would come back if I was in the area. Total cost was around $40 for myself for a so-so meal.
(2)Ella F.
Came here for a work lunch. The service was prompt and nice. I ordered a Back Bay Micro Chopped with salmon. It was just decent. There was nothing special whatsoever about it. For the prices, I would expect higher quality (not just location). Basically, they're getting a 3 because the place is fine, didn't blow me away in either direction.
(3)William W.
Great atmosphere! Excellent service and awesome food! I would definitely eat here again.
(4)Courtney H.
Ok I used to think this place was a bit over priced for the area and the food was so so. However after moving to Back Bay and making this place a regular stop, I seriously think this might be the best restaurant on Newbury. I know that's not saying much considering most of the street is filled with average places, but this place is definitely good. While the dinner menu is really good (try the gnocchi, lobster cheddar dip and any burger they are serving) I love their brunch! Their omlettes are always cooked to perfection-fluffy, light and filled with deliciousness! And I could always use one of their blood orange mimosas! The staff is always super friendly too. I booked a large party and Dean couldn't be more accommodating! Oh and did I mention they have a patio? And it's down a bit away from the Newbury crowds? 'Nuff said.
(5)Michael P.
The place was jammed on the Friday night that we went as a group of 4 adults and 4 kids. We were able to hang out downstairs in the bar area and have some drinks before being seated in our booth upstairs. The service was friendly and attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Sometimes it is not too easy to keep 4 kids happy, but the Met Back Bay helped us to enjoy our evening!
(4)Nicole S.
Great salads. AMAZING bloody Mary's with bacon salt. Fancy place, but delicious food and beautiful atmosphere. Slightly over priced.
(5)Brenda P.
Sunday brunch- mmmm,mmmm,mmmm met some friends there and had a great time! I could not decide what to have because everything looked soooo good! Everyone had different burgers: Kobe, LA and Paris and I had the shaved ham and cheese sandwich. Sounds so simple but it was great. If you order the Tokyo burger they donate the proceeds to Japan I was told by the way. Ok so what we ordered was not really brunch food but the menu made it really hard to choose. Some of the stuff on the menu just sounded incredibly good and from the looks of it from other peoples' plates around us: they were! The place is really nice inside and it looks like they have space for outside seating although it was not open just yet. Ordered a freshly squeezed orange juice and cappuccino too. I later noticed that they had guava juice to make mimosas with! Too bad I was so full to try it but impressive to me. Not normal to find guava anything north of 33016. If this place was in Miami, it would compare to a better Van Dykes and I would visit often!
(4)Doug J.
(score 1-100) -80. This is a fiver yes a five star location. It is one of the few places you can eat outside on Newbury St. It is set down a little from street level and surrounded by bushes so the people watching will be the people on the street and not you but regardless you are outdoors! The food is good but not home run good. I think I agree with the consensus in that it is a 3.5 to 4 star in food quality. This is the best late breakfast or brunch place ...ya know a place to hang out on during weekend mornings. I have had a mimosa and the french toast here and they were good. Burgers are a safe bet... well done and reasonable priced.
(4)Amy J.
Awesome Bloody Marys - coming from a girl who's really picky about them! Unless you're on a date or getting a table for four, opt for a seat at the bar! We had fast service, sports, chatter with the bartenders, and a pretty laid-back group of fellow visitors. It's located on the main shopping street, so use it as a break!
(4)Jaime B.
Food & drinks are mediocre & unreliable. Great location but not worth it. They've had the same menu for years. Snooze.
(1)Crystal C.
Location great, food average, service poor. Went for brunch. Had to wait quite long for drinks and then for the server to return to take food orders. Scrambled eggs were tough and the coffee was cold. I ordered one mimosa. For $33, I believe I was cheated.
(1)Sarah E.
The worst part about Met Back Bay is the difficult decision of choosing a meal. Everything on the menu sounds incredible, particularly the brunch menu. The food looks just as amazing as it sounds too. I had the turkey burger a la Paris. It was incredible! My table ordered the salmon pizza appetizer. It may have been the single greatest appetizer I've ever eaten. Seriously. the whole group decided it was amazing! My only complaint would be the slow service. It took forever to get our drinks and food. I would have loved a refill on water or coffee. I's blame management over waitstaff. they looked particularly overworked and spread thin. but were always super courteous and friendly
(4)Bill A.
Met Bar has always been one of my favorite places in the Back Bay but I was just a little disappointed last night. They have awesome burgers but I wanted something different so I went with the fish and chips. A little soggy and greasy but still pretty tasty. Should have gone with the burger. My wife ordered a Tuscan flatbread which was very tasty but cost $17. Way too pricey for an appetizer. My daughter had the bolognese which was huge (even the "small" portion) and she loved it. I'm going to complain a bit about beer. Met's draft beer list is sub par. They always have a few IPAs, a seasonal or two, and wheat beers. I think their manager doesn't like heavier beer because you never see brown, amber or scotch ales, etc. Even some sort of ESB or pale ale would be great but I usually go for the Stella since bitter, hoppy beers aren't my thing and neither are American wheats. How about a Paulaner or Franziskaner? How about a Red Hook ESB or even a Sam Boston Lager? By the way, bottled beers don't count. Anyway, I struggled with the 3 vs. 4 stars but in the end the burgers and short rib tacos bumped it up, so we will continue to frequent Met Back Bay.
(4)Morgan D.
This place was a nice escape for the hurricane style winds that were abusing us outside. Located off of Newbury St, this place is a real gem. We sat downstairs near the windows to the back. We all ordered wine or prosecco and it was quite a lovely afternoon drink. I ordered the LA Burger Medium, which had avacado, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo. It was very yummmy as were the fries. Others at the table got Eggplant Caprese, Tokyo Turkey Burger and tuna/salmon tar tar. Oh and fries with the truffle sauce. MMMMM. Our waiter was great, and a cutie! This was a great place to enjoy and hour or two of the afternoon.
(4)Kara C.
Every time I come here, I mis-budget my appetite and fill up too quickly. I guess if my only complaint is that the food is too good and the portions are too big, that's not bad? I've had the sliders (french style is delicious), the tuna tartare (you'll finish it before you can blink), the artichoke appetizer (my favorite). The brussels sprouts were a little intense - a bit too much cheese takes away from the fact that you're eating a vegetable. Overall though, the food is rich, comforting, and can't be beat!
(4)Mari M.
spent a $100 for 4 people and regretted every penny. ordered the rice bowl with sirloin, dryest meat and definitely two-days old rice. the prime steak is not worth the money, definitely have had better at outback. We tried to tell our server the food tastes bad, but he never came to check on us or refill our drinks. For the price tag of the menu, you expect at least 'is your food ok? do you need anything?" just don't go there
(2)Chloe B.
Despite the fact that the MET is a chain and tends to be rather touristy it is consistently dependable for a good meal and drink. Whenever I have visitors (friends, grandparents, colleagues) I take them straight to the MET whether its summer, winter, early or late if we are in a bit of a rush and looking for an easy, pleasant meal. My personal favorites are the kale dish and the rigatoni bolognese, and the ham and cheese board is always a crowd pleaser as well. Furthermore, the Library Bar churns out pretty good drinks (I'm partial to the Penicillin) and the outdoor seating in the summer is an excellent place to enjoy almost anything they have to offer.
(4)Jennifer W.
This is one of our favorites on Newbury street, we usually come here about 2-3 times a month, usually for brunch or drinks and snacks. We've rarely had a full on dinner or sat in the dining room here; we usually come for the nice outdoor seating or downstairs bar. Right now they have a fabulous sparking seasonal sangria, it has peach puree and tastes like a cross between a bellini and a sangria. Their burgers are amazing and you can get pretty much anything you want on them. Truffle fries, biscuits, cheese & ham board, and caesar salad are also favorites. As you see by the items I've listed above, it's really not a "foodie" type of place. It's a restaurant with a great location and a nice bar/outdoor area to have lots of drinks and a few bites after a day of shopping or strolling. And for everyone saying it's overpriced, this is Newbury street, what do you expect???
(4)Robert D.
Not that good at all. Burger well done both times I went and was ordered med rare. :/ Needs to take time on there love for there food and service , think there to interested in making the green and pushing people in and out to turn tables and flinging out food . No good. Drinks got the 3.
(3)Paige D.
Always wanted to try this place. Had brunch for the first time and it was excellent. I got the hen house hash which was a large portion and delicious. I ordered off the crafty Bloody Mary menu for my drink, great choice and lots of options. We also ordered their homemade biscuits to share which were very filling. Same price range as many other brunch locations in the area but with better quality food and beautiful patio and atmosphere.
(4)Anna G.
So I went to the Met last night for the many-ith time. I like to think of it as my neigborhood spot except they never remember me. I prefer to go downstairs to the bar area, get the lobster cheddar dip (that's reaaallll good) and a cocktail. They have a great arugula salad for the summer too. It's a solid spot that's convenient for me but certainly not worth making an extra trip.
(3)Jus J.
RUDE. I won't go back. I'm not really sure how you can go to a restaurant as a new patron, not really know where the main seating area is, get passed up by various waitstaff and servers, never receive a greeting or direction, make your way to an area to sit down and be told-you have to move you can't sit there. I can't understand that series of events happening when there were about 10 people in the entire restaurant. I know because I was early and wandering around trying to figure out where to sit. How about a "hello", or "are you waiting for someone" or any questions that might convey your interest in me having a decent experience. I'm just asking for decent. This is new england, excellent service, isn't going to happen. But what about decent? The food was...meh...ok. If the food was amazing, i'd give them another shot, but it's not really worth it for bad food and lack of customer service.
(1)Liz L.
Like a couple of other recent reviewers, I am shocked at all the negative reviews here. I have gone to the Met at lunchtime/brunchtime around five times since they opened in the Back Bay. My food has always been good though the service has been a bit variable. One time the waitstaff was inattentive and the food arrived slowly (we suspected the latter was due to the former), but the rest of the times the service has been good to excellent. We have also stopped in a couple other times when it was already crowded and been given honest assessments of our probable wait time by the hosting staff, who seemed just fine with us deciding to turn and walk out the time we decided it would be too long to wait. I recommend the pancakes and the mac 'n cheese. My usual dining companion here has gotten a few different sandwiches/burritos and has enjoyed them all, although they have yet to try the much-maligned-in-reviews turkey burger. They report that the eggplant sandwich is excellent, though eggplant is often improperly cooked by restaurants.
(5)Josephine L.
If you like loud, boorish men in suits, the clientele here at 7pm will delight you. Seriously, they'll jostle you and ogle you and generally do everything they can to make you feel like a piece of meat, free of charge. Moving on, the food isn't bad. It's comfort food in large portions. I had the chicken pot pie and toasted coconut martini, and both delivered that "ahhh" sense of satisfaction. The corn with cheese was pretty good if a bit rich but the truffle fries were a huge disappointment. If I wanted blandly seasoned, slightly burnt fries with truffle mayo, that's what I'd order. But I expect truffle fries to be infused with truffle essence IN THE FRY, not on the side. The space is pretty cozy as long as you're not being tormented by aforementioned guys in suits but can be a bit cramped depending on where you sit. Our server was okay but tended to hover over us a little too much. For overall atmosphere, I'd say the Chestnut Hill location is better.
(3)Sheila G.
I went here one Friday night after work with my co-workers. I joined them late so I wasn't sure where they were seated. I went upstairs and of course they were downstairs but it gave me a chance to see how the place is laid out. There is a bar area and seating area both upstairs and downstairs. We started out at a cozy corner table but as our numbers grew we had to move and put several tables together. We ordered a number of dishes; I tried the short rib tacos (okay), the margherita pizzette (good) and the truffle fries with parmesan dip. (I liked the fries but wasn't crazy about the dip) I'm not sure about the prices as we split the check between the 8 of us and I paid $19.00. Overall it was an okay place to hang out with friends for a drink, it got a little noisy and more crowded as the evening wore on but it has a fun atmosphere with a group. I would go again and recommend it as a "after work" or "let's go for a drink" bar.
(2)Samantha F.
Housemade butterscotch rum was delicious, and our bartender in the library was a real sweetheart. Lovely place.
(5)Melissa F.
I don't understand how this place has only 3 stars. I came here for breakfast with a friend and was very pleased with our meal. We sat in the upstairs part of the restaurant. I loved that it was so bright and sunny since there are lots of windows. You can tell this place is more upscale, but at the same time it's very comfortable too. We both ended up ordering the eggs benedict. It was SO good! And I consider myself a snob when it comes to eggs benedict, since lots of places manage to mess it up. At Met they serve it on a biscuit, which I thought would make it heavy but somehow it was very light. Their crispy potatoes were delish too. I highly recommend ordering the french press for two because it was amazing. I'm sure the regular drip coffee is good too, but if you like darker/stronger coffee, get the french press. I'm happy I finally got a chance to try out Met. Their prices weren't too bad, especially for Newbury street. Can't wait to come back for dinner and drinks.
(4)Evan J.
I was invited back by the owner and had a much better experience. I think part of the weakness before was that the winter menu just wasn't very good. This time around, I shared the falafel and truffle corn appetizers (yum!) and had a middle-of-the-road sirloin tip entree. What really made it though was our server - I think his name was Michael. Very funny and helpful in guiding us through the new menu.
(3)john j.
Really disappointing food. Ordered a pricey large salad, expecting lots of good ingredients. What came out was mostly lettuce and beets. The "Eggs Benedict" had no hollandaise sauce, which in my book is somewhat like serving a ham & cheese sandwich with just two slices of pasty american cheese. Service was OK.
(2)E L.
Bad food and way overpriced for the quality. The service was good, though (hence 2 stars instead of 1). We got the lobster cheddar dip, the fried calamari and the lobster parpadelle. We didn't like any of them (way too greasy, and unrefined). I am sure we would have gotten better quality in an Applebee's for 1/3 of the price. If you are charging $30 for a pasta dish with a few lobster pieces in it, it better be, at least, good. Our waitress was really sweet and friendly. Really disappointing, but then again, we didn't check out the reviews on yelp before going there... "Our bad".
(2)David S.
Just say: GOOD: - To start order the "Fried Calamari". The red sauce is very good. A little bit sweet and spicy, the perfect mix then! - The best Burger (or mix of flavors because the meat is simply good/normal) you can eat in Boston!! is amazing! Take the "Paris Burger" (a delicious mix of Brie cheese, sweet onions, Truffle mayo and fried egg)! Keep on mind that this Burger is only in the Bar Menu, but you can order it in the restaurant as well! ask for it! BAD: - Sometimes they have mistakes about they overcook the meet if you want medium-rear your Burger, but not always. - The personal could be more friendly. thanks!
(4)Daniel A.
An excellent place for an old school drink or some really good food. First of all, you have a choice when you walk in here...you can go downstairs to the relaxed bar area, or you can go upstairs for the prohibition type bar. Both areas have the same prices, but I prefer upstairs at the bar with a great bartender. I was fortunate enough to have Jay as the bartender that night, and he knows how to make some serious drinks! He also has an extensive wine knowledge, so if you are in the mood for a great drink...GO UPSTAIRS. The food was delicious here too. Fresh cheeses, and one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. I am not kidding. As them what their recommended pasta dish is and you will be in heaven.
(4)Michael K.
Dropped in on a slow Wednesday. Atmosphere: Nice, clean place that appears upscale. Only complaint was that in an empty restaurant they seated us next to 3 loud sales guys when plenty of other tables were available. Service: Really good waiter. Friendly, wanted to help and only disappeared once Food: Huge portions. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, found the lobster to be tasty, but in limited supply. The mac and cheese was mac and cheese. I also had fried oysters as an appetizer, but they were flavorless. Cost: High, but not unreasonable. If you go out once a week, i'd suggest some place else; but if you want an ok place for a business dinner, you could do much worse. Overall: Has potential, but not there yet.
(3)James D.
Some of the worst service I have experienced. The location is great and the food is ok. But we had to wait exceptionally long to be greeted. Even longer for our drinks to arrive and even longer for our food to arrive. The worst part is that the waitress didn't even seem to care or perhaps even notice. It seemed like the waitress was the issue because she didn't seem to think 15 minutes to wait for drinks was a long time. After everything taking so long it didn't matter how the food tasted at that point. All we could think about was how frustrated we were with the lack of service.
(2)Marya K.
If I could give this place negative stars I would. My little brother went in before us to get a table and the manager looked down at him like he didn't even exist. Oh wait Manager......You do what for work? This is your career?? Oh I'm sorry you are a restaurant manager????!! Right..... Well keep patting yourself on the back because pretty sure my little brother makes three times as much as your pathetic little wait staff salary. I won't ever go back there and it's too bad because the food is actually decent and it's a fun place for brunch.
(1)Dawn E.
Ham and cheese Deliciousness Got me through 'Til dinner. Nothing grand Or real unique About the Met Back Bay Spot.
(3)Alex R.
The menu is a little scattered, not many options. I went for the hot chocolate trifecta which was delicious! Get it grown up. I had the croque Madame with Gruyere cheese which was to die for. Burgers are good too.
(4)Ellen H.
I am genuinely surprised at the negative reviews; I think this place is a real gem. Came here on a chilly Thursday night completely by surprise -- went on a dinner mission with a girlfriend and were turned away from both Red Lantern and Lolita! We wandered onto Newbury and saw Met and when they said "come on in", we practically ran. We were seated in the upstairs dining room in a bay window and given good service by our waiter, Travis. The menu is interesting and we went with the Iced-N-Sweet pitcher. That's right, a pitcher of cocktails for $24. They were well-made, and Travis refilled our cocktail glasses and water glasses whenever they got low. The usual "bread basket" was sesame hard breadsticks and basically cheese whiz in a steel cup. WAY underwhelming for an upscale restaurant. If the management knows what they're doing, they'll take a page from Capital Grille and keep the sesame sticks, but include them in a variety basket of artisan breads with butter or oil, or maybe even butter/oil AND the cheesewhiz option. But not just cheese whiz. Way weird for the atmosphere. We both ordered the wedge salad and 2 more pitchers of cocktails. The salads were HA-YUGE. A full head of lettuce, delicious, fresh, amazing, and perfectly priced. The drinks continued to be excellent, but the last pitcher seemed a touch weaker than the first two -- not sure if this was my imagination or a sign that we had consumed enough. Side of truffle fries were so-so. Maybe I'm just not a truffle person? I was expecting little wedges of potato heaven. We got about 6 drinks from each pitcher, so at $24 per, the drinks were a steal and I would ABSOLUTELY come back for drinks anytime I get a chance! Total bill for 3 pitches, 2 salads, and fries was $110. Not bad. Service was great - thanks, Travis! Atmosphere was actually awesome - date-worthy, family-dinner worthy, drinks-worthy, just-hanging-out worthy. Love it!
(4)Stella L.
I live right next to MET back bay so I've been there numerous times but something has always gone wrong; I've gotten the wrong meal or been charged more/double, etc. The food is good so I kept going back but this is the last time. I was there on 9/15/13 with my roommate and her brother. I ordered the truffle fries which are $9.43. I did not get a drink or anything and we got separate checks. Our waiter was nice but he was a little clumsy; little did I know how much frustration he would cause me. We signed the separate checks and went home. I look at my statement the next day and see that they charged me TWICE, $60.99 for my roommates' meal and $9.43 for mine. I call them back and speak to the hostess who was very nice, and she said I would get a call back from Dan (the manager); this was at 1.55pm. I do not hear back from Dan so I call him at 5:15pm. He is nice and says he was extremely busy but he will look into it and call me back in an hour. 3 hours go by and nothing so I call HIM back at 9:00pm and he just replies that the charge was deleted and it should be deleted from my account that day. The next day, I check my statement and see that the $60.99 is still pending and now I have been CHARGED $19.63 for my meal. Apparently, the waiter tipped himself $10.00. Apparently, its normal to tip MORE than the actual meal. Now even more frustrated, I just called the restaurant and the hostess said the manager will be in within the hour and should get back to me. I am not holding my breath.... Honestly, this is ridiculous and if i was not OCD about checking my statement, these charges could have gone through and my $9 meal would've cost me $80!! Food is not bad but bring cash if you can because I do not trust them with my card.
(2)Benjamin C.
My girlfriend and I love to brunch on Sunday. She recommended the Met Bar. I can honestly say that I haven't been made happier by a meal at a restaurant in years. I had their Poached Eggs (Bennie) with the Met Shrimp Mary and a side of bacon. We sat in a beautiful embankment that allowed us to view Newbury Street. The Shrimp Mary is epic. It is 22 ounces of savory bloody marry with two jumbo olives, a stalk of celery, and a gigantic shrimp. The rim of the glass is coated in Old Bay seasoning. It's $15 and worth every penny. The Eggs Benedict was wonderful. Perfectly poached eggs over a bed of ham and spinach with cream hollandaise sauce. I ate myself stupid. I took a star off for service. My girlfriend was not pleased with the lack of attention we had received. She needed coffee refills and had to swap out some dirty silverware in the table. It was difficult to flag down our waitress as she wasn't around unless she was within a few feet, which was rare. I recommend this location for a decadent brunch. Even if Eggs Benedict isn't your thing, they have a lot to choose from including cheese plates. Can't wait to go back for another special brunch.
(4)Anne K.
I ate brunch here with a friend and loved it. I had the breakfast burrito which was delicious, and a bellini (note their menu differs a bit from what is seen online). I would have given five stars except for the seating arrangements - I sat next to my friend which was just awkward. Also FYI, they don't have valet available for brunch.
(4)Paul S.
I am a fan for the place only because of the bartender named Roderick, from South Carolina. It's expense and the male-host will throw you back. BUT if you really are curious about this restaurant then find when and where Roderick is behind the bar, and have him serve you. I will honestly go back there just to chat it up with him. DON'T miss him. He's a great guy to know.
(3)Carolyn K.
A few friends and I recently went back after our originally bad experience and Met Back Bay did everything they could to make up for it. My friends and I were seated right away and the service was excellent. We had a very attentive, cheery waitress who did everything she could to make our experience as pleasurable as possible. As a vegetarian, I was wavering between the Macaroni and Cheese (which I had last time and knew was good) and a Tofu Steak dish. I decided on the Tofu Steak to mix things up. It was good, but the Macaroni and Cheese is better. I realize I am just not a health food person. Tip: The buttermilk biscuits are AMAZING. They are a must-have appetizer. My friends were also very happy with their meals. The portion sizes were ample and left just enough room for desert. I personally recommend the peanut butter chocolate cake for desert. They also have a "build your own sundae" option which is a lot of fun. I believe a lot has changed in the year since Met Back Bay first opened on Newbury street. Our service was drastically improved. The food has always been good (at least what my friends and I have ordered). The Mac & Cheese is my favorite. As I said in the original review, the ambiance and environment is classy and romantic. My main complaint was the spotty service. However, the service has been greatly improved and I highly recommend going to MBB for a fantastic evening out in Boston. I will definitely go back.
(5)Matt C.
MET was a great addition to the back bay. It is the type of place that can accommodate a group of people with varying tastes in food/drinks. I find that because it does nothing amazing it is always a fall-back place where you are stumped or looking for a filler. The burger deal on Monday is great but beyond that the best adjective to describe MET is simply "good enough"
(3)Clara L.
Pretty disappointing experience. I've heard good things about Met Back Bay, but our experience didn't match up. There wasn't a wait the evening we went, so that was nice. After we were seated on the patio, we waited about 10 minutes to even be greeted by our server. It was merely a hi and I will be back, after which it took another 10 minutes and an inquiry on our part to get some water and order drinks. The drinks took nearly another 15-20 minutes to be delivered. Our server had no personality, everything was monotone and he spoke at nearly a whisper and had to be asked to repeat some things. My pineapple martini was quite tasty, my boyfriend's burger was good and my fish was tender. However, the truffle fries were very upsetting. I was charged an additional $2 to change my regular fries for the truffled ones, and there was absolutely no truffle flavor. The parmesan was sprinkled lightly over the fries and they were somewhat soggy. We were only checked on once during the entire meal, and had to flag him down for a refill. Our service finally picked up after our plates were cleared and the check came. Our dinner took over an hour and the patio was not full. There were at least 4 servers and 4 assistants on the patio, and many of them kept running into each other. Overall, I think things could have been more streamlined to improve speed and quality of service.
(2)Brandon L.
I have to say the food here really has been very good when I've gone. Service.......HORRIBLE. Just recently went and our waiter was on another planet........just stared at us for no reason......never seen gay guys before? Had to ask for everything!!! Dishes for apps.....silverware.....drinks....like this guy was oblivious. BAD. Was the salmon wild or farm raised? Clueless......had to go ask......back ten minutes later with the answer.....seriously? Is wild btw.........
(2)Michelle K.
I went here for brunch, the food and service were great! We couldn't get outdoor seating because of the wait, but the indoor area's decor was amazing. Their burger was simple, yet juicy.
(5)Lynn J.
REVIEW of BRUNCH ONLY! LOCATION: 5 STAR...Recessed (AKA hidden from your spouse) outdoor deck with padded benches and shade umbrellas. (Cheaters...this Shout Out's for YOU) SERVICE: 4 STAR...Waitress was friendly, but unwilling to make what she called "Starbucks Coffee" when I asked if they served any "specialty coffees with caramel or chocolate syrup." I ended up with a boring ice tea. Our check ended up 2 Back Bay $6 coffees cheaper. (Hey...manager...break out the hershey's syrup bottles and step up to fancier coffee with higher brunch bills.) FOOD: 3 STAR...My "Captain Crunch French Toast" was...AWFUL. It was blackened AKA burnt, and neither crunchy nor sweet. It barely qualified, I guess, as there was Cap-n-Crunch sprinkled over it? I've devoured my share of "Corn Flake Coated French Toast," and this version is an EPIC FAIL. My dining partner's burger was full of gourmet goodness. I'd give it 5 STARS, but it tasted better than it looked. The fries were greasy looking shoe strings...whose flavor fullness surprised my happy mouth. HINT: Order a burger. Skip the french toast!
(4)Jamie H.
i don't mind going, but i really can't get behind the hype for met back bay. some of my friends love it, but every time i go i'm underwhelmed and the service leaves a bit to be desired. the first time i went, the service was so slow and it took about 45 minutes before our apps even arrived. the lobster dip was congealed, and we had to beg for more corn chips that finally arrived burnt. the waiter seemed distracted and annoyed, and it was even tough to get our glasses refilled with water. on another visit, the waitress was extremely nice and friendly, but she wasn't necessarily great. she forgot a few small things, and she put in the incorrect burger order for one person in our party and he didn't get the corrected burger until about 15 minutes later and by that point the rest of us had pretty much finished eating. i do have to say she was very apologetic and she did take it off the bill. for the most part, the food is okay, but i feel like there are so many better and even less expensive options in the area. the corn chips are definitely a highlight, and the french fries are really good too. i just don't think it's worth it for the price - i spent $14 on an egg white omelet with veggies (not even cheese), and the burgers run up pretty high too once you add anything beyond lettuce and tomato. some of the sandwiches quickly get to be too heavy and dense to finish the whole thing. the drinks are pretty good, and i definitely recommend the bloody mary for brunch, and the ACK as an afternoon cocktail (citrus vodka, st. germain, and iced tea). the cucumber mojito is good, but tiny.
(2)Chris I.
The only reason I am giving this place 2 stars is because the food was decent and quick. The service was horrendous bordering on non-existant and the bathrooms were disgusting. The Dedham location is immensely better in both quality of food and service. If you want to try this restaurant head to Legacy Place the experience is way better.
(2)Gina C.
Great food but subpar service. The cocktails are great, try the Met Painkiller. The bathroom was pretty gross for such an upscale restaurant.
(3)Bradley B.
Always walk by this place finally stopped in for an early dinner. Sat at the bar and the menu was very small and not a lot appealed to me. It did say bar menu so maybe a larger menu exists. I settled for the croque madam, no egg, it was good but so cheesy I started feeling a littlest sick by the time I finished my sandwich. That might just be me though, not bad, but no reason for me to come back.
(3)Tiffany J.
The food here is so overpriced and service is actually terrible. We sat in a mostly empty room for 45 minutes waiting for our waitress to walk by. The food itself tastes fine and their biscuits are really good, but they messed up one of the orders and didn't really do much about it. Talk about a dining experience that leaves much to be desired.
(2)Kate B.
I came here for lunch with a friend a few days ago and I've been here a few times before and had their burger which is amazing. The last few times I've been here I've had decent service, however this time the service was definitely not up to par with the quality of the food or the area. After waiting 10 minutes just to get water, a server comes over and the first words out of his mouth were, "What do you want?" Not even kidding. No hello, nothing. It was a Friday afternoon with only 3 other tables in sight and at least 2 other servers and my friend and I couldn't understand why our waiter was so rude. I also had to approach someone who worked there that wasn't our server just to get some more water. Just very disappointing for a nice restaurant on Newbury St. The only thing that saved the meal i guess were the delicious burgers. I got a turkey Tokyo burger that was delicious and my friend got a Salmon Athens burger but the salmon was a bit overcooked. I will most likely return, but probably will recommend this place with strong reservations from now on.
(2)Olivia L.
Had a delightful autumn luncheon at Met Back Bay. Without getting into specifics of the dishes we ordered, I would say the food was seasonal, nicely presented and quite tasty! The view of Newbury and Dartmouth Streets was so charming. The banquets are quite comfy and the overall atmosphere, in my opinion, is somewhat of a modern-clubby-casual chic standard. The ladies' rest room was very well attended and clean--a big plus! My only reservation in holding back a star was the service. I thought it was a bit unprofessional and disappointing. I had to ask for a beverage, rather than being offered one. Dessert was never offered, either. The young wait staff person didn't have the polish or sophistication for a restaurant of this class. Despite this, I will be back for another try. Who knows...everyone has an off day from time to time, so perhaps our server does a better job than this.
(4)Lana K.
Stopped here for a quick bite a couple of weeks ago. Wanted to keep it on the light side, so opted for ahi tuna salad instead of a burger. Basically, don't even BOTHER eating here unless you plan to get a burger. My salad was absolutely miniscule, but still cost a fortune, and I have definitely had better tasting meals. I left feeling completely ripped off. Bottom line, go ahead and get a burger, or come for cocktails later in the evening. But if you want anything else--go to another restaurant! I recommend Sonsie at the Mass Ave end of Newbury.
(2)Megan B.
This rating is really a 3.5 but I think last nights experience pushed me to go towards a 4. I've been to MET for brunch, lunch and dinner and had mostly good but varying experiences. Overall I think the food is good, drinks are good, and the service has been good, except on a few occasions, and so I enjoy coming back here. Last night I went for their Monday night burger deal, which was fantastic. $5 for a burger and fries. I think their burger menu at lunch is the best thing on the menu. They have a nice patio on Newbury as well. I love coming here for lunch in the summer and will be back for the burger deal on Monday
(4)Liz S.
I chose this restaurant spontaneously because my husband and I were hungry and it was close by. I mistakenly assumed that any restaurant in this prime location would have to be good. Wrong! I ordered trout in horseradish something-or-other. The fish was absolutely flavorless and the sides were weakly horseradish-tinged slop. I've had much better trout for half the price at other restaurants. If there were anything else on the menu I could eat (I have a gluten allergy) I would have sent it back. My husband reported that even his burger and fries weren't very good. How can a burger and fries not be good?! Disappointing.
(2)Meg N.
Visited Met on a Saturday afternoon for lunch - I had heard good things, but unfortunately was disappointed. The Good - The interior decoration was very nice (as were the bathrooms) and the room we sat in beautiful (we were seated right by a window with nice views of Newbury). The service was also quite good and we liked how we received our own bottle of water on the table. We both had wine and it was not overpriced and very good. The Bad - This is why I won't be back - the food - unfortunately the food was not as good as other places in the area (brunch places and steak places nearby). I had the Paris burger (ordered medium rare - came out well done) and my friend had the pork stuffed hash brown. The burger was good, despite being overcooked, but my friend said her brunch was greasy (you could see pools) and had no flavor. Also, the tables, glasses and dinner /glass wear did not seem overly clean (a bit worrisome). Looking around the restaurant there were a lot of 20-30 somethings and I think the restaurant is surviving on being trendy (and perhaps having good drinks and a nice patio in the summer). Met has so much potential - they should really work on the food.
(2)Tinku R.
Decent place for dinner on Newbury Street. Great interiors and great service. Cocktail menu is also quite impressive. We came here for a late night dinner on a Saturday night and it hit the spot. We split a burger and ordered a cocktail. The burger was okay and the cocktail was great. The service was fantastic. Initially they situated us in the library bar room. We didn't like it so much so we asked them to change to another room overlooking to Newbury Street. They were very nice to do it.
(4)Jennifer T.
Nice restaurant with comfortable seats, although we made reservations for a booth, we were given a table instead. The menu had several choices, but didnt feel extensive - there were plenty of salad options, ham & cheese options, and steak choices. I got the kobe steak tips, which was served mixed in with argula and on top of a bed of whipped egg concoction. The beef was tender, flavorful, and plentiful. The intriguing mixture of the egg and salad was an interesting mix. My husband's prime rib was tender and sizeable portion, and he loved his crunchy fries. The choices of steak sauces were unique; he got the sante fe jam that was slightly sweet and with a kick. The service wasnt stellar though, the waiter wasnt too knowledgeable on the menu, absent-mindedly poured our friend's water glass only half way before wandering away, and we had to ask repeatedly before they remembered to come back out with some ketchup for the 3 of us who had fries with our meals. Overall, food was good, but not too much range in choices, and service could have been better... good, but not worth the newbury price tag.
(3)Eric S.
Ate outside for brunch. Got a seat right away, but it was hot and bright - only limited seats are covered by umbrellas (we had partial coverage at our table). The tables rock and are hard to sit close to and you can't lean in and have a conversation easily due to that mixed with the rocking table. No problem - get around this by getting booze - they have fantastic mixed drinks. I was hungover and enjoyed an excellent bloody mary. French toast was great, pancakes were good. The food isn't amazing, but much better than average. Seems like a trendy spot, fun to be outside - annoying if you can't get under an umbrella due to heat/light issues (esp if hungover). Very busy.
(3)Andrew P.
For a Newbury Street location, this restaurant leaves something to be desired. Yesterday, I was showing some family who had never been to Boston before the Back Bay area and we decided to stop in to Met Bar for a glass of wine and some appetizers. When we walked in the main door around 5:30pm, there was no one at the host stand, so we walked into the bar area. We encountered a staff member who was very pleasant and we asked if it were ok to sit outside as they had heaters and we wanted to enjoy the outdoors. We walked into the outdoor patio area and interrupted another staff member, this little cranky guy wearing a hoodie (very unprofessional if you ask me), texting on his phone. He interrupted us with the other staff member and asked very abruptly if we were "going to be eating". We said no, meaning we weren't having a full meal and he then told us we "need to order at least something or you can't sit outside". I thought this very strange as all of the waitstaff outside were standing around doing nothing, chatting with each other as there were only 3 or so tables full outside. This put our experience off to a bad start. Then our drinks took about 20 minutes to get to our table. The bar was about 50 feet away mind you. I could've gone to the bar and got them myself faster. As we sat and waited for our drinks, the little man with the hoodie stood around doing nothing, texting or facebooking or something on his phone while people continued to come down the stairs from the sidewalk looking lost (ie wanting a table) while he basically ignored them until they physically would ask him for assistance. At one point, a manager came outside to speak to him, he quickly hid his cell phone so the manager couldn't see and the manager asked him to take his place up on the sidewalk at the host stand. He went up there for about 30 seconds and then came right back to his doing nothing and texting. Our drinks finally arrived. Two of our Martini drinks were filled only about 1/2 way and one was full. Why would you serve a Martini only 1/2 way filled? My wine glass was covered in dishwasher crud and I had to send it back. If I have to say something nice about this place it would be that our server was very pleasant, and the food that did come (because you remember that you HAVE to order food to sit outside, even when it's dead and no-one is there) out was very good. If you do choose to go here, I'd definitely recommend the Lobster dip and any one of the Pizzettes. However, I woudn't really recommend this place as the service leaves something to be desired.
(2)Joy Y.
My friends and I came in after a long afternoon of bridesmaid dress shopping, so we were definitely in need of a drink or two. The cocktail list was pretty comprehensive and had enough options that certainly convinced us to drink a few more than we had intended. My favorite-- The Mighty Mable (vanilla vodka, ginger syrup and roasted pumpkin puree) I am not kidding when I say this is about the best damn drink I've ever had. It went down like a milkshake and packed enough punch to make it worth my while. I also tried the Mayflower and the Grilled Pineapple Martini which were pretty tasty as well. Seeing as how shopping also made us hungry, we also ordered the pizzette (bacon, caramelized onions, alpine cheese) the fries with truffle parmesan dip and the kobe sliders with wasabi mayo. Okay, so the food was good too, not as good as the drinks, but not too shabby either. The fries were amazing and I never knew I could like wasabi mayo so much, but the pizzette left quite a lot to be desired. What gave my rating a three however, was the service. Our waitress was... how do I say this nicely... well, lets just say she wasn't the smartest kid on the block. Sure, maybe it was her first night or maybe it was an off day, but we really weren't a difficult table, and there were only four of us. Basically our food took a really long time (because I'm pretty sure she forgot to put our order in) and we definitely asked for waters at least twice. Not hard, especially on a Wednesday, with maybe three other tables full in the whole place. Met Back Bay is on the expensive side. I mean sure you are on Newbury St and all, but for the amount of food we got, it seemed a bit much. I guess you are paying for ambiance though, which the Met sure has. I'll come back though, if not for anything else, definitely for the drinks. Yum!
(3)Michael C.
Went to the Met Bar for a company lunch, they were easily able to accommodate the 7 of us. Our waiter was very helpful recommending and describing dishes, especially the different choices for meat in the burger bar. I went with the Met Dry Aged Burger on his recommendation and it did not disappoint! We got a bunch of apps but the biggest (surprise) hit was the croissants filled with cheese. We also had: Bacon wrapped scallops - good, but nothing out of the ordinary Chinatown Salad - It is big enough for a meal but better to split with the table Toffee Pudding - It was rich and delicious but not exactly a pudding, more of a cake
(4)Cathy L.
The food is heavy and delicious - I recommend the clam chowder and mushroom flatbread. However, the bar downstairs smells funny.
(3)Chris F.
Good enough place but didn't live up to the hype. Came on a Wednesday for dinner with the lady, the vibe is nice and the decor is classy. Service was fine, on par with the other back bay snob spots. Drink menu was excellent - the wine was great. Had the lobster which was as good as I expected, I hear the burgers are great too. The place was good but didn't do anything to differentiate itself from other similar style eateries. Worth a try once if you've never been.
(4)Laura S.
I've been there for brunch and it was delicious! I had the cap'n crunch pancakes and a mimosa and they were both amazing. Today I had the eggplant caprese sandwich for lunch and it was .... alright. Nothing great but nothing bad. My dad had the met mac n cheese and it was delicious! I had a bite and would definitely recommend it! Also, my mom had the burger and she liked it as well. You definitely pay for the quiet and nice atmosphere... But you definitely don't pay for the service (or lack thereof). I would recommend this restaurant if you're looking to pay for a nice atmosphere and pretty good food. I plan on going back for brunch at some point for a special occasion.
(4)Kristen L.
Ok, so I get that you're in a prime Newbury Street location and people are lined up to get first crack at your morning patio drinking. But would it kill you to throw some semi-decent service in with that mimosa?? I went to Met for the first time for an early brunch last Sunday. While the food was good, the service was severely lacking at pretty much every turn. The first big strike is when I went to order the Crabby Mary and my waiter informed me that they were "out" of the drink (not when I placed my order, mind you, but after he had already taken 15 minutes to place the orders at the bar). This would have been forgiveable had it not taken said waiter about 20 minutes to come over and take our drink order initially, by which time I had already bonded over the drink's description on the menu and had my easily breakable heart very much set on 22 oz. of crabby, tomatoey goodness. Strike two occured when I later tried to order another specialty bloody mary on the menu and got the same response. At this point I was pretty much ready to just grab some vodka at the nearest liquor store. I mean, there's not a whole lot of drinks on the Met's brunch menu, so if you're going to be out of say, half, of them, you probably want to give folks a heads up at the beginning of the ordering experience so everyone can manage their expectations, not to mention expedite the process. So probably 30 minutes after sitting down we were finally able to hold our waiter captive for long enough to actually put in our food order. Not surprisingly, when I asked if I could get the breakfast burrito without meat, I was told no, that the chorizo was already mixed in with the beans (strike three!). Are you sensing a theme here, people? Ultimately, no complaints on the food, but the slow service and poor management combined with less-than-gracious staff was so bad it almost reached comical levels. We should have just waited for Globe to open at 11...
(2)Tani H.
Great place around the corner from our place in Boston. Food is quite good, and service is friendly, if a little haphazard. I actually can and do recommend it, and will probably head there for lunch today. It could easily be a 5 star place with better coordinated service.
(3)Jake S.
Two stars for inside dining, 4 stars for outside dining with bar menu. For a burger and a drink it is probably best on newbury. Would never come back for formal dinner like eating here outside.
(3)Mackenzie F.
Let me start by saying I try not to judge a restaurant by restaurant week experiences. Generally we will go during restaurant week and if the food good and intriguing or the service amazing, we will go back during normal menu times. This is going to be one of those situations. First course was truly delicious. I had the Bacon Steak with caramel, sea salt, jalapeño, citrus, green tomato puree, brioche crunch. Mine was missing the brioche crunch (but I don't think I missed it) and was fun and surprising and delicious with every bite and the boy had their ham and cheese tasting platter which featured prosciutto, salami, country ham, tarentaise, Cabot cloth bound cheddar, and Maytag blue, also very delicious. First Course : 4 stars. The main course is where we both were unimpressed. They ran out of 2 of 3 offerings and also the bone marrow that should have accompanied our tenderloin. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly. It melted in the mouth but just didn't have any wow factor to it. ( Maybe the lack of the bone marrow butter) we ended up getting a bit of that Maytag Blue on side to give it some character. They did offer to sub a side in place of the marrow. I ordered the garlicky spinach and the boy got the creamed, which he loved! ( I tasted it was great!) but that was the best part of both of our main courses. They fries tasted dried out like they had been sitting for a very long time before arriving at our table. But they weren't even supposed to be there the menu said "crispy garlic duchess potato stars". Main Course: 2 stars. Dessert was where things really turned back around for me. Admittedly both restaurant week desserts were gone, but they offered to sub anything from the dessert menu. I went with Valrhona Chocolate & Donuts (bittersweet & caramelia chocolate, spiced mini donuts, caramel sauce). Which I was skeptical about at first..but I am so happy I had it. They weren't doughnuts like we think about around here. More like beignets or the fried dough you get a fair. But BETTER the chocolate and cream were delicious too but those doughnuts I would go back for! The boy liked his well enough too but wasn't a huge fan of the coconut ice cream..but I loved it =) Dessert 4 stars Which bring us to service! Our waiter (Chris N. ) was wonderful throughout the entire evening. So friendly! So helpful! As I mentioned above a lot of things weren't available and I know it is his job to keep us happy but it just felt he went WAY out of his way to make things right! He was so pleasant and not pushy or rushing us. Chatted with us a bit and later talked wine with us (not just about what we were drinking) and brought us tastings of his recommendations which were delightful! Brought the bottle out so we could take mental pictures! I feel dinner should always be an experience and he made it a very pleasant one. Service: 5 stars Overall I will be excited to go back and try their full menu. And of course ask if Chris is working that night before making my reservation!
(3)Yolanda Y.
I really enjoyed the egg breakfast sandwich. It was good portions of everything. The potatoes were not so great though. They tasted like they were once frozen. The service was prompt but I also felt like the waitress was rushing people maybe unintentionally.
(3)barbara r.
I guess I should have got a Burger here. Seems like appetizers were much tastier than the main course meal. Got pork belly , it was delightful, had a wonderful glazed pineapple with a very unique yet delicious green sauce. The beet salad was perfect. Main entree was a Cobb salad which was very plain and very big. On the menu it said it had everything! But all I really saw was finely chopped lettuce and small amounts of bacon bits corn beets carrots. I have to fish for the good stuff with my fork. Fish and chips....again..nothing special, very plain and overpriced, crab roll was very good however the roll it was placed in was not so appetizing, burger with an egg in it seemed to have hit the spot. SERVICE Like in my previous review....SLOW!! I wanted to enjoy another glass of wine before my main meal and didn't get to because there was no waiter in site to ask before my main meal came out!!! No water refills, took them a good while to bring out utensils.....again patient So.Cal girl enjoying the Boston view, great outdoor sitting patio!!! I would not come here again. nothing personal just seems like there are better things to eat see and do in Boston!
(2)Lauren L.
Solid brunch spot we found while wandering along Newbury Street. Food was good, place was nice, big menu to choose from. Not the most memorable meal of the trip, but definitely did the trick.
(3)E Z.
My girlfriends and I went during Taco Tuesday. It's a great deal! 3 tacos for $6. There is a selection of pork carnitas, steak tips, or beef short rib tacos and you can only select one flavor, which was inconvenient because we all wanted to try the different taco styles. I had one serving of the pork carnitas and it was definitely filling. You must try the homemade mill biscuits with honey maple butter - the best part of the meal! We also ordered a round of mussels as an appetizer - a huge serving and very reasonably priced. We sat inside and the service was a bit delayed. The cocktails are famous and rightly so!
(4)Robert C.
It's not cheap, but nothing is cheap on Newbury Street Boston. For a break after walking around Copley Place, the Prudential and Back Bay shops and sights, a cushioned seat against the wall, with a half dozen oysters, some sweet potato fries (with a great horseradish dip), cold draft or cocktail, makes for a very relaxing moment. The outside patio is below street level, pretty much blocking out vehicular and pedestrian noise and creating an oasis of intimacy. But, sit way back against the wall, where you may enjoy some privacy and comfort.
(3)Amy C.
Kathy, the owner of the Met Bar, kindly contacted me and apologised for the poor service I received. I'd like to thank you for doing so, and I realise that it is not yours or the establishment's fault for the poor experience I had there. I think it is a good sign for the Met that their management read and act on reviews they find here. I appreciate the good will, so thanks again Kathy.
(3)