4. Restaurants

Poe’s Kitchen At the Rattlesnake

384 Boylston St, Boston, MA, 02116
  • (617) 859-8555
  • Store is closed

Poe’s Kitchen At the Rattlesnake Menu

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  • Latchezar B.

    I went to Rattlesnake hoping to have some steak. First, the guy at the door was exceedingly rude. Even though I told him first thing that I didn't want to drink alcohol, he looked at my European ID and said "We don't accept those." I repeated that I only wanted to eat, not drink, but he was somehow unable to grasp the meaning of my words. Luckily, what appeared to be a more senior employee (perhaps the manager?) came around and let me in (without apologizing for what had just happened). Way to meet and greet a customer! It was 9:45 on a Saturday (I don't think that's late even by Boston standards ;), but just to make sure, I asked at the door (twice I think) if they were still serving food and was told 'yes.' When the waitress came by, it turned out that they were no longer serving all the items on their regular menu, including no more steak (silly me, I thought "We are serving food" normally meant "We are serving all the items on our menu," but apparently not at Rattlesnake). Eventually I ordered a burger, medium done. It came beyond well done, absolutely dry and without a trace of pink. So not only did I not get the steak I was craving, but my burger was done exactly the way I didn't want it. Oh, and the lemonade was so sugary that even Michael Phelps might get diabetes from it, plus it had the strangest color - hard to describe, but definitely looked like one of those radioactive elements from the bottom rows of the Periodic Table. On a positive note, the waitress was very nice and doing her best to make up for the uninspiring yet overpriced food and the bad attitude at the door. Still, I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon.

    (2)

  • Clare F.

    I have been to Rattlesnake four different times since the dawn of Brian Poe, and have been impressed each time. The roof deck is awesome. So there isn't a super-gorgeous view. So what. Its on a ROOF and still pretty cool. And whiners, there's a line because they have a FIRE CODE and are only allowed X number of people on the deck at a time. Do you whine when you have to wait for a seat at a restaurant? Plus, you can wait in the line with a drink in your hand. Added bonus. You can tell they make their own margarita mix. They're delicious and pack a good punch. One makes me tipsy, two makes me drunk, and three forces my boyfriend to throw me over his shoulder and carry me home. The food is awesome. I have had the cornbread, nachos, chips with three types of guac (regular, beet, and mango), scallop tacos and the taco salad. The scallops are cooked perfectly with that melt-in-your-mouth quality that only a scallop can have. As for the salad, its huge (I brought home leftovers. Of a SALAD.) The refried beans are cooked with gouda, giving them a wonderful smokey taste. I've also come here for a mid-afternoon drink and a late-night tipple. I have genuinely enjoyed myself every time. The staff are friendly and you really cannot beat the atmosphere, especially on top of the roof.

    (4)

  • John F.

    Definitely a good place for the young, hip, and likely rich. Not exactly cheap eats, but the quality was fantastic for the money. The roof deck was great, service was great, beer selection was fine....I have nothing to complain about. I imagine the crowd gets younger and hip-hoppier at night. I did lunch on a Saturday or Sunday (I forget) so the roof deck was packed and the rest of the place was dead.

    (4)

  • Julie N.

    Visit number two to the Rattlesnake since the big chef change and I have to say that, while the food is better than it used to be, they really have some work to do. I had the fish tacos because they didn't have any of the venison tacos prepped. She said the venison tacos would be 20 min or so and I should have just said ok because I ended up waiting 20 min for the fish tacos anyway. The fish tacos were delicious, though. Very fresh ingredients and a big portion for the price. My lunch companion (my 19 year old son) enjoyed his buffalo burger and ate about 1/3 of the unnecessarily massive pile of fries. When a 19 year old boy doesn't finish his fries you know there are just too many on the plate. I've seen that kid put down plates of food that would humble Takeru Kobayashi. I just hate waste. We had the cornbread as an app and the bottom was charred. Burned to the point that it was not edible (PS the 19 year old ate the burned bottom bleh. ) I ate the unburned part. The service was weird. The waitress came out to say she'd be right with us. It's good that she acknowledged us but we waited too long for her to get to us. After the initial wait, the service was fine. The manager came to the table to let us know that she noticed the burned cornbread and took it off of our bill. That was really nice and all but in a restaurant that serves the caliber food that the Rattlesnake is trying to serve, that should have never come out of the kitchen to begin with. The Rattlesnake wants to serve great food. If they want to be successful in that they should hire a kitchen staff that won't let burned cornbread out of the kitchen and a wait staff that won't let you wait 10 min for water. The feel of the place is still the Rattlesnake of old. You have to do more than hire a new chef to get rid of that getting-too-drunk-on-a friday-night bar feel.

    (3)

  • David V.

    This review is merely about the food, at lunchtime. I once wandered in here after dark and, roofdeck or not, the regular clientele at this bar is part of the reason why I usually choose to drink in quieter neighborhoods. It was a nice day, so I sat outside and ordered some food - a baked avocado half, topped with lobster meat. It didn't just fill the hole left by the removed pit, but added to the altitude of the dish by a couple of inches. I ordered the duck tacos. Usually at places without "Bell" in their name, you get soft tacos, but here I got two of the crunchy kind in those special free-standing taco shells. The cranberry-rosemary risotto was an interesting touch. My friend had the seared tuna salad - a respectable portion of fresh lightly seared tuna and greens, though she commented that the tofu cubes seemed a little out of place. It seems like an odd place to have such good food, and I'd probably give this place a lower rating if I was dealing with crowds and bouncers and whatnot.

    (4)

  • Chris J.

    Had dinner here the other night. Was one of the worst meals I have ever had. Everything tasted old. Should have walked away mid meal. Service was good but food was nothing short of horrible.

    (1)

  • Shaina P.

    There aren't many places with a roof deck in the area, so Rattlesnake remains a regular spot to hit when in search of roof deck. But ... there is no view, the food was NOT good, and there is no karaoke (well, Jim didn't find a need for a karaoke box, he will blurt out Righteous Brothers if encouraged, and his karaoke a Capella is not good either). Luckily, the beer selection was okay.

    (2)

  • Danielle S.

    About the food: For appetizers we had the grilled corn bread and tempura tuna bites. The grilled cornbread was $6 for 2 pieces and was very good. The tuna bites were four small pieces of tuna in batter, not tempura, for $12. And it was not very tasty. For entrees we had the salmon salad, it was ok and the chicken tacos. The chicken tacos were amazing and for $12 for three huge tacos it was well worth it. Very hip atmosphere and great location. A little overpriced but we were hungry :)

    (3)

  • Jen L.

    I must preface this review by acknowledge that this place used to be kind of gross and it would take a lot to win me over. That and my boss used to make jokes about us going to "The Snake" after work for a few drinks...which I thought was kinda unappealing. But Rattlesnake has totally changed for the better - thank you Brian Poe! It looks like they kept some of the same menu items, and added a few more foodie items, like quail and wild boar tacos. Get this -the fish tacos were quite good, considering that Boston is about as far from San Diego as you can get. My one quibble is that the tacos were on flour tortillas, not corn, but I will get over it :) Bring on the apple and chile slaw and chipotle crema - yum!

    (3)

  • Meghan M.

    Whoever thought to put chocolate chips on top of mac and cheese is a genius! the mac and cheese, was not too cheesy, too watery, it was perfect!

    (5)

  • christina a.

    Long overdue in writing this - but I'll keep it short and sweet. It's one of the best dining experiences that I've had in Boston. I was lucky enough to go there with some friends of Mr. Poe's and had a plethora of food brought out to us. I tried everything...and loved everything. My favorite were the braised beef tacos and the corn bread. But everything was delicious. I will be definitely heading back to eat there again (and bring more friends).

    (5)

  • Lou L.

    Been here a few times for lunch. I think the menu is incredibly creative. All dished I've had have not disappointed...always interesting and tasty. Poe blends southwestern, american and comfort food, and wraps them up with style a foodie can appreciate. The roof deck was closed when I was there, I snuck a peek and it looked impressive. I wish I was in Boston more often so could visit Poe's more.

    (4)

  • Hubert H.

    Had this really sweet Coca-Cola glazed duck taco accompanied by a (very sweet) cranberry sauce. My teeth were coated with corn syrup at the end of the meal. The taco itself had the consistency of chop suey. Seems like more of a bar with food than a restaurant. Otherwise a fair place to meet up for a beer or a cocktail.

    (2)

  • Shannon R.

    Been there before for a function and drinks and enjoyed it but was with a few friends sat on the roof deck to enjoy the weather- we had 2 separate waitresses- drinks were fine ordered apps which took 45 min but then when they were done the waitress cleared everything including utensils which we thought that was weird but maybe we were getting clean ones so then we waited another 20 min asked if we needed anything and one friend said yeah our food and the waitress asked oh are you waiting for dinner this was from the same waitress who took our order and recommended dishes and we said yes but at this point we didnt even want it the waitress said she would check on it and came back to say it was a kitchen error because one kiitchen was closing and never went trough (not sure how true that was because other bales around us receive food after us) ... we had 1 round of drinks removed but never had any type of manager come to our table to apologize prob wont go there ever again

    (1)

  • Alana H.

    This was a cool spot to come after running the Tufts Women's 10k race. My friends and I were starving and ready to have some drinks and food to replenish all the calories we lost running. I ordered the grill cheese which had brie, gorgonzola, and american cheese. This was the richest grill cheese that I have ever eaten, the flavors were great and there was a nice gooey, yet crunchy texture. The sandwich came with french fries and a cup of soup. I ordered the chilled carrot ginger soup. The soup was topped with friend pancetta and goat cheese. I couldn't really taste the pancetta as the ginger gave the soup a strong spicy flavor to it. While I couldn't finish all of it it was pretty tasty. Two of my friends ordered the chicken nachos and those were good also, the chicken had a sweetness to it while the nachos were salty and crunchy. Don't be fooled by the fact that the nachos are found in the appetizer because they are HUGE! Definitely something that can be shared by a group and definitely delicious! Our waitress seemed a bit overwhelmed with our party of 9 although we weren't very needy. I also don't like that they charge for refills for sodas.

    (3)

  • Eric F.

    Went here for one of my school's orientation events a while back and it's a very standard bar. Spacious with the usual mix of Top 40s, hip hop, etc. and the usual selection of beers. Nothing out of the ordinary and an okay venue for a night out.

    (3)

  • alison k.

    Stopped by for a quick drink at around 4.30 or so on a Friday afternoon. I was pretty hungry as i had not had lunch, but mindful of the fact that it was not going to be that long till dinner I just ordered a cup of tortilla soup to tide me over.... ...man I wish I had ordered a bowl - or 2 - all to myself. Was really really yummy. I have never been here before and I had not looked at the reviews on yelp before trying it out, but I would definitely go back for food again based on the menu and on the seeminlgy recent improvements. The beer list was pretty extensive and my brother was pretty happy that they had sam seasonal - noble pils on tap. Just need to go back to try out the roof garden.

    (4)

  • Anna B.

    Usually if a place has over 100 reviews I don't bother yelping about it - I mean, everything's probably been said right? But I went with friends for 11PMish drinks and apps and was shocked how bad the food and service was. I work in the area and come after work a lot and it's fine. It's as if they bring down the quality on weekends or after 10 - maybe they figure we're all hammered and won't notice? Our waitress might have been trying but was poorly trained - we got the wrong food (possibly because the music was so loud she couldn't hear us - one had to scream to talk), empty drinks weren't noticed and we had to ask for someone to wipe our table because it was sticky. The fried avocado would have been OK if the lobster salad hadn't had a piece of shell in it. Quesedillas were odd in that one bite would be OMG mouth-burning spicy (one of my friends almost got sick) and the next would have nothing - whatever sauce was on them was unevenly distributed. The nachos had some kind of lukewarm white cheesey paste on them - one of my friends knew what it was called but agreed it was out of place on nachos - and little other topping - it was an attempt to be different or gourmet I think but was so gross I couldn't eat it. I'll take some responsibility for wasting my money last night in that maybe we should have known it might be bad based on the hour, the crowd and ear-splitting music. But the Snake used to be awesome... RIP Old Snake! They should really take down the neon sign outside that says "the original" Rattlesnake.

    (1)

  • Marie W.

    Went for lunch there yesterday and ordered the special - Mint Scallop Tacos. When I bit into it, I felt a crunch (not pleasant). I had to send the food back. I was later informed by the waitress that it was the "foot" of the scallop that had not been removed, i.e. bone! I will say that they did take the taco off the bill, however, no manager or chef ever came over and apologized. I would never go back here again.

    (1)

  • Denise M.

    The rooftop deck is a good venue for the afterwork crowd looking to get out into a fun environment. Not so great for groups that want to arrive when you can. The good: roofdeck, decent drink menu and a wide range of good bar eats The not-so-good: the unnecessary separate line to get to the roofdeck (I waited in line by myself for a full five minutes, no one left, and then the line tender let me in, saying "its really just for show anyway"), and the price of the drinks - they really should lower the beers by a dollar each

    (3)

  • Ryan H.

    Very rude management. If the slow service, terrible food, and slow staff wasn't bad enough i had to deal with the rudest restaurant manager of all time. Steer clear of this place....id give it zero stars if that was a option.

    (1)

  • Francisca W.

    (review dated 1/08): typical bar food: wings, nachos, sandwiches, etc etc. i'm not a tex-mex fan, but i go there for $5+ drinks (not beer, drinks!). also, they have a balcony on the roof-top that's open in the warmer months. i have never seen that floor but i can imagine the nice view up there. good bar scene/crowd too, and those who like sports will appreciate their numerous flat-screens placed at strategic locations. :)

    (3)

  • Kelsey A.

    Came here with a friend this past Wednesday night for drinks. We arrived around 8 PM, and the inside was pretty empty. We went up to the roof deck and sat ourselves at the counters near the bar. There was some ambiguity as to whether we would have a waiter/waitress, but it became clear that we had to go up to the bar ourselves. We each got two drinks: I got a Sex on the Charles River and a Raspberry Lime Rickey, and my friend got the Rattlesnake Punch and a Sex on the Charles River. The drinks were huge, strong, and tasty. Also, extremely cheap (between 7-8$ each). I loved the Sex on the Charles River -- it was fruity and delicious and I was buzzed after finishing it. I will definitely come back here -- the roof deck is awesome, and the drinks are the perfect combination : high in alcohol, low in expense.

    (4)

  • Jess N.

    I went on a scavenger hunt and I was reminded of my skills or rather what skills I'm lacking. I am not a riddle expert. As my team, assembled mostly of pairs of strangers, repeatedly went to the wrong spot to find our next clue, half us gave in. One of the couples, my roomie and myself said "screw it let's go eat and drink". We headed to the roof deck because even though we had been running all over Boston, we haven't forgiven mother nature for the monsoon season in New England. It was a gorgeous day, and we couldn't resist soaking up every ounce of sunlight. A heard of people left as we climbed the stairs, which was in our favor. We seated ourselves at a table, and ordered sangria and a cucumber martini. Nothing says "I quit" quite like a relaxing drink and food. I had the Mexican Monte Cristo sandwich. It was pretty much equal parts of turkey, creamy avocado and melted cheeses. It's the summer afternoons like this one remind me why I moved to Boston and didn't leave. I can say with certainty, I will be back at Rattlesnake Bar and Grill perhaps on the next sunny day.

    (4)

  • Trish F.

    I was here with at least 8 people a little while ago when a friend came in from out of town. She had called to reserve 3 booths, but with the threat of snow, not everyone showed up. They did give away one of our booths without really asking (after awhile), but it wasn't a big deal considering we still had a whole other booth and we had all settled into one by the end of the night. The food was okay. We ordered a slew of unmemorable appetizers. I do recall dipping some chips into an awesome cheese from another dish, but that's about it. I thought the waitress did a fantastic job of handling all of our requests in a timely fashion. And when a person from our group was really not enjoying her drink, she gave her a few options of things she could do (adding something to the drink, offering another type of drink, etc) without giving her grief. This of course should be an "of course" but sometimes doesn't really happen at Boston bars, so I thought I'd take note. The waitress even offered to take a group shot of us when she realized we were struggling a bit. It turned into a total prom shot with multiple cameras. No worries, she was on it. I'm not the type to wait in lines or head into the center of a meat market, so I probably wouldn't hang out here on weekend nights (when I've seen this place packed), but I'd definitely stop back in for a drink on a weeknight or to hang out on their rooftop (weather pending of course).

    (3)

  • scott w.

    Brian Poe is one of the most creative chefs ive ever met. He makes some great dishes. the cornbread and fried avocados are outstanding appetizers. The Mexican meatball sub sandwich and burgers are great. If you like tacos, there are fish tacos and steak tacos. Don't leave without trying the chocolate taco for dessert! For atmosphere, the roofdeck is one of the best spots in the city. The dining room is comfortable and there is music at night. Definitely a hot spot!

    (5)

  • Tarryn G.

    I really want to like this place, because it's literally 50 paces from my place of employment. Booze + close proximity to cube = happiness, yes? The Rattlesnake -- much live a real, live Rattlesnake -- seems cool from afar, but upon closer inspection is kinda scary / lame. First of all -- why make the waitstaff dress like prostitiutes? I get that the clientle here is mostly suits and tourists . . . but surely they could walk their asses a few more blocks to Centerfolds for the booty shots, yes? The waitresses don't seem very happy about their lot in life, either. The few times I've been here the service has been really slow or totally scattered -- one girl takes your order, some other girl throws down your drinks. I'm guessing they probably take turns going on break to smoke and cry. I actually feel kinda bad . . . free the Rattlesnake Girls! The place has earned 2 stars, though. 1 is for the roof deck -- when you can actually get a seat up there, it's pretty cool to dine up on the roof. Star #2 is for the most amazing cornbread I've ever had in my life. Seriously -- its worth it to go for the cornbread -- all buttery and grilled and delicious . . . clearly not good for you, but oh so good!

    (2)

  • Stephanie Elena G.

    Chef Brian Poe to the rescue! Rattlesnake used to be the post-work go to for me and my friends when we wanted a beer and perhaps if starved, a few bar-food apps. But these days I'd go for the food over the beers and there is something for everyone here! The menu is creative and the selection of varying meats is truly impressive alongside seasonal produce. Plus, they just revamped the decor and you know that roof-deck season is fast approaching and i will certainly be enjoying some summer breezes on Rattlesnake's deck soon! If you haven't been to Rattlesnake recently, you really must go. The brunch, lunch and dinner options are incredibly creative, tasty takes on foods you just want to eat.

    (4)

  • Julie B.

    I had slightly high-ish hopes for this place after hearing all about Poe. However, I had never been before he took over, so I have nothing to compare it to. My girlfriend and I ordered a bottle of the Sangiovese and realized later it was Argentinian. Let me tell you, after living in Tuscany, you realize that the people that do Sangiovese best are the Italians. Don't cry for me, Argentina. I love your Malbec. The service was pretty okay. Our waitress didn't really engage so much, but she was helpful enough. Nothing we ordered was very adventurous, but it was good nonetheless. I had the buffalo burger and my friend had a BLT. Generally, it was good enough that I would come back and try the tacos and maybe get some of this delicious sangria I've heard about.

    (3)

  • Scott K.

    Can't speak to the food or lunch/dinner service. All I can say is that I went here on Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday and I couldn't have been more disappointed with the service at the bar. All three bartenders were slow and inattentive to the point that we never even got drinks despite being at the bar for an hour, of which time at least one of us was at the bar trying to get their attention at all times. Do yourself a favor and go to any other bar in the city

    (1)

  • Jenny L.

    I came here with friends that were leaving the next morning. It was a good choice for our last stop that night. I loved, loved the rooftop bar. It was such a haven in the middle of downtown. It was a beautiful night and the air was crisp. There was enough room in this little space to have privacy. Regardless! We ordered the Poe Burger and some beers. I haven't tried the chef's other concoctions but this was delicious! Our server named off the many things that make this a weekly special that I can't remember anything of. It was juicy and delicious anyway. The price was a pretty high but it satisfied our early morning munchies. I would definitely return here again to try his other creations and to enjoy the decor of the rooftop.

    (4)

  • Danielle E.

    I went to Rattlesnake last Saturday night with a few girlfriends--I was very unimpressed. The staff was overwhelmed as though they had never seen a busy night, they had us standing outside as though this place was a posh city night club where they only let in the creme de la creme...Seriously? I can say that I probably wont be coming here unless this places comes under new management...

    (1)

  • Dasha B.

    I've been here twice, and both times my food slightly exceeded my expectations (which, however, were rather low, since this is a bar). The quinoa-encrusted salmon salad consists of a moderately sized slab of salmon atop a bed of frisee -- the bitter, white, stemmy parts many people pick out of salad mixes. The sweet potato "crutons" are just tiny diced cubes of baked sweet potato. A few blueberries also came included. Not a bad choice for a light meal, but won't knock your socks off. The grilled portobello salad I had today was similarly mediocre. The pickled red onions and brie cheese added some interest, and I can't complain about the preparation of the mushroom. Again, just enough for a light lunch (no bread is served). Come here if you're looking for a hang out/bar with better than average food. Not on a date or anything close to a special occasion.

    (3)

  • Bob P.

    Went there with some college chums to watch a Celtics game and grab dinner. Menu was uninspiring (term seems to be used a lot in reviews here). Based on other reviews, we might have gotten a different menu. All we saw were burgers and some salads. Nothing even as exotic as Sweet Potato Fries (which I buy by the bagful frozen at Shaws). Even the Pour House and Joshua Tree have more adventurous menus, which isn't saying much. "Meh" is the word. But we were able to drop in at 9pm and snag a window seat. Mediocrity means you aren't fighting the crowds.

    (2)

  • Leighann F.

    Not sure if you've heard, but there's been some changes at The Rattlesnake. Positive, delicious changes that have lifted this long-standing establishment, notorious for crummy bar nosh and service that wasn't far behind, into a category where you'd actually consider coming here...for the food. Not long ago, Brian Poe took over the kitchen and has since made an effort to turn soggy quesadillas and boring nachos into crispy fish tacos, tuna tartar with wasabi sorbet and the infamous avocado with lobster! I've been back a few times since my original visit and it's like eating at an entirely different restaurant. The menu as retained it's tex-mex inspired stylings, but has been polished to a culinary shine previously unthinkable for The Rattlesnake. Poe-haps the new chef has something to do with this. Have the 'yeah-dudes' migrated elsewhere? Unfortunately not. Have the after-work suits suddenly become more interesting? Not a chance. Has the service become more reliable? Slightly. Your best bet is at the bar for top-notch attention, but the theory here is that with remarkably better food, the service and crowd will slowly-but-surely shift upwards too. And the roofdeck? Take it for a spin with a caiparinha in hand before the weather gets too cold!

    (4)

  • Katie R.

    I ended a scavenger hunt here the other day, and the staff and food here were both wonderful. I made a reservation for 50 people and they sectioned off an entire section for our group. Before the rest of our group arrived, I was chatting to the friendly waitstaff and it was a great experience. Even when all of us were there, the service was excellent and our waiter was a great sport about our somewhat disorganized method of paying. We ordered mostly nachos and wings, but they were all delicious. The atmosphere was fun, even on a Sunday afternoon!

    (5)

  • P. K.

    One of my regular downtown lunch spots when out with friends. It is overwhelmingly loved by everyone I have brought here. The food is a great price and simply delicious. It's flavorful and creative without being pretentious. The nachos are probably the best in the city. I come back here again and again.

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    Good God what an awful bar. Bad food, bad service, bad atmosphere. Our nachos arrived stone cold delivered by a witch of a waitress in a bar with noise levels so high it is difficult to have a normal conversation all contained in a not very clean space. What a dump.

    (1)

  • Simona S.

    Uninspired brunch menu. Sorry, it just had to be said. Or maybe they're just testing out their brunch menu on unsuspecting patrons. Whatever the case, meh to say the least. My food took almost an hour to get to the table. My iPhone does not lie to me. In the meantime I nursed that Bloody Mary (good, though not nearly as spicy as promised) until I could wait no longer. I started to suck whatever I could off of the ice cubes... and then just started eating them. I was starving. The food was plated pretty... I guess. But what is this? Lukewarm food? Now I'm suspicious. And I was glad I ordered a side of the cornbread because it was actually the best part of the meal... until I found out I was charged $7 for a side. My wallet was sad. Sad is how I left, albeit kind of drunk after we ordered a carafe of their white wine sangria - which, by the by, I like with fruits. No fruits to be found except for a slice of lime here and there.

    (2)

  • Ellie W.

    I've only been here for drinks, so I can't say much about the food, but there's one thing, somewhat rare in Boston, that Rattlesnake does offer--rooftop seating. You're not going to have a view of, well, much of anything, aside from other buildings, but hey, beggars can't be choosers, right? So if you're up for a nice, chilled beer on a rooftop on a sweltering summer night, you can't lose here. There's nothing that sticks out, good or bad, about this place, so I'm settling for the trusty 3-stars.

    (3)

  • Whitney R.

    A group of 7 of us went to the Rattlesnake for brunch yesterday after taking a birthday lesson at Gypsy Rose. The brunch menu was very limited and didn't offer the staple breakfasts most of us were after, and all but one decided to order from the lunch menu instead. The genre of food is pretty strange- Everything has a themed name and all dishes had an interesting twist to them... I can't say I really get it, but maybe that's just me. I ordered the Matador Burger (the most basic meal I could find) with mushrooms and Brie, and a side salad rather than french fries. Overall, it tasted really good, though it was a bit oily (though that was likely because of the Brie). The side salad was smaller than I expected. Everyone else seemed to really enjoy their food, and had no complaints. I tried someone else's tortilla chips and found that they were also really greasy, but again, no one else seemed to mind. The waitstaff were pleasant, and they even gave the birthday girl a complimentary cheesecake dessert. Based on my own take on the food, I would have given this place just 2 stars. Because everyone else seemed to enjoy their food, and because the waitstaff were so nice, I'm upping the star-level to 3. Pretty good, but definitely far from my top pick.

    (3)

  • Sami W.

    NOTE: **PLEASE READ CRAIG C's REVIEW TO UNDERSTAND** We came here for Cappy's B-day and Chef Brian Poe didn't take care of us as he was supposed to! I thought we were going to have a food fest! Pizza with roni, mushrooms Foie Gras = Foreplay before sex! The appetizer with Tuna rolled in something = 69 Wild Boar tacos = Eating spicy penis with lots of fat on it (Disgusting) Fish Tacos = This is where I had my Orgasm (unlike Cappy) Sirloin Tacos = Cigarette after sex (though I don't smoke)

    (3)

  • Esther E.

    This review pertains to the nightlife. My fiance and I were visiting friends in the Boston area and we were all going out for a night of fun. They decided to take us here to change it up from the usual Backbay fare. We went on a Saturday night around 9:30. Not much of a line to get in--but beware if you have an out of state ID, you will need a back up form of ID i.e credit card, another id. They are super strict on this so be prepared. There was a decent crowd inside, but music started around 10ish. There is a small dance floor towards the back but no one really danced at least while we were there. There is a line for the rooftop bar...but beware the rooftop bar is SUPER LAME. We went upstairs and there are people eating a quiet dinner, no music and a really dull crowd. No fun so we left. In terms of the bar, the bartenders are quick and friendly. I ordered a Bellini and they offered a good substitute for it. I took an orange slice from the bar and the bartender gave me a rude look haha.

    (3)

  • Kenny G.

    I would've given this place probably 4 stars because the drinks were pretty quality but had to give it ONE because the bartender was probably the rudest girl I've ever dealt with. I have a long, often mispronounced last name so when I asked for her to ring me up at the end of the night, it being very loud in there, I told her my last name then spelled out the first few letters to try and make it easier. This happened 3 times and then she decided to use her brain and realize my last name isn't the 4 letters I gave, it's the NAME I GAVE HER THREE TIMES. So then after complaining that it's "really busy" she decides to start lecturing me on the situation. Thanks sweetie. Just ring up the bill and let me get the F out of here. I don't need to be lectured by you for your own mistake. Then of course I look at my bank account online a day after and she charged me twice. Perfect. Atmosphere: 8 Drinks: 8.5 Service: -20 ---------------------------------------------- UPDATE: I was contacted by the executive chef at the Rattlesnake with an apology for the inconvenience and the double charge was fixed. I'm impressed with the level of concern they took and have upped my rating to 4 stars. Thank you Brian and I'll be sure to come back in and give the Rattlesnake another try!

    (4)

  • Renita K.

    This review is for drinks only. Which were mediocre at best. Who knows, maybe I'm just an alcoholic but I like my drinks a tad bit on the strong side and not syrupy sweet. All the drinks we got weren't very strong at all... there was supposedly vodka and blackberry schnapps in there, but I didn't even have a buzz when we left (and mind you, I'm asian). Honestly it may have just been some fruit juice in a cup. Also the lighting was awful. It was later on in the night and the place was really brightly lit. It was just awkward.

    (2)

  • Sheila S.

    Point off for service. Although our waitress was very helpful with ordering, she made our tired booties wait a good 20 minutes for waters despite the fact that we very clearly ordered them and said "we're so thirsty!" +10 Points for pure awesome. The waitress told my "Oh I'm from California and have high standards for Mexican" to order the fish tacos. YUM. This is definitely Shi-Shi, trendy "Southwestern" food and NOT hole-in-the-wall Mexican --- but those are some DAMN GOOD tacos. There might have been a mandolin-ed green onion and pear/apple in that taco, but it was so good I didn't ask questions. The Nachos are also very unusual but worth ordering. We ordered them piled high with a very sauce-y shredded steak, a creamy white cheese sauce, and some other exotic fixings. I would have been happy with the everyday nachos, but these were quite fabulous. I would have appreciated a bit more in terms of tomatoes and leafy greens, but.... homemade tortilla chips..... The Wang ordered a Jalapeno Clam Chowder and Jalapeno-fried Chicken. The chowder was more like a confused stew with some fried clams on the top. The chicken was actually a sandwich (it's in the sandwich section...) and over-fried (IS THAT POSSIBLE? -- it ruins the allure of deep-frying). Major NO. I wish we'd asked the waitress for her opinion on these two before ordering. Overall, we're pleased. Just please remember that the nachos and tacos are enough for two people as long as you decide who gets to eat the third taco beforehand. (I might even choose this over Parish...)

    (4)

  • Em G.

    Best. nachos. ever. Seriously - they are magical, and completely dangerous. The sangria was also surprisingly good and strong (I promise this had nothing to do with my approval of the nachos). The downside: the service was slow, even though it wasn't that busy, and the food is pretty expensive. I'll probably still come back for some more sangria and to finally try the Poe burger that everyone keeps raving about.

    (4)

  • Paul L.

    The Lady and I went on a Friday evening before a show at the Comedy Connection. I was excited to check it out ever since tasting the tuna tartar at their booth during the Yelp event. I must have gone back to that station three more times. When I got there, the waitress said they didn't have that item anymore. In fact, several of the items I saw on-line on the menu were not available. Apparently the web updaters did not change the menus as frequently as the chefs. There were two or three items that I had checked out on the web site that morning that were no longer featured. It was loud in there, even for sitting all the way against the window - the noise from the bar carried towards us. I understand it was after work on a Friday and the baseball playoffs were going on, but there were many other tables in the back that were not being used that might have been a more suitable place to sit. That being said, the fish tacos were very good. Nice crisp pieces of fish, a decent but not overpowering spice and the tortillas were cooked a little to make it just crunchy enough to hold the weight of everything inside it. She suggested a home made "choco-taco" which was so delicious I finished the whole thing despite already being full. It was a chocolate dipped waffle "shell" with mixed berries and marshmallows. If you're in the mood to satisfy your sweet tooth, it's a good choice.

    (3)

  • Danielle C.

    Just a place to grab a drink in the summer.. Nice roof deck.

    (2)

  • Harri S.

    They have one of the most eclectic menus in Boston. I mean who else offers Arizona rattlesnake on their menu? While daring goes a long way, I really think that balance should play a part in their offerings as well. There is simply too much going on with their food. As it was lunch, I only got two items; the clam chowder and the cornbread. Tame enough right? Wrong? Both were way too overpowering. The ideas were genuinely good, but the execution was unfortunately rather poor. The clam chowder was served in a cup. In Southwestern style it was made with jalapenos, but for a cup topping this with calamari and a clam-in-shell was just overdoing it. The consistency of the soup was also very thick. The cornbread was worse. It was really greasy and looked more like a large frittatta than a scrumptious cornbread. It was served with butter and a seasoned queso fresco. The queso was actually sensational, but the cornbread was such a dud, I actually think I enjoyed the butter more. An additional note: at lunchtime this place is pretty empty. Go around four or five. I think the bar is a better bet than the food.

    (2)

  • Steve K.

    I was very unimpressed. Ordering a generic beer (PBR) on draught should not cost me $6.75. That is completely ridiculous. Inside the heart of Boston or not, a draught PBR (or any beer of that caliber) should be no more than 4 bucks. I'm actually ashamed of this place for charging the same amount for draught beer as most places charge for mixed drinks. To top this off, the mixed drink I bought for a friend was 11 bucks! That is messed up. I'm sorry but a bottom shelf vodka and pineapple juice at $11 is just ludicrous (and I'm not talking about the rapper who is actually quite amazing). I will not be coming here again...

    (1)

  • Anita A.

    I've been here a couple times for drinks a while back with the afterwork crowd and never knew they served pretty darn good food here. I am glutton for anything with a taco shell, YUM! A friend and I had glanced over the menu a few times before finally deciding to come here for our hour lunch break. So glad we finally did. We both got the Hudson Valley Duck Tacos OMG!! I totally did my food happy dance along with lots of mmmmm's and yummy's lol They were so freaking delicious, it was savory, tart and sweet and just mmmmmmmmm yumtastic! The cranberry risotto in the pastry like taco shell was just the right balance of sweet and tart to cut through the duck I could have had wayyyy more than 2 tacos for lunch. BUT then we might have had to wait another 20 mins for the tacos to arrive at the table. The food fabulous, the really really long wait when your eying your watch to get back to your desk not so much. They did apologize about the delay, but still 20 mins was a long time to wait when you've only an hour for lunch including the walk back to work, so unfortunately we've yet to be back. But still YUM! After writing this I am now wondering if they do to-go, I might have to call and ask!!! So if your a duck fan you so have to order those duck taco's you will not regret it!!! :)

    (4)

  • Matthew P.

    I'm definitely over this place. First off, the food is way too pricey and not even that good, so even as a restaurant you lose points. The absolute worst part is the service. The waiters are SO rude and SO slow. I've never seen such an apathetic staff. From the time you walk in you are essentially treated like a herd of cattle. And once you sit down, forget trying to get prompt service. We were waiting 15 minutes for our waitress to come and take our drink order and decided to go to the bar and just get our own drinks. Well you can bet she saw us and told us we had to order from her. Fair enough. COME OVER THEN. We still had to wait another 5 minutes until she found some precious time. They are completely apathetic to their customers. And what's with all the bodyguards on a weeknight? It's not a marathon monday in Allston? We were also swealtering in the place. We were told the air was at full blast, but there was no air coming from the vents. When we went outside to go to another place the 90 degrees felt cool. I've tried to avoid this place at all costs but sometimes its inevitable when you are in a group. Next time I might just go home after work instead of dropping money on a bad time.

    (1)

  • Scott B.

    Oh, how this place has improved! The service was incredible, and the food was something you can't find anyplace else! The nachos were laced with spicy sensations and topped with cheesey chicken lovliness. As if the food wasn't good enough, the head chef actually came out and conversed with us about the food... thanking us for stopping in, and talking to us about the changes that have been happening at Rattlesnake. Previously, I've experienced really horrible service on the roof deck, so perhaps the difference is dining inside, downstairs.

    (5)

  • Amanda G.

    Things that are great about the Rattlesnake: 1. The roofdeck 2. The fish tacos 3. The crazy delicious seasoning that they put on their fries 4. The descent beer selection Things that make me want to scream about the Rattlesnake: 1. The service 2. The line to get on the roofdeck 3. No free refills on soda... even when you are sitting down for dinner? I went to the Rattlesnake for a late, after work dinner with a friend. We sat down, I got a beer (their selection isn't too bad) and my friend got a soda, and then a refill. By now you know that was a mistake. We each got tacos, chicken and fish. They were pretty good, except we each needed a bit more salsa. The waitress brough us each out a small side. We sat talking for quite a while and the waitress didn't try to rush us, which I did appreciate. The bill came and to our surprise our extra salsa cost us EACH 3.25! I mean, it's just descent bar food...

    (2)

  • Erika K.

    GIVE ME SOME NACHOS!!! The nachos are so amazing I would go here everyday if I was willing to have a heart attack. There is something different about their nachos that just sets them above the rest. Perfect amount of toppings with a special cheese sauce that just makes these nachos banging. Good service. Good wine. Salads are good. I haven't had anything else but the nachos and salad. BUT IT IS SO WORTH A TRIP FOR THE NACHOS!

    (4)

  • Rachel S.

    I didn't get to fully experience The Rattlesnake Bar in all its glory as it was too early for dinner when we stepped in here in search of some kind of happy hour. (FYI - I lived in Boston, but I was never informed that "drink specials" are basically illegal in the state of Massachusetts.) Happy Hour it was not. But become it did gradually... We sampled several of the special margaritas and the red wine sangria. The sangria was fairly organic, basically no fillers - very little if no carbonated beverage as an additive, just wine and fruit (fruit filtered out). The margaritas were kind of knock-outs when it came to flavor AND impact. Two margaritas was uh, more than plenty. We had one with blue curacao, the chocolate margarita (which, as described by the waiter, tasted like a chocolate orange. Very interesting.), the apple cinnamon margarita and... and another that's just lost in the banks of my memory. As I said - two whole margaritas was plenty. We had some fresh chips and salsas to accompany our private happy hour. GREAT chips, hot and freshly fried. The red salsa was good and fresh, the tomatillo-mint salsa a little on the minty side, and the tequila cream cheese dips was something I could have made at home. I would totally try The Rattlesnake for a full meal, as the menu and dessert selection looked surprisingly enticing. Rattlesnake cakes were an appetizer option. The desserts looked unorthodox and totally indulgent. The only downside, other than margaritas being $10+ (which in Boston is expected) was the staff seemed a little clueless. These were definitely young ladies with jobs, not necessarily epicureans with jobs that excite them. I asked several questions about the house made mix for the strawberry margarita, the cinnamon-sugar rim on the apple margarita. The waitress didn't have the answers, and when she returned from the kitchen where she had to take my questions, her answers were still a little vague. Eh, what can you do. I'm not in college and don't live in Boston anymore, but I'm glad that my visit back included The Rattlesnake.

    (3)

  • Myha N.

    I love this spot during the summer because of their rooftop deck. It fits about 95 people so I wouldn't recommend it if you have 20 people and can't show up early or dislike waiting in line. They don't have a cover charge unless you show up on Saturday nights after 10pm I believe. Most times I'm here after work or weekends during the day for the rooftop deck in the summer. My favorite item on the menu is their Poe Burger. Beware. It is pricy. For $19, this Kobe beef burger is stuffed with lobster, foie gras & black truffles & served with house-cured whiskey bacon, avocado & Irish porter cheese on brioche. I shared half the burger and it was plenty in my opinion. I shared the calamari and I wouldn't recommend it. It wasn't great or worth the money. I've also had the buffalo burger here and thought it was ok. Waitstaff is nice. Again, only issue here is that you'd have to wait in line to go upstairs or outside on weekends and really nice days after work.

    (4)

  • Arthur D.

    This place looks like a dump from the outside, but I stepped on the roof deck and had a blast. The chef was amazing bringing out the best Cesar salad, clam chowder with bacon and jalapenos, a BLT with thick bacon and a mustard mayo sauce that I wanted to bring home. Service sucked as it took 15 minutes to bring a drink, messed up our bill, but who cares cause the drinks were strong and the food was some of the best I have ever had in Boston.

    (4)

  • Jenn S.

    I went to Rattlesnake last night with some friends, with hopes of roof deck merriment. Unfortunately, the rain put the kabash on that. So we stayed downstairs. A friend and I got there earlier for dinner and the friendly, helpful host (who we did have to stand around for 5+ minutes waiting for), gladly let us sort of pick out our own area and commandeer some other tables for our large group. Our waitress was quick & friendly, but once the rest of our group came, she was almost MIA and constantly forgetting checks, drinks, etc. So, not great service for a large group. Drink-wise, my friend went with the special Watermelon Margarita (on the rocks), which she kept insisting had real watermelon in it. I went with the Blue Wave, which I think had Curacao in it? It was a fun blue, so sweet and tasty! My friend and I decided to share a salad, as neither of us was that hungry, and we went with the Azteca Taco Salad: Smoked chicken (I don't think it said smoked on the menu, but it certainly was!), Oaxaca cheese, butter-roasted corn (again, didn't say butter-roasted on the menu), refried beans (we went without these), avocado, tomatoes, scallions, Spanish onion, two lettuces & agua fresca vinaigrette. The real menu listed sun-dried tomato tortilla, which I think was the 2 tortilla chips it came with (it also came with a HOT salsa). I was actually glad it didn't come in a deep-fried shell, as those are just too darn resistable. And the croutons? AMAZING!! So soft and chewy and with great flavor! We did tell the waitress we were splitting it, so it would have been nice if it came already split, but she did bring 2 plates. It was just a somewhat hard meal to split, as the items weren't mixed in - they were placed in piles around the salad. However, this was FABULOUS and I would totally get it again and did recommend it that evening to friends. Unfortunately, the place is just SOO loud. We got there early, when it was not too crowded, and ould barely hear each other. Turn down the music, get more attentive servers, and it's a winner.

    (3)

  • Mallory D.

    I work in the hospitality industry, so I'm definitely not one to complain much. However, I had the absolute WORST service I've ever received while at the Rattlesnake yesterday. Three friends and I wanted to enjoy some drinks on the roofdeck while out on the town during a beautiful day yesterday, so we decided to get a table and order some drinks and apps. The friendly hostess sat us, and then we sat there for a legitimate 15 minutes without receiving ANY SERVICE at all. I appreciate servers sticking to their sections, but I will always approach a group of people who clearly have not been greeted, even if they are not in my section. I took note of several servers looking over to our table, making eye contact, and then walking away without a small little line, "Oh, your server will be right with you." Finally, before getting up and just leaving, a server came by, and of course, there was no apology for approaching us after so long. Instead, she blankly asked us what we wanted, and I swear, I felt like I was just bothering her for giving our order. Her attentiveness from that point on was, not surprisingly, terrible, and the watered-down margarita did not make up for the god-awful service. We ordered some chips, guacamole, and quesadillas, which were mediocre. I've eaten at the Rattlesnake before and have had a pleasant experience, but something about yesterday ruined it for me. I really hope that they start paying more attention to the caliber of service (e.g., space cadets) that is provided to guests, or I will just learn to avoid this place at all costs. I'd hate to continue to bother servers with my drink and food orders...god forbid...

    (1)

  • Rob C.

    My sister and i stumbled in here, completely throwing in the towel on xmas shopping after a whole hour and a half. Bitter cold, biting wind, and persisting snow (as well as my ill-advised decision to rely on chuck taylors to repel the slush for longer than 45 seconds) meant that it just wasn't the day to be trolling for gift ideas. So it was time to start drinking. And really, it was time to find the nearest bar possible to warm up with a cold beer. In this case, it was the Rattlesnake. I'd been here a few times before, and once during the brief interlude where it was known as something else. It's not bad. It has a great location and a well-known roof-deck. When neither of those other things are relevant, it tends not to be too crowded. At any rate, they have a decent selection of beers, and the food ranges from okay to really quite tasty. They had an appetizer special which involved popcorn and bacon which didn't really live up to the potential (come on, it had bacon!). The spicy grilled chicken wrap i had was pretty darn tasty, though, and the french fries are also yummy. Someday i'll have to try the roof deck, but even absent that obvious draw, it's a totally okay place to eat and drink.

    (3)

  • Shelly R.

    My friends make fun of me because I take everyone I know here and am constantly thinking of reasons to eat dinner at the Rattlesnake. This is NOT the Rattlesnake of 5 years ago - the ambiance is the same, expect a crowd on Friday night, a bar atmosphere and the stench of booze, but with your expectations set - it is fabulous! Poe's Kitchen is an unassuming delight! Brian Poe elevates the traditional bar scene to create a creative and exotic menu. He has so many rare meats on the menu- every time I try something different and I'm never disappointed! The items change seasonally staying with the Southwestern theme (not TX/CA but like real middle-Southwest, think AZ/NM flavors). Try the margaritas, they are awesome - and do yourself a favor and go on a Fall/Spring day and sit at the bar on the roofdeck, you will feel like you never want to leave. My favorite is the nachos (ask for the habenero sauce to give it a kick), the mushroom appetizer, the steak frites. I've tried a number of exotic meat taco variations and they are all amazing.

    (4)

  • Renee B.

    Ok so Five stars might be a little strong but Chef Poe has a great menu that delivers the flavor. The pear margarita was also very good with the 5 chinese spice rim. I am not sure why it has such low reviews but it is a very different place than Rattlesnake of old. We had the trio of guacamole - which included mango, beet and regular. It had a lot of zing with small pieces of jalapeño (which is nice to see). The mango was the best. I liked the beet but not a crowd favorite. We also had the short rib taco. Holy horseradish (but in a great way) perfectly braised nice balance of flavors. Yum.

    (5)

  • Kristine A.

    Are you for real? What on earth happened to this place? Why are they trying to be some hoity-toity type place all of a sudden or maybe I just haven't been in a while. But for one thing they have basically no vegetarian options at all on their menu which sucks ass. This place has completely changed there menu & not necessarily for the better either. I am so displeased on so many levels.

    (1)

  • Steve S.

    I really like this place. No its not a martini bar or a glamorous lounge. The Rattlesnake is just an unpretentious place with really decent food. First the Rattlesnake is the main place. It is designed well with 9 or ten tvs conveniently situated around the bar. Venom is the lounge upstairs, and they have a popular roofdeck as well. They have recently introduced a quasi Mexican flair to their old menu. Had the the salad, which was both colorful and flavorful and of course the scallop tacos The tacos are worth mentioning, because they had a nice healthy kick, not crazy, but hot....They may have been some of the tasty tacos I have had in recent memory For dessert, I had the pecan pie. I went to New Orleans, so I am somewhat of an authority...but this pie was crazy good. It was sweet from the filling, salty from the pecans and creamy from the ice cream....all at once. Great piece of pie. I like the Snake, because it is just a simple place with simply good food

    (5)

  • Julia C.

    The boy and I came out here for a free tequila and contortionist show last night. We didn't manage to get in, as there was a long long line, and ended up getting a few drinks and watching the Sox game. We had delicious tanqueray gin and tonics for $6 each, which isn't bad, considering that the bartender was generous with the gin, and it was served in a full pint sized glass. We also got nachos mama to snack on. I am not a huge fan of your regular greasy nachos covered in gooey cheese that leaves a pile of oil at the bottom. But I really enjoyed Rattlesnake Bar's take on nachos - it was made with homemade tortilla chips, used fresh goat cheese chunks, generous portions of shredded steak, and lots of fresh lettuce, beans and tomatoes. It tasted more like a delicious, guilt-free taco salad. Our waitress was very friendly and kept checking on us frequently to make sure that our booze and water glasses were filled. I can definitely see myself coming back here on weekday nights to catch up with friends over yummy drinks and trying out more snack foods. Decent find!

    (4)

  • Jessica T.

    Food was great! Open till 1:30 am with great food!!

    (5)

  • Larissa C.

    I like their rooftop patio.... and that's about it. This place is generic Boston bar to the max, average drinks, average service, average music. End transmission.

    (2)

  • Heather O.

    Sausage 'Fest. Once a douche bar, always a douche bar

    (2)

  • Kate K.

    Decent food, maybe I was expecting really gross food, but the burger was good- it was dripping with fat, but that's what made it good! cant beat the roof deck!!

    (3)

  • Mike L.

    Just hip enough to be located in Back Bay without being to pretentious. Decor is nice and clean and the restaurant seems relatively large, but around 6:30 on a Sunday it wasn't very busy. Beers and cocktails are of medium quality and price, nothing to write home about. Skipped on the appetizers and went right for the main course. I had the much talked about Wild Boar Burrito, and it certainly delivered on flavor. I couldn't really say the boar was a standout, however I can say it was extremely tender without falling apart, and seasoned very well. The green chile puree was essentially mixed up with the verde rice, so I couldn't tell the two apart. Can't say that the "IPA infused" refried beans really tasted like IPA (though I'm not sure I'd want them to). The boar bacon was essentially large lardons, still a little chewy but since they were cut into cubes I wouldn't want them any crispier. Overall the meal as a whole was very good, filling yet flavorful. My only real negative critique was the bottom of the burrito wrap was burnt. This actually wasn't a huge detractor though, it added a nice smokiness, but I don't think it was intended. Oh, and forget any notion of actually picking this up and eating it, it's certainly a fork and knife burrito. The other negative critique I had was the service. As empty as the restaurant was, it was certainly slow. Our server didn't really wait for an answer when she swung by and asked if everything was alright, and we had to choke down our mouthful of food and call her back to order more drinks. She also forgot my last beer order, but thankfully it wasn't on the check. A good spot for a more than good meal, and the price point actually puts it in an affordable range. I'll most likely go back to try out their rooftop area.

    (4)

  • Melissa W.

    This is a great place for a group gathering... I've organized a few group events here with great success. The roofdeck is awesome. The food is good... I've never had anything amazing here, but its good, solid bar food with a little Southwestern kick to it.

    (4)

  • Catherine S.

    Three stars = A-OK, and that's pretty accurate for Rattlesnake. Yes, there's sidewalk seating and a roof deck which is totally awesome, but beyond that, the place is pretty average. The beer selection isn't anything breathtaking, and the food is just-above-average bar food. I had a chicken torta which was fine, I've had burgers before that were good... But on my most recent trip, my boyfriend got the spicy cubano tacos... BIG no-no. He loves spicy food, and even he was uncomfortable with the level of heat (chugging ice water to a point where he was shivering cold). I'll certainly be back here, and I recommend stopping by, but just keep in mind you likely won't be blown away!

    (3)

  • Rebecca K.

    Dear waitresses of Rattlesnake Bar, I get it. You're a waitress at a cool, hip place in downtown Boston. Throw on something skin tight, cleavage-y, short, and black and your tips are sure to increase. But you're really lovely girls who would still look really cute in something a little longer. And you might look like you were a bit more comfortable and trying less hard. And you still might get good tips. Sincerely, A rather unimpressed patron

    (2)

  • Ali L.

    Best nachos I have ever had!

    (5)

  • Bethany F.

    I'd give this place a 3.5 if the stars had half options. We had our first monthly ladies night meetup on the roofdeck here last week. It was easy to park on the street after work, and easy to access from the T, which made it a great location for us. The food was good. I wouldn't say it blew my mind but everything was cooked properly and had flavor. Some portions were smaller than we expected for the price. The drinks were just ok. The sangria was heavily wine and contained fewer fruit components than I'm used to (others at the table commented on how dry and 'winey' our pitcher was). Someone got the raspberry margarita which i tasted and wasn't overly impressed. The bathroom upstairs was SO tiny though, and the hand dryer was positioned above the tp (who designed that, really). Weird. I'd definitely come back here for some drinks again for the location alone though.

    (3)

  • MyTwoCent S.

    Only go here if you want FEATHERS ON YOUR CHICKEN WINGS! I ordered Chipotle Chicken Wings for takeout yesterday and after eating two, I noticed something unusual on one of the wings. What looked like shredded bbq chicken, was actually ChiCkeN FeAtHeRs stuck to the wing!! BARF!!!! GROSSSSS! I immediately dropped everything and was ready to vomit! QuaLity ConTrol is Serious Lacking at this nasty restaurant! Don't go unless you want grossed out!

    (1)

  • Jack M.

    We went back here last week after work, hoping for an experience similar to last time. It was pretty much a FAIL. - It was after work, close to 6PM, and we wanted dinner. We walked in and wanted to sit at the tables in the back but were told they weren't seating anyone there yet (??) and so we had to sit at one of those tall bar tables. Our waitress was pretty slow. We got a beer, and a mixed drink which was too watered down - scotch and soda, if I recall. It was really weak. We got tacos: Duck and Lamb. The duck taco came in this W shaped thing, and while the dish was good, it was hard to eat (you have to like, split it into edible seperate tacos, making a mess as you do so). The duck was nice and tender but there wasn't much of it. Certainly not enough to justify the $13 price tag. Lamb "tacos" were served open faced on 3 seperate little round soft taco shell things. They were small. The lamb was not tasty, mired in some kinda weird sauce that I wasn't a fan of, and the lamb itself was VERY FATTY. One taco I simply couldn't eat. I had to spit it out and gave up. Nothing turns me off more than not being able to actually chew the food in front of you. We had split these expensive "tacos" and we were still STARVING. We were going to order another drink, and more food, but our waitress disappeared, and we didn't feel like spending another $30 just to fill up. We left. We went to Flash's which isn't that far away, spent $10 each on some EXCELLENT stuff - and were happy there for hours afterwards. - I'm done with the Rattlesnake.

    (2)

  • Andrew M.

    Single handedly the worst bar in Boston. They tried to turn a bride and her wedding party away, then refused to serve shots to anyone in that party and the selection of drinks is poor. Don't ever plan to party or drink here as they'll tell you what you can and can't drink. Managerial staff are rude and judging.

    (1)

  • Craig K.

    I went to the rattle snake last weekend. It was an alright bar, and by that i mean they served drinks and there wasn't any puke on the ground. Then two of my friends (male and female) went outside for a cigarette, and stood in the designated smoking area ~10 feet away from the door/doorman. When trying to get back in, the bouncer at the door said that he remembered the female but not the male, telling him that he would have remembered him exiting. After arguing for a bit, the selective-memory'd bouncer stood his ground. My two friends decided that we'd go to another bar, and let the girl in to go and get us. Also, he told an indoor bouncer to accompany her (for god knows what reason). Now, I'm standing there at the bar near the "dance floor" at the back of the first floor, watching my friends make fools of them selves hitting of the meager selection of dancers. My female friend and accompanying bouncer come up to me, and the bouncer says "you have to leave". I look at him, and its your run of the mill thick necked, stiff haired, fake tanned, height-complexed bouncers, and i put his command into question, as i was doing absolutely nothing wrong. Keep in mind at this point, i had no idea they wouldn't let my friend back in. After a few more times of my asking him "why do i need to leave, I've done nothing wrong" and him stupidly repeating the exact same phrase "you have to leave", he proceeds to grab me from my back, and starts violently shoving me through the back of the dance floor, through the tables of people and people sitting/waiting at the bar, through the entrance, where newcomers are probably regretting their decision, and out the front door, where I was pushed so hard that i nearly fell on my face as I tumbled out onto the streets in front of a line of people waiting to get in. At this point i notice my female friend had been following behind the bouncer the entire time yelling at him (I didn't notice because, you know, i was in disbelief that i was being forcibly removed by someone with nothing else to live for). She was receiving the same one phrased response "get out of here". We left, angered for the rest of the night. Thanks Rattlesnake, you ruined my weekend. I usually like to tell these stories with emotions removed so that people reading just get the facts and can judge themselves, but there's something about being physically mistreated by a complete stranger for no reason that really pisses me off. I hope this story gets at least a few people looking for a new place to go somewhere else. Boylston Street has many, many bars; it doesn't need this one.

    (1)

  • Devangb B.

    Ended up here yesterday since was in the area and was pouring cats and dogs outside to watch the world cup soccer game. It was very quiet, perhaps because it was Saturday afternoon. They were showing the game indeed but no sound for the soccer game but were playing music. I asked the bar-tender if they would be able to change the sound to play the sound of the soccer game and he said, that they were playing the music of the iPod from downstairs and didnt even know where it was, Agreed that the clientele did not care for the game but Can you atleast put the subtitles on?? Dont know how to do it!, What kind of a place is this, why have TV's if you cant change the sound or put the subtitles on ??? The beer poured had an inch of head, please learn to pour a beer and give me my full pint... Just had a guacamole , it was quite alright..., but this place isnt getting my business again...., maybe just for average quality food

    (2)

  • Dan C.

    I try not to let single instances of poor customer service really slaughter a reputation for an entire business BUT... The other night I went to rattlesnake for the first time looking for drinks/dancing/debauchery. I realized 30 minutes into my stay at Rattlesnake that I wasn't likely to see anything of these things in nearly the quantity I was looking, so I decided to cut my losses. I went BACK to the over crowded bar and asked the bartender to cash out my MASSIVE one drink tab and call it a night. She disappeared and came back a few minutes later with nothing but a dumbfounded look on her face. Apparently they had no record of my tab or credit card. Consequently my wallet had no record of the precious credit card it used to hold! In disbelief that this Houdini trick inspired bar made my credit card disappear in 30 minutes, I went outside to make sure none of my friends had grabbed it. They hadn't. Upon TRYING to renter the bar, Rattlesnake's gorilla-like bounces rudely refused me entry. When I explained that the bartender lost my card, the bouncer instantly labeled me as drunk (after my 30 minute, one drink stay) and belligerent and kicked me out. Finally one of friends on the inside (this sounds like prison) tracked down the bartender who "misplaced" my card and dragged it out of her back pocket where she apparently forgot it. In the real world THIS IS CREDIT CARD THEFT. Seriously, I know in Boston bouncers aren't known for being humanitarians, and bartenders aren't rocket scientists, but really? These fine folk managed to mar my opinion of this place to hell.

    (1)

  • Lisa R.

    First off, holy cornbread. Moist, amazing, flavorful, and hearty. I drank something tropical, fruity and pink off the menu. It was strong and yummy. The nachos were HUGE but a little disappointing. The cheese sauce looked and tasted more like sour cream, the chips weren't crunchy enough and got soggy too quickly. My friend's beef briscuit and brie au jus was amaaaaazing and tender and delicious. At the end we wished there was more and lamented the small portion. We didn't end up seeing most of the place because we were seated so far up front near the window, but it seemed nice enough. We were curious what it would be like at night as a bar. We originally came to try the rattlesnake cakes (think crabcake with snake meat) but they didn't have the snake prepared. It may be because we came in the afternoon, so if you come early don't expect to be able to try it. Overall, we liked it. Cornbread was a must-try. Expect to spend money. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Craig C.

    Chef Brian Poe has made the Rattlesnake a whole new world. We went in for my B-day and he took great care of us! Wild Boar tacos = Awesome (and spicy) Fish Tacos = oh my God! So Good Sirloin Tacos = Orgasm Pizza with roni, mushrooms Foie Gras = Very different and delish! He also tried out a new app on us with Tuna rolled in something which I would remember better if I hadn't been drinking Tequila. All Good. Get over there and eat!

    (5)

  • Dan C.

    Shock. Shock and awe are my only thoughts for you, Chef Brian Poe. I'm not sure what possessed you to take on the culinary hellhole that was Rattlesnake, but you managed to bring the mightiest of pimp-hands and slapped it into submission, turning out something even an OG-Triple-OG would be proud of. Okay, I'm done with my pimp references. Yeah, everyone loves the Rattlesnake for it's rooftop bar, which is always full of hot twenty- and thirty-somethings who are looking to get sloshed and make some mistakes, but now you can go and love the food. The Wild Boar Tacos ($12)--Chipotle-stuffed, serrano-rubbed boar with roasted sweet potato-habañero salsa--were out of this world. Apparently they were too much for Cappy, but not nearly as spicy as I expected. Also the corn pudding amazing. In the word's of Tracy Morgan, "I love this corn bread so much, I want to take it behind a middle school and get it pregnant." Bottom Line: Not sure if it has reached the level of great date spot, since, you know, it's still the Rattlesnake.

    (4)

  • Calli C.

    I met a friend here after work to have some drinks and catch up. I figured I should give them another shot. We sat at the bar and ordered some drinks; I had the punch and she had a raspberry lime rickey (alcoholic, of course!). The bartender, Bonnie, was really friendly but never bothered us, as we had a lot to talk about and catch up on. She made us another round of drinks and recommended that we order the chicken wings if we were getting a bit peckish. They were baked, not fried, which we both appreciated, and were about medium spicy, which was a good level for both of us as I can't do very spicy things but she loves a little spice. There were about 7 wings, with a little bit of celery and bleu cheese, so it was a good thing to whet the appetite with. After we headed out, I had the worst indigestion and was sick to my stomach all night. I would honestly give this place two stars for the food, one for not being all that tasty and for making me sick, but for the quality of service.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth E.

    5 stars for the roof-top deck....if you can manage to fight your way into the bar AND if you can then manage to negotiate the really long wait inside the bar to get up to the privileged location. This is one much cherished location. Otherwise, its just a nice bar in which to hang out with a medium sized group of friends. The wait-staff was friendly, but overly conscientious about some unseen list of rules that made the service feel inflexible and unhelpful. For example, our group moved over two tables and our server made us close out our tab for the move. Also, we were admonished for standing near our table on the rooftop deck...I mean really....? I didn't try the food, but apparently the chef is well-known and the people I was with had a decidedly favorable opinion of their meals. There was a standard (but limited) selection of beers on tap. The night I was there it was far to hot to enjoy the bar comfortably and it was very crowded.

    (2)

  • Jessica P.

    Love that they've done a huge turn around in the past year. Before it was drab and nothing special. I've been here many times since the changes for drinks, sometimes it's packed sometimes its not, but mostly a good time. They have a creative and pretty extensive drink list. My favorites are the bluebeery mint mojito and the Bostonian margarita with silver tequila, orange liqueur, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, and a prosecco float, yum! The Baked brie is sooo good. Not very big portion but very rich. It may sound weird because it has beets but they definitely don't taste 'beety,' they're almost like a spicy/sweet. The crust is perfectly flaky making a great texture combo with the creamy brie and savory vinaigrette. I went out with two of my friends and we all decided to try one of there many tacos they offer, so many different kinds. I had the quail tacos and they were awesome! Possibly too much oil but they were still delicious I couldve eaten 3 more. My friends had the fish tacos and pork tacos, both enjoyed them. They're sangria is really yummy as well as they're margaritas. Also great is if you ask for a splash of chambord in your margarita it's only 75 cents upcharge which is a steal considering some places will charge you $3-$5. I didn't give them 5 stars because the crowd can get pretty cheeseballish at times and some (def not all) of the staff can be snotty and the hostess will alwayssss try and seat you at the table by the front windows even though no one wants to sit there in the winter because the cold air is pouring through that area and the heat is barely felt.

    (4)

  • Alyson G.

    I dream about the Nachos from the Rattlesnake. Tortilla chips covered with a delicious queso blend, topped with salsa, steak or chicken and all the fixings. Oh my god, they are amazing. And when the weather is nice, there is nothing better than Poe's nachos and a drink on the roof top patio. Love this place.

    (5)

  • Wei W.

    I think we've all been to much better bars. But at midnight at Saturday night when you've been walking around the Boylston Street/Back Bay area and have hit almost every bar, it's nice to actually be able to sit down on the roofdeck and drink a sangria (or a pitcher-full). Other than that, I think that's the only thing going for Rattlesnake. Depending on the night, the crowd can be in their 20s or much older (the weeknights are mainly worker drones in their 30s+). The TVs are a nice touch, although with all the people standing in the way and no way to change the station, the programming can be pretty gross (c'mon, if there's a Red Sox game playing, I kinda want to see the score every once in awhile). Personally, I like lounges more than this place.

    (2)

  • Max K.

    definitely like whats going on here at the rattlesnake. the place is revived and now a destination as opposed to a convenient place to get drinks. I had the chili wings with scallion blue cheese. the marinade/sauce was awesome. I'd specially like to point out the bar manager, julien i believe his name was. Excellent customer service and really made me feel welcome at the bar. I was entertained by the fact that he was infusing liquors at the bar and trying to create new drinks. he also took the time to explain it to me, which was really cool. I def look forward to returning and trying the new concoctions he makes up. Cheers!

    (4)

  • Lisa R.

    After reading the latest Yelp newsletter about fish tacos, and seeing the recommendation by Sheila S. for the ones here at the Rattlesnake Bar, I of course HAD to go, since it's so close to where I work. My boss and I came here for lunch today, and both ordered them. Oh. my. god. The fish was so light and cooked so nicely, we both devoured them. They come with a lot of hot peppers, and some really nice cole slaw mixed in on top of the tacos. They don't skimp on anything here. Seriously good stuff. We sat on the roof deck, which made me feel like we were at a party. The host and waitress were both super nice, too. I will come here often for lunch, now that I know how good this place is. I had a glass of the white sangria. It wasn't the best sangria, but it did the trick.

    (5)

  • Ali H.

    We went for the roof top bar on a nice Friday night during the summer, but it wasn't open. It was frustrating because the only reason we chose that bar was for the outdoor seating option. Drinks were still good

    (2)

  • Daniel M.

    Most of the time I would rather die than go to a bar/restaurant in this area. I get my fill of popped collars and Aqua di Gio working amongst the masses downtown so I don't need to surround myself with it after hours. Cut to me coming to the Rattlesnake once a week for nearly two months this summer. Now, this wasn't of my doing it was pre-arranged for my run club but I am glad it was. I'll start with the good. The food. Who would have known? I often complain that the Mexican food in this area leaves much to be desired so imagine my surprise when I find non traditional fare that is both delicious and arrives in a decent portion. "Fancy-Mex makes me roll my eyes and if you bring me a plate with squiggles of sauce you might get punched in the face but they've managed to up the ante and remain hearty. Well done there. Everything I've had here has been absolutely delicious. The chips and salsa alone are worth a sample and the tequila cream cheese...oh man. My favorite items however happen to be the fish tacos and the grilled corn bread. My god the cornbread. I can't possibly explain in words how freaking good the cornbread is you just have to try it. If you get nothing else there get the cornbread. Now...the bad. The service is good when it's good and wretched when it's bad. We had one waitress that forgot our water order for nearly 40 minutes after we had asked several times. Most of our requests were answered with "Uh..." and she was defensive when we had to re-explain our orders upon receipt of the wrong items. However, there are great servers here that always bring their A game remember and deliver large orders and manage to do so with a smile and friendly chatter so not all is lost. It's just a crap shoot what you're going to end up with. If you're in the area and have a rumble in your belly head on in for the corn bread. It's worth the trip for sure.

    (3)

  • Jackie G.

    Obviously one of its appeals is the roof deck which is always nice on sunny summer days however you are lucky if you are able to get up there and when you do get up there you are lucky to actually get a table and if you are lucky enough to get on the roof and sit at a table, the roof deck offers you the lovely view of the side of other buildings. Oh and its always super crowded. I have been here numerous times and have never been overly impressed but it is pretty hard to wow me. The bartenders aren't horrible but they arent great and the same goes for the drinks. I have only eaten here once and for the life of me cannot remember what I had but I do have to say the food here looks amazing but i cannot testify to the taste.

    (3)

  • Ewa T.

    So outside of experiencing the worst server in the history of servers, the food and atmosphere was just a very so-so experience. loved being outdoors, but on a rooftop that has no view and that is cramped with really bad lawn furniture, I really can't see myself returning to this crap and paying $ to eat horrendous food. Beware the people on a hot summer day, they can get nasty! Will not return.

    (2)

  • Bryanne R.

    Solid bar. I was here on a Thursday and it was quiet. Probably 10 people, so we sat at the bar and enjoyed some super awesome chicken fingers. Here on a Saturday once...PACKED. Lots of fun...great drinks...nice bartenders...and if you're lucky....a guy might slip you his business card via the goodbye handshake ... ;-) 8/07 update - roofdeck review - you might as well be having drinks on the sidewalk. There's NO view here - you're surrounded by buildings and there are too many lights to see the stars. There's no music and it's a more sit and talk with the people you came with atmosphere. Don't wait in line to go up.

    (3)

  • Dave M.

    The 'Snake get's 3 instead of 4 stars for being hit or miss. I went for the first time on Friday and had a great time. It was my b-day out with my friends and had lots of fun. Great place for us to all sit and chill. I will say that it was pretty empty though, not that I minded that night, but sounds like some nights it's packed others empty (there were literally 10 other people there after our group), so you'll never know what you'll get there. That said it's def worth checking out esp if you're ambivalent about having a crazy or a chill night.

    (3)

  • Christine K.

    I have never eaten here so I can't give a review on the food but nothing on the menu really looked too great to me. However I really like the roof deck bar, nice crowd and nice bartenders. Drinks are very good and just a fun atmosphere to hang out outside and have some drinks...can't wait for the rain to stop so I can finally enjoy this spot!

    (4)

  • Derek H.

    Had a great celebration of my bro's 30th bday here! All 24 of us fit at the tables set up in there, and the waitress was really cool. The chef came out, let us taste test some of their spiciest sauces, etc. Had the burger and fries, which was good and filling. Drinks and apps are def this place's best qualities, along with the atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Michele A.

    I had so much fun! I didn't eat anything so I don't know about the food but for my first bar/club experience, I had a ton of fun!

    (4)

  • Christian H.

    Short of the roof deck I'm really not sure why people go here. The service sucks and the food isn't even good as far as bar food goes. The roof deck IS amazing, and I appreciate that there's basically never a line for this place since it's so huge... but yeah. Not the most amazing place ever.

    (2)

  • G. C.

    Bad experience. At the door while waiting to get inside, the bouncer asked for my ID. I gave it to him and mentioned that it was military and the age was on the back - which I usually do since not everyone sees them often. His knee jerk reaction was to tell me not to tell him how do his job and I needed a 10 minute penalty to wait in line longer - WTF? After getting inside, I waited at the bar for about 20 minutes waiting for a drink. The bar had 2 bartenders (maybe 3?) and about 50 people waiting for drinks. I heard the roof deck was great which is a shame. Definitely never going back after being treated like shit by the doorman.

    (1)

  • James M.

    Food is good but the service is usually bad and they've taken to overcharging when they get a chance - check the bill VERY carefully. Have finally decided never to go back. I'll miss the tacos by they aren't worth the hassle.

    (1)

  • A. T.

    I was a little apprehensive about eating here, because it looked like your usual WASP-populated, downtown-Boston, happy-hour bar where food is an afterthought. Don't know about all these negative reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised. Unique fish tacos, interesting jalapeno clam chowder, and fantastically tasty grilled cheese.

    (4)

  • Robyn L.

    I'm not so into with the main bar here because it just seems like one big drink dispenser for the massive groups of people lingering around. You know what I mean... it's that whole get-your-drink-and-get-out-of-the-way system. Not a bad thing in a bar if you just want to get drunk, but I like my bars to have a bit more personality. The drinks are cheap though! And there are lots of TVs that I imagine make for good Sox viewing. The roof deck on the other hand is fabulous. Go up there, get a table with friends, order a pitcher and enjoy the summer breeze. That's the way to do it.

    (3)

  • Jeffrey K.

    This place is way too smug for its own good. The food is mediocre along with the drinks. The crowd is overly pretentious for reasons I can't fathom. The thing that gets to 2 stars is the roof deck. That's pretty sweet.

    (2)

  • Lora B.

    "Zero Stars" This is the first HORRIBLE restaurant experience I have had in a long time. Last week I joined a friend at Rattlesnake for dinner, and the horrible service began as soon as we sat down. To start I ordered a cocktails, it two main ingredients were supposed to be cucumber and orange juice, but all I could taste was vodka.For an appetizer we ordered the chips with beet, mango, and regular guacamole. The guac was bland, and portions were tiny tiny. We finished the guac before even 1/4 of the chips were eaten. Trying to solve this problem, we tried to get the waitress's attention so that we could order some salsa. This took ten minutes....and did I mention the restaurant was empty?Not cool. For an entree I ordered the chicken tacos; this was the most unappetizing part of the meal. The tortillas were soggy and burnt tasting. The chicken was stringy and super dry. I would not recommend this place to anyone (unless you are looking for spotty service and unappetizing food that is not cheap)

    (1)

  • Eve G.

    This place...is gross. My boyfriend and I came here on a rainy day because it was so bad out that we just wanted some refuge. Well, we clearly picked the wrong place. Service was very slow, and we were one of maybe three tables in the joint at the time. We asked for no onions in the salad (twice, might I add, just in case she forgot), and voila, we got onions. The avocado was browning (sorry, but if I'm paying for avocado, it better not be brown), and the corn bread "croutons" were soggy and too sweet! The steak quesadilla was a nasty spongy filled pocket of fajita-like fillings. There were way too many green peppers in this dish, and the garlic naan as a "tortilla" idea didn't work out as well as it sounded. We tried the place, and will never go back unless we are stranded on a desert island, and it is the only place open. Actually...I take that back. First, we'll probably try to catch a fish or break open a coconut.

    (1)

  • Hailey T.

    Just stopped in searching for a drink. Found one quickly. I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted, so the friendly bartender made me a signature mix of his, no idea what it was, but it made me glad I stopped in. We were in there at an off hour, so it wasn't packed and we sat downstairs at the main bar, I hear the roof is much better. I could give this place another chance easily.

    (3)

  • Julie R.

    I would give this place 3 stars. The location is great and the bar is cool especially the roofdeck where we went. Although the roof deck is small its the only one in the area. It can get pretty packed up there and you are lucky to get a table. One con is that you can't see over the sides of it and the walls are like 12 feet high so you can only see up. If people are smoking it tends to linger around you cause your kind of in a "box" and theres not really a breeze. The drinks were ok. I thought the rum/coke I ordered should of been served in a smaller glass cause the glass was like 12 ounces and it just tasted watered down. The server was nice but somewhat slow. Boucers out front were very nice.

    (3)

  • Charles F.

    The Rattlesnake Bar on Boylston Street is not a newcomer to the Back Bay neighborhood. It's been around since 1990, but it received a well-executed face lift over the summer. The food is also looking good, and better yet, it tastes good, too. The Rattlesnake became more than just a bar in February with the addition of Poe's Kitchen, the brainchild of Chef Brian Poe, who brings a menu of predominantly Mexican-inspired recipes. With the addition of Poe's impressive ability to create imaginative and fantastic meals to enjoy, the Rattlesnake transforms into a place for hitting a night on the town, as well as for delightful food. The bar's attendees can be found catching the night's sports game on one of the many large TV screens mounted on the back wall. The décor upholds a smooth and trendy theme of soft black, red, and blue coming from the small tiles lining the walls. The walls feature artwork that reflects the Mexican-style food. The Rattlesnake Bar and Poe's Kitchen do a commendable job of blending two different scenes into a single downtown hotspot. A trendy bar and late-night destination featuring fun events and attractions such as Latin Nights and DJs also houses a restaurant home to an innovative chef offering dynamic meals. All of the entrees are $15 or less, and cocktails like the Signature Rattlesnake Sangria and Watermelon Margarita are only $7, making the Rattlesnake affordable for a fun night out with friends followed by a satisfying brunch the next morning. An enthralling and original appetizer featured on Poe's menu is the Infamous Avocado, $12. In a nice presentation, half of a pitted avocado is grilled and cooled, then lobster with black pepper-lavender crème fraiche is placed in the available pocket. Drizzled in San Joaquin avocado oil, this dish starts the meal off on the right foot, bringing the surprisingly agreeable flavors of lobster and avocado together in a single, wonderful bite. Other appetizers on the menu include homemade Lime-Zested Chips, $7, with fresh salsa and tequila cream cheese, Chipotle Wings, $9, with smoked jalapeños and scallion-poblano-blue cheese dipping sauce, and a small selection of spicy soups and salads. The Chicken Quesadilla, $11, is a delicious take on what could be a very simple dish. Serrano chile-beer can chicken provides fantastic flavor that is only made better with the addition of spicy Hatch green chiles and sweet Montezuma mango salsa. Other entrees Poe offers include traditional burritos, tacos and sandwiches with an extra spicy kick. The Mexican Meatball Sub, $13, consists of spicy albondigas with pepperjack and cilantro-chipotle juice on a toasted baguette - an interesting combination. The dessert menu promotes several inventive ideas that play out to be wonderful finales. In particular, the S'mores-Style Ice Cream Sandwich, $6, touches on all of our childhood indulgences while sticking with the restaurant's classy atmosphere. Needless to say, there are two graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. But here the simple camping treat becomes a well-presented delight with strawberry ice cream resting between the two crackers. And the chocolate and marshmallow are not where you would expect. Instead, the chocolate is drizzled over the entire dish, and mini-marshmallows are sprinkled over that. This dessert ought to be a favorite to anyone with even the slightest sweet tooth. A small but satiating brunch menu is available on Sundays. Poe's Signature Omelette, $10, is packed with fresh vegetables and fabulous flavors. Crimini mushrooms, truffles, and oven-roasted tomatoes, along with chopped asparagus and minced basil sitting in plenty of fontina cheese create a superb omelet with notable and agreeable flavors. Served with a side of complementary home fries, this omelet is even more enticing with a dash of Cholula hot sauce that sits at every table. Other brunch items available include eggs benedict, $9, with a kick of jalapeno hollandaise and Surf 'n' Turf, $15, a grilled hangar steak with fresh crab meat served with a side of eggs.

    (4)

  • Courtney H.

    Wow! I was impressed with how much this food has changed. Went here last night for a meal after reading how Brian Poe had updated the food. When I went a few years ago, I just remember eating not so good food. So not so good that I stayed away for a couple years. Last night I ordered the chips and salsa. The chips were fresh and homemade and I loved the flavored cream cheese. Then my boyfriend and I got the jalapeno fried chicken sandwich to split. YUM! It was very lightly fried, not greasy, and I think it was the juiciest piece of chicken I've ever had on a sandwich. It had a great mayo on it and whatever salsa they put on it as well. Immediately after eating, I said we had to come back to try more of the new food. And I will definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Aditi R.

    4 stars simply because I enjoyed their roofdeck. Even though it was cold outside it was just less stuffy and nicer to sit and have a drink with friends especially after a terrible experience at another recently opened venue. The place is pretty big and is on two levels. I haven't had the food, but the drinks are decent and are fairly priced. The music is quite simply bar music with the occasional popular house thrown in. But most of all, I enjoyed upstairs on their roofdeck. Granted it's squashed between tall buildings and doesn't have a view. But it's just the chance of coming up to have a breather in the fresh (albeit cold) air and that made such a difference. A great way to end a night. And I certainly wouldn't mind coming back to here to start it either.

    (4)

  • Shannon F.

    I don't know why people have such a problem with this place. The only thing i have a problem with is the fact that their "roof" deck features nothing more than a view of the walls of other buildings that actually surround you. Being able to see the sky is nice, but you can often see that from a sidewalk so I feel like it's a tiny bit over-rated. Other than that, i've been there twice for lunch and dinner and I found myself enjoying my selections both times... granted, they were sandwiches, but as a sandwich-lover I would say that they were definitely above average. Also... my gin and tonic was served in a large glass and made pretty liberally. The service was also perfectly acceptable (except for one time on the roof deck) so... food? tasty drinks? STRONG Service? decent roofdeck? makes this place better than places with out any sort of roofdeck.

    (3)

  • Alan B.

    A roof deck makes this place a must on hot days, but that's pretty much all it has going for it. The food is pretty awful. We got an order of tortilla chips with three salsas. I figured this is kind of hard for any place to botch, not to mention a TexMex joint. Unfortunately, they did. The salsa fresca was really bland and unseasoned, the minted tomatillo salsa tasted like dishwater and soap, and the tequila cream cheese, while good, just doesn't belong. One thing this place had that was pretty nice were their bucket specials of beer. However, I went there earlier this week and they didn't have them anymore. Too bad; the food's gone down hill, and now the drinks are slipping, too. Ownership should really take notice.

    (2)

  • Andy C.

    Entering Poe's at Rattlesnake around 8pm, just before the switch from restaurant to bar/nightspot, I knew what I was getting into, and tried to be accommodating. I was waiting for a friend anyways, so I didn't mind the fact that after five minutes of standing at the host stand, I still hadn't seen the hostess. I don't mind waiting for a table, but there's something about walking into a restaurant and have to wait to even be greeted that just doesn't sit well with me. Thankfully a passing waitress noticed the scene and graciously sat us in her section. She had great timing, coming over just as we needed a refill or to check in, and knew the menu enough to describe the general elements of each plate. Overall, decent service for the previously-noted transitionary period. On atmosphere- there were a handful of tables that came straight from the board room and by the time we arrived were getting pretty rowdy. Something to keep in mind if you're considering something a little more low key and quiet. I love the menu here; you can tell it's well thought out and trying to push that Back Bay business class into the direction of creative cuisine, even when they're just looking for a simple taco or nacho plate. However, an idea is only worth what it took you to think of it if not executed to a caliber that reflects that thoughtfulness. In this regard, Poe's left me wanting. I ordered the Hudson Valley Duck Tacos with cranberry-rosemary risotto. A molasses-cola brined duck breast was completely lost because of over-grilling, rendering a piece of meat comparable to flank steak, flash-grilled. Tough, lifeless brown meat where once a gorgeous crimson duck breast once resided. Duck is such a fickle meat that must be prepared with care, and where this wasn't it brought the whole dish down. The risotto was good for one bite then sickly sweet and gummy. The shell was an interesting hard taco in the shape of a "W", but reminded me more of a pita chip or taco-salad bowl than crisp taco shell, and while the texture was perfect (it didn't crumble nor was it chewy) it added that fryer oil taste you get with texmex. We also tried the Vermont quail tacos as well as the wild boar burrito. The quail was cooked well and as for the burrito, I have no idea because my friend didn't say a word before finishing it. My guess is it was pretty damn tasty. Their beer selection was fantastic and suited the cuisine well whether you wanted a can of Tecate or a spicy west-coast IPA to accompany your dish. Hopefully it was due to it being a strange time of night at the eye of the Friday-night storm that the food was executed without care, and I'm hoping to return soon for another round and to try some other dishes. The menu expresses such a wealth of creativity, more than can be had in one sitting, and hopefully future visits will show an ability to pull it off with perfection.

    (3)

  • Robin P.

    Great drinks! Incredible (and cute) bartender. He suggested the tuna appitizer and he was RIGHT!

    (5)

  • Lisa C.

    I came here with Jacob W. last week because he wanted to try the Poe's challenge (a spicy dish challenge where they ask you to sign a waiver). It was a habanero shrimp dish that he had no problem finishing so there was definitely no waiver needed. I have mixed feelings about this place. I would normally give it 3 stars because I enjoyed the food I've gotten the few times I've been here (mexican monte cristo sandwich, chicken tortilla soup, and grilled cornbread). The sandwich was a good deal but I think the soup and the cornbread are much overpriced. I also called in advance to ask about the spicy challenge and I was told that if you finish the food it is free (which is why we made sure to hit up rattlesnake at some point) and once we actually got there they told us that they dont pay for the dish- if you finish it, you get a tshirt and your picture on the facebook page. That annoyed me a little bit and on top of that they only had women's fitted tshirts. That was just another annoyance on my list. The service was a little less than ok, too, which I couldn't understand because our waitress only had 2 or 3 tables.

    (2)

  • Robert S.

    Roofdeck. June 24, 2010. 10pm. Male "bartender" pours beers with 2-inch foam "heads." Then he keeps all change as a tip without asking. Grade D ("douchebag") behavior. Are there no managers onsite? Are staff not trained? You ALWAYS give back change, even if it's a penny. I usually tip a dollar per drink. After Nimrod "pocketed" $.50 I stiffed him every drink thereafter. Learn to pour a full glass. Leave all change on the bar. Act like a bartender, not a petty thief.

    (1)

  • Sara A.

    Chef Poe, your nachos make the world go round. Everything I have eaten here since the addition of Poe has been obsession-worthy. The cornbread, the fried oysters, the crab-stuffed avocado... I just drooled on myself a little bit. My favorite part is that the place doesn't take itself too seriously, as is the tragedy of many restaurants run by top-level chefs. The Valentine's Day menu, for instance, featured a scrumptious cod (I think?) dish called "99 Problems But a Fish Ain't One." I almost died. I'm dying right now, thinking about the DAMNED NACHOS.

    (5)

  • Rebecca H.

    Ok, I need to revise this a bit-- this 2-star review is for the Rattlesnake AT NIGHT. Seriously, lame. Lame lame lame. Hardly anyone there. No atmosphere AT ALL. And... just depressing to be quite frank. I think I checked my watch about 15 times in the span of 10 minutes, trying to will the hands to tick faster. Granted, it's November, and the appeal of the rooftop bar just doesn't sparkle quite as much as when it's summer. But I've been here in summer, too, at night. And it's just sad. Go here after-work. As a happy hour/after-work bar, it was pretty kick butt. Drinks are large, strong, and cheap at any hour, but if you're looking for a fun night out, even a 20 oz. Jack and Diet for six bucks just doesn't cut it. And that says a lot coming from me, as my affair with Msr. Jacques is one of complete devotion (save for that one time I inauspiciously invited the Captain in for a nightcap...).

    (2)

  • Meghan M.

    This place pretty much annoys me anytime I get dragged there. There really isn't anything good about it besides the roofdeck and it's ruined by the fact that if it's not pouring rain outside it is beyond crowded. Now, I know how to navigate through a packed bar but this is ridiculous. The bartender (or bartenderS...but that is rare despite the fact that it is so darn busy that they need multiple staff) is usually really freakin' slow...almost on purpose slow. The beer is not cheap, the food is not good and the crowd is usually pretty lame. They have a roof, though, they have a roof...

    (2)

  • Elaine A.

    I went to this joint a few times with coworkers, and I have to say I've never been impressed. I went with a group of about 8 or 10 after work and the waitress was really bitchy to us. Some of our group got up and went to the bar to order since she took quite a while to come to the table. I think this pissed her off even more that she wasn't making tips off half the table, and the service just went downhill from there. The food was decent quality pub food, but I really didn't think it was anything special. Overall, I've had better.

    (2)

  • Richard L.

    A friend and I visited the rooftop bar late one evening. The place was busy and we had a little trouble finding a seat. However, once seated, we had fast service. The drinks were good, beer for me and martinis for her.

    (3)

  • D M.

    There are two reasons that The Rattlesnake gets three stars: 1.) It's $6.50 for a tanqueray and tonic in a pint glass, which is ultra cheap for being downtown. Also, they are super filled with gin. 2.) Roof deck if you can get up there. I wouldn't really come here to seek out food, but I am sure it's less packed during the day.....we came here last night for a going away party, and had to wait in line for about a half an hour to get up to the roof deck. The capacity limits are clearly messed up with the roof deck being open, because no part of this place was packed enough to have a line out front. There are a lot of dudes in button downs here, and a lot of girls traveling in packs, as well as girls who seemed like they'd go home with just about anyone. Ick. The bathrooms were all pretty gross by midnight. If you enjoy making fun of dudes trying to hit on the bartender while her fiance is sitting at the bar, then you may enjoy coming here. It's really quite a fun social experiment to sit back and watch.

    (3)

  • Michele G.

    We ate this past weekend on the rooftop bar of the Rattlesnake. While the rooftop is cool, and the music was decent, the food is decidedly blah with the exception of the avocado lobster thing. It's half an avocado stuffed with a bit of lobster and some balsamic glaze. Tasty. And the red sangria pretty much messed me up, which is always fun. But beyond these features, I can't recommend the rest of the menu. The chicken tortilla soup was less chicken and broth and very much a syrupy chili that probably came straight out of a big bag or bucket. Not good, but since I was starved, I gulped it down. The soup at Acapulco's in Newton and at the Cactus Club is so so much better. My date had a meatball sub which he disliked, but ate because it was simply edible and he was hungry. I may be back for some sangria if the opportunity presents itself but beyond that, nope.

    (2)

  • Christopher W.

    On my trip to Boston in September I visited this bar with my cousins. We sat on the rooftop bar which was awesome. We only came for a beer and chips, so for that this place was a great place to hangout. I'm willing to check it out on my next visit to Boston for the food. If you are in the area, I would recommend checking it out.

    (4)

  • E K.

    I had the fish tacos, that were supposed to be the best in Boston or something like that, but they were just okay. There was supposed to be an apple salad in there, but I didn't taste any of it. The peppers probably killed my taste buds. They were really spicy and I had to remove them from my taco, although they did soak the entire taco with the vinegar. Please choose to have them on the side if you are getting tacos, or they will soak your tacos and make them a plate of mush. Paid $17 with tax and tip for 3 tacos. I'd say it was expensive for what it was.

    (3)

  • Debroah L.

    This place is a disaster. Probably the only good things it has going for it is the roof deck and the service. The food is not up to par and completely overpriced, the drinks were poorly made and the management could careless as to how you feel about everything. I won't be returning.

    (1)

  • A J.

    I came here with some friends on a Thursday during those precious after work hours that are usually known as happy hour. We went to try the rooftop bar, but it was very crowded and way too hot since it was about 90 degrees outside. So we went back downstairs to find a cooler spot. The cooling system in the bar was lacking (it felt like fans more than air conditioning), so we sat by the open window to at least get the breeze and try to minimize the stuffiness. I was very happy with the food, but not so impressed with the drinks. We got a pitcher of white sangria, which was basically just white wine watered down with ice, and some fruit was at the bottom of the glass. A lot of people had the red sangria so maybe we just picked the wrong color. For dinner we shared nachos, which was a nice portion of tortilla chips topped with cheese, shredded chicken, veggies, and spices. The flavor was different than the usual nachos you get other places, and I mean different in a very good way! We also got the grilled green chile cornbread which was really good with bits of corn and a little sweetness to it. The prices for drinks are reasonable, ranging around $7-10 for cocktails. But even though the food is good, don't come here expecting to find some cheap food to nosh on because even the cheapest appetizer is $7 (besides the $6 soups) and the sandwiches/burgers are about $11-12.

    (3)

  • Peiwen T.

    Came here for a late lunch while I was in Boston two weeks ago. The server was very helpful and friendly. I ordered the wild boar burrito and requested that they serve it in a bowl without the tortilla, cheese and beans (I know, I know) and when my burrito bowl came out it was filled with wild boar, bacon with plantains. The wild boar was very flavorful and tender. If I'm ever back in Boston I'll definitely stop by again to try the duck tacos and grilled avocados.

    (4)

  • Erica S.

    Roof deck. This is the single reason to come to the Rattlesnake, but frankly, it's a pretty good one. Not sure if you've noticed, but there is a serious lack of rooftop dining in this city we call home. Boo. So although it is not the most glamorous (think: views of concrete walls) it's still open air and off the street, and that counts for somethin'. Other than that, well, it's prett much just a regular bar, with an unimaginative beer list and food that is standard (burgers, nachos, salads with meat all over them). I've stopped eating here, and now come only for libations. Oh-- and of course I can't forget to mention that this is the prime spot for yuppie-wannabe watching! Need your fix of young professional ladder climber sightings? Hizzah! Come here!

    (3)

  • Nicole E.

    I vote NO on this place. The food here is pretty run of the mill. I've come in a couple times and it was nothing that made me thing WOW! This is delicious! The service was so-so. I didn't even have silverware when my food arrived. Anyone should know thats a big no no. For me, they are another wannabe hip place that fails. There are a bunch of other places in the area, and ya know what? I'll pick pretty much anything over this place.

    (2)

  • Mallory R.

    It's a sunny Saturday afternoon and I am walking around the city with 8 strangers. We are on a scavenger hunt and we are not doing well. We are fatigued, hungry and almost bored when my roommate and another couple decide to call it a day and head to the roof deck at Rattlesnake. There was no riddle to decipher or hesitation. We were on a mission to drink and suddenly there we were. Scavenger hunts are not so fun when you are really only going to meet new people. So there I was at a table with my roommate and the couple and all of my favorite songs are being played. I ordered the Mexican Monte Cristo which was gooey, flavorful and big enough to split and still leave satisfied. I accompanied it with 2 glasses of sangria and concluded that on this day of searching I had found exactly what I was looking for.

    (5)

  • Victor J.

    Every time I go to this place I receive exceptional service and then at times horrible service. One of the bouncers on the patio asked me to give way in a very rude manner. Bald guy with glasses. Watch out for that guy. The bar tenders are good and bad servers but tonight was the worst. A floor manager by the name of Brianna was very rude, prejudice, cussed on the floor, had side conversations when she clearly asked what I wanted for another round.... I don't like this place but I keep going back just in case i get hooked up with that exceptional service I mentioned earlier..

    (3)

  • Charmie S.

    Again, had the quesadilla. Even better than before. This time, I wanted it to be a little bigger, just like the taste. Very good presentation again. This time, I had a house margarita to accompany. Simple mix of tart and sweet. A perfect drink.

    (4)

  • Maia L.

    The nachos are amazing!!! Disappointed that at 2pm on a Saturday I was carded to take a seat to eat. It did not appear that other guests were being asked for Id at the door. The day "bouncer" could use some training on customer service.

    (3)

  • Marc C.

    No, I have not gone off the deep end, and yes, I am giving the Rattlesnake five stars. I can hardly believe it myself. I lived only a few blocks away from it for years and generally would have dismissed it as an option for going out to eat in the area, but things have changed. I was never a huge fan of the place for many reasons. Sure, they have a cool roof deck, but the rest left a lot to be desired. Have you given it another try since Chef Brian Poe took over? If not, run, don't walk and get your freaking ass in there. The menu is no longer generic and blah, or trying too hard. The food is amazing. I went there with a group of friends to celebrate a friend's birthday and was pleasantly surprised. We were all force feeding each other from our plates because we felt our dining companions had to try what we each were eating. Everything that arrived at the table tasted great and the food was flavorful without being overworked. Please do not take that to mean it was boring. It was creative and had many layers, but it showed restraint and didn't try to pile too many flavors on top of each other. There were a few service issues to me, but that may just be due to me working in the restaurant industry for so long and being overcritical. We all have our off days. The food and Chef Poe definitely compensated for that. I even had trouble choosing my entree, so I asked the server to let the chef know my allergies and then surprise me. He chose well and delivered the goods. (I would actually recommend this method, since he has some great specials.) Chef Poe even came out and took a seat while he chatted with our group towards the end. He was not only really cool and laid back, he genuinely wanted to hear our feedback, both the positive and the negative. We also discovered that he strategically planned the time of the visit so that he could sing Happy Birthday with us as our server brought out a cake that he had arranged as a surprise for the birthday boy and none of the people in the group knew that he had set that up. Would I consider getting a group together and heading to the Rattlesnake? Absolutely. If there is any person that wants to grab a bite to eat and wants to head there on my day off, please let me know. If you have a bunch of friends that play well with others, I think this is an awesome option for you to order many dishes, ask for share plates, and just attack the yummy goodness delivered to the table. Well done, Chef Poe! Your passion for food and genuine hospitality are clearly demonstrated.

    (5)

  • Melissa K.

    Went here for lunch. Was surprised how expensive everything was beer and food. Also surprised that there wasn't more veggie options seemed like evrythibg had some bit of meat added to it including Mac and cheese. Ended up getting the taco salad which was pretty good. Unlike most places it did not come in a giant tortilla shell, just a bowl with avacado, refred beans, and corn. Service was great as well. Probably wouldn't be back just for the food though.

    (3)

  • John S.

    I've got no problem with a rooftop bar right near the Boston Common. Granted, it's a little crowded up there, but if you're going into town to get ripped anyway, you might as well do it under a clear blue sky.

    (3)

  • Katie V.

    This place is annoying and not as cool as it thinks it is. Drink prices are decent, esp. given the neighborhood, but the sangria was a store-bought bottle mix garnished with the wrong fruit (lemon and lime as opposed to apples, oranges, grapes, etc). The food was pretty terrible-- we got some sorry-ass nachos with barely any cheese and the chips were stale. The chipotle wings and calamari were equally disappointing -- small portions and pretty tasteless. The one decent item we ordered off the menu was the cornbread -- that was delicious, buttery with chunks of corn and jalapenos inside. The roof deck is gorgeous, though it's hard to get the waitress's attention if you're not near the bar and you might have to wait since it gets to capacity quickly and a line forms downstairs. But if you can wait, it's beautiful up there.

    (2)

  • Ed M.

    Despite reading all the Yelps, we still decided to grab dinner and drinks here before a Red Sox game, and man, everything that has been mentioned was experienced. The Roof Deck was open, but it was cold and it looked like it would rain any second so we got a table inside. The beer selection is one of the only reasons I gave a second star. The menu SOUNDS really good, but is quite mediocre. The service is some of the slowest I have ever had in Boston. Our party of 4 agreed to meet here, so my wife and I got there first and grabbed beers at the bar while waiting. When our friends showed up we got a table and the waitress came over and took our friends drink order. Their order was 1 Murphy's (in a can) and 1 Flying Dog IPA (bottle). Their beer took just under 10 minutes to get there. All that needed to be done was grab these from the fridge. There was no slow pouring involved (ie Guinness). Food we ordered: Chips and Salsa - the other reason I gave a second star. There were 3 salsas, one green, one red and a cheesy one, very nice Mexican Monte Cristo - Mediocre, a bit spicy but nothing amazing. Some of the fries were actually undercooked and disgusting. Duck Tacos - my friend actually enjoyed these, he said they were pretty good and tasty 2 orders of Fish Tacos - both reports indicate that this was bland and almost tasteless One of my friends didn't order another beer because the service was so slow. It's safe to say that we would never go back here.

    (2)

  • Valerie V.

    Left Rattlesnake Bar to go to Landsdowne Pub and what a mistake that was. Rattlesnake was 10x better by far. Small line, semi strict door but you eventually get in. Awesome music, places to dance and sit. HUGE drinks. Fast service. Two thumbs up.

    (4)

  • Bradford M.

    I want to like Rattlesnake more than I do. This is probably due to the fact that they're a block from where I work and that they have a roof deck. That said, the food is awfully meh. It doesn't suck, and it kind of aspires to do more than not suck, but it never quite seems to deliver. They serve a decent, if unspectacular drink, and their beer selection is pretty standard for a Boston bar. The service is undistinguished. It's not bad, it's not great, it's just adequate. So pretty much Rattlesnake serves my needs for a bar with a roof deck and a cool name that happens to be close to where I work. But that's about it.

    (3)

  • Angie G.

    This place has REALLY had a turn-around. The food here is delicious and that's all thanks to Chef Poe! I came here last night with a group of friends. I was glad to hear that the watering hole of choice last night was Rattlesnake because I knew everyone would be pleasantly surprised. Food was ordered all around and everyone kept talking about how delicious their food was. Also, just a moment, I'd like to thank Rattlesnake for having Prosecco. You don't know how uncommon it is until it's your drink of choice. Anyway, the food was delicious and quick. The music was bumpin! It was SO hard to leave because they kept playing all of my favourite songs! It was an amazing experience overall. My only critique is this: $34 for a pitcher of margaritas is kind of a lot. The margarita pitcher contained a lot of ice and juice for it's price. What does that mean? I mean, for $34 a pitcher, I expect to have some serious ritas. Not something my mom would drink while driving because it's basically water and mixer. other than that, totes the place to be!

    (4)

  • Sean J.

    Food is ok during the day and the bar is nothing out of the ordinary. They have a roofdeck which is cool, but you are looking at the building's back wall and three other buildings around it. It's nice to be in teh fresh air, but there is nothing to look at, it's like being in a back alley.

    (2)

  • Stefanie L.

    I'm upgrading to 3 stars since chef Poe emailed me to apologize for the bad experience and said to ask for him the next time I came in. I do appreciate the effort but as that deodorant/toothpaste/whatever commercial says 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression'.

    (3)

  • Annie I.

    the rooftop bar is excellent---they have good sangria and the calamari app is delicious. a good summer bar

    (3)

  • Joanne L.

    My husband and I came here for lunch after church so the place was pretty empty. My brother raved about the chipotle wings, so we had to check them out. Although it's kind of expensive for 6 wings - smoked Jalapeno~ Scallion & Bleu Cheese Dipping Sauce - ($9), they were quite delicious. They were spicy, but not so spicy. They were just right. They were gone within seconds. My hubby ordered the classic tacos, and I ordered the duck tacos (Molasses and Cola Marinated Duck Breast~Cranberry & Rosemary Risotto~Truffle & Cranberry Glaze). I was completely taken by surprise how good my duck tacos tasted. It was sweet, and I just couldn't get enough of the risotto. My husband's classic taco dish consisted of 3 small tacos (think sliders, but taco style). He also said his dish had a lot of flavor and was very tasty. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Overall, my husband and I were satisfied with our lunch and would go again to check it out when it's not so empty.

    (4)

  • Stacy W.

    Oh, Rattlesnake. I don't know what it is about you, but I just can't get into you. I want too. I've tried too, but everytime I go to you, I just want to be going somewhere else. Your drinks are decent. Your food - well I don't know how your food is because I've never eaten there except for your chips and salsa last week. Except these weren't just chips, they were basically oil and chips because they were the most greasy drenched chips I've had. It was almost after they were deep fried they were then brushed with more oil. I don't know - maybe they were really fresh and I'm just in denial about other chips. Any way. The roof deck is ok - crowded, but usually if you wait a few minutes a table opens up. One thing that totally sucks - people can smoke up there. Even my smoker friends don't appreciate that. Rattlesnake - PLEASE get rid of this. It will keep me from going back - it's absolutely disgusting. I am spoiled by the no smoking thing here in Boston and I like being able to head home without my clothes and hair reeking of cigarette smoke. One other thing - the service was horrendous. I won't mention our servers name for fear that perhaps she was just having a bad day, but we sat at our table a solid 10 minutes before anyone came over, and then she came back 5 minutes later and was like "...so.. you wanted a margarita right?" um yeah. We did. All in all, if it's a nice day and you want a simple cocktail, head up to rattlesnake, but if you're looking for good atmosphere and good service, probably better to head elsewhere.

    (3)

  • Barney B.

    this was a perfect spot for a pub crawl, because - well, Boylston blows for pubs. That crap down near the firehouse is just full of douchewads (minus Pour House) that you have to truck to Solas to get the first cool thing after Bukowski's. This is just a logical pee/beer-stop on the way fro Solas to other cool stuff in china town, DTX, or wherever. and if you do the crawl in the summer, stay off the convention over of a rooftop. Seriously, it gets direct sun, no breeze, and the vultures fly overhead squawking "make mine medium-well"

    (2)

  • Ria B.

    If I had the money, talent, and whatever special luck it takes to make it in the industry, I would probably make a bar just like Rattlesnake! Ok i say that mainly because of two things 1) because their music playlist is eerily similar to the mp3s I have at home and I can't resist a place where my friends and I can chill and drink brew while bobbing along to our favorite beats and 2) because I love roast duck and I can magically have it here in a taco form and have my beer too! ahh so much love to the chef! Seriously, I just really love this concept of upscale bar food with simply good beer. The juxtaposition of truffle oil laden apps downed with some hearty ale really satisfies the struggling middle class yuppie inside me that wants the best of both worlds.

    (5)

  • Richard T.

    Love the food but HORRIFIC HOSPITALITY! The waitress lost our friends credit card and the manager accused us of lying about it. They tried to look for it but they disappeared for 15 minutes. By that point we were upset because we had already tried to look ourselves. It would have been nice if they compensated us in some way but nope. Let's try to make the customers unhappy and keep them waiting and then try to accuse of lying. My suggestion to Chef Poe is to recruit better front of the house staff because if you want to survive in the hospitality industry, there are 3 critical components: food, atmosphere and service. All these components are what keeps customers coming back. We are saddened by the experience and will likely not return because we do not want to see this manager again. Note: apparently we are not the only ones with the same complaint.

    (2)

  • Chris A.

    First off, they get the automatic plus for having one of the few roof decks to enjoy some outdoor dining/boozing in Boston. Their food is a bit pricey and is really hit or miss. Avoid the guac appetizer like the plague. It was horrendous. The lamb tacos were up and down. My first time trying them they were delicious. The second time I thought I was going to vomit. The star attraction is most definitely the nachos. A huge pile of nachos covered with all the goods. I always get mine with chicken and it is absolutely delicious. I really feel with their location and the availability of the roof deck, this place could be soooo much better, but still a decent place to enjoy a small bite and a couple drinks.

    (3)

  • Mr. S.

    I went with a couple of friends on a Saturday afternoon. My friend introduce me to the place and it is a pretty trendy place that has an outdoor patio and rooftop seating. We decided on the rooftop and the day was rainy and some light rain drops hit us here and there. The place seemed lightly packed and it seemed like it was a place for large groups. The service was good. We had a great waitress that was able to answer all our questions, but wished that she was a little more attentive. We ordered our food and since this is Boylston Street, the prices are a little higher. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with the salad. Everything seemed very fresh and yummy. I just wished my chicken wasn't so burnt because there were some parts I was tasting that as too grilled. But overall, I really enjoyed the lunch and I definitely would go back.

    (4)

  • Scott H.

    Swordfish sandwich is good.

    (3)

  • Beth M.

    I so badly want to write a good review for this place. I mean its all here...everything you could ask for in a fun night out, but something is lacking. The service is just so-so, the food is just so-so...there is NOTHING at all outstanding about this place. The only thing that has kept me coming back every summer is the roofdeck...but in some cases as mentioned in other reviews, you wait in line F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Once you get up to the deck its not even crowded! This is the place you go whejn you leave work at 3:00 on Friday in the summer to meet up with friends and get some maragritas and sun....don't stay all night...sooo not worth it!

    (2)

  • Alissa J.

    Lets get to the meat of the review first: THE FOOD! This place has a ridiculous number of excellent food choices. The menu was a bit overwhelming with all the wonderful sounding meals! Our waiter stated the Fish Tacos were the best thing on the menu. Friend#1 followed the waiter's advice. When they were served I saw 4 HUGE Tacos. Much to my surprise he was able to finish this in one sitting! My friend stated they were indeed very good fish tacos. Friend#2 ordered the Clam Chowda' for an appetizer complete with fried clams and a full, intact clam on top of the soup. Friend#2 stated this was the best clam chowder she ever had! For an entree she ordered the Baked Corn Bread. She enjoyed it. I also tried it and noted to have a smokey taste that suited it very well. It was good though we both agreed on the unlikely probability of ordering it again. Friend#3 stated the DUCK tacos were pretty good. In fact, she stated they were the best duck tacos she had every had, though who has ever had DUCK tacos before. Not that girl!! (Not this girl either!) Lastly, my own decision was swayed by the waiter as I needed help. I could not decide between the Poe Burger: Lobster, Foie Gras & Black Truffle Stuffed KOBE Beef Burger with Whiskey Bacon, Avocado and Irish Whiskey Cheese ($18.95) and the Mexican Monte Carlo (suggested by the waiter as one of the top meals on the menu): Texas Toast, Sofrito, American and Tequila Cream Cheeses, Smoked Turkey and Avocado. I opted for the Mexican Monte Carlo though I sooooo wanted to try the Poe Burger. I even attempted to persuade one of my friends into getting the Poe Burger so I could sample! Ha! That didn't work. Anywho. I almost forgot, I got the Roasted Corn and Anaheim Chile Soup which was unlike any other soup I have ever had- GREAT, SUPER, DELISH! It had a little bit of a kick to it as did most of the food. After perusing the menu one might note that jalapeno is in a lot of dishes. Dessert was also shared by the four of us. The dessert left us wishing we had just ended the meal after the entree. I had the Whoopie which was infused with a maple syrup of sorts however it had a smoked flavor which did not work for this dessert. My friend ordered the Twinkie with Dr Pepper infusion- it was just ok. Couldn't find where the Dr Pepper fit in... The alcoholic drinks were pretty good, average strength average taste. NOTE: Gratuity and/or a fee is added if the bill is split more than 3 ways. A gratuity of 18% was included in each one of our bills. I added more to the tip section as he was a great server and appreciated his take on the menu. He also had a wonderful Boston accent that made his service even more enjoyable (which is the real reason I gave him more than 18% tip!!) Rest of the review: we sat by the window which was great for people watching! The decor was a nice pub. Casual dress. Price: I ordered a soup, entree, one alcoholic drink and a dessert and my total came to $37, tip included! Pretty darn good I think!

    (5)

  • jen h.

    The peripherals (waitstaff, setting) here were okay but the food was INSULTING. The only way to tell food groups apart was by texture, because everything tasted like boredom. My salad was $14 of wtf, compost this already. The leaves were yellowing, for chrissakes. People, are you serious? Do you know that, around the corner, the Taj offers an exquisite two-course lunch for $18?? FAIL.

    (1)

  • Ken B.

    I went to Rattlesnake for the first time this week for after work drinks. My friends and I arrived at 5:30 and wanted to go up on the roof deck because it was a beautiful day. There was a medium sized line for the roof but the door guy told us it would be about a 20 minute wait so we went for it. It was roughly about 15/20 minutes like he said and in the meantime a waiter came over to us in line and asked if we needed a drink while we waited which I thought was cool. I took in the atmosphere while we waited in line and the bar downstairs looked pretty good. Big screen TV's so you can watch the ball game and plenty of space and tables. Once we got upstairs to the roof we found a table and set up shop for a while. They managed the flow of people up to the roof really well so it never got over crowded up there (I can't speak for what it's like on a Saturday night, however). If you're looking for a view this isn't the roof deck for you. It's mostly the sides of brick buildings but honestly I didn't care and I doubt you will either as long as the sun is shining. My biggest complaint was the service. We waited 5 to 10 minutes before our waitress came over to take our drink order. When she finally did it took a while for the first round of drinks to make its way up to us. Having said that, I've had much worse service and we were all having a fun time so it didn't bother me as much. I didn't get a chance to try out the food but from what I saw it at least looked good. I'll definitely go back here for future happy hours. Check if out if you're a young professional looking for a new place to throw a couple back after work.

    (3)

  • Trice B.

    Pretty cool place from 10-2:a.m. new spot to party, DJ is one of the best I've heard in a while. Recommended highly opposed to the over crowded clubs on Lansdowne. Oh and Ladies free before 11

    (4)

  • Kim Z.

    We went for the Monday Specialty Nachos, but I fell in love with the Corn Bread and the Duck Tacos. I could seriously eat the risotto from the tacos all day, every day. In fact, I went there last night and would go back again tonight just to eat those again. We had a difficult time deciding what to get because the whole menu looked delicious. Bonus: The waitress was one of the best I've ever had in the city. Attentive, but without hovering. A rare combination these days! I can't wait until a clear day when I can drink one of their tasty cocktails on the roofdeck.

    (4)

  • Mitchell P.

    Ive only been for drinks, but if your into hanging out with losers this is the spot for you. Drinks are pretty expensive, and the whole place just sucks. We went up to Venom and that isnt any better, the roof deck is kinda ok, but nothing great

    (1)

  • Jessica T.

    This would have been a disaster if it weren't for Chef Poe saving the day. I made a reservation here in mid May for a group of 10 for my birthday. When they called to confirm, I asked if we could go to the roofdeck, and the hostess responded "of course!". Well when I showed up, the table was on the main floor. I asked if we could go upstairs and it was like talking to mannequins. No one was helpful. Apparently they don't take reservations upstairs, but no one wanted to address why the hostess said it would be fine just hours ago. On top of that, the manager was not really helpful at all in aiding us to get a table. I started to get verrrrrry annoyed. All it would have taken was someone to say "I'm so sorry our hostess misinformed you but we will do all we can to make your experience enjoyable. There are no big tables available right now, but please have a drink and we should be able to accommodate you within a half hour." Then I would have been appeased. But nope. We went up to the roofdeck but there was really no where for us to stand. One of my friends badgered the upstairs hostess enough until she gave us 1 table to at least some of my friends could start ordering drinks & food. OUr waitress was obviously annoyed with our group at this point and didn't pay us much attention. For being there for 2.5 hours, most of us only had 2 rounds of drinks just because we couldn't get her to come over to our table enough. Would have definitely had 3 or 4 rounds. Thankfully, the Chef came out to see how our food was and noticed a general discontentment. He stepped right up and sent out some apps and then also a few desserts, and then spent some time with us making sure we were happy- which at that point we were. Rattlesnake has a great location, great food and an excellent Chef, but until they improve their service a bit they won't be one of my regular spots.

    (3)

  • Blair S.

    So. Let me start by saying that I don't frequent "hot" spots in downtown Boston. I'm more of a Cambridge/Somerville kind of guy because I tend to stay away from the yuppie/corporate crowds. However I'm happy to say that I FINALLY have one solid place downtown to take friends and travelers to (I host a lot of couchsurfers). Now about the Rattlesnake: Awesome roof-top deck. Very cool. AMAZING food. Had apps, entrees and drinks, all delicious. FANTASTIC service. Couldn't have been better. Ok, here's the breakdown: I was in town with a few friends and a couple of travelers from Germany. There were 7 of us total. We found a table on the deck at around 9pm on Tuesday night, the day after July 4'th. Our waitress was bubbly, friendly and "real" (by which I mean there was no plastered-on smile or rehearsed, robotic spiel like 'hi-i'll-be-taking-care-of-you-tonight-would-you-­like-to-hear-the-specials'), and what can I say, I'm a sucker for sincerity. She recommended drinks, listening to our preferences and steering us away from the blueberry mojito and spicy margarita, and in the direction of the Back Bay Gimlet, Bostonian and 20'th Anniversary margaritas (All three delicious, the 20'th was our favorite, it's a ginger-y delight) although she did inform us that the bartender could adjust the spice level if we DID want the Blood Orange Marg. The drinks came promptly. Our confidence in the service bolstered, we asked her to recommend appetizers. We ended up with chicken nachos, grilled cornbread and a steak quesadilla. WOW. Now, it's important that you note ALL THREE items are relatively staple and straightforward - OR SO YOU MIGHT THINK. How Chef Poe (their executive chef) could make all three into the BEST RENDITIONS I've ever had is quite impressive. The nachos were simply stellar, complex, generous and fresh with a house-made pepperjack sauce. The cornbread was unlike any I've ever had, not sweet and chewy like at your family reunion BBQ, but moist, savory, with a cake-like texture and served over an amazing home-made spiced butter! The quesadilla had blue cheese and was made with Naan in lieu of a standard tortilla! We were collectively thrilled by all three. I'd like to add that our waitress knew EVERY DETAIL about the food down to what kind of corn flour they use for the cornbread (masa harina). Again, I was impressed, because after we discovered how amazing the food was, naturally we wanted to know everything about it. Since only a couple of us were hungry enough after that to order entrees, we again consulted our waitress and we found ourselves with a delicious osso bucco, incredible fish tacos with fresh cod, and thai/BBQ chicken tacos that I believe were a special that night. Again we were blown away, and with our full bellies we ordered a couple of pitchers of Harpoon and happily digested under the stars. Our friend had been drinking a pilsner that he loved downstairs before we got there, and our waitress was kind enough to go get him one even though the draft line for that particular beer doesn't go up to the roof-top. Very sweet of her especially because she was limping! (We asked about it and apparently there was a broken toe involved which made us feel awful about running her up and down the stairs!) Well she was certainly not complaining, she was everything you could possibly want in a waitress: super friendly, accommodating, professional, knowledgeable about the food, and a beer-enthusiast to top it off. Conclusion: I'm definitely coming back to the Rattlesnake and I'm making it a prime location to take visitors, because I want them to have the very best impression of our fair city. We just couldn't go wrong at the Rattlesnake, everything was terrific. We'd hope to get the same waitress but there were two other servers working on the deck that night who seemed equally competent. A+ for service, food, and atmosphere. 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Lauren V.

    Rattlesnake has good food and drinks, but in the summertime it appears that half of the city is in line to get to the roof deck. If you are going to sit at a high top and order some food and drinks, you can't really go wrong if you don't mind it getting a little crowd on a weekend or any day above 75 degrees in Boston. The service is good and the drinks are yummy and everything is moderately priced. As for the wait to get to the roof. Look at it this way. At a bar you are probably just standing around drinking anyways. At least you are already in the bar, standing in line. (Some people have issues with standing in line, technically for the same bar, twice.) They really ought to have a server take orders from the people in line. That would add one star to this review. Hear that Rattlesnake? You gotta work for your stars, baby!

    (3)

  • d f.

    Summary: crooked wait staff, decent comfort food, lots of sports TVs Last time there, the waitress pocketed a $100 cash tip that my friend put into the bill fold. I did not know this and tipped $100 on the $500 bill we had (we were in a group)...basically, the waitress knew this and did not bring it to my attention when I paid. Management there was not able to help, so I haven't been back. Food is decent comfort food. Lots of TVs for watching sports.

    (1)

  • A Y.

    Rattlesnake is a small and easily missable bar. It was fairly empty the night I went (although it was snowing like Niagara Falls that evening) so thankfully there was no line at the door. The bar is a standard laid back Boston bar, but I was told there is a wonderful roof deck (very rare in Boston) that is not to be missed, which is open in the summertime. I started the night with a Razmataz Lime Rickey cocktail, which was made with lime flavored vodka, raspberry juice, and lemon-lime soda. This refreshing twist on the traditional Lime Rickey was pretty decent (for an $8 cocktail) and the ratio of alcohol to soda/juice was extremely generous. I also sample a few of their exceptionally imaginative desserts - the mango mint sorbet and avocado ice cream served in a chocolate covered tortilla bowl. The mango sorbet had an interesting flavor, complete with chunks of mango and bits of mint sprigs. However, the best part of the night (besides meeting new friends and watching their drunken antics) was the avocado ice cream. The ice cream was rich and smooth; it tasted a lot like sweetened guacamole (sounds strange, but I promise you it is quite delectable). The addition of yellow corn kernels in the mix gave the ice cream the extra WOW factor. All and all, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of creatively at what I thought was just another run of the mill Boston bar. I give Rattlesnake props for trying to be innovative, but overall it left me confused onto how to categorize this place (a pub-like bar serving lounge-like food and drink?). Nevertheless, the nosh left me intrigued enough to revisit this place in warmer weather for a chance to see the much hyped roof deck.

    (3)

  • Edwin C.

    Stopped by here after day of riding and walking down Newbury St. with my buddy and my gf. We wanted to go to Parish Cafe, but as usual lines were ridiculous. So we settled here for a little pre-dinner snack (cause I can eat like that!) here. We ordered the Jalapeno Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Hudson Valley Duck Tacos. Sandwich was okay, wish I could actually taste the jalapenos and the duck tacos didn't look like tacos, but it was good. The duck was flavorful and tender (kinda looked and tasted like Pork), but a bit fatty. Given that it was a nice day, we decided to sit outside, but the wind and lack of sun on this side of the street, proved to be on the chillier side (yeah Parish has the lines and the sun!). The service lacked a bit, but still the waitress was very nice. When we sat outside, the waitress just moved sets of silverware from one table to ours to use (yup the gf was definitely cleaning them before we ate). Yeahhhh if you're going to do that, don't do it in front of our face. Anyways, she was the only one working outside, so it got a little busy for her (understandable). It's too bad they're located near a powerhouse, but if you're going to settle here for food, at least the food is decent!

    (3)

  • Danielle K.

    The food is always tasty and the staff is friendly. I've come here after runs with Social Boston Sports and waters were brought quickly by the waitstaff. I've also visited for lunch with my husband and both sandwiches were ordered were delicious. (I had a BLT & salad.) There's a big drinks menu & the bartenders will make a recommendation if you're looking for one.

    (4)

  • S V.

    Haven't been in years, but this is much better than expected! The menu is inspired - so try something unusual! I need to go back to try the various tacos. I went with the prime rib sandwich - my fault as it wasn't too creative. It was good and the au jus was thick and great! Husband went with the Poe burger. Even though it has lobster and other stuff in it - he didn't think it tasted much better than regular chuck. It did make a mess! Beware the blood orange margarita. I love spicy but this was painful - the tequila shouldn't be blended with the habanero's for more than 24 hours. It seemed like 24 days worth of marinating. It burned the back of my throat and caused me to tear up. The waitress was nice enough to bring over some chocolate to help. the lemon chiffon martini was great and the mix-free house margarita was pretty good (better tequila would have helped).

    (4)

  • Deepa C.

    The good: Roof patio for nice days, a very good turkey burger. The bad: Waiting 20 minutes for attention (I finally got up and got my own menu), then another 20 to order. During lunch. The waitress explained that the owner of the place was just seated at her table, but if you can't give us the attention we need (nay! DESERVE!) then send someone else over. Sitting around waiting for waiting for warm Sam Adams is not my cup of tea. (In her defense, she did give us free chips and salsa (retailed at $6! ouch).) I MAY be back for after work drinks when it gets hot, but I won't be back for lunch.

    (2)

  • D. M.

    Not worth it! Roof deck sounds nice but roof deck with no view...meh. Went there with some girlfriends for some apps and drinks. My strawberry margarita was good and was made with fresh strawberries. Corn bread appetizer was good too. The $8 single jalapeno popper...who are they kidding? $5 to add a small bowl of guacamole to the $7 chips? Their prices make you think they're located on top of the Prudential building not nested among buildings where all you see is well...other taller buildings. Like I said, not worth it!

    (2)

  • Jenna C.

    Why oh why does EVERYONE always want to go here after work? The mixed drinks are undrinkable (it's alcohol, how can you get it wrong?), the food is SO unmemorable and tastes like it was microwaved, cooled, and then reheated, and the roofdesk is not even a deck...it's surrounded by brick walls, dirty tables and covered in crap decorations. If you haven't noticed, I try to avoid this place at all costs.

    (1)

  • Nate R.

    I have never eaten here but I have always liked the Rattlesnake. It is not always the first place you think of when you are getting together for drinks, but it always seems to do the trick. The roof deck here is great, be sure to get there early or you may be stuck in line and miss out. This is a great place to go if you are looking to meet a bunch of people later on downtown but don't want to deal with the lines of other bars on Boylston. We had a group of 15 people or so all meet here last weekend and we had a great time. If you get a table, I found the servers to be quick and attentive always ready for the next round. $ - Prices are pretty good for the area and they make their drinks pretty strong as well.

    (4)

  • Chase W.

    OK, there's nothing reaaaaally wrong with the rattlesnake, other than it sucking big time. I truely believe they should rename this place "The Everywhere Else in Back Bay is Packed so your Stuck with Us Bar" because this is the only reason ANYONE ever comes here. That said, it serves that purpose; there's always a table available, and plenty of staff to get you your drinks. But lets talk about the freakin mural painted on the wall... Who's idea was that? It's like Retardo Picasso walked in and as like, "hey! I've got an idea! Lets put some horrifically ugly art on the wall to try to induce mass exedus!" It's really pretty hysterical, because I think the mural is supposed to be depicting attractive happy patrons, when in fact it looks like some MassArt student on bad mushrooms went in there with a toothbrush and few buckets of paint and started scratching out bizzaro grotesques on the walls. On to the roof deck: WTF is up with Boston and having no good roofdecks in the entire city? Seriously, how tough is it to find a roof with a mildly attractive view, hang up some $9.99 christmas tree shoppes rope lights and toss a few some tropical trees from the homedepot in strategic locations, and whallaahh! Under the cover of drunken darkness you have a tropical oasys. The Rattlesnake is nothing like this. It's a walled roof so basically you can see the stars, ooh lala, and sit at craptastic plastic tables and get bogus service. PS: The 'newish' "Venom Lounge" is so cheesey I started laughing when I walked up stairs- it's just rediculous.

    (2)

  • Becki W.

    The Good - Belgian Beer: They have Lambic. It is the only beer I drink. Love it! That is a huge + in my book, and they offer the peach flavor too, a hard find in Beantown. The Bad- Service: I was one of two tables the waitress had. I realize it was only a Tuesday night, but this place was DEAD, and I couldn't get the somanmbulatory waitress's attention for almost 10 minutes because she was either really engrossed in what the bartender was saying, or sleeping. She was leaning on an elbow, with her back to me so your guess is as good as mine The Wings: They offer a Jamaican wing with a mango sauce. It was not untasty, but the winders looked like they belonged to a pigeon more than chicken, and with the name Rattlesnake, I expected wings to have a little more kick

    (3)

  • Chelsea P.

    I really liked Rattlesnake for a long time. Their food is decent, the drinks are strong, the beers are relatively cheap, and they have good sangria. I really only rocked the roof deck, though. My co-workers and I really enjoyed going to this place after work in late spring and early summer. However, I tried to go to Rattlesnake on my birthday, and they wouldn't let my boyfriend in because his ID expired two days later. The bouncer was generally rude, and played into that whole "let's-fill-the-bar-with-chicks" thing that I HATE about Boston bars. Because he was such a jerk, my plans for my birthday were ruined.

    (2)

  • David M.

    I went here with a few people for a drink after standing around at a concert all day. The inside had plenty of seating, looked pretty upscale and the staff was reasonably friendly. There was a bit of a wait (20 minutes, maybe a bit longer) to get to the upstairs patio, but as one of the only patio bars in Boston, its almost worth the wait. However once you're up there you can enjoy the view of the sides of the buildings surrounding the deck. You still get a bit of a breeze... but still. I was really excited when I saw the beer menu. It had two pages of bottled selections. After some consideration, I tried to order the Whitbread, only to be told "what? We don't have that". They had a good deal on buckets of molsons. So, solid four star experience, but minus one for not being able to give me the one beer on the menu I really wanted. 'We're out' would have been fine. But acting like I was ordering some exotic drink they never heard of when its on the menu... come on.

    (3)

  • zee w.

    Service sucks. Douchebag bouncers & bartenders. Couldn't have been more rude. Didn't eat, but wouldn't in a place so mismanaged.

    (1)

  • Jacquelyn K.

    I went for lunch one day with friends and the food was good. Our waitress however was possibly the most awkward person I've ever encountered. She was just very awkward about everything and we all noticed it. I also went for a couple drinks early one night with a friend. The upstairs bar was nice because it the weather was beautiful but there isn't actually a view of anything so it didn't feel much like being outdoors. Downstairs got a bit crowded while we were up there so maybe it would be a fun place to come dance sometime. I probably wouldn't have much reason to go back here, although I wouldn't refuse to go either.

    (2)

  • Dave M.

    i had lunch once and it was just ok. kind of expensive for what it is.

    (3)

  • Alex H.

    This place ranks pretty decent. On most week nights it is rather quiet, but a decent place to catch a game and a drink with a few friends- at a place you don't have to scream to be heard.

    (4)

  • Julie A.

    I've found that timing is key when it comes to rattlesnake. unfortunately, i'm still not quite sure how to determine when a good time to go is! guess you just have to get lucky! i went this past sunday, because it was HOT and my friends and i wanted to sit outside and enjoy the heat and a few drinks. i hesitated a bit when i suggested we try Rattlesnake because i was envisioning a packed roof deck, and possibly a line. we were pleasantly surprised when we got there to find plenty of empty tables on the roofdeck! i'd say this is a place to avoid on really nice days after work, because it will be crowded, with a line for the roof. can't say i've ever tried it on a weekend night. the food is really good, and even though they don't have bud products (i'm a bud light drinker) they have a pretty good beer selection. if you happen upon this place on a nice summer day or night when it's not crowded and get a table on the roofdeck, it's fantastic!

    (4)

  • Kara S.

    Edit: I went here for the first time in 2008 the other day, and it made me not as happy as it used to. There were too many smokers, and they took my favorite dishes (the 10 mini beef/horseradish tacos, the beef/horseradish sandwich) off the menu! I was totally bummed! Do they have something against beef? Or is it horseradish? It makes me sad, so I am stealing a star back. ------------ This is my new favorite after work spot. I am infatuated with the roof deck! I love that it doesn't get crowded until after 5:30ish, so it's easy to get a table, if you work nearby. Everything that I've had to eat here has been tasty, but it's really the relaxing atmosphere up on the roof that makes me swoon.

    (3)

  • Garth S.

    It's a place to go if it's five o'clock, you're in the neighborhood and you don't mind watching the after-work, three-years-out-of-college financial services crowd: collars opened, cuffs rolled up, ties at half-staff; laptop bags bearing the embroidered names of Fidelity, Putnam, and State Street piled in a corner, while their owners, caught between college and adulthood, realize that unlike boozing with your college buds, there may be professional consequences to getting shitfaced with your coworkers. But the drinks are good and if you watch the patrons, especially on Thursday nights, with a "National Geographic" commentary running through your head, it's kind of fun.

    (3)

  • Greg P.

    I think that they need to rethink their pricing strategy. The food was okay, but the value just isn't there. A simple burger is $13 at lunch. Want a bacon cheeseburger? Be prepared to fork over $16.50. Do they know that the bacon cheeseburger at Tico (a much nicer, more upscale restaurant around the corner) is $15?? And by the way, the Tico burger is MUCH better. Hate to say it, but I won't be going back to Rattlesnake. Definitely not worth the price for a restaurant that is essentially a college bar. (PS - the salads are overpriced as well).

    (2)

  • Melissa M.

    I am reviewing the patio and bar only. The drinks were great! Love me a malibu and pineapple and for $6.00 the size and quality does not dissapoint. Hang out there with a group, you'll have fun!

    (4)

  • Brandon B.

    Cool place to go for a drink and the food is good. They do have a cool roof deck, but during the summer you have to wait in a line to get up there and the service is terrible up there.

    (3)

  • christopher c.

    Great summer stop for the roofdeck, everything else is lacking. There is one cool bartender, he's a scrappy/goofy little fellow but i like him. Visit only in July.

    (3)

  • Anthony C.

    I have been going here for years; it's a great after work seen. The food is incredible, not too mention the bucket of beers which is a great deal, meanwhile the roof deck is the place to be... the new Venom bar on the 2nd floor is a great attraction, more of a lounge, better yet a great place to grab a few drinks if the downstairs is busy while waiting to get on the roof. Also try the El Bandito it's a turkey wrap...and it's unbelievable.

    (5)

  • Shannon S.

    Last night, Russ S. and I popped in here after we noticed our favorite comfort-Chinese place PF Changs was PACKED. The food, mexican in theme, lacked originality--and consisted of mostly comfort-foods. I also didn't feel awed by anything. My nachos were a heaping pile of overcooked, burnt cheese and COVERED in cherry tomatoes....but the Chicken fingers were decent. The one thing I really liked THE WEDGE (Salad) though and if I went back here that's all I would get. Very tasty! Tons of bacon, blue cheese and very fresh lettuce, too. There were Mexican "Small Dishes" lots of Appetizers, Margarita list, Lots of Beer choices (Expensive beer list though--but a couple of awesome beers they only have at the Publick House) and almost all the food was priced from 7$-15$ I was a little sad the Margaritas were so tiny....well, puney, but I will say that I liked that the pricing is mapped out for you in the drink book. They even have high-class tequila like Patron. Our waitress was super quick and attentive and it was pretty empty around 7:30 on a Wednesday night. I liked that we could have a booth and be sort of "away" from the other people in the restaurant but still have a very attentive waitress. I guess the best thing about it was that it's right near the Arlington T-stop, fast-service when not very full, and I felt comfortable here in my leggings and sloppy top and Russ ALSO felt comfortable in his button down shirt. So, that's a plus. I might not come back here UNLESS I was in the area, but if you need a quick bite and a beer--this might be the place if you're in the Back Bay and need something not quite OLD but not young either.

    (2)

  • Blair P.

    Had lunch at Rattlesnake today - it's really come up in the world food wise. I gather it used to be more of just a bar but we had excellent food and the beer list is amazing. Surprisingly, the cornbread starter was my favourite - not sure what was in the butter that went with it but I could have eaten it with a spoon! And the grilled avacado with lobster was also great! My only complaint was too much balsamic on too many of the dishes - nice once or twice but it's nice to have a variety of tastes. The sheer variety of tacos would make anyone happy - I particularly loved the fish taco and the short rib beef taco with a horsradish sause - tasty! Also the duck taco main - larger size, amazing flavor, was very good. The special dessert - a pecan pie (I think - site is down so can't ck for details) with caremel sause, ice cream and salt and pepper (sounds odd but really worked!), was a standout! Great place for a group meet up for a drink and light bite or to go out for a big night, birthday, etc. Prices are good and we were very well looked after.

    (4)

  • Amanda G.

    The rooftop bar/deck and its delicious white sangria took advantage of my friend and I one summer afternoon. And I loved every minute of it.

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    There really is nothing worth mentioning that hasnt been said already - specifically the roof top is the only saving grace. Well, ok, some of the margaritas are pretty ripe. So, let me relay a story (yet another from the drunken booze crawl that was my bachelor party) of the Rattlesnake. About 8 of us showed up already wasted at sunset and went straight to the roof. We immediately ordered as many buckets of Molson as they would let us (forgot to mention that they have cheap crappy Molson buckets). And then some nice, busty young lady offered to 'get' us a round of shots. She wasnt working there, but was working the crowd. she duped us respectable taxpayers into buying us and her little click of friends a round of frigging Yagger shots - ACCCCK. Well, she did kiss me on the cheek and that was all good, but god damn it buying a round on your own night out !! Long of it, I think they stock the place with off duty friends of the bar to help pump business on slow nights.

    (2)

  • Hannah L.

    i saw this place driving by one day and decided to slither over (haaaaa) and see what the rattlesnake was all about. i decided after much mulling over, that the rattlesnake is a mexican themed pub. they actually have a quite a beer selection, which was surprising. they serve food til 1 (if you would like to eat it) altho what i got was pretty pathetic. clearly, this place is not known for its food, although the website has a chef's bio. (which is hillllarious if you saw the dinky overcooked tacos /weird ingredient-ed steak tacos). it was so hillarious, this food. at least no one got the runs after! i can't wait til its nice out and can use the roofdeck, which i bet is why people come here. the waitstaff dress to show a little skin, hot trash. love it! and i really like the juvenile mexican themed hand painted posters that were inspired by the old french product ads. i don't know why, but i like the vibe at the rattlesnake. it's fun, a place to let it all hang out. and excellent people watching.

    (3)

  • Todd W.

    Had a nice note from the owner, inviting me back, after I posted my review. Gosh how they must hate Yelp - but nice to see they are responding. I stand by my three star A-OK rating for now, but will update should we try again.

    (3)

  • Eling H.

    This bar sucks ass. As we got seated up on the roof top when asked for menus the waitress actually stated, and I kid you not, "Menus, what kind of menus with a question mark?." The idiot waitress actually said question mark out loud. No wonder she's working at the bar...can't get a proper edumacation. Anyways, as the night progressed things were wayyyy too crowded and at one point one of the girls from another table sat back and became a part of our table. Chick began talking smack and started to get testy thinking we were talking about her when all we wanted was just a little room so she wasn't leaning into our table. Never again...

    (1)

  • Mo N.

    I have been to many clubs and bars and almost always have come face to face with a bouncer that's a real pr**k. I mean, people at Mikky D's, Wendy's, BK etc. seem to have grasped the way of calling out "NEXT" to a customer without using their crooked index finger and a look on their face like they're gonna choke slam you and then eat your liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti (mmm...). I understand that it's a hard job, but c'mon guys...we're your customers at the end of the day, not just drunk people here to strip you off your manhood and meathead egos. This place should get 5 Stars for their bouncers alone. I just had to point that out. The place is right around my house and I have been there at all of the times that they're open and never have I received bad service nor any kind of food that was unpalatable. Now that people...is consistency without a cookie cutter! Just my $0.02...

    (5)

  • Julianne M.

    I went here for lunch yesterday and it was so-so. My friend ordered the mac and cheese, which was not cheesy, but more like shells with a slight drizzle of cheese. I had the chicken quesadillas, which were not spectacular, but decent enough for a lunch. I expected them to fill me up more but they didn't. Overall, the food quality does not match the price. Our lunch came to about $26 for two, plus tip. Seems like this place is a better bar than a place to eat.

    (3)

  • Kristen S.

    His place is take it or leave it for me. The food is pretty good, they have a rooftop deck and the location is good however the service is terrible and drinks aren't great (stay away from the sangria). I have worked in the restaurant and hospitality business for years and it really takes a lot for me to write something bad about a waitress because I know how crazy it can be sometimes. I went there to meet a couple of friends last night and first off the waitress didn't even realize that I had joined the group. She asked the other end of the table if they needed anything and completely ignored the end that I was on. I had to flag her down just to get a drink and every other time that we needed a round (plus the place wasn't very busy). It was as if she could have cared less that we were there. It also took 20 minutes just to get the check. But the worst part was we had friends leave before us and they left money on the table to put toward the check. The waitress ended up taking the money they left off the table and never applying it to our bill. I will not return.

    (2)

  • Sally C.

    I have one word - BLECH! I just returned from lunch and was sorely disappointed. I got the tamales and they were so undercooked that I couldn't bear to eat them. I just picked the (thankfully pre-cooked) meat out of the middle. My friend got the chicken tacos, which were laid upon and stuffed with rice that tasted like it had been regurgitated by a small child. The hostess was very rude as well. I will never eat here again.

    (1)

  • Emily R.

    A hidden gem! The first time I went to Rattlesnake - drinks on the roof last summer - I left with a bad taste in my mouth. The drinks were fine, but the service was unimpressive. Fast forward to February, after Saturday afternoon ashtanga down the block at Back Bay Yoga. Rattlesnake was close, and promised the "retox" drinks we were looking for. They surprised us with a delicious menu - the three of us split quail tacos & roasted crab-stuffed avocado. Yum! Since then it's been the go-to after yoga. With an ever-evolving taco menu (most recently, we tried scallop tacos with lots of jalepeños, and venison with brie - both delicious!), I'm hooked. Once the weather warms, I will be a regular on that roof deck.

    (4)

  • Paul M.

    Eclectic and surprisingly good menu. Disappointed not to find more traditional elements like the tacos de testiculos de burro, but the wild boar tacos were excellent.

    (4)

  • erica c.

    God, you have all really covered here.....not much to say about this mediocre and not-so-fun place! But as Brian said its only saving grace is the rooftop.

    (2)

  • Alex R.

    Not that I'm reviewing the reviews or anything, but someone below actually said, "the wait staff was nice...but who isn't nice in Boston?" That's like saying, "Who isn't drug-free in LA?" Anyway, the Rattlesnake is a Boston classic that got all high on itself a couple years ago, changing its name to "George" of all things, and is still trying to recover. Downstairs is eminently forgettable, which is neither good nor bad. When the indoor bar upstairs is open it's often empty, which is nice, and the roofdeck is a huge plus just because they're so rare here. The food does the job of making you not hungry anymore and the drinks are average. It gets packed with the after-work crew and then empties out later, so if it's 11:00 and everyone just wants to be able to chain smoke while they drink, that deck is a great choice. Note: the closely guarded secret of the Rattlesnake is that they do, in fact, have cheap PBR. You just have to ask for it.

    (3)

  • Nacho C.

    Booooo! I went the for all of about 40 minutes. The group in there was all 21. I went there on a reccomedation and found myself wondering what I was doing with a bunch of preteens...WTF? It had the usual. All of the girls had glitter on their face and chest and all of the guys were in their suits from work. The only problem is that I am not sure if any of them had real jobs. If you are over 25 and looking for something to do on a friday night DO NOT go here.

    (1)

  • D D.

    I just ate there for the first time. My date and I both got the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Salad and agreed it was the BEST salad we both had ever eaten in our lives. It was incredible and I could have eaten 3 plates of it. It looked and tasted like it was made at the Four Seasons. The Steak quesadilla was good and had a really nice combination of flavors. The chef Brian Poe came out and told us how he makes it. He was so nice and gracious. After tasting his food he's obviously a star chef so I will come back again to try more of his dishes.

    (4)

  • Arestia R.

    Final stop on the Boylston Birthday Pub Crawl! Whew! We made it! The only reason we even went here was for the roof deck bar, which is the only reason anyone goes. The mixed drinks are a little rough and the staff isn't super friendly. I called early to see if there was anyway we could get line privileges and the manager was a major dbag about it, saying it was ALWAYS crowed. "Even at 1am when we'll arrive?" I asked. "Yes," he replied like I shouldn't dare question the superiority of his bar. Whatever dude, we just wanna drink outside which is the only reason we're coming so come on down from that high place your holding yourself and relax. (Note: I've also been harassed by a bouncer on another occasion here where, when the bouncer was checking my id, I turned and smiled at my friend and he jumped down my throat and accused me of giving her a "look" and said, "maybe I just won't let you in." Who do you people think you are?) Anyway, like I thought, it was 1p and all of us went straight to the roof AND got a table...no lines or over bearing crowds to think of, thank you. And like I said, the only reason to go here is for the roof (I wonder how this place does in the winter...). I wish I could comment on the crowd, but it was our 7th bar of the night...

    (2)

  • Charoline D.

    "terrible, F-, die, die, die" - Brian D

    (1)

  • Alessandra H.

    This place has come a long way! The addition of chef Brian Poe is fantastic. The new menu is great; innovative and tasty!

    (4)

  • Morgan G.

    I'm not a fan of the Rattlesnake. The last time I was there, the bartender majorly screwed up my drink (it was a margarita) and admitted he forgot a key ingredient - the margarita mix. (Pretty much I was drinking tequila with a hint sweet and sour. Not tasty.) It took me about 10 minutes and managing the courage to get down 2 sips until I brought it back, since the bartender kinda scared me and I thought he'd axe murder me if I confronted him. Some of the obnoxious drunk clientele (at 8 or 9PM) wouldn't leave me alone the entire time I was there chatting with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. I think if you're drunk with them, you don't notice it and have a better time. While walking upstairs, I felt like I was walking through my CYO house back in grammar school. Very odd atmosphere for a bar when you get to the higher floors. Very narrow staircase and probably not fun when overly crowded. Service is slower than most places in the area and can get pricey. The reason I give it a 2 instead of a 1 is that I haven't tried the roof deck yet and might be willing to go back to try when it gets warmer. Overall, I'm not a fan of this bar at all and could easily do without it. Much better places out there to get tex mex.

    (2)

  • Jessica R.

    One day my sister asked me if we should have lunch here and I couldn't stop laughing.

    (2)

  • Dale D.

    My husband and I stumbled upon this place yesterday while in town for an event. It caught us with the out door dining and music that was not too loud but audible enough we could hear it near the door. Upon walking in we were immediately seated ( and although the hostess wasn't the most cheerful person in the world she was on point to her duties) and our waitress was quick to come take an order. Service! At first we thought it seemed a bit pricey until we got our meals we had HUGE portions and tasted out of this world! I ordered the best taco salad I have ever had. Their french fries are so yummy and my husband had the chicken sandwich that was like two chicken breasts!! The margarita was pricey too but for its lack of alcohol but what do you expect at a restaurant in the heart of Boston!? A+++ from us, If ever we make our way to this part again we will def return!

    (4)

  • Meg K.

    Terribly unimpressed by the mediocre food, bad drinks, and awful attitude of servers-- super rude, even for Boston. Our story takes place at 4pm on a Saturday. Roof deck was full, so we decided to sit on the patio seating area, where three 2-person tables were empty. We were a group of four (plus a baby). We ask waitress which of two sets of tables they'd prefer we move. Two waitresses come out with the WORST attitude ever. You'd think we had asked them to perform some impossible task instead of just telling us if we could move a table (across the aisle or smooshed by the window). There was plenty of space. OH THE EYEROLLS. OH THE SIGHS. I asked if it was against fire code or something? Nope. They just dislike accommodating customers. They wouldn't let us use one of empty tables because another couple on the patio swore up and down their friends were coming to meet them. "They'll be here any minute!" (Famous. Last. Words. They eventually finished their food and drinks and left. Glad we all saved the table for your imaginary friends. The restaurant should have seen that coming.) Then the waitresses were trying to make us leave on the pretense that the stroller didn't fit anywhere. Again, this is a decent sized patio with only three other people (and two ghosts) seated out there, one who also had a stroller. It shouldn't have been a big deal. We tucked the strolled next to the plants. The world continued spinning. Everything was fine, much to the disbelief of our cranky waitresses. At this point I would have left, because screw it, I'm not giving you my business after this-- but our friends wanted to stay, so we did. I ordered the pineapple margarita. I don't know what I was thinking. I should have ordered a beer, something they could screw up. It was a flavorless sugar bomb. Friends ordered white sangria. It was better, but that's not saying much. We ordered nachos and buffalo burritos. Call us crazy, but the four of us were expecting buffalo sauce, not literal buffalo meat. Ok. Fine. Whatever. It was dry with little flavor. The sauce didn't help. The nachos were the only decent part of the experience. There was plenty of topping for the house chips. Unfortunately, the bottom layer was soggy, but at this point, everything else was so bad that I barely noticed. I suppose if you get here early for a beer on the roof deck, this place might be ok- though early means camping out the night before, since roof was already full by 4:00. Sometimes, I'm overwhelmed by the many choices in boston. So thanks, rattlesnake, for making my next dining decision a little easier. PASS.

    (2)

  • Lannie L.

    This place needs more love - so here, let me give it to ya. Over the years, I've always defaulted to suggesting this place to friends when we want a non-pretentious chill place to hang out and grab drinks. The rooftop is basic but definitely nice enough to hang out in (don't expect a view though) and not many bars in Boston even have one so thumbs up there. A large group of us showed up Friday night and it was surprisingly pretty empty and it was super easy to accommodate us and service was great. Drinks were great and we were happy campers. Consistently I'm impressed with the food. I think I don't expect much given the overall low Yelp love but each time I come, I feel like they do a great job with the flavors in all their food. $7 cornbread is crazy, yes, but it is damn good. The nachos were solid, tacos are tasty. I can't remember each dish I've ever ordered but just know that you'll get great flavors in there.

    (5)

  • Sana B.

    The short, brute female bartender working around 5 pm on July 30 was one of the most aggressive and racist women I've ever encountered. We sat quietly at the end of the bar with my cousin who was visiting from overseas for about 3 hours after a big lunch and a walk around Fenway Park. Boston was supposed to represent what America stands for, instead this woman saw fit to stop serving us because we did not want to order food exposing the ugly truth of Boston. When my cousin asked why she wouldn't serve us without ordering (very politely because he was genuinely curious about this custom) she started 3-4 sentences extremely aggressively with "in this country...", each time getting closer to his face as if to intimidate him. Her disgruntled demeanor and clear self-loathing made us decide to leave right away. That disgusting behavior will never be an acceptable representation of what this country is. Her loss, and the restaurants, we are extremely wealthy and had money to spend. Unfortunately for her, we also planned to meet our whole families there an hour later-- we took our business elsewhere. I've never been more embarrassed to be an American. I'm disgusted by the bartenders outrageous behavior-- newsflash, you're a crappy bartender at a hole in the wall-- you've got nothing on anyone else. Believe me I will absolutely be spreading the word, media will eat this up.

    (1)

  • Eric M.

    Yikes. That's about all i can say about Poe's Kitchen @ Rattlesnake. About a year ago (maybe more, time flies) they changed their menu to be much smaller and simpler. At the same time to food quality went from average to borderline disgusting. We have tried to eat there twice now and both times were horrible. If you want to go to the bar for a slightly overpriced beer that you can choose from a wide selection with helpful bartenders definitely come here. If you want to edible food then go across the street.

    (2)

  • Kim B.

    This review is for bar only. Greg and I wanted to go grab a drink downtown, but wanted to sit somewhere outside. I suggested here, as I had always heard about the roof deck but never been. Walking in from the street, it seems a little sketchy and is just a typical bar, it's nothing special. We went upstairs to a really cool roof deck, one that you wouldn't expect to be there. THere wasn't really anything special about it, but it's nice to sit outside for an outdoor drink. The drink options were reasonable, and I would definitely go back for purposes of drinking outside. However, one look at their menu did not assure me to try the food . If your looking for somewhere to drink outside, this will be great. For views or good food, Try somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Maggie O.

    A great spot if you are looking for a nice drink and atmosphere. The roof deck affords a sunny place to relax, but has no view. Be sure to get there early if you have a big group. As for the food, I would avoid. Over-priced, under-flavored. Coupled with the slow, unenthusiastic service, it is definitely not worth the wait.

    (3)

  • Adam F.

    3 stars is the most I can consciously give them. It's just not that good, but it's also not terrible. I'd say the food would be a 2 star, but the rooftop seating and good service (my opinion) slightly make up for it. When I worked in Back Bay this was a popular after work destination, so I've certainly been many times. The menu is tiny, consisting of appetizers, quesadillas, tacos, and sandwiches. One of the reviewers on here said this is the best Mexican cuisine in Boston. If your idea of the best Mexican cuisine is tortilla chips, tacos, and burgers, then I guess we agree to disagree. The nachos are kinda weird - they are cold. No melted cheese. No guac. They cost $14, but chips and guac cost $13. Kind of weird pricing... I've had the Cheeseburger a couple of times. It's not going to win any awards. Last night it was hella dry and the bun was so overly toasted that it just crumbled. I ended up just eating the patty fork/knife style. The sangria is good if you like sangria (I'm not a fan of cheap wine with fruit floating in it). The margaritas are watered down and taste like they come from a mix. If you are just dying to eat on a roof and have a craving for tortilla chips, I guess this is your spot. I dunno, between last night's mediocre dinner and my cafeteria lunch today, I need something especially yummy tonight.

    (3)

  • Christine J.

    4 stars just for their crazy yummy mac and cheese, with 4 crazy ingredients on top: chocolate, bacon, spice? and I forget the last one.... It's been a while. BUT SO DAMN GOOD. I can eat the wholeeeee plate by myself. I don't like to share my Mac and Cheese here. LOL. THAT GOOD. and Poe's Nachos. YUM. Sitting outside on the patio in the summer is nice too. I just don't like it when it gets crazy crowded, then it becomes unappealing...

    (4)

  • Angela L.

    We just picked up a take out order and it is literally inedible. We have eaten here numerous times and always had a delicious meal. The last time we ate here we questioned if we would return. Now, we are certain we will never return. We ordered the chicken quesadilla, taco salad with rare steak and antelope tacos. We found 1 piece of chicken in the salt block soggy quesadilla. The tortilla tasted like it had been soaking in rancid vegetable oil. The taco salad that we ordered with rare steak came to us with some sort of shredded mound of questionable meat (could not quite identify the origin of the meat). As soon as we took a bite we spit it out it was so saturated in grease and salt. Finally we tried the antelope taco. Strike 3. Somehow the taste that remained was that of fish!! The taco shell was once again a greasy mess. I should have been dialed in when I walked into the restaurant and it was all but empty. When I went to pay for the order the bar tender had to wrap up his flirting session with the girl at the bar. Even as he was ringing up my order he was more involved in watching the girl exit the door than completing my transaction. The positive to all of this is that the manager did agree to credit us for the full amount. Needless to say I will be checking my AmEx bill regularly until I see the fill amount credited. It has now been about 30 minutes since we tasted all 3 of these horrible dishes. We are now sick to our stomach and feel like we are going to be "sick". Instead of enjoying what should have been a decent meal we will be making a trip to CVS for Pepto Bismol. We are running out of decent places to eat on this end of Newbury / Boylston.

    (1)

  • Jamie H.

    my friends and i went to rattlesnake for drinks and ended up getting food as well. we started out at the downstairs bar where the staff was very friendly and quick, and then since it was a nice night we ended up getting a table outside on the roof patio. i was very surprised at how quickly we were able to get a table. for the four of us, we got the nachos, chicken quesadillas, and pork tacos to start, and then ordered the fish tacos partway through. both of the tacos were fantastic, served in sets of 3 with a fair amount of meat and delicious toppings. the pork had some sort of pickled onion and jalapeno, where the cornmeal crusted fish came with a very nice sauce and lettuce. the nachos were humongous, covered with crème fraiche, beans, salsa, and guacamole - we actually didn't end up finishing the plate. the chicken quesadillas were okay, but kind of plain and i think we may have enjoyed other options a little more. the drinks were all good and reasonably priced, and i actually really enjoyed the malbec that i ordered as it was very fruity and light. we later got cucumber cocktails which were also light and refreshing.

    (4)

  • Nic H.

    be careful when you get your bill at this place. they will take their tip out of a split bill even though they don't include gratuity on the bill. I think they do this hoping that you have had enough to drink such that you wont notice they actually took tip out already so that you will double tip. this is a very deceptive and shady practice.

    (2)

  • hoil c.

    Mediocre Food, Poor service. Came here on a friday night with a group of 4 at 8pm. It was rainy so the place wasn't packed and we were seated as soon as we walked in. For drinks we ordered 2 cranberry jalapeno margaritas, 1 house margarita, and an old fashioned. For food we ordered their wild boar nachos, ceviche, and antelope tacos. The nachos were meh. skimped on the toppings. the boar tasted like pulled pork. The chip to topping ratio was so off. The antelope tacos were good but nothing special. tasted like pulled pork tacos. The drinks took forever to be served. They were served with terrible timing, served 1 at a time after we finished our plates, so we couldn't drink together or pair our food with drinks. The old fashioned was served before the food came out, the house margarita came in the middle of the meal, and by the time the jalapeno margaritas came out we all finished our food. We had to send the jalapeno margaritas bc they was terrible. basically cranberry juice with line and salt. not spicy at all. no alcohol. I would give this place 1 star but im giving it 2 bc the manager did recognize the poor service and did offer us a round of free drinks, He also didn't charge us for the nachos. We stayed a little longer to watch the nba playoffs, and ordered a few more drinks... played it safe with beer. Overall I would not come back.

    (2)

  • Hassan S.

    Came in for late dinner. Good really wasn't all that great :/better off just drinking here

    (3)

  • Nicole S.

    Probably the worst place I've ever been to. At 3pm I was greeted at the door by a red-eyed bouncer looking for my ID and to take my sunglasses off. I'm 31. The roof deck is hot and as we sat drinking water out of plastic cups (like we were at a frat party), a bouncer walked around eyeing people. At lunch. Great atmosphere. The waiter finally came over and I was told the Sam Seasonal is Sam Summer. Ok, but it's late September. After ten minutes he came back and asked again what drinks we ordered. We then ordered nachos and fries. After 20 more minutes in the hot sun with no music and a creepy bouncer circling, the people next to us who arrived 15 minutes after we did, got their food. WE HADN'T EVEN GOTTEN OUR BEER FROM THE BAR 15 FEET AWAY. We got up and left. So after being treated like a 19-year old looking to get drunk when all we wanted was lunch and waiting over 30 minutes for an out-of season beer, I found myself wishing the place gets shut down. It is that bad.

    (1)

  • John D.

    *Beer only* I had a range of great beers there. In addition to their Octoberfests on the board, they have a nice selection of stuff in bottles. The bartender was knowledgeable about what they had, which always helps with chit chat.

    (4)

  • Sara M.

    I am only reviewing the roofdeck bar. I have not tried the food. We waited in line for 10 minutes, and once we got to the front we were told we could only go up after some people left. A few minutes later we got upstairs, only to discover the bar was cheek to jowl and you couldn't sit at a table unless you were ordering food. Such a bummer. The doorman chatted us up for a few minutes and commiserated with us, but we went back down and went somewhere else...next time, I guess I will have to go for dinner and give this place a real try.

    (1)

  • Chas K.

    Facing a 40-minute wait at 2 p.m. for a table at Parish Cafe, The Mrs., Junior and I sprinted across the street to the Rattlesnake to try our luck there. We got off to a good start with a warm welcome from the host, no wait, a clean and warm dining/bar area with some good tap handles, and a friendly, attentive server (Amanda). All this goodness didn't compensate for food that was overpriced and underwhelming. We started with a calamari appetizer that sounded promising: chili-dusted with cilantro, corn and guaymas (whatever that is) puree. However, the portion was tiny; no more than 3 oz. (see the photo another Yelper posted; it really is that anemic). Now squid is one of the cheapest seafoods on the market. I'm all for profit margins, but nearly $11 for $0.50 worth of squid is a ripoff. Worse yet was a slightly overcooked exterior and skinny rings (no tentacles to be found). Thumbs down on this plate. Mrs. liked her Taza Mac & Cheese ($13.75). She told them to hold the chocolate, and she liked what they served. I had a bite. The cheese blend was tangy and smokey. A good dish. But again, should macaroni and cheese be $14 unless there's a premium ingredient like lobster or foie gras? Junior's Antelope Tacos ($13.95 for three served in hard, Old El Paso-like shells) were savory, but just a little too spicy. My Grilled Citrus Chicken Sandwich ($14.25!) was a major disappointment. The ~5 oz. breast had an odd, spongy texture and was watery. While it had grill marks, I'd swear it was nuked. The arugula, chickpea & Jalapeno mayo and salsa fresca gave it some life, especially since the ciabatta was underbaked and doughy. Again, the price point for this sandwich is a total ripoff. A fancy grilled chicken sandwich at City Table costs $2 less. Drinks are expensive: $6.50 for a pint of Sam and it goes up from there. There were about eight draughts from Stone Brewery, but all were 8 percent or more ABV; too much for me to drink at lunch. Trust me, I wanted to like this place. The people were nice. I like the space. We were starving and not especially picky at the time, and still the Rattlesnake failed to deliver. $77.45 was far too much for what we got in both quality and quantity. Please let me know what you think of this review by clicking a button below.

    (3)

  • Matt C.

    The best part about Rattlesnake is the events they host (Guacaholics Anonymous, Tacopalooza, Burrito Bowl). All of the events are amazing ways to sample some of the best and most innovative chefs Boston has to offer and I highly recommend attending. Beyond events the food at rattlesnake has definitely improved over the past couple of years. The taco plates are great and the appetizer selection makes for a perfect compliment to many of the margaritas. A small roof deck for the summer months leaves something to be desired but at least they do have some outdoor space. There are plenty of great Mexican restaurant options in Boston but Rattlesnake is unique and definitley warrents a visit.

    (4)

  • Lauretta L.

    3 stars? Wha...? I was actually very happy with my experience at Rattlesnake. Granted, I only tried 2 things, but still! I left satisfied and slightly tipsy. The Bostonian was refreshing and had the right amount of alcohol. I absolutely hate when I order a drink and don't feel a n y t h i n g. Anyway, I actually had to pace myself with this one. YAY. The Taco Salad w/ Chicken was oh so good. I've been noticing that my appetite has been waning, perhaps because summer is right around the corner and my body has had enough of the fatty hibernation phase. This salad was the perfect transition into warmer weather - light yet substantial, and the cornbread croutons were like little bits of heaven. Mmm. The chicken breast was a tad dry, but that's my only complaint. Service was very attentive and everyone had a good attitude.

    (4)

  • William I.

    I hate to complain, but you're much better off waiting in line across the street for the Parish. The food here costs TWICE as much ($20 salad), and is not very good at all (they charred my "medium rare" burger). Hopefully this place can improve in the future.

    (2)

  • Jow O.

    Food was decent. came here for lunch wh some friends. Ordered the fish tacos. The fish was more nugget shaped than anything. Strange. Not bad. But also not in a huge rush to go back unfortunately.

    (3)

  • Chelsie G.

    The peach salad was amazingly fresh, uniquie, and satisfying. Had a wonderful "skinny girl" margarita with cranberry. The antelope duck fat infused tacos were among the best tacos i've ever had! Highly recommended! Our waitress was sweet and attentive. Great food with even better prices! Highly recommended:)

    (5)

  • Yasa E.

    I really enjoyed this place. Very casual in terms of decor and atmosphere, but very innovative in terms of menu options. We shared nachos, which were out of this world. I loooove lettuce on nachos and chef Poe does nachos right. We got them with chicken and they were delish!! The bf got a burger and I got a chicken quesadilla. Both were yummy! The quesadilla had a little bit of a spicy kick to it, but the mango salsa balanced it out well. Can't wait to come back when the roofdeck is open!

    (4)

  • James H.

    Terrible service. There was chicken in my vegetarian quesadilla, no apology or acknowledgement that this was messed up. AVOID.

    (1)

  • Victoria J.

    You gotta know what you're getting yourself into at this place...especially with the clientele - big muscles, Ed Hardy, and spray tans if you're picking up what I'm throwing down. Some great people watching for sure. The cocktails are solid and the roof deck is great for drinking outside. If you can deal with the bros & bimbos its alright, purely for its roof deck.

    (2)

  • Drew W.

    I fuks wit $4 PBR drafts and attentive wait staff!! But that's where it ends. I don't like this attempt at upscale Southwexican cuisine. I was in the mood for some nachos and in the area so I checked the menu on the website and it reads: Poe's Nachos 13.95 Salsas - Signature Cheeses Refried Beans - Lettuce Add Chicken or Steak $2 Salsa's? More than one? - I couldn't actually make out what was dumped on my pile, I think it included some type of bread and butter'esc pickled asparagus stems which tasted onion'y and disgusting. Couple of absolutely murdered tomatoes made whenever and pure red onions. Signature Cheese = Curdled chalk blended with something that was once probably nice and topped with sour cream from a squeeze bottled "rattlesnaked" on top. Re-fried Beans - So lost in the sea of other crap they could or couldn't have been in there, who knows. Lettuce - This was like a legit spring mix, not crispy shredded iceberg, I don't want radicchio and mesculin on nachos. I didn't even touch the chicken or steak but I'd imagine it's marinated in neglect. Wish it was still roofdeck season so I could have launched these things into the friggin' alley below.

    (2)

  • Elena B.

    I'm honestly shocked by all the negative reviews! Both my friend and I are pretty opinionated foodies, and this is some of the best Mexican we've had in the Boston area. I would have given it five stars, if only their frozen Mango Ginger Margarita didn't taste like a mango Tequila slushie...that is, no ginger, which I had been looking forward to. Yes, we had a wait to be seated - but it was a Saturday night, and we were seated sooner than the estimated half hour! There was also a bit of a lag for our initial drinks (even water), but the waiter was incredibly personable and apologized for our wait. Clearly the place was slammed, so my friend and I weren't bothered. Even the bouncer was super friendly. But oh, the food! Antelope tacos cooked in duck fat? WIld boar burrito? Citrus chicken torta? I can't tell you how long we stared at this menu debating what to get. I landed on the antelope tacos (where else can you get those?!), and my friend the pork Cubano tacos, both of which were heavenly. Not too heavy or greasy, and an excellent, creative blend of toppings to complement the meats. Finally, when you go - because you SHOULD give this place a shot - make sure to start with the lime-zested chips with guacamole. Three words: Tequila. Cream. Cheese. I just wanted to order a tub of it and take it home.

    (4)

  • Alexander R.

    Everything was quite nice until we had a bit of a run-in with one of the waiters (bouncers?), who yelled at us for sitting in the fire lane, even though that's where out server had placed our seats and obviously no one told us it was a fire lane. I'm all for fire safety and stuff, but this guy 1) Wasn't polite or apologetic 2) Didn't help us rearrange our table -- he literally just walked off with one of the chairs, leaving one of our party without a seat until our original server came back to help us 3) Didn't actually clear out the fire lane, as my chair was still half in it. Frankly, I would have at least respected what he was doing if he had made me move as well, but after taking one of our chairs, he loudly explained that the rest of us were not his problem because he didn't seat us. We all felt a little unwelcome after that.

    (2)

  • Alex B.

    Getting straight to the point on this one. The Poe Burger is THE BEST BURGER I HAVE HAD IN BOSTON / WORLD. I think Brian Poe was handed the recipe by god, buddha, zeus, _________(fill in any divine lord of your choosing). I loved it so much that I was drawn back here the day after I first had it, alone, and after drinking for several hours. This burger is is more addictive than crack. Brian Poe is also super chill and even came over to talk after I was drunkenly blabbing to the waiter, bouncer, manager, and various patrons about how awesome it is. He was super cool and seemed like he truly respects the opinions of others including those who may offer up negative criticism. So here's the burger breakdown. Kobe beef, foie gras, truffle oil, lobster, avacado, bacon, and whisky chesse. I would be impressed by anyone who does not drool in their sleep tonight while thinking about this combo of burger ingredient awesomeness. Some other tips... a) I have a small disclaimer about this place. It is not really my scene in terms of the crowd (very Yuppiesque) but if that is your thing then totally cool. b) Roof top can get very packed and waiting sucks c) Do not smoke on the roof because it is illegal and management will literally flip a shit (I have a good story on this if you are curious) d) Duck Tacos are okay, but after that burger I don't think anything else is really worth trying e) They tested out a blueberry mojito on me yesterday. It was awesome and hope to see it on the menu soon. f) Kitchen stays open until 1AM

    (5)

  • Bryan R.

    Will be coming back to flesh out this review. For now, putting down a few quick thoughts so I can add it to a list. Pretty nice roofdeck. In a city full of roofdecks, this one wouldn't be notable. In Boston, it's a big plus. Slightly claustrophobic and a pain in the ass getting up there when it's crowded. Really nice when you come for brunch and sit up there, though. Since it's surrounded by taller buildings, it's most pleasant during the high sun hours.

    (4)

  • R. M.

    With a name like "Rattlesnake" and being in the Back Bay, I had to admit that I expect this place to be loud, filled with frat boys, and serving mediocre "Southwestern" food. On an ordinary Tuesday night, however, it turned out to be a quiet place with a diverse after-work crowd. The atmosphere was friendly and casual. The food is good here: it's surprisingly innovative, taking its cues from Southwestern cooking but really adding its own touches. It doesn't pretend to be either authentic Southwestern or Tex-Mex. The staff is friendly and welcoming. A very good experience overall.

    (5)

  • Lauren D.

    Been here a bunch of times now since it's right around the corner from my work. Overall, food gets 4.5 out of 5. There are some great items on the menu - my personal favorite is the taco salad - I know it sounds boring, but really, it's delicious and huge! All of my carnivorous friends are always jealous! Also, it's not often that you walk into a place and see 10+ items on the menu that look good and want to try. Most importantly, where else in the Back Bay can you find such a nice rooftop seating area? Small deduction for weak drinks that I've had a few times. Overall, solid choice with totally underrated, unpretentious (gasp!) food.

    (4)

  • Ambrose C.

    Is doing something for the third time really the charm? From my experiences, after going to this place for the third time, I actually ate the food here, and had some drinks, and this is not a bad place to visit. The first time I came here, it was on a snowy evening. I was on my way to a classy, elegant and sophisticated event with a lady that I knew along with another lady that I knew and a couple that the other lady knew. We had to get some dinner before the event. I remembered eating a pasta dish, and it tasted okay, and it was not really memorable (it was a long time ago). I also remembered that we got some drinks, and we went to the event ready for some sophisticated fun. The second time I came here, it was on a summer afternoon. We went to the roof deck patio and ordered some drinks. I was with a somewhat garrulous Vietnamese girl, a really cool Vietnamese lady, and a Chinese guy that uses a metal cigarette box as a wallet. I remember getting some refreshing and juicy cocktails. I actually enjoyed sitting on the roof deck patio, and I think this is not a bad place to get drinks when the weather is 20 degrees Celsius or above. The third time I came here, I actually went with an entourage of some people, one of them was a guy I knew from University that loves weather, a really cool Englishman, the current Yelp Community Manager for Boston, and the rest were people I would not normally hang out with, but they seemed to be friendly people and I had a good time. I actually ordered the food here. I got a duck taco dish. Presentation was really good. As for the taco itself, the shells were fairly crispy. I liked the flavor of the duck, and it was meaty and tasty. The nacho plate they serve here is also decent, but not really memorable. Sauces had a nice flavor. As for drinks, I had some good liquors served in shot glasses. The service was just okay, not really stellar. I thought the bartender was really nice and she was pretty during my third visit here. The other bartenders that also helped out seemed to be nice as well. Overall, this is not a bad choice to get some decent food and the drinks. I would probably come back for the roof deck patio with some friends, but that's just it.

    (3)

  • Nir G.

    I am a traveling business person and I routinely take clients out for entertainment. If I am going to spend my company's money I expect respect from the staff and a decent cuisine. The bouncer working at the door was beyond rude. He was very disrespectful to me and my client. I highly recommend going somewhere else that actually cares enough to hire employees that are training the customer service basics.

    (1)

  • Arjun B.

    The roof deck is nice, but that's about it. The kitchen is dreadful. All the items seem to be pre-made, and frozen. The waiter even told us that they do this because 'it allows them to serve customers faster'. The food itself is super-oily, and uninspired. I'd only go to Rattlesnake for the rooftop bar, maybe. If you want good food, go to Parishes across the street.

    (1)

  • Jen M.

    2 stars for EXCELLENT customer service when asking about celiac and vegan friendly options. The manager came right over to discuss options. That is fantastic and reassuring. I ended up with veggie fajitas with corn tortillas instead of flour. Great! After that things got a little sloppy. I went for a friends going away party dinner then transition to drinks. Expectations were not met based on high hopes from checking out their website. The food was meh. All the talk on the website about the chef I just expected something more inspiring and higher quality. My friend got a very interesting sounding sandwich that ended up being quite boring in reality. My fajita's rice and beans were VERY dry (last weeks leftovers?), portions were small for the price and quality. My raspberry margarita was overly sweet. The description called out jalapeño sugar and I was excited about that. I think spice would have balanced the super duper sweetness, yet it was not included. I had two more drinks throughout the evening and did not feel even a buzz. I'm a lightweight. I speculate the drinks were watered down or really skimpy measures of the good stuff. For a $12 margarita and $10 shots this is really disappointing. Oh good gracious that bathroom. The bathroom's condition was that of a skeezy hole in the wall at 1:30 in the morning. It was absolutely disgusting at 7:00 P.M. Really? I sincerely hope there is a secret bathroom for the employees preparing and serving food. There usually is not. I am very concerned for the sanitary conditions of the areas guests do not see if the ones they do see are that bad so early. Speaking of that, I was sick the next day, like I said, no buzz was had, this was no hangover. It was not an allergy issue, I can tell what is cross contamination of gluten and what is just plain old fashioned regular contamination. Our party was too big for everyone to be on the roofdeck. I hear it's fab, but that alone is not going to keep this place thriving. I don't plan on returning unless there is an overhaul. There are just so many other better places in Boston right now.

    (2)

  • Lynn J.

    They atmosphere they were going for was, "roof deck, hidden gem of the Back Bay..." but they never finished it...and apparently gave up? DECOR: RED RUM...RED RUM... They painted the walls of the roof deck red... then decided they were finished decorating...completely. FOOD: Seemed over-priced for the food offered. IE $15 for 3 small fish tacos, which were very bland, after we took the waitress up on her offer to put their over-bearing hot peppers on the side. THE HIGHLIGHT: Their homemade cornbread was moist, flavorful and uniquely dense w/ whole kernels. THE DEAL: Dine here with a date you want to hide, as the roof deck is hidden completely from street view! Just remember, it's staple patrons are gossipy college kids.

    (3)

  • Jackie C.

    This was terrible this time. I was so disappointed. The service was pushy and rushed. I ordered the quesadillas and she explained that they aren't made when you order them but in the morning then they are reheated. It was 3:30...I understand that some things have to be made early for speed but wow. The quesadillas were disgusting. I couldn't finish them- Soggy, and overly sauced. It will be a long time before we come back here.

    (1)

  • Richard K.

    My friends and I love the Rattlesnake and have been coming here for sometime now. They opened early a few years back for the Bruins Parade and we took full advantage of getting there early before the crowds and had an amazing time, so we decided to come back for the Red Sox Parade. We lined up promptly at 9am and waited in a long line, but were not in line for longer than 5 maybe 10 minutes tops. The door staff was very friendly and they were charging $10 to get in. I usually don't like when bars have a cover, but it's understandable considering the location is right on the parade route and $10 is not a lot (I heard Whiskies and other bars further down were charging $50+). Anyway, we received wrist bands and the door attendant let us know that this was for when the parade came around; it would enable us to go outside and watch the parade and then show our wrist band to get back in so we weren't stuck waiting in line again; great thinking and it actually was a pretty efficient process. Long story short, I'm coming here for all parades and am telling everyone I know to come with. Great spot, great view, great service, great food. I also happened to go here for lunch the following week and ordered the Fish Tacos. They were hands down the best Fish Tacos I've ever had. Cheers!

    (5)

  • Jill S.

    Certainly an interesting menu. I never thought I would eat antelope tacos infused with duck fat, but I'm glad I did. They were full of flavor a large enough portion to share. This place has such a unique menu and everything was delicious. The jalapeño martini was burn your mouth excellent. This place looks like an absolute hole in the wall but it is worth a visit. The only thing I found off was the atmosphere did not coincide with the menu at all.

    (5)

  • John C.

    Stumbled upon the Rattlesnake while looking for a place to grab a late lunch on a Sunday. They weren't terribly busy but had a good crowd due to an event going on in Copley. I decided just to sit at the bar. It took a while to get service from the bartender. I ordered a bar and he gave me my tab. I let him know that I was planning on getting food too and asked for a menu. It kinda created an awkward situation. I decided on the Mexican Monte Cristo with fries. I was not disappointed. The big pieces of texas toast surrounded the turkey, avocado, and a really tasty tequila cream cheese. The sandwich was messy because of all the "creamy" ingredients but it was good. Nice flavor and a spicy kick too. The only thing that I missed was a hint of sweet typically provided by the jam/powdered sugar in a Monte Cristo. The fries were crispy and were a nice compliment. $13.00 for a turkey sandwich seemed like a bit much. I did enjoy it but I thought that price could have come down a dollar or two. Rattlesnake was good but I probably would test out another restaurant before returning to Rattlesnake as a tourist.

    (3)

  • Julie B.

    Rattlesnake is a really solid Boylston bar to go to on a Friday or Saturday night. I came here last weekend and was lucky enough to make it up to the roof deck with only a ten minute wait. It was a beautiful night and I really enjoyed the setup upstairs. My friend and I ordered the guacamole and chips to munch on. It wasn't AS great as I expected, but did its job of controlling any drunk eating temptations that came around (hello enormous plate of nachos). After about an hour on the deck we headed downstairs and the bar was packed! Everyone was dancing and I loved the music being played - it was a great mix of old and new school. It was a little too crowded for my liking but I guess that's what the roof deck is for. My only problem with Rattlesnake was the downstairs bartenders - which I see is something others have encountered and mentioned in reviews. The bartenders on the roof deck were incredibly friendly and helpful, but downstairs they were downright rude. I don't know what the problem was with these girls, but they need to put their happy faces on and do their jobs! C'mon ladies, how do you expect to get decent tips with that attitude?

    (4)

  • Laura B.

    I love the frozen margaritas at this place! Come here after work to sit on the rooftop and drink a frozen strawberry margarita, perfect!

    (5)

  • Leah Y.

    Went here last night with some co-workers to celebrate a co-worker's recent wedding. We really only picked Rattlesnake for the rooftop deck, so we asked the bouncer how long the wait was to head up. He said 15-20 mins, which was reasonable, so we hopped in line. We got up there probably in that time frame, so no real complaint there except that when we went up, it was pretty empty. I can understand that there's a fire code and limits on the number upstairs, but because people kept trickling up (without many people leaving) it seemed a little weird/pretentious to make a line for the rooftop when we all were able to fit. Whatever though, it's a nice night, we're upstairs, let's eat. Our waiter came over and I ordered a frozen strawberry margarita. He apologizes and says they don't have that tonight, but maybe I'd like the (more expensive) raspberry margarita. I'm not a big fan of raspberry, so I asked if the bartender could make an Alabama Slammer and ended up listing the ingredients for him (soco, amaretto, sloe gin, OJ). He says they can probably make it and heads off. When he comes back, he apologizes, they don't have any sloe gin up here. A few other guests also asked for refills of drinks they had gotten downstairs (on draft/bottle) and were told they "had a different menu upstairs" and got cans instead. Considering the food we ordered came from downstairs, why couldn't the drinks come up too (if they're only able to be made downstairs)? And more importantly, was there sloe gin downstairs? the food itself was so-so, but unsurprisingly overpriced. $9 for a 6-inch chicken quesadilla and an absurd $14 for grilled cheese. I know some coworkers liked the rooftop and being outdoors, but there's plenty of other outdoor spots in Boston I'd rather give my patronage to first before going back to Rattlesnake, sorry.

    (2)

  • Sharon F.

    Charlie the bartender was ahhhsome and the only reason we didn't leave when the manager refused our request to turn the sound on for the Sox game.7th inning game 4 ALCS, hometown team, seriously? You are a bar, right?

    (2)

  • Kimberly H.

    I have walked by the Rattlesnake countless times since I moved to Boston and I never thought twice about it. Yesterday a co-worker suggested it for a quick lunch so I gave in. The place is what you would expect from the outside, small with the odor of stale beer. After perusing the menu I decided on a cup of the Chorizo & Vegetable soup of the day and the Spicy Shrimp Tacos. The soup came out first and it was the definite stand out of the meal. It was flavorful with chunks of potato, onion and sausage. But was the tiny cup worth $6.25 (bowl $10.75)? Not even close. The tacos came next and they just looked sad. Two measly tacos with no sides for $15? There were 3 pieces of overcooked shrimp in each flour tortilla with a lime cilantro slaw, roasted pepitas, and a mango jalapeno salsa. Bland, bland, bland, bland, bland, bland. It is a huge pet peeve of mine when menus boast "Spicy" with little pepper notations of red fonts and than the dish comes and there is no trace of heat. Who knows maybe the red S stood more "Slightly more black pepper than normal"? Thinking it might have just been my entree choice, I took a bite of the Latin Catfish Sandwich another person at our table had ordered. One bite was enough. Bland limp fish with a watered down aioli. Me thinks not. All in all, I left with a $30 lunch tab and no better impression than when I walked in. I'll pass next time.

    (2)

  • Dela B.

    I've only been here for the nachos and drinks so I can't really speak for their other menu items, but on both occasions that I've been at Poe's, I've had a pretty awesome time. Nachos are delicious--not your standard bar nachos, but the quality of the ingredients make these nachos unique, refreshing (didn't know that nachos had the ability to be "refreshing"), and absolutely addictive. Bartenders are funny, nice, and always willing to whip you up something that suits your tastes. The fact that their kitchens are open till 1:30AM is a huge plus so if you're ever craving a late night bite to eat, Rattlesnake is a definitely a good bet.

    (4)

  • Ignacio B.

    I've just been yesterday here with my girlfriend to have some dinner. We've ordered beef tacos and the carnitas fajitas. The food was just ok, if you're looking for a place to have a good dinner I would not choose this place, but if you're looking for a place to chill and have some drinks while you have some appetizers, this might be your place.

    (3)

  • Alee G.

    I usually come here b/c they are one of the few places that serve hard cider. On one of my most recent visits, I ordered a chicken quesdilla. It was delicious. Atmosphere-wise it has the vibe of your typical bar. This review sucks, I know. But this is a really good place. I definitely recommend you check it out.

    (4)

  • Alec S.

    I visited Rattlesnake yesterday with my girlfriend after going to the Sox game for a some-what early dinner on the roof deck. The roof was somewhat busy, a few open tables but a busy bar. We were seated pretty quickly once a table was cleaned off and were given menus and water right away. We each ordered a margarita - I had the raspberry and my girlfriend ordered the frozen strawberry. Both were pretty tasty - couldn't really taste the alcohol, but that's not always a bad thing. O For a meal we split the tuna tartar as an app - then I ordered the Antelope Taco and my girlfriend got the Taco salad w/ steak. The tartar was good, it was sort of drenched with soy sauce and the plating was a little sloppy, but overall the dish was pleasent. It came with a sort of ginger slushie on top which was really unique and cool. My issue was really with my tacos. They tasted fine, but the presentation was pretty awful. It comes with three tacos and a pile of shredding cheese on the side. Each taco had varying quantities of meat and toppings. I had one that was overflowing, and another that had maybe two bites worth of meat. Some had a lot of sauce, one had almost none. It just looked like whoever put out the food didn't care and just shoveled it in. The food here isn't bad, but the prices aren't cheap by any means. My girlfriends salad came to $21 after adding the steak, and while she liked it, that's probably the most expensive salad we've ever ordred. I don't want to make this sound like I'm compaining over spending $70 for dinner + two drinks, I just think it's important to note that I have had higher quality meals in this city while ordering more adult beverages and spent the same or less. I did think that the service at Rattlesnake was very good, both the servers and manager were friendly and helpful. Having a pleasent experience with the employees will always draw me back to a restaurant, which is why you may find me back here down the road.

    (3)

  • Shannon S.

    So this review is for the roof deck. I understand the menu is much more limited up there so I'll just address the experience (as the menu didn't blow me away). On a gorgeous Saturday, early afternoon, we came to the roof deck and were pleased to be told it would be no more than a 10 minute wait for a table (and it really only was!) I ordered the Tai Mojito (x 2) and thought it was absolutely delicious. The only disappointment was that it was such a small drink and considering the only booze in it is Malibu, I wanted more. Did I order a 2nd? Yes, it was refreshing and pretty to look at. As it was lunch time and I wasn't SUPER hungry, I ordered the vegetarian quesadilla off of the appetizer list. The server warned it was small, only an appetizer portion. He sure wasn't kidding! It was made with two small (think taco size) flour tortillas. It was good though and I enjoyed the use of goat cheese. Bouf F. ordered the Cuban tacos and I stole quite a few bites. It was seriously hot and both of us have a high tolerance for spicy food so consider yourself warned! We needed bread to cool our mouths down after that. For food and drinks I'm still maintaining a solid 3 start review but I gave an extra star because I thought our server was pretty attentive. He brought us a pitcher of water and when we requested a pitcher of ice, he brought that as well AND checked in on our water supply periodically (hey, it was a hot day!). Still waiting to be blown away by this place but I'll definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Dan O.

    UPDATE: After writing a really negative Yelp review on Poe's/Rattlesnake back in April, I was contacted by the general manager, Barton, who apologized for the bad experience and offered a gift certificate for me and one guest with no limit. I was shocked to receive this, as I had no intention of trying to get free services by writing a bad review. I wrote back to Barton thanking him and accepted. I returned to Rattlesnake last month. I met Barton briefly when we arrived and I greatly appreciated his hospitality, but I thought it was kind of weird that he didn't approach us at all in the three hours we were there to see how we were doing. A chef came up to us at one point apologizing about our bad experience from a few months back, but that was odd because our complaint was more with the service than the food. This time the service was definitely better (I'd give it a B-) and our server was friendly. I still stand by my original review, but I think it's important to note when management makes an effort to rectify the situation. I want that to be known, and let them know publicly that I appreciated it.

    (2)

  • Kristine R.

    Not impressed. The roof deck is ok, not very big and not much of a view though. Five of us girlfriends shared a couple of appetizers, which were subpar at best. There was one item that did impress me though - the grilled cornbread with the Guadalajara Butter. Everything else was bland and unexciting. The calamari was just ok with the sauce, nothing spectacular. The guac was boring. We also had the single jalapeno popper which was very small and expensive. I didn't try it, but my friends who did weren't impressed. The drinks weren't great either, my raspberry margarita tasted like cough medicine. I was really bummed, I wanted to like this place, but it didn't impress me or my friends.

    (2)

  • Ashley A.

    Went here with a group of friends, and was pleasantly surprised! Great menu and decent prices. We'd definitely go here again!

    (4)

  • Jessica D.

    I SWEAR I reviewed this place already! Oh well, here I go again.. :) It was nice to celebrate my bff's birthday, while sitting on the rooftop of a kickin' restaurant, during amazing weather, with awesome food, and very cool company. Drinks were quite potent and food was mouthwatering. I ordered the Mac&Cheese (with Spicy Taza Chocolate and applewood bacon). I think it would've been better without the chocolate -- it left a weird aftertaste in my mouth. Next time, I definitely want to try the Poe Burger! Those that had gotten it raved about them for quite a while. I mean, a Kobe beef burger stuffed with lobster, Foie Gras, and black truffle, with whiskey bacon, avocado, and Irish whiskey cheese on top? Who can say no to all that?!

    (4)

  • Cullen F.

    Food is FIVE STARS. Locals know this is some of the best food in town. Tacos are outrageous. Grilled corn bread is something you just need to order to comprehend over the top with grace. Nachos, no one can believe me how good they are, until they are faced with the delicious happy mound of crispy tangy cheesey glory. Great Sangria. Roof Deck is a major plus. Staff, can be rough, just go for the food. The servers can't mess that up. You are not going for the experience, it's the food.

    (5)

  • Shannon L.

    Breakfast at a bar. One okay dish - Duck tacos. Now the menu reads this: molasses & coca cola marinated duck breast, cranberry, rosemary risotto, truffle cranberry glaze, foie gras truffle butter. How can you not drool just by reading that? The thing that made it just okay was the overt sweetness of it all. It was just too sugary and had little balance. I was quickly overwhelmed. But seriously A+ for presentation. They used taco shells I've never seen before - one continuous piece with two grooves that hold all the goodies. So when you're ready to eat the first one, you just break it off. One amazing dish - Bloody Mary eggs benedict, whiskey bacon, and chile verde corn bread. They really know how to woo people with their innovative combinations of food. When I tell people about this dish, I get either a really positive or a really negative response. Ultimately, it was delicious. I was amazed at all the flavors going on and I didn't feel overwhelmed by any of it. It is heavy though and I suggest sharing, for your life's sake. Because both dishes were pretty heavy, I'll save this place for a special occasion brunch.

    (4)

  • Joe C.

    Nice roof deck, but some of the most unprofessional staff I have ever experienced. Went on a night with a group of colleagues after dinner, who were in town for a meeting, International group from all over Europe and North America. We sat on the roof deck on an beautiful fall night and since it was a Wednesday, there were very few people there. You'd think they would be happy to have 30 customers who were ordering lots of drinks and apps. It was only 9:30 so, we weren't the annoying group coming in close to closing. Immediately felt that we were imposing on their relaxing night. One waitress was fine but seemed bothered and another waiter was super helpful and nice. After a short time, the rude bouncer was barking about the fire lane at my French and German colleagues who kept asking him to 'repeat or slow down' so they could understand (I am from Boston and had a hard time following his point). This got him more aggressive then finally kicked one of them out for disrespecting him (really for asking him to explain something). I walked over to talk to him about it and he really couldn't even explain a reason why except, 'you don't disrespect me so your friend has to go'. I honestly heard the whole conversation, it at best was a misunderstanding because my colleague was asking him to repeat what he was saying about the fire lane. Manager walks up from downstairs and just says, 'just get them their check'. I ask the bouncer if they are serious, and he says, 'you got to go'. I ask to talk to the manager since I believe this is just a misunderstanding but nope... it is same response... you got to go. Honestly, this was a group of professional 30-60 years old, who were spending a good amount of money and were mostly sitting and talking on a night that had about 20 other people at the entire bar. I still can't fully understand the rationale of kicking us out and if I was the owner, I would seriously review my staff. We ended up having a great night, just elsewhere. Will never go back.

    (1)

  • Abbie M.

    This review is for the roofdeck, which is a gift to people everywhere! The menu is a bit limited but the food is good so it's ok. Drinks are strong, servers are friendly. A truly enjoyable experience every time we come!

    (4)

  • Andrew C.

    This is such a great place to get together with some friends for a nice dinner. We all ordered cocktails from the menu and all enjoyed the atmosphere. Our server was excellent and the food was mind blowing. I had the macaroni and cheese with smoked applewood bacon crumbled ontop. Almost everything on the menu has a nice spicy kick to it, even the martinis! The mac and cheese had a small nip to the tongue, but the bacon and cream in the cheese soothed it enough to help me devour the whole damn thing. The martinis were all delicious and had some different mixtures you wouldn't normally find anywhere else. We got the guacamole as well for an appetizer but it wasn't that big. Maybe a cup and a half. As for Steve K.'s review on the PBR draft it was only $3.50.

    (4)

  • Damien S.

    It's almost embarrassing to keep the original review accessible. Plain and simple fact, though, is that's how the Rattlesnake was some three-and-a-half years ago. The sudden and remarkable transformation brought by Brian Poe seizing the kitchen's helm in 2009 makes revisiting the 'snake not only encouraged, but pretty much required. What was a standard bar fare menu has been cranked to 11 with mad scientist creations guaranteed to baffle to most exploratory tastes. Taza chocolate in the Mac and Cheese? Sure. Cola marinated duck tacos? Why not? A lobster, black truffle and foie gras stuffed Kobe burger? Here's my baby. Even trade. Perhaps it's the wordsmithing or the inherent desirability of every ingredient listed, but there's something about reading the menu here that gets me so excited, I feel like I need to pee a little. What used to the be the Nintendo rental section of Blockbuster for Damien (age 9) has been replaced by drool-inducing entrees in progressive South Amexican cuisine. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about; we all have a pee catalyst. I'm still begging for a taco sampler on the menu, and would love to see a bit more consistency in the cocktails. However, these are minor cobwebs in the castle that Poe's built. Visit, eat, ask for the Chef. He'll come out, shoot the shit and probably have a drink with you. He's that kind of guy, and now the Rattlesnake is that kind of place.

    (5)

  • Conor C.

    SUPER average with higher than average prices. $5 for a TINY side of guacamole?! Really? They do have a nice roof patio but doesn't make up for the lousy food.

    (2)

  • Liz G.

    I hadn't been to Rattlesnake for years, but after stopping in recently, I discovered their menu had drastically changed. First off, I should mention that my friends and I went to Rattlesnake for the rooftop seating. They all arrived before I did and got a table with an extra chair that just waiting for me. But when I arrived downstairs, I was forced to wait until a patron decided to leave the deck because they were "full." Really? Oh well. So finally I made it to the top and it was time to eat. The food was just OK yet way overpriced. A can of Twisted Tea (don't judge me) is $5. Better yet, one jalepeno popper filled with cream cheese is $8. Yikes! Who decided on the price points for this menu? I can't say I'll be rushing back anytime soon.

    (2)

  • Erica B.

    I recently celebrated my birthday (the big 2-7, yipee!) and for the occasion my sweetheart took me to the The Rattlesnake in Boston's Back Bay. Why we haven't stopped by it before is beyond me, because this place is great! It's the perfect spot if you hate chain restaurants, but love funky foods and low-key dining. At first glance this place might seem to be more of a watering hole than a restaurant.As you enter there's a long bar, flat screen TVs all over and a typical mix of mingling 20-30 somethings, along with a noticeable crowd of business types. But don't be fooled by this (or the huge drink menu of 50+bottled and draft beers, tons of cocktails, and enough whiskey and tequila to kill a horse): the place has some good eats. Overall I'd say the menu offers new American tex-mex style food. Alongside burgers, sandwiches, salads and steak dinner entrees they've got an insane array of fajitas tacos, enchiladas, taquitos and other south of the border dishes. For an appetizer, we started with the "chowda cakes", a choice I now consider a birthday gift in itself. The Rattlesnake does Boston's signature dish justice-- these bad boys are crisp, mashed potatoe-like balls served with a celery-bacon salsa I wanted to lick off the plate. SO good with our first round of beers. For dinner we each chose from the seven varieties of tacos. My boyfriend went with the duck variety, which came out in a crunchy shell with a smattering of sweet cranberry risotto (the pink stuff! I stole a few bites, YUM). Being a west-coast transplant I chose the fish tacos and it was no mistake; The Rattlesnake really ups the ante with these soft shelled wonders. More than just fried fish and shredded cabbage, my tacos were stuffed with cherry peppers, onions, chilis and a chipotle sauce with a tangy bite. It's a good thing I love a little heat in my food. The fish itself was less greasy what's served at other places (for you foodies out there, I'd venture a guess that it was tempura fried, it was so light). At first I balked at the fact that our dinners were served without sides like rice or beans, but rest assured ya don't need them! My birthday cake was waiting at home so we skipped dessert, not that I'd have room after our monster tacos and plenty of cold ones. It's safe to say I won't be waiting until the big 2-8 to visit The Rattlesnake again. I'm even considering attending their upcoming beer dinner, but that's coming from a girl who loves great food and brews, along with any excuse to stroll through Boston Common.

    (5)

  • R. E.

    I went there the weekend of the SNOW Blizzard 2013 and had the most delicious food and excellent service by JULIAN! We sat at the bar and had the most amazing Taco Salad, Poe's Nachos and bean soup! Julian was very attentive and made great recommendations for a vegetarian. We actually went back the next day for more!!! GREAT CHEF! and JULIAN was a sweetheart!

    (5)

  • Megan B.

    I always have mixed feelings about Rattlesnake. I end up coming here a lot for drinks because I work very close to here and they have a roof deck. I'm not a huge fan of the appetizers I've tried so I've never wanted to come back to actually eat a meal here. The service I've experienced while at corporate functions is terrible, which is astonishing since we're guaranteeing the place money. They do pour massive drinks though. I ordered a vodka soda and was given a tall soda glass with at least 2 shots of vodka. If you're not interested in the roof deck, then I would look for a better bar.

    (3)

  • Kevin M.

    The Rattlesnake is the perfect Boston establishment: overpriced everything, unimaginative food, rude service. I came here on a weekday afternoon with some out-of-town family, thinking it would be all right. It was a sunny day but they seated us in the very, very, very back (even though it was completely empty, but whatever). Our area was COVERED in flies and other bugs. When I walked up to the hostess--as our server never came by in five minutes; again, this place was completely empty--and asked that we move because, again, BUGS, she gave me some bullshit look and just waved her hand at a collection of tables in the front. Always fun to be treated like an asshole--water not refilled, food served curtly, not checked on during meal--because I had the temerity to point out the insect orgy happening at the back of a restaurant. Uh, not to be a dick Rattlesnake, but you're unsanitary and gross and your food is unremarkable. (Not every dish can be solved with A LOT MORE CHEESE, especially when it's shredded and out of a bag.) I've been here a handful of other times, just for drinks. Nothing memorable except for the consistently curt service.

    (1)

  • Tim V.

    After a few drinks at a bar we decided that it was time to grab some food. Someone said "Mexican?" Another said "Outdoor Patio!" Then it was decided to trek across the Boston Common to Rattlesnake. They have an Rooftop Deck that is supposedly amazing. However, when we asked about the wait time to eat on the roof, we were met with "I don't know," followed by several awkward moments by the bouncer. This should have been the first red flag, but we continued on and got a table downstairs, seeing as we were still up for Mexican Food, and can eat without being outside. Once seated, the music was cranked up a notch or three. This it made it difficult to have a conversation, but it didn't bother us too much since it was after main dinner time. The beer selection was decent, but they didn't have a few on tap that we had asked for, once again not terrible, but not exactly great either. Here's where it got messy. After looking at the menu I should have said no, let's go somewhere else. However, I figured, it's a Boston Restaurant trying to do a Modern Eclectic Tex-Mexican meal. Boy, was I wrong. Each of us ordered a different item off the menu to give us variety. I got the Carne Asada tacos, a safe option when going out to a new place, others had the Duck Taco Special, Spicy Cubano Tacos, and the last one got a Wild Board Burrito. The presentation was decent, however the flavor was to be desired. The tacos were so flavorless that I opted to pull the meat out, salt and pepper it and eat it by itself. The cabbage on my taco was sweet taking away the should have been flavor of the meat, and the Ancho Chili Vinaigrette was not worth my time. Not only was the food lacking in flavor, but it was also expensive for 3 small tacos at $14 a plate. The only saving grace to the Rattlesnake was the Wild Boar Burrito. It had spice, texture, and was worth the price for the amount of food that was served. As for the service, our waitress was great. She was on top of things and made sure our orders were taken care of quickly. She even gave a little smile when asked about the food and I told her it was 'Okay.' Two stars: One for the service, and one for the saving grace, Wild Boar Burrito.

    (2)

  • Khoa N.

    They have wild boar burritos!! That's the first I've heard of it. It was flavorful and tasty. A little bit messy though. This is the kind of fancy burrito kinda thing where not everything is stuffed inside the tortilla wrap but scattered on the plate instead. So definitely need fork and knife to eat it. I'd much prefer the simple burrito where my rice and veggies are wrapped tightly inside with the meat so all I have to do is gobble it down with my hands. I tried doing that anyway, and ended up with the sauce dripping everywhere. Not pretty nor classy, I know. Plus, all the works spreading on top and under the burrito made it a little soggy. Still, it was very tasty. The fish tacos were good. They warned us it was spicy, and we gladly accepted the challenge. It was no challenge. I had to drown mine in Chalula sauce and it barely made me flinch. What can I say, I'm Vietnamese, I love spice. And Mexican food is usually where I go for the kick. Overall, it was good but not amazingly, deliciously memorable. The atmosphere was definitely very nice. I had a lovely lunch date with a girlfriend there today. However, the service could've been better. I got there around 1:45 p.m. The place was not crowded but it took them a while to take our orders then come back for the bill at the end. We didn't finish paying until a little past 3. And I eat FAST! My friend also ordered an extra hot tea which they totally forgot. That cost them a star.

    (3)

  • Ryan M.

    To be fair I did not go here for the food, but for the roofdeck and to impress a girl. First ventured here during the Bruin's Parade and enjoyed the company of my friends and a lot of beers. Having gone back there a couple times since, I have really been unimpressed with the roofdeck and price of the bar. The downstairs "main" bar area is just a standard boring bar that is not even worth discussing so I"m just going to skip right over that and go to the roofdeck. Go up the stairs and you are there. Congratulations, you have about 20 square feet to stand in (if you aren't getting food) to order your beer. Ordered a Narragansett and it was around $4.50 which is pretty outrageous for a bottom shelf beer. I get that you are paying to be on the roof deck, however I'm not sure why you are paying that much. Unlike the tremendous roofdecks that you will find at ABG, Whiskey Priest, and even Market, this roofdeck is lodged in between taller and uninteresting buildings off of Boylston St. I took guests from out of town to the bar the other day and after ordering a beer I just asked myself "Why are we here?" finished the beer and left. You can get everything that Rattlesnake gives you from most bars in Boston so don't waste your time.

    (3)

  • Joanna F.

    Ok, I have to update this review. My first review was a few years ago after a particularly bad experience. The menu used to be uninspired and, quite frankly, kind of gross. After going here for my boyfriend's high school reunion and, most recently, a lunch, I can say things have changed for the better. This venue handled the hundred plus people at the reunion very well, serving their very good beer selection quickly and efficiently. And when I went back in for lunch, I was shocked by the huge menu with tons of delicious looking items. Me and my coworker each got tacos (I got the fish tacos, she got the classic). My other coworker got the quesadillas. All of the food was delicious. My fish tacos were perfect - spicy from the peppers and jalapenos, cool from the slaw and chipotle crema and salty from the fish. The portion was great too... pretty big but not so big that I felt too full. I could come here for a week and eat only the tacos since they have a huge selection that all looked amazing. Way to turn the place around, Poe!

    (4)

  • R C.

    Concur with the reviews about bad staffing. Came in and sat down at the bar by myself to wait for friends. Bartender ignored me for 10 minutes and actually waited on parties seated on both sides of me. Finally another bartender came along and asked if I had been helped. Not a very welcoming place.

    (1)

  • Jennifer N.

    Not a fan- the only decent food on the menu is the wings, and they came out cold. Service is subpar.. they leave you waiting a long time for drink reorder. We could not even complain about the temperature of the wings as they never came back to check on us. Atmosphere is something that resembles speed dating.. will not go back.

    (2)

  • Sarah C.

    Rattlesnake was fine - I had high-ish expectations based on all the hoopla about Poe and the new menu (though, granted, it's been a while since that change took effect). They weren't really met, although I guess it came close. The menu is interesting - lots of choices, some more normal than others (though who needs normal?). My friends had the burger (which seemed ok), the venison tacos (which were not ok), and the special of bratwurst fajitas soaked in beer and a shot of ghost chile infused tequila. The venison tacos were a weird combination of flavors (peaches, brie, and...salsa) and the venison was not a great cut, nor was it cooked all that well. My friend pointed out that that's what you get for that price, and the waitress noticed he didn't eat much and was nice enough to discount our bill a bit when he mentioned he didn't like it very much. My friend asked the waitress about the bratwurst fajitas special and about it's spiciness, and though the ghost chile is the hottest pepper in the world, she mentioned it wasn't that spicy and he'd be fine. Completely incorrect. I have a relatively high spice tolerance (i loves me some ECG hell night) and that shit was spiiiiiicy. He was dying. Not so happy. My food - the duck tacos - was good. Tasted like thanksgiving due to the cranberry risotto, and i liked the texture. Only two tacos compared to my friend who got three, but it was enough. The roof deck is not all that great. Yes it's outside, but you're also between buildings and it's a relatively low deck, so...meh. All in all I'd say it's fine - an interesting place to try - but it won't end up on my "go back" list.

    (3)

  • Mike G.

    i don't get all the raves as dinner was a huge letdown. started with apps of fried calamari and duck confit chili relleno which came out v e r y quickly. i was assured the squid would be fresh (vs frozen). hah! was served cold, dry like it was cooked yesterday. the relleno, maybe cooked last week. told server to take the mess of calamari back to kitchen. braised short ribs taco was no better, an indubitable gut bomb. fish taco was best of the lot. so star for that and comping a drink. nunca mas.

    (2)

  • Michele M.

    First night in Boston, we went to Poe's Kitchen. A huge pork chop with a tomato and avocado salad and a hef. Friendly staff and reasonable prices for entrees. Awesome!

    (5)

  • Clara L.

    Went here one night to check out the roof deck with friends. We went early enough (10 pm) on a Friday night and made it up there with only a few minute wait. The roof was perfect for a fall evening. The atmosphere was nice and more laid back, a good option to escape the louder music downstairs. We didn't eat there since we came from dinner, but would definitely go back to try it. Found it interesting/odd that a guy was let up to the roof deck with a laptop case and rather large piece of luggage though...

    (4)

  • Olivia H.

    It's really a shame that the service at this place is so dreadful because it has an awesome rooftop. As good as that rooftop is, though, the manager and staff at this bar are horrendous. A few friends and I went to Rattlesnake, and my *sober* friend was denied entry into the restaurant. She doesn't drink, yet the bouncer at the front door said she was too drunk to come inside. We asked to speak with the sweaty, unprofessional manager who took 10 minutes to stop flirting with women from behind the bar and finally come talk to us. He agreed that my friend was not drunk and said that we could go upstairs and have one beer then leave. My friend rolled her eyes in response, to which he said, "Fine, you don't like it? Then leave". The staff at this bar/restaurant are so ridiculously unprofessional that I will never give them my money again and will make an effort to ensure that my friends and family refrain from doing so as well. I've read other reviews and see that we are not the only ones who have had an experience like this. Walk the extra block to Newbury street to find better bars. Also, I was so frustrated with this place that I made a Yelp account just so that I could share this review.

    (1)

  • Sara S.

    I cast my vote for Rattlesnake as 2009's Most Improved Restaurant in Boston. I used to detest Rattlesnake. Refuse to go. Tia's and Rattlesnake were the two places in Boston that even if Matt Cassel were there (HEART him), I wouldn't go. Now, it's not uncommon for me to have cravings for their deliciousness at least twice a week! OK, actually, every day. Brian Poe has done a phenomenal job turning from what used to be pretty terrible bar food into the finest and most refined Southwestern cuisine I have ever had in my entire life. While their menu includes non-traditional and traditional "sounding" Southwestern cuisine, everything is upscale and has a little flair of Poe. You're not getting greasy nachos, overly-dressed tacos, and food that's going to weigh you down the rest of the day. The proportion of ingredients is perfect, allowing all flavors to come through perfectly. Everything is prepared with care with the highest quality ingredients. I had no idea Southwestern food like this existed. What do I suggest? Everything. Well, kidding... if I've tried everything on the menu, though, I probably wouldn't be kidding. However, my favorites include: Nacho Mama's (great for sharing), Jalapeno Clam Chowder (thin broth dressed with actual fried clams!), Azteca Taco Salad (not served in a greasy gross taco shell, which I appreciate), and their Tuna sandwich- which unfortunately, is not off the menu, but the chef can work his magic in the back and make it if you request it! Cocktail list has improved as well, and I'm looking forward to their pumpkin infused spirits. Chef Poe's skill is undeniable and I only wish the service was just as good as the talent coming out of the kitchen.

    (4)

  • Celeste M.

    I think I'm the only one who hasn't been on the roof deck. And I never went to the Rattlesnake back in the day. I was lucky enough to discover the Rattlesnake after it became awesome. And awesome it has been. I've been here for a party, dinner, and lunch, and each time there has been sumptuous delights for the eyes and mouth. The service is good and they were willing to change the awesome fried chicken sandwich into grilled for my dieting self. I love the spicy flavor of the food and inventiveness of the menu. I love that their obligatory burrito is called "Obligatory Burrito." I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Kelly O.

    2 words: quail tacos. Fig-stuffed Vermont quail with black truffle risotto, pumpkin salsa & pomegranate jus, to be exact. Have I ever even had quail? No. Do I even really like most Mexican food to begin with? Not really. Did I think these were possibly the best tacos (or even just dinner period) I have ever eaten? Absolutely. Holy wow these were amazing, unexpectedly so. I ordered them because the rest of the ingredients were right up my alley and I figured eh, quail probably just tastes like chicken anyways so I may as well just be adventurous and go for it. Wrong- quail (in this version) is farrr superior to chicken. I can't tell if I actually like quail now, or if it was just amazing in this specific dish, but I am telling you GO AND ORDER THEM. Or any of the other crazy combos on the menu now (wild boar or pheasant perhaps?). All for only $12, and you get three big soft tacos; what have you got to lose? I've been to the Rattlesnake just for drinks multiple times both at night and right after work, and it's a decent place to go. I do like the roof deck in summer, and the music's not bad, top 40 stuff. Our waitress last night was really on top of things, and they created a small dance floor towards the end of the night, which was fun. I do enjoy their pitchers of either beer or mixed drinks, but the crowd can sometimes be full of popped collars and ya dudes, so be wary. 5 stars just for the tacos, 3.5 for Rattlesnake itself.

    (4)

  • Kevin C.

    Didn't try any of their food, but this was a pretty fun bar to visit. Slipped into the roof deck with relative ease, and it's BAWWLIINN'. A little more upscale, which means you'll get the regular mix of yuppie assholes and young professionals. They've got a limited selection of beers on tap upstairs but it's a small satellite bar separated from the main one downstairs so that's not too surprising. A shitload of bouncers, not entirely certain why. Either their clientele can't handle their liquor or some much more sinister reason.

    (3)

  • Michele C.

    Had one of the worst restaurant experiences in a long time here the other night. We came in with a really big group - I've worked in the restaurant industry and I know this is a problem but I wasn't in charge of the group. In any case, if they couldn't accommodate us or had to split us up they should have just said so. Instead they took us all (and did split us up into two tables). We were on the roof deck on a really hot night. With all the orders coming in, the kitchen couldn't handle it and we waited over an hour for our food. When it finally came, my chicken was absolutely inedible because it was so salty. The waitress offered to compensate us with a round of drinks but when we finally got the bill she hadn't even taken anything off of it. We were so hot and tired and at that point, really late since we had spent hours there, so we paid and left. I was so mad at myself afterwards - we really should have said something and made them compensate us. The whole experience was horrendous, the food awful and overpriced. Avoid! You could get the same food at Taco Bell or something for a quarter of the price.

    (1)

  • Erin C.

    This was my 2nd return to Rattlesnake since Brian Poe took over the kitchen and I'm afraid it will be my last. There are certainly some quality dishes on the menu, but the number of crummy ones outnumber these. Last night I got the Quinoa-Crusted & Seared Salmon Salad with berry-chipotle salsa & sweet potato croutons over frisée in watercress vinaigrette. The salmon was about the size of a post it note. The "salsa" was 5 formally frozen blueberries and a sliver of strawberry. The sweet potato croutons were just a few bits of dried up sweet potato. Surprisingly the salmon was cooked well and the dressing was pretty good. However, for $14 I was expecting MUCH more. I should have just gotten the cornbread. My friend got the nachos which came out lukewarm, at best. She asked for them to be heated up and they came back the EXACT same temperature. Our server said that it was just the type of cheese it was and it was supposed to be like that. Thick, slightly cold cheese is what they are going for? Gross. The only redeeming quality of our night was that our server was decent. We didn't see her much (it was packed!), but she was attentive when needed and managed to keep us well hydrated. I'm sad to say that I won't be revisiting Rattlesnake again.

    (2)

  • Fabri T.

    Great food with a nice variety of craft beers. Highly recommend the Mexican Monte Cristo sandwich!

    (4)

  • marc k.

    Went there out of sheer frustration - most of Boston was under lock down and it was one of the few places open. Outstanding service, unique food that was excellent and a quiet, classy ambiance we weren't expecting. It isn't an inexpensive restaurant by any means however we walked away absolutely floored by the outstanding quality of our meal. Worth every penny. It was a bit stressful outside and Poe's kitchen was the exact antidote we needed to calm down. Really a great experience for us. It is definitely worth a try. We had the corn bread and guacamole (lime chips) as well as main courses. All super high quality. I hope to go back again. Soon!

    (4)

  • Mindy L.

    Went for a girls night out and headed straight for the roof deck at Rattlesnack. There was, of course, a long line but it moved fast. Someone needed to turn on the air conditioning inside because it was absolutely roasting. There were only two bartenders at the downstairs bar and it took about 10 minutes to get a drink. Once ordered and received, the margaritas were actually quite good. On the roofdeck, we were pleasantly surprised that when we walked up we immediately got a table and it wasn't crowded at all. We made our way to the bar for a couple shots and the bartenders were fast and fun to talk to. The sangria is awful. We ordered a carafe of the white sangria and it's literally white wine. There wasn't any fruity mix...or fizz...it was just wine poured over an orange and cherry. Too bad...we were looking forward to it. That said...we drank it anyway.

    (3)

  • Matt V.

    I was in town with a friend on December 1st of this year for the Drink Craft Beer festival at the Revere Hotel, where we were staying. Before the Festival, we walked down Boylston to Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake, based on some Googling that led us to understand they had a good selection of craft beer. That Googling was spot-on. Charlie, our bartender, was friendly and knowledgable, and happy to let us sample any brews before we tried them. Rattlesnake has a wide selection of fresh craft brews at reasonable prices and if I were only reviewing a craft beer bar, I'd give a much higher rating. However, when we returned to eat dinner after the Festival, things took a turn. We ordered three appetizers to share - the taquitos, the empanadas, and the cornbread. I can say without question that all three of these were frozen and re-heated before being brought out to us. There was no flavor and no texture to the meat in either the taquitos or the empanadas, and the cornbread was soggy. The empanadas were luke-warm. The only saving grace may have been the sofrito ranch served with the taquitos which was quite nice. For an entree I had the citrus grilled chicken sandwich. The meat was nicely cooked and seasoned, but the bread was untoasted, and completely plain. I guess the fries were alright. My friend ate the veggie quesadilla and it was the most comically undersized entree that I have ever seen. I wanted to like this place, and I'd go there to drink beer again, but I'm definitely not going to order food.

    (2)

  • S C.

    Went to the roof deck for a nightcap - ambiance was great and the menu items were very unique sounding looked delicious. Someone spent a lot of time working on the dishes and the creativity was appreciated. Unfortunately, I only tried the blueberry mojito ($11) and it had a terrible bottom shelf liquor taste, yuck! The delicate purple color made it look so nice, what a waste. Wait staff was decently attentive but slow when it came time to pay - we almost missed the last T back home... Everyone was IDed at the door of course but it was strange to be asked to also show a credit card with our drivers license/passports....

    (2)

  • Cassie M.

    I usually search yelp prior to choosing a restaurant. This place was a spontaneous decision and I'm so glad I came here. I asked the waitress what she recommended between the taco salad and fish tacos. She was adamant on the fish tacos so I ordered them and they were some of the best I've ever had!

    (4)

  • Josh M.

    I enjoyed the atmosphere of the bar area. It was inviting and upscale but without an upscale price. Went there twice for drinks on my weekend trip to Boston. I'll definitely be back when I return to Beantown.

    (4)

  • Daniel K.

    Chilled with a friend here, grabbed some beers and wings. My buddy got a burger. The setup is comfy, looks good. Good selection of beers, most of the classics on draught, decently priced. The wings were soggy, not my style. They have a nice spicy kick to em though if you like spicy soggy wings. I'd personally pass on those next time. Overall, OK place to chill, have some drinks. Was not impressed by the food though.

    (3)

  • Angie C.

    HORRIBLE SERVICE! Learn from my horrible experience and avoid at all costs. It saddens me that a place with good food has such poor service. Sorry, but the food is not enough for me to tolerate rudeness and incompetence. I gave this place 3 tries after their make over and I have to say they struck out. Experience: There is only 2 good waiters in this whole place. Let me break down each visit. Visit 1: Great experience-had the waiter with salt & pepper hair. He was super attentive, nice and professional. No complaints. Visit 2: Was seated immediately only to be ignored for 20 min. There were 2 other parties in the whole restaurant. After waiting I inquired with the hostess only to receive attitude and a roll of the eyes. It was the nice waiter (salt&pepper hair dude) who tracked down our waitress. It turned out she was chatting the whole time by the bar. After we placed our order we never saw her again, not even to let her know our order was wrong. Unfortunately, we were in a hurry so we ate, paid, and left. Visit 3: Waited by the door for 15-20 min. The hostess was nowhere to be found and the waitress in the front area completely ignored us. When I asked about the hostess she rudely said it's not her problem. Finally the waiter working the bar tables came and sat us. He was friendly and attentive. If I wasn't there for work I would have definitely complained to the manager. Oh I forgot when the hostess finally showed up and was seating people I accidentally walked in front of her and she rolled her eyes and gave an obnoxious sigh. If you hate your job then quit don't take it out on others. Food: Honestly I love their new menu, but with the rudeness and inconsistency in service I don't really care enough to give a detailed review. I can get good food elsewhere. Overall: Forget this place. Yes it's a popular after work hang out, but just get your drinks and leave. Don't waste your time and money on sh*t service. I will never come back here again! I would also like to throw in a disclaimer that I am not a rude customer. If I did something to deserve attitude I will take full responsibility and not complain about it. However, this lack of service is uncalled for.

    (1)

  • Josephine L.

    Gone are the days when I happily wasted hours screaming at the top of my lungs in an overly loud bar. Nowadays, a nice sit-down meal is much more preferable for a date or night out with friends. That being said, Rattlesnake's not too bad. Maybe it's the Back Bay location. Maybe it's the surprisingly spacious interior. Whatever it is, you can actually have an easy, intimate conversation, people-watch and NOT walk away feeling deaf, reeking of smoke, and desiring a shower from all the sleazy meatheads eyeing you. The menu is standard pub fare with a distinct Southwestern twist. The Nacho Mamas are delicious and will easily fill you up. The Taco Salad is enormous! I don't think I've ever seen a salad that big, served with two bread sticks sticking up. I don't know how anyone could finish it! Cocktails are great too. Loved their Caipirinha and Pisco Sour (although for a more authentic version, head to Machu Picchu in Somerville).

    (4)

  • Nicole S.

    The new chef has really transformed this place. We would come here after work for drinks on the roof deck but it was not a place to have food- this has all changed. The Rattlesnake has some serious food now. This place now deserves respect. I am in love with the cornbread. Serious Lurve with the cornbread. It had me at hello with its smooth texture, bit of heat, buttery flavor, and melted cheese. Start with the cornbread and your meal will be off to a good start. The Infamous Avocado is a good appetizer (or you could be your dinner if you decide not to share your corn bread like me). Served in a avocado half, chunks of fresh lobster merry with warm sweet avocado and is topped off with a unique creme. I never though that lavender would go with lobster but this is why Chef Poe is amazing. The combination of the lavender flavored cream that blends into the nooks and crannies of the warm avocado and lobster is genius. The pepper and lavender creme is lick your plate good. Advisory- Do not get the hot pickles. No joke. First they are gross and stupid hot. It's one thing to have some heat but this will hurt every bit of your mouth. However, if you have a stupid friend in need of money you could bet them they can't eat them all for some $ while you laugh like you have never laughed before while they try to finish the spears from hell.

    (4)

  • Kristen P.

    I visited the Rattlesnake on a hot afternoon (7/16) after walking what felt like 10 miles from Faneuil Hall Market Place. I had noticed the place a few weeks prior on my first visit exploring Boston. I am from Central MA and Boston is somewhat new to me, but I love Southwestern food, so this place appealed to me. All I needed was a quiet place to sit, relax, enjoy a drink and maybe a snack and be on my way. Instead I had an experience, one good enough to write here. The moment I sat at the bar I was acknowledged (always a good sign!). I ordered a Corona and the bartender (a tall, young, handsome blonde) promptly served my drink and with a smile. Later, I found out his name is Josh. Shortly after ordering my drink I asked for a menu and ordered the Nachos, just a small snack to go with my drink. Ha! I was thrown out of my chair when I saw the tower of nachos they placed in front of me. I even asked, "Is that ALL for me?" I was almost afraid to be seen attempting to eat such an enormous portion of nachos all by myself. :-) The nachos were delicious! If I took a moment to examine them, I would have to say they had everything you could think of to put on a nacho. Salsa, Guac, cheese, sour cream, steak (chicken is available), and refried beans. YUM! I will definitely be going back to try more of their dishes. All in all, the place was clean, had a great decor, friendly and personable service, and above all out of this world food! I even had a great conversation with one of the bartenders, Billy. He was very attentive in making sure I had enough to drink and good company. :-)

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    This review is solely for their weekend brunch. In reality based on just my meal it would be 5 stars but the service was slow but still friendly and the mimosa and caphirana we ordered were just ok but the real treat was Bloody Mary Eggs Benedict With Bourbon Bacon which was off the charts. While the combination doesn't sounds all that great you're going to have to trust me on this. Instead of an english muffin they use a corn tamale, and the bourbon infused bacon is just crazy. You have to try it!

    (4)

  • Teri L.

    Eyeing everyone at my table eating the nachos with slit eyes behind my sun glasses and thinking...How can I pull these nachos over to my plate in front of me without a family war!! Hands down THE BEST nachos I've ever had! I can't even tell you what the difference is. I tried, Joey tried, Mandah was too busy maowing and Matt was too close to the nachos to think anyone would scoff them! I gave up and just kept pigging on them. We ordered our mains and loved my Scallop Tacos! A little less oil would have been good but all in all fabulous. Matt got the Fish Tacos, Joey the Balboa Sandwich which is duck salami and Mandah had the Wild Boar Burrito. 5 stars for the food. Excellent excellent. My main concern was the deck. It was a summer day when we went. I was looking forward to a cool breeze on top of the building. We sat down and it was like a sauna. The reason was the high walls of the deck! Why solid walls?? Why not awesome black iron grating to let that amazing breeze in?? Minus 1 star for the sauna I didn't order. Can't wait to go back and try some more of this amazing chef!!

    (4)

  • Kevin B.

    Good spot for a quick weekday lunch. Recommend the spicy tacos.

    (4)

  • Su-Yee L.

    I went here on Valentine's day with the bf because of the intriguing menu and was not disappointed. The grilled cornbread was DELICIOUS. I didn't think I'd like the chiles in it but they were subtle and added flavor. The Infamous Avocado was interesting and tasty. We had wanted to try the wild boar tacos but after a wait were told they were sold out. Instead, we tried a couple of things off the special valentine's day menu: the Strapping Young Buck tacos and 99 Problems but a fish ain't one. The tacos were really good with brie, a sweet salsa, and watercress on top of peppercorn-braised venison but were incredibly hot--my mouth was burning for a while after eating one. The fish dish was cod wrapped in pancetta over acorn squash puree and with a strawberry and balsamic reduction--it was smaller than the other dishes but pretty delicious. Also, the chef served our appetizers and the tacos and explained the dishes to us and in general, was super friendly which made up for the slightly less friendly waitress. Not the most romantic place for v-day but the food was totally worth it!

    (4)

  • Jason G.

    I've been here numerous times and I've never been disappointed. The service is always on point and food is always consistent which seems to be a trademark at all 3 of Chef Poe's restaurants. Poe's nachos are some of the best I've ever had and a great app to have while enjoying any number of their beverage selections.

    (5)

  • Joseluis A.

    roof deck! its a nice place to grab a drink, on a nice day of course. i did not have anything to eat as i was just here for day drinking. service was ok. one of the bartenders told me i look like junot diaz which sparked a nice conversation about oscar wao and how junot is bald and i am not. my friend was on a mission so i was only here for that one drink but im curious to go back and see what kind of vibe this place has going on at night.

    (3)

  • Nuala G.

    THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE VENUE NOT THE FOOD. I had a company function here during the heat wave of July 2011. We were booked in the room upstairs (not the outdoor deck). Upon arrival of around 60 people the room had pretty much little or no air conditioning. The windows did not open and we were provided with 2 fans (which basically circulated hot air). I have never been more miserable in my entire life (the sweat was dripping down everyone's faces and NO ONE had a good time). This was my first visit to the Rattlesnake and I have to say my last. I thought the place had a weird odor smell (like that of a back alley of a bar). If you are only coming for the food and don't care about being comfortable (or maybe have a blocked nose and can't smell anything) then the food was pretty good, so check it out.

    (1)

  • Sue B.

    Forgot to Yelp this place Went after the game on Saturday (took a pedi-cab YEAH) had a few apps and some drinks. Place was crowded but we got a seat and service was quick and server was knew what she was doing. Had a fun time ... somehow having a few drinks on a nice roof deck in the city with a great friend is always a great time

    (4)

  • Jason L.

    This is a repost of my personal cooking / foodie blog Rattlesnake review, but I think it's fitting to post it on Yelp, it would receive a much bigger audience here. Within the past year or so the Rattlesnake Bar & Grill has brought in Chef Brian Poe, whom has not only introduced an incredibly creative brunch menu (that my article is mainly about) but a great dinner menu as well. An additional list of weekly specials that Poe calls his "Unleashed" menu mainly focuses on more experimental dishes involving in season ingredients. To help show off their new "image", they had a Yelp! Elite event late last year that I was a guest of and they blew my socks off. The appetizers, entrees and drinks were top notch and the waitresses were very personable. He has revamped the perception of the Rattlesnake amongst the Boston population, finally making it a valid and very worthwhile eatery at any time of the day. To give you an idea of how highly I think of the Rattlesnake bar, we waited outside their closed doors for half an hour to be let in for brunch. We were the first ones in and were greeted and seated by Poe himself. I would have been starstruck, had it not been for my previous visits where he also mingled with the guests and played an active, visible role in the restaurant. This sort of "all hands" role that the executive chef plays is smart, it leaves a lasting impression with the patrons. Now on to the food! It's good. Actually, it's beyond great. Every bite of each dish I've sampled has been top notch and Poe definitely has a couple of culinary calling cards up his chef sleeves that he uses to his advantage in most of his dishes: Heat and Sweet. Between the tequila cream cheese and minted salsas that accompany their homemade lime zested chips to the jalapeno hollandaise that tops my favorite dish, the "Poeched" Eggs Benedict (the featured picture of this article), he has rarely has any "dish misses'. Between the five of us, we had: Mexican Monte Cristo "Poeched" Eggs Benedict French Toast with Pineapple glaze Everything was perfect. Rattlesnake also makes great cocktails if our espresso martini, bloody mary and multiple strawberry margaritas are the norm. The only thing I can even remotely give a negative mark to is that you're likely to be stuffed before you finish all the morsels on your plate.

    (5)

  • Enrique D.

    so this place has changed for the better... "poe" took over and really turned the food up a few notches. the service was great , waitress SASHA. i rarely remember names or comment on particular servers, but she is worth mentioning. so VENOM is the roof deck to RATTLESNAKE.. i dont like the lower level, it just lacks ambiance. i think if they gave the lower rattlesnake a bit of a makeover, it would really do well. and , it would attract way more people to the hidden little roof top gem. there really is no view on the roof. its surrounded by taller buildings or walls on every side, so ur left with looking up... the sky. thats it. but on a warm suny day, or a warm summer night, i love it. 4 caraffes of white sangria, frozen coladas, spicy grilled shrimp**amazing., spicy wings, calamari** some of the best ive had, wild boar corn dogs?! threee different types of guacamole?? beet, mango and traditional! and hands down the best clam chowder ive ever had.... everr. ive worked in the food/bevg industry in boston for 4 years now, many places, and this blows them all away. thick but not pasty, hearty with lots of potatoe, fresh clams, topped with giant fried clams nestled a-top a giant - in- the- shell clam! the flavor will blow u away. its a cozy , relaxed place for friends, family, dates, birthdays, etc.

    (4)

  • Julie B.

    i've never ate here b/c the parish is across the street, but this place does have a pretty good beer/drink selection and plenty of places to sit. i just don't appreciate how they try to turn it into a dance club after 10 on the weekends - you're not, so don't try!

    (3)

  • Sasha R.

    So, over the summer, 5 or 7 of my male coworkers got dumped by their respective significant others, and so were available and looking to endlessly hang out . We seemed to always end up at the Rattlesnake, which turned out to be the perfect venue for someone in such a state. There is a deck, where the public flocks to in the summer, and let's face it, summer evenings in Boston are mostly lovely. There is a collection of adorable college-age waitresses ready to work the crowd for their tip, and there are many young professionals swinging by for an afterwork drink and snack. The drinks are ok and the food is stadard bar fare. Th good part is you may be likely to start a short term relationship on the rooftop deck. Now that the summer is over, however, I haven't been there once!

    (3)

  • Anthro Food E.

    this place didnt wow me with their food and atmosphere...i couldnt figure out the theme of this restaurant/bar...there was a mural of different people on the wall, but couldnt figure out if they were supposed to have been celebrities or not...if so, then the only that stood out was ray charles...hmmm...who knows... the menu seemed like it was leaning towards tex mex...but it looked like most people came there to drink rather than to eat... the waitstaff was nice though...but then again, who isnt nice in boston???

    (2)

  • gina w.

    tried to get to the rooftop bar but it didn't work out - couldn't go - too many people were up there :( so that totally stinks ...(minus one star). it was after work on a beautiful thursday evening ...so we weren't the only ones who wanted to have a drink that day. but since I had a group of people meeting up with me - we didn't go elsewhere. okay - inside ..the music was WAY loud and hard to talk to people :( ordered some appetizers and I had a turkey cubano sandwich ...it was pretty bland and lame. the sandwich platter I got was not very good - I'm glad I was hungry but I would not want to eat here ever again. (minus one star for food quality) what I do like about the place ..the location is great and it's clean inside. the service was okay ...not bad but not good enough to write about.. I don't think I'll be back real soon.

    (3)

  • Geoff T.

    First off, the food is nothing to write home about, especially at the prices they are asking. It's not the most expensive place, but it is not cheap. I've eaten there three times and never had a meal I thought was anything above mediocre. One thing that bothers me about a bar (if it's not supposed to be super classy) is if they don't have at least one cheap beer for those of us who can't always pay ive bucks for something. This place does not have cheap beer. The roofdeck is a nice plus, so if you are passing by on a nice day, I would surely reccomend going up there for a drink or two should you have a little cash. It's a nice place to sit.

    (2)

  • Katia M.

    You know why I like this bar? Two words: Roof Deck. It's one of the only ones in Boston, and I've never had a bad time there. Cool crowd, a lot of fun if you get there early enough to get a table, and the food is pretty good too. Lots of interesting mixed drinks and the buckets o' beer are usually reasonable. Service can be a bit slow, but I've had some great times here nevertheless.

    (5)

  • Jen R.

    Best roofdeck in Boston. Totally hip. Great drinks and great food. Downstairs gets packed on weekends as does the roofdeck. Try the cuban ropa roll.

    (4)

  • Rina R.

    During the summer you can sit by the open windows or outside on the roof deck to catch a breeze. Pretty standard 20-30-something bar, but a nice, fun place to while away many hours after work. Plus they offer a room upstairs that you can reserve for functions

    (3)

  • jim I.

    This place is over-rated... the rooftop is ok, but since it is the only rooftop bar in Boston the staff is rude to everyone and the beer is overpriced.

    (2)

  • Katherine W.

    Great place to go when the weather is nice... Drinks are affordable enough, the only downside can be the wait! Show up early or on a non-weekend night and you'll be fine! Esp. for smokers - the outdoor venue is perfect!

    (4)

  • Rebecca Y.

    Known for it's after work scene and late night meat market, this place isn't sure whether to be known for bringing in the 22 yr olds or the 28 yrs olds. Friendly bartenders and good American pub food.

    (4)

  • Susan J.

    Rattlesnake's rooftop bar is a great place to grab an afternoon drink, but agressiveness is key to actually getting that Heineken or Malibu, because it gets very crowded very soon after 5 pm and the service can be slow. The chips and salsa are hearty and really hit the spot for after-work munchies, though.

    (4)

  • Kristen G.

    Very much an older, after work crowd, Rattlesnake is pretty relaxing. It can get pretty busy, though. In the summer, the roof is a cool place to hang out and have some drinks, but you might have to wait in line to get up there. I personally don't see anything extremely special about this place, but I suppose if you have money and work in the area, it might be a favorite spot of yours.

    (3)

  • Ilya S.

    I went to the Rattlesnake on 2006-08-11 to have dinner with friends. They arrived just before 6pm and were able to get a table on the roofdeck. When I arrived a few minutes after 6, the roofdeck "bouncer" told me that I could not go to the roofdeck because it was "over capacity" (apparently, it can't hold more than 100 people according to the fire code). The fact that several of my friends were already there, ordered food and saved a seat for me at the table made no difference. He suggested that I join a line of people waiting in the adjacent corridor, all waiting to get in. I thought that may be this guy is new in the restaurant business and it was a rookie mistake but I was wrong. His manager was passing by, so I explained my situation to him but he was completely unfazed and cited the same reasons to me. Moreover, he told the people waiting in line in the corridor to move out to the bar because they were creating a "fire hazard". When I asked him how any of us would know if we could enter the roofdeck he replied that we should "come back and check every 5-10 minutes". This was getting absolutely ridiculous but I went to the bar and ordered a Paulaner hefeweizen. It cost me $7.90. This is the most I've ever paid for this beer anywhere (and I have been around). I don't mind paying a premium for my drinks but I expect appropriate level of service and atmosphere. This place has neither. My friends had no choice but to finish their food in a hurry and then all of us left. I will not come back there.

    (1)

  • Michael G.

    The best thing about this place is the outdoor roof deck that's open during the warmer months. Unfortunately, the roof is rather low, so you end up surrounded by taller buildings that block your view of anything nice. Also, the place is overwhelmingly packed right after work hours but tends to be very empty as it gets later in the evening.

    (3)

  • Brandy S.

    I am still trying to figure out why everyone likes this place. It does have a rooftop deck, which is cool, but you stare at other buildings. The drinks and food are decent, but not great enough for me to go there on a regular basis.

    (3)

  • kelly j.

    We ended up at the Rattlesnake on Saturday, March 6. Never again.... service was horrific and the food, well-I would of rather had a burger and fries from McDonalds... the one and only high point for me was the Bloody Mary I sucked down-good kick and blend of spices. Tortilla soup was a thick gravy like mess in the bowl. Chips and salsa-my friend thought they had not finished the salsa and just threw it in a bowl to get it out. My one friend had the fish tacos-very little on her plate and very bland. I had a strange meatball sandwich with a side of sauce that looked oddly like the soup I just had. The server was completely off her game by forgetting our drink orders and then not clearing the dirty plates till we told her to do so. NOT a place to eat folks.... not with all the other spots so close by. The prices are also high so you are not only feeling bad about your food but then have to pay for it? Never again... I wish we had left after one drink....

    (1)

  • matthew h.

    A nice place to start off an evening and the roofdeck is a major place in a city with a serious lack of perchable places. It can get pretty loud and crowded but usually a drink or two will suffice before moving on...

    (3)

  • Chris O.

    not bad to go in the afternoon or early dinner, at a certain point the music gets way to loud for the set up they got, can't really do much other than stand around and not hear anyone

    (2)

  • C. J.

    this place is a little "sticky" inside (perhaps a few too many beers spilled on these floors), but the calamari is surprisingly tasty! i'd return -- not for a nice sit-down meal or anything -- but just to hang out and have a few drinks or apps, it's perfect!

    (3)

  • julia r.

    i am a sucker for rooftop bars. that open air up top eclipses almost everything else. i did notice that since i had last been there, the rattlesnake has revamped it's downstairs bar (and restaurant) with bright paintings and a new lighting scheme. good touch. but upstairs is the place to be on a summery night in b-town. the only downside, besides the inevitably awkward now we have to say hi and pretend we actually are interested in what each other are doing because we used to hang out in college conversations i always end up having to have here, was that they didn't serve mojitos. a mojito would have been perfect. but vodka tonic works too.

    (4)

  • Mandy W.

    This place may be good for drinks after work, but I would not recommend it for anything else. The night I went there the bouncers and bartenders upstairs were rude and unattentive. When a mixup in the kitchen sent our food to another group the bartender wasn't helpful or apologetic at all, and he was unwilling to give us our money back! Plus, the roof deck isn't that great, since all you can see are other buildings.

    (1)

  • Jill M.

    This bar is great in the summer. They have a decent sized roof deck that always attracts a good crowd. Can't say I've ever eaten there, but they make a darn good cocktail! The downstairs bar is not so exciting, but if you can head over in the summer the deck is definitely worth it. It's usually an early evening pit stop for me and my friends.

    (4)

  • Ashley B.

    Small menu. Awkward pricing (almost all entrees are the same price despite being vastly different). Service was poor. I came on a Sunday afternoon and maybe 5 other people were there. Waitress never checked on us and only paid attention when it was time for the check.

    (2)

  • Noelle L.

    Pros: 1. Roof deck Cons: 1. Margaritas with a SPLASH of tequila. Thanks for the pint of sour mix 2. Off tasting sangria 3. $11 "veggie quesadilla" the size of a small pancake with 1 slice of eggplant skin as the "veggie" inside. 4. Scattered service 5. Stale chips I'm sorry, I don't usually complain... but this offset my perfect Saturday. With all the other options on Boylston and Newbury... I wish we stayed away :( I will never go back.

    (1)

  • Ethan T.

    I came here on the recommendation of a local bartender who said this place had great food cheap, and for central Boston, he was spot on. I really liked the idea of being able to eat on a the roof on a cool summer evening. The menu seems basic, but I assure you none of the food is. Each dish seems to have a little twist to it that makes it far superior to any regular bar food. Not something I would have expected, but a difference I was thrilled with. My dinner was great, and I have to point out that Magic Hat #9 was on tap. To leand excitement to the evening, while I was eating a summer storm broke the sky and we all went to rush inside. We were ushered to another room upstairs, all holding our drinks and plates, only to be told by the staff in that room that the room was closed. Again we were all ushered like sheep to the main dinning area, down a steep flight of now wet stairs still carrying our drinks and plates. Once downstairs tables were easy to find, and my waitress located us, and the service remained top quality. The ONLY reason this place did not receive five stars from me is because of the ineffectiveness of the moving around during a rain storm. With an outside deck, I would have thought a plan would have been in place.

    (4)

  • Nick S.

    We went to Poes with high hopes after seeing some glowing reviews. The venue itself is a bit odd. Downstairs feels like a normal pub, but the hallways and upstairs indoors feels like you are someplace else - you may know what I mean. Anyway, they have bouncers on every floor, which, at 7PM on a Thursday night feels a bit inappropriate. I mean, it's a neighborhood watering hole with food at that hour. Getting counted and admitted to different areas seems like overkill. We get upstairs and are quickly seated, which is great, however all the glassware is actually plastic. Nothing says "welcome" better than a glass of rioja in a plastic stemmed glass. Also, there is a very out of place sign on every table that indicates statutes require all people drinking at these tables must order food. 1) not sure I believe that, but if so 2) Boston truly has some things to learn about rules and regulations. We only go round this thing once, do we really want to waste time telling folks they can't enjoy a cocktail without having to order food? 3) Lastly, it's completely tacky for Poes to post this on every table. It really is a buzzkill. On to the food - overpriced! We had a tuna tartare with lemon sorbet. Weird, and tiny. Not terrible, but where have you ever had a scoop of lemon sorbet on soy marinated tuna tartare? Lime-tinged chips had no lime taste, nor did the salsas impress - one was basically cream cheese, another cilantro, and the third was salsa, but $7.50 for this seemed a bit much. We split a taco plate, but unlike some of the other tacos these came with flour tortillas. I'm really down on flour tortillas. Corn is where it's at, so would have appreciated that instead. Service was attentive, and they changed my rioja which was off, so no complaints there. Overall this place was no great surprise for Boston venues - nothing particularly special, overly concerned with rules and regulations, and food is overpriced for under-quality. The place seemed popular so I doubt my review will mean anything in the grand scheme, but it continues to sadden me to see great spaces which are completely wasted on poor dining/drinking/hanging experiences, and people seeming not to care. In NY this place would be abandoned, or else the owners would figure out how to make a place that's actually cool and interesting. Here I guess there's no motivation because there's no competition for dollars.

    (2)

  • Matt B.

    I've had two bad experiences here. The bouncers were rude, the waitress got upset because we ordered drinks at the bar (after waiting 20 minutes for her to serve us), and then the bartender was quite impolite as well. Additionally, there's no good deals on food or drinks. Not a fan.

    (1)

  • Jessie C.

    Oh Chef Brian Poe - where have you been all my life? I know, the rattlesnake - the place you went when you were 21 and got bombed. It's changed people. I promise. The food is SO FANTASTIC now with the addition of Chef Poe to the menu. Seriously - wild boar tacos? Hello! Tasty time! (try the grilled corn bread also - oh the deliciousness!) Please give the rattlesnake a second chance. I promise you'll love it.

    (4)

  • Johnna M.

    I was hanging out with some Californians the other night and of course the conversation inevitably turned to how there is no really good Mexican food in Boston. Someone suggested Rattlesnake as a viable option and I was inclined to disagree. Not that the food at Rattlesnake isn't really good- I just wouldn't call it Mexican. In fact, I wouldn't call it Tex Mex, Southwestern, or Kazakhstanian either. The only way I can correctly classify it is... .Bripoean. (adj. Br-pō'- 'n) And that, my friends, is exactly why I enjoy The Rattlesnake so much. Innovative and creative, the menu always makes me excited to order. Let's be real though, tacos can be innovative, creative, and exciting and still horrible (tripe with strawberry cream cheese and brussel sprouts on a soft tortilla anyone?) That's why I am glad Brian gets it right. I have never had a meal here I did not enjoy. Duck tacos, pulled pork tacos and bison stand out as my favorites but I love to try new things here. The only thing I will consistently order is the trio of guacamole because it is a trio of greatness. Token lush update-The mixed drinks here are great, I prefer the Dark and Stormy and that Blue Drink (No, I am not forgetful due to too much curacao- that is actually what it is called.) I conclude with reminding you that despite the amazing changes at Rattlesnake, you can still get drunk on a roof and that is still awesome.

    (5)

  • Lisa B.

    Alright, I'm a little torn on this one... The rooftop deck is great (get there early!) and the service was very friendly. I had the gourmet grilled cheese, but they forgot the tomato which made it less than stellar. Our server was very attentive (etc.) but I feel as though he didn't have much support in the kitchen or bar. Our drinks took 15+ minutes to reach our table each time, my order was inaccurate, and the beers were largely foam. Our check was also inaccurate at the end of the night, and my boyfriend had over $300 in charges listed as "pending" on his credit card bill, despite only spending $70 there. All-in-all, I (might) give it another chance, but I think there are better places for the cost in the area. Update: After reading my review, I was contacted by the manager to apologize for any inconvenience He offered to help clear any credit card charges that were inaccurate, and I thought that was very professional and thoughtful. 3 stars for Poe's.

    (3)

  • Evan A.

    Blah. Just for the bar. Ok. A bunch of blah people at a blah bar. Just not really my kind of place. It was like a Jersey Shore reunion.

    (2)

  • Kir C.

    My family was looking for a place to grab lunch(We had an infant in a stroller). We originally tried to grab lunch at a nearby place and were turned away b/c of our stroller. We ended up at Rattlesnake- got a great table with tons of space, and also got great service. It was super quick and the food was fantastic.

    (4)

  • Patrick M.

    I must have caught them on a good day judging on all the recent reviews, but I really enjoyed my food and my time at Rattlesnake. I am also a sucker for roof bars even though there is no view from this roof bar. There were three of us splitting all the food, so we ordered a good number of items to try. First off they made some very good mojitos that were freshly muddled with mint. They were on the small side, but the vodka and lemonade ordered later was in a much larger pint glass. We ordered the Tuna Tartar that was 11 bucks... honestly some of the best that I can remember eating. The fish was extremely fresh and melted in your mouth. I order sashimi everywhere, so I know when I have something impressive sitting in front of me and this was impressive. The next thing we ordered was the grilled avocado filled with lobster for 14.50. The lobster was cooked perfectly and matched with the avocado wonderfully. This was a touch pricey, but considering the perfection that the lobster was cooked to, I can handle it. It is way too easy to overcook lobster and it is done all the time, this lobster was immaculate. We also got the lime zested chips for $7.25. This was the only part of the meal that I thought was overpriced and really not that great for what we ordered. It came with some type of cream cheese and the green salsa that I assume was tomatillo. It was so salty that both myself and another at the table snapped our heads back when we ate it with that face like somebody punched you in the junk. Finally for dinner we had the fish tacos. They were a touch overpriced at $13.75, but executed beautifully. Overall we got to the place before a Red Sox game and headed upstairs. It started to rain as soon as we got our first food in front of us and we were moved downstairs to a great table. We waited out the rain delay while having drinks. I really wished that they had a cover of some sort up in the roof bar area that could be pulled out because it was sort of a pain in the butt to move downstairs. That being said, we had to close out the tab upstairs before moving down. I didn't notice the poor service talked about in other posts... but again maybe I caught them on a good day because I liked my service that day. I also liked my drinks because I left the bar / restaurant pretty damn tipsy and I wasn't the only one!

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    Don't have your party here! "bouncer" is egomaniac, ruined our party/insulted our guests, (said his name was demetri?) Lots of better spots in Boston! VERY bad experiences with this one person, across several people in a large group, super embarrassed we had our private party here, definitely will not do again and will warn others as well!

    (1)

  • Jeff F.

    Not sure why everyone is blowing this place up. It's a cool spot and I highly recommend coming in here for drinks and possibly apps, but I'd pass on dinner: - wild boar burrito was ok, but it's a brick of food...guaranteed gut bomb - wings were disappointment - fish tacos were the highlight - awesome - guac was average

    (3)

  • Lynn W.

    God, how is this place still in business after this many years??!! Oh right, it is one of the only roof deck bars in Boston - literally it's only saving grace. My husband and I had a weeknight dinner here (it has been about 5 years since we have been there) and now I remember why I have avoided this place like the plague - the food was absolutely terrible along with being completely overpriced (an $11apple salad where they charge you $6 dollars to add some inedible chicken?) and the draft beer menu compared to it's very close neighbor "The Parish Cafe" is very tiny. I had the calamari and a cup of some type of white bean, onion chicken stock soup - "ick" is all I can say. The only reason I am giving this place a 2nd star is because the waitress was nice and they had Narraganset Lager on tap. Other then that - avoid this place and head across the street.

    (2)

  • Christopher M.

    The Rattlesnake wins my award for the biggest turnaround in a restaurant I have ever seen. The 'snakes prior reputation is stuff of legend: bad staff, worse food and a clientele of ill repute. The only thing it had going for it was an amazing roof deck. Then one day I was at a food festival, and someone handed me a plate of tuna tartar nachos. They were delicious. I asked where they came from, and the answer made me laugh out loud: The Rattlesnake. "You're joking, "I replied. ""No," came the response. "They have a new chef. Come and meet him." That's when I first had the pleasure of meeting Chef Brian Poe. Since then the man has transformed The Rattlesnake into a casual culinary destination. A menu that use to be filled with frozen TexMex now boasts duck tacos, lamb on rye, wild boar and an amazing wagyu steak, plus a brilliant seasonal specials menu. A few weeks back I was told I was the first to try the Poe Burger, a lobster, foie gras, avocado & truffled Kobe burger grilled medium-rare with house-cured whiskey bacon & Irish porter cheese. To say "nom, nom, nom" would be an understatement. The ingredients are always fresh, unique and masterfully assembled. I recall a dinner there where people were passing forkfuls of food across the table, urging everyone to try their food - always the sign of an amazing meal. The service has also turned around beautifully - Morgan and the other staffers have done a brilliant job bringing the quality of the house on par with the kitchen. But the most substantial turnaround is the attitude. Never before have met a chef who listens and responds to the community and his critics as Chef Poe does, nor heard of management that empowers their chef to do so more. Chef Poe is as classy as he is talented. I'm not the kind of person who has a "favorite" restaurant. I love trying new restaurants and rarely go to the same place twice in the same season. Yet The Rattlesnake has, without a doubt become my favorite casual restaurant in Boston. Whether there's something to celebrate, a guest visiting the city, someone special to impress or if I just want to enjoy a good meal under the sun on a beautiful day, the Rattlesnake has become the place I go. I hope you find your experiences there as amazing as I do.

    (5)

  • Bronwen Y.

    I'd only ever been to The Rattlesnake for the bar scene, and was surprised when some friends suggested it for lunch on a recent sunny day. I was pleasantly surprised by the roof deck, and by the pitcher of sangria that we started the meal off with. The deck is in the back of the building, which translates to no view. It's also surprisingly windy - our empty glasses kept blowing over while the server tried to pour the sangria. Our server also spilled a couple of glasses of water - one right in my lap - which actually helped cool us down a bit (it got quite toasty up there!). The food was pretty good as well. I had the romaine salad with fish... The salad was super crisp and topped with some kind of pics de gallo - but the fish was watery and overdone. It also seemed to be leftover pieces from trimming down a larger piece for some other application... One of my table mates had the fish tacos, which was probably a better bit (and probably where the rest of my fillet ended up). Hot tip: there are two ladies rooms and one men's room upstairs. Bonus for the ladies!

    (3)

  • Caitlin B.

    This might be one of the best meals that I have ever had in my life - and I'm picky about my food. The boy toy and I strolled in here one night on my recent visit to Boston. He got tacos (YUM!) and I had the Mexican Monte Cristo - and holy fuck - as I stated before, it was the best thing that I have ever eaten in my life. It was true perfection in between slices of bread. Sitting at the bar, our service was fantastic and the bartender was awesome about drink/beer choices.

    (5)

  • Tom D.

    When I first moved to boston from new york I was simply amazed by the lack of roof decks in this city. Is it some kind of traditionalist thing or city code here? I dont get it. Anyway, when I heard this place had a roof deck I knew I had to give it a shot. I've been back a few times since so I feel like I can give this place a pretty comprehensive review. Drinks: not too bad for back bay, pretty standard beer prices with a small-ish drink menu Food: not impressed at all. Overpriced food with a very small menu. I hear their fish tacos are good but my friend who ordered them literally got 3 for about 12 bucks Atmosphere: Oh sweet theres a roof deck right? You definitely said there was. Was it cool? It had to be cool?......No. Just no. Its a 20 by 20 space that is surrounded by tall concrete buildings. Literally better off being inside. Overall the place is OK but definitely nothing you should ever go out of the way for

    (3)

  • Ashley D.

    I was really nervous about trying this restaurant because of the wide range of variability in its reviews, but it turned out to be a great place for lunch. We went in around noon on a weekday and sat inside, rather than on the rooftop deck. The menu had some interesting and unusual features like Antelope Tacos, which turned out to be amazing. The server was very friendly and the overall experience was a good one. I would not hesitate to host another lunch meeting here.

    (4)

  • Dale D.

    My husband and I stumbled upon this place yesterday while in town for an event. It caught us with the out door dining and music that was not too loud but audible enough we could hear it near the door. Upon walking in we were immediately seated ( and although the hostess wasn't the most cheerful person in the world she was on point to her duties) and our waitress was quick to come take an order. Service! At first we thought it seemed a bit pricey until we got our meals we had HUGE portions and tasted out of this world! I ordered the best taco salad I have ever had. Their french fries are so yummy and my husband had the chicken sandwich that was like two chicken breasts!! The margarita was pricey too but for its lack of alcohol but what do you expect at a restaurant in the heart of Boston!? A+++ from us, If ever we make our way to this part again we will def return!

    (4)

  • Meg K.

    Terribly unimpressed by the mediocre food, bad drinks, and awful attitude of servers-- super rude, even for Boston. Our story takes place at 4pm on a Saturday. Roof deck was full, so we decided to sit on the patio seating area, where three 2-person tables were empty. We were a group of four (plus a baby). We ask waitress which of two sets of tables they'd prefer we move. Two waitresses come out with the WORST attitude ever. You'd think we had asked them to perform some impossible task instead of just telling us if we could move a table (across the aisle or smooshed by the window). There was plenty of space. OH THE EYEROLLS. OH THE SIGHS. I asked if it was against fire code or something? Nope. They just dislike accommodating customers. They wouldn't let us use one of empty tables because another couple on the patio swore up and down their friends were coming to meet them. "They'll be here any minute!" (Famous. Last. Words. They eventually finished their food and drinks and left. Glad we all saved the table for your imaginary friends. The restaurant should have seen that coming.) Then the waitresses were trying to make us leave on the pretense that the stroller didn't fit anywhere. Again, this is a decent sized patio with only three other people (and two ghosts) seated out there, one who also had a stroller. It shouldn't have been a big deal. We tucked the strolled next to the plants. The world continued spinning. Everything was fine, much to the disbelief of our cranky waitresses. At this point I would have left, because screw it, I'm not giving you my business after this-- but our friends wanted to stay, so we did. I ordered the pineapple margarita. I don't know what I was thinking. I should have ordered a beer, something they could screw up. It was a flavorless sugar bomb. Friends ordered white sangria. It was better, but that's not saying much. We ordered nachos and buffalo burritos. Call us crazy, but the four of us were expecting buffalo sauce, not literal buffalo meat. Ok. Fine. Whatever. It was dry with little flavor. The sauce didn't help. The nachos were the only decent part of the experience. There was plenty of topping for the house chips. Unfortunately, the bottom layer was soggy, but at this point, everything else was so bad that I barely noticed. I suppose if you get here early for a beer on the roof deck, this place might be ok- though early means camping out the night before, since roof was already full by 4:00. Sometimes, I'm overwhelmed by the many choices in boston. So thanks, rattlesnake, for making my next dining decision a little easier. PASS.

    (2)

  • Danielle K.

    The food is always tasty and the staff is friendly. I've come here after runs with Social Boston Sports and waters were brought quickly by the waitstaff. I've also visited for lunch with my husband and both sandwiches were ordered were delicious. (I had a BLT & salad.) There's a big drinks menu & the bartenders will make a recommendation if you're looking for one.

    (4)

  • Lannie L.

    This place needs more love - so here, let me give it to ya. Over the years, I've always defaulted to suggesting this place to friends when we want a non-pretentious chill place to hang out and grab drinks. The rooftop is basic but definitely nice enough to hang out in (don't expect a view though) and not many bars in Boston even have one so thumbs up there. A large group of us showed up Friday night and it was surprisingly pretty empty and it was super easy to accommodate us and service was great. Drinks were great and we were happy campers. Consistently I'm impressed with the food. I think I don't expect much given the overall low Yelp love but each time I come, I feel like they do a great job with the flavors in all their food. $7 cornbread is crazy, yes, but it is damn good. The nachos were solid, tacos are tasty. I can't remember each dish I've ever ordered but just know that you'll get great flavors in there.

    (5)

  • Sana B.

    The short, brute female bartender working around 5 pm on July 30 was one of the most aggressive and racist women I've ever encountered. We sat quietly at the end of the bar with my cousin who was visiting from overseas for about 3 hours after a big lunch and a walk around Fenway Park. Boston was supposed to represent what America stands for, instead this woman saw fit to stop serving us because we did not want to order food exposing the ugly truth of Boston. When my cousin asked why she wouldn't serve us without ordering (very politely because he was genuinely curious about this custom) she started 3-4 sentences extremely aggressively with "in this country...", each time getting closer to his face as if to intimidate him. Her disgruntled demeanor and clear self-loathing made us decide to leave right away. That disgusting behavior will never be an acceptable representation of what this country is. Her loss, and the restaurants, we are extremely wealthy and had money to spend. Unfortunately for her, we also planned to meet our whole families there an hour later-- we took our business elsewhere. I've never been more embarrassed to be an American. I'm disgusted by the bartenders outrageous behavior-- newsflash, you're a crappy bartender at a hole in the wall-- you've got nothing on anyone else. Believe me I will absolutely be spreading the word, media will eat this up.

    (1)

  • Eric M.

    Yikes. That's about all i can say about Poe's Kitchen @ Rattlesnake. About a year ago (maybe more, time flies) they changed their menu to be much smaller and simpler. At the same time to food quality went from average to borderline disgusting. We have tried to eat there twice now and both times were horrible. If you want to go to the bar for a slightly overpriced beer that you can choose from a wide selection with helpful bartenders definitely come here. If you want to edible food then go across the street.

    (2)

  • Kim B.

    This review is for bar only. Greg and I wanted to go grab a drink downtown, but wanted to sit somewhere outside. I suggested here, as I had always heard about the roof deck but never been. Walking in from the street, it seems a little sketchy and is just a typical bar, it's nothing special. We went upstairs to a really cool roof deck, one that you wouldn't expect to be there. THere wasn't really anything special about it, but it's nice to sit outside for an outdoor drink. The drink options were reasonable, and I would definitely go back for purposes of drinking outside. However, one look at their menu did not assure me to try the food . If your looking for somewhere to drink outside, this will be great. For views or good food, Try somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Maggie O.

    A great spot if you are looking for a nice drink and atmosphere. The roof deck affords a sunny place to relax, but has no view. Be sure to get there early if you have a big group. As for the food, I would avoid. Over-priced, under-flavored. Coupled with the slow, unenthusiastic service, it is definitely not worth the wait.

    (3)

  • Adam F.

    3 stars is the most I can consciously give them. It's just not that good, but it's also not terrible. I'd say the food would be a 2 star, but the rooftop seating and good service (my opinion) slightly make up for it. When I worked in Back Bay this was a popular after work destination, so I've certainly been many times. The menu is tiny, consisting of appetizers, quesadillas, tacos, and sandwiches. One of the reviewers on here said this is the best Mexican cuisine in Boston. If your idea of the best Mexican cuisine is tortilla chips, tacos, and burgers, then I guess we agree to disagree. The nachos are kinda weird - they are cold. No melted cheese. No guac. They cost $14, but chips and guac cost $13. Kind of weird pricing... I've had the Cheeseburger a couple of times. It's not going to win any awards. Last night it was hella dry and the bun was so overly toasted that it just crumbled. I ended up just eating the patty fork/knife style. The sangria is good if you like sangria (I'm not a fan of cheap wine with fruit floating in it). The margaritas are watered down and taste like they come from a mix. If you are just dying to eat on a roof and have a craving for tortilla chips, I guess this is your spot. I dunno, between last night's mediocre dinner and my cafeteria lunch today, I need something especially yummy tonight.

    (3)

  • Christine J.

    4 stars just for their crazy yummy mac and cheese, with 4 crazy ingredients on top: chocolate, bacon, spice? and I forget the last one.... It's been a while. BUT SO DAMN GOOD. I can eat the wholeeeee plate by myself. I don't like to share my Mac and Cheese here. LOL. THAT GOOD. and Poe's Nachos. YUM. Sitting outside on the patio in the summer is nice too. I just don't like it when it gets crazy crowded, then it becomes unappealing...

    (4)

  • Angela L.

    We just picked up a take out order and it is literally inedible. We have eaten here numerous times and always had a delicious meal. The last time we ate here we questioned if we would return. Now, we are certain we will never return. We ordered the chicken quesadilla, taco salad with rare steak and antelope tacos. We found 1 piece of chicken in the salt block soggy quesadilla. The tortilla tasted like it had been soaking in rancid vegetable oil. The taco salad that we ordered with rare steak came to us with some sort of shredded mound of questionable meat (could not quite identify the origin of the meat). As soon as we took a bite we spit it out it was so saturated in grease and salt. Finally we tried the antelope taco. Strike 3. Somehow the taste that remained was that of fish!! The taco shell was once again a greasy mess. I should have been dialed in when I walked into the restaurant and it was all but empty. When I went to pay for the order the bar tender had to wrap up his flirting session with the girl at the bar. Even as he was ringing up my order he was more involved in watching the girl exit the door than completing my transaction. The positive to all of this is that the manager did agree to credit us for the full amount. Needless to say I will be checking my AmEx bill regularly until I see the fill amount credited. It has now been about 30 minutes since we tasted all 3 of these horrible dishes. We are now sick to our stomach and feel like we are going to be "sick". Instead of enjoying what should have been a decent meal we will be making a trip to CVS for Pepto Bismol. We are running out of decent places to eat on this end of Newbury / Boylston.

    (1)

  • Jamie H.

    my friends and i went to rattlesnake for drinks and ended up getting food as well. we started out at the downstairs bar where the staff was very friendly and quick, and then since it was a nice night we ended up getting a table outside on the roof patio. i was very surprised at how quickly we were able to get a table. for the four of us, we got the nachos, chicken quesadillas, and pork tacos to start, and then ordered the fish tacos partway through. both of the tacos were fantastic, served in sets of 3 with a fair amount of meat and delicious toppings. the pork had some sort of pickled onion and jalapeno, where the cornmeal crusted fish came with a very nice sauce and lettuce. the nachos were humongous, covered with crème fraiche, beans, salsa, and guacamole - we actually didn't end up finishing the plate. the chicken quesadillas were okay, but kind of plain and i think we may have enjoyed other options a little more. the drinks were all good and reasonably priced, and i actually really enjoyed the malbec that i ordered as it was very fruity and light. we later got cucumber cocktails which were also light and refreshing.

    (4)

  • Nic H.

    be careful when you get your bill at this place. they will take their tip out of a split bill even though they don't include gratuity on the bill. I think they do this hoping that you have had enough to drink such that you wont notice they actually took tip out already so that you will double tip. this is a very deceptive and shady practice.

    (2)

  • hoil c.

    Mediocre Food, Poor service. Came here on a friday night with a group of 4 at 8pm. It was rainy so the place wasn't packed and we were seated as soon as we walked in. For drinks we ordered 2 cranberry jalapeno margaritas, 1 house margarita, and an old fashioned. For food we ordered their wild boar nachos, ceviche, and antelope tacos. The nachos were meh. skimped on the toppings. the boar tasted like pulled pork. The chip to topping ratio was so off. The antelope tacos were good but nothing special. tasted like pulled pork tacos. The drinks took forever to be served. They were served with terrible timing, served 1 at a time after we finished our plates, so we couldn't drink together or pair our food with drinks. The old fashioned was served before the food came out, the house margarita came in the middle of the meal, and by the time the jalapeno margaritas came out we all finished our food. We had to send the jalapeno margaritas bc they was terrible. basically cranberry juice with line and salt. not spicy at all. no alcohol. I would give this place 1 star but im giving it 2 bc the manager did recognize the poor service and did offer us a round of free drinks, He also didn't charge us for the nachos. We stayed a little longer to watch the nba playoffs, and ordered a few more drinks... played it safe with beer. Overall I would not come back.

    (2)

  • Hassan S.

    Came in for late dinner. Good really wasn't all that great :/better off just drinking here

    (3)

  • Nicole S.

    Probably the worst place I've ever been to. At 3pm I was greeted at the door by a red-eyed bouncer looking for my ID and to take my sunglasses off. I'm 31. The roof deck is hot and as we sat drinking water out of plastic cups (like we were at a frat party), a bouncer walked around eyeing people. At lunch. Great atmosphere. The waiter finally came over and I was told the Sam Seasonal is Sam Summer. Ok, but it's late September. After ten minutes he came back and asked again what drinks we ordered. We then ordered nachos and fries. After 20 more minutes in the hot sun with no music and a creepy bouncer circling, the people next to us who arrived 15 minutes after we did, got their food. WE HADN'T EVEN GOTTEN OUR BEER FROM THE BAR 15 FEET AWAY. We got up and left. So after being treated like a 19-year old looking to get drunk when all we wanted was lunch and waiting over 30 minutes for an out-of season beer, I found myself wishing the place gets shut down. It is that bad.

    (1)

  • John D.

    *Beer only* I had a range of great beers there. In addition to their Octoberfests on the board, they have a nice selection of stuff in bottles. The bartender was knowledgeable about what they had, which always helps with chit chat.

    (4)

  • Sara M.

    I am only reviewing the roofdeck bar. I have not tried the food. We waited in line for 10 minutes, and once we got to the front we were told we could only go up after some people left. A few minutes later we got upstairs, only to discover the bar was cheek to jowl and you couldn't sit at a table unless you were ordering food. Such a bummer. The doorman chatted us up for a few minutes and commiserated with us, but we went back down and went somewhere else...next time, I guess I will have to go for dinner and give this place a real try.

    (1)

  • Victor J.

    Every time I go to this place I receive exceptional service and then at times horrible service. One of the bouncers on the patio asked me to give way in a very rude manner. Bald guy with glasses. Watch out for that guy. The bar tenders are good and bad servers but tonight was the worst. A floor manager by the name of Brianna was very rude, prejudice, cussed on the floor, had side conversations when she clearly asked what I wanted for another round.... I don't like this place but I keep going back just in case i get hooked up with that exceptional service I mentioned earlier..

    (3)

  • Chas K.

    Facing a 40-minute wait at 2 p.m. for a table at Parish Cafe, The Mrs., Junior and I sprinted across the street to the Rattlesnake to try our luck there. We got off to a good start with a warm welcome from the host, no wait, a clean and warm dining/bar area with some good tap handles, and a friendly, attentive server (Amanda). All this goodness didn't compensate for food that was overpriced and underwhelming. We started with a calamari appetizer that sounded promising: chili-dusted with cilantro, corn and guaymas (whatever that is) puree. However, the portion was tiny; no more than 3 oz. (see the photo another Yelper posted; it really is that anemic). Now squid is one of the cheapest seafoods on the market. I'm all for profit margins, but nearly $11 for $0.50 worth of squid is a ripoff. Worse yet was a slightly overcooked exterior and skinny rings (no tentacles to be found). Thumbs down on this plate. Mrs. liked her Taza Mac & Cheese ($13.75). She told them to hold the chocolate, and she liked what they served. I had a bite. The cheese blend was tangy and smokey. A good dish. But again, should macaroni and cheese be $14 unless there's a premium ingredient like lobster or foie gras? Junior's Antelope Tacos ($13.95 for three served in hard, Old El Paso-like shells) were savory, but just a little too spicy. My Grilled Citrus Chicken Sandwich ($14.25!) was a major disappointment. The ~5 oz. breast had an odd, spongy texture and was watery. While it had grill marks, I'd swear it was nuked. The arugula, chickpea & Jalapeno mayo and salsa fresca gave it some life, especially since the ciabatta was underbaked and doughy. Again, the price point for this sandwich is a total ripoff. A fancy grilled chicken sandwich at City Table costs $2 less. Drinks are expensive: $6.50 for a pint of Sam and it goes up from there. There were about eight draughts from Stone Brewery, but all were 8 percent or more ABV; too much for me to drink at lunch. Trust me, I wanted to like this place. The people were nice. I like the space. We were starving and not especially picky at the time, and still the Rattlesnake failed to deliver. $77.45 was far too much for what we got in both quality and quantity. Please let me know what you think of this review by clicking a button below.

    (3)

  • Matt C.

    The best part about Rattlesnake is the events they host (Guacaholics Anonymous, Tacopalooza, Burrito Bowl). All of the events are amazing ways to sample some of the best and most innovative chefs Boston has to offer and I highly recommend attending. Beyond events the food at rattlesnake has definitely improved over the past couple of years. The taco plates are great and the appetizer selection makes for a perfect compliment to many of the margaritas. A small roof deck for the summer months leaves something to be desired but at least they do have some outdoor space. There are plenty of great Mexican restaurant options in Boston but Rattlesnake is unique and definitley warrents a visit.

    (4)

  • Lauretta L.

    3 stars? Wha...? I was actually very happy with my experience at Rattlesnake. Granted, I only tried 2 things, but still! I left satisfied and slightly tipsy. The Bostonian was refreshing and had the right amount of alcohol. I absolutely hate when I order a drink and don't feel a n y t h i n g. Anyway, I actually had to pace myself with this one. YAY. The Taco Salad w/ Chicken was oh so good. I've been noticing that my appetite has been waning, perhaps because summer is right around the corner and my body has had enough of the fatty hibernation phase. This salad was the perfect transition into warmer weather - light yet substantial, and the cornbread croutons were like little bits of heaven. Mmm. The chicken breast was a tad dry, but that's my only complaint. Service was very attentive and everyone had a good attitude.

    (4)

  • William I.

    I hate to complain, but you're much better off waiting in line across the street for the Parish. The food here costs TWICE as much ($20 salad), and is not very good at all (they charred my "medium rare" burger). Hopefully this place can improve in the future.

    (2)

  • Jow O.

    Food was decent. came here for lunch wh some friends. Ordered the fish tacos. The fish was more nugget shaped than anything. Strange. Not bad. But also not in a huge rush to go back unfortunately.

    (3)

  • Chelsie G.

    The peach salad was amazingly fresh, uniquie, and satisfying. Had a wonderful "skinny girl" margarita with cranberry. The antelope duck fat infused tacos were among the best tacos i've ever had! Highly recommended! Our waitress was sweet and attentive. Great food with even better prices! Highly recommended:)

    (5)

  • Yasa E.

    I really enjoyed this place. Very casual in terms of decor and atmosphere, but very innovative in terms of menu options. We shared nachos, which were out of this world. I loooove lettuce on nachos and chef Poe does nachos right. We got them with chicken and they were delish!! The bf got a burger and I got a chicken quesadilla. Both were yummy! The quesadilla had a little bit of a spicy kick to it, but the mango salsa balanced it out well. Can't wait to come back when the roofdeck is open!

    (4)

  • James H.

    Terrible service. There was chicken in my vegetarian quesadilla, no apology or acknowledgement that this was messed up. AVOID.

    (1)

  • Maia L.

    The nachos are amazing!!! Disappointed that at 2pm on a Saturday I was carded to take a seat to eat. It did not appear that other guests were being asked for Id at the door. The day "bouncer" could use some training on customer service.

    (3)

  • Drew W.

    I fuks wit $4 PBR drafts and attentive wait staff!! But that's where it ends. I don't like this attempt at upscale Southwexican cuisine. I was in the mood for some nachos and in the area so I checked the menu on the website and it reads: Poe's Nachos 13.95 Salsas - Signature Cheeses Refried Beans - Lettuce Add Chicken or Steak $2 Salsa's? More than one? - I couldn't actually make out what was dumped on my pile, I think it included some type of bread and butter'esc pickled asparagus stems which tasted onion'y and disgusting. Couple of absolutely murdered tomatoes made whenever and pure red onions. Signature Cheese = Curdled chalk blended with something that was once probably nice and topped with sour cream from a squeeze bottled "rattlesnaked" on top. Re-fried Beans - So lost in the sea of other crap they could or couldn't have been in there, who knows. Lettuce - This was like a legit spring mix, not crispy shredded iceberg, I don't want radicchio and mesculin on nachos. I didn't even touch the chicken or steak but I'd imagine it's marinated in neglect. Wish it was still roofdeck season so I could have launched these things into the friggin' alley below.

    (2)

  • Elena B.

    I'm honestly shocked by all the negative reviews! Both my friend and I are pretty opinionated foodies, and this is some of the best Mexican we've had in the Boston area. I would have given it five stars, if only their frozen Mango Ginger Margarita didn't taste like a mango Tequila slushie...that is, no ginger, which I had been looking forward to. Yes, we had a wait to be seated - but it was a Saturday night, and we were seated sooner than the estimated half hour! There was also a bit of a lag for our initial drinks (even water), but the waiter was incredibly personable and apologized for our wait. Clearly the place was slammed, so my friend and I weren't bothered. Even the bouncer was super friendly. But oh, the food! Antelope tacos cooked in duck fat? WIld boar burrito? Citrus chicken torta? I can't tell you how long we stared at this menu debating what to get. I landed on the antelope tacos (where else can you get those?!), and my friend the pork Cubano tacos, both of which were heavenly. Not too heavy or greasy, and an excellent, creative blend of toppings to complement the meats. Finally, when you go - because you SHOULD give this place a shot - make sure to start with the lime-zested chips with guacamole. Three words: Tequila. Cream. Cheese. I just wanted to order a tub of it and take it home.

    (4)

  • Alexander R.

    Everything was quite nice until we had a bit of a run-in with one of the waiters (bouncers?), who yelled at us for sitting in the fire lane, even though that's where out server had placed our seats and obviously no one told us it was a fire lane. I'm all for fire safety and stuff, but this guy 1) Wasn't polite or apologetic 2) Didn't help us rearrange our table -- he literally just walked off with one of the chairs, leaving one of our party without a seat until our original server came back to help us 3) Didn't actually clear out the fire lane, as my chair was still half in it. Frankly, I would have at least respected what he was doing if he had made me move as well, but after taking one of our chairs, he loudly explained that the rest of us were not his problem because he didn't seat us. We all felt a little unwelcome after that.

    (2)

  • Alex B.

    Getting straight to the point on this one. The Poe Burger is THE BEST BURGER I HAVE HAD IN BOSTON / WORLD. I think Brian Poe was handed the recipe by god, buddha, zeus, _________(fill in any divine lord of your choosing). I loved it so much that I was drawn back here the day after I first had it, alone, and after drinking for several hours. This burger is is more addictive than crack. Brian Poe is also super chill and even came over to talk after I was drunkenly blabbing to the waiter, bouncer, manager, and various patrons about how awesome it is. He was super cool and seemed like he truly respects the opinions of others including those who may offer up negative criticism. So here's the burger breakdown. Kobe beef, foie gras, truffle oil, lobster, avacado, bacon, and whisky chesse. I would be impressed by anyone who does not drool in their sleep tonight while thinking about this combo of burger ingredient awesomeness. Some other tips... a) I have a small disclaimer about this place. It is not really my scene in terms of the crowd (very Yuppiesque) but if that is your thing then totally cool. b) Roof top can get very packed and waiting sucks c) Do not smoke on the roof because it is illegal and management will literally flip a shit (I have a good story on this if you are curious) d) Duck Tacos are okay, but after that burger I don't think anything else is really worth trying e) They tested out a blueberry mojito on me yesterday. It was awesome and hope to see it on the menu soon. f) Kitchen stays open until 1AM

    (5)

  • Bryan R.

    Will be coming back to flesh out this review. For now, putting down a few quick thoughts so I can add it to a list. Pretty nice roofdeck. In a city full of roofdecks, this one wouldn't be notable. In Boston, it's a big plus. Slightly claustrophobic and a pain in the ass getting up there when it's crowded. Really nice when you come for brunch and sit up there, though. Since it's surrounded by taller buildings, it's most pleasant during the high sun hours.

    (4)

  • R. M.

    With a name like "Rattlesnake" and being in the Back Bay, I had to admit that I expect this place to be loud, filled with frat boys, and serving mediocre "Southwestern" food. On an ordinary Tuesday night, however, it turned out to be a quiet place with a diverse after-work crowd. The atmosphere was friendly and casual. The food is good here: it's surprisingly innovative, taking its cues from Southwestern cooking but really adding its own touches. It doesn't pretend to be either authentic Southwestern or Tex-Mex. The staff is friendly and welcoming. A very good experience overall.

    (5)

  • Sharon F.

    Charlie the bartender was ahhhsome and the only reason we didn't leave when the manager refused our request to turn the sound on for the Sox game.7th inning game 4 ALCS, hometown team, seriously? You are a bar, right?

    (2)

  • Charmie S.

    Again, had the quesadilla. Even better than before. This time, I wanted it to be a little bigger, just like the taste. Very good presentation again. This time, I had a house margarita to accompany. Simple mix of tart and sweet. A perfect drink.

    (4)

  • Ambrose C.

    Is doing something for the third time really the charm? From my experiences, after going to this place for the third time, I actually ate the food here, and had some drinks, and this is not a bad place to visit. The first time I came here, it was on a snowy evening. I was on my way to a classy, elegant and sophisticated event with a lady that I knew along with another lady that I knew and a couple that the other lady knew. We had to get some dinner before the event. I remembered eating a pasta dish, and it tasted okay, and it was not really memorable (it was a long time ago). I also remembered that we got some drinks, and we went to the event ready for some sophisticated fun. The second time I came here, it was on a summer afternoon. We went to the roof deck patio and ordered some drinks. I was with a somewhat garrulous Vietnamese girl, a really cool Vietnamese lady, and a Chinese guy that uses a metal cigarette box as a wallet. I remember getting some refreshing and juicy cocktails. I actually enjoyed sitting on the roof deck patio, and I think this is not a bad place to get drinks when the weather is 20 degrees Celsius or above. The third time I came here, I actually went with an entourage of some people, one of them was a guy I knew from University that loves weather, a really cool Englishman, the current Yelp Community Manager for Boston, and the rest were people I would not normally hang out with, but they seemed to be friendly people and I had a good time. I actually ordered the food here. I got a duck taco dish. Presentation was really good. As for the taco itself, the shells were fairly crispy. I liked the flavor of the duck, and it was meaty and tasty. The nacho plate they serve here is also decent, but not really memorable. Sauces had a nice flavor. As for drinks, I had some good liquors served in shot glasses. The service was just okay, not really stellar. I thought the bartender was really nice and she was pretty during my third visit here. The other bartenders that also helped out seemed to be nice as well. Overall, this is not a bad choice to get some decent food and the drinks. I would probably come back for the roof deck patio with some friends, but that's just it.

    (3)

  • Nir G.

    I am a traveling business person and I routinely take clients out for entertainment. If I am going to spend my company's money I expect respect from the staff and a decent cuisine. The bouncer working at the door was beyond rude. He was very disrespectful to me and my client. I highly recommend going somewhere else that actually cares enough to hire employees that are training the customer service basics.

    (1)

  • Arjun B.

    The roof deck is nice, but that's about it. The kitchen is dreadful. All the items seem to be pre-made, and frozen. The waiter even told us that they do this because 'it allows them to serve customers faster'. The food itself is super-oily, and uninspired. I'd only go to Rattlesnake for the rooftop bar, maybe. If you want good food, go to Parishes across the street.

    (1)

  • Jen M.

    2 stars for EXCELLENT customer service when asking about celiac and vegan friendly options. The manager came right over to discuss options. That is fantastic and reassuring. I ended up with veggie fajitas with corn tortillas instead of flour. Great! After that things got a little sloppy. I went for a friends going away party dinner then transition to drinks. Expectations were not met based on high hopes from checking out their website. The food was meh. All the talk on the website about the chef I just expected something more inspiring and higher quality. My friend got a very interesting sounding sandwich that ended up being quite boring in reality. My fajita's rice and beans were VERY dry (last weeks leftovers?), portions were small for the price and quality. My raspberry margarita was overly sweet. The description called out jalapeño sugar and I was excited about that. I think spice would have balanced the super duper sweetness, yet it was not included. I had two more drinks throughout the evening and did not feel even a buzz. I'm a lightweight. I speculate the drinks were watered down or really skimpy measures of the good stuff. For a $12 margarita and $10 shots this is really disappointing. Oh good gracious that bathroom. The bathroom's condition was that of a skeezy hole in the wall at 1:30 in the morning. It was absolutely disgusting at 7:00 P.M. Really? I sincerely hope there is a secret bathroom for the employees preparing and serving food. There usually is not. I am very concerned for the sanitary conditions of the areas guests do not see if the ones they do see are that bad so early. Speaking of that, I was sick the next day, like I said, no buzz was had, this was no hangover. It was not an allergy issue, I can tell what is cross contamination of gluten and what is just plain old fashioned regular contamination. Our party was too big for everyone to be on the roofdeck. I hear it's fab, but that alone is not going to keep this place thriving. I don't plan on returning unless there is an overhaul. There are just so many other better places in Boston right now.

    (2)

  • Lynn J.

    They atmosphere they were going for was, "roof deck, hidden gem of the Back Bay..." but they never finished it...and apparently gave up? DECOR: RED RUM...RED RUM... They painted the walls of the roof deck red... then decided they were finished decorating...completely. FOOD: Seemed over-priced for the food offered. IE $15 for 3 small fish tacos, which were very bland, after we took the waitress up on her offer to put their over-bearing hot peppers on the side. THE HIGHLIGHT: Their homemade cornbread was moist, flavorful and uniquely dense w/ whole kernels. THE DEAL: Dine here with a date you want to hide, as the roof deck is hidden completely from street view! Just remember, it's staple patrons are gossipy college kids.

    (3)

  • marc k.

    Went there out of sheer frustration - most of Boston was under lock down and it was one of the few places open. Outstanding service, unique food that was excellent and a quiet, classy ambiance we weren't expecting. It isn't an inexpensive restaurant by any means however we walked away absolutely floored by the outstanding quality of our meal. Worth every penny. It was a bit stressful outside and Poe's kitchen was the exact antidote we needed to calm down. Really a great experience for us. It is definitely worth a try. We had the corn bread and guacamole (lime chips) as well as main courses. All super high quality. I hope to go back again. Soon!

    (4)

  • Richard K.

    My friends and I love the Rattlesnake and have been coming here for sometime now. They opened early a few years back for the Bruins Parade and we took full advantage of getting there early before the crowds and had an amazing time, so we decided to come back for the Red Sox Parade. We lined up promptly at 9am and waited in a long line, but were not in line for longer than 5 maybe 10 minutes tops. The door staff was very friendly and they were charging $10 to get in. I usually don't like when bars have a cover, but it's understandable considering the location is right on the parade route and $10 is not a lot (I heard Whiskies and other bars further down were charging $50+). Anyway, we received wrist bands and the door attendant let us know that this was for when the parade came around; it would enable us to go outside and watch the parade and then show our wrist band to get back in so we weren't stuck waiting in line again; great thinking and it actually was a pretty efficient process. Long story short, I'm coming here for all parades and am telling everyone I know to come with. Great spot, great view, great service, great food. I also happened to go here for lunch the following week and ordered the Fish Tacos. They were hands down the best Fish Tacos I've ever had. Cheers!

    (5)

  • Jill S.

    Certainly an interesting menu. I never thought I would eat antelope tacos infused with duck fat, but I'm glad I did. They were full of flavor a large enough portion to share. This place has such a unique menu and everything was delicious. The jalapeño martini was burn your mouth excellent. This place looks like an absolute hole in the wall but it is worth a visit. The only thing I found off was the atmosphere did not coincide with the menu at all.

    (5)

  • Leah Y.

    Went here last night with some co-workers to celebrate a co-worker's recent wedding. We really only picked Rattlesnake for the rooftop deck, so we asked the bouncer how long the wait was to head up. He said 15-20 mins, which was reasonable, so we hopped in line. We got up there probably in that time frame, so no real complaint there except that when we went up, it was pretty empty. I can understand that there's a fire code and limits on the number upstairs, but because people kept trickling up (without many people leaving) it seemed a little weird/pretentious to make a line for the rooftop when we all were able to fit. Whatever though, it's a nice night, we're upstairs, let's eat. Our waiter came over and I ordered a frozen strawberry margarita. He apologizes and says they don't have that tonight, but maybe I'd like the (more expensive) raspberry margarita. I'm not a big fan of raspberry, so I asked if the bartender could make an Alabama Slammer and ended up listing the ingredients for him (soco, amaretto, sloe gin, OJ). He says they can probably make it and heads off. When he comes back, he apologizes, they don't have any sloe gin up here. A few other guests also asked for refills of drinks they had gotten downstairs (on draft/bottle) and were told they "had a different menu upstairs" and got cans instead. Considering the food we ordered came from downstairs, why couldn't the drinks come up too (if they're only able to be made downstairs)? And more importantly, was there sloe gin downstairs? the food itself was so-so, but unsurprisingly overpriced. $9 for a 6-inch chicken quesadilla and an absurd $14 for grilled cheese. I know some coworkers liked the rooftop and being outdoors, but there's plenty of other outdoor spots in Boston I'd rather give my patronage to first before going back to Rattlesnake, sorry.

    (2)

  • Kimberly H.

    I have walked by the Rattlesnake countless times since I moved to Boston and I never thought twice about it. Yesterday a co-worker suggested it for a quick lunch so I gave in. The place is what you would expect from the outside, small with the odor of stale beer. After perusing the menu I decided on a cup of the Chorizo & Vegetable soup of the day and the Spicy Shrimp Tacos. The soup came out first and it was the definite stand out of the meal. It was flavorful with chunks of potato, onion and sausage. But was the tiny cup worth $6.25 (bowl $10.75)? Not even close. The tacos came next and they just looked sad. Two measly tacos with no sides for $15? There were 3 pieces of overcooked shrimp in each flour tortilla with a lime cilantro slaw, roasted pepitas, and a mango jalapeno salsa. Bland, bland, bland, bland, bland, bland. It is a huge pet peeve of mine when menus boast "Spicy" with little pepper notations of red fonts and than the dish comes and there is no trace of heat. Who knows maybe the red S stood more "Slightly more black pepper than normal"? Thinking it might have just been my entree choice, I took a bite of the Latin Catfish Sandwich another person at our table had ordered. One bite was enough. Bland limp fish with a watered down aioli. Me thinks not. All in all, I left with a $30 lunch tab and no better impression than when I walked in. I'll pass next time.

    (2)

  • Dela B.

    I've only been here for the nachos and drinks so I can't really speak for their other menu items, but on both occasions that I've been at Poe's, I've had a pretty awesome time. Nachos are delicious--not your standard bar nachos, but the quality of the ingredients make these nachos unique, refreshing (didn't know that nachos had the ability to be "refreshing"), and absolutely addictive. Bartenders are funny, nice, and always willing to whip you up something that suits your tastes. The fact that their kitchens are open till 1:30AM is a huge plus so if you're ever craving a late night bite to eat, Rattlesnake is a definitely a good bet.

    (4)

  • Ignacio B.

    I've just been yesterday here with my girlfriend to have some dinner. We've ordered beef tacos and the carnitas fajitas. The food was just ok, if you're looking for a place to have a good dinner I would not choose this place, but if you're looking for a place to chill and have some drinks while you have some appetizers, this might be your place.

    (3)

  • Alee G.

    I usually come here b/c they are one of the few places that serve hard cider. On one of my most recent visits, I ordered a chicken quesdilla. It was delicious. Atmosphere-wise it has the vibe of your typical bar. This review sucks, I know. But this is a really good place. I definitely recommend you check it out.

    (4)

  • Alec S.

    I visited Rattlesnake yesterday with my girlfriend after going to the Sox game for a some-what early dinner on the roof deck. The roof was somewhat busy, a few open tables but a busy bar. We were seated pretty quickly once a table was cleaned off and were given menus and water right away. We each ordered a margarita - I had the raspberry and my girlfriend ordered the frozen strawberry. Both were pretty tasty - couldn't really taste the alcohol, but that's not always a bad thing. O For a meal we split the tuna tartar as an app - then I ordered the Antelope Taco and my girlfriend got the Taco salad w/ steak. The tartar was good, it was sort of drenched with soy sauce and the plating was a little sloppy, but overall the dish was pleasent. It came with a sort of ginger slushie on top which was really unique and cool. My issue was really with my tacos. They tasted fine, but the presentation was pretty awful. It comes with three tacos and a pile of shredding cheese on the side. Each taco had varying quantities of meat and toppings. I had one that was overflowing, and another that had maybe two bites worth of meat. Some had a lot of sauce, one had almost none. It just looked like whoever put out the food didn't care and just shoveled it in. The food here isn't bad, but the prices aren't cheap by any means. My girlfriends salad came to $21 after adding the steak, and while she liked it, that's probably the most expensive salad we've ever ordred. I don't want to make this sound like I'm compaining over spending $70 for dinner + two drinks, I just think it's important to note that I have had higher quality meals in this city while ordering more adult beverages and spent the same or less. I did think that the service at Rattlesnake was very good, both the servers and manager were friendly and helpful. Having a pleasent experience with the employees will always draw me back to a restaurant, which is why you may find me back here down the road.

    (3)

  • Shannon S.

    So this review is for the roof deck. I understand the menu is much more limited up there so I'll just address the experience (as the menu didn't blow me away). On a gorgeous Saturday, early afternoon, we came to the roof deck and were pleased to be told it would be no more than a 10 minute wait for a table (and it really only was!) I ordered the Tai Mojito (x 2) and thought it was absolutely delicious. The only disappointment was that it was such a small drink and considering the only booze in it is Malibu, I wanted more. Did I order a 2nd? Yes, it was refreshing and pretty to look at. As it was lunch time and I wasn't SUPER hungry, I ordered the vegetarian quesadilla off of the appetizer list. The server warned it was small, only an appetizer portion. He sure wasn't kidding! It was made with two small (think taco size) flour tortillas. It was good though and I enjoyed the use of goat cheese. Bouf F. ordered the Cuban tacos and I stole quite a few bites. It was seriously hot and both of us have a high tolerance for spicy food so consider yourself warned! We needed bread to cool our mouths down after that. For food and drinks I'm still maintaining a solid 3 start review but I gave an extra star because I thought our server was pretty attentive. He brought us a pitcher of water and when we requested a pitcher of ice, he brought that as well AND checked in on our water supply periodically (hey, it was a hot day!). Still waiting to be blown away by this place but I'll definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Dan O.

    UPDATE: After writing a really negative Yelp review on Poe's/Rattlesnake back in April, I was contacted by the general manager, Barton, who apologized for the bad experience and offered a gift certificate for me and one guest with no limit. I was shocked to receive this, as I had no intention of trying to get free services by writing a bad review. I wrote back to Barton thanking him and accepted. I returned to Rattlesnake last month. I met Barton briefly when we arrived and I greatly appreciated his hospitality, but I thought it was kind of weird that he didn't approach us at all in the three hours we were there to see how we were doing. A chef came up to us at one point apologizing about our bad experience from a few months back, but that was odd because our complaint was more with the service than the food. This time the service was definitely better (I'd give it a B-) and our server was friendly. I still stand by my original review, but I think it's important to note when management makes an effort to rectify the situation. I want that to be known, and let them know publicly that I appreciated it.

    (2)

  • Kristine R.

    Not impressed. The roof deck is ok, not very big and not much of a view though. Five of us girlfriends shared a couple of appetizers, which were subpar at best. There was one item that did impress me though - the grilled cornbread with the Guadalajara Butter. Everything else was bland and unexciting. The calamari was just ok with the sauce, nothing spectacular. The guac was boring. We also had the single jalapeno popper which was very small and expensive. I didn't try it, but my friends who did weren't impressed. The drinks weren't great either, my raspberry margarita tasted like cough medicine. I was really bummed, I wanted to like this place, but it didn't impress me or my friends.

    (2)

  • Ashley A.

    Went here with a group of friends, and was pleasantly surprised! Great menu and decent prices. We'd definitely go here again!

    (4)

  • Jessica D.

    I SWEAR I reviewed this place already! Oh well, here I go again.. :) It was nice to celebrate my bff's birthday, while sitting on the rooftop of a kickin' restaurant, during amazing weather, with awesome food, and very cool company. Drinks were quite potent and food was mouthwatering. I ordered the Mac&Cheese (with Spicy Taza Chocolate and applewood bacon). I think it would've been better without the chocolate -- it left a weird aftertaste in my mouth. Next time, I definitely want to try the Poe Burger! Those that had gotten it raved about them for quite a while. I mean, a Kobe beef burger stuffed with lobster, Foie Gras, and black truffle, with whiskey bacon, avocado, and Irish whiskey cheese on top? Who can say no to all that?!

    (4)

  • Cullen F.

    Food is FIVE STARS. Locals know this is some of the best food in town. Tacos are outrageous. Grilled corn bread is something you just need to order to comprehend over the top with grace. Nachos, no one can believe me how good they are, until they are faced with the delicious happy mound of crispy tangy cheesey glory. Great Sangria. Roof Deck is a major plus. Staff, can be rough, just go for the food. The servers can't mess that up. You are not going for the experience, it's the food.

    (5)

  • Shannon L.

    Breakfast at a bar. One okay dish - Duck tacos. Now the menu reads this: molasses & coca cola marinated duck breast, cranberry, rosemary risotto, truffle cranberry glaze, foie gras truffle butter. How can you not drool just by reading that? The thing that made it just okay was the overt sweetness of it all. It was just too sugary and had little balance. I was quickly overwhelmed. But seriously A+ for presentation. They used taco shells I've never seen before - one continuous piece with two grooves that hold all the goodies. So when you're ready to eat the first one, you just break it off. One amazing dish - Bloody Mary eggs benedict, whiskey bacon, and chile verde corn bread. They really know how to woo people with their innovative combinations of food. When I tell people about this dish, I get either a really positive or a really negative response. Ultimately, it was delicious. I was amazed at all the flavors going on and I didn't feel overwhelmed by any of it. It is heavy though and I suggest sharing, for your life's sake. Because both dishes were pretty heavy, I'll save this place for a special occasion brunch.

    (4)

  • Joe C.

    Nice roof deck, but some of the most unprofessional staff I have ever experienced. Went on a night with a group of colleagues after dinner, who were in town for a meeting, International group from all over Europe and North America. We sat on the roof deck on an beautiful fall night and since it was a Wednesday, there were very few people there. You'd think they would be happy to have 30 customers who were ordering lots of drinks and apps. It was only 9:30 so, we weren't the annoying group coming in close to closing. Immediately felt that we were imposing on their relaxing night. One waitress was fine but seemed bothered and another waiter was super helpful and nice. After a short time, the rude bouncer was barking about the fire lane at my French and German colleagues who kept asking him to 'repeat or slow down' so they could understand (I am from Boston and had a hard time following his point). This got him more aggressive then finally kicked one of them out for disrespecting him (really for asking him to explain something). I walked over to talk to him about it and he really couldn't even explain a reason why except, 'you don't disrespect me so your friend has to go'. I honestly heard the whole conversation, it at best was a misunderstanding because my colleague was asking him to repeat what he was saying about the fire lane. Manager walks up from downstairs and just says, 'just get them their check'. I ask the bouncer if they are serious, and he says, 'you got to go'. I ask to talk to the manager since I believe this is just a misunderstanding but nope... it is same response... you got to go. Honestly, this was a group of professional 30-60 years old, who were spending a good amount of money and were mostly sitting and talking on a night that had about 20 other people at the entire bar. I still can't fully understand the rationale of kicking us out and if I was the owner, I would seriously review my staff. We ended up having a great night, just elsewhere. Will never go back.

    (1)

  • Abbie M.

    This review is for the roofdeck, which is a gift to people everywhere! The menu is a bit limited but the food is good so it's ok. Drinks are strong, servers are friendly. A truly enjoyable experience every time we come!

    (4)

  • Andrew C.

    This is such a great place to get together with some friends for a nice dinner. We all ordered cocktails from the menu and all enjoyed the atmosphere. Our server was excellent and the food was mind blowing. I had the macaroni and cheese with smoked applewood bacon crumbled ontop. Almost everything on the menu has a nice spicy kick to it, even the martinis! The mac and cheese had a small nip to the tongue, but the bacon and cream in the cheese soothed it enough to help me devour the whole damn thing. The martinis were all delicious and had some different mixtures you wouldn't normally find anywhere else. We got the guacamole as well for an appetizer but it wasn't that big. Maybe a cup and a half. As for Steve K.'s review on the PBR draft it was only $3.50.

    (4)

  • Damien S.

    It's almost embarrassing to keep the original review accessible. Plain and simple fact, though, is that's how the Rattlesnake was some three-and-a-half years ago. The sudden and remarkable transformation brought by Brian Poe seizing the kitchen's helm in 2009 makes revisiting the 'snake not only encouraged, but pretty much required. What was a standard bar fare menu has been cranked to 11 with mad scientist creations guaranteed to baffle to most exploratory tastes. Taza chocolate in the Mac and Cheese? Sure. Cola marinated duck tacos? Why not? A lobster, black truffle and foie gras stuffed Kobe burger? Here's my baby. Even trade. Perhaps it's the wordsmithing or the inherent desirability of every ingredient listed, but there's something about reading the menu here that gets me so excited, I feel like I need to pee a little. What used to the be the Nintendo rental section of Blockbuster for Damien (age 9) has been replaced by drool-inducing entrees in progressive South Amexican cuisine. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about; we all have a pee catalyst. I'm still begging for a taco sampler on the menu, and would love to see a bit more consistency in the cocktails. However, these are minor cobwebs in the castle that Poe's built. Visit, eat, ask for the Chef. He'll come out, shoot the shit and probably have a drink with you. He's that kind of guy, and now the Rattlesnake is that kind of place.

    (5)

  • Conor C.

    SUPER average with higher than average prices. $5 for a TINY side of guacamole?! Really? They do have a nice roof patio but doesn't make up for the lousy food.

    (2)

  • Liz G.

    I hadn't been to Rattlesnake for years, but after stopping in recently, I discovered their menu had drastically changed. First off, I should mention that my friends and I went to Rattlesnake for the rooftop seating. They all arrived before I did and got a table with an extra chair that just waiting for me. But when I arrived downstairs, I was forced to wait until a patron decided to leave the deck because they were "full." Really? Oh well. So finally I made it to the top and it was time to eat. The food was just OK yet way overpriced. A can of Twisted Tea (don't judge me) is $5. Better yet, one jalepeno popper filled with cream cheese is $8. Yikes! Who decided on the price points for this menu? I can't say I'll be rushing back anytime soon.

    (2)

  • Erica B.

    I recently celebrated my birthday (the big 2-7, yipee!) and for the occasion my sweetheart took me to the The Rattlesnake in Boston's Back Bay. Why we haven't stopped by it before is beyond me, because this place is great! It's the perfect spot if you hate chain restaurants, but love funky foods and low-key dining. At first glance this place might seem to be more of a watering hole than a restaurant.As you enter there's a long bar, flat screen TVs all over and a typical mix of mingling 20-30 somethings, along with a noticeable crowd of business types. But don't be fooled by this (or the huge drink menu of 50+bottled and draft beers, tons of cocktails, and enough whiskey and tequila to kill a horse): the place has some good eats. Overall I'd say the menu offers new American tex-mex style food. Alongside burgers, sandwiches, salads and steak dinner entrees they've got an insane array of fajitas tacos, enchiladas, taquitos and other south of the border dishes. For an appetizer, we started with the "chowda cakes", a choice I now consider a birthday gift in itself. The Rattlesnake does Boston's signature dish justice-- these bad boys are crisp, mashed potatoe-like balls served with a celery-bacon salsa I wanted to lick off the plate. SO good with our first round of beers. For dinner we each chose from the seven varieties of tacos. My boyfriend went with the duck variety, which came out in a crunchy shell with a smattering of sweet cranberry risotto (the pink stuff! I stole a few bites, YUM). Being a west-coast transplant I chose the fish tacos and it was no mistake; The Rattlesnake really ups the ante with these soft shelled wonders. More than just fried fish and shredded cabbage, my tacos were stuffed with cherry peppers, onions, chilis and a chipotle sauce with a tangy bite. It's a good thing I love a little heat in my food. The fish itself was less greasy what's served at other places (for you foodies out there, I'd venture a guess that it was tempura fried, it was so light). At first I balked at the fact that our dinners were served without sides like rice or beans, but rest assured ya don't need them! My birthday cake was waiting at home so we skipped dessert, not that I'd have room after our monster tacos and plenty of cold ones. It's safe to say I won't be waiting until the big 2-8 to visit The Rattlesnake again. I'm even considering attending their upcoming beer dinner, but that's coming from a girl who loves great food and brews, along with any excuse to stroll through Boston Common.

    (5)

  • R. E.

    I went there the weekend of the SNOW Blizzard 2013 and had the most delicious food and excellent service by JULIAN! We sat at the bar and had the most amazing Taco Salad, Poe's Nachos and bean soup! Julian was very attentive and made great recommendations for a vegetarian. We actually went back the next day for more!!! GREAT CHEF! and JULIAN was a sweetheart!

    (5)

  • Megan B.

    I always have mixed feelings about Rattlesnake. I end up coming here a lot for drinks because I work very close to here and they have a roof deck. I'm not a huge fan of the appetizers I've tried so I've never wanted to come back to actually eat a meal here. The service I've experienced while at corporate functions is terrible, which is astonishing since we're guaranteeing the place money. They do pour massive drinks though. I ordered a vodka soda and was given a tall soda glass with at least 2 shots of vodka. If you're not interested in the roof deck, then I would look for a better bar.

    (3)

  • Kevin M.

    The Rattlesnake is the perfect Boston establishment: overpriced everything, unimaginative food, rude service. I came here on a weekday afternoon with some out-of-town family, thinking it would be all right. It was a sunny day but they seated us in the very, very, very back (even though it was completely empty, but whatever). Our area was COVERED in flies and other bugs. When I walked up to the hostess--as our server never came by in five minutes; again, this place was completely empty--and asked that we move because, again, BUGS, she gave me some bullshit look and just waved her hand at a collection of tables in the front. Always fun to be treated like an asshole--water not refilled, food served curtly, not checked on during meal--because I had the temerity to point out the insect orgy happening at the back of a restaurant. Uh, not to be a dick Rattlesnake, but you're unsanitary and gross and your food is unremarkable. (Not every dish can be solved with A LOT MORE CHEESE, especially when it's shredded and out of a bag.) I've been here a handful of other times, just for drinks. Nothing memorable except for the consistently curt service.

    (1)

  • Tim V.

    After a few drinks at a bar we decided that it was time to grab some food. Someone said "Mexican?" Another said "Outdoor Patio!" Then it was decided to trek across the Boston Common to Rattlesnake. They have an Rooftop Deck that is supposedly amazing. However, when we asked about the wait time to eat on the roof, we were met with "I don't know," followed by several awkward moments by the bouncer. This should have been the first red flag, but we continued on and got a table downstairs, seeing as we were still up for Mexican Food, and can eat without being outside. Once seated, the music was cranked up a notch or three. This it made it difficult to have a conversation, but it didn't bother us too much since it was after main dinner time. The beer selection was decent, but they didn't have a few on tap that we had asked for, once again not terrible, but not exactly great either. Here's where it got messy. After looking at the menu I should have said no, let's go somewhere else. However, I figured, it's a Boston Restaurant trying to do a Modern Eclectic Tex-Mexican meal. Boy, was I wrong. Each of us ordered a different item off the menu to give us variety. I got the Carne Asada tacos, a safe option when going out to a new place, others had the Duck Taco Special, Spicy Cubano Tacos, and the last one got a Wild Board Burrito. The presentation was decent, however the flavor was to be desired. The tacos were so flavorless that I opted to pull the meat out, salt and pepper it and eat it by itself. The cabbage on my taco was sweet taking away the should have been flavor of the meat, and the Ancho Chili Vinaigrette was not worth my time. Not only was the food lacking in flavor, but it was also expensive for 3 small tacos at $14 a plate. The only saving grace to the Rattlesnake was the Wild Boar Burrito. It had spice, texture, and was worth the price for the amount of food that was served. As for the service, our waitress was great. She was on top of things and made sure our orders were taken care of quickly. She even gave a little smile when asked about the food and I told her it was 'Okay.' Two stars: One for the service, and one for the saving grace, Wild Boar Burrito.

    (2)

  • Khoa N.

    They have wild boar burritos!! That's the first I've heard of it. It was flavorful and tasty. A little bit messy though. This is the kind of fancy burrito kinda thing where not everything is stuffed inside the tortilla wrap but scattered on the plate instead. So definitely need fork and knife to eat it. I'd much prefer the simple burrito where my rice and veggies are wrapped tightly inside with the meat so all I have to do is gobble it down with my hands. I tried doing that anyway, and ended up with the sauce dripping everywhere. Not pretty nor classy, I know. Plus, all the works spreading on top and under the burrito made it a little soggy. Still, it was very tasty. The fish tacos were good. They warned us it was spicy, and we gladly accepted the challenge. It was no challenge. I had to drown mine in Chalula sauce and it barely made me flinch. What can I say, I'm Vietnamese, I love spice. And Mexican food is usually where I go for the kick. Overall, it was good but not amazingly, deliciously memorable. The atmosphere was definitely very nice. I had a lovely lunch date with a girlfriend there today. However, the service could've been better. I got there around 1:45 p.m. The place was not crowded but it took them a while to take our orders then come back for the bill at the end. We didn't finish paying until a little past 3. And I eat FAST! My friend also ordered an extra hot tea which they totally forgot. That cost them a star.

    (3)

  • Ashley B.

    Small menu. Awkward pricing (almost all entrees are the same price despite being vastly different). Service was poor. I came on a Sunday afternoon and maybe 5 other people were there. Waitress never checked on us and only paid attention when it was time for the check.

    (2)

  • Noelle L.

    Pros: 1. Roof deck Cons: 1. Margaritas with a SPLASH of tequila. Thanks for the pint of sour mix 2. Off tasting sangria 3. $11 "veggie quesadilla" the size of a small pancake with 1 slice of eggplant skin as the "veggie" inside. 4. Scattered service 5. Stale chips I'm sorry, I don't usually complain... but this offset my perfect Saturday. With all the other options on Boylston and Newbury... I wish we stayed away :( I will never go back.

    (1)

  • Ethan T.

    I came here on the recommendation of a local bartender who said this place had great food cheap, and for central Boston, he was spot on. I really liked the idea of being able to eat on a the roof on a cool summer evening. The menu seems basic, but I assure you none of the food is. Each dish seems to have a little twist to it that makes it far superior to any regular bar food. Not something I would have expected, but a difference I was thrilled with. My dinner was great, and I have to point out that Magic Hat #9 was on tap. To leand excitement to the evening, while I was eating a summer storm broke the sky and we all went to rush inside. We were ushered to another room upstairs, all holding our drinks and plates, only to be told by the staff in that room that the room was closed. Again we were all ushered like sheep to the main dinning area, down a steep flight of now wet stairs still carrying our drinks and plates. Once downstairs tables were easy to find, and my waitress located us, and the service remained top quality. The ONLY reason this place did not receive five stars from me is because of the ineffectiveness of the moving around during a rain storm. With an outside deck, I would have thought a plan would have been in place.

    (4)

  • Nick S.

    We went to Poes with high hopes after seeing some glowing reviews. The venue itself is a bit odd. Downstairs feels like a normal pub, but the hallways and upstairs indoors feels like you are someplace else - you may know what I mean. Anyway, they have bouncers on every floor, which, at 7PM on a Thursday night feels a bit inappropriate. I mean, it's a neighborhood watering hole with food at that hour. Getting counted and admitted to different areas seems like overkill. We get upstairs and are quickly seated, which is great, however all the glassware is actually plastic. Nothing says "welcome" better than a glass of rioja in a plastic stemmed glass. Also, there is a very out of place sign on every table that indicates statutes require all people drinking at these tables must order food. 1) not sure I believe that, but if so 2) Boston truly has some things to learn about rules and regulations. We only go round this thing once, do we really want to waste time telling folks they can't enjoy a cocktail without having to order food? 3) Lastly, it's completely tacky for Poes to post this on every table. It really is a buzzkill. On to the food - overpriced! We had a tuna tartare with lemon sorbet. Weird, and tiny. Not terrible, but where have you ever had a scoop of lemon sorbet on soy marinated tuna tartare? Lime-tinged chips had no lime taste, nor did the salsas impress - one was basically cream cheese, another cilantro, and the third was salsa, but $7.50 for this seemed a bit much. We split a taco plate, but unlike some of the other tacos these came with flour tortillas. I'm really down on flour tortillas. Corn is where it's at, so would have appreciated that instead. Service was attentive, and they changed my rioja which was off, so no complaints there. Overall this place was no great surprise for Boston venues - nothing particularly special, overly concerned with rules and regulations, and food is overpriced for under-quality. The place seemed popular so I doubt my review will mean anything in the grand scheme, but it continues to sadden me to see great spaces which are completely wasted on poor dining/drinking/hanging experiences, and people seeming not to care. In NY this place would be abandoned, or else the owners would figure out how to make a place that's actually cool and interesting. Here I guess there's no motivation because there's no competition for dollars.

    (2)

  • Matt B.

    I've had two bad experiences here. The bouncers were rude, the waitress got upset because we ordered drinks at the bar (after waiting 20 minutes for her to serve us), and then the bartender was quite impolite as well. Additionally, there's no good deals on food or drinks. Not a fan.

    (1)

  • Victoria J.

    You gotta know what you're getting yourself into at this place...especially with the clientele - big muscles, Ed Hardy, and spray tans if you're picking up what I'm throwing down. Some great people watching for sure. The cocktails are solid and the roof deck is great for drinking outside. If you can deal with the bros & bimbos its alright, purely for its roof deck.

    (2)

  • Johnna M.

    I was hanging out with some Californians the other night and of course the conversation inevitably turned to how there is no really good Mexican food in Boston. Someone suggested Rattlesnake as a viable option and I was inclined to disagree. Not that the food at Rattlesnake isn't really good- I just wouldn't call it Mexican. In fact, I wouldn't call it Tex Mex, Southwestern, or Kazakhstanian either. The only way I can correctly classify it is... .Bripoean. (adj. Br-pō'- 'n) And that, my friends, is exactly why I enjoy The Rattlesnake so much. Innovative and creative, the menu always makes me excited to order. Let's be real though, tacos can be innovative, creative, and exciting and still horrible (tripe with strawberry cream cheese and brussel sprouts on a soft tortilla anyone?) That's why I am glad Brian gets it right. I have never had a meal here I did not enjoy. Duck tacos, pulled pork tacos and bison stand out as my favorites but I love to try new things here. The only thing I will consistently order is the trio of guacamole because it is a trio of greatness. Token lush update-The mixed drinks here are great, I prefer the Dark and Stormy and that Blue Drink (No, I am not forgetful due to too much curacao- that is actually what it is called.) I conclude with reminding you that despite the amazing changes at Rattlesnake, you can still get drunk on a roof and that is still awesome.

    (5)

  • Lisa B.

    Alright, I'm a little torn on this one... The rooftop deck is great (get there early!) and the service was very friendly. I had the gourmet grilled cheese, but they forgot the tomato which made it less than stellar. Our server was very attentive (etc.) but I feel as though he didn't have much support in the kitchen or bar. Our drinks took 15+ minutes to reach our table each time, my order was inaccurate, and the beers were largely foam. Our check was also inaccurate at the end of the night, and my boyfriend had over $300 in charges listed as "pending" on his credit card bill, despite only spending $70 there. All-in-all, I (might) give it another chance, but I think there are better places for the cost in the area. Update: After reading my review, I was contacted by the manager to apologize for any inconvenience He offered to help clear any credit card charges that were inaccurate, and I thought that was very professional and thoughtful. 3 stars for Poe's.

    (3)

  • Evan A.

    Blah. Just for the bar. Ok. A bunch of blah people at a blah bar. Just not really my kind of place. It was like a Jersey Shore reunion.

    (2)

  • Kir C.

    My family was looking for a place to grab lunch(We had an infant in a stroller). We originally tried to grab lunch at a nearby place and were turned away b/c of our stroller. We ended up at Rattlesnake- got a great table with tons of space, and also got great service. It was super quick and the food was fantastic.

    (4)

  • Patrick M.

    I must have caught them on a good day judging on all the recent reviews, but I really enjoyed my food and my time at Rattlesnake. I am also a sucker for roof bars even though there is no view from this roof bar. There were three of us splitting all the food, so we ordered a good number of items to try. First off they made some very good mojitos that were freshly muddled with mint. They were on the small side, but the vodka and lemonade ordered later was in a much larger pint glass. We ordered the Tuna Tartar that was 11 bucks... honestly some of the best that I can remember eating. The fish was extremely fresh and melted in your mouth. I order sashimi everywhere, so I know when I have something impressive sitting in front of me and this was impressive. The next thing we ordered was the grilled avocado filled with lobster for 14.50. The lobster was cooked perfectly and matched with the avocado wonderfully. This was a touch pricey, but considering the perfection that the lobster was cooked to, I can handle it. It is way too easy to overcook lobster and it is done all the time, this lobster was immaculate. We also got the lime zested chips for $7.25. This was the only part of the meal that I thought was overpriced and really not that great for what we ordered. It came with some type of cream cheese and the green salsa that I assume was tomatillo. It was so salty that both myself and another at the table snapped our heads back when we ate it with that face like somebody punched you in the junk. Finally for dinner we had the fish tacos. They were a touch overpriced at $13.75, but executed beautifully. Overall we got to the place before a Red Sox game and headed upstairs. It started to rain as soon as we got our first food in front of us and we were moved downstairs to a great table. We waited out the rain delay while having drinks. I really wished that they had a cover of some sort up in the roof bar area that could be pulled out because it was sort of a pain in the butt to move downstairs. That being said, we had to close out the tab upstairs before moving down. I didn't notice the poor service talked about in other posts... but again maybe I caught them on a good day because I liked my service that day. I also liked my drinks because I left the bar / restaurant pretty damn tipsy and I wasn't the only one!

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    Don't have your party here! "bouncer" is egomaniac, ruined our party/insulted our guests, (said his name was demetri?) Lots of better spots in Boston! VERY bad experiences with this one person, across several people in a large group, super embarrassed we had our private party here, definitely will not do again and will warn others as well!

    (1)

  • Jeff F.

    Not sure why everyone is blowing this place up. It's a cool spot and I highly recommend coming in here for drinks and possibly apps, but I'd pass on dinner: - wild boar burrito was ok, but it's a brick of food...guaranteed gut bomb - wings were disappointment - fish tacos were the highlight - awesome - guac was average

    (3)

  • Lynn W.

    God, how is this place still in business after this many years??!! Oh right, it is one of the only roof deck bars in Boston - literally it's only saving grace. My husband and I had a weeknight dinner here (it has been about 5 years since we have been there) and now I remember why I have avoided this place like the plague - the food was absolutely terrible along with being completely overpriced (an $11apple salad where they charge you $6 dollars to add some inedible chicken?) and the draft beer menu compared to it's very close neighbor "The Parish Cafe" is very tiny. I had the calamari and a cup of some type of white bean, onion chicken stock soup - "ick" is all I can say. The only reason I am giving this place a 2nd star is because the waitress was nice and they had Narraganset Lager on tap. Other then that - avoid this place and head across the street.

    (2)

  • Christopher M.

    The Rattlesnake wins my award for the biggest turnaround in a restaurant I have ever seen. The 'snakes prior reputation is stuff of legend: bad staff, worse food and a clientele of ill repute. The only thing it had going for it was an amazing roof deck. Then one day I was at a food festival, and someone handed me a plate of tuna tartar nachos. They were delicious. I asked where they came from, and the answer made me laugh out loud: The Rattlesnake. "You're joking, "I replied. ""No," came the response. "They have a new chef. Come and meet him." That's when I first had the pleasure of meeting Chef Brian Poe. Since then the man has transformed The Rattlesnake into a casual culinary destination. A menu that use to be filled with frozen TexMex now boasts duck tacos, lamb on rye, wild boar and an amazing wagyu steak, plus a brilliant seasonal specials menu. A few weeks back I was told I was the first to try the Poe Burger, a lobster, foie gras, avocado & truffled Kobe burger grilled medium-rare with house-cured whiskey bacon & Irish porter cheese. To say "nom, nom, nom" would be an understatement. The ingredients are always fresh, unique and masterfully assembled. I recall a dinner there where people were passing forkfuls of food across the table, urging everyone to try their food - always the sign of an amazing meal. The service has also turned around beautifully - Morgan and the other staffers have done a brilliant job bringing the quality of the house on par with the kitchen. But the most substantial turnaround is the attitude. Never before have met a chef who listens and responds to the community and his critics as Chef Poe does, nor heard of management that empowers their chef to do so more. Chef Poe is as classy as he is talented. I'm not the kind of person who has a "favorite" restaurant. I love trying new restaurants and rarely go to the same place twice in the same season. Yet The Rattlesnake has, without a doubt become my favorite casual restaurant in Boston. Whether there's something to celebrate, a guest visiting the city, someone special to impress or if I just want to enjoy a good meal under the sun on a beautiful day, the Rattlesnake has become the place I go. I hope you find your experiences there as amazing as I do.

    (5)

  • Bronwen Y.

    I'd only ever been to The Rattlesnake for the bar scene, and was surprised when some friends suggested it for lunch on a recent sunny day. I was pleasantly surprised by the roof deck, and by the pitcher of sangria that we started the meal off with. The deck is in the back of the building, which translates to no view. It's also surprisingly windy - our empty glasses kept blowing over while the server tried to pour the sangria. Our server also spilled a couple of glasses of water - one right in my lap - which actually helped cool us down a bit (it got quite toasty up there!). The food was pretty good as well. I had the romaine salad with fish... The salad was super crisp and topped with some kind of pics de gallo - but the fish was watery and overdone. It also seemed to be leftover pieces from trimming down a larger piece for some other application... One of my table mates had the fish tacos, which was probably a better bit (and probably where the rest of my fillet ended up). Hot tip: there are two ladies rooms and one men's room upstairs. Bonus for the ladies!

    (3)

  • Caitlin B.

    This might be one of the best meals that I have ever had in my life - and I'm picky about my food. The boy toy and I strolled in here one night on my recent visit to Boston. He got tacos (YUM!) and I had the Mexican Monte Cristo - and holy fuck - as I stated before, it was the best thing that I have ever eaten in my life. It was true perfection in between slices of bread. Sitting at the bar, our service was fantastic and the bartender was awesome about drink/beer choices.

    (5)

  • Tom D.

    When I first moved to boston from new york I was simply amazed by the lack of roof decks in this city. Is it some kind of traditionalist thing or city code here? I dont get it. Anyway, when I heard this place had a roof deck I knew I had to give it a shot. I've been back a few times since so I feel like I can give this place a pretty comprehensive review. Drinks: not too bad for back bay, pretty standard beer prices with a small-ish drink menu Food: not impressed at all. Overpriced food with a very small menu. I hear their fish tacos are good but my friend who ordered them literally got 3 for about 12 bucks Atmosphere: Oh sweet theres a roof deck right? You definitely said there was. Was it cool? It had to be cool?......No. Just no. Its a 20 by 20 space that is surrounded by tall concrete buildings. Literally better off being inside. Overall the place is OK but definitely nothing you should ever go out of the way for

    (3)

  • Jackie C.

    This was terrible this time. I was so disappointed. The service was pushy and rushed. I ordered the quesadillas and she explained that they aren't made when you order them but in the morning then they are reheated. It was 3:30...I understand that some things have to be made early for speed but wow. The quesadillas were disgusting. I couldn't finish them- Soggy, and overly sauced. It will be a long time before we come back here.

    (1)

  • Ryan M.

    To be fair I did not go here for the food, but for the roofdeck and to impress a girl. First ventured here during the Bruin's Parade and enjoyed the company of my friends and a lot of beers. Having gone back there a couple times since, I have really been unimpressed with the roofdeck and price of the bar. The downstairs "main" bar area is just a standard boring bar that is not even worth discussing so I"m just going to skip right over that and go to the roofdeck. Go up the stairs and you are there. Congratulations, you have about 20 square feet to stand in (if you aren't getting food) to order your beer. Ordered a Narragansett and it was around $4.50 which is pretty outrageous for a bottom shelf beer. I get that you are paying to be on the roof deck, however I'm not sure why you are paying that much. Unlike the tremendous roofdecks that you will find at ABG, Whiskey Priest, and even Market, this roofdeck is lodged in between taller and uninteresting buildings off of Boylston St. I took guests from out of town to the bar the other day and after ordering a beer I just asked myself "Why are we here?" finished the beer and left. You can get everything that Rattlesnake gives you from most bars in Boston so don't waste your time.

    (3)

  • Joanna F.

    Ok, I have to update this review. My first review was a few years ago after a particularly bad experience. The menu used to be uninspired and, quite frankly, kind of gross. After going here for my boyfriend's high school reunion and, most recently, a lunch, I can say things have changed for the better. This venue handled the hundred plus people at the reunion very well, serving their very good beer selection quickly and efficiently. And when I went back in for lunch, I was shocked by the huge menu with tons of delicious looking items. Me and my coworker each got tacos (I got the fish tacos, she got the classic). My other coworker got the quesadillas. All of the food was delicious. My fish tacos were perfect - spicy from the peppers and jalapenos, cool from the slaw and chipotle crema and salty from the fish. The portion was great too... pretty big but not so big that I felt too full. I could come here for a week and eat only the tacos since they have a huge selection that all looked amazing. Way to turn the place around, Poe!

    (4)

  • R C.

    Concur with the reviews about bad staffing. Came in and sat down at the bar by myself to wait for friends. Bartender ignored me for 10 minutes and actually waited on parties seated on both sides of me. Finally another bartender came along and asked if I had been helped. Not a very welcoming place.

    (1)

  • Jennifer N.

    Not a fan- the only decent food on the menu is the wings, and they came out cold. Service is subpar.. they leave you waiting a long time for drink reorder. We could not even complain about the temperature of the wings as they never came back to check on us. Atmosphere is something that resembles speed dating.. will not go back.

    (2)

  • Sarah C.

    Rattlesnake was fine - I had high-ish expectations based on all the hoopla about Poe and the new menu (though, granted, it's been a while since that change took effect). They weren't really met, although I guess it came close. The menu is interesting - lots of choices, some more normal than others (though who needs normal?). My friends had the burger (which seemed ok), the venison tacos (which were not ok), and the special of bratwurst fajitas soaked in beer and a shot of ghost chile infused tequila. The venison tacos were a weird combination of flavors (peaches, brie, and...salsa) and the venison was not a great cut, nor was it cooked all that well. My friend pointed out that that's what you get for that price, and the waitress noticed he didn't eat much and was nice enough to discount our bill a bit when he mentioned he didn't like it very much. My friend asked the waitress about the bratwurst fajitas special and about it's spiciness, and though the ghost chile is the hottest pepper in the world, she mentioned it wasn't that spicy and he'd be fine. Completely incorrect. I have a relatively high spice tolerance (i loves me some ECG hell night) and that shit was spiiiiiicy. He was dying. Not so happy. My food - the duck tacos - was good. Tasted like thanksgiving due to the cranberry risotto, and i liked the texture. Only two tacos compared to my friend who got three, but it was enough. The roof deck is not all that great. Yes it's outside, but you're also between buildings and it's a relatively low deck, so...meh. All in all I'd say it's fine - an interesting place to try - but it won't end up on my "go back" list.

    (3)

  • John C.

    Stumbled upon the Rattlesnake while looking for a place to grab a late lunch on a Sunday. They weren't terribly busy but had a good crowd due to an event going on in Copley. I decided just to sit at the bar. It took a while to get service from the bartender. I ordered a bar and he gave me my tab. I let him know that I was planning on getting food too and asked for a menu. It kinda created an awkward situation. I decided on the Mexican Monte Cristo with fries. I was not disappointed. The big pieces of texas toast surrounded the turkey, avocado, and a really tasty tequila cream cheese. The sandwich was messy because of all the "creamy" ingredients but it was good. Nice flavor and a spicy kick too. The only thing that I missed was a hint of sweet typically provided by the jam/powdered sugar in a Monte Cristo. The fries were crispy and were a nice compliment. $13.00 for a turkey sandwich seemed like a bit much. I did enjoy it but I thought that price could have come down a dollar or two. Rattlesnake was good but I probably would test out another restaurant before returning to Rattlesnake as a tourist.

    (3)

  • Lauren D.

    Been here a bunch of times now since it's right around the corner from my work. Overall, food gets 4.5 out of 5. There are some great items on the menu - my personal favorite is the taco salad - I know it sounds boring, but really, it's delicious and huge! All of my carnivorous friends are always jealous! Also, it's not often that you walk into a place and see 10+ items on the menu that look good and want to try. Most importantly, where else in the Back Bay can you find such a nice rooftop seating area? Small deduction for weak drinks that I've had a few times. Overall, solid choice with totally underrated, unpretentious (gasp!) food.

    (4)

  • Julie B.

    Rattlesnake is a really solid Boylston bar to go to on a Friday or Saturday night. I came here last weekend and was lucky enough to make it up to the roof deck with only a ten minute wait. It was a beautiful night and I really enjoyed the setup upstairs. My friend and I ordered the guacamole and chips to munch on. It wasn't AS great as I expected, but did its job of controlling any drunk eating temptations that came around (hello enormous plate of nachos). After about an hour on the deck we headed downstairs and the bar was packed! Everyone was dancing and I loved the music being played - it was a great mix of old and new school. It was a little too crowded for my liking but I guess that's what the roof deck is for. My only problem with Rattlesnake was the downstairs bartenders - which I see is something others have encountered and mentioned in reviews. The bartenders on the roof deck were incredibly friendly and helpful, but downstairs they were downright rude. I don't know what the problem was with these girls, but they need to put their happy faces on and do their jobs! C'mon ladies, how do you expect to get decent tips with that attitude?

    (4)

  • Laura B.

    I love the frozen margaritas at this place! Come here after work to sit on the rooftop and drink a frozen strawberry margarita, perfect!

    (5)

  • Erin C.

    This was my 2nd return to Rattlesnake since Brian Poe took over the kitchen and I'm afraid it will be my last. There are certainly some quality dishes on the menu, but the number of crummy ones outnumber these. Last night I got the Quinoa-Crusted & Seared Salmon Salad with berry-chipotle salsa & sweet potato croutons over frisée in watercress vinaigrette. The salmon was about the size of a post it note. The "salsa" was 5 formally frozen blueberries and a sliver of strawberry. The sweet potato croutons were just a few bits of dried up sweet potato. Surprisingly the salmon was cooked well and the dressing was pretty good. However, for $14 I was expecting MUCH more. I should have just gotten the cornbread. My friend got the nachos which came out lukewarm, at best. She asked for them to be heated up and they came back the EXACT same temperature. Our server said that it was just the type of cheese it was and it was supposed to be like that. Thick, slightly cold cheese is what they are going for? Gross. The only redeeming quality of our night was that our server was decent. We didn't see her much (it was packed!), but she was attentive when needed and managed to keep us well hydrated. I'm sad to say that I won't be revisiting Rattlesnake again.

    (2)

  • Fabri T.

    Great food with a nice variety of craft beers. Highly recommend the Mexican Monte Cristo sandwich!

    (4)

  • Mindy L.

    Went for a girls night out and headed straight for the roof deck at Rattlesnack. There was, of course, a long line but it moved fast. Someone needed to turn on the air conditioning inside because it was absolutely roasting. There were only two bartenders at the downstairs bar and it took about 10 minutes to get a drink. Once ordered and received, the margaritas were actually quite good. On the roofdeck, we were pleasantly surprised that when we walked up we immediately got a table and it wasn't crowded at all. We made our way to the bar for a couple shots and the bartenders were fast and fun to talk to. The sangria is awful. We ordered a carafe of the white sangria and it's literally white wine. There wasn't any fruity mix...or fizz...it was just wine poured over an orange and cherry. Too bad...we were looking forward to it. That said...we drank it anyway.

    (3)

  • Matt V.

    I was in town with a friend on December 1st of this year for the Drink Craft Beer festival at the Revere Hotel, where we were staying. Before the Festival, we walked down Boylston to Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake, based on some Googling that led us to understand they had a good selection of craft beer. That Googling was spot-on. Charlie, our bartender, was friendly and knowledgable, and happy to let us sample any brews before we tried them. Rattlesnake has a wide selection of fresh craft brews at reasonable prices and if I were only reviewing a craft beer bar, I'd give a much higher rating. However, when we returned to eat dinner after the Festival, things took a turn. We ordered three appetizers to share - the taquitos, the empanadas, and the cornbread. I can say without question that all three of these were frozen and re-heated before being brought out to us. There was no flavor and no texture to the meat in either the taquitos or the empanadas, and the cornbread was soggy. The empanadas were luke-warm. The only saving grace may have been the sofrito ranch served with the taquitos which was quite nice. For an entree I had the citrus grilled chicken sandwich. The meat was nicely cooked and seasoned, but the bread was untoasted, and completely plain. I guess the fries were alright. My friend ate the veggie quesadilla and it was the most comically undersized entree that I have ever seen. I wanted to like this place, and I'd go there to drink beer again, but I'm definitely not going to order food.

    (2)

  • S C.

    Went to the roof deck for a nightcap - ambiance was great and the menu items were very unique sounding looked delicious. Someone spent a lot of time working on the dishes and the creativity was appreciated. Unfortunately, I only tried the blueberry mojito ($11) and it had a terrible bottom shelf liquor taste, yuck! The delicate purple color made it look so nice, what a waste. Wait staff was decently attentive but slow when it came time to pay - we almost missed the last T back home... Everyone was IDed at the door of course but it was strange to be asked to also show a credit card with our drivers license/passports....

    (2)

  • Angie C.

    HORRIBLE SERVICE! Learn from my horrible experience and avoid at all costs. It saddens me that a place with good food has such poor service. Sorry, but the food is not enough for me to tolerate rudeness and incompetence. I gave this place 3 tries after their make over and I have to say they struck out. Experience: There is only 2 good waiters in this whole place. Let me break down each visit. Visit 1: Great experience-had the waiter with salt & pepper hair. He was super attentive, nice and professional. No complaints. Visit 2: Was seated immediately only to be ignored for 20 min. There were 2 other parties in the whole restaurant. After waiting I inquired with the hostess only to receive attitude and a roll of the eyes. It was the nice waiter (salt&pepper hair dude) who tracked down our waitress. It turned out she was chatting the whole time by the bar. After we placed our order we never saw her again, not even to let her know our order was wrong. Unfortunately, we were in a hurry so we ate, paid, and left. Visit 3: Waited by the door for 15-20 min. The hostess was nowhere to be found and the waitress in the front area completely ignored us. When I asked about the hostess she rudely said it's not her problem. Finally the waiter working the bar tables came and sat us. He was friendly and attentive. If I wasn't there for work I would have definitely complained to the manager. Oh I forgot when the hostess finally showed up and was seating people I accidentally walked in front of her and she rolled her eyes and gave an obnoxious sigh. If you hate your job then quit don't take it out on others. Food: Honestly I love their new menu, but with the rudeness and inconsistency in service I don't really care enough to give a detailed review. I can get good food elsewhere. Overall: Forget this place. Yes it's a popular after work hang out, but just get your drinks and leave. Don't waste your time and money on sh*t service. I will never come back here again! I would also like to throw in a disclaimer that I am not a rude customer. If I did something to deserve attitude I will take full responsibility and not complain about it. However, this lack of service is uncalled for.

    (1)

  • Josephine L.

    Gone are the days when I happily wasted hours screaming at the top of my lungs in an overly loud bar. Nowadays, a nice sit-down meal is much more preferable for a date or night out with friends. That being said, Rattlesnake's not too bad. Maybe it's the Back Bay location. Maybe it's the surprisingly spacious interior. Whatever it is, you can actually have an easy, intimate conversation, people-watch and NOT walk away feeling deaf, reeking of smoke, and desiring a shower from all the sleazy meatheads eyeing you. The menu is standard pub fare with a distinct Southwestern twist. The Nacho Mamas are delicious and will easily fill you up. The Taco Salad is enormous! I don't think I've ever seen a salad that big, served with two bread sticks sticking up. I don't know how anyone could finish it! Cocktails are great too. Loved their Caipirinha and Pisco Sour (although for a more authentic version, head to Machu Picchu in Somerville).

    (4)

  • Nicole S.

    The new chef has really transformed this place. We would come here after work for drinks on the roof deck but it was not a place to have food- this has all changed. The Rattlesnake has some serious food now. This place now deserves respect. I am in love with the cornbread. Serious Lurve with the cornbread. It had me at hello with its smooth texture, bit of heat, buttery flavor, and melted cheese. Start with the cornbread and your meal will be off to a good start. The Infamous Avocado is a good appetizer (or you could be your dinner if you decide not to share your corn bread like me). Served in a avocado half, chunks of fresh lobster merry with warm sweet avocado and is topped off with a unique creme. I never though that lavender would go with lobster but this is why Chef Poe is amazing. The combination of the lavender flavored cream that blends into the nooks and crannies of the warm avocado and lobster is genius. The pepper and lavender creme is lick your plate good. Advisory- Do not get the hot pickles. No joke. First they are gross and stupid hot. It's one thing to have some heat but this will hurt every bit of your mouth. However, if you have a stupid friend in need of money you could bet them they can't eat them all for some $ while you laugh like you have never laughed before while they try to finish the spears from hell.

    (4)

  • Kristen P.

    I visited the Rattlesnake on a hot afternoon (7/16) after walking what felt like 10 miles from Faneuil Hall Market Place. I had noticed the place a few weeks prior on my first visit exploring Boston. I am from Central MA and Boston is somewhat new to me, but I love Southwestern food, so this place appealed to me. All I needed was a quiet place to sit, relax, enjoy a drink and maybe a snack and be on my way. Instead I had an experience, one good enough to write here. The moment I sat at the bar I was acknowledged (always a good sign!). I ordered a Corona and the bartender (a tall, young, handsome blonde) promptly served my drink and with a smile. Later, I found out his name is Josh. Shortly after ordering my drink I asked for a menu and ordered the Nachos, just a small snack to go with my drink. Ha! I was thrown out of my chair when I saw the tower of nachos they placed in front of me. I even asked, "Is that ALL for me?" I was almost afraid to be seen attempting to eat such an enormous portion of nachos all by myself. :-) The nachos were delicious! If I took a moment to examine them, I would have to say they had everything you could think of to put on a nacho. Salsa, Guac, cheese, sour cream, steak (chicken is available), and refried beans. YUM! I will definitely be going back to try more of their dishes. All in all, the place was clean, had a great decor, friendly and personable service, and above all out of this world food! I even had a great conversation with one of the bartenders, Billy. He was very attentive in making sure I had enough to drink and good company. :-)

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    This review is solely for their weekend brunch. In reality based on just my meal it would be 5 stars but the service was slow but still friendly and the mimosa and caphirana we ordered were just ok but the real treat was Bloody Mary Eggs Benedict With Bourbon Bacon which was off the charts. While the combination doesn't sounds all that great you're going to have to trust me on this. Instead of an english muffin they use a corn tamale, and the bourbon infused bacon is just crazy. You have to try it!

    (4)

  • Cassie M.

    I usually search yelp prior to choosing a restaurant. This place was a spontaneous decision and I'm so glad I came here. I asked the waitress what she recommended between the taco salad and fish tacos. She was adamant on the fish tacos so I ordered them and they were some of the best I've ever had!

    (4)

  • Teri L.

    Eyeing everyone at my table eating the nachos with slit eyes behind my sun glasses and thinking...How can I pull these nachos over to my plate in front of me without a family war!! Hands down THE BEST nachos I've ever had! I can't even tell you what the difference is. I tried, Joey tried, Mandah was too busy maowing and Matt was too close to the nachos to think anyone would scoff them! I gave up and just kept pigging on them. We ordered our mains and loved my Scallop Tacos! A little less oil would have been good but all in all fabulous. Matt got the Fish Tacos, Joey the Balboa Sandwich which is duck salami and Mandah had the Wild Boar Burrito. 5 stars for the food. Excellent excellent. My main concern was the deck. It was a summer day when we went. I was looking forward to a cool breeze on top of the building. We sat down and it was like a sauna. The reason was the high walls of the deck! Why solid walls?? Why not awesome black iron grating to let that amazing breeze in?? Minus 1 star for the sauna I didn't order. Can't wait to go back and try some more of this amazing chef!!

    (4)

  • Kevin B.

    Good spot for a quick weekday lunch. Recommend the spicy tacos.

    (4)

  • Su-Yee L.

    I went here on Valentine's day with the bf because of the intriguing menu and was not disappointed. The grilled cornbread was DELICIOUS. I didn't think I'd like the chiles in it but they were subtle and added flavor. The Infamous Avocado was interesting and tasty. We had wanted to try the wild boar tacos but after a wait were told they were sold out. Instead, we tried a couple of things off the special valentine's day menu: the Strapping Young Buck tacos and 99 Problems but a fish ain't one. The tacos were really good with brie, a sweet salsa, and watercress on top of peppercorn-braised venison but were incredibly hot--my mouth was burning for a while after eating one. The fish dish was cod wrapped in pancetta over acorn squash puree and with a strawberry and balsamic reduction--it was smaller than the other dishes but pretty delicious. Also, the chef served our appetizers and the tacos and explained the dishes to us and in general, was super friendly which made up for the slightly less friendly waitress. Not the most romantic place for v-day but the food was totally worth it!

    (4)

  • Jason G.

    I've been here numerous times and I've never been disappointed. The service is always on point and food is always consistent which seems to be a trademark at all 3 of Chef Poe's restaurants. Poe's nachos are some of the best I've ever had and a great app to have while enjoying any number of their beverage selections.

    (5)

  • Nuala G.

    THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE VENUE NOT THE FOOD. I had a company function here during the heat wave of July 2011. We were booked in the room upstairs (not the outdoor deck). Upon arrival of around 60 people the room had pretty much little or no air conditioning. The windows did not open and we were provided with 2 fans (which basically circulated hot air). I have never been more miserable in my entire life (the sweat was dripping down everyone's faces and NO ONE had a good time). This was my first visit to the Rattlesnake and I have to say my last. I thought the place had a weird odor smell (like that of a back alley of a bar). If you are only coming for the food and don't care about being comfortable (or maybe have a blocked nose and can't smell anything) then the food was pretty good, so check it out.

    (1)

  • Sue B.

    Forgot to Yelp this place Went after the game on Saturday (took a pedi-cab YEAH) had a few apps and some drinks. Place was crowded but we got a seat and service was quick and server was knew what she was doing. Had a fun time ... somehow having a few drinks on a nice roof deck in the city with a great friend is always a great time

    (4)

  • Jason L.

    This is a repost of my personal cooking / foodie blog Rattlesnake review, but I think it's fitting to post it on Yelp, it would receive a much bigger audience here. Within the past year or so the Rattlesnake Bar & Grill has brought in Chef Brian Poe, whom has not only introduced an incredibly creative brunch menu (that my article is mainly about) but a great dinner menu as well. An additional list of weekly specials that Poe calls his "Unleashed" menu mainly focuses on more experimental dishes involving in season ingredients. To help show off their new "image", they had a Yelp! Elite event late last year that I was a guest of and they blew my socks off. The appetizers, entrees and drinks were top notch and the waitresses were very personable. He has revamped the perception of the Rattlesnake amongst the Boston population, finally making it a valid and very worthwhile eatery at any time of the day. To give you an idea of how highly I think of the Rattlesnake bar, we waited outside their closed doors for half an hour to be let in for brunch. We were the first ones in and were greeted and seated by Poe himself. I would have been starstruck, had it not been for my previous visits where he also mingled with the guests and played an active, visible role in the restaurant. This sort of "all hands" role that the executive chef plays is smart, it leaves a lasting impression with the patrons. Now on to the food! It's good. Actually, it's beyond great. Every bite of each dish I've sampled has been top notch and Poe definitely has a couple of culinary calling cards up his chef sleeves that he uses to his advantage in most of his dishes: Heat and Sweet. Between the tequila cream cheese and minted salsas that accompany their homemade lime zested chips to the jalapeno hollandaise that tops my favorite dish, the "Poeched" Eggs Benedict (the featured picture of this article), he has rarely has any "dish misses'. Between the five of us, we had: Mexican Monte Cristo "Poeched" Eggs Benedict French Toast with Pineapple glaze Everything was perfect. Rattlesnake also makes great cocktails if our espresso martini, bloody mary and multiple strawberry margaritas are the norm. The only thing I can even remotely give a negative mark to is that you're likely to be stuffed before you finish all the morsels on your plate.

    (5)

  • Josh M.

    I enjoyed the atmosphere of the bar area. It was inviting and upscale but without an upscale price. Went there twice for drinks on my weekend trip to Boston. I'll definitely be back when I return to Beantown.

    (4)

  • Daniel K.

    Chilled with a friend here, grabbed some beers and wings. My buddy got a burger. The setup is comfy, looks good. Good selection of beers, most of the classics on draught, decently priced. The wings were soggy, not my style. They have a nice spicy kick to em though if you like spicy soggy wings. I'd personally pass on those next time. Overall, OK place to chill, have some drinks. Was not impressed by the food though.

    (3)

  • Harri S.

    They have one of the most eclectic menus in Boston. I mean who else offers Arizona rattlesnake on their menu? While daring goes a long way, I really think that balance should play a part in their offerings as well. There is simply too much going on with their food. As it was lunch, I only got two items; the clam chowder and the cornbread. Tame enough right? Wrong? Both were way too overpowering. The ideas were genuinely good, but the execution was unfortunately rather poor. The clam chowder was served in a cup. In Southwestern style it was made with jalapenos, but for a cup topping this with calamari and a clam-in-shell was just overdoing it. The consistency of the soup was also very thick. The cornbread was worse. It was really greasy and looked more like a large frittatta than a scrumptious cornbread. It was served with butter and a seasoned queso fresco. The queso was actually sensational, but the cornbread was such a dud, I actually think I enjoyed the butter more. An additional note: at lunchtime this place is pretty empty. Go around four or five. I think the bar is a better bet than the food.

    (2)

  • Steve K.

    I was very unimpressed. Ordering a generic beer (PBR) on draught should not cost me $6.75. That is completely ridiculous. Inside the heart of Boston or not, a draught PBR (or any beer of that caliber) should be no more than 4 bucks. I'm actually ashamed of this place for charging the same amount for draught beer as most places charge for mixed drinks. To top this off, the mixed drink I bought for a friend was 11 bucks! That is messed up. I'm sorry but a bottom shelf vodka and pineapple juice at $11 is just ludicrous (and I'm not talking about the rapper who is actually quite amazing). I will not be coming here again...

    (1)

  • Clara L.

    Went here one night to check out the roof deck with friends. We went early enough (10 pm) on a Friday night and made it up there with only a few minute wait. The roof was perfect for a fall evening. The atmosphere was nice and more laid back, a good option to escape the louder music downstairs. We didn't eat there since we came from dinner, but would definitely go back to try it. Found it interesting/odd that a guy was let up to the roof deck with a laptop case and rather large piece of luggage though...

    (4)

  • Anita A.

    I've been here a couple times for drinks a while back with the afterwork crowd and never knew they served pretty darn good food here. I am glutton for anything with a taco shell, YUM! A friend and I had glanced over the menu a few times before finally deciding to come here for our hour lunch break. So glad we finally did. We both got the Hudson Valley Duck Tacos OMG!! I totally did my food happy dance along with lots of mmmmm's and yummy's lol They were so freaking delicious, it was savory, tart and sweet and just mmmmmmmmm yumtastic! The cranberry risotto in the pastry like taco shell was just the right balance of sweet and tart to cut through the duck I could have had wayyyy more than 2 tacos for lunch. BUT then we might have had to wait another 20 mins for the tacos to arrive at the table. The food fabulous, the really really long wait when your eying your watch to get back to your desk not so much. They did apologize about the delay, but still 20 mins was a long time to wait when you've only an hour for lunch including the walk back to work, so unfortunately we've yet to be back. But still YUM! After writing this I am now wondering if they do to-go, I might have to call and ask!!! So if your a duck fan you so have to order those duck taco's you will not regret it!!! :)

    (4)

  • Joseluis A.

    roof deck! its a nice place to grab a drink, on a nice day of course. i did not have anything to eat as i was just here for day drinking. service was ok. one of the bartenders told me i look like junot diaz which sparked a nice conversation about oscar wao and how junot is bald and i am not. my friend was on a mission so i was only here for that one drink but im curious to go back and see what kind of vibe this place has going on at night.

    (3)

  • Celeste M.

    I think I'm the only one who hasn't been on the roof deck. And I never went to the Rattlesnake back in the day. I was lucky enough to discover the Rattlesnake after it became awesome. And awesome it has been. I've been here for a party, dinner, and lunch, and each time there has been sumptuous delights for the eyes and mouth. The service is good and they were willing to change the awesome fried chicken sandwich into grilled for my dieting self. I love the spicy flavor of the food and inventiveness of the menu. I love that their obligatory burrito is called "Obligatory Burrito." I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    i don't get all the raves as dinner was a huge letdown. started with apps of fried calamari and duck confit chili relleno which came out v e r y quickly. i was assured the squid would be fresh (vs frozen). hah! was served cold, dry like it was cooked yesterday. the relleno, maybe cooked last week. told server to take the mess of calamari back to kitchen. braised short ribs taco was no better, an indubitable gut bomb. fish taco was best of the lot. so star for that and comping a drink. nunca mas.

    (2)

  • Michele M.

    First night in Boston, we went to Poe's Kitchen. A huge pork chop with a tomato and avocado salad and a hef. Friendly staff and reasonable prices for entrees. Awesome!

    (5)

  • Matthew P.

    I'm definitely over this place. First off, the food is way too pricey and not even that good, so even as a restaurant you lose points. The absolute worst part is the service. The waiters are SO rude and SO slow. I've never seen such an apathetic staff. From the time you walk in you are essentially treated like a herd of cattle. And once you sit down, forget trying to get prompt service. We were waiting 15 minutes for our waitress to come and take our drink order and decided to go to the bar and just get our own drinks. Well you can bet she saw us and told us we had to order from her. Fair enough. COME OVER THEN. We still had to wait another 5 minutes until she found some precious time. They are completely apathetic to their customers. And what's with all the bodyguards on a weeknight? It's not a marathon monday in Allston? We were also swealtering in the place. We were told the air was at full blast, but there was no air coming from the vents. When we went outside to go to another place the 90 degrees felt cool. I've tried to avoid this place at all costs but sometimes its inevitable when you are in a group. Next time I might just go home after work instead of dropping money on a bad time.

    (1)

  • Scott B.

    Oh, how this place has improved! The service was incredible, and the food was something you can't find anyplace else! The nachos were laced with spicy sensations and topped with cheesey chicken lovliness. As if the food wasn't good enough, the head chef actually came out and conversed with us about the food... thanking us for stopping in, and talking to us about the changes that have been happening at Rattlesnake. Previously, I've experienced really horrible service on the roof deck, so perhaps the difference is dining inside, downstairs.

    (5)

  • Amanda G.

    Things that are great about the Rattlesnake: 1. The roofdeck 2. The fish tacos 3. The crazy delicious seasoning that they put on their fries 4. The descent beer selection Things that make me want to scream about the Rattlesnake: 1. The service 2. The line to get on the roofdeck 3. No free refills on soda... even when you are sitting down for dinner? I went to the Rattlesnake for a late, after work dinner with a friend. We sat down, I got a beer (their selection isn't too bad) and my friend got a soda, and then a refill. By now you know that was a mistake. We each got tacos, chicken and fish. They were pretty good, except we each needed a bit more salsa. The waitress brough us each out a small side. We sat talking for quite a while and the waitress didn't try to rush us, which I did appreciate. The bill came and to our surprise our extra salsa cost us EACH 3.25! I mean, it's just descent bar food...

    (2)

  • Erika K.

    GIVE ME SOME NACHOS!!! The nachos are so amazing I would go here everyday if I was willing to have a heart attack. There is something different about their nachos that just sets them above the rest. Perfect amount of toppings with a special cheese sauce that just makes these nachos banging. Good service. Good wine. Salads are good. I haven't had anything else but the nachos and salad. BUT IT IS SO WORTH A TRIP FOR THE NACHOS!

    (4)

  • Rachel S.

    I didn't get to fully experience The Rattlesnake Bar in all its glory as it was too early for dinner when we stepped in here in search of some kind of happy hour. (FYI - I lived in Boston, but I was never informed that "drink specials" are basically illegal in the state of Massachusetts.) Happy Hour it was not. But become it did gradually... We sampled several of the special margaritas and the red wine sangria. The sangria was fairly organic, basically no fillers - very little if no carbonated beverage as an additive, just wine and fruit (fruit filtered out). The margaritas were kind of knock-outs when it came to flavor AND impact. Two margaritas was uh, more than plenty. We had one with blue curacao, the chocolate margarita (which, as described by the waiter, tasted like a chocolate orange. Very interesting.), the apple cinnamon margarita and... and another that's just lost in the banks of my memory. As I said - two whole margaritas was plenty. We had some fresh chips and salsas to accompany our private happy hour. GREAT chips, hot and freshly fried. The red salsa was good and fresh, the tomatillo-mint salsa a little on the minty side, and the tequila cream cheese dips was something I could have made at home. I would totally try The Rattlesnake for a full meal, as the menu and dessert selection looked surprisingly enticing. Rattlesnake cakes were an appetizer option. The desserts looked unorthodox and totally indulgent. The only downside, other than margaritas being $10+ (which in Boston is expected) was the staff seemed a little clueless. These were definitely young ladies with jobs, not necessarily epicureans with jobs that excite them. I asked several questions about the house made mix for the strawberry margarita, the cinnamon-sugar rim on the apple margarita. The waitress didn't have the answers, and when she returned from the kitchen where she had to take my questions, her answers were still a little vague. Eh, what can you do. I'm not in college and don't live in Boston anymore, but I'm glad that my visit back included The Rattlesnake.

    (3)

  • Myha N.

    I love this spot during the summer because of their rooftop deck. It fits about 95 people so I wouldn't recommend it if you have 20 people and can't show up early or dislike waiting in line. They don't have a cover charge unless you show up on Saturday nights after 10pm I believe. Most times I'm here after work or weekends during the day for the rooftop deck in the summer. My favorite item on the menu is their Poe Burger. Beware. It is pricy. For $19, this Kobe beef burger is stuffed with lobster, foie gras & black truffles & served with house-cured whiskey bacon, avocado & Irish porter cheese on brioche. I shared half the burger and it was plenty in my opinion. I shared the calamari and I wouldn't recommend it. It wasn't great or worth the money. I've also had the buffalo burger here and thought it was ok. Waitstaff is nice. Again, only issue here is that you'd have to wait in line to go upstairs or outside on weekends and really nice days after work.

    (4)

  • Arthur D.

    This place looks like a dump from the outside, but I stepped on the roof deck and had a blast. The chef was amazing bringing out the best Cesar salad, clam chowder with bacon and jalapenos, a BLT with thick bacon and a mustard mayo sauce that I wanted to bring home. Service sucked as it took 15 minutes to bring a drink, messed up our bill, but who cares cause the drinks were strong and the food was some of the best I have ever had in Boston.

    (4)

  • Jenn S.

    I went to Rattlesnake last night with some friends, with hopes of roof deck merriment. Unfortunately, the rain put the kabash on that. So we stayed downstairs. A friend and I got there earlier for dinner and the friendly, helpful host (who we did have to stand around for 5+ minutes waiting for), gladly let us sort of pick out our own area and commandeer some other tables for our large group. Our waitress was quick & friendly, but once the rest of our group came, she was almost MIA and constantly forgetting checks, drinks, etc. So, not great service for a large group. Drink-wise, my friend went with the special Watermelon Margarita (on the rocks), which she kept insisting had real watermelon in it. I went with the Blue Wave, which I think had Curacao in it? It was a fun blue, so sweet and tasty! My friend and I decided to share a salad, as neither of us was that hungry, and we went with the Azteca Taco Salad: Smoked chicken (I don't think it said smoked on the menu, but it certainly was!), Oaxaca cheese, butter-roasted corn (again, didn't say butter-roasted on the menu), refried beans (we went without these), avocado, tomatoes, scallions, Spanish onion, two lettuces & agua fresca vinaigrette. The real menu listed sun-dried tomato tortilla, which I think was the 2 tortilla chips it came with (it also came with a HOT salsa). I was actually glad it didn't come in a deep-fried shell, as those are just too darn resistable. And the croutons? AMAZING!! So soft and chewy and with great flavor! We did tell the waitress we were splitting it, so it would have been nice if it came already split, but she did bring 2 plates. It was just a somewhat hard meal to split, as the items weren't mixed in - they were placed in piles around the salad. However, this was FABULOUS and I would totally get it again and did recommend it that evening to friends. Unfortunately, the place is just SOO loud. We got there early, when it was not too crowded, and ould barely hear each other. Turn down the music, get more attentive servers, and it's a winner.

    (3)

  • Mallory D.

    I work in the hospitality industry, so I'm definitely not one to complain much. However, I had the absolute WORST service I've ever received while at the Rattlesnake yesterday. Three friends and I wanted to enjoy some drinks on the roofdeck while out on the town during a beautiful day yesterday, so we decided to get a table and order some drinks and apps. The friendly hostess sat us, and then we sat there for a legitimate 15 minutes without receiving ANY SERVICE at all. I appreciate servers sticking to their sections, but I will always approach a group of people who clearly have not been greeted, even if they are not in my section. I took note of several servers looking over to our table, making eye contact, and then walking away without a small little line, "Oh, your server will be right with you." Finally, before getting up and just leaving, a server came by, and of course, there was no apology for approaching us after so long. Instead, she blankly asked us what we wanted, and I swear, I felt like I was just bothering her for giving our order. Her attentiveness from that point on was, not surprisingly, terrible, and the watered-down margarita did not make up for the god-awful service. We ordered some chips, guacamole, and quesadillas, which were mediocre. I've eaten at the Rattlesnake before and have had a pleasant experience, but something about yesterday ruined it for me. I really hope that they start paying more attention to the caliber of service (e.g., space cadets) that is provided to guests, or I will just learn to avoid this place at all costs. I'd hate to continue to bother servers with my drink and food orders...god forbid...

    (1)

  • Rob C.

    My sister and i stumbled in here, completely throwing in the towel on xmas shopping after a whole hour and a half. Bitter cold, biting wind, and persisting snow (as well as my ill-advised decision to rely on chuck taylors to repel the slush for longer than 45 seconds) meant that it just wasn't the day to be trolling for gift ideas. So it was time to start drinking. And really, it was time to find the nearest bar possible to warm up with a cold beer. In this case, it was the Rattlesnake. I'd been here a few times before, and once during the brief interlude where it was known as something else. It's not bad. It has a great location and a well-known roof-deck. When neither of those other things are relevant, it tends not to be too crowded. At any rate, they have a decent selection of beers, and the food ranges from okay to really quite tasty. They had an appetizer special which involved popcorn and bacon which didn't really live up to the potential (come on, it had bacon!). The spicy grilled chicken wrap i had was pretty darn tasty, though, and the french fries are also yummy. Someday i'll have to try the roof deck, but even absent that obvious draw, it's a totally okay place to eat and drink.

    (3)

  • Shelly R.

    My friends make fun of me because I take everyone I know here and am constantly thinking of reasons to eat dinner at the Rattlesnake. This is NOT the Rattlesnake of 5 years ago - the ambiance is the same, expect a crowd on Friday night, a bar atmosphere and the stench of booze, but with your expectations set - it is fabulous! Poe's Kitchen is an unassuming delight! Brian Poe elevates the traditional bar scene to create a creative and exotic menu. He has so many rare meats on the menu- every time I try something different and I'm never disappointed! The items change seasonally staying with the Southwestern theme (not TX/CA but like real middle-Southwest, think AZ/NM flavors). Try the margaritas, they are awesome - and do yourself a favor and go on a Fall/Spring day and sit at the bar on the roofdeck, you will feel like you never want to leave. My favorite is the nachos (ask for the habenero sauce to give it a kick), the mushroom appetizer, the steak frites. I've tried a number of exotic meat taco variations and they are all amazing.

    (4)

  • Renee B.

    Ok so Five stars might be a little strong but Chef Poe has a great menu that delivers the flavor. The pear margarita was also very good with the 5 chinese spice rim. I am not sure why it has such low reviews but it is a very different place than Rattlesnake of old. We had the trio of guacamole - which included mango, beet and regular. It had a lot of zing with small pieces of jalapeño (which is nice to see). The mango was the best. I liked the beet but not a crowd favorite. We also had the short rib taco. Holy horseradish (but in a great way) perfectly braised nice balance of flavors. Yum.

    (5)

  • Kristine A.

    Are you for real? What on earth happened to this place? Why are they trying to be some hoity-toity type place all of a sudden or maybe I just haven't been in a while. But for one thing they have basically no vegetarian options at all on their menu which sucks ass. This place has completely changed there menu & not necessarily for the better either. I am so displeased on so many levels.

    (1)

  • Steve S.

    I really like this place. No its not a martini bar or a glamorous lounge. The Rattlesnake is just an unpretentious place with really decent food. First the Rattlesnake is the main place. It is designed well with 9 or ten tvs conveniently situated around the bar. Venom is the lounge upstairs, and they have a popular roofdeck as well. They have recently introduced a quasi Mexican flair to their old menu. Had the the salad, which was both colorful and flavorful and of course the scallop tacos The tacos are worth mentioning, because they had a nice healthy kick, not crazy, but hot....They may have been some of the tasty tacos I have had in recent memory For dessert, I had the pecan pie. I went to New Orleans, so I am somewhat of an authority...but this pie was crazy good. It was sweet from the filling, salty from the pecans and creamy from the ice cream....all at once. Great piece of pie. I like the Snake, because it is just a simple place with simply good food

    (5)

  • Julia C.

    The boy and I came out here for a free tequila and contortionist show last night. We didn't manage to get in, as there was a long long line, and ended up getting a few drinks and watching the Sox game. We had delicious tanqueray gin and tonics for $6 each, which isn't bad, considering that the bartender was generous with the gin, and it was served in a full pint sized glass. We also got nachos mama to snack on. I am not a huge fan of your regular greasy nachos covered in gooey cheese that leaves a pile of oil at the bottom. But I really enjoyed Rattlesnake Bar's take on nachos - it was made with homemade tortilla chips, used fresh goat cheese chunks, generous portions of shredded steak, and lots of fresh lettuce, beans and tomatoes. It tasted more like a delicious, guilt-free taco salad. Our waitress was very friendly and kept checking on us frequently to make sure that our booze and water glasses were filled. I can definitely see myself coming back here on weekday nights to catch up with friends over yummy drinks and trying out more snack foods. Decent find!

    (4)

  • Jessica T.

    Food was great! Open till 1:30 am with great food!!

    (5)

  • Ashley D.

    I was really nervous about trying this restaurant because of the wide range of variability in its reviews, but it turned out to be a great place for lunch. We went in around noon on a weekday and sat inside, rather than on the rooftop deck. The menu had some interesting and unusual features like Antelope Tacos, which turned out to be amazing. The server was very friendly and the overall experience was a good one. I would not hesitate to host another lunch meeting here.

    (4)

  • Jessie C.

    Oh Chef Brian Poe - where have you been all my life? I know, the rattlesnake - the place you went when you were 21 and got bombed. It's changed people. I promise. The food is SO FANTASTIC now with the addition of Chef Poe to the menu. Seriously - wild boar tacos? Hello! Tasty time! (try the grilled corn bread also - oh the deliciousness!) Please give the rattlesnake a second chance. I promise you'll love it.

    (4)

  • Mike L.

    Just hip enough to be located in Back Bay without being to pretentious. Decor is nice and clean and the restaurant seems relatively large, but around 6:30 on a Sunday it wasn't very busy. Beers and cocktails are of medium quality and price, nothing to write home about. Skipped on the appetizers and went right for the main course. I had the much talked about Wild Boar Burrito, and it certainly delivered on flavor. I couldn't really say the boar was a standout, however I can say it was extremely tender without falling apart, and seasoned very well. The green chile puree was essentially mixed up with the verde rice, so I couldn't tell the two apart. Can't say that the "IPA infused" refried beans really tasted like IPA (though I'm not sure I'd want them to). The boar bacon was essentially large lardons, still a little chewy but since they were cut into cubes I wouldn't want them any crispier. Overall the meal as a whole was very good, filling yet flavorful. My only real negative critique was the bottom of the burrito wrap was burnt. This actually wasn't a huge detractor though, it added a nice smokiness, but I don't think it was intended. Oh, and forget any notion of actually picking this up and eating it, it's certainly a fork and knife burrito. The other negative critique I had was the service. As empty as the restaurant was, it was certainly slow. Our server didn't really wait for an answer when she swung by and asked if everything was alright, and we had to choke down our mouthful of food and call her back to order more drinks. She also forgot my last beer order, but thankfully it wasn't on the check. A good spot for a more than good meal, and the price point actually puts it in an affordable range. I'll most likely go back to try out their rooftop area.

    (4)

  • Melissa W.

    This is a great place for a group gathering... I've organized a few group events here with great success. The roofdeck is awesome. The food is good... I've never had anything amazing here, but its good, solid bar food with a little Southwestern kick to it.

    (4)

  • Catherine S.

    Three stars = A-OK, and that's pretty accurate for Rattlesnake. Yes, there's sidewalk seating and a roof deck which is totally awesome, but beyond that, the place is pretty average. The beer selection isn't anything breathtaking, and the food is just-above-average bar food. I had a chicken torta which was fine, I've had burgers before that were good... But on my most recent trip, my boyfriend got the spicy cubano tacos... BIG no-no. He loves spicy food, and even he was uncomfortable with the level of heat (chugging ice water to a point where he was shivering cold). I'll certainly be back here, and I recommend stopping by, but just keep in mind you likely won't be blown away!

    (3)

  • Rebecca K.

    Dear waitresses of Rattlesnake Bar, I get it. You're a waitress at a cool, hip place in downtown Boston. Throw on something skin tight, cleavage-y, short, and black and your tips are sure to increase. But you're really lovely girls who would still look really cute in something a little longer. And you might look like you were a bit more comfortable and trying less hard. And you still might get good tips. Sincerely, A rather unimpressed patron

    (2)

  • Bethany F.

    I'd give this place a 3.5 if the stars had half options. We had our first monthly ladies night meetup on the roofdeck here last week. It was easy to park on the street after work, and easy to access from the T, which made it a great location for us. The food was good. I wouldn't say it blew my mind but everything was cooked properly and had flavor. Some portions were smaller than we expected for the price. The drinks were just ok. The sangria was heavily wine and contained fewer fruit components than I'm used to (others at the table commented on how dry and 'winey' our pitcher was). Someone got the raspberry margarita which i tasted and wasn't overly impressed. The bathroom upstairs was SO tiny though, and the hand dryer was positioned above the tp (who designed that, really). Weird. I'd definitely come back here for some drinks again for the location alone though.

    (3)

  • MyTwoCent S.

    Only go here if you want FEATHERS ON YOUR CHICKEN WINGS! I ordered Chipotle Chicken Wings for takeout yesterday and after eating two, I noticed something unusual on one of the wings. What looked like shredded bbq chicken, was actually ChiCkeN FeAtHeRs stuck to the wing!! BARF!!!! GROSSSSS! I immediately dropped everything and was ready to vomit! QuaLity ConTrol is Serious Lacking at this nasty restaurant! Don't go unless you want grossed out!

    (1)

  • Jack M.

    We went back here last week after work, hoping for an experience similar to last time. It was pretty much a FAIL. - It was after work, close to 6PM, and we wanted dinner. We walked in and wanted to sit at the tables in the back but were told they weren't seating anyone there yet (??) and so we had to sit at one of those tall bar tables. Our waitress was pretty slow. We got a beer, and a mixed drink which was too watered down - scotch and soda, if I recall. It was really weak. We got tacos: Duck and Lamb. The duck taco came in this W shaped thing, and while the dish was good, it was hard to eat (you have to like, split it into edible seperate tacos, making a mess as you do so). The duck was nice and tender but there wasn't much of it. Certainly not enough to justify the $13 price tag. Lamb "tacos" were served open faced on 3 seperate little round soft taco shell things. They were small. The lamb was not tasty, mired in some kinda weird sauce that I wasn't a fan of, and the lamb itself was VERY FATTY. One taco I simply couldn't eat. I had to spit it out and gave up. Nothing turns me off more than not being able to actually chew the food in front of you. We had split these expensive "tacos" and we were still STARVING. We were going to order another drink, and more food, but our waitress disappeared, and we didn't feel like spending another $30 just to fill up. We left. We went to Flash's which isn't that far away, spent $10 each on some EXCELLENT stuff - and were happy there for hours afterwards. - I'm done with the Rattlesnake.

    (2)

  • Andrew M.

    Single handedly the worst bar in Boston. They tried to turn a bride and her wedding party away, then refused to serve shots to anyone in that party and the selection of drinks is poor. Don't ever plan to party or drink here as they'll tell you what you can and can't drink. Managerial staff are rude and judging.

    (1)

  • Olivia H.

    It's really a shame that the service at this place is so dreadful because it has an awesome rooftop. As good as that rooftop is, though, the manager and staff at this bar are horrendous. A few friends and I went to Rattlesnake, and my *sober* friend was denied entry into the restaurant. She doesn't drink, yet the bouncer at the front door said she was too drunk to come inside. We asked to speak with the sweaty, unprofessional manager who took 10 minutes to stop flirting with women from behind the bar and finally come talk to us. He agreed that my friend was not drunk and said that we could go upstairs and have one beer then leave. My friend rolled her eyes in response, to which he said, "Fine, you don't like it? Then leave". The staff at this bar/restaurant are so ridiculously unprofessional that I will never give them my money again and will make an effort to ensure that my friends and family refrain from doing so as well. I've read other reviews and see that we are not the only ones who have had an experience like this. Walk the extra block to Newbury street to find better bars. Also, I was so frustrated with this place that I made a Yelp account just so that I could share this review.

    (1)

  • Sara S.

    I cast my vote for Rattlesnake as 2009's Most Improved Restaurant in Boston. I used to detest Rattlesnake. Refuse to go. Tia's and Rattlesnake were the two places in Boston that even if Matt Cassel were there (HEART him), I wouldn't go. Now, it's not uncommon for me to have cravings for their deliciousness at least twice a week! OK, actually, every day. Brian Poe has done a phenomenal job turning from what used to be pretty terrible bar food into the finest and most refined Southwestern cuisine I have ever had in my entire life. While their menu includes non-traditional and traditional "sounding" Southwestern cuisine, everything is upscale and has a little flair of Poe. You're not getting greasy nachos, overly-dressed tacos, and food that's going to weigh you down the rest of the day. The proportion of ingredients is perfect, allowing all flavors to come through perfectly. Everything is prepared with care with the highest quality ingredients. I had no idea Southwestern food like this existed. What do I suggest? Everything. Well, kidding... if I've tried everything on the menu, though, I probably wouldn't be kidding. However, my favorites include: Nacho Mama's (great for sharing), Jalapeno Clam Chowder (thin broth dressed with actual fried clams!), Azteca Taco Salad (not served in a greasy gross taco shell, which I appreciate), and their Tuna sandwich- which unfortunately, is not off the menu, but the chef can work his magic in the back and make it if you request it! Cocktail list has improved as well, and I'm looking forward to their pumpkin infused spirits. Chef Poe's skill is undeniable and I only wish the service was just as good as the talent coming out of the kitchen.

    (4)

  • Katie R.

    I ended a scavenger hunt here the other day, and the staff and food here were both wonderful. I made a reservation for 50 people and they sectioned off an entire section for our group. Before the rest of our group arrived, I was chatting to the friendly waitstaff and it was a great experience. Even when all of us were there, the service was excellent and our waiter was a great sport about our somewhat disorganized method of paying. We ordered mostly nachos and wings, but they were all delicious. The atmosphere was fun, even on a Sunday afternoon!

    (5)

  • Kelly O.

    2 words: quail tacos. Fig-stuffed Vermont quail with black truffle risotto, pumpkin salsa & pomegranate jus, to be exact. Have I ever even had quail? No. Do I even really like most Mexican food to begin with? Not really. Did I think these were possibly the best tacos (or even just dinner period) I have ever eaten? Absolutely. Holy wow these were amazing, unexpectedly so. I ordered them because the rest of the ingredients were right up my alley and I figured eh, quail probably just tastes like chicken anyways so I may as well just be adventurous and go for it. Wrong- quail (in this version) is farrr superior to chicken. I can't tell if I actually like quail now, or if it was just amazing in this specific dish, but I am telling you GO AND ORDER THEM. Or any of the other crazy combos on the menu now (wild boar or pheasant perhaps?). All for only $12, and you get three big soft tacos; what have you got to lose? I've been to the Rattlesnake just for drinks multiple times both at night and right after work, and it's a decent place to go. I do like the roof deck in summer, and the music's not bad, top 40 stuff. Our waitress last night was really on top of things, and they created a small dance floor towards the end of the night, which was fun. I do enjoy their pitchers of either beer or mixed drinks, but the crowd can sometimes be full of popped collars and ya dudes, so be wary. 5 stars just for the tacos, 3.5 for Rattlesnake itself.

    (4)

  • Kevin C.

    Didn't try any of their food, but this was a pretty fun bar to visit. Slipped into the roof deck with relative ease, and it's BAWWLIINN'. A little more upscale, which means you'll get the regular mix of yuppie assholes and young professionals. They've got a limited selection of beers on tap upstairs but it's a small satellite bar separated from the main one downstairs so that's not too surprising. A shitload of bouncers, not entirely certain why. Either their clientele can't handle their liquor or some much more sinister reason.

    (3)

  • Michele C.

    Had one of the worst restaurant experiences in a long time here the other night. We came in with a really big group - I've worked in the restaurant industry and I know this is a problem but I wasn't in charge of the group. In any case, if they couldn't accommodate us or had to split us up they should have just said so. Instead they took us all (and did split us up into two tables). We were on the roof deck on a really hot night. With all the orders coming in, the kitchen couldn't handle it and we waited over an hour for our food. When it finally came, my chicken was absolutely inedible because it was so salty. The waitress offered to compensate us with a round of drinks but when we finally got the bill she hadn't even taken anything off of it. We were so hot and tired and at that point, really late since we had spent hours there, so we paid and left. I was so mad at myself afterwards - we really should have said something and made them compensate us. The whole experience was horrendous, the food awful and overpriced. Avoid! You could get the same food at Taco Bell or something for a quarter of the price.

    (1)

  • Lisa R.

    First off, holy cornbread. Moist, amazing, flavorful, and hearty. I drank something tropical, fruity and pink off the menu. It was strong and yummy. The nachos were HUGE but a little disappointing. The cheese sauce looked and tasted more like sour cream, the chips weren't crunchy enough and got soggy too quickly. My friend's beef briscuit and brie au jus was amaaaaazing and tender and delicious. At the end we wished there was more and lamented the small portion. We didn't end up seeing most of the place because we were seated so far up front near the window, but it seemed nice enough. We were curious what it would be like at night as a bar. We originally came to try the rattlesnake cakes (think crabcake with snake meat) but they didn't have the snake prepared. It may be because we came in the afternoon, so if you come early don't expect to be able to try it. Overall, we liked it. Cornbread was a must-try. Expect to spend money. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Craig C.

    Chef Brian Poe has made the Rattlesnake a whole new world. We went in for my B-day and he took great care of us! Wild Boar tacos = Awesome (and spicy) Fish Tacos = oh my God! So Good Sirloin Tacos = Orgasm Pizza with roni, mushrooms Foie Gras = Very different and delish! He also tried out a new app on us with Tuna rolled in something which I would remember better if I hadn't been drinking Tequila. All Good. Get over there and eat!

    (5)

  • Dan C.

    Shock. Shock and awe are my only thoughts for you, Chef Brian Poe. I'm not sure what possessed you to take on the culinary hellhole that was Rattlesnake, but you managed to bring the mightiest of pimp-hands and slapped it into submission, turning out something even an OG-Triple-OG would be proud of. Okay, I'm done with my pimp references. Yeah, everyone loves the Rattlesnake for it's rooftop bar, which is always full of hot twenty- and thirty-somethings who are looking to get sloshed and make some mistakes, but now you can go and love the food. The Wild Boar Tacos ($12)--Chipotle-stuffed, serrano-rubbed boar with roasted sweet potato-habañero salsa--were out of this world. Apparently they were too much for Cappy, but not nearly as spicy as I expected. Also the corn pudding amazing. In the word's of Tracy Morgan, "I love this corn bread so much, I want to take it behind a middle school and get it pregnant." Bottom Line: Not sure if it has reached the level of great date spot, since, you know, it's still the Rattlesnake.

    (4)

  • Calli C.

    I met a friend here after work to have some drinks and catch up. I figured I should give them another shot. We sat at the bar and ordered some drinks; I had the punch and she had a raspberry lime rickey (alcoholic, of course!). The bartender, Bonnie, was really friendly but never bothered us, as we had a lot to talk about and catch up on. She made us another round of drinks and recommended that we order the chicken wings if we were getting a bit peckish. They were baked, not fried, which we both appreciated, and were about medium spicy, which was a good level for both of us as I can't do very spicy things but she loves a little spice. There were about 7 wings, with a little bit of celery and bleu cheese, so it was a good thing to whet the appetite with. After we headed out, I had the worst indigestion and was sick to my stomach all night. I would honestly give this place two stars for the food, one for not being all that tasty and for making me sick, but for the quality of service.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth E.

    5 stars for the roof-top deck....if you can manage to fight your way into the bar AND if you can then manage to negotiate the really long wait inside the bar to get up to the privileged location. This is one much cherished location. Otherwise, its just a nice bar in which to hang out with a medium sized group of friends. The wait-staff was friendly, but overly conscientious about some unseen list of rules that made the service feel inflexible and unhelpful. For example, our group moved over two tables and our server made us close out our tab for the move. Also, we were admonished for standing near our table on the rooftop deck...I mean really....? I didn't try the food, but apparently the chef is well-known and the people I was with had a decidedly favorable opinion of their meals. There was a standard (but limited) selection of beers on tap. The night I was there it was far to hot to enjoy the bar comfortably and it was very crowded.

    (2)

  • Jessica P.

    Love that they've done a huge turn around in the past year. Before it was drab and nothing special. I've been here many times since the changes for drinks, sometimes it's packed sometimes its not, but mostly a good time. They have a creative and pretty extensive drink list. My favorites are the bluebeery mint mojito and the Bostonian margarita with silver tequila, orange liqueur, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, and a prosecco float, yum! The Baked brie is sooo good. Not very big portion but very rich. It may sound weird because it has beets but they definitely don't taste 'beety,' they're almost like a spicy/sweet. The crust is perfectly flaky making a great texture combo with the creamy brie and savory vinaigrette. I went out with two of my friends and we all decided to try one of there many tacos they offer, so many different kinds. I had the quail tacos and they were awesome! Possibly too much oil but they were still delicious I couldve eaten 3 more. My friends had the fish tacos and pork tacos, both enjoyed them. They're sangria is really yummy as well as they're margaritas. Also great is if you ask for a splash of chambord in your margarita it's only 75 cents upcharge which is a steal considering some places will charge you $3-$5. I didn't give them 5 stars because the crowd can get pretty cheeseballish at times and some (def not all) of the staff can be snotty and the hostess will alwayssss try and seat you at the table by the front windows even though no one wants to sit there in the winter because the cold air is pouring through that area and the heat is barely felt.

    (4)

  • Alyson G.

    I dream about the Nachos from the Rattlesnake. Tortilla chips covered with a delicious queso blend, topped with salsa, steak or chicken and all the fixings. Oh my god, they are amazing. And when the weather is nice, there is nothing better than Poe's nachos and a drink on the roof top patio. Love this place.

    (5)

  • Wei W.

    I think we've all been to much better bars. But at midnight at Saturday night when you've been walking around the Boylston Street/Back Bay area and have hit almost every bar, it's nice to actually be able to sit down on the roofdeck and drink a sangria (or a pitcher-full). Other than that, I think that's the only thing going for Rattlesnake. Depending on the night, the crowd can be in their 20s or much older (the weeknights are mainly worker drones in their 30s+). The TVs are a nice touch, although with all the people standing in the way and no way to change the station, the programming can be pretty gross (c'mon, if there's a Red Sox game playing, I kinda want to see the score every once in awhile). Personally, I like lounges more than this place.

    (2)

  • Max K.

    definitely like whats going on here at the rattlesnake. the place is revived and now a destination as opposed to a convenient place to get drinks. I had the chili wings with scallion blue cheese. the marinade/sauce was awesome. I'd specially like to point out the bar manager, julien i believe his name was. Excellent customer service and really made me feel welcome at the bar. I was entertained by the fact that he was infusing liquors at the bar and trying to create new drinks. he also took the time to explain it to me, which was really cool. I def look forward to returning and trying the new concoctions he makes up. Cheers!

    (4)

  • Heather O.

    Sausage 'Fest. Once a douche bar, always a douche bar

    (2)

  • Kate K.

    Decent food, maybe I was expecting really gross food, but the burger was good- it was dripping with fat, but that's what made it good! cant beat the roof deck!!

    (3)

  • Lisa R.

    After reading the latest Yelp newsletter about fish tacos, and seeing the recommendation by Sheila S. for the ones here at the Rattlesnake Bar, I of course HAD to go, since it's so close to where I work. My boss and I came here for lunch today, and both ordered them. Oh. my. god. The fish was so light and cooked so nicely, we both devoured them. They come with a lot of hot peppers, and some really nice cole slaw mixed in on top of the tacos. They don't skimp on anything here. Seriously good stuff. We sat on the roof deck, which made me feel like we were at a party. The host and waitress were both super nice, too. I will come here often for lunch, now that I know how good this place is. I had a glass of the white sangria. It wasn't the best sangria, but it did the trick.

    (5)

  • Ali H.

    We went for the roof top bar on a nice Friday night during the summer, but it wasn't open. It was frustrating because the only reason we chose that bar was for the outdoor seating option. Drinks were still good

    (2)

  • Daniel M.

    Most of the time I would rather die than go to a bar/restaurant in this area. I get my fill of popped collars and Aqua di Gio working amongst the masses downtown so I don't need to surround myself with it after hours. Cut to me coming to the Rattlesnake once a week for nearly two months this summer. Now, this wasn't of my doing it was pre-arranged for my run club but I am glad it was. I'll start with the good. The food. Who would have known? I often complain that the Mexican food in this area leaves much to be desired so imagine my surprise when I find non traditional fare that is both delicious and arrives in a decent portion. "Fancy-Mex makes me roll my eyes and if you bring me a plate with squiggles of sauce you might get punched in the face but they've managed to up the ante and remain hearty. Well done there. Everything I've had here has been absolutely delicious. The chips and salsa alone are worth a sample and the tequila cream cheese...oh man. My favorite items however happen to be the fish tacos and the grilled corn bread. My god the cornbread. I can't possibly explain in words how freaking good the cornbread is you just have to try it. If you get nothing else there get the cornbread. Now...the bad. The service is good when it's good and wretched when it's bad. We had one waitress that forgot our water order for nearly 40 minutes after we had asked several times. Most of our requests were answered with "Uh..." and she was defensive when we had to re-explain our orders upon receipt of the wrong items. However, there are great servers here that always bring their A game remember and deliver large orders and manage to do so with a smile and friendly chatter so not all is lost. It's just a crap shoot what you're going to end up with. If you're in the area and have a rumble in your belly head on in for the corn bread. It's worth the trip for sure.

    (3)

  • Leighann F.

    Not sure if you've heard, but there's been some changes at The Rattlesnake. Positive, delicious changes that have lifted this long-standing establishment, notorious for crummy bar nosh and service that wasn't far behind, into a category where you'd actually consider coming here...for the food. Not long ago, Brian Poe took over the kitchen and has since made an effort to turn soggy quesadillas and boring nachos into crispy fish tacos, tuna tartar with wasabi sorbet and the infamous avocado with lobster! I've been back a few times since my original visit and it's like eating at an entirely different restaurant. The menu as retained it's tex-mex inspired stylings, but has been polished to a culinary shine previously unthinkable for The Rattlesnake. Poe-haps the new chef has something to do with this. Have the 'yeah-dudes' migrated elsewhere? Unfortunately not. Have the after-work suits suddenly become more interesting? Not a chance. Has the service become more reliable? Slightly. Your best bet is at the bar for top-notch attention, but the theory here is that with remarkably better food, the service and crowd will slowly-but-surely shift upwards too. And the roofdeck? Take it for a spin with a caiparinha in hand before the weather gets too cold!

    (4)

  • P. K.

    One of my regular downtown lunch spots when out with friends. It is overwhelmingly loved by everyone I have brought here. The food is a great price and simply delicious. It's flavorful and creative without being pretentious. The nachos are probably the best in the city. I come back here again and again.

    (5)

  • Dasha B.

    I've been here twice, and both times my food slightly exceeded my expectations (which, however, were rather low, since this is a bar). The quinoa-encrusted salmon salad consists of a moderately sized slab of salmon atop a bed of frisee -- the bitter, white, stemmy parts many people pick out of salad mixes. The sweet potato "crutons" are just tiny diced cubes of baked sweet potato. A few blueberries also came included. Not a bad choice for a light meal, but won't knock your socks off. The grilled portobello salad I had today was similarly mediocre. The pickled red onions and brie cheese added some interest, and I can't complain about the preparation of the mushroom. Again, just enough for a light lunch (no bread is served). Come here if you're looking for a hang out/bar with better than average food. Not on a date or anything close to a special occasion.

    (3)

  • Bob P.

    Went there with some college chums to watch a Celtics game and grab dinner. Menu was uninspiring (term seems to be used a lot in reviews here). Based on other reviews, we might have gotten a different menu. All we saw were burgers and some salads. Nothing even as exotic as Sweet Potato Fries (which I buy by the bagful frozen at Shaws). Even the Pour House and Joshua Tree have more adventurous menus, which isn't saying much. "Meh" is the word. But we were able to drop in at 9pm and snag a window seat. Mediocrity means you aren't fighting the crowds.

    (2)

  • Courtney H.

    Wow! I was impressed with how much this food has changed. Went here last night for a meal after reading how Brian Poe had updated the food. When I went a few years ago, I just remember eating not so good food. So not so good that I stayed away for a couple years. Last night I ordered the chips and salsa. The chips were fresh and homemade and I loved the flavored cream cheese. Then my boyfriend and I got the jalapeno fried chicken sandwich to split. YUM! It was very lightly fried, not greasy, and I think it was the juiciest piece of chicken I've ever had on a sandwich. It had a great mayo on it and whatever salsa they put on it as well. Immediately after eating, I said we had to come back to try more of the new food. And I will definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Aditi R.

    4 stars simply because I enjoyed their roofdeck. Even though it was cold outside it was just less stuffy and nicer to sit and have a drink with friends especially after a terrible experience at another recently opened venue. The place is pretty big and is on two levels. I haven't had the food, but the drinks are decent and are fairly priced. The music is quite simply bar music with the occasional popular house thrown in. But most of all, I enjoyed upstairs on their roofdeck. Granted it's squashed between tall buildings and doesn't have a view. But it's just the chance of coming up to have a breather in the fresh (albeit cold) air and that made such a difference. A great way to end a night. And I certainly wouldn't mind coming back to here to start it either.

    (4)

  • Andy C.

    Entering Poe's at Rattlesnake around 8pm, just before the switch from restaurant to bar/nightspot, I knew what I was getting into, and tried to be accommodating. I was waiting for a friend anyways, so I didn't mind the fact that after five minutes of standing at the host stand, I still hadn't seen the hostess. I don't mind waiting for a table, but there's something about walking into a restaurant and have to wait to even be greeted that just doesn't sit well with me. Thankfully a passing waitress noticed the scene and graciously sat us in her section. She had great timing, coming over just as we needed a refill or to check in, and knew the menu enough to describe the general elements of each plate. Overall, decent service for the previously-noted transitionary period. On atmosphere- there were a handful of tables that came straight from the board room and by the time we arrived were getting pretty rowdy. Something to keep in mind if you're considering something a little more low key and quiet. I love the menu here; you can tell it's well thought out and trying to push that Back Bay business class into the direction of creative cuisine, even when they're just looking for a simple taco or nacho plate. However, an idea is only worth what it took you to think of it if not executed to a caliber that reflects that thoughtfulness. In this regard, Poe's left me wanting. I ordered the Hudson Valley Duck Tacos with cranberry-rosemary risotto. A molasses-cola brined duck breast was completely lost because of over-grilling, rendering a piece of meat comparable to flank steak, flash-grilled. Tough, lifeless brown meat where once a gorgeous crimson duck breast once resided. Duck is such a fickle meat that must be prepared with care, and where this wasn't it brought the whole dish down. The risotto was good for one bite then sickly sweet and gummy. The shell was an interesting hard taco in the shape of a "W", but reminded me more of a pita chip or taco-salad bowl than crisp taco shell, and while the texture was perfect (it didn't crumble nor was it chewy) it added that fryer oil taste you get with texmex. We also tried the Vermont quail tacos as well as the wild boar burrito. The quail was cooked well and as for the burrito, I have no idea because my friend didn't say a word before finishing it. My guess is it was pretty damn tasty. Their beer selection was fantastic and suited the cuisine well whether you wanted a can of Tecate or a spicy west-coast IPA to accompany your dish. Hopefully it was due to it being a strange time of night at the eye of the Friday-night storm that the food was executed without care, and I'm hoping to return soon for another round and to try some other dishes. The menu expresses such a wealth of creativity, more than can be had in one sitting, and hopefully future visits will show an ability to pull it off with perfection.

    (3)

  • Robin P.

    Great drinks! Incredible (and cute) bartender. He suggested the tuna appitizer and he was RIGHT!

    (5)

  • Shannon F.

    I don't know why people have such a problem with this place. The only thing i have a problem with is the fact that their "roof" deck features nothing more than a view of the walls of other buildings that actually surround you. Being able to see the sky is nice, but you can often see that from a sidewalk so I feel like it's a tiny bit over-rated. Other than that, i've been there twice for lunch and dinner and I found myself enjoying my selections both times... granted, they were sandwiches, but as a sandwich-lover I would say that they were definitely above average. Also... my gin and tonic was served in a large glass and made pretty liberally. The service was also perfectly acceptable (except for one time on the roof deck) so... food? tasty drinks? STRONG Service? decent roofdeck? makes this place better than places with out any sort of roofdeck.

    (3)

  • Alan B.

    A roof deck makes this place a must on hot days, but that's pretty much all it has going for it. The food is pretty awful. We got an order of tortilla chips with three salsas. I figured this is kind of hard for any place to botch, not to mention a TexMex joint. Unfortunately, they did. The salsa fresca was really bland and unseasoned, the minted tomatillo salsa tasted like dishwater and soap, and the tequila cream cheese, while good, just doesn't belong. One thing this place had that was pretty nice were their bucket specials of beer. However, I went there earlier this week and they didn't have them anymore. Too bad; the food's gone down hill, and now the drinks are slipping, too. Ownership should really take notice.

    (2)

  • Lisa C.

    I came here with Jacob W. last week because he wanted to try the Poe's challenge (a spicy dish challenge where they ask you to sign a waiver). It was a habanero shrimp dish that he had no problem finishing so there was definitely no waiver needed. I have mixed feelings about this place. I would normally give it 3 stars because I enjoyed the food I've gotten the few times I've been here (mexican monte cristo sandwich, chicken tortilla soup, and grilled cornbread). The sandwich was a good deal but I think the soup and the cornbread are much overpriced. I also called in advance to ask about the spicy challenge and I was told that if you finish the food it is free (which is why we made sure to hit up rattlesnake at some point) and once we actually got there they told us that they dont pay for the dish- if you finish it, you get a tshirt and your picture on the facebook page. That annoyed me a little bit and on top of that they only had women's fitted tshirts. That was just another annoyance on my list. The service was a little less than ok, too, which I couldn't understand because our waitress only had 2 or 3 tables.

    (2)

  • Robert S.

    Roofdeck. June 24, 2010. 10pm. Male "bartender" pours beers with 2-inch foam "heads." Then he keeps all change as a tip without asking. Grade D ("douchebag") behavior. Are there no managers onsite? Are staff not trained? You ALWAYS give back change, even if it's a penny. I usually tip a dollar per drink. After Nimrod "pocketed" $.50 I stiffed him every drink thereafter. Learn to pour a full glass. Leave all change on the bar. Act like a bartender, not a petty thief.

    (1)

  • Sara A.

    Chef Poe, your nachos make the world go round. Everything I have eaten here since the addition of Poe has been obsession-worthy. The cornbread, the fried oysters, the crab-stuffed avocado... I just drooled on myself a little bit. My favorite part is that the place doesn't take itself too seriously, as is the tragedy of many restaurants run by top-level chefs. The Valentine's Day menu, for instance, featured a scrumptious cod (I think?) dish called "99 Problems But a Fish Ain't One." I almost died. I'm dying right now, thinking about the DAMNED NACHOS.

    (5)

  • Rebecca H.

    Ok, I need to revise this a bit-- this 2-star review is for the Rattlesnake AT NIGHT. Seriously, lame. Lame lame lame. Hardly anyone there. No atmosphere AT ALL. And... just depressing to be quite frank. I think I checked my watch about 15 times in the span of 10 minutes, trying to will the hands to tick faster. Granted, it's November, and the appeal of the rooftop bar just doesn't sparkle quite as much as when it's summer. But I've been here in summer, too, at night. And it's just sad. Go here after-work. As a happy hour/after-work bar, it was pretty kick butt. Drinks are large, strong, and cheap at any hour, but if you're looking for a fun night out, even a 20 oz. Jack and Diet for six bucks just doesn't cut it. And that says a lot coming from me, as my affair with Msr. Jacques is one of complete devotion (save for that one time I inauspiciously invited the Captain in for a nightcap...).

    (2)

  • Meghan M.

    This place pretty much annoys me anytime I get dragged there. There really isn't anything good about it besides the roofdeck and it's ruined by the fact that if it's not pouring rain outside it is beyond crowded. Now, I know how to navigate through a packed bar but this is ridiculous. The bartender (or bartenderS...but that is rare despite the fact that it is so darn busy that they need multiple staff) is usually really freakin' slow...almost on purpose slow. The beer is not cheap, the food is not good and the crowd is usually pretty lame. They have a roof, though, they have a roof...

    (2)

  • Elaine A.

    I went to this joint a few times with coworkers, and I have to say I've never been impressed. I went with a group of about 8 or 10 after work and the waitress was really bitchy to us. Some of our group got up and went to the bar to order since she took quite a while to come to the table. I think this pissed her off even more that she wasn't making tips off half the table, and the service just went downhill from there. The food was decent quality pub food, but I really didn't think it was anything special. Overall, I've had better.

    (2)

  • Richard L.

    A friend and I visited the rooftop bar late one evening. The place was busy and we had a little trouble finding a seat. However, once seated, we had fast service. The drinks were good, beer for me and martinis for her.

    (3)

  • D M.

    There are two reasons that The Rattlesnake gets three stars: 1.) It's $6.50 for a tanqueray and tonic in a pint glass, which is ultra cheap for being downtown. Also, they are super filled with gin. 2.) Roof deck if you can get up there. I wouldn't really come here to seek out food, but I am sure it's less packed during the day.....we came here last night for a going away party, and had to wait in line for about a half an hour to get up to the roof deck. The capacity limits are clearly messed up with the roof deck being open, because no part of this place was packed enough to have a line out front. There are a lot of dudes in button downs here, and a lot of girls traveling in packs, as well as girls who seemed like they'd go home with just about anyone. Ick. The bathrooms were all pretty gross by midnight. If you enjoy making fun of dudes trying to hit on the bartender while her fiance is sitting at the bar, then you may enjoy coming here. It's really quite a fun social experiment to sit back and watch.

    (3)

  • Michele G.

    We ate this past weekend on the rooftop bar of the Rattlesnake. While the rooftop is cool, and the music was decent, the food is decidedly blah with the exception of the avocado lobster thing. It's half an avocado stuffed with a bit of lobster and some balsamic glaze. Tasty. And the red sangria pretty much messed me up, which is always fun. But beyond these features, I can't recommend the rest of the menu. The chicken tortilla soup was less chicken and broth and very much a syrupy chili that probably came straight out of a big bag or bucket. Not good, but since I was starved, I gulped it down. The soup at Acapulco's in Newton and at the Cactus Club is so so much better. My date had a meatball sub which he disliked, but ate because it was simply edible and he was hungry. I may be back for some sangria if the opportunity presents itself but beyond that, nope.

    (2)

  • Christopher W.

    On my trip to Boston in September I visited this bar with my cousins. We sat on the rooftop bar which was awesome. We only came for a beer and chips, so for that this place was a great place to hangout. I'm willing to check it out on my next visit to Boston for the food. If you are in the area, I would recommend checking it out.

    (4)

  • E K.

    I had the fish tacos, that were supposed to be the best in Boston or something like that, but they were just okay. There was supposed to be an apple salad in there, but I didn't taste any of it. The peppers probably killed my taste buds. They were really spicy and I had to remove them from my taco, although they did soak the entire taco with the vinegar. Please choose to have them on the side if you are getting tacos, or they will soak your tacos and make them a plate of mush. Paid $17 with tax and tip for 3 tacos. I'd say it was expensive for what it was.

    (3)

  • Debroah L.

    This place is a disaster. Probably the only good things it has going for it is the roof deck and the service. The food is not up to par and completely overpriced, the drinks were poorly made and the management could careless as to how you feel about everything. I won't be returning.

    (1)

  • A J.

    I came here with some friends on a Thursday during those precious after work hours that are usually known as happy hour. We went to try the rooftop bar, but it was very crowded and way too hot since it was about 90 degrees outside. So we went back downstairs to find a cooler spot. The cooling system in the bar was lacking (it felt like fans more than air conditioning), so we sat by the open window to at least get the breeze and try to minimize the stuffiness. I was very happy with the food, but not so impressed with the drinks. We got a pitcher of white sangria, which was basically just white wine watered down with ice, and some fruit was at the bottom of the glass. A lot of people had the red sangria so maybe we just picked the wrong color. For dinner we shared nachos, which was a nice portion of tortilla chips topped with cheese, shredded chicken, veggies, and spices. The flavor was different than the usual nachos you get other places, and I mean different in a very good way! We also got the grilled green chile cornbread which was really good with bits of corn and a little sweetness to it. The prices for drinks are reasonable, ranging around $7-10 for cocktails. But even though the food is good, don't come here expecting to find some cheap food to nosh on because even the cheapest appetizer is $7 (besides the $6 soups) and the sandwiches/burgers are about $11-12.

    (3)

  • Erica S.

    Roof deck. This is the single reason to come to the Rattlesnake, but frankly, it's a pretty good one. Not sure if you've noticed, but there is a serious lack of rooftop dining in this city we call home. Boo. So although it is not the most glamorous (think: views of concrete walls) it's still open air and off the street, and that counts for somethin'. Other than that, well, it's prett much just a regular bar, with an unimaginative beer list and food that is standard (burgers, nachos, salads with meat all over them). I've stopped eating here, and now come only for libations. Oh-- and of course I can't forget to mention that this is the prime spot for yuppie-wannabe watching! Need your fix of young professional ladder climber sightings? Hizzah! Come here!

    (3)

  • Nicole E.

    I vote NO on this place. The food here is pretty run of the mill. I've come in a couple times and it was nothing that made me thing WOW! This is delicious! The service was so-so. I didn't even have silverware when my food arrived. Anyone should know thats a big no no. For me, they are another wannabe hip place that fails. There are a bunch of other places in the area, and ya know what? I'll pick pretty much anything over this place.

    (2)

  • Mallory R.

    It's a sunny Saturday afternoon and I am walking around the city with 8 strangers. We are on a scavenger hunt and we are not doing well. We are fatigued, hungry and almost bored when my roommate and another couple decide to call it a day and head to the roof deck at Rattlesnake. There was no riddle to decipher or hesitation. We were on a mission to drink and suddenly there we were. Scavenger hunts are not so fun when you are really only going to meet new people. So there I was at a table with my roommate and the couple and all of my favorite songs are being played. I ordered the Mexican Monte Cristo which was gooey, flavorful and big enough to split and still leave satisfied. I accompanied it with 2 glasses of sangria and concluded that on this day of searching I had found exactly what I was looking for.

    (5)

  • Marc C.

    No, I have not gone off the deep end, and yes, I am giving the Rattlesnake five stars. I can hardly believe it myself. I lived only a few blocks away from it for years and generally would have dismissed it as an option for going out to eat in the area, but things have changed. I was never a huge fan of the place for many reasons. Sure, they have a cool roof deck, but the rest left a lot to be desired. Have you given it another try since Chef Brian Poe took over? If not, run, don't walk and get your freaking ass in there. The menu is no longer generic and blah, or trying too hard. The food is amazing. I went there with a group of friends to celebrate a friend's birthday and was pleasantly surprised. We were all force feeding each other from our plates because we felt our dining companions had to try what we each were eating. Everything that arrived at the table tasted great and the food was flavorful without being overworked. Please do not take that to mean it was boring. It was creative and had many layers, but it showed restraint and didn't try to pile too many flavors on top of each other. There were a few service issues to me, but that may just be due to me working in the restaurant industry for so long and being overcritical. We all have our off days. The food and Chef Poe definitely compensated for that. I even had trouble choosing my entree, so I asked the server to let the chef know my allergies and then surprise me. He chose well and delivered the goods. (I would actually recommend this method, since he has some great specials.) Chef Poe even came out and took a seat while he chatted with our group towards the end. He was not only really cool and laid back, he genuinely wanted to hear our feedback, both the positive and the negative. We also discovered that he strategically planned the time of the visit so that he could sing Happy Birthday with us as our server brought out a cake that he had arranged as a surprise for the birthday boy and none of the people in the group knew that he had set that up. Would I consider getting a group together and heading to the Rattlesnake? Absolutely. If there is any person that wants to grab a bite to eat and wants to head there on my day off, please let me know. If you have a bunch of friends that play well with others, I think this is an awesome option for you to order many dishes, ask for share plates, and just attack the yummy goodness delivered to the table. Well done, Chef Poe! Your passion for food and genuine hospitality are clearly demonstrated.

    (5)

  • Melissa K.

    Went here for lunch. Was surprised how expensive everything was beer and food. Also surprised that there wasn't more veggie options seemed like evrythibg had some bit of meat added to it including Mac and cheese. Ended up getting the taco salad which was pretty good. Unlike most places it did not come in a giant tortilla shell, just a bowl with avacado, refred beans, and corn. Service was great as well. Probably wouldn't be back just for the food though.

    (3)

  • John S.

    I've got no problem with a rooftop bar right near the Boston Common. Granted, it's a little crowded up there, but if you're going into town to get ripped anyway, you might as well do it under a clear blue sky.

    (3)

  • Peiwen T.

    Came here for a late lunch while I was in Boston two weeks ago. The server was very helpful and friendly. I ordered the wild boar burrito and requested that they serve it in a bowl without the tortilla, cheese and beans (I know, I know) and when my burrito bowl came out it was filled with wild boar, bacon with plantains. The wild boar was very flavorful and tender. If I'm ever back in Boston I'll definitely stop by again to try the duck tacos and grilled avocados.

    (4)

  • Katie V.

    This place is annoying and not as cool as it thinks it is. Drink prices are decent, esp. given the neighborhood, but the sangria was a store-bought bottle mix garnished with the wrong fruit (lemon and lime as opposed to apples, oranges, grapes, etc). The food was pretty terrible-- we got some sorry-ass nachos with barely any cheese and the chips were stale. The chipotle wings and calamari were equally disappointing -- small portions and pretty tasteless. The one decent item we ordered off the menu was the cornbread -- that was delicious, buttery with chunks of corn and jalapenos inside. The roof deck is gorgeous, though it's hard to get the waitress's attention if you're not near the bar and you might have to wait since it gets to capacity quickly and a line forms downstairs. But if you can wait, it's beautiful up there.

    (2)

  • Ed M.

    Despite reading all the Yelps, we still decided to grab dinner and drinks here before a Red Sox game, and man, everything that has been mentioned was experienced. The Roof Deck was open, but it was cold and it looked like it would rain any second so we got a table inside. The beer selection is one of the only reasons I gave a second star. The menu SOUNDS really good, but is quite mediocre. The service is some of the slowest I have ever had in Boston. Our party of 4 agreed to meet here, so my wife and I got there first and grabbed beers at the bar while waiting. When our friends showed up we got a table and the waitress came over and took our friends drink order. Their order was 1 Murphy's (in a can) and 1 Flying Dog IPA (bottle). Their beer took just under 10 minutes to get there. All that needed to be done was grab these from the fridge. There was no slow pouring involved (ie Guinness). Food we ordered: Chips and Salsa - the other reason I gave a second star. There were 3 salsas, one green, one red and a cheesy one, very nice Mexican Monte Cristo - Mediocre, a bit spicy but nothing amazing. Some of the fries were actually undercooked and disgusting. Duck Tacos - my friend actually enjoyed these, he said they were pretty good and tasty 2 orders of Fish Tacos - both reports indicate that this was bland and almost tasteless One of my friends didn't order another beer because the service was so slow. It's safe to say that we would never go back here.

    (2)

  • Valerie V.

    Left Rattlesnake Bar to go to Landsdowne Pub and what a mistake that was. Rattlesnake was 10x better by far. Small line, semi strict door but you eventually get in. Awesome music, places to dance and sit. HUGE drinks. Fast service. Two thumbs up.

    (4)

  • Angie G.

    This place has REALLY had a turn-around. The food here is delicious and that's all thanks to Chef Poe! I came here last night with a group of friends. I was glad to hear that the watering hole of choice last night was Rattlesnake because I knew everyone would be pleasantly surprised. Food was ordered all around and everyone kept talking about how delicious their food was. Also, just a moment, I'd like to thank Rattlesnake for having Prosecco. You don't know how uncommon it is until it's your drink of choice. Anyway, the food was delicious and quick. The music was bumpin! It was SO hard to leave because they kept playing all of my favourite songs! It was an amazing experience overall. My only critique is this: $34 for a pitcher of margaritas is kind of a lot. The margarita pitcher contained a lot of ice and juice for it's price. What does that mean? I mean, for $34 a pitcher, I expect to have some serious ritas. Not something my mom would drink while driving because it's basically water and mixer. other than that, totes the place to be!

    (4)

  • Sean J.

    Food is ok during the day and the bar is nothing out of the ordinary. They have a roofdeck which is cool, but you are looking at the building's back wall and three other buildings around it. It's nice to be in teh fresh air, but there is nothing to look at, it's like being in a back alley.

    (2)

  • Stefanie L.

    I'm upgrading to 3 stars since chef Poe emailed me to apologize for the bad experience and said to ask for him the next time I came in. I do appreciate the effort but as that deodorant/toothpaste/whatever commercial says 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression'.

    (3)

  • Annie I.

    the rooftop bar is excellent---they have good sangria and the calamari app is delicious. a good summer bar

    (3)

  • kelly j.

    We ended up at the Rattlesnake on Saturday, March 6. Never again.... service was horrific and the food, well-I would of rather had a burger and fries from McDonalds... the one and only high point for me was the Bloody Mary I sucked down-good kick and blend of spices. Tortilla soup was a thick gravy like mess in the bowl. Chips and salsa-my friend thought they had not finished the salsa and just threw it in a bowl to get it out. My one friend had the fish tacos-very little on her plate and very bland. I had a strange meatball sandwich with a side of sauce that looked oddly like the soup I just had. The server was completely off her game by forgetting our drink orders and then not clearing the dirty plates till we told her to do so. NOT a place to eat folks.... not with all the other spots so close by. The prices are also high so you are not only feeling bad about your food but then have to pay for it? Never again... I wish we had left after one drink....

    (1)

  • matthew h.

    A nice place to start off an evening and the roofdeck is a major place in a city with a serious lack of perchable places. It can get pretty loud and crowded but usually a drink or two will suffice before moving on...

    (3)

  • Chris O.

    not bad to go in the afternoon or early dinner, at a certain point the music gets way to loud for the set up they got, can't really do much other than stand around and not hear anyone

    (2)

  • C. J.

    this place is a little "sticky" inside (perhaps a few too many beers spilled on these floors), but the calamari is surprisingly tasty! i'd return -- not for a nice sit-down meal or anything -- but just to hang out and have a few drinks or apps, it's perfect!

    (3)

  • julia r.

    i am a sucker for rooftop bars. that open air up top eclipses almost everything else. i did notice that since i had last been there, the rattlesnake has revamped it's downstairs bar (and restaurant) with bright paintings and a new lighting scheme. good touch. but upstairs is the place to be on a summery night in b-town. the only downside, besides the inevitably awkward now we have to say hi and pretend we actually are interested in what each other are doing because we used to hang out in college conversations i always end up having to have here, was that they didn't serve mojitos. a mojito would have been perfect. but vodka tonic works too.

    (4)

  • Mandy W.

    This place may be good for drinks after work, but I would not recommend it for anything else. The night I went there the bouncers and bartenders upstairs were rude and unattentive. When a mixup in the kitchen sent our food to another group the bartender wasn't helpful or apologetic at all, and he was unwilling to give us our money back! Plus, the roof deck isn't that great, since all you can see are other buildings.

    (1)

  • Craig K.

    I went to the rattle snake last weekend. It was an alright bar, and by that i mean they served drinks and there wasn't any puke on the ground. Then two of my friends (male and female) went outside for a cigarette, and stood in the designated smoking area ~10 feet away from the door/doorman. When trying to get back in, the bouncer at the door said that he remembered the female but not the male, telling him that he would have remembered him exiting. After arguing for a bit, the selective-memory'd bouncer stood his ground. My two friends decided that we'd go to another bar, and let the girl in to go and get us. Also, he told an indoor bouncer to accompany her (for god knows what reason). Now, I'm standing there at the bar near the "dance floor" at the back of the first floor, watching my friends make fools of them selves hitting of the meager selection of dancers. My female friend and accompanying bouncer come up to me, and the bouncer says "you have to leave". I look at him, and its your run of the mill thick necked, stiff haired, fake tanned, height-complexed bouncers, and i put his command into question, as i was doing absolutely nothing wrong. Keep in mind at this point, i had no idea they wouldn't let my friend back in. After a few more times of my asking him "why do i need to leave, I've done nothing wrong" and him stupidly repeating the exact same phrase "you have to leave", he proceeds to grab me from my back, and starts violently shoving me through the back of the dance floor, through the tables of people and people sitting/waiting at the bar, through the entrance, where newcomers are probably regretting their decision, and out the front door, where I was pushed so hard that i nearly fell on my face as I tumbled out onto the streets in front of a line of people waiting to get in. At this point i notice my female friend had been following behind the bouncer the entire time yelling at him (I didn't notice because, you know, i was in disbelief that i was being forcibly removed by someone with nothing else to live for). She was receiving the same one phrased response "get out of here". We left, angered for the rest of the night. Thanks Rattlesnake, you ruined my weekend. I usually like to tell these stories with emotions removed so that people reading just get the facts and can judge themselves, but there's something about being physically mistreated by a complete stranger for no reason that really pisses me off. I hope this story gets at least a few people looking for a new place to go somewhere else. Boylston Street has many, many bars; it doesn't need this one.

    (1)

  • Devangb B.

    Ended up here yesterday since was in the area and was pouring cats and dogs outside to watch the world cup soccer game. It was very quiet, perhaps because it was Saturday afternoon. They were showing the game indeed but no sound for the soccer game but were playing music. I asked the bar-tender if they would be able to change the sound to play the sound of the soccer game and he said, that they were playing the music of the iPod from downstairs and didnt even know where it was, Agreed that the clientele did not care for the game but Can you atleast put the subtitles on?? Dont know how to do it!, What kind of a place is this, why have TV's if you cant change the sound or put the subtitles on ??? The beer poured had an inch of head, please learn to pour a beer and give me my full pint... Just had a guacamole , it was quite alright..., but this place isnt getting my business again...., maybe just for average quality food

    (2)

  • Larissa C.

    I like their rooftop patio.... and that's about it. This place is generic Boston bar to the max, average drinks, average service, average music. End transmission.

    (2)

  • Dan C.

    I try not to let single instances of poor customer service really slaughter a reputation for an entire business BUT... The other night I went to rattlesnake for the first time looking for drinks/dancing/debauchery. I realized 30 minutes into my stay at Rattlesnake that I wasn't likely to see anything of these things in nearly the quantity I was looking, so I decided to cut my losses. I went BACK to the over crowded bar and asked the bartender to cash out my MASSIVE one drink tab and call it a night. She disappeared and came back a few minutes later with nothing but a dumbfounded look on her face. Apparently they had no record of my tab or credit card. Consequently my wallet had no record of the precious credit card it used to hold! In disbelief that this Houdini trick inspired bar made my credit card disappear in 30 minutes, I went outside to make sure none of my friends had grabbed it. They hadn't. Upon TRYING to renter the bar, Rattlesnake's gorilla-like bounces rudely refused me entry. When I explained that the bartender lost my card, the bouncer instantly labeled me as drunk (after my 30 minute, one drink stay) and belligerent and kicked me out. Finally one of friends on the inside (this sounds like prison) tracked down the bartender who "misplaced" my card and dragged it out of her back pocket where she apparently forgot it. In the real world THIS IS CREDIT CARD THEFT. Seriously, I know in Boston bouncers aren't known for being humanitarians, and bartenders aren't rocket scientists, but really? These fine folk managed to mar my opinion of this place to hell.

    (1)

  • Joanne L.

    My husband and I came here for lunch after church so the place was pretty empty. My brother raved about the chipotle wings, so we had to check them out. Although it's kind of expensive for 6 wings - smoked Jalapeno~ Scallion & Bleu Cheese Dipping Sauce - ($9), they were quite delicious. They were spicy, but not so spicy. They were just right. They were gone within seconds. My hubby ordered the classic tacos, and I ordered the duck tacos (Molasses and Cola Marinated Duck Breast~Cranberry & Rosemary Risotto~Truffle & Cranberry Glaze). I was completely taken by surprise how good my duck tacos tasted. It was sweet, and I just couldn't get enough of the risotto. My husband's classic taco dish consisted of 3 small tacos (think sliders, but taco style). He also said his dish had a lot of flavor and was very tasty. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Overall, my husband and I were satisfied with our lunch and would go again to check it out when it's not so empty.

    (4)

  • Stacy W.

    Oh, Rattlesnake. I don't know what it is about you, but I just can't get into you. I want too. I've tried too, but everytime I go to you, I just want to be going somewhere else. Your drinks are decent. Your food - well I don't know how your food is because I've never eaten there except for your chips and salsa last week. Except these weren't just chips, they were basically oil and chips because they were the most greasy drenched chips I've had. It was almost after they were deep fried they were then brushed with more oil. I don't know - maybe they were really fresh and I'm just in denial about other chips. Any way. The roof deck is ok - crowded, but usually if you wait a few minutes a table opens up. One thing that totally sucks - people can smoke up there. Even my smoker friends don't appreciate that. Rattlesnake - PLEASE get rid of this. It will keep me from going back - it's absolutely disgusting. I am spoiled by the no smoking thing here in Boston and I like being able to head home without my clothes and hair reeking of cigarette smoke. One other thing - the service was horrendous. I won't mention our servers name for fear that perhaps she was just having a bad day, but we sat at our table a solid 10 minutes before anyone came over, and then she came back 5 minutes later and was like "...so.. you wanted a margarita right?" um yeah. We did. All in all, if it's a nice day and you want a simple cocktail, head up to rattlesnake, but if you're looking for good atmosphere and good service, probably better to head elsewhere.

    (3)

  • Barney B.

    this was a perfect spot for a pub crawl, because - well, Boylston blows for pubs. That crap down near the firehouse is just full of douchewads (minus Pour House) that you have to truck to Solas to get the first cool thing after Bukowski's. This is just a logical pee/beer-stop on the way fro Solas to other cool stuff in china town, DTX, or wherever. and if you do the crawl in the summer, stay off the convention over of a rooftop. Seriously, it gets direct sun, no breeze, and the vultures fly overhead squawking "make mine medium-well"

    (2)

  • Ria B.

    If I had the money, talent, and whatever special luck it takes to make it in the industry, I would probably make a bar just like Rattlesnake! Ok i say that mainly because of two things 1) because their music playlist is eerily similar to the mp3s I have at home and I can't resist a place where my friends and I can chill and drink brew while bobbing along to our favorite beats and 2) because I love roast duck and I can magically have it here in a taco form and have my beer too! ahh so much love to the chef! Seriously, I just really love this concept of upscale bar food with simply good beer. The juxtaposition of truffle oil laden apps downed with some hearty ale really satisfies the struggling middle class yuppie inside me that wants the best of both worlds.

    (5)

  • Richard T.

    Love the food but HORRIFIC HOSPITALITY! The waitress lost our friends credit card and the manager accused us of lying about it. They tried to look for it but they disappeared for 15 minutes. By that point we were upset because we had already tried to look ourselves. It would have been nice if they compensated us in some way but nope. Let's try to make the customers unhappy and keep them waiting and then try to accuse of lying. My suggestion to Chef Poe is to recruit better front of the house staff because if you want to survive in the hospitality industry, there are 3 critical components: food, atmosphere and service. All these components are what keeps customers coming back. We are saddened by the experience and will likely not return because we do not want to see this manager again. Note: apparently we are not the only ones with the same complaint.

    (2)

  • Chris A.

    First off, they get the automatic plus for having one of the few roof decks to enjoy some outdoor dining/boozing in Boston. Their food is a bit pricey and is really hit or miss. Avoid the guac appetizer like the plague. It was horrendous. The lamb tacos were up and down. My first time trying them they were delicious. The second time I thought I was going to vomit. The star attraction is most definitely the nachos. A huge pile of nachos covered with all the goods. I always get mine with chicken and it is absolutely delicious. I really feel with their location and the availability of the roof deck, this place could be soooo much better, but still a decent place to enjoy a small bite and a couple drinks.

    (3)

  • Mr. S.

    I went with a couple of friends on a Saturday afternoon. My friend introduce me to the place and it is a pretty trendy place that has an outdoor patio and rooftop seating. We decided on the rooftop and the day was rainy and some light rain drops hit us here and there. The place seemed lightly packed and it seemed like it was a place for large groups. The service was good. We had a great waitress that was able to answer all our questions, but wished that she was a little more attentive. We ordered our food and since this is Boylston Street, the prices are a little higher. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with the salad. Everything seemed very fresh and yummy. I just wished my chicken wasn't so burnt because there were some parts I was tasting that as too grilled. But overall, I really enjoyed the lunch and I definitely would go back.

    (4)

  • Scott H.

    Swordfish sandwich is good.

    (3)

  • Dave M.

    i had lunch once and it was just ok. kind of expensive for what it is.

    (3)

  • Alex H.

    This place ranks pretty decent. On most week nights it is rather quiet, but a decent place to catch a game and a drink with a few friends- at a place you don't have to scream to be heard.

    (4)

  • Alissa J.

    Lets get to the meat of the review first: THE FOOD! This place has a ridiculous number of excellent food choices. The menu was a bit overwhelming with all the wonderful sounding meals! Our waiter stated the Fish Tacos were the best thing on the menu. Friend#1 followed the waiter's advice. When they were served I saw 4 HUGE Tacos. Much to my surprise he was able to finish this in one sitting! My friend stated they were indeed very good fish tacos. Friend#2 ordered the Clam Chowda' for an appetizer complete with fried clams and a full, intact clam on top of the soup. Friend#2 stated this was the best clam chowder she ever had! For an entree she ordered the Baked Corn Bread. She enjoyed it. I also tried it and noted to have a smokey taste that suited it very well. It was good though we both agreed on the unlikely probability of ordering it again. Friend#3 stated the DUCK tacos were pretty good. In fact, she stated they were the best duck tacos she had every had, though who has ever had DUCK tacos before. Not that girl!! (Not this girl either!) Lastly, my own decision was swayed by the waiter as I needed help. I could not decide between the Poe Burger: Lobster, Foie Gras & Black Truffle Stuffed KOBE Beef Burger with Whiskey Bacon, Avocado and Irish Whiskey Cheese ($18.95) and the Mexican Monte Carlo (suggested by the waiter as one of the top meals on the menu): Texas Toast, Sofrito, American and Tequila Cream Cheeses, Smoked Turkey and Avocado. I opted for the Mexican Monte Carlo though I sooooo wanted to try the Poe Burger. I even attempted to persuade one of my friends into getting the Poe Burger so I could sample! Ha! That didn't work. Anywho. I almost forgot, I got the Roasted Corn and Anaheim Chile Soup which was unlike any other soup I have ever had- GREAT, SUPER, DELISH! It had a little bit of a kick to it as did most of the food. After perusing the menu one might note that jalapeno is in a lot of dishes. Dessert was also shared by the four of us. The dessert left us wishing we had just ended the meal after the entree. I had the Whoopie which was infused with a maple syrup of sorts however it had a smoked flavor which did not work for this dessert. My friend ordered the Twinkie with Dr Pepper infusion- it was just ok. Couldn't find where the Dr Pepper fit in... The alcoholic drinks were pretty good, average strength average taste. NOTE: Gratuity and/or a fee is added if the bill is split more than 3 ways. A gratuity of 18% was included in each one of our bills. I added more to the tip section as he was a great server and appreciated his take on the menu. He also had a wonderful Boston accent that made his service even more enjoyable (which is the real reason I gave him more than 18% tip!!) Rest of the review: we sat by the window which was great for people watching! The decor was a nice pub. Casual dress. Price: I ordered a soup, entree, one alcoholic drink and a dessert and my total came to $37, tip included! Pretty darn good I think!

    (5)

  • jen h.

    The peripherals (waitstaff, setting) here were okay but the food was INSULTING. The only way to tell food groups apart was by texture, because everything tasted like boredom. My salad was $14 of wtf, compost this already. The leaves were yellowing, for chrissakes. People, are you serious? Do you know that, around the corner, the Taj offers an exquisite two-course lunch for $18?? FAIL.

    (1)

  • Ken B.

    I went to Rattlesnake for the first time this week for after work drinks. My friends and I arrived at 5:30 and wanted to go up on the roof deck because it was a beautiful day. There was a medium sized line for the roof but the door guy told us it would be about a 20 minute wait so we went for it. It was roughly about 15/20 minutes like he said and in the meantime a waiter came over to us in line and asked if we needed a drink while we waited which I thought was cool. I took in the atmosphere while we waited in line and the bar downstairs looked pretty good. Big screen TV's so you can watch the ball game and plenty of space and tables. Once we got upstairs to the roof we found a table and set up shop for a while. They managed the flow of people up to the roof really well so it never got over crowded up there (I can't speak for what it's like on a Saturday night, however). If you're looking for a view this isn't the roof deck for you. It's mostly the sides of brick buildings but honestly I didn't care and I doubt you will either as long as the sun is shining. My biggest complaint was the service. We waited 5 to 10 minutes before our waitress came over to take our drink order. When she finally did it took a while for the first round of drinks to make its way up to us. Having said that, I've had much worse service and we were all having a fun time so it didn't bother me as much. I didn't get a chance to try out the food but from what I saw it at least looked good. I'll definitely go back here for future happy hours. Check if out if you're a young professional looking for a new place to throw a couple back after work.

    (3)

  • Trice B.

    Pretty cool place from 10-2:a.m. new spot to party, DJ is one of the best I've heard in a while. Recommended highly opposed to the over crowded clubs on Lansdowne. Oh and Ladies free before 11

    (4)

  • Brandon B.

    Cool place to go for a drink and the food is good. They do have a cool roof deck, but during the summer you have to wait in a line to get up there and the service is terrible up there.

    (3)

  • christopher c.

    Great summer stop for the roofdeck, everything else is lacking. There is one cool bartender, he's a scrappy/goofy little fellow but i like him. Visit only in July.

    (3)

  • Anthony C.

    I have been going here for years; it's a great after work seen. The food is incredible, not too mention the bucket of beers which is a great deal, meanwhile the roof deck is the place to be... the new Venom bar on the 2nd floor is a great attraction, more of a lounge, better yet a great place to grab a few drinks if the downstairs is busy while waiting to get on the roof. Also try the El Bandito it's a turkey wrap...and it's unbelievable.

    (5)

  • Jessica T.

    This would have been a disaster if it weren't for Chef Poe saving the day. I made a reservation here in mid May for a group of 10 for my birthday. When they called to confirm, I asked if we could go to the roofdeck, and the hostess responded "of course!". Well when I showed up, the table was on the main floor. I asked if we could go upstairs and it was like talking to mannequins. No one was helpful. Apparently they don't take reservations upstairs, but no one wanted to address why the hostess said it would be fine just hours ago. On top of that, the manager was not really helpful at all in aiding us to get a table. I started to get verrrrrry annoyed. All it would have taken was someone to say "I'm so sorry our hostess misinformed you but we will do all we can to make your experience enjoyable. There are no big tables available right now, but please have a drink and we should be able to accommodate you within a half hour." Then I would have been appeased. But nope. We went up to the roofdeck but there was really no where for us to stand. One of my friends badgered the upstairs hostess enough until she gave us 1 table to at least some of my friends could start ordering drinks & food. OUr waitress was obviously annoyed with our group at this point and didn't pay us much attention. For being there for 2.5 hours, most of us only had 2 rounds of drinks just because we couldn't get her to come over to our table enough. Would have definitely had 3 or 4 rounds. Thankfully, the Chef came out to see how our food was and noticed a general discontentment. He stepped right up and sent out some apps and then also a few desserts, and then spent some time with us making sure we were happy- which at that point we were. Rattlesnake has a great location, great food and an excellent Chef, but until they improve their service a bit they won't be one of my regular spots.

    (3)

  • Blair S.

    So. Let me start by saying that I don't frequent "hot" spots in downtown Boston. I'm more of a Cambridge/Somerville kind of guy because I tend to stay away from the yuppie/corporate crowds. However I'm happy to say that I FINALLY have one solid place downtown to take friends and travelers to (I host a lot of couchsurfers). Now about the Rattlesnake: Awesome roof-top deck. Very cool. AMAZING food. Had apps, entrees and drinks, all delicious. FANTASTIC service. Couldn't have been better. Ok, here's the breakdown: I was in town with a few friends and a couple of travelers from Germany. There were 7 of us total. We found a table on the deck at around 9pm on Tuesday night, the day after July 4'th. Our waitress was bubbly, friendly and "real" (by which I mean there was no plastered-on smile or rehearsed, robotic spiel like 'hi-i'll-be-taking-care-of-you-tonight-would-you-­like-to-hear-the-specials'), and what can I say, I'm a sucker for sincerity. She recommended drinks, listening to our preferences and steering us away from the blueberry mojito and spicy margarita, and in the direction of the Back Bay Gimlet, Bostonian and 20'th Anniversary margaritas (All three delicious, the 20'th was our favorite, it's a ginger-y delight) although she did inform us that the bartender could adjust the spice level if we DID want the Blood Orange Marg. The drinks came promptly. Our confidence in the service bolstered, we asked her to recommend appetizers. We ended up with chicken nachos, grilled cornbread and a steak quesadilla. WOW. Now, it's important that you note ALL THREE items are relatively staple and straightforward - OR SO YOU MIGHT THINK. How Chef Poe (their executive chef) could make all three into the BEST RENDITIONS I've ever had is quite impressive. The nachos were simply stellar, complex, generous and fresh with a house-made pepperjack sauce. The cornbread was unlike any I've ever had, not sweet and chewy like at your family reunion BBQ, but moist, savory, with a cake-like texture and served over an amazing home-made spiced butter! The quesadilla had blue cheese and was made with Naan in lieu of a standard tortilla! We were collectively thrilled by all three. I'd like to add that our waitress knew EVERY DETAIL about the food down to what kind of corn flour they use for the cornbread (masa harina). Again, I was impressed, because after we discovered how amazing the food was, naturally we wanted to know everything about it. Since only a couple of us were hungry enough after that to order entrees, we again consulted our waitress and we found ourselves with a delicious osso bucco, incredible fish tacos with fresh cod, and thai/BBQ chicken tacos that I believe were a special that night. Again we were blown away, and with our full bellies we ordered a couple of pitchers of Harpoon and happily digested under the stars. Our friend had been drinking a pilsner that he loved downstairs before we got there, and our waitress was kind enough to go get him one even though the draft line for that particular beer doesn't go up to the roof-top. Very sweet of her especially because she was limping! (We asked about it and apparently there was a broken toe involved which made us feel awful about running her up and down the stairs!) Well she was certainly not complaining, she was everything you could possibly want in a waitress: super friendly, accommodating, professional, knowledgeable about the food, and a beer-enthusiast to top it off. Conclusion: I'm definitely coming back to the Rattlesnake and I'm making it a prime location to take visitors, because I want them to have the very best impression of our fair city. We just couldn't go wrong at the Rattlesnake, everything was terrific. We'd hope to get the same waitress but there were two other servers working on the deck that night who seemed equally competent. A+ for service, food, and atmosphere. 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Francisca W.

    (review dated 1/08): typical bar food: wings, nachos, sandwiches, etc etc. i'm not a tex-mex fan, but i go there for $5+ drinks (not beer, drinks!). also, they have a balcony on the roof-top that's open in the warmer months. i have never seen that floor but i can imagine the nice view up there. good bar scene/crowd too, and those who like sports will appreciate their numerous flat-screens placed at strategic locations. :)

    (3)

  • Kelsey A.

    Came here with a friend this past Wednesday night for drinks. We arrived around 8 PM, and the inside was pretty empty. We went up to the roof deck and sat ourselves at the counters near the bar. There was some ambiguity as to whether we would have a waiter/waitress, but it became clear that we had to go up to the bar ourselves. We each got two drinks: I got a Sex on the Charles River and a Raspberry Lime Rickey, and my friend got the Rattlesnake Punch and a Sex on the Charles River. The drinks were huge, strong, and tasty. Also, extremely cheap (between 7-8$ each). I loved the Sex on the Charles River -- it was fruity and delicious and I was buzzed after finishing it. I will definitely come back here -- the roof deck is awesome, and the drinks are the perfect combination : high in alcohol, low in expense.

    (4)

  • Jess N.

    I went on a scavenger hunt and I was reminded of my skills or rather what skills I'm lacking. I am not a riddle expert. As my team, assembled mostly of pairs of strangers, repeatedly went to the wrong spot to find our next clue, half us gave in. One of the couples, my roomie and myself said "screw it let's go eat and drink". We headed to the roof deck because even though we had been running all over Boston, we haven't forgiven mother nature for the monsoon season in New England. It was a gorgeous day, and we couldn't resist soaking up every ounce of sunlight. A heard of people left as we climbed the stairs, which was in our favor. We seated ourselves at a table, and ordered sangria and a cucumber martini. Nothing says "I quit" quite like a relaxing drink and food. I had the Mexican Monte Cristo sandwich. It was pretty much equal parts of turkey, creamy avocado and melted cheeses. It's the summer afternoons like this one remind me why I moved to Boston and didn't leave. I can say with certainty, I will be back at Rattlesnake Bar and Grill perhaps on the next sunny day.

    (4)

  • Trish F.

    I was here with at least 8 people a little while ago when a friend came in from out of town. She had called to reserve 3 booths, but with the threat of snow, not everyone showed up. They did give away one of our booths without really asking (after awhile), but it wasn't a big deal considering we still had a whole other booth and we had all settled into one by the end of the night. The food was okay. We ordered a slew of unmemorable appetizers. I do recall dipping some chips into an awesome cheese from another dish, but that's about it. I thought the waitress did a fantastic job of handling all of our requests in a timely fashion. And when a person from our group was really not enjoying her drink, she gave her a few options of things she could do (adding something to the drink, offering another type of drink, etc) without giving her grief. This of course should be an "of course" but sometimes doesn't really happen at Boston bars, so I thought I'd take note. The waitress even offered to take a group shot of us when she realized we were struggling a bit. It turned into a total prom shot with multiple cameras. No worries, she was on it. I'm not the type to wait in lines or head into the center of a meat market, so I probably wouldn't hang out here on weekend nights (when I've seen this place packed), but I'd definitely stop back in for a drink on a weeknight or to hang out on their rooftop (weather pending of course).

    (3)

  • scott w.

    Brian Poe is one of the most creative chefs ive ever met. He makes some great dishes. the cornbread and fried avocados are outstanding appetizers. The Mexican meatball sub sandwich and burgers are great. If you like tacos, there are fish tacos and steak tacos. Don't leave without trying the chocolate taco for dessert! For atmosphere, the roofdeck is one of the best spots in the city. The dining room is comfortable and there is music at night. Definitely a hot spot!

    (5)

  • Tarryn G.

    I really want to like this place, because it's literally 50 paces from my place of employment. Booze + close proximity to cube = happiness, yes? The Rattlesnake -- much live a real, live Rattlesnake -- seems cool from afar, but upon closer inspection is kinda scary / lame. First of all -- why make the waitstaff dress like prostitiutes? I get that the clientle here is mostly suits and tourists . . . but surely they could walk their asses a few more blocks to Centerfolds for the booty shots, yes? The waitresses don't seem very happy about their lot in life, either. The few times I've been here the service has been really slow or totally scattered -- one girl takes your order, some other girl throws down your drinks. I'm guessing they probably take turns going on break to smoke and cry. I actually feel kinda bad . . . free the Rattlesnake Girls! The place has earned 2 stars, though. 1 is for the roof deck -- when you can actually get a seat up there, it's pretty cool to dine up on the roof. Star #2 is for the most amazing cornbread I've ever had in my life. Seriously -- its worth it to go for the cornbread -- all buttery and grilled and delicious . . . clearly not good for you, but oh so good!

    (2)

  • Stephanie Elena G.

    Chef Brian Poe to the rescue! Rattlesnake used to be the post-work go to for me and my friends when we wanted a beer and perhaps if starved, a few bar-food apps. But these days I'd go for the food over the beers and there is something for everyone here! The menu is creative and the selection of varying meats is truly impressive alongside seasonal produce. Plus, they just revamped the decor and you know that roof-deck season is fast approaching and i will certainly be enjoying some summer breezes on Rattlesnake's deck soon! If you haven't been to Rattlesnake recently, you really must go. The brunch, lunch and dinner options are incredibly creative, tasty takes on foods you just want to eat.

    (4)

  • Julie B.

    I had slightly high-ish hopes for this place after hearing all about Poe. However, I had never been before he took over, so I have nothing to compare it to. My girlfriend and I ordered a bottle of the Sangiovese and realized later it was Argentinian. Let me tell you, after living in Tuscany, you realize that the people that do Sangiovese best are the Italians. Don't cry for me, Argentina. I love your Malbec. The service was pretty okay. Our waitress didn't really engage so much, but she was helpful enough. Nothing we ordered was very adventurous, but it was good nonetheless. I had the buffalo burger and my friend had a BLT. Generally, it was good enough that I would come back and try the tacos and maybe get some of this delicious sangria I've heard about.

    (3)

  • Scott K.

    Can't speak to the food or lunch/dinner service. All I can say is that I went here on Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday and I couldn't have been more disappointed with the service at the bar. All three bartenders were slow and inattentive to the point that we never even got drinks despite being at the bar for an hour, of which time at least one of us was at the bar trying to get their attention at all times. Do yourself a favor and go to any other bar in the city

    (1)

  • Jenny L.

    I came here with friends that were leaving the next morning. It was a good choice for our last stop that night. I loved, loved the rooftop bar. It was such a haven in the middle of downtown. It was a beautiful night and the air was crisp. There was enough room in this little space to have privacy. Regardless! We ordered the Poe Burger and some beers. I haven't tried the chef's other concoctions but this was delicious! Our server named off the many things that make this a weekly special that I can't remember anything of. It was juicy and delicious anyway. The price was a pretty high but it satisfied our early morning munchies. I would definitely return here again to try his other creations and to enjoy the decor of the rooftop.

    (4)

  • Chelsea P.

    I really liked Rattlesnake for a long time. Their food is decent, the drinks are strong, the beers are relatively cheap, and they have good sangria. I really only rocked the roof deck, though. My co-workers and I really enjoyed going to this place after work in late spring and early summer. However, I tried to go to Rattlesnake on my birthday, and they wouldn't let my boyfriend in because his ID expired two days later. The bouncer was generally rude, and played into that whole "let's-fill-the-bar-with-chicks" thing that I HATE about Boston bars. Because he was such a jerk, my plans for my birthday were ruined.

    (2)

  • David M.

    I went here with a few people for a drink after standing around at a concert all day. The inside had plenty of seating, looked pretty upscale and the staff was reasonably friendly. There was a bit of a wait (20 minutes, maybe a bit longer) to get to the upstairs patio, but as one of the only patio bars in Boston, its almost worth the wait. However once you're up there you can enjoy the view of the sides of the buildings surrounding the deck. You still get a bit of a breeze... but still. I was really excited when I saw the beer menu. It had two pages of bottled selections. After some consideration, I tried to order the Whitbread, only to be told "what? We don't have that". They had a good deal on buckets of molsons. So, solid four star experience, but minus one for not being able to give me the one beer on the menu I really wanted. 'We're out' would have been fine. But acting like I was ordering some exotic drink they never heard of when its on the menu... come on.

    (3)

  • zee w.

    Service sucks. Douchebag bouncers & bartenders. Couldn't have been more rude. Didn't eat, but wouldn't in a place so mismanaged.

    (1)

  • Jacquelyn K.

    I went for lunch one day with friends and the food was good. Our waitress however was possibly the most awkward person I've ever encountered. She was just very awkward about everything and we all noticed it. I also went for a couple drinks early one night with a friend. The upstairs bar was nice because it the weather was beautiful but there isn't actually a view of anything so it didn't feel much like being outdoors. Downstairs got a bit crowded while we were up there so maybe it would be a fun place to come dance sometime. I probably wouldn't have much reason to go back here, although I wouldn't refuse to go either.

    (2)

  • Julie A.

    I've found that timing is key when it comes to rattlesnake. unfortunately, i'm still not quite sure how to determine when a good time to go is! guess you just have to get lucky! i went this past sunday, because it was HOT and my friends and i wanted to sit outside and enjoy the heat and a few drinks. i hesitated a bit when i suggested we try Rattlesnake because i was envisioning a packed roof deck, and possibly a line. we were pleasantly surprised when we got there to find plenty of empty tables on the roofdeck! i'd say this is a place to avoid on really nice days after work, because it will be crowded, with a line for the roof. can't say i've ever tried it on a weekend night. the food is really good, and even though they don't have bud products (i'm a bud light drinker) they have a pretty good beer selection. if you happen upon this place on a nice summer day or night when it's not crowded and get a table on the roofdeck, it's fantastic!

    (4)

  • Kara S.

    Edit: I went here for the first time in 2008 the other day, and it made me not as happy as it used to. There were too many smokers, and they took my favorite dishes (the 10 mini beef/horseradish tacos, the beef/horseradish sandwich) off the menu! I was totally bummed! Do they have something against beef? Or is it horseradish? It makes me sad, so I am stealing a star back. ------------ This is my new favorite after work spot. I am infatuated with the roof deck! I love that it doesn't get crowded until after 5:30ish, so it's easy to get a table, if you work nearby. Everything that I've had to eat here has been tasty, but it's really the relaxing atmosphere up on the roof that makes me swoon.

    (3)

  • Garth S.

    It's a place to go if it's five o'clock, you're in the neighborhood and you don't mind watching the after-work, three-years-out-of-college financial services crowd: collars opened, cuffs rolled up, ties at half-staff; laptop bags bearing the embroidered names of Fidelity, Putnam, and State Street piled in a corner, while their owners, caught between college and adulthood, realize that unlike boozing with your college buds, there may be professional consequences to getting shitfaced with your coworkers. But the drinks are good and if you watch the patrons, especially on Thursday nights, with a "National Geographic" commentary running through your head, it's kind of fun.

    (3)

  • Greg P.

    I think that they need to rethink their pricing strategy. The food was okay, but the value just isn't there. A simple burger is $13 at lunch. Want a bacon cheeseburger? Be prepared to fork over $16.50. Do they know that the bacon cheeseburger at Tico (a much nicer, more upscale restaurant around the corner) is $15?? And by the way, the Tico burger is MUCH better. Hate to say it, but I won't be going back to Rattlesnake. Definitely not worth the price for a restaurant that is essentially a college bar. (PS - the salads are overpriced as well).

    (2)

  • Melissa M.

    I am reviewing the patio and bar only. The drinks were great! Love me a malibu and pineapple and for $6.00 the size and quality does not dissapoint. Hang out there with a group, you'll have fun!

    (4)

  • Shannon S.

    Last night, Russ S. and I popped in here after we noticed our favorite comfort-Chinese place PF Changs was PACKED. The food, mexican in theme, lacked originality--and consisted of mostly comfort-foods. I also didn't feel awed by anything. My nachos were a heaping pile of overcooked, burnt cheese and COVERED in cherry tomatoes....but the Chicken fingers were decent. The one thing I really liked THE WEDGE (Salad) though and if I went back here that's all I would get. Very tasty! Tons of bacon, blue cheese and very fresh lettuce, too. There were Mexican "Small Dishes" lots of Appetizers, Margarita list, Lots of Beer choices (Expensive beer list though--but a couple of awesome beers they only have at the Publick House) and almost all the food was priced from 7$-15$ I was a little sad the Margaritas were so tiny....well, puney, but I will say that I liked that the pricing is mapped out for you in the drink book. They even have high-class tequila like Patron. Our waitress was super quick and attentive and it was pretty empty around 7:30 on a Wednesday night. I liked that we could have a booth and be sort of "away" from the other people in the restaurant but still have a very attentive waitress. I guess the best thing about it was that it's right near the Arlington T-stop, fast-service when not very full, and I felt comfortable here in my leggings and sloppy top and Russ ALSO felt comfortable in his button down shirt. So, that's a plus. I might not come back here UNLESS I was in the area, but if you need a quick bite and a beer--this might be the place if you're in the Back Bay and need something not quite OLD but not young either.

    (2)

  • Blair P.

    Had lunch at Rattlesnake today - it's really come up in the world food wise. I gather it used to be more of just a bar but we had excellent food and the beer list is amazing. Surprisingly, the cornbread starter was my favourite - not sure what was in the butter that went with it but I could have eaten it with a spoon! And the grilled avacado with lobster was also great! My only complaint was too much balsamic on too many of the dishes - nice once or twice but it's nice to have a variety of tastes. The sheer variety of tacos would make anyone happy - I particularly loved the fish taco and the short rib beef taco with a horsradish sause - tasty! Also the duck taco main - larger size, amazing flavor, was very good. The special dessert - a pecan pie (I think - site is down so can't ck for details) with caremel sause, ice cream and salt and pepper (sounds odd but really worked!), was a standout! Great place for a group meet up for a drink and light bite or to go out for a big night, birthday, etc. Prices are good and we were very well looked after.

    (4)

  • Amanda G.

    The rooftop bar/deck and its delicious white sangria took advantage of my friend and I one summer afternoon. And I loved every minute of it.

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    There really is nothing worth mentioning that hasnt been said already - specifically the roof top is the only saving grace. Well, ok, some of the margaritas are pretty ripe. So, let me relay a story (yet another from the drunken booze crawl that was my bachelor party) of the Rattlesnake. About 8 of us showed up already wasted at sunset and went straight to the roof. We immediately ordered as many buckets of Molson as they would let us (forgot to mention that they have cheap crappy Molson buckets). And then some nice, busty young lady offered to 'get' us a round of shots. She wasnt working there, but was working the crowd. she duped us respectable taxpayers into buying us and her little click of friends a round of frigging Yagger shots - ACCCCK. Well, she did kiss me on the cheek and that was all good, but god damn it buying a round on your own night out !! Long of it, I think they stock the place with off duty friends of the bar to help pump business on slow nights.

    (2)

  • Hannah L.

    i saw this place driving by one day and decided to slither over (haaaaa) and see what the rattlesnake was all about. i decided after much mulling over, that the rattlesnake is a mexican themed pub. they actually have a quite a beer selection, which was surprising. they serve food til 1 (if you would like to eat it) altho what i got was pretty pathetic. clearly, this place is not known for its food, although the website has a chef's bio. (which is hillllarious if you saw the dinky overcooked tacos /weird ingredient-ed steak tacos). it was so hillarious, this food. at least no one got the runs after! i can't wait til its nice out and can use the roofdeck, which i bet is why people come here. the waitstaff dress to show a little skin, hot trash. love it! and i really like the juvenile mexican themed hand painted posters that were inspired by the old french product ads. i don't know why, but i like the vibe at the rattlesnake. it's fun, a place to let it all hang out. and excellent people watching.

    (3)

  • Todd W.

    Had a nice note from the owner, inviting me back, after I posted my review. Gosh how they must hate Yelp - but nice to see they are responding. I stand by my three star A-OK rating for now, but will update should we try again.

    (3)

  • Eling H.

    This bar sucks ass. As we got seated up on the roof top when asked for menus the waitress actually stated, and I kid you not, "Menus, what kind of menus with a question mark?." The idiot waitress actually said question mark out loud. No wonder she's working at the bar...can't get a proper edumacation. Anyways, as the night progressed things were wayyyy too crowded and at one point one of the girls from another table sat back and became a part of our table. Chick began talking smack and started to get testy thinking we were talking about her when all we wanted was just a little room so she wasn't leaning into our table. Never again...

    (1)

  • Mo N.

    I have been to many clubs and bars and almost always have come face to face with a bouncer that's a real pr**k. I mean, people at Mikky D's, Wendy's, BK etc. seem to have grasped the way of calling out "NEXT" to a customer without using their crooked index finger and a look on their face like they're gonna choke slam you and then eat your liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti (mmm...). I understand that it's a hard job, but c'mon guys...we're your customers at the end of the day, not just drunk people here to strip you off your manhood and meathead egos. This place should get 5 Stars for their bouncers alone. I just had to point that out. The place is right around my house and I have been there at all of the times that they're open and never have I received bad service nor any kind of food that was unpalatable. Now that people...is consistency without a cookie cutter! Just my $0.02...

    (5)

  • Julianne M.

    I went here for lunch yesterday and it was so-so. My friend ordered the mac and cheese, which was not cheesy, but more like shells with a slight drizzle of cheese. I had the chicken quesadillas, which were not spectacular, but decent enough for a lunch. I expected them to fill me up more but they didn't. Overall, the food quality does not match the price. Our lunch came to about $26 for two, plus tip. Seems like this place is a better bar than a place to eat.

    (3)

  • Kristen S.

    His place is take it or leave it for me. The food is pretty good, they have a rooftop deck and the location is good however the service is terrible and drinks aren't great (stay away from the sangria). I have worked in the restaurant and hospitality business for years and it really takes a lot for me to write something bad about a waitress because I know how crazy it can be sometimes. I went there to meet a couple of friends last night and first off the waitress didn't even realize that I had joined the group. She asked the other end of the table if they needed anything and completely ignored the end that I was on. I had to flag her down just to get a drink and every other time that we needed a round (plus the place wasn't very busy). It was as if she could have cared less that we were there. It also took 20 minutes just to get the check. But the worst part was we had friends leave before us and they left money on the table to put toward the check. The waitress ended up taking the money they left off the table and never applying it to our bill. I will not return.

    (2)

  • Sally C.

    I have one word - BLECH! I just returned from lunch and was sorely disappointed. I got the tamales and they were so undercooked that I couldn't bear to eat them. I just picked the (thankfully pre-cooked) meat out of the middle. My friend got the chicken tacos, which were laid upon and stuffed with rice that tasted like it had been regurgitated by a small child. The hostess was very rude as well. I will never eat here again.

    (1)

  • Emily R.

    A hidden gem! The first time I went to Rattlesnake - drinks on the roof last summer - I left with a bad taste in my mouth. The drinks were fine, but the service was unimpressive. Fast forward to February, after Saturday afternoon ashtanga down the block at Back Bay Yoga. Rattlesnake was close, and promised the "retox" drinks we were looking for. They surprised us with a delicious menu - the three of us split quail tacos & roasted crab-stuffed avocado. Yum! Since then it's been the go-to after yoga. With an ever-evolving taco menu (most recently, we tried scallop tacos with lots of jalepeños, and venison with brie - both delicious!), I'm hooked. Once the weather warms, I will be a regular on that roof deck.

    (4)

  • Paul M.

    Eclectic and surprisingly good menu. Disappointed not to find more traditional elements like the tacos de testiculos de burro, but the wild boar tacos were excellent.

    (4)

  • erica c.

    God, you have all really covered here.....not much to say about this mediocre and not-so-fun place! But as Brian said its only saving grace is the rooftop.

    (2)

  • Alex R.

    Not that I'm reviewing the reviews or anything, but someone below actually said, "the wait staff was nice...but who isn't nice in Boston?" That's like saying, "Who isn't drug-free in LA?" Anyway, the Rattlesnake is a Boston classic that got all high on itself a couple years ago, changing its name to "George" of all things, and is still trying to recover. Downstairs is eminently forgettable, which is neither good nor bad. When the indoor bar upstairs is open it's often empty, which is nice, and the roofdeck is a huge plus just because they're so rare here. The food does the job of making you not hungry anymore and the drinks are average. It gets packed with the after-work crew and then empties out later, so if it's 11:00 and everyone just wants to be able to chain smoke while they drink, that deck is a great choice. Note: the closely guarded secret of the Rattlesnake is that they do, in fact, have cheap PBR. You just have to ask for it.

    (3)

  • Nacho C.

    Booooo! I went the for all of about 40 minutes. The group in there was all 21. I went there on a reccomedation and found myself wondering what I was doing with a bunch of preteens...WTF? It had the usual. All of the girls had glitter on their face and chest and all of the guys were in their suits from work. The only problem is that I am not sure if any of them had real jobs. If you are over 25 and looking for something to do on a friday night DO NOT go here.

    (1)

  • D D.

    I just ate there for the first time. My date and I both got the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Salad and agreed it was the BEST salad we both had ever eaten in our lives. It was incredible and I could have eaten 3 plates of it. It looked and tasted like it was made at the Four Seasons. The Steak quesadilla was good and had a really nice combination of flavors. The chef Brian Poe came out and told us how he makes it. He was so nice and gracious. After tasting his food he's obviously a star chef so I will come back again to try more of his dishes.

    (4)

  • Kim Z.

    We went for the Monday Specialty Nachos, but I fell in love with the Corn Bread and the Duck Tacos. I could seriously eat the risotto from the tacos all day, every day. In fact, I went there last night and would go back again tonight just to eat those again. We had a difficult time deciding what to get because the whole menu looked delicious. Bonus: The waitress was one of the best I've ever had in the city. Attentive, but without hovering. A rare combination these days! I can't wait until a clear day when I can drink one of their tasty cocktails on the roofdeck.

    (4)

  • Mitchell P.

    Ive only been for drinks, but if your into hanging out with losers this is the spot for you. Drinks are pretty expensive, and the whole place just sucks. We went up to Venom and that isnt any better, the roof deck is kinda ok, but nothing great

    (1)

  • Arestia R.

    Final stop on the Boylston Birthday Pub Crawl! Whew! We made it! The only reason we even went here was for the roof deck bar, which is the only reason anyone goes. The mixed drinks are a little rough and the staff isn't super friendly. I called early to see if there was anyway we could get line privileges and the manager was a major dbag about it, saying it was ALWAYS crowed. "Even at 1am when we'll arrive?" I asked. "Yes," he replied like I shouldn't dare question the superiority of his bar. Whatever dude, we just wanna drink outside which is the only reason we're coming so come on down from that high place your holding yourself and relax. (Note: I've also been harassed by a bouncer on another occasion here where, when the bouncer was checking my id, I turned and smiled at my friend and he jumped down my throat and accused me of giving her a "look" and said, "maybe I just won't let you in." Who do you people think you are?) Anyway, like I thought, it was 1p and all of us went straight to the roof AND got a table...no lines or over bearing crowds to think of, thank you. And like I said, the only reason to go here is for the roof (I wonder how this place does in the winter...). I wish I could comment on the crowd, but it was our 7th bar of the night...

    (2)

  • Charoline D.

    "terrible, F-, die, die, die" - Brian D

    (1)

  • Alessandra H.

    This place has come a long way! The addition of chef Brian Poe is fantastic. The new menu is great; innovative and tasty!

    (4)

  • Bryanne R.

    Solid bar. I was here on a Thursday and it was quiet. Probably 10 people, so we sat at the bar and enjoyed some super awesome chicken fingers. Here on a Saturday once...PACKED. Lots of fun...great drinks...nice bartenders...and if you're lucky....a guy might slip you his business card via the goodbye handshake ... ;-) 8/07 update - roofdeck review - you might as well be having drinks on the sidewalk. There's NO view here - you're surrounded by buildings and there are too many lights to see the stars. There's no music and it's a more sit and talk with the people you came with atmosphere. Don't wait in line to go up.

    (3)

  • Morgan G.

    I'm not a fan of the Rattlesnake. The last time I was there, the bartender majorly screwed up my drink (it was a margarita) and admitted he forgot a key ingredient - the margarita mix. (Pretty much I was drinking tequila with a hint sweet and sour. Not tasty.) It took me about 10 minutes and managing the courage to get down 2 sips until I brought it back, since the bartender kinda scared me and I thought he'd axe murder me if I confronted him. Some of the obnoxious drunk clientele (at 8 or 9PM) wouldn't leave me alone the entire time I was there chatting with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. I think if you're drunk with them, you don't notice it and have a better time. While walking upstairs, I felt like I was walking through my CYO house back in grammar school. Very odd atmosphere for a bar when you get to the higher floors. Very narrow staircase and probably not fun when overly crowded. Service is slower than most places in the area and can get pricey. The reason I give it a 2 instead of a 1 is that I haven't tried the roof deck yet and might be willing to go back to try when it gets warmer. Overall, I'm not a fan of this bar at all and could easily do without it. Much better places out there to get tex mex.

    (2)

  • Jessica R.

    One day my sister asked me if we should have lunch here and I couldn't stop laughing.

    (2)

  • Bradford M.

    I want to like Rattlesnake more than I do. This is probably due to the fact that they're a block from where I work and that they have a roof deck. That said, the food is awfully meh. It doesn't suck, and it kind of aspires to do more than not suck, but it never quite seems to deliver. They serve a decent, if unspectacular drink, and their beer selection is pretty standard for a Boston bar. The service is undistinguished. It's not bad, it's not great, it's just adequate. So pretty much Rattlesnake serves my needs for a bar with a roof deck and a cool name that happens to be close to where I work. But that's about it.

    (3)

  • d f.

    Summary: crooked wait staff, decent comfort food, lots of sports TVs Last time there, the waitress pocketed a $100 cash tip that my friend put into the bill fold. I did not know this and tipped $100 on the $500 bill we had (we were in a group)...basically, the waitress knew this and did not bring it to my attention when I paid. Management there was not able to help, so I haven't been back. Food is decent comfort food. Lots of TVs for watching sports.

    (1)

  • Lauren V.

    Rattlesnake has good food and drinks, but in the summertime it appears that half of the city is in line to get to the roof deck. If you are going to sit at a high top and order some food and drinks, you can't really go wrong if you don't mind it getting a little crowd on a weekend or any day above 75 degrees in Boston. The service is good and the drinks are yummy and everything is moderately priced. As for the wait to get to the roof. Look at it this way. At a bar you are probably just standing around drinking anyways. At least you are already in the bar, standing in line. (Some people have issues with standing in line, technically for the same bar, twice.) They really ought to have a server take orders from the people in line. That would add one star to this review. Hear that Rattlesnake? You gotta work for your stars, baby!

    (3)

  • A Y.

    Rattlesnake is a small and easily missable bar. It was fairly empty the night I went (although it was snowing like Niagara Falls that evening) so thankfully there was no line at the door. The bar is a standard laid back Boston bar, but I was told there is a wonderful roof deck (very rare in Boston) that is not to be missed, which is open in the summertime. I started the night with a Razmataz Lime Rickey cocktail, which was made with lime flavored vodka, raspberry juice, and lemon-lime soda. This refreshing twist on the traditional Lime Rickey was pretty decent (for an $8 cocktail) and the ratio of alcohol to soda/juice was extremely generous. I also sample a few of their exceptionally imaginative desserts - the mango mint sorbet and avocado ice cream served in a chocolate covered tortilla bowl. The mango sorbet had an interesting flavor, complete with chunks of mango and bits of mint sprigs. However, the best part of the night (besides meeting new friends and watching their drunken antics) was the avocado ice cream. The ice cream was rich and smooth; it tasted a lot like sweetened guacamole (sounds strange, but I promise you it is quite delectable). The addition of yellow corn kernels in the mix gave the ice cream the extra WOW factor. All and all, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of creatively at what I thought was just another run of the mill Boston bar. I give Rattlesnake props for trying to be innovative, but overall it left me confused onto how to categorize this place (a pub-like bar serving lounge-like food and drink?). Nevertheless, the nosh left me intrigued enough to revisit this place in warmer weather for a chance to see the much hyped roof deck.

    (3)

  • Edwin C.

    Stopped by here after day of riding and walking down Newbury St. with my buddy and my gf. We wanted to go to Parish Cafe, but as usual lines were ridiculous. So we settled here for a little pre-dinner snack (cause I can eat like that!) here. We ordered the Jalapeno Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Hudson Valley Duck Tacos. Sandwich was okay, wish I could actually taste the jalapenos and the duck tacos didn't look like tacos, but it was good. The duck was flavorful and tender (kinda looked and tasted like Pork), but a bit fatty. Given that it was a nice day, we decided to sit outside, but the wind and lack of sun on this side of the street, proved to be on the chillier side (yeah Parish has the lines and the sun!). The service lacked a bit, but still the waitress was very nice. When we sat outside, the waitress just moved sets of silverware from one table to ours to use (yup the gf was definitely cleaning them before we ate). Yeahhhh if you're going to do that, don't do it in front of our face. Anyways, she was the only one working outside, so it got a little busy for her (understandable). It's too bad they're located near a powerhouse, but if you're going to settle here for food, at least the food is decent!

    (3)

  • Ewa T.

    So outside of experiencing the worst server in the history of servers, the food and atmosphere was just a very so-so experience. loved being outdoors, but on a rooftop that has no view and that is cramped with really bad lawn furniture, I really can't see myself returning to this crap and paying $ to eat horrendous food. Beware the people on a hot summer day, they can get nasty! Will not return.

    (2)

  • S V.

    Haven't been in years, but this is much better than expected! The menu is inspired - so try something unusual! I need to go back to try the various tacos. I went with the prime rib sandwich - my fault as it wasn't too creative. It was good and the au jus was thick and great! Husband went with the Poe burger. Even though it has lobster and other stuff in it - he didn't think it tasted much better than regular chuck. It did make a mess! Beware the blood orange margarita. I love spicy but this was painful - the tequila shouldn't be blended with the habanero's for more than 24 hours. It seemed like 24 days worth of marinating. It burned the back of my throat and caused me to tear up. The waitress was nice enough to bring over some chocolate to help. the lemon chiffon martini was great and the mix-free house margarita was pretty good (better tequila would have helped).

    (4)

  • Deepa C.

    The good: Roof patio for nice days, a very good turkey burger. The bad: Waiting 20 minutes for attention (I finally got up and got my own menu), then another 20 to order. During lunch. The waitress explained that the owner of the place was just seated at her table, but if you can't give us the attention we need (nay! DESERVE!) then send someone else over. Sitting around waiting for waiting for warm Sam Adams is not my cup of tea. (In her defense, she did give us free chips and salsa (retailed at $6! ouch).) I MAY be back for after work drinks when it gets hot, but I won't be back for lunch.

    (2)

  • D. M.

    Not worth it! Roof deck sounds nice but roof deck with no view...meh. Went there with some girlfriends for some apps and drinks. My strawberry margarita was good and was made with fresh strawberries. Corn bread appetizer was good too. The $8 single jalapeno popper...who are they kidding? $5 to add a small bowl of guacamole to the $7 chips? Their prices make you think they're located on top of the Prudential building not nested among buildings where all you see is well...other taller buildings. Like I said, not worth it!

    (2)

  • Jenna C.

    Why oh why does EVERYONE always want to go here after work? The mixed drinks are undrinkable (it's alcohol, how can you get it wrong?), the food is SO unmemorable and tastes like it was microwaved, cooled, and then reheated, and the roofdesk is not even a deck...it's surrounded by brick walls, dirty tables and covered in crap decorations. If you haven't noticed, I try to avoid this place at all costs.

    (1)

  • Nate R.

    I have never eaten here but I have always liked the Rattlesnake. It is not always the first place you think of when you are getting together for drinks, but it always seems to do the trick. The roof deck here is great, be sure to get there early or you may be stuck in line and miss out. This is a great place to go if you are looking to meet a bunch of people later on downtown but don't want to deal with the lines of other bars on Boylston. We had a group of 15 people or so all meet here last weekend and we had a great time. If you get a table, I found the servers to be quick and attentive always ready for the next round. $ - Prices are pretty good for the area and they make their drinks pretty strong as well.

    (4)

  • Chase W.

    OK, there's nothing reaaaaally wrong with the rattlesnake, other than it sucking big time. I truely believe they should rename this place "The Everywhere Else in Back Bay is Packed so your Stuck with Us Bar" because this is the only reason ANYONE ever comes here. That said, it serves that purpose; there's always a table available, and plenty of staff to get you your drinks. But lets talk about the freakin mural painted on the wall... Who's idea was that? It's like Retardo Picasso walked in and as like, "hey! I've got an idea! Lets put some horrifically ugly art on the wall to try to induce mass exedus!" It's really pretty hysterical, because I think the mural is supposed to be depicting attractive happy patrons, when in fact it looks like some MassArt student on bad mushrooms went in there with a toothbrush and few buckets of paint and started scratching out bizzaro grotesques on the walls. On to the roof deck: WTF is up with Boston and having no good roofdecks in the entire city? Seriously, how tough is it to find a roof with a mildly attractive view, hang up some $9.99 christmas tree shoppes rope lights and toss a few some tropical trees from the homedepot in strategic locations, and whallaahh! Under the cover of drunken darkness you have a tropical oasys. The Rattlesnake is nothing like this. It's a walled roof so basically you can see the stars, ooh lala, and sit at craptastic plastic tables and get bogus service. PS: The 'newish' "Venom Lounge" is so cheesey I started laughing when I walked up stairs- it's just rediculous.

    (2)

  • Becki W.

    The Good - Belgian Beer: They have Lambic. It is the only beer I drink. Love it! That is a huge + in my book, and they offer the peach flavor too, a hard find in Beantown. The Bad- Service: I was one of two tables the waitress had. I realize it was only a Tuesday night, but this place was DEAD, and I couldn't get the somanmbulatory waitress's attention for almost 10 minutes because she was either really engrossed in what the bartender was saying, or sleeping. She was leaning on an elbow, with her back to me so your guess is as good as mine The Wings: They offer a Jamaican wing with a mango sauce. It was not untasty, but the winders looked like they belonged to a pigeon more than chicken, and with the name Rattlesnake, I expected wings to have a little more kick

    (3)

  • Jackie G.

    Obviously one of its appeals is the roof deck which is always nice on sunny summer days however you are lucky if you are able to get up there and when you do get up there you are lucky to actually get a table and if you are lucky enough to get on the roof and sit at a table, the roof deck offers you the lovely view of the side of other buildings. Oh and its always super crowded. I have been here numerous times and have never been overly impressed but it is pretty hard to wow me. The bartenders aren't horrible but they arent great and the same goes for the drinks. I have only eaten here once and for the life of me cannot remember what I had but I do have to say the food here looks amazing but i cannot testify to the taste.

    (3)

  • Dave M.

    The 'Snake get's 3 instead of 4 stars for being hit or miss. I went for the first time on Friday and had a great time. It was my b-day out with my friends and had lots of fun. Great place for us to all sit and chill. I will say that it was pretty empty though, not that I minded that night, but sounds like some nights it's packed others empty (there were literally 10 other people there after our group), so you'll never know what you'll get there. That said it's def worth checking out esp if you're ambivalent about having a crazy or a chill night.

    (3)

  • Christine K.

    I have never eaten here so I can't give a review on the food but nothing on the menu really looked too great to me. However I really like the roof deck bar, nice crowd and nice bartenders. Drinks are very good and just a fun atmosphere to hang out outside and have some drinks...can't wait for the rain to stop so I can finally enjoy this spot!

    (4)

  • Derek H.

    Had a great celebration of my bro's 30th bday here! All 24 of us fit at the tables set up in there, and the waitress was really cool. The chef came out, let us taste test some of their spiciest sauces, etc. Had the burger and fries, which was good and filling. Drinks and apps are def this place's best qualities, along with the atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Ali L.

    Best nachos I have ever had!

    (5)

  • Beth M.

    I so badly want to write a good review for this place. I mean its all here...everything you could ask for in a fun night out, but something is lacking. The service is just so-so, the food is just so-so...there is NOTHING at all outstanding about this place. The only thing that has kept me coming back every summer is the roofdeck...but in some cases as mentioned in other reviews, you wait in line F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Once you get up to the deck its not even crowded! This is the place you go whejn you leave work at 3:00 on Friday in the summer to meet up with friends and get some maragritas and sun....don't stay all night...sooo not worth it!

    (2)

  • Michele A.

    I had so much fun! I didn't eat anything so I don't know about the food but for my first bar/club experience, I had a ton of fun!

    (4)

  • Christian H.

    Short of the roof deck I'm really not sure why people go here. The service sucks and the food isn't even good as far as bar food goes. The roof deck IS amazing, and I appreciate that there's basically never a line for this place since it's so huge... but yeah. Not the most amazing place ever.

    (2)

  • G. C.

    Bad experience. At the door while waiting to get inside, the bouncer asked for my ID. I gave it to him and mentioned that it was military and the age was on the back - which I usually do since not everyone sees them often. His knee jerk reaction was to tell me not to tell him how do his job and I needed a 10 minute penalty to wait in line longer - WTF? After getting inside, I waited at the bar for about 20 minutes waiting for a drink. The bar had 2 bartenders (maybe 3?) and about 50 people waiting for drinks. I heard the roof deck was great which is a shame. Definitely never going back after being treated like shit by the doorman.

    (1)

  • James M.

    Food is good but the service is usually bad and they've taken to overcharging when they get a chance - check the bill VERY carefully. Have finally decided never to go back. I'll miss the tacos by they aren't worth the hassle.

    (1)

  • A. T.

    I was a little apprehensive about eating here, because it looked like your usual WASP-populated, downtown-Boston, happy-hour bar where food is an afterthought. Don't know about all these negative reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised. Unique fish tacos, interesting jalapeno clam chowder, and fantastically tasty grilled cheese.

    (4)

  • Robyn L.

    I'm not so into with the main bar here because it just seems like one big drink dispenser for the massive groups of people lingering around. You know what I mean... it's that whole get-your-drink-and-get-out-of-the-way system. Not a bad thing in a bar if you just want to get drunk, but I like my bars to have a bit more personality. The drinks are cheap though! And there are lots of TVs that I imagine make for good Sox viewing. The roof deck on the other hand is fabulous. Go up there, get a table with friends, order a pitcher and enjoy the summer breeze. That's the way to do it.

    (3)

  • Lora B.

    "Zero Stars" This is the first HORRIBLE restaurant experience I have had in a long time. Last week I joined a friend at Rattlesnake for dinner, and the horrible service began as soon as we sat down. To start I ordered a cocktails, it two main ingredients were supposed to be cucumber and orange juice, but all I could taste was vodka.For an appetizer we ordered the chips with beet, mango, and regular guacamole. The guac was bland, and portions were tiny tiny. We finished the guac before even 1/4 of the chips were eaten. Trying to solve this problem, we tried to get the waitress's attention so that we could order some salsa. This took ten minutes....and did I mention the restaurant was empty?Not cool. For an entree I ordered the chicken tacos; this was the most unappetizing part of the meal. The tortillas were soggy and burnt tasting. The chicken was stringy and super dry. I would not recommend this place to anyone (unless you are looking for spotty service and unappetizing food that is not cheap)

    (1)

  • Eve G.

    This place...is gross. My boyfriend and I came here on a rainy day because it was so bad out that we just wanted some refuge. Well, we clearly picked the wrong place. Service was very slow, and we were one of maybe three tables in the joint at the time. We asked for no onions in the salad (twice, might I add, just in case she forgot), and voila, we got onions. The avocado was browning (sorry, but if I'm paying for avocado, it better not be brown), and the corn bread "croutons" were soggy and too sweet! The steak quesadilla was a nasty spongy filled pocket of fajita-like fillings. There were way too many green peppers in this dish, and the garlic naan as a "tortilla" idea didn't work out as well as it sounded. We tried the place, and will never go back unless we are stranded on a desert island, and it is the only place open. Actually...I take that back. First, we'll probably try to catch a fish or break open a coconut.

    (1)

  • Hailey T.

    Just stopped in searching for a drink. Found one quickly. I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted, so the friendly bartender made me a signature mix of his, no idea what it was, but it made me glad I stopped in. We were in there at an off hour, so it wasn't packed and we sat downstairs at the main bar, I hear the roof is much better. I could give this place another chance easily.

    (3)

  • Julie R.

    I would give this place 3 stars. The location is great and the bar is cool especially the roofdeck where we went. Although the roof deck is small its the only one in the area. It can get pretty packed up there and you are lucky to get a table. One con is that you can't see over the sides of it and the walls are like 12 feet high so you can only see up. If people are smoking it tends to linger around you cause your kind of in a "box" and theres not really a breeze. The drinks were ok. I thought the rum/coke I ordered should of been served in a smaller glass cause the glass was like 12 ounces and it just tasted watered down. The server was nice but somewhat slow. Boucers out front were very nice.

    (3)

  • Charles F.

    The Rattlesnake Bar on Boylston Street is not a newcomer to the Back Bay neighborhood. It's been around since 1990, but it received a well-executed face lift over the summer. The food is also looking good, and better yet, it tastes good, too. The Rattlesnake became more than just a bar in February with the addition of Poe's Kitchen, the brainchild of Chef Brian Poe, who brings a menu of predominantly Mexican-inspired recipes. With the addition of Poe's impressive ability to create imaginative and fantastic meals to enjoy, the Rattlesnake transforms into a place for hitting a night on the town, as well as for delightful food. The bar's attendees can be found catching the night's sports game on one of the many large TV screens mounted on the back wall. The décor upholds a smooth and trendy theme of soft black, red, and blue coming from the small tiles lining the walls. The walls feature artwork that reflects the Mexican-style food. The Rattlesnake Bar and Poe's Kitchen do a commendable job of blending two different scenes into a single downtown hotspot. A trendy bar and late-night destination featuring fun events and attractions such as Latin Nights and DJs also houses a restaurant home to an innovative chef offering dynamic meals. All of the entrees are $15 or less, and cocktails like the Signature Rattlesnake Sangria and Watermelon Margarita are only $7, making the Rattlesnake affordable for a fun night out with friends followed by a satisfying brunch the next morning. An enthralling and original appetizer featured on Poe's menu is the Infamous Avocado, $12. In a nice presentation, half of a pitted avocado is grilled and cooled, then lobster with black pepper-lavender crème fraiche is placed in the available pocket. Drizzled in San Joaquin avocado oil, this dish starts the meal off on the right foot, bringing the surprisingly agreeable flavors of lobster and avocado together in a single, wonderful bite. Other appetizers on the menu include homemade Lime-Zested Chips, $7, with fresh salsa and tequila cream cheese, Chipotle Wings, $9, with smoked jalapeños and scallion-poblano-blue cheese dipping sauce, and a small selection of spicy soups and salads. The Chicken Quesadilla, $11, is a delicious take on what could be a very simple dish. Serrano chile-beer can chicken provides fantastic flavor that is only made better with the addition of spicy Hatch green chiles and sweet Montezuma mango salsa. Other entrees Poe offers include traditional burritos, tacos and sandwiches with an extra spicy kick. The Mexican Meatball Sub, $13, consists of spicy albondigas with pepperjack and cilantro-chipotle juice on a toasted baguette - an interesting combination. The dessert menu promotes several inventive ideas that play out to be wonderful finales. In particular, the S'mores-Style Ice Cream Sandwich, $6, touches on all of our childhood indulgences while sticking with the restaurant's classy atmosphere. Needless to say, there are two graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. But here the simple camping treat becomes a well-presented delight with strawberry ice cream resting between the two crackers. And the chocolate and marshmallow are not where you would expect. Instead, the chocolate is drizzled over the entire dish, and mini-marshmallows are sprinkled over that. This dessert ought to be a favorite to anyone with even the slightest sweet tooth. A small but satiating brunch menu is available on Sundays. Poe's Signature Omelette, $10, is packed with fresh vegetables and fabulous flavors. Crimini mushrooms, truffles, and oven-roasted tomatoes, along with chopped asparagus and minced basil sitting in plenty of fontina cheese create a superb omelet with notable and agreeable flavors. Served with a side of complementary home fries, this omelet is even more enticing with a dash of Cholula hot sauce that sits at every table. Other brunch items available include eggs benedict, $9, with a kick of jalapeno hollandaise and Surf 'n' Turf, $15, a grilled hangar steak with fresh crab meat served with a side of eggs.

    (4)

  • Jeffrey K.

    This place is way too smug for its own good. The food is mediocre along with the drinks. The crowd is overly pretentious for reasons I can't fathom. The thing that gets to 2 stars is the roof deck. That's pretty sweet.

    (2)

  • Rebecca Y.

    Known for it's after work scene and late night meat market, this place isn't sure whether to be known for bringing in the 22 yr olds or the 28 yrs olds. Friendly bartenders and good American pub food.

    (4)

  • Susan J.

    Rattlesnake's rooftop bar is a great place to grab an afternoon drink, but agressiveness is key to actually getting that Heineken or Malibu, because it gets very crowded very soon after 5 pm and the service can be slow. The chips and salsa are hearty and really hit the spot for after-work munchies, though.

    (4)

  • Enrique D.

    so this place has changed for the better... "poe" took over and really turned the food up a few notches. the service was great , waitress SASHA. i rarely remember names or comment on particular servers, but she is worth mentioning. so VENOM is the roof deck to RATTLESNAKE.. i dont like the lower level, it just lacks ambiance. i think if they gave the lower rattlesnake a bit of a makeover, it would really do well. and , it would attract way more people to the hidden little roof top gem. there really is no view on the roof. its surrounded by taller buildings or walls on every side, so ur left with looking up... the sky. thats it. but on a warm suny day, or a warm summer night, i love it. 4 caraffes of white sangria, frozen coladas, spicy grilled shrimp**amazing., spicy wings, calamari** some of the best ive had, wild boar corn dogs?! threee different types of guacamole?? beet, mango and traditional! and hands down the best clam chowder ive ever had.... everr. ive worked in the food/bevg industry in boston for 4 years now, many places, and this blows them all away. thick but not pasty, hearty with lots of potatoe, fresh clams, topped with giant fried clams nestled a-top a giant - in- the- shell clam! the flavor will blow u away. its a cozy , relaxed place for friends, family, dates, birthdays, etc.

    (4)

  • Julie B.

    i've never ate here b/c the parish is across the street, but this place does have a pretty good beer/drink selection and plenty of places to sit. i just don't appreciate how they try to turn it into a dance club after 10 on the weekends - you're not, so don't try!

    (3)

  • Sasha R.

    So, over the summer, 5 or 7 of my male coworkers got dumped by their respective significant others, and so were available and looking to endlessly hang out . We seemed to always end up at the Rattlesnake, which turned out to be the perfect venue for someone in such a state. There is a deck, where the public flocks to in the summer, and let's face it, summer evenings in Boston are mostly lovely. There is a collection of adorable college-age waitresses ready to work the crowd for their tip, and there are many young professionals swinging by for an afterwork drink and snack. The drinks are ok and the food is stadard bar fare. Th good part is you may be likely to start a short term relationship on the rooftop deck. Now that the summer is over, however, I haven't been there once!

    (3)

  • Anthro Food E.

    this place didnt wow me with their food and atmosphere...i couldnt figure out the theme of this restaurant/bar...there was a mural of different people on the wall, but couldnt figure out if they were supposed to have been celebrities or not...if so, then the only that stood out was ray charles...hmmm...who knows... the menu seemed like it was leaning towards tex mex...but it looked like most people came there to drink rather than to eat... the waitstaff was nice though...but then again, who isnt nice in boston???

    (2)

  • gina w.

    tried to get to the rooftop bar but it didn't work out - couldn't go - too many people were up there :( so that totally stinks ...(minus one star). it was after work on a beautiful thursday evening ...so we weren't the only ones who wanted to have a drink that day. but since I had a group of people meeting up with me - we didn't go elsewhere. okay - inside ..the music was WAY loud and hard to talk to people :( ordered some appetizers and I had a turkey cubano sandwich ...it was pretty bland and lame. the sandwich platter I got was not very good - I'm glad I was hungry but I would not want to eat here ever again. (minus one star for food quality) what I do like about the place ..the location is great and it's clean inside. the service was okay ...not bad but not good enough to write about.. I don't think I'll be back real soon.

    (3)

  • Geoff T.

    First off, the food is nothing to write home about, especially at the prices they are asking. It's not the most expensive place, but it is not cheap. I've eaten there three times and never had a meal I thought was anything above mediocre. One thing that bothers me about a bar (if it's not supposed to be super classy) is if they don't have at least one cheap beer for those of us who can't always pay ive bucks for something. This place does not have cheap beer. The roofdeck is a nice plus, so if you are passing by on a nice day, I would surely reccomend going up there for a drink or two should you have a little cash. It's a nice place to sit.

    (2)

  • Katia M.

    You know why I like this bar? Two words: Roof Deck. It's one of the only ones in Boston, and I've never had a bad time there. Cool crowd, a lot of fun if you get there early enough to get a table, and the food is pretty good too. Lots of interesting mixed drinks and the buckets o' beer are usually reasonable. Service can be a bit slow, but I've had some great times here nevertheless.

    (5)

  • Jen R.

    Best roofdeck in Boston. Totally hip. Great drinks and great food. Downstairs gets packed on weekends as does the roofdeck. Try the cuban ropa roll.

    (4)

  • Rina R.

    During the summer you can sit by the open windows or outside on the roof deck to catch a breeze. Pretty standard 20-30-something bar, but a nice, fun place to while away many hours after work. Plus they offer a room upstairs that you can reserve for functions

    (3)

  • jim I.

    This place is over-rated... the rooftop is ok, but since it is the only rooftop bar in Boston the staff is rude to everyone and the beer is overpriced.

    (2)

  • Katherine W.

    Great place to go when the weather is nice... Drinks are affordable enough, the only downside can be the wait! Show up early or on a non-weekend night and you'll be fine! Esp. for smokers - the outdoor venue is perfect!

    (4)

  • Kristen G.

    Very much an older, after work crowd, Rattlesnake is pretty relaxing. It can get pretty busy, though. In the summer, the roof is a cool place to hang out and have some drinks, but you might have to wait in line to get up there. I personally don't see anything extremely special about this place, but I suppose if you have money and work in the area, it might be a favorite spot of yours.

    (3)

  • Ilya S.

    I went to the Rattlesnake on 2006-08-11 to have dinner with friends. They arrived just before 6pm and were able to get a table on the roofdeck. When I arrived a few minutes after 6, the roofdeck "bouncer" told me that I could not go to the roofdeck because it was "over capacity" (apparently, it can't hold more than 100 people according to the fire code). The fact that several of my friends were already there, ordered food and saved a seat for me at the table made no difference. He suggested that I join a line of people waiting in the adjacent corridor, all waiting to get in. I thought that may be this guy is new in the restaurant business and it was a rookie mistake but I was wrong. His manager was passing by, so I explained my situation to him but he was completely unfazed and cited the same reasons to me. Moreover, he told the people waiting in line in the corridor to move out to the bar because they were creating a "fire hazard". When I asked him how any of us would know if we could enter the roofdeck he replied that we should "come back and check every 5-10 minutes". This was getting absolutely ridiculous but I went to the bar and ordered a Paulaner hefeweizen. It cost me $7.90. This is the most I've ever paid for this beer anywhere (and I have been around). I don't mind paying a premium for my drinks but I expect appropriate level of service and atmosphere. This place has neither. My friends had no choice but to finish their food in a hurry and then all of us left. I will not come back there.

    (1)

  • Michael G.

    The best thing about this place is the outdoor roof deck that's open during the warmer months. Unfortunately, the roof is rather low, so you end up surrounded by taller buildings that block your view of anything nice. Also, the place is overwhelmingly packed right after work hours but tends to be very empty as it gets later in the evening.

    (3)

  • Brandy S.

    I am still trying to figure out why everyone likes this place. It does have a rooftop deck, which is cool, but you stare at other buildings. The drinks and food are decent, but not great enough for me to go there on a regular basis.

    (3)

  • Jill M.

    This bar is great in the summer. They have a decent sized roof deck that always attracts a good crowd. Can't say I've ever eaten there, but they make a darn good cocktail! The downstairs bar is not so exciting, but if you can head over in the summer the deck is definitely worth it. It's usually an early evening pit stop for me and my friends.

    (4)

  • Simona S.

    Uninspired brunch menu. Sorry, it just had to be said. Or maybe they're just testing out their brunch menu on unsuspecting patrons. Whatever the case, meh to say the least. My food took almost an hour to get to the table. My iPhone does not lie to me. In the meantime I nursed that Bloody Mary (good, though not nearly as spicy as promised) until I could wait no longer. I started to suck whatever I could off of the ice cubes... and then just started eating them. I was starving. The food was plated pretty... I guess. But what is this? Lukewarm food? Now I'm suspicious. And I was glad I ordered a side of the cornbread because it was actually the best part of the meal... until I found out I was charged $7 for a side. My wallet was sad. Sad is how I left, albeit kind of drunk after we ordered a carafe of their white wine sangria - which, by the by, I like with fruits. No fruits to be found except for a slice of lime here and there.

    (2)

  • Ellie W.

    I've only been here for drinks, so I can't say much about the food, but there's one thing, somewhat rare in Boston, that Rattlesnake does offer--rooftop seating. You're not going to have a view of, well, much of anything, aside from other buildings, but hey, beggars can't be choosers, right? So if you're up for a nice, chilled beer on a rooftop on a sweltering summer night, you can't lose here. There's nothing that sticks out, good or bad, about this place, so I'm settling for the trusty 3-stars.

    (3)

  • Whitney R.

    A group of 7 of us went to the Rattlesnake for brunch yesterday after taking a birthday lesson at Gypsy Rose. The brunch menu was very limited and didn't offer the staple breakfasts most of us were after, and all but one decided to order from the lunch menu instead. The genre of food is pretty strange- Everything has a themed name and all dishes had an interesting twist to them... I can't say I really get it, but maybe that's just me. I ordered the Matador Burger (the most basic meal I could find) with mushrooms and Brie, and a side salad rather than french fries. Overall, it tasted really good, though it was a bit oily (though that was likely because of the Brie). The side salad was smaller than I expected. Everyone else seemed to really enjoy their food, and had no complaints. I tried someone else's tortilla chips and found that they were also really greasy, but again, no one else seemed to mind. The waitstaff were pleasant, and they even gave the birthday girl a complimentary cheesecake dessert. Based on my own take on the food, I would have given this place just 2 stars. Because everyone else seemed to enjoy their food, and because the waitstaff were so nice, I'm upping the star-level to 3. Pretty good, but definitely far from my top pick.

    (3)

  • Sami W.

    NOTE: **PLEASE READ CRAIG C's REVIEW TO UNDERSTAND** We came here for Cappy's B-day and Chef Brian Poe didn't take care of us as he was supposed to! I thought we were going to have a food fest! Pizza with roni, mushrooms Foie Gras = Foreplay before sex! The appetizer with Tuna rolled in something = 69 Wild Boar tacos = Eating spicy penis with lots of fat on it (Disgusting) Fish Tacos = This is where I had my Orgasm (unlike Cappy) Sirloin Tacos = Cigarette after sex (though I don't smoke)

    (3)

  • Esther E.

    This review pertains to the nightlife. My fiance and I were visiting friends in the Boston area and we were all going out for a night of fun. They decided to take us here to change it up from the usual Backbay fare. We went on a Saturday night around 9:30. Not much of a line to get in--but beware if you have an out of state ID, you will need a back up form of ID i.e credit card, another id. They are super strict on this so be prepared. There was a decent crowd inside, but music started around 10ish. There is a small dance floor towards the back but no one really danced at least while we were there. There is a line for the rooftop bar...but beware the rooftop bar is SUPER LAME. We went upstairs and there are people eating a quiet dinner, no music and a really dull crowd. No fun so we left. In terms of the bar, the bartenders are quick and friendly. I ordered a Bellini and they offered a good substitute for it. I took an orange slice from the bar and the bartender gave me a rude look haha.

    (3)

  • Kenny G.

    I would've given this place probably 4 stars because the drinks were pretty quality but had to give it ONE because the bartender was probably the rudest girl I've ever dealt with. I have a long, often mispronounced last name so when I asked for her to ring me up at the end of the night, it being very loud in there, I told her my last name then spelled out the first few letters to try and make it easier. This happened 3 times and then she decided to use her brain and realize my last name isn't the 4 letters I gave, it's the NAME I GAVE HER THREE TIMES. So then after complaining that it's "really busy" she decides to start lecturing me on the situation. Thanks sweetie. Just ring up the bill and let me get the F out of here. I don't need to be lectured by you for your own mistake. Then of course I look at my bank account online a day after and she charged me twice. Perfect. Atmosphere: 8 Drinks: 8.5 Service: -20 ---------------------------------------------- UPDATE: I was contacted by the executive chef at the Rattlesnake with an apology for the inconvenience and the double charge was fixed. I'm impressed with the level of concern they took and have upped my rating to 4 stars. Thank you Brian and I'll be sure to come back in and give the Rattlesnake another try!

    (4)

  • Renita K.

    This review is for drinks only. Which were mediocre at best. Who knows, maybe I'm just an alcoholic but I like my drinks a tad bit on the strong side and not syrupy sweet. All the drinks we got weren't very strong at all... there was supposedly vodka and blackberry schnapps in there, but I didn't even have a buzz when we left (and mind you, I'm asian). Honestly it may have just been some fruit juice in a cup. Also the lighting was awful. It was later on in the night and the place was really brightly lit. It was just awkward.

    (2)

  • Sheila S.

    Point off for service. Although our waitress was very helpful with ordering, she made our tired booties wait a good 20 minutes for waters despite the fact that we very clearly ordered them and said "we're so thirsty!" +10 Points for pure awesome. The waitress told my "Oh I'm from California and have high standards for Mexican" to order the fish tacos. YUM. This is definitely Shi-Shi, trendy "Southwestern" food and NOT hole-in-the-wall Mexican --- but those are some DAMN GOOD tacos. There might have been a mandolin-ed green onion and pear/apple in that taco, but it was so good I didn't ask questions. The Nachos are also very unusual but worth ordering. We ordered them piled high with a very sauce-y shredded steak, a creamy white cheese sauce, and some other exotic fixings. I would have been happy with the everyday nachos, but these were quite fabulous. I would have appreciated a bit more in terms of tomatoes and leafy greens, but.... homemade tortilla chips..... The Wang ordered a Jalapeno Clam Chowder and Jalapeno-fried Chicken. The chowder was more like a confused stew with some fried clams on the top. The chicken was actually a sandwich (it's in the sandwich section...) and over-fried (IS THAT POSSIBLE? -- it ruins the allure of deep-frying). Major NO. I wish we'd asked the waitress for her opinion on these two before ordering. Overall, we're pleased. Just please remember that the nachos and tacos are enough for two people as long as you decide who gets to eat the third taco beforehand. (I might even choose this over Parish...)

    (4)

  • Em G.

    Best. nachos. ever. Seriously - they are magical, and completely dangerous. The sangria was also surprisingly good and strong (I promise this had nothing to do with my approval of the nachos). The downside: the service was slow, even though it wasn't that busy, and the food is pretty expensive. I'll probably still come back for some more sangria and to finally try the Poe burger that everyone keeps raving about.

    (4)

  • Paul L.

    The Lady and I went on a Friday evening before a show at the Comedy Connection. I was excited to check it out ever since tasting the tuna tartar at their booth during the Yelp event. I must have gone back to that station three more times. When I got there, the waitress said they didn't have that item anymore. In fact, several of the items I saw on-line on the menu were not available. Apparently the web updaters did not change the menus as frequently as the chefs. There were two or three items that I had checked out on the web site that morning that were no longer featured. It was loud in there, even for sitting all the way against the window - the noise from the bar carried towards us. I understand it was after work on a Friday and the baseball playoffs were going on, but there were many other tables in the back that were not being used that might have been a more suitable place to sit. That being said, the fish tacos were very good. Nice crisp pieces of fish, a decent but not overpowering spice and the tortillas were cooked a little to make it just crunchy enough to hold the weight of everything inside it. She suggested a home made "choco-taco" which was so delicious I finished the whole thing despite already being full. It was a chocolate dipped waffle "shell" with mixed berries and marshmallows. If you're in the mood to satisfy your sweet tooth, it's a good choice.

    (3)

  • Danielle C.

    Just a place to grab a drink in the summer.. Nice roof deck.

    (2)

  • Latchezar B.

    I went to Rattlesnake hoping to have some steak. First, the guy at the door was exceedingly rude. Even though I told him first thing that I didn't want to drink alcohol, he looked at my European ID and said "We don't accept those." I repeated that I only wanted to eat, not drink, but he was somehow unable to grasp the meaning of my words. Luckily, what appeared to be a more senior employee (perhaps the manager?) came around and let me in (without apologizing for what had just happened). Way to meet and greet a customer! It was 9:45 on a Saturday (I don't think that's late even by Boston standards ;), but just to make sure, I asked at the door (twice I think) if they were still serving food and was told 'yes.' When the waitress came by, it turned out that they were no longer serving all the items on their regular menu, including no more steak (silly me, I thought "We are serving food" normally meant "We are serving all the items on our menu," but apparently not at Rattlesnake). Eventually I ordered a burger, medium done. It came beyond well done, absolutely dry and without a trace of pink. So not only did I not get the steak I was craving, but my burger was done exactly the way I didn't want it. Oh, and the lemonade was so sugary that even Michael Phelps might get diabetes from it, plus it had the strangest color - hard to describe, but definitely looked like one of those radioactive elements from the bottom rows of the Periodic Table. On a positive note, the waitress was very nice and doing her best to make up for the uninspiring yet overpriced food and the bad attitude at the door. Still, I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon.

    (2)

  • Clare F.

    I have been to Rattlesnake four different times since the dawn of Brian Poe, and have been impressed each time. The roof deck is awesome. So there isn't a super-gorgeous view. So what. Its on a ROOF and still pretty cool. And whiners, there's a line because they have a FIRE CODE and are only allowed X number of people on the deck at a time. Do you whine when you have to wait for a seat at a restaurant? Plus, you can wait in the line with a drink in your hand. Added bonus. You can tell they make their own margarita mix. They're delicious and pack a good punch. One makes me tipsy, two makes me drunk, and three forces my boyfriend to throw me over his shoulder and carry me home. The food is awesome. I have had the cornbread, nachos, chips with three types of guac (regular, beet, and mango), scallop tacos and the taco salad. The scallops are cooked perfectly with that melt-in-your-mouth quality that only a scallop can have. As for the salad, its huge (I brought home leftovers. Of a SALAD.) The refried beans are cooked with gouda, giving them a wonderful smokey taste. I've also come here for a mid-afternoon drink and a late-night tipple. I have genuinely enjoyed myself every time. The staff are friendly and you really cannot beat the atmosphere, especially on top of the roof.

    (4)

  • John F.

    Definitely a good place for the young, hip, and likely rich. Not exactly cheap eats, but the quality was fantastic for the money. The roof deck was great, service was great, beer selection was fine....I have nothing to complain about. I imagine the crowd gets younger and hip-hoppier at night. I did lunch on a Saturday or Sunday (I forget) so the roof deck was packed and the rest of the place was dead.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    Good God what an awful bar. Bad food, bad service, bad atmosphere. Our nachos arrived stone cold delivered by a witch of a waitress in a bar with noise levels so high it is difficult to have a normal conversation all contained in a not very clean space. What a dump.

    (1)

  • Julie N.

    Visit number two to the Rattlesnake since the big chef change and I have to say that, while the food is better than it used to be, they really have some work to do. I had the fish tacos because they didn't have any of the venison tacos prepped. She said the venison tacos would be 20 min or so and I should have just said ok because I ended up waiting 20 min for the fish tacos anyway. The fish tacos were delicious, though. Very fresh ingredients and a big portion for the price. My lunch companion (my 19 year old son) enjoyed his buffalo burger and ate about 1/3 of the unnecessarily massive pile of fries. When a 19 year old boy doesn't finish his fries you know there are just too many on the plate. I've seen that kid put down plates of food that would humble Takeru Kobayashi. I just hate waste. We had the cornbread as an app and the bottom was charred. Burned to the point that it was not edible (PS the 19 year old ate the burned bottom bleh. ) I ate the unburned part. The service was weird. The waitress came out to say she'd be right with us. It's good that she acknowledged us but we waited too long for her to get to us. After the initial wait, the service was fine. The manager came to the table to let us know that she noticed the burned cornbread and took it off of our bill. That was really nice and all but in a restaurant that serves the caliber food that the Rattlesnake is trying to serve, that should have never come out of the kitchen to begin with. The Rattlesnake wants to serve great food. If they want to be successful in that they should hire a kitchen staff that won't let burned cornbread out of the kitchen and a wait staff that won't let you wait 10 min for water. The feel of the place is still the Rattlesnake of old. You have to do more than hire a new chef to get rid of that getting-too-drunk-on-a friday-night bar feel.

    (3)

  • David V.

    This review is merely about the food, at lunchtime. I once wandered in here after dark and, roofdeck or not, the regular clientele at this bar is part of the reason why I usually choose to drink in quieter neighborhoods. It was a nice day, so I sat outside and ordered some food - a baked avocado half, topped with lobster meat. It didn't just fill the hole left by the removed pit, but added to the altitude of the dish by a couple of inches. I ordered the duck tacos. Usually at places without "Bell" in their name, you get soft tacos, but here I got two of the crunchy kind in those special free-standing taco shells. The cranberry-rosemary risotto was an interesting touch. My friend had the seared tuna salad - a respectable portion of fresh lightly seared tuna and greens, though she commented that the tofu cubes seemed a little out of place. It seems like an odd place to have such good food, and I'd probably give this place a lower rating if I was dealing with crowds and bouncers and whatnot.

    (4)

  • Chris J.

    Had dinner here the other night. Was one of the worst meals I have ever had. Everything tasted old. Should have walked away mid meal. Service was good but food was nothing short of horrible.

    (1)

  • Shaina P.

    There aren't many places with a roof deck in the area, so Rattlesnake remains a regular spot to hit when in search of roof deck. But ... there is no view, the food was NOT good, and there is no karaoke (well, Jim didn't find a need for a karaoke box, he will blurt out Righteous Brothers if encouraged, and his karaoke a Capella is not good either). Luckily, the beer selection was okay.

    (2)

  • Danielle S.

    About the food: For appetizers we had the grilled corn bread and tempura tuna bites. The grilled cornbread was $6 for 2 pieces and was very good. The tuna bites were four small pieces of tuna in batter, not tempura, for $12. And it was not very tasty. For entrees we had the salmon salad, it was ok and the chicken tacos. The chicken tacos were amazing and for $12 for three huge tacos it was well worth it. Very hip atmosphere and great location. A little overpriced but we were hungry :)

    (3)

  • Jen L.

    I must preface this review by acknowledge that this place used to be kind of gross and it would take a lot to win me over. That and my boss used to make jokes about us going to "The Snake" after work for a few drinks...which I thought was kinda unappealing. But Rattlesnake has totally changed for the better - thank you Brian Poe! It looks like they kept some of the same menu items, and added a few more foodie items, like quail and wild boar tacos. Get this -the fish tacos were quite good, considering that Boston is about as far from San Diego as you can get. My one quibble is that the tacos were on flour tortillas, not corn, but I will get over it :) Bring on the apple and chile slaw and chipotle crema - yum!

    (3)

  • Meghan M.

    Whoever thought to put chocolate chips on top of mac and cheese is a genius! the mac and cheese, was not too cheesy, too watery, it was perfect!

    (5)

  • christina a.

    Long overdue in writing this - but I'll keep it short and sweet. It's one of the best dining experiences that I've had in Boston. I was lucky enough to go there with some friends of Mr. Poe's and had a plethora of food brought out to us. I tried everything...and loved everything. My favorite were the braised beef tacos and the corn bread. But everything was delicious. I will be definitely heading back to eat there again (and bring more friends).

    (5)

  • Lou L.

    Been here a few times for lunch. I think the menu is incredibly creative. All dished I've had have not disappointed...always interesting and tasty. Poe blends southwestern, american and comfort food, and wraps them up with style a foodie can appreciate. The roof deck was closed when I was there, I snuck a peek and it looked impressive. I wish I was in Boston more often so could visit Poe's more.

    (4)

  • Hubert H.

    Had this really sweet Coca-Cola glazed duck taco accompanied by a (very sweet) cranberry sauce. My teeth were coated with corn syrup at the end of the meal. The taco itself had the consistency of chop suey. Seems like more of a bar with food than a restaurant. Otherwise a fair place to meet up for a beer or a cocktail.

    (2)

  • Shannon R.

    Been there before for a function and drinks and enjoyed it but was with a few friends sat on the roof deck to enjoy the weather- we had 2 separate waitresses- drinks were fine ordered apps which took 45 min but then when they were done the waitress cleared everything including utensils which we thought that was weird but maybe we were getting clean ones so then we waited another 20 min asked if we needed anything and one friend said yeah our food and the waitress asked oh are you waiting for dinner this was from the same waitress who took our order and recommended dishes and we said yes but at this point we didnt even want it the waitress said she would check on it and came back to say it was a kitchen error because one kiitchen was closing and never went trough (not sure how true that was because other bales around us receive food after us) ... we had 1 round of drinks removed but never had any type of manager come to our table to apologize prob wont go there ever again

    (1)

  • Alana H.

    This was a cool spot to come after running the Tufts Women's 10k race. My friends and I were starving and ready to have some drinks and food to replenish all the calories we lost running. I ordered the grill cheese which had brie, gorgonzola, and american cheese. This was the richest grill cheese that I have ever eaten, the flavors were great and there was a nice gooey, yet crunchy texture. The sandwich came with french fries and a cup of soup. I ordered the chilled carrot ginger soup. The soup was topped with friend pancetta and goat cheese. I couldn't really taste the pancetta as the ginger gave the soup a strong spicy flavor to it. While I couldn't finish all of it it was pretty tasty. Two of my friends ordered the chicken nachos and those were good also, the chicken had a sweetness to it while the nachos were salty and crunchy. Don't be fooled by the fact that the nachos are found in the appetizer because they are HUGE! Definitely something that can be shared by a group and definitely delicious! Our waitress seemed a bit overwhelmed with our party of 9 although we weren't very needy. I also don't like that they charge for refills for sodas.

    (3)

  • Eric F.

    Went here for one of my school's orientation events a while back and it's a very standard bar. Spacious with the usual mix of Top 40s, hip hop, etc. and the usual selection of beers. Nothing out of the ordinary and an okay venue for a night out.

    (3)

  • alison k.

    Stopped by for a quick drink at around 4.30 or so on a Friday afternoon. I was pretty hungry as i had not had lunch, but mindful of the fact that it was not going to be that long till dinner I just ordered a cup of tortilla soup to tide me over.... ...man I wish I had ordered a bowl - or 2 - all to myself. Was really really yummy. I have never been here before and I had not looked at the reviews on yelp before trying it out, but I would definitely go back for food again based on the menu and on the seeminlgy recent improvements. The beer list was pretty extensive and my brother was pretty happy that they had sam seasonal - noble pils on tap. Just need to go back to try out the roof garden.

    (4)

  • Anna B.

    Usually if a place has over 100 reviews I don't bother yelping about it - I mean, everything's probably been said right? But I went with friends for 11PMish drinks and apps and was shocked how bad the food and service was. I work in the area and come after work a lot and it's fine. It's as if they bring down the quality on weekends or after 10 - maybe they figure we're all hammered and won't notice? Our waitress might have been trying but was poorly trained - we got the wrong food (possibly because the music was so loud she couldn't hear us - one had to scream to talk), empty drinks weren't noticed and we had to ask for someone to wipe our table because it was sticky. The fried avocado would have been OK if the lobster salad hadn't had a piece of shell in it. Quesedillas were odd in that one bite would be OMG mouth-burning spicy (one of my friends almost got sick) and the next would have nothing - whatever sauce was on them was unevenly distributed. The nachos had some kind of lukewarm white cheesey paste on them - one of my friends knew what it was called but agreed it was out of place on nachos - and little other topping - it was an attempt to be different or gourmet I think but was so gross I couldn't eat it. I'll take some responsibility for wasting my money last night in that maybe we should have known it might be bad based on the hour, the crowd and ear-splitting music. But the Snake used to be awesome... RIP Old Snake! They should really take down the neon sign outside that says "the original" Rattlesnake.

    (1)

  • Marie W.

    Went for lunch there yesterday and ordered the special - Mint Scallop Tacos. When I bit into it, I felt a crunch (not pleasant). I had to send the food back. I was later informed by the waitress that it was the "foot" of the scallop that had not been removed, i.e. bone! I will say that they did take the taco off the bill, however, no manager or chef ever came over and apologized. I would never go back here again.

    (1)

  • Denise M.

    The rooftop deck is a good venue for the afterwork crowd looking to get out into a fun environment. Not so great for groups that want to arrive when you can. The good: roofdeck, decent drink menu and a wide range of good bar eats The not-so-good: the unnecessary separate line to get to the roofdeck (I waited in line by myself for a full five minutes, no one left, and then the line tender let me in, saying "its really just for show anyway"), and the price of the drinks - they really should lower the beers by a dollar each

    (3)

  • Ryan H.

    Very rude management. If the slow service, terrible food, and slow staff wasn't bad enough i had to deal with the rudest restaurant manager of all time. Steer clear of this place....id give it zero stars if that was a option.

    (1)

  • Danielle E.

    I went to Rattlesnake last Saturday night with a few girlfriends--I was very unimpressed. The staff was overwhelmed as though they had never seen a busy night, they had us standing outside as though this place was a posh city night club where they only let in the creme de la creme...Seriously? I can say that I probably wont be coming here unless this places comes under new management...

    (1)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : DJ
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Poe’s Kitchen At the Rattlesnake

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