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Name: East Coast Grill
Address: 1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA, 02139
Telephone: (617) 491-6568
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.93

East Coast Grill

1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA, 02139

(617) 491-6568
Store is closed

East Coast Grill Menu

Starters

Clam And Corn Chowder

Seared Tuna Taco

Fried Shrimp

Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels

Pork - Tuna Dumpling

Pan Roasted Chicken Livers

House Salad

Arugula Salad

Creole Style Whole Bbq Shrimp
Entrees

Steamed East Coast Snow Crab Legs

Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna

Seared Shrimp & New Bedford Scallops

Grilled Mahi Mahi

New England Style Fried Haddock

Black Pepper Grilled Hangar Steak

Hickory Smoked 1/2 Chicken

Vegetarian Platter
Ribs

Wet Bone

Hell Bone

Ghost Bone

Dry Rubbed Rib Bone

Babyback Ribs
Raw Bar

Island Creek Oyster

Guest Oyster (seasonal)

6 Asian Style Island Creek Oysters

Pat Woodbury Littleneck Clam

Wild Shrimp Cocktail

1/2 Chilled Lobster

Raw Bar Platter
Bbq Plates

Texas Style Sliced Brisket Sandwich

Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich

Dry Rubbed Ribs

Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork Platter

Texas Style Brisket Platter

Uncle Bud’s Bbq Trio Platter
Sides

Grilled Iggy’s Foccacia Bread

Watermelon

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Banana

Tidewater Coleslaw

Cornbread

Grilled Vegetables

Garlic Seared Greens

Baked Beans

Rice And Beans

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Fried Sweet Plantains

Fried Sweet Potatoes

Damn Good French Fries

Healthy Meal suggestions for East Coast Grill

Starters

Clam And Corn Chowder [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seared Tuna Taco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork - Tuna Dumpling [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Roasted Chicken Livers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arugula Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creole Style Whole Bbq Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Steamed East Coast Snow Crab Legs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seared Shrimp & New Bedford Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Mahi Mahi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

New England Style Fried Haddock [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Black Pepper Grilled Hangar Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hickory Smoked 1/2 Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetarian Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Ribs

Wet Bone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hell Bone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ghost Bone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dry Rubbed Rib Bone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Babyback Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Raw Bar

Island Creek Oyster [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guest Oyster (seasonal) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

6 Asian Style Island Creek Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pat Woodbury Littleneck Clam [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wild Shrimp Cocktail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Chilled Lobster [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raw Bar Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bbq Plates

Texas Style Sliced Brisket Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dry Rubbed Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Texas Style Brisket Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Uncle Bud’s Bbq Trio Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Grilled Iggy’s Foccacia Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Watermelon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Pineapple [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Banana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tidewater Coleslaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cornbread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Seared Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rice And Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mashed Sweet Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Sweet Plantains [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Sweet Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Damn Good French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Matthew K.

HIGHLY disappointed. Went here based on many good yelp reviews, but throughout dinner we were trying to understand how this place received such good reviews. Started with oysters and the soaked grilled focaccia bread with garlic. The bread was practically flavorless and somewhat burnt. The oysters were ok but several had small pieces of shell on the half shell, which kinda ruined it. Nothing like not being able to enjoy the oyster bc you are immediately trying to remove a shell from your mouth so you don't swallow it. For dinner I had the uncle platter with ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Nothing redeeming on this plate--ribs were extremely tough and fatty. The other meats were also tough and flavorless. My fiancÃ© had the scallops special with brussel spouts, all covered with an orange glaze. She said the brussel sprouts were cooked well but the orange glaze was overpowering and tasted very unsophisticated. The scallops were also not the jumbo sea scallops she was hoping for and that the server assured they would be. The only thing we really enjoyed was the beer. The local Cambridge pumpkin brew was good and they add sugar and cinnamon to the glass rim which was a nice touch. As for the vibe, it was casual and very loud. The kitchen is open to the dining room and the entire kitchen crew was constantly yelling. It was difficult to carry on a conversation. The wait staff was attentive, but overall, the prices did not match the quality of the food or the ambiance.
(2)
Veronica B.

Five stars for our awesome server and great food. 0 stars for who I found out is the manager. He spoke so rudely to my party that I doubt I will come back. Thankfully both the server and the kitchen recognized how we were treated and sent us out awesome and complimentary dishes.
(3)
Hilary G.

go here. when you're there, eat the food and drink the drinks. beware of hell night, it's hot. always worth the money. fun place, great food, great drinks. festive cocktail decorations.
(4)
Artem F.

Love this place! Especially the Bloody Mary bar, my favorite thing to get when I am here - has about 50,000 (rough estimate) different kinds of hot sauces, spice mixes, olives and what have you. It can be a challenge to get a table, this place is usually packed. Never tried reservations, but we've had good success getting seats at the bar. Love the decorations, the lighting and the overall feel of the place. Also, everyone who comes here seems incredibly friendly. This is my go-to place for Sunday brunch, actually I don't even think I've ever been here for dinner (and it seems from others' reviews brunch is where it's at for ECG). But seriously, when you're here, make sure to check the bloody Bloody Mary bar! You won't regret it!
(4)
Lucinda C.

I was here twice before and it was ok. My husband and I decided to give it a try again since it had been a while. It was awful.. I got grilled magi magi and the fish was bland, the fried plantains were soggy and the avocado was not even ripe. My husband got a BBQ plate and it looked and tasted a mess. It's frustrating to get a meal out that is expensive and bad. The staff was really attentive which was nice but the food was terrible. We will never go back.
(1)
Simon L.

When my friend first told me about this place, and I looked it up on line, I almost fell out of my chair. Two of my favorite foods under one roof - raw bar and BBQ. It's so good that I think my friends and I end up finding a way to eat here about once a month. We've been to Bob Marley Night, Hell Night two times, oyster shucking contests, and what else, I am sure there are others. I think I have had everything on the menu at this point. Last night, Sunday evening dinner for two, started with The Martini From Hell (Hell-tini) - the amazingly hot scotch bonnet infused vodka rates a 6 bombs on their hotness menu. The oysters are usually from Duxbury although they had some from Barnstable last night as well. The little neck clams are fresh and delicious. My lady friend had a couple oysters, a glass of white wine and the fish tacos - deep fried, served with a lemony vinaigrette and avocado. The fish was amazingly tender and the fresh greens added a perfect texture. I had tile fish, lightly seasoned and breaded served with braised spinach and mocci dumplings in a hoisin sriracha sauce. The fish was pan fried to buttery perfection, literally, since not only does the fish have a buttery like flavor quality, it is flaky and plump at the same time. First time ordering key lime pie here, served with whipped cream and mango raspberry drizzle. Awesome. In the past, I will note my favorites beginning with the inner beauty hot sauce dumped over a perfectly smoked rib. The hot wings from hell are killer. The whole rack of ribs, obviously, is flipping incredible. The steaks I've had are always cooked to tender perfection. Pulled pork served north Carolina style, brisket is juicy. I have yet to work up the courage to try their Bolognese from hell, I will, as long as they promise to have the antidote waiting and keep my belittlement a priority - if you order the antidote during hell night, you are serenaded by the entire staff to a rendition of "WIMP, WIMP, WIMP" just to make sure you know you failed- I have- and I didn't even have the bolognese that time. I am very jealous that I am not attending this week's Hell Night, I tried to get a spot but they have been sold out for a month as usual. I think east coast grill is my favorite restaurant of all time, hands down, no competition. It is always fun, the food is always spot on and the service is always excellent. Go here a lot.
(5)
Francisca W.

returned to the Yelp website and found a message sitting in my inbox for a month now. (i.e. they responded very quickly to my review!) turns out that "manager-looking guy" who checked on us toward the end of our meal, Robin Greenspan, wrote me a personal message addressing our less-than-satisfactory dining experience at his restaurant. he even invited us back for another visit with reservation, so he can make sure he'll be around so that we can feel safe and well-attended eating out with gluten allergy. for a restaurant that's THIS successful, he doesn't have to care, but he does. this simple gesture is enough to make me believe that this guy really DOES want his customers to go home happy, that he doesn't just take their money and run. i sincerely thank Robin for his dedication to his profession, and would recommend his restaurant for this very reason. applauds to you, Robin! note: for those out there who may have a food allergy, call up the restaurant and ask to speak with the manager, and make a reservation, so that you can dine safely and go home happy.
(4)
Kyle G.

Treme' (new orleans) style shrimp.with garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Outstanding. $13.
(4)
Eric F.

Though ECG is known primarily for its Hell Nights, the regular selection was still darn tasty. Made the trek out here with my bro and the place is totally laid back. We got to sit right by the kitchen and had a nice view of the action with whole roasted chickens turning away on the spit. We had a little of everything, save for the spicy concoctions. Starters came in the form of Ginger Tuna & Pork Sausage Dumplings and daily special Pan-Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Horseradish. Both had pleasantly unique flavor profiles with some surprises thrown in the mix. Namely, the meat mixture in the dumplings was unexpectedly resilient and the brussies gave me quite the hit of horseradish after each bite. It was like one light singe on the nasal passages after another. For mains, we went with some Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna and Uncle Bud's Trio Platter (dry rubbed pork sparerib, sliced beef brisket and shredded pork). I absolutely loved my tuna dish! The fish had a picturesque rare sear accented by a delicious pepper crust and this was one of the rare instances where every component was noteworthy. The aged soy sauce had a much milder, yet more complex flavor than its sodium-loaded cousin and the fresh wasabi was far superior to the fake variety one might find at 90% of sushi spots. Unfortunately, I don't have the same level of praise for the BBQ. It was average across the board - decent ribs, dry brisket, mediocre cornbread. Though lacking in texture, the shredded pork did have a nice kick to it. We split a Grilled Jamaican Banana Split for dessert and the use of mango ice cream from Christina's was a nice touch. It totally satisfied our sweet teeth and came at a steal at just $7. Overall, ECG's absolutely worth a try for the Hell Night and/or the seafood offerings (get that tuna!). I'd def consider coming back for brunch or some mouth-numbing spiciness, I'll just steer clear of the BBQ.
(4)
Nicole E.

Amazing!! We walked past here earlier today and I decided it was where we were going to go for dinner - and I'm so glad I did. We ordered an appetizer of oysters (delicious) and two seafood dishes (scallops and mahi mahi). Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. The service was friendly and the restaurant was really cool. I would gladly return and recommend this place to anyone in the area.
(5)
Kate G.

For my roommate's birthday, his girlfriend pulled together a surprise birthday brunch on a Saturday. Not only was the food phenomenal, but the staff was so friendly and absolutely fantastic. They set us up in a great private room, helped us keep everything a surprise, and even gave my roommate a birthday present! I will 100% be going back soon to hang out at their excellent bar and eat more of their delicious food. Thanks so much!
(5)
Brynn H.

Their Sunday brunch is awesome! They also have a raw bar and a good selection of drinks. They even went out of their way to provide my table with soy free bread and the chefs were aware of the allergy. Great for a big meal or a quick meal at the bar.
(5)
M K.

Had been wanting to try this place out for years and finally got the chance tonight. Major disappointment to say the least. They weren't busy because it was late on a Sunday night. Sat up at the bar. Ordered the buffalo shrimp app (not sure of cost) and a full rack of baby back ribs $32. You can't order half racks of ribs unfortunately. Also, good thing I asked what type of sauce came on the ribs. They told me it was the house sauce which changes frequently. Tonight it was blueberry and peach. Say what?!!! No thanks! So, I picked the mustard sauce from the menu. I'm waiting... The ribs come out and I look at the guy quizzically. He's like, you ordered ribs, right? I'm like um well I ordered something before those. They were about to take the ribs away but I just told them I'd keep them and to cancel my shrimp app. Manager (who was sitting a few seats down from me at the bar) came over and apologized for the kitchen screwing up. Anyway, ribs were luke warm, somewhat tough, and the mustard sauce was not wowing at all. I also got cole slaw for $5. It was bland. Went to pay the bill and the bartender said they took off the shrimp app. I'm like thinking um yeah you did considering it never came out before my ribs and I canceled it. Also didn't get wet naps until I asked for them. This experience was just sad and really expensive. SMH... On another note, check out the ice cream place a couple doors down. It's good.
(1)
Alex M.

Better for breakfast than for dinner. I don't know what they put in their eggs, but they're amazing!
(4)
Jacob B.

I've always liked this place. They have a great Hell night every-once in a while where they really kick up the spice so the professionals can test their limits. It's pretty fantastic. Not to brag but I ate the entire dish with the ghost peppers one time (that was rough) but they had stuff for wimps to. For their regular non hell night (which is most of the tim) their food is really good. But to me the real star attraction is their brunch. Everything was unbelievable and cooked perfect. I'm pretty sure they put crack in their eggs. I don't understand any other way to get them that good. Last time I was their I got the Banana Rellena which was a grilled banana stuffed with Smoked Pork covered is hot sauce! The pork was cooked perfect and the hot sauce actually had kick. What I'm trying to say is I like this place
(4)
CJ N.

Took the future in-laws here. We had a hellish night of the best kind. We started with Hell Bones (my lips are burning thinking of them now -- truly amazing and a one-of-a-kind experience.) I had the vegetarian platter. Don't be fooled that you'd get a slice of portabella and that's that. Nope - you get a PLATTER of a delicious garden of things. Everyone else at the table loved their food too. Great drinks, great experience, great service. What a cool place. This has become our go-to experience for visitors. We credit ourselves to becoming great tour guides for East Coast Grill. Thanks guys!
(5)
Dylan T.

If you come here early enough, you can get a table quickly, even on a day like Father's Day, according to my sister. My sis took me here along with her hubby, their baby, and my gf as one of their local favorite spots. They explained that their food is consistently very good...across the menu and on any given day. We ordered a lot of food... The Blue Tuna tacos were great. Apparently so great that I accidentally ate my gf's extra! Whoops, sorry babe, but in my defense, it was put on a plate directly in front of me...and you know how my auto-pilot kicks in. I should also note that we ordered 3 orders of the tacos...yum. The buffalo shrimp were also good, especially dressed in the bleu cheese. The jerk wing were also tasty, but if you have the INSANE hot sauce like we did, probably not as tasty since the heat has a delayed response, not unlike a time-delay grenade. It will make grown men cry. Even if you're a badass like Johnny Cash - and I only mention him because of "Burning Ring of Fire." After all that the gf and I shared the cod, which was fresh and had a great horseradish/mayo sauce on top. For dessert we split a banana split with mango ice cream...tasty! But I was way to full to really enjoy it. The food was definitely fresh here and solidly a cut above Summer Shack, which we also visited this past weekend. I can see why this is a favorite. The decor is super original and the wait staff is very friendly. I hope to try other things on the menu when we come back.
(4)
Jen S.

Sorely disappointed with this restaurant despite the positive reviews. Man vs Food, you have led us astray again. There was 4 of us and 3 out of the 4 got bland dishes. My beet salad was okay and the gumbo appetizer was so-so. Now I thought that maybe it was an off night but my husband had a good point that when 3 dishes are pretty poor, it is no fluke. At least the service was great.
(3)
Jessica D.

Excellent food from BBQ to seafood. Huge portions full of flavor. We had pork and ribs - great flavor sweet sauce (the Hell ribs (we had for app) were reeeaaaallllyyy HOT). Shrimp and grits were to die for - grits creamy and many shrimp. Prices are steep but plates are enormous - you won't finish! Great place, service subpar.
(4)
Alex B.

I had a disappointing first trip to ECG last week. Heard about it many times due to Hell night and also some colleagues who dig the seafood. The Thai pork belly appetizer was OK but boring. Not a ton of flavor as pork belly goes. Oysters were gigantic and fresh but tbh not my thing so its not factoring in here much other than I wasn't impressed w. the horseradish sauce. The big disappointment was the mahi-mahi. Blackened plantains were delicious but the beans and rice were lackluster and the skimpy portion of mahi-mahi didn't have much flavor. All in all not a great date place (the 70's aqua diner-type furniture and stark cafeteria lighting weren't much for ambience). I will probably give it one more shot and roll in with a bro to try some crazy hot stuff but so far I'm not impressed, especially for the price.
(2)
Brittany H.

I'm not sure how I originally felt about BBQ... but the menu also suggested seafood, so it was worth a shot.... The BBQ platter was OK... the pulled pork was a bit on the dry side... I believed it could have been more moist (as could have the corn bread). I tried one of their specials... cornmeal crusted cod.... with sweet potatoes and collard greens. The fish was fantastic, although the crust could have used a little more seasoning. I'm used to eating cod with some type of sauce, so this combination kind of threw me off the loop. The sweet potatoes were indeed sweet and probably what I enjoyed most. Sad, but true. Ended the meal with a chocolate torte... Whoever made my dessert put a little sad face on the whipped cream.... It was pretty funny. The torte was way too dense for me-- the fruit and ice cream definitely helped to lighten the texture. Overall, I wasn't too impressed.....although I didn't doubt the quality of freshness of the seafood here. We were there for quite some time (30 minutes after they closed) before we were politely kicked out. Service was fantastic....
(3)
Paulina L.

This review is almost solely based on the food quality. Our server, Robert, did a great job taking care of us, but unfortunately the execution of the dishes was not up to par. 1. The pickles were dry as if they had been sitting out for a while. Flacid, dry pickle. 2. Nothing to do with food- but there were multiple lag times in music playing which made it an awkward vibe only hearing the noise of the kitchen staff watching TV. 3. The cornbread might as well have been a crouton it was so dry and hard. 4. The ribs! My God the ribs! The meat had a "sitting in the danger zone for too long" flavor. It was tough, dry, overcooked, and anything but falling off the bone. 5. The beans that came with the ribs had a good flavor to them, but needed an extra minute or two of cook time to actually soften properly. 6. The crab legs were the mildly redeeming quality in the entree department, but they were mushy and overcooked. 7. The potatoes that came with the crab were not seasoned. 8. We were disappointed with the oysters, because not only were they gritty, but half of them were still attached and the meat was punctured from improper shucking. 9. Most of the lemons/limes served with our food and drinks were definitely cut days ago so they were dry and wrinkly. 10. The house margarita had so much salt you would think we were deer during hunting season....thankfully the water refills were frequent. On a positive note....the catfish tacos were tasty, the wine wasn't skunked, and the sauce on the ribs was pretty good. We went in really wanting to like this place, because we both live in the neighborhood and were looking for a new spot, but unfortunately were very disappointed and will not be back. The best part of the evening was when we went around the corner for dessert and a night cap.
(2)
R B.

East Coast Grill catered my sister's wedding earlier this month at CMAC, and the food was beyond amazing! The mains were the pulled pork tacos and the mahi mahi tacos, and they were both so delicious. Everything was served at the right temperature, cooked well, seasoned perfectly and so fresh! So many people went up to our family to express how good the food was, and not just "good for catered/wedding food" but good for any type of food! Cannot recommend ECG more highly!
(5)
David C.

I went to East Coast Grill a while back with my boyfriend for what turned out to be a thoroughly disappointing experience. Reading Yelp reviews and salivating at the online menu, I definitely came into this place with high hopes. It wasn't long after being seated in the back of the restaurant at a tiny table by the fire escape/utility closet (I can't exactly remember) that I knew our meal was going to disappoint us. Our waitress, who seemed to go AWOL half the night, started us off some pickled vegetables that were soaking in a trough out in plain sight. I wanted little to do with them after I realized they all tasted like celery, but my boyfriend liked them ok. The best thing we had all night were the Chile Crusted Black 'n Blue Tuna Tacos we had to start. The fish was flaky and perfect and accented nicely by a lime, avocado, and orange-chipotle glaze. For my meal I had the Grilled Spice Crusted Mahi Mahi, which was just meh. The flavors were a little boring, and the fish a bit dry. I enjoyed the grilled avocado, pineapple salsa, and fried plantains that came with it, but it's unfortunate that they had to upstage the main entree. My boyfriend got a white fish special that amounted to little more than an overpriced fish 'n chips. We got a couple of sides as well, but I can't for the life of me remember what they were. I guess that speaks to how much we enjoyed them. It's sad when a meal disappoints you as much as our meal at East Coast Grill. It's even sadder when that meal sets you back almost $90.
(2)
Gabi R.

I have been eating salads for a week after coming here :) Food: I got the North Carolina pulled pork, with a side of Carolina mustard sauce. The pork was juicy, sitting on a bed of sweet baked beans. The cornbread was soft and fresh out of the oven, and I enjoyed the nice touch that my steak knife was presented to me speared in my cornbread like the sword in the stone. Ambience: fun, loud, casual. We walked in, didn't have to wait for too long, got a comfortably sized table and then proceeded to go nuts ordering, eating and talking. Definitely a fun loving place where food is the priority (and is high quality) and presentation (though well-thought out) is not overcontrived or fancy... Service: very friendly and forthcoming. I dock a point here because it took then 30 minutes to bring out the entree. But once it came out, it was so, so worth the wait!
(3)
Howe L.

First, kudos to the incredible service. Our waitress was an older lady, who was soo sweet, I simply wanted to hug her. The staff was super attentive while we waited for a table, and just all-around, a smiling, happy atmosphere. Food was pretty good, though with some hits or misses. Our large plate of ribs were kind of cooked unevenly, one was juicy and pink - the other a little too dry and rough. Cornbread as well, was against my preference ( too hard and dry). I loved the pickles!! One of us also had an order of the pulled pork, which was described as watery. The mashed potatoes - i could taste the butter..haha. Average beer selection. Little pricey.And also, uncomfortable seats in a kind of castrophobic space.
(4)
Abishek D.

The best Eggs Benedict on Special for Sunday Brunch, I have ever Had!! Hands down . Chilled out place with Enthusiasm spread all around. Friend had an awesome Alicar Omelette. Mind blasting!! Folks who understand the context would know it :-)
(5)
Jessie H.

One of the best bloody marys, I have every had. I seek out a Bloody Mary bar whenever I travel and this was one of my favorites. Their spicy vodka was house made, along with their Bloody Mary mix, and pickled garnish. Not to mention you get little toy charms with each drink - this provided our table endless entertainment that morning. Food was amazing, as well. I had the pork stuffed banana. It was awesome, but they are not joking when they say it is spicy. The guac, corn bread (butter is delicious), and plantains were all amazing. The food comes straight off the grill and service was great. One person in our party was not a fan of the sauce that came on her eggs but everyone else really enjoyed their dishes. It is busy on the weekend so either arrive early or make reservations!
(5)
Elizabeth G.

Hell Night is worth doing once, for the experience. I don't know that it's actually worth coming for the food. The hype for this event has taken on a life of its own. I only got in thanks to a fellow Yelper who had some friends bow out of an 8-person reservation (thanks, Annette!). However, I did hear that despite the fact that it's completely impossible to get a reservation (think about when you used to call the radio station over and over to win those concert tickets, but all you got was a busy signal x100), you can simply show up as a walk-in and be seated without too much wait. This dinner was more physical challenge than gastronomical pleasure. Our group chatted jovially, getting to know new friends, until our food arrived and for 5-10 minutes after that. Once the heat started to set in, things got very silent. It was impossible to focus on anything besides the fact that our taste buds were on fire. Our group ordered a bunch of dishes to share. The menu items are rated according to number of fire bombs (indicating the heat level), but I didn't find these ratings very helpful. My gazpacho, which was one of the lowest-rated items, left my mouth burning so much that I couldn't taste anything from that point on. For main dishes, we had the catfish, ribs, and hanger steak. Some folks at our table who didn't finish the gazpacho (too hot) found the ribs (which were listed with way more fire bombs) to be delightfully edible (the best you can hope for at this event). I didn't try them (had stopped eating altogether by that point), but heard that they actually had flavors beyond pure heat. Strangely, the most tongue-blistering item out of the main dishes was the greens that came along on the side of one (perhaps because greens soak up so much water, and therefore flavor, while cooking). The steak was spicy on the outside but blander (a good thing, on Hell Night) on the inside. The sweet and plain (non-spicy) side dishes we ordered, plaintains and cornbread, were godsends. We did the meatball roulette, in which each person at the table gets a meatball, and everyone must participate, no abstentions allowed. The meatballs are relatively bland, except for one. Of course I got that one, and even though I ate with a fork and knife and started with just half the meatball just in case (probably technically against the rules), steam was still coming out of my ears. If you attend, you might want to bring a bandanna to wrap around your face. The fumes from the cooking Scotch bonnets and ghost chilis had all of us coughing. Has anyone suggested to the military that these might be used as a form of WMD?
(4)
Allison R.

East Coast Grill Review # 208: An early afternoon round of ClueÂ® The players.... Their weapons...... Mrs. White a make-your-own bloody mary paired w/ steak Colonel Mustard sweet potato fries with a seriously spicy sauce Miss Scarlet cornbread crusted french toast w/ a side of fruit Mr. Green house special scallops and a sangria Location: The lava room. ("real" volcano ftw) Our host for the evening, erm, early afternoon: a snappy young, self-proclaimed Steward of Brunch. Mrs. White was caught in the lobby enjoying her bloody mary, a combination of BM mix, tomato juice, a pepper-rimmed glass, and a few tufts of some spicy red pepper flakes. Colonel Mustard retired to the lounge, where he noshed on tasty sweet potato wedges, served with a seriously spicy yellow sauce that burned going down-- we were forewarned. The Colonel also enjoyed a free side of the hash browns (? or the closest thing)-- sauteed potatoes and onions in a delightfully smooth and mellow bath of seasoning. Miss Scarlet bit her nails in indecision in the hall as the cornbread crusted french toast triumphed over the southern-style breakfast combo of eggs, beans, salsa, plantains (!). All was washed down with a pulpy mimosa that left her feelin' groovy to face the sunny afternoon ahead. Mr. Green boldy commanded a sangria, sipped it thoughtfully, and chose to have his menu-special caliber scallops served to him in the conservatory. Seems our waiter missed the tab explaining the lounge to the conservatory was a mere jump across the board, but he and the manager apologized for any delay. We left unsure who had truly triumphed, but all left satiated, happy, and with a fuller wallet than expected, given the gluttonous circumstances.
(5)
Nick S.

I had wanted to try ECG for a while after eating some of their ribs at the Cambridge Rib fest in 2012. Unfortunately I left feeling extremely underwhelmed. We went on a Friday night around 7:30 and were seated promptly. The ambiance in there is pretty cool in the main area, with the raw bar directly to your left as you walk in. The server was very attentive at first but then we barely saw him the rest of the night. The food was fine, just nothing special. I had the fried haddock. The problem with this dish wasn't necessarily the fish; it had a light coating and was delicious with the tartar sauce. The two biggest issues were the portion and the plating. The portion was TINY. My buddy got a huge plate of brisket for 10$, while I got 6 bites of fish for 23$. The fish was placed on top of the fries, rendering 80% of them soggy by the time I ate them. The ones around the edge that weren't covered with hot food were great. Always annoying when you spend 35$ for food beer and tip and still leave hungry. My girlfriend got a couple of oysters, tuna tacos and a salad. The Island Creek oysters were great, but the tuna tacos were flavorless. I may try East Coast again in the future, but there are some very good restaurants in the area that I have enjoyed much better food at.
(3)
Brian D.

ECG has finally gotten some well-deserved attention in the last two years, winning Boston.com's Munch Madness in 2010 and 2011. East Coast Grill may be infamous for its Hell Nights, but their everyday menu is pretty stellar on its own. An eclectic mix of seafood and barbecue, ECG has something for everyone, although admittedly some things stand out more than others (when isn't this true). For starters, you MUST try the PEI Mussels, served in a broth of steamed coconut milk, chiles, and lime. Be sure to get some ciabatta on the side to dunk in the broth. These mussels stand up to just about any, and at $10.50 it's a great value. Recent they also had smoked chicken wings served in a Carolina mustard sauce as a special. These wings were out of this world. If they're on the menu when you dine at ECG, don't think twice, just order them! For main entrees, the barbecue is solid, but not award-winning. Uncle Bud's trio platter will give you a good taste of their memphis style dry-rubbed pork spareribs, beef brisket, and Eastern North Carolina shredded pork. ECG is probably more well-known for their fish, and the Mahi-Mahi is a standout. Its spice crust gives it just enough flavor without overpowering the fish. They've got a solid drink list as well, with unique craft beers (Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Smuttynose Old Brown Dog, Brew Free or Die IPA, Mama's Little Yella Pils, etc). What I love about this place is the character and service though. Everyone from the hosts to the servers are great with recommendations, and they'll every so often come over with something extra to try on the house. This place is a gem. Next time you're in Cambridge, go the extra mile (literally) to Inman Square and hit up East Coast Grill!
(4)
Nicole C.

LEGENDARY. There is something in ECG's food that induces a legitimate high. Perhaps it's the creeping, strong yet bearable burn of the Helltini. Or the Phuket ghost chili wings, with six bombshells illustrated next to them on the menu. Taste one, think "these aren't that bad," devour, then two minutes later you're desperately grabbing for your empty glass of water. They call 'em "ghost" chili for a reason, folks. Sidenote: Wikipedia's outline on ghost chili lists "uses" and under that, "as a weapon." Achtung! I had the snow crab special and it was the second best crab I've had in my life. #1 was Scoma's dungeness in San Francisco. Optimally fresh and perfectly cooked, easily grabbed from the shell. The corn on the cob that came with it was delicious, grilled and semi-sweet. They even make corn on the cob interesting. Well-played, ECG. Boyfriend got the pulled pork sandwich and was happy. He liked the Phuket ghost chili wings more than I did. The flavor was different and interesting, a trademark that will keep their patrons coming back to try more items on the menu. I made it through a whole meal without ordering their $5 glass of milk, and for that I feel accomplished. I don't know anybody who likes food spicier than me, but those ghost chili wings had me in pain for a little while! Ambiance is beautiful. Dark, glowing, eclectic decor. Waitress was chill. Not overbearing, not sucking up for tips by hovering over us, dealt with my boyfriend's difficult nature well enough, and didn't upcharge him on a substitution. Did everything we needed her to. We'll be back. I iterate: EPIC. We didn't even wait for a table. Maybe late dinner is the way to go?
(5)
H. G.

This was a restaurant I used to love back in the day when Inman Square didn't have very many food options. But as my tastes have evolved, I've come to realize that you can get much better BBQ elsewhere and much better seafood elsewhere too. I guess arguably you couldn't get a better combo elsewhere, but that's beside the point. So why four stars? I had to bump them up one star for Hell Night, which is just an all around fun atmosphere and experience. And suprisingly the food, probably because I couldn't feel my tongue, was better than on a normal night at ECG.
(4)
Thorsten H.

Well, I've only been here once, but based on that I'd try elsewhere before coming back. It wasn't particularly bad, but portion size was small, taste was just ok and given the expectations I had I was a bit underwhelmed.
(3)
Dorothy C.

Got the Vegetarian Platter & Uncle Bud's Trio Platter. Lots of food - way more than 3 of us could eat (well, 2 and a half of us). We all loved the BBQ, especially the ribs. Slaw was decent. Pit beans were not our favorite - smokey, spicy, not sweet, not meaty. The Vegetarian Platter was okay (it differs, depending on what they have available) - next time, we'll just get the garlic mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, & cornbread. Not so great: Rolled up mini-sandwiches of feta with lettuce were odd; garlic greens were decent; fair guacamole but nothing to eat it with (no chips); strangely salty noodles; interesting roasted avocado-half filled with corn-relish (again, nothing to eat it with...?). fried plantains were decent; mashed sweet potatoes only okay. meh roasted tomato. We don't eat here often enough to remember what we like, so that's partly why I've listed it out here - note to self: MASHED POTATOES, ROASTED SWEET POTATOES, BBQ TRIO, & maybe the garlic-grilled Iggy's bread.
(4)
A Z.

Well, there was a bit of a wait. First at the door, and then to get our food and the attention of a waiter, any waiter. I got some hot wings that were a special and he warned me that they were really hot. So I got the pork-stuffed banana, which he also said was really hot. The banana was so hot that the wings tasted like candy. The banana was also one of the more delicious things I've eaten in this life despite the flames that were probably blowing out of my mouth. And the wings were OK, but not great. I wish we'd gotten the bacon steak because our patron neighbors all got it and it looked delicous, like pork belly.
(4)
Brad B.

East Coast Grill is true gem. On a recent trip to Boston, I joined friends for Sunday Brunch. Even before I tasted the food I was truly blown away by the variety of options, the decor and the award winning Bloody Mary bar! The staff was fantastic and very knowledgeable. Looking around the room at the other diners I saw nothing but smiles and beautiful plates. I started with raw oysters which did not disappoint. I selected my main course from the specials menu. Brunch was fantastic! I highly recommend visiting this find-morning, noon and night! Don't forget to order the "Kitchen Beer Appreciation Special" to thank the kitchen for the fantastic fare!
(5)
Heath M.

This is a situation where I wish I could give half stars, because really it might not be fair to lump this place in with my other 2 star reviews, but on the other hand 3 stars seems a bit generous. So I'll go with the 3, but know that I'm not exactly emphatic about it. The meal started well enough; in fact, the appetizer course filled me with great expectations. The wet bone ribs were succulent, tasty and seemed to validate my choice of opting for BBQ for my main course (but more on that later). The Phucket wings are, in fact, very spicy. Since I love spicy food, I have to say, these wings were totally on point. But, a normal person might find them challenging. It's the type of spice that sneaks up on you. At first it seems just a bit zesty, and then the burn came 20 second later. By the time I was done with my 3 wings my lips were burning and continued to do so for the better part of an hour. And they turned such a becoming shade of pink. I loved them, but the non-capsaicinphiles were suffering. Despite the fact the apps were a win, the 3-way BBQ platter I ordered left me nonplussed. The brisket was all fat, the ribs were dull and uninspired and the pulled pork tasted vinegary without so much of nuance of interesting flavor. The presentation kind of sucked too. I don't know, I don't find a wedge of watermelon jammed into a bowl of coleslaw visually appealing. Also, the beans, the few that I managed to chase around the plate and get into my mouth, were just glopped onto the platter to roam free with the other food. The oversized cornbread though generously portioned, was dry and bland. Others at the table shared a similar opinion of their meal. Those who got the fish and chips were a bit off-put by the fact the skin was still on the fish. The fries, which boasted to be "damn good fries" were flaccid and limp, like they lost the will to live. Other observances: The service kind of lacked personality, the servers would drop the plates on the table and run like they were being chased by zombies and their lives depended on it. My iced tea lacked ice, kind of defeating the purpose. The margaritas weren't too great. Lastly, the scorpion bowl, though visually stunning, tasted like one of those 10-cent teenie drinks. So in the end, the East Coast Grill isn't awful. In fact, with just a bit more attention to detail, some minor refinements to the menu and a tweak of the recipes would seriously kick this place up a notch. But right now as it stands, I just don't get what the fuss is about.
(3)
Richard J.

The oysters were great. However, an acceptably good restaurant cannot serve main courses as disappointing as this one did: a jerk marinated black sea bass that was sickly sweet (on badly overcooked fish) instead of jerk, and crab legs so salty that they were abandoned half way through.
(2)
Andy D.

Appetizers (mussels) were delicious. However, I was underwhelmed by the mediocre entrees given the price point. Followed previous recommendations and ordered the special ribs but they lacked flavor and were tough to get of the bone. My brother got the mahi mahi and was also underwhelmed as the fish was seared to the point where you mainly tasted the burnt grill flavor moreso than the fish itself. 3/5 for quality of food in relation to the cost.
(3)
Anne W.

So I lied.. after getting so sick that I vomitted and could not drive home that night. I decided I was up for a challenge and went two more times to Hell Night. The last time being last night... So I will rate my experiences.. last night was second spiciest. The first time was the absolute worst.. and the time in between was the lamest (I think I had such bad memories in my mind I was really REALLY cautious). It's a fun time but it's a food challenge.. not a culinary experience. If you're seated in the room with the kitchen.. I guarantee you'll be coughing. It's like pepper spray being sprayed periodically throughout the night. There also is a board that lists how many people win against the newest challenge against the wings. You can only get a point of winning ("You") if one person finishes the entire plate. No points for a group effort.. plus, there is a form you sign now. I think they informed me of a lawsuit from the last time... Now they also have warnings on the tables saying that if you're not feeling well, you should tell the manager. Mwahahahhahah... come on.. you knew what you were getting yourself into when you walked through that door. Onto the food... we ordered these things: Wings of Ass Destruction - This is the replacement for the Pasta From Hell. It's spicy on the outside and skin of the wing.. I would not agree that this is hotter than the pasta. You can handle it. Ribs (Bones from Hell) in Appetizer - I thought this was way spicier than the Wings.. and we had this afterwards. I highly recommend ordering this.. washing your hands.. and not touching your eyes or nose! Clams - Meh.. what I expected. They are smaller than the littleneck clams. Nothing too special. Plantains - Yum! I actually thought these are one of the best ones I have ever had.. and I really don't like plantains. Cornbread - We got the regular but I have had the jalapeno. I like the crust but nothing too special. Shrimp with Heads - Not too bad.. it's spicy but I loved the size of the shrimp! Steak (Entree) - It was good.. I liked the tomato and sweet potato mash more than the steak. The chimichurri sauce was the spicy part.. and the steak was tender. I was so full at this point and even though I was splitting it with my friend.. couldn't eat more than one bite. All that with two drinks each.. ended up being about $50 per person. So it's not a cheap meal.. but the experience is fun everytime. Do go to Hell Week... I am not sure about going on a regular day...
(3)
Sarah T.

You might want to go here for a really expensive dinner with overcooked seafood and little flavor, where quantity is more important than quality, and the dishes are more focused on being outrageous than tasty. Wait, really?
(2)
Hilary S.

Do not eat here without ordering the Thai mussels with a side order of the grilled bread. Arguably the most delicious appetizer in Cambridge. Also, for people who like heat, try the painfully spicy wings. Eat them after your entree.
(5)
Jolene S.

Recently went for brunch: high marks on the ribs and cornbread with guava butter. Boo on the garlic seared greens. There seemed to be stones in it--really felt crunching in my mouth: either there's stuff from the grill/pan in there or these were not washed right--either is unacceptable. Table server was a bit apathetic but the other servers and the hostess were really nice. Mixed bag, but as long as you go for ribs/fried stuff (i.e. no greens) you should emerge happy.
(3)
Julie B.

Wow. I haven't had such a great meal in a while! I excitedly went to East Coast Grill last Sunday for dinner. We were sat right away at a nice little table in a quiet room in the restaurant. The atmosphere is very relaxed, but the service makes you feel like you're in an upscale 5 star restaurant. Our server came over right away with water and a bowl of vegetables (including pickles...I'm in heaven!!!). He gave us some recommendations and when I showed interest in ordering a new beer, immediately brought over a few samples for me to try. I went with Harpoon's seasonal pumpkin beer which was SO delicious. For my meal I ended up ordering the seared shrimp and scallops with ginger. It came with a side of garlic noodles and sesame chile spinach. Everything was amazing and I finished every bite. My date for the night ordered the grilled mahi mahi (which I was happy to try for the first time - I used to boycott the fish because I thought it was actually dolphin, not a dolphin-like fish hehe). The fish came with a variety of sides like fried plantains, grilled avocados, and some sort of rice-bean-salsa mixture. I wasn't crazy about the mahi mahi but he loved everything. Now to dessert. We shared what is my idea of the perfect dessert - a peanut butter chocolate pie with - wait for it - candied BACON! I needed a little convincing to order the bacon because I was afraid it would ruin my favorite sweet combo of PB-chocolate. I was seriously impressed. The bacon added an extra salty flavor that made the dessert really wonderful. Throughout dinner our server was friendly, attentive (but not at all in an annoying way) and kept our waters and bowl of veggies full. It was a really great dinner and I will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Saba N.

I cannot believe I haven't reviewed ECG before. This is the home of my first date with the bf! Shame on me. It's pretty awesome for many reasons. 1. the atmosphere is really fun, great for groups and great for dates! 2. Lots of variety on the menu - there's something for everyone. They have a great raw bar, actually the seafood in general is my favorite. 3. the bloody mary bar has tons of options (too many if you ask me), and seriously.. who doesn't love a bloody mary bar? 4. hell night - if you don't know what hell night is... well I don't want you reading my review anyway. Why the 3 stars? Well, the food has never blown me away. It's always good - but inconsistent. Yesterday, my bf's brunch (pork shoulder enchiladas) was out of this world whereas my take on steak and eggs was really not good at all. I mean... over cooked chewy steak w/ cold eggs and dried cornbread. Blech! I had some serious food envy. Maybe I should have him order for me because he seems to always get the right stuff? Anyway, I like coming here and will continue to do so. It's eclectic and quirky and perfectly Cambridge.
(3)
Elisabeth S.

I love this place! My husband and I have only been here for brunch so far. The "Create your own Bloody Mary" Bar is AHHHH-mazing! The Amilcar Omelet (avocao/black bean omelet) is always our go-to, but this weekend I ordered the shrimp & grits. When it came out, the portion looked small - which is NOT the norm here - but it was definitely enough. I loved that it wasn't your typical southern shrimp and grits, but more southwestern style - peppers, corn, onions, etc. I would certainly recommend trying brunch here sometime!
(5)
Tanya S.

Came here for afternoon oysters (Eat oysters, love longer) and drinks and was pleasantly surprised. A very relaxing Saturday afternoon spot. It's not loud, bartenders are friendly and some of their summer cocktails are SO GOOD! Especially the ones with real cherries.
(4)
Lauren F.

After visiting here at least 15 times, I think ECG has earned the title "Most Consistently Awesome." My most recent visit was for Breakfast for Dinner night. The hostess graciously helped me set up a reservation for 14--no, 17--no, 16--no, 14 people. Wow to the fried chicken with ham & cheese waffles. I will never hesitate bringing someone here because the food and service are always great.
(5)
Sarah K.

Have been pestering my husband to go here FOREVER, but we just never managed to get around to it. Finally was able to go w/ 3 good friends - totally my husband's loss! Thought we were going to have a 20+ minute wait, but then the hostess came and grabbed us from outside w/in a 5-min window - WIN! Instead of bread, they start you off with homemade pickles for snacking - it was a little cup of deliciousness, and I had to fight the urge to smack my friends' hands away and keep them all to myself. (That said, I don't think you could go wrong ordering a side of bread - the table next to us got some to go with their mussels, and it looked amazing. Think it was grilled garlic bread of some kind.) I ordered a margarita (the one made w/ OJ) - it was ok. Not awful, but lacking a little in the sweetness dept (for my preference, anway). Friends all seemed to enjoy their cocktails - no one vocalized any complaints, at least. Our waiter was excellent - when we went to order, my friend wanted to get the butternut soup; he wasn't sure if they was any left / thought there might be a serving or two so he literally RAN to check. Now...for the food...so, SO delicious. There were too many tasty-sounding things, so we all opted to order a few apps instead of a large entree. Tuna tacos were fresh and flavorful, good balance of spices. Also got the grilled peach - I believe it was a seasonal special, but I wish it would be available every time because it was insanely good. It was stuffed with REALLY good blue cheese (not too stank, just creamy and delicious) and drizzled with some sort of balsamic awesomeness. The bites that I stole from friends mussels, friend plantains and buffalo shrimp - also really good. Now just need to make it there for Hell Night...
(4)
Jennifer W.

I've eaten at East Coast Grill 2-6 times a year for 20 years and could always count on amazing food - fresh ingredients, interesting inventive combinations, consistent quality. Tonight's meal was a major disappointment. Classics such as the tuna taco and mussels were not the same dishes I've eaten for years. The mussels were always a dish of complex flavors and tonight they were mussels in hoisin sauce which was hard to get through for the gloppiness. The tuna was ok but, again, not the complex combination of flavors it's always been. There was one small square of avocado vs a major player. I'm sorry to say this was our last of many meals at East Coast Grill.
(2)
Chrysanthe P.

Three words: Bloody Mary Bar. My roommate had been raving to me about the glory of this bloody mary buffet for months and she was most certainly not kidding about it's splendor. They offer pretty much everything you could think of and more. Additionally, you can choose your alcohol, so if you prefer something other than vodka for your bloody (like gin, for example), East Coast Grill has got you covered. Now, getting a table here seems challenging and my friends and I were facing a 45 minute wait, so we opted to sit at the bar and eat, which was just as well because we were just a stone's throw from the bloody mar bar. This made round 2 that much easier. Anyways, onto the food: they have plenty of delicious looking options and, since I'm indecisive, I got a few small plates: the grilled avocado, fruit with chili & lime, and the garlic seared greens. All were delicious, but the greens were a standout. I love my leafy green vegetables and they certainly do them justice here. I also tried some sweet potatoes and plantains from my friend's order and those were tasty as well. The only thing we weren't impressed with was the cornbread, which was pretty dry. Overall, I think it's a good thing that Inman is sort of a pain to get to from my place because I would be here way too often on the weekends (for the bloody mary, if that wasn't already obvious).
(4)
Jennifer W.

Have heard good things about this place for quite some time, we were in the area so decided to give it a shot. Let me say that the food we had was good, the sangria was fine (a little weak and I actually don't think it's cute to receive plastic mermaids and monkeys in my drink at a place that charges $26 for shrimp and grits), and the service was fine (a little non existent really but nice enough) The reason I'm giving two stars is because it's probably the worst value for money I've ever experienced in the greater Boston area. I go to high end restaurants on a regular basis, so I'm not hesitant to pay for a good dining experience But...as mentioned above, $26 for shrimp and grits, equally expensive for a rack of mediocre ribs (the sauce was great but ribs were not tender at all, texture was like it had been pre-cooked and sitting out for a while). The decor, the service, the cleanliness of the bathroom, the noise level, everything just did not justify the price tag. I guess if you're rolling in money you wouldn't mind, but I'd rather take my dining dollars elsewhere.
(2)
Jonah K.

After growing up and being a huge ECG fan for years, I hadn't been in about 4 years after moving away 5 years ago. I figured it was worth coming back for some awesome fish. When I arrived I found out the menu had gone considerably more BBQ and less fish (plenty of seafood, but I am allergic to most of it). The ribs were very good, but my fish (tuna) was not all that great in terms of quality or preparation. The service was excellent, and the drinks were good, especially the margaritas. This place has slipped since the old days, hence 3 stars versus 4.
(3)
Rachel W.

I love the food here. Why? because it's fresh and delicious, that's why. I've been for lunch, brunch, and dinner, and all 3 times have been fantastic. Take a second look at the salad's and appetizers, once when I came, we ordered only small plates and were really impressed with the portions and quality. Also, the sweet potato salad is amazing.
(4)
Eli G.

Of course I've been here countless times over the years for a BBQ feast, but it's only recently that I discovered the heaven that they call brunch. While the food is an exceptional southern twist on traditional brunch fare, it is the make your own bloody mary bar that pushes ECG brunch over the top. I can't even begin to describe the options, but I think there are at least 50 ingredients and since its ECG they have a selection of hot sauces for any taste. Can't beat it for bloody's boyeee!
(5)
Wham S.

My wife and I have been hearing good things about this place for a couple years now, but we haven't made it over, until tonight. It's been a long time since we've been to a place where everyone ended happy. I mean, c'mon...someone always has one dish that's not that great, right? We all (four of us) LOVED our dishes. The service was outstanding, and while the prices were a little high, the food was very much worth it. Great wine, too. We'll definitely be back!
(5)
alejandro t.

This place is delicious. The Lava lounge comes equipped with its very own lava flowing volcano. My favorite dish is the Texas beef briskets. The BBQ sauce is almost as hot as the atmosphere. If you are close to Inman square or simply would like to delicious meet platters don't miss East Coast Grill.
(4)
Amy X.

3.5, but I guess it rounds up. Went on a BBQ binge craze a month back so there were some consecutive weeks where there were BBQ takeouts in the fridge nonstop.Tried their platter and the grilled veggies. The pulled pork was great, very flavorful, but the brisket was disappointing - actually not sure if they even gave us brisket!! Ribs were so so. Corn bread was average as well. Overall, I wouldn't make a trip here for their BBQ. The grilled veggies were great! Reason for the .5 star is that East Coast Grill hosts the annual Hell night where they come up with the most spicy dish ever! Last year, they had the lo mein, which was just insane spicy (and this is coming from a Szechuan girl who can out eat all friends, family, and coworkers in spicy food). They probably just poured an entire packet of ghost chili pepper into each serving! Took one bite and was dying. Took the bowl home to go, added lots of rice, noodles, and veggies, and it was okay spicy (or killer spicy, depending on the audience)! That was one fun night!
(4)
Devon H.

There are small cute, green giraffes on the Mimosas. The food itself was meh - particularly the steak and eggs was heavily over peppered on the steak & very chewy. Ie., the meat itself did not seem to be of of the best quality. The Mimosas, though surprisingly strong, seemed unrefined. Overall an okay spot (that would be 3-stars) with price-tag that drops it to two.
(2)
Amy B.

What a heartbreaker. I have eaten at ECG probably 10 times over the past 15 years, and every single time there I have had wonderful meal - apps ,drinks, entree - all, without exception, terrific. Until today. The menu has completely changed, and is now focused on fish and BBQ as opposed to the grilled meats. That's all good, I'm OK with changing up the menu, however, my expectations are that ECG means an ECG quality meal, regardless of the menu options. My first clue should have been the mostly empty parking lot. Then a 3/4 empty restaurant at 700 on a Saturday night. Something's changed....this place should be packed to the gills! As to the food, I got the BBQ trio. The ribs were tough and dry. The brisket was OK, but mostly just fat and not meat. The NC pulled pork - OMG! as a NC native, this wasn't even close. The cornbread was so dry that it almost turned to powder when you tried to eat it. In general, the food was mediocre at best and definately not what you expect for a $30 meal. The service was fine. All the waitstaff that we interacted with were friendly and helpful. No complaints there. I really hope the new crew can work out these issues and revive a once great restaurant.
(2)
D'steffano A.

I mean I was told this is the spot to eat, but all I had wuz oysters n some steak and two beers.. Dunno wut happen but it had a brotha sweatin bullets around 3am wit stomach pain. Also other peeps were havin stomach issues. Though the place could of been betta
(3)
Katherine H.

The food here is good and the staff is super nice! The guy who seated us was incredibly friendly. We were seated close to the kitchen, which was cool because it meant we could see the chefs in action. They also hooked us up with a free appetizer for no apparent reason other than to be nice and guarantee some happy appetizers. I got the BBQ trio and it was a TON of food. Personally I think I liked the brisket best, but really everything on the platter was good. My boyfriend got the thai shrimp and I would totally recommend that as well. It's kind of a weirdly diverse menu, but they really do all the dishes well!
(4)
Ashley C.

Randomly ate dinner here with a couple of friends. Food: The menu is very random, as it ranges from barbeque to oysters... I ended up ordering the pulled pork barbeque, which is a HUGE portion. I ended up taking the left overs to go and it was worth an extra two meals. The pulled pork could've been more flavorful, mainly because I didn't like the sauce (it was tangy) so I ate the meat as is (dry). The meat went well with the refried beans and the corn bread though! Service: It was okay. Nothing out of the ordinary, no complaints either. Wouldn't go out of my way to return here.
(3)
Rebecca H.

A little pricy for my taste, but the food and service was impeccable. Right when we entered, the staff was friendly and accommodating. We were seated right next to the open kitchen, and I couldn't help but drool watching all the food being cooked. It was also fun to watch as customers bought packs of PBR for the staff (which is an option on the menu). Food-wise, my friend and I ordered oysters, the creole shrimp, and snow crab to split. I kept wanting more after each dish was finished. I had also ordered a bone of rib, which was a much appreciated option instead of ordering a whole rack (although I probably could have finished that, too).
(4)
Becky R.

In town for work, and we were looking for a place on our last night that was quintessentially "boston seafood" (coming from a land-locked state, it was necessary to take advantage!)... unfortunately, it was impossible to get a reservation at any of the best places 9p, so we weren't sure what to do. Enter a coworker that lives locally in this neighborhood, and she suggested we try East Coast Grill. She assured us there was plenty of seafood, among other options, so we threw caution to the wind and made a reservation. We were seated promptly at 7:15 on a Thursday night with 6 people. The restaurant is definitely a little tight, but we were not uncomfortable. Definitely a low-key kind of place, with an open kitchen featuring cooks slamming PBRs (seriously, the menu says you can "buy the kitchen a 6-pack"). So there was some built-in entertainment value there, too. We started with mussels (raw and steamed), and people seemed to enjoy them. I tried one of each and while I'm not generally a fan, these were pretty good. A few of us also got the clam and corn chowder. I was really looking forward to it based on the Yelp reviews, but I have to say it was just good, not great. There were huge chunks of food in it and the broth was on the thin side. Also, it was served in a one of those wide, shallow soup bowls, which made for a strange presentation - just giant chunks sitting there surrounded by thin broth. A deeper soup bowl would have been nicer. Since I needed to order seafood, I decided on the Mahi Mahi. It was a beautiful piece of fish and so yummy... once I added a little salt. There was virtually no seasoning at all, but a little sprinkle of salt brought all the flavors out nicely. All the accompaniments were good too - grilled avocado w/ a little pineapple salsa (amazing!), rice and beans (pretty good), and fried plantains (solid). Other people in my party ordered the crab legs and pulled pork platter and enjoyed them. For dessert, we had a Key Lime pie and Chocolate Pecan pie - both were so delicious, you could practically feel yourself gaining weight as you ate. Worth it, though. All in all, a solid last night. I enjoyed myself, but I also wasn't paying (thank you company card!) - I do think it seemed a little expensive overall and I would be a little more choosy next time if I were paying myself.
(4)
Mrs. G.

Loved this place. I can't wait to go back. We ordered oysters that were delicious as well as the buffalo shrimp. The buffalo shrimp were awesome and very spicy! For dinner we shared a rack of ribs and ordered sides. Everything was flavorful and yummy. The waiter was also really nice and helpful when we had a hard time choosing what to order. The atmosphere is very casual.
(5)
Kim A.

I really enjoy this place!! The food is good, service is friendly and attentive, and it had a fun atmosphere. I only gave it 4 stars because there are some dishes that I just don't love and normally I'm not a fan of their rice (I am Supah picky when it comes to my rice). They can get really busy and parking can get dicey so get here early or make a reservation!! We bring many of our out of town friends here and they love it!! Don't forget to order beer for the kitchen!!!!
(4)
Brian D.

Very disappointed with my evening last night at east coast grill. This place had been on my radar for a while, one of the few spots I had yet to hit and it really missed last night. The redeeming 3 star review were mostly from the fun staff and drink menus. Anyplace that has $3 PBR tall boys I can be a fan of. But unfortunately, my food experience was very sub-par. We had some guests out of town visiting and we as a table were a little disappointed with the food. I didn't really get any of the BBQ and so maybe next time I come, I will dig into that. We'll see...
(3)
Sharon K.

Visited Boston about 2 months ago and ate here with a friend. We both loved it! Really good food and really good service! Our waitress was really nice. She recommended dishes based on popularity and her own favorites. We decided to get a clam chowder (a must in Boston!), Texas Style Brisket Platter, and Steamed Snow Crab Legs.. all so delicious!!! Not the best in Boston or Cambridge but it was still really delicious!!
(4)
Joey M.

Build your own bloody mary bar. Legen-Dary. Its pricey but its worth it. They must have 15 different types of hot sauce, and the same number of accouterments. Now coming in "large" size which is quite large. The food is also solid. I am veggie, so I can't comment on most of the menu, but the sauces are really well done. Its pricey but you know... treat yo self.
(4)
Lindsay M.

YESSSSS. Seafood and BBQ...what could be better?! This place is the best! Nestled in Inman square is where you will find this unique place. Great for big or small groups. I surprised my mother for her 60th birthday here a couple days ago. I just will start off by saying they have the freshest seafood!! We got the Raw Bar Platter and the Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels for starters. The Raw Bar Platter was out of this world. So fresh, and there were chopped up pieces of raw tuna in the middle that we were told (I believe by the manage) to put the chopped up pieces on top of the oysters and drizzle a little of the light vinaigrette over it....MIND BLOWN!!! I don't even like oysters but that right there! So good! The shrimp were literally the size of my fist and super juicy and tender. The mussels were in this coconut milk sauce that was crazy good. We dipped grilled foccacia bread into the broth...I'm getting hungry just typing this! I just have to reiterate the freshness of the seafood, it really tasted like they had just caught them! Our entrees consisted of: Grilled Mahi Mahi: succulent grilled mahi mahi, cooked to perfection, spicy rice and beans and lightly fried plantains East Coast Grill Shrimp & Grits: perfectly cooked, not too grainy, not too mushy! my dad was infatuated with it ;) Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna: my mother's dish was awesome, she loved every bit! she ate all the ginger and said the tuna was cooked perfectly! Uncle Bud's BBQ Trio Platter: my brother didn't say one word....you know what that means! I'd recommend this spot to anyone, it isn't cheap, but the food is more than worth it :)
(5)
King Eat J.

Hello I'm street eating legend King Eat, and today I'll be reviewing East Coast Grill in Cambridge!! FOLLOW UP! Went to east coast and had dinner there for the first time in a few years, and I'm starting to think they're going a little downhill. #LindseyVonn I hit up a hell night which is their spicy food menu they do a few times a year. I ordered the hell bone to start with which is just a rib bone. $6! For a rib?! That's pricey! I could get a burger and fries at places that aren't called McDonalds or Burger King for $6. I may be biased because I like my ribs dry rubbed, and falling off the bone tender. This was slathered in BBQ sauce, and rubbery. It taste alright, but a little too hard to chew, especially for a $6 rib. For my entree I ordered the Pepper Seared Jumbo Shrimp (Shrimp with Trinidad chile BBQ sauce, sweet potatoes n' turnips, candied bacon on a bed of grits). Ok. Flashback to about 4 or 5 years ago at East Coast Grill; when you ordered the shrimp they were no lie the biggest shrimp ever. We thought they were prawns they were so big. You needed a steak knife to cut into those crustaceans (exaggerating). Present time: The shrimp I got were normal size (which is fine), but why are you calling them jumbo on the menu? If these were jumbo shrimp, then they must serve the regular shrimp in a thimble (exaggerating). Maybe they ran out of the jumbo so they picked something up down the street? The meal was pretty good but was it worth $29? Probably not. So my meal after tip came to $45 without a drink. Waitstaff are great as usual, and really nice people who all seem generally happy, and that happy hell night atmosphere still remains. Lot of yelling, smiling faces. people running around; always exciting. East Coast is kind of at a disadvantage. They were amazing years ago, and now they're just good. It's hard to be graded highly when we know what you're capable of. When you were once Michael Jordan, it's hard to see you playing like Doug Christie and act like you're doing a great job. Between the rubber rib, the "jumbo" shrimp, and removing not 1, but my 2 favorite dishes from the brunch menu on my previous visit. I think I may be all set with East Coast. At least they still have the Scotch Bonet sausage right......right? King Eat
(3)
Peter G.

Unbelievably noisy impossible to have a conversation. I have a sound levell meter in my iphone that read 85 dB. Deafening. Plus loud music over speakers. Food only so - so. Volume of food too great; quality too little. Not going back.
(1)
Sasha N.

Food is good, and the portions are pretty decent, but everything is about $10 overpriced for what it is.
(3)
Notsonormal F.

Wow, all these years here and I've never been before. I chose East Coast Grill for a Brunch date today. The date was OK, no love connection but I fell in love with the food. Too bad our waiter Sam had a wedding band on because he was soo cute I was more into him than my date.
(5)
Hope C.

This review is for New Years Day "Hangover Brunch" I should preface by saying that im very spoiled by the CT NY brunch of good food and bottomless drinks, but i knew that wasn't allowed in MA so i settled for what i thought would be just good food. First of all, for a "hangover brunch" there were tons of little kids there, it felt more like a diner. The drinks were priced insanely $12 for a bloody or a Mimosa? Just 1?!! we settled for some sodas and beers and headed to the buffet. The line was long and ran into the bathroom area. Once we arrived at the food nothing was labeled. It was merely a guessing game. A decent selection of very bland food that you could probably find at your local home town buffet. No one in our group got up for a second helping. at more that $35 a person out the door it was my first regret 2015.
(2)
Dave P.

This is an authentic neighborhood establishment with great food. I had the scallops and shrimp with vodka sauce over angel hair. It was outstanding and the shrimp were a very special part of the meal. They were sweet and flavorful, unlike the frozen tasteless version we are so used to experiencing. I can't wait for the opportunity to visit Cambridge and eat here again! My only criticism is that the wine pours were a little stingy, given the featured selections and price (give me a full glass please when you are pouring Chateau St. Michelle for $10 a glass!).
(4)
Cristina R.

What do you get when you combine vodka, tomato juice, at least 3 different salsas, horseradish, BBQ sauce, picked cauliflower, celery, capers and brussel sprouts? No, not a salad for alcoholics. It's the most delicious Bloody Mary every to grace this earth, prepared by yours truly at ECG's Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar. What a way to start the day! $9 for a small and $11 for a large BM. Trust me, man. Get the upgrade. It's a hefty pour of the strong stuff, and then you can go to town, mixing and sampling from the cornucopia of spicy, pickled offerings on the bar. There was about half an hour's wait for 2 on Sunday around 11:30, and the entrance was pretty cramped with others waiting for tables, servers squeezing past with plates, and people in line waiting to mix their Marys. Not gonna lie, I might've gone back to the BM bar a few times to refill my glass. Consider it a boozy appetizer! Once seated, I went with Amilcar's omelet, which came out quickly (thank god!) and was very tasty with a well-seasoned filling of black beans and two spicy sauces on the side. The chunks of guava paste were a sweet, unexpected touch that I really enjoyed. I wish there were more! Everything on the regular brunch menu as well as the specials sound interesting and yummy. The vodka in my empty stomach may have contributed to this feeling just a bit, but I'll definitely be back to craft another crazy concoction and spice up my brunch routine.
(4)
Dakota C.

What a memorable meal and such attentive staff! The clam and corn chowder is a must, like nothing I've ever had. Definitely try the raw oysters. We had the grilled peaches with bleu cheese special - so impressive. Pork dumplings had such intense flavor, better than most Asian restaurants. We were treated to ribs with a delicious unique sauce. Thank you for the experience, East Coast Grill
(5)
Tiffany B.

This is a great place for pescetarians, basic carnivores, & herbivores alike - can't forget to mention a great place for hard liquor enthusiasts. Not very many beers on tap, but lots of wine. Service: We reserved a table for 8:30 PM, but they ran behind about 20 minutes. Waitress was very kind, but also poor at fulfilling simple requests such as a side of hot sauce or bringing out that beer we ordered. All-in-all, everyone was nice, even the busboy, but it's definitely not the best service...such a shame too because this place is NOT by any means $$, it's definitely $$$. Y'all cray. Prices: Like I mentioned before, this place is NOT $$, it's most definitely $$$. The cheapest entrÃ©e is $21, yes, even the vegetarian platter is $21. I don't really think it's justifiable to pay $21 for a plate of seasonal vegetables that they grilled in some oil. Their sides are also expensive. For example, a side of watermelon (aka one slice) is $4. Fries? $6. Rice & beans? $6. Most of their sides are around $4-6. The little neck clams increased in price from $1.55 to $1.75 & when you look at it, you think, "hey it's $1.75, not bad," but when you seriously think about it, it's $1.75 for one clam that costs so much less than that. I felt robbed & I only ordered 3. Oysters? HAHAHA. Half a dozen for $15-16!!!! INSANE. I hope they bred these oysters in salted Evian water because $16 for less than a dozen oysters is really expensive. The four of us walked away with $50 less in our bank accounts. Food: I had the shrimp & grits, which had a great consistency, creaminess, & a good amount of shrimps. Was it worth $28? Definitely not, but was it delicious? Yes, still not worth $28. Would've rather gotten 3 sushi rolls out of that realistically, but the food was very palatable. A plate of pickled cucumber & carrots hits the table as our complimentary starter. I love pickled things so this made me happy. Portions were huge. The snow crab legs my friend got were really large & laid atop a bed of corn on the cob. Josh G. got a huge platter of pulled pork while our other friend got that trio platter. $5 per bone is pretty outrageous, but meat shouldn't be cheap, so here's hoping that their meat is farm raised, local, free-range, & not fed with corn because ... if you're going to charge that much for meat, it better be some quality meat! The little neck clams I got were little. Served raw, they tasted great with the sauces they brought out, but I don't think that they're worth $1.75 each. I've had two giant oysters for $2.75 before & that to me, is a good price! The food is delicious, just don't look at the bill. Environment: They got down that seafood & grill theme down! Definitely feels like a collision of both worlds: land & sea. The atmosphere is really casual, also pretty loud. The songs they blasted were Top 40s from the early 2000s - ah, nostalgia. I'm coming back here for that Bloody Mary Brunch, but I'd skip dinner because I don't make enough money for it.
(4)
V V.

It was a bit pricey, but the food was great. It's not a high end looking place. I had the Kansas ribs, which were great. I had 2 wings of the spicy wing appetizers. Oh man, I was dying. It took about 10 mins for my tongue and lips to get back to normal. I was in the bathroom in the early next morn. Good stuff!
(4)
Julia D.

I finally made it for HELL NIGHT!!! The decor was super fun as was the service. I sat at the raw bar and chatted up the Oyster slayer for most of my time there. Cute and friendly, can't complain! I was nervous when my WAVER WORTHY CHILI arrived because of what happened to my neighbor moments before... The guy next to me came in talking trash and dug into said CHILI FROM HELL like a beast. (Now mind you, we have to sign a waver for this DISH) and within 30 s he'd eaten half.... Within a minute he was HEADED TO THE BATHROOM!!! He came back a bit later looking TERRIBLE, whispered something to his date and ran to the car. She promptly paid and they were OUT OF THERE!!! ahahahh Ok, now back to me... sitting at the bar and feeling a lot less courageous than moments before Here's what I ordered: Hot Oysters, ( 3 stars, very nice but not necessarily hot) Hell Bone (5 stars, this hit me with a nice slow burn. The meat was tender and the sauce was on point. Would def get again) THE CHILLI FROM HELL!!!! This was VERY VERY HOT!!! I ate about half and stopped not due to the heat, more due to the taste... it just didn't taste good. Now I'm not sure if it was due to the heat level (ie you can't have flavor at that HOTTNESS, or just a meh recipe, I will make my final decision when I attend my 2nd Hell night) Would def be back, maybe avoiding the Chili and eating more of those yummy HELL BONES!!! An awesome night overall. East Coast Grill is slowly moving up in the ranks.
(3)
Brendan T.

This place is nothing less than an American Classic. I will admit that the quality is perhaps slipped just a bit since the beloved and revered founder parted ways some years back, and many of the core staff from the era have moved on as well. However there are some veterans of the Golden Era still helming the place and some of the classics are delicious as ever. Namely; The Buffalo Shrimp, still consistently delicious and the best I've encountered anywhere. Mussel's with the Grilled bread in a Carribean curry sauce. Non-traditional New England Clam Chowder made with sweet potatoes that still ranks among the metros' best. Anything from the raw bar. If you want to go nuts throw down a couple of suicidal hell bones. Or go to brunch and build your own bloody mary with a selection of some thousand different types of hot sauce. The fun and infectious spirit that has been with the place since its inception is still alive and well. The decor hasn't changed at all and I am not sure it ever should. It is still currently unacceptable to pass thru greater Boston and not make at least one visit here.
(4)
Jordan D.

Been here twice and both times were money. Whether coming here for a date or just to kick it, chill and eat/drink with buds, East Coast is always a great choice. I'm the type of dude where once I'm done eating and drinking my dranks, I'm itching to go or check out another place, but I really can just post up here for hours, enjoy the vibe and chill. Just a quick run down of the stuff I tried: -Hell/Ghost bone: Will rip your face off if you're not use to super hot food *raises hand* -Seared tuna tacos: Perfectly. Seared. Tuna. Need to know anything else? -Buffalo shrimp: Probably one of the best shrimp dishes I've ever had. Ever. -Foccacia with roasted garlic: Think bread and butter, but on steroids. A must with any meal. -Drinks: Big fan of the Notch pilsner on tap, great whiskey/bourbon selection too You're just stupid if you hanging around Inman and don't stop here for a meal/drink. Getting a table is tough most of the time, but I actually prefer hanging at the bar. The bartenders are a riot!
(4)
Bethann M.

O.M.G. I cannot remember the last time I had as good a meal in a restaurant as this one. We do not eat out a lot, but I am quite a good cook, and this was beyond my expectations. I wanted fish, but I just could not deal with all of the mishegas at Legal's, and I've had some disappointing meals there lately. Long story short, I ended up ordering the fried haddock, basically fish and chips. The haddock was remarkable -- light, toothsome, sweet, tender -- I'm getting all drooly just thinking about it and its astonishing freshness. It came with a curried remoulade, which I thought would be kind of overwrought, but it wasn't. I alternated bites with the remoulade and with malted vinegar. I made rude "When Harry Met Sally" noises.The cole slaw was fresh and tasty. We got side dishes for my food-picky young son -- fried plantains, grilled corn. He ate so many plantains he got a stomachache! He just smiled and stuffed his face. The hubby got a BBQ platter, which he thought was divine. And, since I haven't had them in a while, we had grits. Buttermilk grits. They were insane. Flavorful and salty and creamy. I had to physically restrain myself from eating more of them, because I would have gotten sick, since I ate all of the haddock. The grits should come with a pair of handcuffs, so that after you have had several bites, you can handcuff yourself to some immovable object, so that you don't gobble them down until you are sick. Plus, I was saving room for dessert. I had heard about the desserts, but I was still amazed and delighted by the warm chocolate pecan pie. It had so many complex and delicious flavors, I found myself smelling each bite before I ate it. Toasted pecan flavor, dark-chocolate pudding/cake/mousse flavor for the filling, slightly echoing the just-slightly-burnt flavor of the caramel, contrasting with the vanilla ice cream and the plain heavy whipped cream. Again, I made inappropriate noises. Again, I held back, so that the hubby could have half. I read some people complaining about the noise level at the East Coast Grill, but I found it festive. Alright, I'm going to stop now, and clean the drool off of my keyboard. 1) Best fish since eating cod in a shack just across the street from the wharf in Gloucester, six years ago. 2) I'm never going to Legal's again. Why bother? 3) East Coast Grill take reservations through Open Table.
(5)
Robert D.

I have been coming to east coast grill since it opened in 1985. It is my favorite place to eat in the English speaking world. I can not think of a place I like better in the non English speaking world.
(5)
Richard K.

Whoah, great food, great spirit and ambience, and great hosts! We wanted a table for 2, then we added another friend. The hosts were totally flexible about the number of people and what time we showed up. Then in exchange for moving our table after our main course, our amazing hosts offered us free desert and beverages. Awesome! Thank you, East Coast Grill!
(5)
Karen L.

I have been here twice. I had a completely dairy free Yucatan breakfast platter both times. I was happy both times. With an allergy, I often can get nothing more interesting than the standard eggs n bacon. Showing up shortly after they opened scored us a good seat. But when I suggested this place, I suppose I gapped entirely that this place offers no dairy-free milk option to go with coffee. I felt like East Coast Grill, in that moment, wholly failed -- how many people want non dairy milk?? More than you'd think, maybe. I wonder if someone there is just too stubborn to stock it or if they found a small tetra pack went bad before it was used. I settled for a juice but I was sad/mad/feeling like I might start into serious caffeine withdrawal and hulk smash something. But then something magic happened. Melissa asked if I had a dairy allergy and is that why I wanted the soy milk, then she offered a bit of her own stash that she brought into work. Above and beyond, m'lady! You won the day, you made me happy, you turned an experience that felt frustrating into absolute gold. I hope East Coast Grill stocks some dairy free milk/creamer/whatever (it's so disappointing to have to bring my own, I rarely remember), and knows that Melissa is really awesome. I almost rated 3 stars. I mean the place will not be stopped. But the act of writing about a server who personally went out of her way to make me happy raised this review to 4. Singlehandedly.
(4)
Ali M.

I came here for Valentine's Day with my boyfriend. It was a snowy mess outside so thankfully we had reservations on the early side. Their V-day menu was very limited, but they definitely had something to offer anyone. We started with 1/2 dozen oyster topped with scallop ceviche and capers, they were out of this world. The cheviche was a perfect topping and the capers always give everything a great taste. For dinner my bf ordered a leg of lamb and I went for the piece of salmon (ordered it more on the well-done side). The lamb came with whipped cauliflower (one of my fav sides), and my salmon came with purple potatoes and cabbage. Both meals were delicious, and the purple potatoes add a fun twist! I can't wait to come back here for dinner and see what they have for their day-to-day menu! Also--- the little creatures that come on top of the beers are so fun!
(5)
Jordan B.

So my friend told me to build my own bloody mary, which was why I came here. Worth the price. After all, who wouldn't want to build their own bloody Mary, right? We could all use a drink. The staff here is excellent, I have a high expectation for serve staffs and they were very attentive, friendly and quick. Even though they were busy. I love seafood so this place was great - especially the raw bar platter. It was very fresh, got great oysters too. Got some little neck clams too. They were raw and paired perfectly with this sauce they got. Not to mention that the interior of this place is all about the seafood vibe. However, if you're looking for something cheap, this might not be your best choice. If you're a seafood lover, do swing by.
(4)
Katherine M.

The atmosphere was cool. The crab legs were overcooked and way over seasoned. It came with a biscuit entirely covered in seasoning salt... Yuck.
(3)
Nina S.

I came here for a corporate celebration so unfortunately I couldn't take as many pics as I would have liked. For the tl;dr version: drinks were meh, appetizers were awesome! Bbq entrees meh and the staff here are really nice and accommodating, and very attentive. The drinks aren't that strong, with the exception of the tranquillo cocktail which is just rum infused with pineapple and vanilla bean, but it wasn't the best tasting cocktail. Also tried the raspberry lime Rickey which was more like soda, and the flaming volcano you could barely taste alcohol. It was mostly sugary. The appetizers were really good though! Fried plantain with curry dipping sauce was a nice combination of flavors, as was the crispy pork with mint. The fried shrimp had a nice glaze and were perfectly cooked. The show stealer was the mussels and grilled foccachia bread. The mussels were in this coconut milk and hoisin sauce which when eaten with the bread was amazing. The scallops had too much dry rub on them and were a little under cooked. And the wet bones were really wet (pork ribs) I think it would have been better without as much sauce. Most of us were too full to eat our entrees cause the appetizers were so plentiful and then the entrees were so big. I got the uncle buds trio and unfortunately did not like most of it. It comes with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, Cole slaw, cornbread, and a slice of watermelon. The ribs again would have been better with just dry rub cause the sauce was not adding anything but unwanted sweetness. Brisket was much too rubbery, needed to be slow cooked for longer, and the pulled pork was really dry. Corn bread was ok, and I would have eaten the watermelon but it had Cole slaw all over it since it was sitting on top of it so it wasn't looking too hot. Other people tried the mahi and also weren't impressed. The steak seemed to be the best option at our table. For dessert we had the guava sorbet which was really light and refreshing. I can't say I'd come again for the bbq, but maybe for brunch or something since the staff and owner were really great and it's a fun little spot to hang out.
(3)
Jiaqian X.

Servers and bartenders there are very cool! The food is tasty. I will recommend the clam chowder. It is creamy.
(4)
Ricky D.

The staff was great, the atmosphere ecclectic and fun. The food was mostly good although the home oysters were not nearly as plump and meaty as we'd hoped, rather they were sort of watery and macerated... Other than that the salmon was good and so were the grits with shrimp and sausage. Thanks for a nice nite out!
(4)
Olivia S.

Giant portion sizes!!! Come here extremely hungry. The BBQ selection was delicious! Had brisket, ribs and pulled pork. The sauce was spicy, but worked really well with the meat. Service was nothing special, kind of slow, but there is worse out there.
(4)
Sue Z.

We came here in April with a Groupon and it was a good value, but I don't think I'd pay the regular price for it. Thankfully they seem to always have a Groupon up. The steak was really juicy and tender, the chicken not so much (maybe it was just that one day). The side dishes bar was not very large, but the food was good. They have fresh fruit too. The ice cream is included in the all you can eat price. Bottom line: would come back with another Groupon
(4)
Lisa Y.

This place deserves to be packed on a Saturday night! Our table of 6 was seated about 15 minutes past our reservation time, but that was fine. We ordered family style, and it was awesome. We started out with a mussel in curry broth. Our server suggested that we order a side of bread to soak up the broth, and it was indeed the right thing to do. We also ordered a buffalo shrimp, which was delicious, but a hair spicy. So for those who really like that authentic spicy buffalo sauce, this is for you. Our table split a rack of spare ribs with Kansas BBQ sauce. And believe me, at the end of the night, there was no rib to spare. It was perfectly smoked and the sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Our fatasses also ordered 1.5 lbs of crablegs. We're not sure what's in their butter, but it was like nectar of the gods. We also ordered a side of grilled sweet potatoes and something else. But they were inhaled before I can even remember seeing them. The menu said that we could only pay 2 cards per table, and that there's an automatic service charge with tables of 6 or more. Neither of that was true. Our server was really great and hooked us up. I'd totes come back here for the ribs... mmmm...
(5)
Joe H.

First time around Boston and was looking for a good place to eat and came across this walking down the street, walked in and instantly loved the atmosphere, it was just a little restaurant, nothing fancy, but the BBQ Trio was incredible. I'm from Texas and this place could have easily beaten out some BBQ places from back home. Incredible place and would strongly recommend to others to give it a shot.
(5)
Stephanie B.

This place really knows how to cook a rib. Several varieties on a regular basis, and more offered on special occasions like Hell Night. No matter when you go I highly recommend you make reservations. Hell night is an absolutely amazing time. I have done it twice and both times left completely satisfied. That usually have an extensive menu, so if you want to try several dishes, be prepared to spend a lot of money. On this particular night, they are unable to accommodate food allergies so beware. The menu will also vary on each occasion. You can see the menu on their website, but in my experience they have not offered everything that they listed there. They have also done wing night which is just fabulous! They really get creative with their flavors. Instead of bread they serve you pickled vegetables, they make a delicious cornbread, but sell it in individual pieces which is so upsetting. The crab legs are good, but I've definitely had better. Just a great bar to chill, party, and eat messy food.
(4)
Jow O.

-1 star for overall dining experience -1 star for value This place is LOUD, like all caps, loud. I guess that's part of the experience. Seating is small and crammed. The open kitchen concept and all the yelling (intentional) is what brings the noise db's
(3)
George B.

The ribs are just awesome. Just order the trio (Texas style, Kansas style, pulled) and the baby back. Damn Good French Fries are -- as the name implies -- damn good. My boyfriend, who lives in Singapore, told me that was the best meal he's had in the U.S. so far.
(5)
Robert M.

A short wait with a Harpoon IPA at the bar was followed by an appealing appetizer of steamed mussels in a coconut-based broth, well-accompanied by some garlic bread. The seared tuna tacos were fine but not as special. The highlight of the meal were the scallops, delightfully fresh, seared on the outside, and sweet and juicy on the inside. Ordering a 6 pack of PBR for the kitchen was a good way to see it up close and to seemingly delight the staff. Food ***** Service **** Atmosphere ****
(4)
Ed S.

Unfreakingbelievable. Great atmosphere, outstanding food. The seared tuna tacos were outstanding, and the Prince Edward Island mussels....they certainly didn't give up their live in vain! For main course, I had the grilled mahi and my friend had a scallop special; best mahi I've ever had, and the scallops were memorably excellent too. We also bought a 6 pack of PBR for the thirsty and hardworking kitchen crew. They were most appreciative: singing and chanting our praises while we basked in our own glory. Great meal and a great night.
(5)
Amy C.

The only thing you have to know about is the bloody mary bar at Sunday brunch. They bring you a glass of vodka and you get to fill up on all their delicious, house-pickled veggies, spices, hot sauces, and toppings - seriously amazing. The pickled veggies are standouts and I probably eat way too many of them with my bloody mary before my food even arrives. The Amilcar's Omelet is the only thing I've ever ordered for brunch because it's so good I can't bring myself to order anything else. I've only eaten dinner here once and got the pulled pork platter, which was delicious. Little pricey, but everyone I was with thoroughly enjoyed their meal and we agreed it was worth the money. Oh, and buy the kitchen a 6-pack (it's not on the menu), they've most definitely earned it!
(5)
Elizabeth W.

My friend and I went here for lunch. He got the catfish po'boy with mac and cheese and coleslaw as sides. I got the pork belly sandwich with sweet potato salad and watermelon as sides. The food was good. The sandwiches were a decent size, and the fish was big and there was a lot of pork belly on the sandwich. The sides were quite small (except for the large slice of watermelon), but overall it was more than enough food. I definitely would eat here again.
(4)
Aboud Y.

Just hosted a dinner event with work colleagues at the "Lava Lounge." Everything was outstanding...particularly the service (both the wait staff and management were stellar). I highly recommend the Lounge for a group of ~20 people...it worked out great. The food, as always, did not disappoint. Officially love this place now!
(5)
Cameron P.

I'm kinda torn about this one. I think I would go more for a 3.5 than a 4. Came here on Saturday 3/8. Waited about 20 minutes. Was seated at the table right behind the host's podium/station. Asked if they made mocktails (good bars will do this no problem) and was told that they could but it would take a while and "not usually." Just stuck with water. The menu concept is pretty cool, barbeque and seafood with some fusion items thrown in. They're supposedly know for their spice and have things like Ghost Pepper and Hell Ribs. I ordered the Mahi Mahi and a Hell Rib (you can order single ribs for $5) which is supposedly hotter than the Ghost Pepper rib. The sauce on the Hell Ribs is made in house. It was hot, certainly more than spicy, definitely not for amateurs, but it wasn't too bad especially if you're a seasoned hothead. I was over the burn in about 3 minutes. They also have dry rub ribs which I inquired about. They supposedly put sauce on the which kinda defeats the dry rub purpose. My friend ordered the pulled pork. The Mahi Mahi came with a sort of jambalaya beads and rice side, some fried bananas (not true plantains), and a mango salsa made and served in a mostly hollowed out avocado. Overall it was good. Nothing incredibly spectacular for the price point (Mahi Mahi was $28). My friend has no complaints about the pulled pork which came with cornbread (awesome), watermelon, and coleslaw. This cost $21. There was no barbeque sauce readily available (other than vinegar, which I guess works if you're doing Carolina style BBQ). I found that kind of odd given that they were so enthusiastic about the house made hot sauce. The environment is pretty awesome, loud, exciting, a lot happening, but not oppressive. Our seat was in a bad spot though because it was right at the corner of where servers rounded the corner from the bar side to the kitchen. I was bumped into hard about 12 times. Look for my pictures. I'll be back.
(4)
Vicki G.

We are from Michigan. Yelp didn't steer us wrong. This place is awesome. James the owner rocks and the food is big and bold! Totally had a great time.
(5)
Bert A.

We never actually got to eat here. The one star is for the chaos at the front desk and terrible customer service attitude. We didn't have a reservation and were told there'd be a wait. That's fine. We asked about sitting at the bar when seats opens up and were told no, they were for a party with a reservation. That's fine too. Then another party showed up without a reservation and were seated at the bar. I asked and was told everyone who's been seated had a reservation and the bar was first come first serve. I pointed out they'd told us we couldn't sit at the bar and got a lame attempt at a blatant lie. Then, as we were leaving, the host followed us out to tell us we were wrong. Really??? If you have nothing to do and don't mind wasting time being jacked around at the whim of the host, knock yourselves out.
(1)
Cindi W.

I had high hopes for good barbecue....but I can't say I walked away a fan. Service was slow and disorganized, even when things slowed down it took s while to get a refill on a drink from a charming but not too attentive waitress who had to be flagged down. Raw bar food was fine. The bbq dinners were heavy on the sauce. Once sauce was basically hoisin with wayyyyyy too much ginger as near as we could tell. The tuna taco was ok but nothing to write home about, I think I'm still tasting whatever they crusted it with :-x. The brisket was mushy, and the cornbread was one step away from crouton., and more sugar than corn. Sweet potatoes were good as were the beans. There's gotta be good barbecue out there somewhere....in the meantime I gotta get this taste out of my mouth.
(3)
Griffith G.

Last night we took friends, with two children, here for dinner. I wish I could rate the food and service separately because the service was fantastic... Four or five stars! Our waitress was attentive and the staff was friendly. more about the service later. I ordered the pulled pork, my partner ordered a combo platter that contained pulled pork, brisket and ribs. Each was served with a side of beans (which I passed on since I really don't like beans,) cole slaw and cornbread. The slaw was fine, but the corn bread was hard as a rock, and my pulled pork was just not good. Taste is subjective, I did not love the vinegar taste, but the texture was awful, dry and tough. Back to the awesome service. One of the wait staff noticed I was not eating the pork, I explained that I just did not like it, and the manager came right over and took the meal off our bill and asked on there was anything else he could do. I was fine, I had eaten some fries and a half dozen oysters, so I was kind of full. Our waitress then brought over two ribs for me an again apologized. (A very thoughtful gesture, but I don't like BBQ ribs...) I was really impressed by how wonderfully they handled the situation. I just wish the pulled pork had been moist and tender! :(
(3)
Beth S.

Love the grilled corn. We eat here for that alone. But soft shell crab, ribs and shrimp and grits is also awesome. Been coming here for 30 years and don't see stopping any time soon.
(5)
Bryan Z.

East Coast Grill was so good. My girlfriend and I went last night and we want to immediately go back. Let me take you through the play-by-play. Driving to Inman Square on a Saturday night at 7, I was convinced that I would not find a spot but oh wait, ECG has it's own parking lot across the street for only $5. We park and walk in and I'm stunned by the ambiance. The walls are covered with old ship remains and beach pictures. All railings and floors give you that boat dock feel. We get seated in about 2 minutes and immediately order a delicious bottle of wine. The wine selection is not huge but I am not a wine snob at all so it was perfect for me. Finally look at the menu for food. We ordered Asian oysters, muscles, and a 14 oz sirloin steak. The oysters had the perfect amount of spice and the muscles were steamed to perfection. The steak was brought out to us just as we finished our appetizers and it was HUGE. Everything was so good and I highly recommend going. Enjoy!!
(5)
Clinton B.

Decided to try brunch. Ended up waiting 20 minutes for shrimp and grits that were okay, but not worth the wait.
(3)
Mary R.

Brunch is delicious. Two friends and I arrived about 15 minutes before they opened, which was an excellent idea, so we were at the head of the line, which does start developing quickly. The service was attentive, but our main meals took what seemed like forever to arrive. Really not a big deal though, as the place is clearly instantly busy for Sunday brunch and the food is totally worth waiting for. I had the breakfast platter and the plantains are to die for! I'm still thinking about them -- so, so yummy. We didn't try any of the alcoholic drinks, but they all sound great. I've been one other time for dinner -- and the place was equally packed. We sat at the bar and the food was also great that night, but really I have to say brunch is by far my favorite.
(5)
Yola K.

This is my favorite restaurant of all time! For my birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion I love to come here. I love everything about this place. My favorite is the mussels appetizer with coconut milk. I always rave about this when I invite newcomers to come along. IT IS THE BEST. Don't forget to ask for the roasted garlic with bread to dip in the mussel juice. What the hell.. just dip your spoon in and act like it's soup. Also the ahi tuna taco app is also my favorite. It's just so delish. I want to eat here every day. If I could, I would give this place 10 stars. I LOVE YOU ECG!
(5)
Tyler C.

I would say, looking at the data, this place is a bit overpriced for what you get in terms of food, drinks, etc. Yet, I do like this place - bright, cheerful colors, spicy, inventive flavors, lively brunch in both menu and atmosphere, and a decent plate of BBQ. As a result, I ended up coming here fairly regularly...
(4)
Mark M.

Very nice sweet, peppery tuna. Gaspacho was banging good. Mahi mahi. Good. Perfect cooked, loved the plantains. Kinda loud, well very loud so go with friends that don't mind yelling... most of mine don't. Will be back for Hell Night. One of the few to-do's I have yet to check off.
(4)
Haley T.

I love this place. BBQ, seafood, spice and...veggies? While I can't vouch for the meat or seafood, which my various dining companions have told me is fresh and tasty... They have the best veggie plate I've had in the greater Boston area. A dish of everything vegetable and delicious. From seaweed salad to collard greens, rice and beans, fried plantains...and more. They offer it with dairy or without, for less restrictive vegetarians. It's huge, and proof vegetables (and fruit, I suppose) can be a meal on it's own. One of the other reasons I will keep coming back here is the Hell Martini. I'm a major spice fiend, and that thing is almost too hot for me! Spicy food is supposed to be good for you, right? I'm hoping those benefits will even out the damage I inflict to my liver. Bring on Hell Week! The atmosphere is fun, busy and the service is friendly. It's a little loud but not overly so, and you'll always feel welcome.
(5)
Lisa Q.

My boyfriend and I, silly hotheads with loads of vacation hours and a passion for consuming hellfire, have participated in East Coast Grill's Hell Night festivities multiple times now even though we live 6+ hours away, and we always have a blast. Last night being the most recent visit, was no exception. Huge thanks to the chef, staff, Dr. Pepper, and the glorious chilies that made the night such a special treat for us. I'm sure ECG is a lovely restaurant the other 350-odd nights of the year, but I wouldn't know about that: this review concerns only Hell Night dinners. First off, make your reservation in ADVANCE. You're free to dress up in novelty chili shirts, sashay in dressed as a devil, sport ties with dancing peppers, heck, even paint your face and stick leaves in your hair(?). The staff does this and more, the 'centerpiece' of the staff being Dr Pepper, the night's mascot, dispensing wisdom and release forms while decked out in any number of wild get-ups. Everyone is jazzed up, grinning widely, and terribly excited to be there; there's no need for discretion or prudence or shame. (That is, unless you order "The Antidote". Then you will be shamed) Be prepared to have your neighboring table stare at your dishes with wonderment, just as you will be staring right back at theirs. Invariably conversations pop up between groups of strangers, all bound together by the giddy joy that comes from scorching your bowels with outlandishly hawt peppers. Some random tips: Appetizers always seem to be hotter than the entrees, and the bomb scale isn't necessarily on-target. I've had a 3 bomb appetizer that was hotter than a 6 or 7 bomb entree. Everything is delicious, though...last night I had Folsom Prison Chili as an appetizer and a Cajun swordfish dish as an entree. The chili was scrumptious and rich (and spicy!) and my swordfish perfectly grilled...PERFECTLY! It was one of the best fish-dishes I've ever had. The only dish that does -not- taste good is the dreaded Pasta From Hell. In fact, I think they undercook it on purpose so that you have to...chew...it a little, making the pain all the more excruciating. It's essentially like trying to eat undercooked pasta topped with molten lava. I do not recommend it at all, in fact, it might ruin your night ;-) However, I highly recommend Hell Night to all. We'll certainly be back!
(5)
Gaby S.

My fiancÃ© and I were excited to try a BBQ place in Cambridge, unfortunately we were very disappointed. The baby back ribs were so burnt it felt like I was eating ashes. His fish was similarly burnt. To make matters worse each entre was $25. However, the waitress was very nice and the ambiance of the place was fun. The side dishes were good (corn bread and plantains) and the oysters were pretty good giving this place two starts.
(2)
D H.

So the clam chowder's great ....IF ...you actually wanted Bacon Chowder. It was really delicious but, honestly, clams have a delicate taste and should not be messed with by throwing in the over bearing bacon. I still really liked the bacon Chowder but would have loved the Clam Chowder better. The fish and chips were good. Really nice tarter sauce. However, the fries were dry. It's grease and starch and salt, guys. How do you mess that up!? I'm only taking the time to write this review because I just had the fries at Barking Crab and I was reminded how a fries really should be. At the crab they were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle and delicious! At the Grill, they were just dry and had no soul. Maybe they were made earlier that afternoon. Wait staff was excellent. Really liked our waitress. Very nice slightly older lady.
(3)
Andy M.

If loving Hell night is wrong, I don't want to be right. My fiance and I traveled almost 1,000 miles for Hell Night and it was everything that we hoped that it would be. Let's start with the interior. The Staff at the East Coast Grill went all out for Hell Night. It was half restaurant, half Haunted House. Our server was awesome. He took the time to take us through all of the items on the Hell Night Menu and tell us what to expect. The food was amazing. Let's start out with the mildest of the items. The Chile from hell: It was cooked in a wonderful black bean sauce, with generous helpings of steak and a spice that had my mouth on fire. Wings from hell: These may have been the best Chicken Wings that I have ever tasted. Were they hot? Hell yes they were, but they were also delicious. They are cooked in a honey, pepper sauce that was wonderful, but also had the roof of my mouth on fire to the point of being numb. Pasta from hell: This stuff is insane. The staff makes you sign a waiver, and with good reason. This stuff could wake the dead. When you order the Pasta from hell, you instantly become a side show. The staff, and other diners anxiously await your reaction to your first bite. There were at least ten people that ordered the Pasta from hell and the reaction varied from person to person. I saw people in pain, crying, sweating and stooped over in agony. I was only brave enough to take two bites of this dish of evilness. The first one felt like it was burning my mouth on the inside and outside. The second one had me crying like a spinster watching the Bridges of Madison county. But my brave fiance came to the rescue. She took on the Pasta from hell and kicked it's evil ass. Yes, there were tears, and yes, there was pain, but she braved it all to beat the Pasta from Hell. The bottom line is this. Hell night at the East Coast Grill is a wonderful experience. Not only is the staff top notch, but they really seem to love what they do. Dr. Pepper is a wonderful guy who really makes the Hell Night faithful feel at home. I can't wait to go back ,not only for the wings, but for the wonderful people who make the East Coast Grill a special place.
(5)
Frank Q.

Total disappointment!!! BBQ was very dry. Fish tastes like cloth. Chicken liver was bitter. Never go back.
(1)
Charlie M.

These guys are super troopers. Their food is great. The drinks well done. But being open on Friday night during blizzard Nemo when we needed a place to eat close to home makes East Coast Grill AWESOME!!!
(5)
Sean G.

the idea that the kitchen staff is allowed to scream and bang around pots and pans might seem like it would create a lively atmosphere - but it really just made for a cacophony that ruined what otherwise might have been a good meal. It seems self indulgent and unnecessary to operate a kitchen in that manner.
(2)
Kate S.

I've been here about 4 times....3 times for dinner 1 time for brunch. The PLANTAINS ARE SO GOOD!!!!!!!!! SO GOOD! THE MAHI MAHI is cooked so perfectly. This is my favorite restaurant in Cambridge (better than Hungry Mother and Oleana) Just go--the food is SOOOOOO GOOOOOD!
(5)
Jennifer S.

sorry but i think this place is so overrated. I have been there countless times and have never had anything particularly memorable. Some of the appetizers like the pot stickers and the lamb ribs are good but the main seafood dishes are nothing special. And i hate to say this because they are known for their raw bar but i have had at least three oysters on three separate occasions that were off. swear to god...i love raw oysters and have tried them throughout boston and the cape and this place always seems to have one out of 1/2 dozen that is "sparkling". the best thing about this place is their super strong caipirinhas. and if you do find a sparkling oyster you'll definitely want one to chase it down with. p.s. those sweet pickled string beans and stuff on the table are gross.
(2)
William R.

So how do you rate a place where 2 of the entrees are excellent, one was badly cooked and the server spilled 2 of the drinks and the drinks seemed to be missing a secret ingredient, alcohol. I gave it 3 for the following reasons. The two entrees that were excellent were the Tuna and the seared scallops and shrimp. Although the size of the tuna could have been a little larger than 4-5 ounces. The entree that was terrible were their specialty, baby bake ribs. They were overcooked and this resulted in the outside portions of the ribs being tough like rawhide. Any of the flavoring was lost in the overcooking. The portion was very large so you got a decent portion of edible pork. The real problem was the drinks. Two of the drinks were served straight up and the waiter spilled both of them not once but twice. he did clean up the mess on the table. One of these drinks was the big gulp margarita advertized as 16 oz but it was served in a 8 oz martini glass. No wonder it spilled. Also two of the drinks contained very little alcohol based on 3 independent tastings. The earlier reviews that led me to the place were very generous in their ratings.
(3)
Elizabeth K.

Visiting Boston for the weekend & didn't really do my homework on where to eat. Relied on google/bostonchefs.com & this place got great reviews. It was really just okay. Kind of a beachy/cheesy atmosphere. Food was sub-par. Would not go back.
(2)
Aimee C.

I'd hear good things about East Coast Grill, especially the much buzzed make-your-own Bloody brunches (which I'll be back for). But rare are the times when a restaurant meets the high expectations you set for it - but such was my Saturday night at ECG. It was unpretentious, fun and downright delicious. And I'm not just saying that because I had one of the Flaming Volcano drinks. We started with the raw bar platter, a gorgeous presentation with fresher than fresh flavors. The standouts: the Asian-style prepared oysters and stone crab claws that needed no accompaniment. The raw bar was an easy choice, considered when we walked in at 9pm the bartenders were still enthusiastically shucking away. We each ordered a margarita, mine the night's special (muddled blackberry) and my date's, the Magnificent marg. Magnificent indeed, and we are both margarita snobs. We then ordered the barbeque trio with brisket, ribs and pulled pork. The pulled pork + ribs were perfection, with a solid cornbread and cole slaw accompaniment. (The brisket, was a bit tough - perhaps next time I'd just go for the pulled pork). With the trio, we attempted the Erupting, Flaming Volcano drink which "Serves 2 . . . very potent . . . limit 2 per couple." There you have it. I'll be back.
(5)
Catherine K.

I have a love hate relationship with this place. I love the food but it is always such an adventure trying to eat here. They do not take reservations and parking in Inman is impossible. Aside from the logistical aspects of trying to eat here, once you are in it is worth it. The restaurant has such a killer atmosphere and the food is nothing you will get in the city. The seafood is fresh, the barbeque is well seasoned, and the side dishes are yummy. My only warning is to avoid ordering the super hot barbeque rib. I love hot foods but this rib was too hot even for me. I literally had to stop eating for over 10 minutes until my taste buds could recover. It was the kind of hot where your taste buds keep salivating in attempts to recover.
(4)
Mary G.

Food: 3 stars Bloody Mary bar: 4 stars Novelty, thy name is East Coast Grill. Servers are chill. Decor is Tiki. Menu items are refreshing. The "DIY Bloody Mary" bar is quite a fun affair, with some pretty tasty ingredients and helpful recipes of the day. Restraint is hard to practice when they make their own pickles, and you happen to love all things sour and preserved. Alas, there are no little side plates, and if it doesn't fit in your cup you can't bring it back to your table. My friend and I shared the Amilcar's Omelette and the Breakfast Platter "in the style of the Yucatan." Portions were generous, the plate filled to the brim, content was unremarkable. The omelet was the typical American omelet affair, well cooked (re:rubbery) eggs, overstuffed (that would be the good part) with some unevenly distributed ingredients of tasty virtue. The eggs of the breakfast platter were, on the other hand, kind of undercooked and runny. It all balances out, ya? Still, we were satisfied in the sort of way two big plates of comforting food will leave you. Seeing the dishes other people ordered I would certainly be open to coming back to try different menu offerings, but I wouldn't personally be orchestrating such a return.
(3)
Erika G.

This review is for East Coast Grills "Hell Night" and if you are a fan of spicy foods it is a MUST. Only held about 3 times a year.. Hell Night is not just a meal... it is an experience. The restaurant is completely transformed with chili pepper christmas lights and other decorations- the waiters are all dressed up with masks and a man dressed as a giant chili pepper is walking around the restaurant. Every seat is packed with crazy spice cravers. Everything on the menu is rated on a scale of "bombs" ie. how spicy a dish is. The chefs pride themselves on finding the most unique spicy peppers and sneaking them into otherwise unassuming dishes. Spicy Swordfish with corn salad- so spicy each bite requires a minute to cool off and even the side salad has hidden spicy peppers that look JUST LIKE corn mixed in so that there is no escape from the fire in your mouth. Milk is ten dollars a glass- not a joke, but as a hint- coleslaw is only 3 dollars and might save your life. ps. don't even bother ordering pasta from hell- it is a bit of a joke and you are absolutely insane if you are able to take more than 2 bites.
(5)
Al A.

I'm pissed. Pay attention to the god damn food! On 2 different occassions, the salt control sucked. The most vexing was the over-salting of the clam chowder soup. Not only was it ridiculously salty but it is soup! Taste the damn food! Don't make me ask your cook to taste it.
(2)
Claudia H.

Good. Solid. Food. I love this place because it's so versatile. Comfort food? Check (love the mac and cheese side dish). First date restaurant? Check. A little more of a special event with excellent seafood? Check! I've had both the BBQ and the seafood and am a fan of both. Blackened mahi mahi was great, ribs, beef.... I could go on. One downer though is that the parking in Inman can be tough especially during the weekend. Worth the parking hassle though.
(5)
R C.

Neon lights, seafood and BBQ. That's what East Coast Grill offers. I've been to ECG more than a dozen times - but only for dinner. I always try to order at least one new thing each time I go. But it isn't the selection of food that brings me to ECG. And I'm not an oyster / clam lover so I don't eat at the raw bar. In fact, the only thing that I LOVE about ECG is their mussels. They're heavenly. Cooked in a coconut milk broth (get the grilled bread for dipping), the PEI mussels are succulent - almost crying out for you to chow them down... 'Eat me, eat me' I hear echoing out of their shells. And so I do. The grilled bread (smothered in butter) is perfect for soaking up all that delicious coconut milk broth. Of course, I can't complain about the excellent pickles served at the beginning of the meal, and the corn bread is nice too. But to be honest, I haven't really had an entree here that I've enjoyed. All the entrees I've had are just average - not bad, but not great either. Their ribs aren't bad, but if I want BBQ I'll go to Red Bones. And don't even get me started on their 'Hell Night' (all heat, little flavor - I like my spicy food as much as the next guy, but I should at least be able to taste the food). For me, I think I'll keep going to ECG just for their mussels. I'll close my eyes, and enjoy hearing that faint 'eat me' as I pop another mussel into my mouth.
(3)
Curt W.

So we have not been here in a few years and decided to re-try them. The menu looks pricier then we recalled, but, in the end it was worth it. The good: Our waitress. She was spot-on with service and friendliness and checked in on us but did not hover. The food. We all did seafood, and MUCH TO OUR JOY the 'staples' are still on the menu: Pepper Crusted Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and the Shrimp/Scallop with Noodles ALL WERE EXCELLENT. You cannot go wrong with any of these dishes. Tack on a side of garlic mashed and like I did with my Tuna, wash it down with a couple Pumpkin Ales, and you are set for the night! The East Coast Cooler is also a killer drink! The wait, for which there was none. We went at 8:30 on a Saturday expecting to wait a while for a table but they seated us right away. Probably smart on our part to hit it slightly after peak dinner time. The bad: The burly raw bar guy who delivered our appetizer, which was screwed up. We ordered multiple shrimp and 1 crableg, and we got the reverse. We politely mentioned this to him and asked for a plate of what we ordered instead. IT WAS NOT OUR FAULT, and he acted like a dick. He returned, dropped the new place on the table, and left without saying sorry or anything. Plus, the one crabclaw was the smallest of the bunch we saw a minute prior. Lucky for him though, the shrimp were delicious. The conclusion: They deliver on a great overall meal! The four of us had 2 drinks each, a plate of raw bar, entrees, and 2 desserts and with tip, it was 60 bucks each. Not bad for a celebratory night! Skip the raw bar or at least hope and pray you don't get the business from the lumpy, grumpy dude.
(4)
Renee B.

I can not believe I have never reviewed this place before as it is one of our favorites. We went last night again, sat at the bar, and had outstanding service (as usual) and fabulous food. The place is fun, the people seem to love working there and really take care of their customers. The spice and flavoring of the food turns tuna tacos from something you have anywhere to a flavor bonanza. I love their chicken livers, when they brought me them last night the waiter suggested making sure I had the perfect bite..a little of the bacon greens, the chicken livers with the sauce and the onion strings on top all in one bite. He was right..it is the perfect flavor sensation. If you haven't been here, you should go. If you are brave, sit at the bar as those guys work hard to bring you an amazing experience and make a hell of a cocktail.
(5)
michael s.

the mahi mahi is a godamned gift from above. beans & rice, chutney + avocado, every damn thing. plus they're really f-ing friendly, and they bent over backward when i told them about some food allergies i have. eat here. what are you waiting for?
(4)
Bruce B.

Very good new england style seafood with a modern flare.
(4)
Anthony R.

East Coast Grill, more than anything, is fun. And not cheesy fun, but awesome foodie fun. From the BBQ-shack meets funky diner meets upscale bar atmosphere to the pint-sized giant margaritas to the $13 "kitchen appreciation special" of 6 PBR tallboys destined for a cheering group of chefs, East Coast Grill delivers. I've been here for both regular meals and last night for the infamous Hell Night, and in either case it's been really fun stuff. Hell night sees the restuarant all decked out with caution tape, the waitstaff clad in leather and bandanas, and the open kitchen filled with chefs wearing surgical masks. And it's not like you get the sense these people are grudgingly decking themselves out with "flair," as you might expect, but that everyone on staff there is really just out to have (and to show you) a good time with some great grub. The food isn't superlative, but it's pretty damn good - I think the thing that stands out the most for me is the raw bar -- fresh, tasty oysters and clams, and great shrimp. If you go, check out the raw bar platter which is about the perfect size for a two-person app. Mmm..
(4)
Seth B.

I'm going to go here a second time soon and see if I get a better experience, but my first visit warrants 3 stars. The staff was friendly. The service was ok. Our waitress disappeared after the initial drink order and didn't come back for almost 20 minutes. The Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna was cooked perfectly and was quite good. As an appetizer we split the Essential Raw Bar Platter and was utterly underwhelmed. It was ok, but not worth 30$. I'll try again, perhaps on Hell Night.
(3)
Holly O.

I love the East Coast Grill for their Bloody Mary Bar on Sundays. This is why they get the 4 stars from me..... They give you a glass with vodka and some pepper on the rim and you can go crazy with their wide array of spices and garnishes that range from sweet to tangy to EXTREMELY spicy (Cajun). I made the mistake once of using too much of the Cajun sauce and my bloody mary was too spicy to drink but that was my fault entirely. If you ask the bartender advice on what spices to use they will be glad to help you out and give recommendations. Each week they have a recipe of a different "type" of bloody mary to make, last time I was there it was Bob Marley's birthday so they had the "Bob Marley Bloody". The food is good too, my boyfriend doesn't like it so much but I think it's pretty good if you like Cajun food. I had the Cuban Ruben last time and it was amazing, I don't really like sauerkraut but they use something similar as a substitute that was delicious. If you like spicy food you will love it here. The guacamole was amazing too. Another friend of mine ordered the duck confeit enchiladas once and said they were delicious. But if your like me and get a craving for good bloody mary's on the weekends this is THE place to go in Boston.
(5)
d e.

Hell Night is NO FREAKING JOKE!!!!! I had the pasta from hell, on a bet with one of my friends. He bet me $100 that I couldn't finish that tiny bowl of pasta. I finished the whole bowl, I was the big Asian guy dying in the corner on a warm Friday night. Every bite was literally HELL. These guys live up to their name. There is no restaurant in or around this area that makes anything even remotely that hot. THEY MADE ME SIGN A WAIVER for god's sakes. I spent the whole night twisting and turning cause the peppers would come into contact with the lining of my stomach. Every time I breathed, the peppers would burn my insides. To those who think they're brave enough to eat the "Pasta From Hell", you're not. If you finish it like I did, you're just stupid. Like me. If you want to experience the Pasta from hell just take a blowtorch and put it in your mouth and light. It's NO JOKE.
(5)
Gerard B.

(July/ 2007) If you're on your way to Harvard, check out East Coast Grill; it's on the way and thank god! Definitely try the Smoked Pork Tostada-- to die for! The tomato gazpacho- like sauce is amazingly oh- so- delicious. The Cornbread Crusted French Toast was also great. Don't forget to top it all off with a Mimosa!
(5)
Shane M.

Hadn't been to East Coast Grill in a while, and wasn't disappointed. Crowded rainy Friday night; the only table available was next to the open kitchen. We were fine with that. Ordered drinks and food, waitress was helpful. A few minutes into the meal, the expediter gives us a plate of fried plantains. "The kitchen is noisy tonight, so here's some plantains to make up for it." Unnecessary but very thoughtful, and a few bucks added to the tip. Friend had the raw bar platter and finished it all. I had the beet salad - yum - and the mahi mahi - well cooked, good sides. Margaritas hit the spot as well. Fun atmosphere and great night overall.
(4)
Brianne D.

I'm dying to go here for brunch because everyone raves about it, but so far I've only been for dinner. That said, the Mahi Mahi was fantastic. I cleaned my plate, which is impressive considering that I also devoured my fair share of mussels, my boyfriend's scallops, and this scrumptious focaccia with roasted garlic. Thank god it wasn't a first date... The lights were a little bright, but it was a Wednesday, and the bubbly waitstaff kept up with the atmosphere. I will risk garlicy, fish breath and return again and (hopefully) again.
(5)
Jessica B.

I recently went ot Hell night. I ate some raw clams, the chicken (3 bombs), and the lamb (7 bombs). And it wasn't hell at all, in fact it was definately spicy food I could handle. The chicken was the same level of spice I cook with on a regular basis. I am giving them only 2 stars because the lamb was all fat and barely any meat. Also, I got sick off of something I ate. I know it wasn't the spicy peppers because I eat them all the time. I was not the only one in my party to be sick either.
(1)
Brian F.

I am a huge brunch fan. There's not much I love more than joining a group of friends late on a Sunday morning to partake in coffee, cocktails and lots of breakfast food. And when it comes to brunch, East Coast Grill has a pretty stellar reputation. I can see why - unique menu, friendly service and, oh yeah, a make-your-own-Bloody-Mary bar! Something was just a little...off...when I decided to try it for myself. Could've been that we were seated next to the exposed kitchen, making it about a thousand degrees (or at least 10-15 degrees warmer than the other half of the restaurant). It could've been how cramped I felt tucked into a corner. Maybe it was that I don't really like spending $25-30 on breakfast food, however good it may be. Or it could've just been that I make a terrible Bloody Mary and ought to leave it to the professionals. Whatever the case, I wasn't as crazy about my ECG brunch as I apparently should've been. I'd definitely be willing to try again. After all, who am I to give up the opportunity for brunch?!
(3)
Anastasia C.

We were pleasantly surprised to show up on a Tuesday night and get seated right away. We'd given it a try on a weekend before and of course been met with hour plus long waits. Yeah for weeknight dining! I ordered off the specials menu - panko crusted cod with tomatoes on the side and some sort of delicious sauce I can't quite remember. I loved it and finished every bite, a rarity for me. My husband got the tuna from the regular menu. He liked his, I thought the bite I had was just ok. His mom got a salad and their clam chowder which surprised us all by coming with sweet potatoes. Verdict: yummy. We also ordered dessert, which was very good and totally unnecessary (but I suppose dessert usually is). My white wine sangria was good, but not anything to write home about. It was also pretty pricey, but we knew that before we went. Its not an everyday treat, but we'll definitely be back every so often to indulge.
(4)
Matthew B.

We had a big group - and this place was recommended by one of our locals. Its a bit out of the downtown scene over in Cambridge - but i guarantee you its worth the ride from wherever you are coming from. Casual seafood and barbecue that is simply outstanding. The oysters were some of the best I've ever had - anywhere. Now if you like heat, you have to ask for "inner beauty". Its a mustard based hot sauce made from Scotch bonnets and Thai chili's. Yea baby !!! I put it on anything and everything (in moderation - its insanely hot) fries too. I understand that they have one night where they serve everything "hot" and you have to sign a waiver - I'll be there. Didn't try the BBQ , but the oysters, clams, shrimp apps were way outa hand. And the peppered tuna steak was freakin awesome. Bought the signed cookbook on grilling. i am thinking about how to get there on a regular basis... from phila - lol. great prices, good beer selection, and a really fun tiki-chic kinda ambiance. Loved the lava volcano with the smoke beard (you'll get it when u see it). Go for it! Oh yea- and the servers are cool...
(4)
C R.

Was out with my dude after visiting the Gardner museum and he suggested this place. Evidently waaaaay back he lived in the Inman Sq. area and used to go there with his caveman buddies - and they loved it. Figured that it would be decent and I was craving BBQ - so away we went. First - WHAT is up with the parking situation? You have to PAY to park in their lot across the street? Really? Folks, this place ain't cheap by any means so one would think that after dropping well over $60 (for two of us!) that the parking would be free. Anyway... Place was busy (usually a good sign, no?) so we had to wait at the bar - they had some interesting beers/cocktails. Raw bar looked fabulous, but being a South Shore gal, the prices were kinda high for it. Decor was cute - trying very hard to be Cambridge-trendy and succeeding quite well! Seemed to be a lot of fish on the menu, (which I love) but unfortunately I opted for BBQ as I just wasn't feeling the fish that night. BIG mistake! Now, I've had the BEST BBQ - been to Memphis, Texas, the Carolinas, etc. so I know darn well what's good and what's not. That said, I'm not a big fan of anything too spicy, and told the waitress this right up front and asked her for suggestions. My companion was ordering the pulled pork Carolina style but she said that was "too hot" (uh, no it wasn't hot at ALL - I sampled his - it was just a bland vinegar taste). I got the ribs with the "sweet BBQ sauce" - asking her first (even though the menu says it is "sweet" if the ribs were hot - she says no). When they arrived they were covered in this hot, spicy rub and the "sauce" was on the side in a container smaller than a shot glass. Ok, I coulda asked for more sauce, sure. But the damn RUB was HOT and I couldn't scrape it off! I couldn't eat it - at all. This wouldn't have been the end of the world, but then they gave me an attitude about it! The server actually rolled her eyes when I said that the rub was hot.. Uh, somebody has a short memory as I had told her I didn't want anything spicy. So I tried to eat the rest - waste of calories quite frankly. The beans that it came with were - eh - nothing special. The cornbread was nasty (no flavor). Ordered a side of sweet potato fries...they were the thickness of 2-3 of my fingers and all mushy inside. Yuck. Oh well. What was I thinking - BBQ in Cambridge of all places! Shoulda ordered the damn fish, I guess. Given the price and parking, I highly doubt I'll be going back...if the dude wants to, he can make that a boys night out!
(2)
Nikki F.

I love East Coast Grill. Sure, it's a little pricey, but great for a special outing. I've been their with a crowd who likes their spicy food & they loved it. I've taken out of town guests here (for New Year's Eve) & they loved it. I've always found the staff to be helpful & attentive. Drinks are good, food is really good. By far one of the best restaurants I've been to in Cambridge! It doesn't appear to be a terribly child-friendly place, but I'm going to try it out one day soon with my toddler (I just miss my ECG!) so we'll see!
(5)
Rachel Leah B.

For Hell Night alone, I'd give East Coast Grill five stars. Kudos for making extraordinarily spicy food that is absolutely delicious. Normal meals here have been outstanding as well. One night, I devoured The Best Meal I Have Ever Had. A lofty claim, I know, but it was flawless. For the full story, check out my blog post: forkitoverboston.blogspoâ€¦
(5)
Cecilia L.

I loved this place. Friends from California took us here - they had to come because he's been grilling and making sauces from chef Chris Schlesinger's cookbook for the last decade. We snacked at the bar while waiting for our table. Our bartender was awesome, friendly and skilled, and managed to keep up service even with a busy bar. Take or leave the buffalo shrimp, but don't miss the spicy Asian wings. Planters punch was delicious, but the dark and stormy with ginger beer a bit too caustic for me. Mains - I think we all had fish dishes. Bf loved the seared tuna off the menu, and those of us who got specials were happy as well. Desserts - too rich and sweet, but I always think that. Great fun atmosphere to reconnect for a long dinner with old friends. I plan to be back for Hell Night.
(4)
Wendy K.

I met a friend there as sort of a "catch up" date, and we opted to sit at the bar. She's a vegetarian, but eats fish, so we ordered the tuna tacos appetizer, the grilled seasonal veggie, and an order of fried plantains. The tuna taco app was okay, but the tuna was sinewy (yellowfin) and kind of tasteless. The best part about it was the avocado/cilantro(?)/onion mixture. The grilled veggies (summer squash, sweet potato, tomato) were a bit salty but tasted good, and the fried plantains were exactly how fried plantains should be. They came with a banana/papaya remoulade that was very good and were sweet and a little salty- a combination I love. The bartender was friendly and funny. Because my friend is allergic to gluten, she asked about corn tortillas instead of flour, and when they found put they didn't have any, the bartender gave her a free oyster as an apology. No hard feelings, buddy. I had a Mango daiquiri which I was warned was not frozen, but did I care? No, no I did not. With Mango puree and rum and ice cubes, you really can't go wrong. The restaurant was busy, but the bar stayed relatively quiet, and I was able to have a great conversation with my friend, despite being near the door and the hostess podium. I would go back sometime, as their entrees, despite their somewhat expensive price tag, sounded and looked really good. Also, at a table, I probably won't get "the eye" from creepy, drunk guy sitting at the bar again.
(4)
Stephanie M.

Delicious Sunday Brunch! I came here once before and had their BBQ...pretty good. But I just got back from brunch there today. . .oysters were excellent! We had the specials of the day...skewered shrimp & the latin crabcakes. AMAZiNG EXCELLENT FANTASTiC!. . .and perfect for a brunch where you don't want to be tempted by a crap ton of CARBS. This was PERFECT place to go after bikram. My crabcakes were only slightly breaded if that and they came with lime-spritzed greens and a watermelon and cilantro salad with diced red onions and grilled corn. SOOOOO TASTY!! and all the servers there seem to have a lot of fun. DELiCiOUS. Will be returning again very soon!
(5)
Kara S.

Best Brunch in Cambridge, hands waaaaaaay down! I came here with two of my best friends last week. I love that they don't take reservations, so all it took was getting there a good 15-20 minutes before brunch started to ensure we got a table, which was the perfect amount of time to catch up about life, jobs and school. From our mini starter of molasses grilled bananas to our egg entrees to our shared french toast platter, everything absolutely wowed us. The fried plantains that came with the 'breakfast platter in the style of the yucatan' were the star of the show, with the cornbread crusted french toast coming in a close second. We didn't try anything on the lunchier tip, but I plan to next time I visit. We weren't drinking either, so our bill was ridiculously cheap. I plan to make up for that next time by drinking my face off! The drinks we saw passing by looks pretty spectacular. It's telling when you and your friends are sending messages back and forth the same day you try a place, discussing when you can go back. I can't wait!
(5)
Ali W.

Don't go here. This is why. 1. My boyfriend and I were seated at a small table in the back downstairs corner of the restaurant, directly facing the fire exit, with a big, red, blinking "pull in case of a fire" switch at eye level. We only briefly considered slipping out without paying for this meek and lousy meal a couple of times, as the exit was so accessible. 2. The waitress recommended the Uncle Bud Trio (pulled pork, brisket, and dry rub rib) we ordered that, and four appetizers (half a dozen oysters, the calamari special, shrimp cocktail, and a smaller salad like dish). You would think that would be enough food for two people. But the amount of food that showed up was laughable (literally, we laughed when they put down the plates). The uncle bud trio came on a smaller sized plate, and the piece of cornbread shoved on there was bigger than all of the meat combined. The quality and taste of the meat was decent, however certainly not even close to enough of it to justify the $18.50 we paid. In terms of the apps, there were approximately 10 pieces of calamari sprinkled on the plate for 12.50. It was shameful. The shrimp cocktail was blah and again over priced. The oysters were good but at 6 for $14, they'd better be. 3. The ambiance of the place is weird. The whole set up is this strange under the sea asian influenced southern BBQ thing. Oysters and BBQ sounded good in theory--but it was a major failure. It's where you might go for a casual business dinner with a client you really hated. The meal, including two beers, cost 70+ dollars. If our waitress had not been friendly, we would not have tipped. It was a waste of time and money and we will NEVER go back.
(1)
Jim K.

Been hearing about this place for years, and since I moved down the road and my bro was in town, decided to hit it up for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food (I had terrifying flashbacks of the dreadful Red Bones when I saw their BBQ menu items but do not be alarmed, the BBQ at ECG is legit...too legit...). Had a brisket platter which was excellent and filling, and tried a hot rib as an appetizer. Will definitely come back and try more BBQ. My broseph had the fried chicken which was excellent as well. Bonus points go to this place for the little touches that make a good meal experience a great one: waitress was super nice; employees said bye and thanks as we were leaving; and during the meal the manager asked about the food and if everything was ok. Bottom line: this place warrants the hype.
(4)
Andrew R.

Sweet place. No where I've been has maintained such an excellent balance of flavor and HOLY CRAP HOT IT BURNS. I mean seriously, most place I go to and get something spicy, it means the burn overwhelms every other flavor in your mouth, but not here. Their "Dr. Pepper" is doing something incredible, giving me spicy food that burns so bad I'm not sure I can take another bite, but I keep going because it tastes soooooo good. A few tips: Coleslaw and ketchup soothe the tongue "Wings of Ass Destruction" were rather hot but AMAZING. Stick to the apps for spice - the entrees were good, but not too dangerous. The russian roulette is truly exciting. You'll stare at each other for 30 seconds until one of you suddenly starts to sweat, profusely. It's a slow burn, but a strong burn. I missed out on the "bullet" meatball, but it was an awesome (and slightly sadistically hilarious) experience. I'll definitely be coming back here for a real meal sometime soon!
(5)
Jay C.

Well I've heard about this place before, but never read any reviews on it. Now seeing how highly rated it is, I'm a little surprised. I went for Sunday brunch with friends this past Sunday and I wasn't blown away. I've heard people say it's great, but for brunch I was underwhelmed. The menu was limited and I guess not really what I was expecting. I leaned more to the breakfast side of things and had the French Toast, which was good. Not great, just good. I also ordered a side of fried plantains with cheese - and that was really disappointing. The plantains were way over cooked to the point of being stiff, hard and blackened. Almost like a dried banana chip. I probably would not go back for brunch again. Not worth the wait. However, I would entertain the idea of going for an actual dinner. From what I've heard and seen from reviews, there might be a chance that they can redeem themselves.
(3)
Matt F.

My lady friend and I have done Hell Night a handful of times, and regular dinner as well. Always enjoyed it, of course. But we finally had brunch yesterday and it was some of the best things I've ever had. The "Old Sober" was fantastic, I'd love to see more variations on that theme. The sweet plantains were perfect. I over-spiced myself at the Bloody Mary bar and it was perfect too. The pork enchilada was good, but the duck tortilla was AMAZING.
(4)
Cori L.

Ok so I wrote a review last night after eating at hell night...I said the food tasted sooooo good. And other than the pasta nothing was truly that spicy in my opinion. The pasta was really spicy, but your mouth burning isn't the worst part....your stomach burning the next day is....oh yea and having to go the bathroom like all day....hmm maybe two stars is being nice. I mean...I just can't give this place a good review even if hell night was FUN because I was in HELL the next day. ANDDDD their non spicy food SUCKS. Sorry people of East Coast Grill. Everyone that works there is so nice, but I'm from Missouri and I LOVE BBQ and East Coast Grill's...well its just AWFUL.
(2)
Jessica T.

Love the no fuss attitude and neon lights. Servers are always friendly and down to earth. I have been here a dozen times at least and have had a great time on each occasion, which ranged from friend date, group outing, birthday celebrations, etc. Standouts: pickles made in-house to munch on while waiting on your orders, my fav! oysters from the raw bar, Raw Tuna #1 when it's on the menu (sometimes they change their apps menu), New Orleans shrimp with the most amazing fried polenta, and trusty ol' ribs when you want to satisfy that carnivorous urge (great coleslaw with the bbq entrees! not usually a fan of coleslaw because it's too mayo-y). I've had dishes from all over their menu and it has never disappointed! Beware of the things that are hellishly spicy, like "Inner Beauty" hot sauce.... they're not kidding around :) Once a group of friends and I ordered one plate of wings, so we each ended up having one or two wings (and we are a group that can handle our spicy food--or apparently not?) and we were forced to order cornbread to soothe our burning mouths.
(4)
Dan S.

This is a really good restaurant. I live a skip away, and dropped by for a meal with my visiting parents. The menu is pretty eclectic. You can get bbq items, lots of seafood, and a few sandwiches and stuff. Since the folks were treating, and oddly encouraged me to do so, I went for the steepest fish item on the menu, a locally caught freshwater bass, blackened cajun style. It came with a sweet potato salad and some other odd ...stuff... that was very tasty. The fish was really exceptional. Good arnold palmer too. They put a little plastic monkey on the rim of the glass, which irked me. I know someone has to give jobs to Chinese day laborers, but that sort of thing just makes me mad about wasted plastic. Server was a pro, efficient and paced the meal properly. Atmosphere was fine, quirky enough to be sufficiently Inman without going over the top. Everyone else had fried shrimp. Boring! Just bring a full wallet, and you're very likely to have an enjoyable experience.
(4)
Emily M.

I can't quite put my finger on what my favorite part of this restaurant. I live right up the street and this is my favorite place to go for date night with my boyfriend. The place is classy yet casual, has delicious food, and great service. I couldn't stay enough great things!
(5)
Drew D.

This review is for Hell Night. Even if you're not a fan of super hot food, this is a must-see for anyone in Cambridge that appreciates good food and general hilarity. From the moment you walk in the door, it is apparent that even those suffering from the wrath of their 87th habanero of the night are enjoying themselves. They smile widely as perspiration drips down their face mixing with their tears of joy. This is not meant to be overly dramatic; the food really is that good and that hot. If you're not crying, your tongue may in fact actually be a Brillo Pad. The entire place is decorated with warnings, skulls and bones, and the color red. The cooks are all wearing gas masks, not as a joke, and the waitresses wear bandanas over their noses and mouths to prevent excessive inhalation of the fumes. There is no doubt that you are in for some serious heat. I went with seven friends, which was a great environment to encourage people to get things hotter than we wanted. The hot food is ranked in bombs, from 1-6 for the normal menu. The Pasta from Hell, which requires a waiver and was featured on the Travel Channel, is eight bombs. Though none of us tried the infamous Pasta from Hell (a possibility in the future), everyone tasted something in the five-six bomb range. Some of our friends started with the "Wings of Ass Destruction" (quite clever) and it was immediately apparently that people were in for something new. Within minutes, all of us were giggling uncontrollably as the capsacin opened our pores and adrenaline glands wide open. I tried the Bloody Mary from hell, which was impossibly spicy despite its cold temperature. My friend got a habanero margarita that trumped my drink and left a singing burn in the lips. However, it turns out that free-flowing adrenaline and alcohol make for excessive giddiness, which made the evening that much more fun. Amongst the seven of us, we tried chicken, ribs, oysters, sausage, salmon, and fries; everyone tried some of everything and everyone agreed that everything was delicious and impossibly hot. The waitresses, even moving at breakneck speed, could barely keep up with our water chugging rate. We averaged a glass for every few bites. After we left, we went to Christina's to find some much needed relief for stomach and tongue. This was easily one of the most fun nights that my friends and I had shared together and it is definitely all thanks to East Coast Grill.
(5)
Steve S.

I was craving pulled-pork and cornbread one day, so my girlfriend and I went looking around for a good BBQ house. She had walked by this place hundreds of times before, but never thought much about it. We figured we'd try it out, and it was actually really good! I had the trio-dish which came with spare ribs, pulled pork, and beef brisket. The pulled pork was definitely the best. The cornbread was a little bit dry, but you get a huge serving of it along with a slice of watermelon. It certainly took care of my craving and it was a good $20 spent!
(3)
Gabriel R.

Best place to eat when I'm in MA. The food is always delicious with a wide variety of menu items. The drinks are great and the beer selection is good. We ate like kings there and the bill was very inexpensive. You cant beat East Coast Grill when in Mass.
(5)
Nikki B.

I started off slow with this place- I wasn't into the fact that they only had one type of hot wing available, nor was my boyfriend, but by the time our orders came out and we tasted the food, that gripe was forgotten. The drinks were strong and they had interesting cocktails I had never seen/heard of before, which is always a plus. We did end up getting those hot wings- HOLY HELL. They had ghost peppers in the sauce and we only managed to get through 4 of the 10. It was not the kind of burn when someone throws a lot of cayenne in some sauce and puts it on the wings.. this was a slow burn, where you first take a bite and think "Oh it's not so bad".. wrong, wrong, wrong, a minute in it's like you gargled gasoline and then tossed a match down your throat. Thank god for the complimentary cornbread to help calm the inferno! The flavor of the wings themselves was subtle, with a little thai flare but not overwhelming. The heat was definitely the focal point. I ended up getting the boston redfish, cooked whole. It was prepared perfectly and flaked apart so easily, I really relished every single bite. My boyfriend got a barbecue platter with brisket, ribs, and pulled pork and he said it was delicious. The very next day he said he was craving more! Our server was phenomenal. I don't remember her name but she was juggling multiple tables and yet she was attentive, extremely friendly, and VERY quick. One thing I loved was the open kitchen. Being able to hear/see whats going on in the 'back of the house' was fantastic. I was impressed by how efficient they all were- the head chef runs a tight ship. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Melissa C.

Great service. Lively atmosphere. Good food and fun drinks! Loved the free pickled veg starter. Will definitely be coming back to try the bloody mary bar
(5)
Julia M.

If you like food that is hot hot hot, do not miss your opportunity to check out East Coast Grill. I'm participating in my second "Hell Week" next week and plan to take down enough ghost chili peppers to kill a small army of guerrillas. This place is featured on the epic television program "Man Versus Food" as one of the premier dining spots in the region. If you live in a city that is profiled on MVF and haven't patronized all of the restaurants, then you are WRONG. Simple. Find a way to get here during Hell Week and make your parents proud.
(4)
Paul W.

Had the 1/2 split chicken. Pretty good but the breast meat was a little dry. Still love the place though with it's selection of food and seafood.
(4)
Tom M.

Have been back several times since the last review and everything is still amazing. Fully vetted the raw bar to be the best in Boston (Suck it, Union Oyster House!), and my dining companion ordered the full rack of the hell bones. Dear Lord, that was the most meat I've ever seen on a plate, and I've been to Argentina four times... Redonkulous quantity of delicious ribs, and amazingly, the pepper-crusted monkfish I ordered was even better than the ribs! By the way, I will highly recommend ordering monkfish whenever it's on a menu. Supple and flavorful (see also sturgeon meat). Nom. Stop it, East Coast Grill, you're killing me.
(5)
Jacquelyn M.

Love this place! The food is sooooo good! Get the Jerk wings app if you like spicy! The half roasted chicken is my fav entree and the garlic bread is phenomenal!!! GO! GO! GO!
(4)
Whitney S.

Every meal I've ever enjoyed at the east coast grill is a lovely sloppy mess. I have never been one to mix my food around, but then I met the pork tostada one hungover Sunday morning - love at first bite! I mean who doesn't enjoy a place that has the freshest possible seafood and good ol' bbq?? The duxbury oysters have always been a hit, and their gigantic shrimp are DELICIOUS. Ask for more horsey if you like it my way. I also thoroughly enjoyed the nachos yesterday. Its more of a queso dip, and its enough for two or three to share for an appetizer. When it was finished, I cried a little inside. I'm about the try the Hell Night for the first time. I'm a little afraid, since most dishes on "regular" days are served with some sauce that will blister your tongue. I'll try to be tough girl and take it!! Two reasons I gave it four stars instead of five: the price and (sometimes) the service. The price is obvious - any time you're forced to spend $40-60 on brunch after a weekend of spending oh-so-much at the bars is not something I want to do once a week. Also, the service is COMPLETELY hit or miss. Sometimes i've gone and the servers are absolutely great (this weekend), and other times everything takes 15 minutes longer than it should, and they are even a little rude. Don't be distracted by the above points, its a great place. If you live anywhere in greater Boston, its definitely worth checking out, and its got free parking across the street, and metered parking pretty much everywhere. Enjoy!
(4)
Matthew W.

Great service from the host stand on to the wait staff. Food unbelievable. Had whole rack of ribs and cornbread. Others in party had the hell bone - awesome stuff. Came here with 3 kids under age of 9 and everyone was awesome. Real kid friendly place and people.
(5)
Tepring P.

Good place. The brunch has unique meals like Breakfast plater with 3 Eggs any style, Black Beans 'n Rice, Mango-Avocado-Hearts of Palm Salad, Fried Plantains, Rojo & a Warm Flour Tortilla or Grits with a Molasses Grilled Banana, Pina, Jalapenos, Toasted Pecans & House Smoked Bacon...both were so good. And the french toast - b/c I always have to have sugar with breakfast - was excellent too. The dinners are good too. Anything BBQ (way better than some not to be named popular place) and their corn chowder I liked a lot too. Prices are on their website. I guess the reason not 5? Hm...
(4)
Barbara C.

The best meal I've had in Boston--hands down. We came here for brunch and made sure to be there at 11am on the dot (I don't really do well with lines...). We went a little crazy ordering, since it was bf's birthday. We ordered 2 crab claws and guacamole to start. The crab claws were really good, and at $3 a claw, fairly priced. The guac was ridic good, but in a very different kind of way. We both agreed it was tasty and super smooth, and upon closer inspection we discovered small bits of hardboiled egg whites! Totally new idea to me, but so good! We also ordered the special pupusa meal (amazing and huge portions) and the smoke pork tostada. The pork was definitely smoky and delicious. Bf obliterated it in about 10 minutes, taking time out only to say "I'm so full...why am I still eating?!" I'd love to come back here again for dinner. Or brunch again. Or any special events. Damn, if they came up with a midnight tea, I'd come back here for that too!
(5)
Jocelyn C.

It's becoming a regular occurrence for me and my boyfriend to come here for dinner on pay day as a treat to ourselves for surviving our jobs. I think the guy at the front knows us at least by sight now, which is great! I just wanted to update and say that we came here for dinner Friday night and had one of the best meals ever. We impressed our awesome server with our oyster-eating abilities (he thought we were crazy for ordering two dozen, but changed his mind when he came back to empty plates), the scallop app that he recommended was delicious, and the pork shank entree was amazing. We love this place, definitely one of our favorite restaurants! I could live in here by the flashing volcano wall, if only they'd let me. Maybe I'll ask them about that in a few weeks.
(5)
Coco P.

This place is fabulous! Every single thing we ordered was absolutely delicious! They have the most unique clam chowder with sweet potatoes and cornbread croutons. YUM! Dumpling appetizer, seared tuna taco appetizer, Asian shrimp and scallops with noodles, white pepper crusted tuna. Those who ate oysters LOVED them. It was quiet when we got there at 6 but by the time we left at 7:30 people were waiting for tables--it was Monday! A truly great place and we will most definitely go back again! Oh, and the caramelized banana split with mango ice cream....need I say more?
(5)
Doris K.

HELL night - Man! It was HOT!!!! Soooo SPICY! If you aren't able to eat spicy then please please do not come for hell night. There was so much chili in the air that the waitstaff had to wear handkerchiefs while delivering the food to your take. YES, it's that hot! Thank goodness I ordered from the "Wimp Menu" but of course the hubby wasn't smart enough to listen to me. He ended up eating half of my dinner! The hubby had the really hot chicken. It had four bombs next to it on the menu and his excuse was that at least he didn't order the hottest thing on the menu! Men! I had the BBQ trio with beans, cornbread, and watermelon. The entire dish was great. I'm surprised how good the BBQ was. We also had a plate of oysters for an appetizer which were fresh and very briny! Prices for entrees are generally around $17-30. The drinks were well mixed - my zombie was perfect ~$8. I really enjoyed the entire meal and experience here and hope to come back for more when my wallet fills up again.
(4)
Marie S.

We had a party of 10 and they were great! Our food just kept coming out fresh and the wine was priced right and they kept pouring. Service couldn't have been better. The seared Ahi was wonderful, and so were the ribs and cornbread. The scallops and sole were great and hope to return soon
(5)
Jared B.

Food is simply great. Great oysters, fresh fish, and spicy hell bones! Fun, quirky atmosphere. I enjoy myself every time we make the trek out to Inman Sq.
(5)
Alex L.

Festive atmosphere. Finger lickin' good food. Even comes with Southern hospitality! I thought it was hot when I tried the Atomic Fireball cocktail, then I knew it was hot when I tried the Extremely Hot Crispy Hell Bone, but what I didn't expect was a fire in the kitchen that evacuated the entire restaurant!!! Awesome
(4)
Ann R.

Finally made it here recently to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. We were seated right away (it was a weeknight). Our waitress seemed kind of scattered and it took awhile to get our drink order in. We decided to try the white sangria-- which was good, but tasted more like juice than anything else. We moved on to cocktails, and tried the raspberry margarita and the planter's punch-- much better. Well mixed. We started with the ginger tuna & pork sausage dumplings-- interesting and delicious! I had the grilled mahi mahi, which comes with grilled avocado, plaintains, rice, beans, etc. FANTASTIC. The grilled avocado was especially interesting with the other flavors. The bf had the bbq sampler, which he thought was also delicious and a ton of food. Minus one star because I was freezing! And the sangria and service were both a little disappointing.
(4)
Ryan F.

Went to ECG on Sunday. Overall it was a great experience. For food, I had the trio plate that has a serving of brisket, pulled pork, and two ribs. I substituted mashed potatoes for beans and that turned out to be great decision. I also shared the clam and corn chowder as an app. Everything was fantastic. Drink-wise, I went with the Cocktail Tranquilo, a mix of different rums (more on this later) aged with pineapple and vanilla beans. For something that was straight rum, it was incredibly smooth and flavorful. Our server was great. Guy in his late 20s probably with brown hair, don't remember his name. He was attentive and checked in on us often, and our food came out pretty quickly. I am unfortunately knocking a star for an interaction I had on the way out with the bartenders. I have worked in a bar before and I have an interest in booze and craft cocktails. I wouldn't call myself an expert in rums and whiskeys but I would say I know a good deal more about them than the average person. This is why I was so excited about the Tranquilo cocktail, and it was so good that I wanted to find out which rums were in it. When I asked the bartender (guy in his thirties with buzzed head and maybe an earing) the types of rum that were in the blend for the drink, he told me "you know, white rum, dark rum, spiced rum, 151." Helpful. When I prompted him for specific kinds, he answered "None that you would know, really. Like Don Julio, shit like that." Don Julio is a tequila, so I'm sure he meant Don Q, but really man? I am clearly interested so either a) humor me or give me the benefit of the doubt and just tell me what's in it or b) just say that it's a house mix and you can't tell me which kinds you use. I'd definitely go back to ECG, but I think I would opt for a table again.
(4)
Sean R.

Excellent excellent mahi mahi ! ! cooked to perfection seasonings just right so what compliments latin influenced seafood? southern BBQ obviously yeah I dont get that either but it seems to work also..good pickles
(5)
Sarah R.

One of our favorite spots in Boston. On Friday they have a pig roast, you must order the pork if you happen to come in on a Friday! Expect a wait for this place! You can put your name & cell on the list and walk to Bukowski's next door for a drink or two. The only reason ECG gets 4 stars and not 5 is because last Friday we asked about the roasted pig when we sat down at 7pm and we were reassured that there was plenty available, but when we ordered at 7:30pm we were told they were out. We come here all the time and it was a bummer. Order the plantains, the trio, the pork, wet bones, & the grilled avocado!
(4)
Jim R.

Pretty much my favorite restaurant ever. I pilgrimaged here for my 40th birthday celebration (which happened fall on Hell Night -- brilliant!)... I live in Washington state. I've been to 4 Hell Nights and I've never lived in MA. Hell Night makes the experience complete, but I've been on several non-Hell Nights and never been disappointed. The combination of laid-back, fun, high quality food, and "hey let's try this!" makes it a winner no matter what's on the menu any particular night. I sent a friend who was visiting Boston there and he said "oh man, the pickles!" Huh?? I guess they put pickles on the table instead of chips or bread or whatever and he thought that was the coolest thing ever. I don't even know if they do that all the time, but that's just the kind of place it is. Might be kale chips next week. Or whole coconuts. Can you tell I'm a huge fan?
(5)
Courtney H.

I don't know, maybe this place just isn't for me, but based on my experience, I wasn't thrilled. I had eaten at ECG once before... like, 10 years before. Imagine my surprise when the dish I had ordered back then was still on the menu. Personally, I found their menu a little limiting, but I don't eat meat (except for seafood) so I'm used to this. We split a green bean appetizer that had a sauce that was a little too sweet. My husband got the brisket and liked his meal fine. They won't substitute the beans and cole slaw for french fries, but they will for mashed potatoes, which I don't get, but whatever. Now, here's the good news. I ordered the vegetarian platter which is basically all of their vegetarian sides on one plate. HOLY COW. This platter is HUGE. I barely made a dent in it, ate some more for dinner the following night, and still have a meal's worth! I have to say, some of those sides are absolutely awesome. The mashed potatoes (with a roasted garlic head), the fried plantains, the beans and rice, the lo mein... all delicious. Although I wish the waitress had warned me how gigantic that platter was going to be. Anyway, if someone wanted to eat here, I wouldn't object, but it wouldn't be my first choice in restaurants if I'm in Inman Square. If you like a lot of variety on a menu, I wouldn't recommend this place.
(3)
Chris C.

Great place to relax and have a good time! It feels like going on vacation, but nearby and with great food! To start, we went to the bar and I shared a "Flaming erupting volcano." This drink was a lot of fun because the bartender lit the center on fire (it comes in something that looks like a huge sombrero) and it featured little plastic animals all hooked on the side! Oh, and it had every kind of alcohol imaginable in it. Dinner was a lot of fun mainly because the grill is semi-open and right in the seating area basically. You can watch the guys cooking your fish and they'll even throw you little samplers here and there (we got some free ribs from the grill...YUM!) Finally, the food itself was fantastic! The fish was spicy and delicious, not to mention very fresh. I thought it was a little expensive, but not enough to keep me from going back again. Definitely check it out if you appreciate a good piece of grilled fish and a really fun, casual dinner experience.
(4)
Jesse A.

Been back several times since this bad 2010 experience. As great as ever. Nothing to see here . . .
(5)
Bob J.

Tuna tacos amazing as usual, you guys do a great job
(5)
Matthew R.

Took my parents here for a pre-graduation dinner. This place is low-key, low-maintenance, but serves amazingly high-quality food. The fish is the standout section of the menu. All the fish specials I tasted (we shared) - the mackerel, bluefish, and cod - were incredibly fresh and brightly and interestingly flavored. The blackened bluefish in particular was cooked to perfection, and arrived steaming hot, right off the grill. Service is friendly, efficient, no-nonsense. Only the vaguely 70s Tiki room atmosphere (neon, light-animated volcano) leaves something to be desired. They are apparently going for an island theme. If you can make me food this good, I really don't care how you look.
(5)
Kris M.

Came here for brunch Sunday, after a truly epic July 4th party. Was seated at a table overlooking the open kitchen, which was cool as I enjoy watching people cook things. My waitress was incredibly kind and down-to-earth and relaxing - just her voice made me feel comfortable. I dunno, I don't normally think of waitresses as doing that but this one did. It was nice. Ordered the fried plantains and cornmeal-encrusted french toast. The french toast was delicious, light and fluffy and good with syrup. The plantains weren't as crispy as I was expecting, but were amazing with the ricotta and the fruit sauce/compote they came with. The fruit cup that came with the toast was the low point - some of the fruit was under-ripe. Mango shouldn't be hard, people! Still, pretty good food and at a decent price. Was also impressed by their make-your-own Bloody Mary bar, which I would have done, if I actually liked Bloody Marys.
(4)
Bryan R.

East Coast Grill, located in Inman Square, is an all around great restaurant. The menu seemingly has something for everyone. Raw bar? Check. BBQ? Check. Seafood? Check. Vegitarian? Check. Great Cocktails? Check, check, and check. The food itself is prepared and presented in a way that will make you think you are in a stuffy high end eatery. However, the atmosphere of the Grill and attitude of the staff spell a different feel entirely. It feels like you're eating in someone's kitchen (albeit with many of your closest friends!). My only complaint would be the price tag. While I have never been less then pleased with my meal, my wallet has. That is not to say that it is worth every penny however, and I have never felt like I have been cheated or skimped. Just don't expect a cheap date here. A word of advice to the frugal: get several apps and split them. Not only to you get to try a myriad of taste, but it will also be a bit easier on the wallet (freeing up more cash for an excellent Margarita, or perhaps some Christina's Ice Cream). Bottom line, if you are a foodie, and find yourself in Inman Square, check out the East Coast Grill. Also, buy a six pack for the kitchen staff (it's on the menu) they appreciate it.
(5)
Gretchen M.

Great ambiance with a delicious raw bar (oysters topped with sushi-grade tuna!) and excellent food overall. Fantastic service, my favorite spot in Inman Square.
(5)
Jackie H.

Best for when you are hungry. Many delicious options.
(4)
Ian S.

I am a firm believer that a good restaurant is marked perhaps not by how well it treats its customers when things are going well, but when that customer is cranky and tired and has stupid locked himself out of his apartment after a long day's work on Halloween night. By that standard, East Coast Grill should get six stars. At 9 PM, I was starving and dejected when I got home and realized that my apartment keys were in my jacket on the other side of the door. While waiting for my boyfriend to come home and let me in, I sat down in the hallway and, pirating my apartment's Internet, began surfing the Web for restaurants that might cater to my late-night dinner craze besides Cafe Kiraz (which, though convenient and tasty, doesn't quite feed the soul as East Coast Grill might). Having been to ECG a few times now, I knew the restaurant was down-home in aesthetic but classy in flavor. I also knew I was craving good food, so I called with a prayer in my heart that they would do take-out. I was prepared to beg if I had to. Instead, this conversation ensued: Host: "Good evening, East Coast Grill." Me: "Hi there. You don't by any chance do take-out, do you?" Host: "We do, in fact!" Me: "Is there a special take-out menu?" Host: "Nope. You can order from our full menu. It's all online at our website." Me (significantly happier): "Really?" Host: "Yep. And, oh, the address is east-coast-grill-dot-net, not dot-com." Me: "Okay. Thanks; I'll take a look and call right back." Host: "We'll be right here waiting." 10 minutes later, I called back to order the smoked and cider braised pork shank with pecan, whole grain mustard, horseradish Brussel sprouts, and mashed sweet potatoes. 20 minutes later, I had a hefty paper bag in my hand and was walking briskly back to my apartment. Another 40 minutes later, the plastic container was clean, and a pork shank bone lay naked and vanquished on my coffee table, undressed of all its flavorful and tender meat. Several times while I was watching The Office during my take-out dinner, I actually had to pause the show to marvel at how delicious my food was. And it was takeout! I will never go to another restaurant besides East Coast Grill for take-out if I work late again. Ever. East Coast Grill, will you marry me?
(5)
Tommy M.

The BEST damn hot sauce I have ever eaten. It was hot, but flavorful. The kind of hot that makes you want more and not just a glass of water. A word to the wise, don't be brave. If you can't handle spicy food, don't start with their hot sauce. The bartenders were really nice and were very attentive. Even stopping what they were doing to just to make sure I had everything I needed and to keep the hot sauce coming. Overall I was really pleased I ate here. Very clean, very nice people, and excellent food. I would highly recommend this place and be sure to load up on the hot sauce and the beers!
(5)
Arthur S.

My favorite place in town. Great food, terrific drinks and the homemade pickles....the best. For 5 bucks, there is parking available across the street..a terrific convenience in crowded Cambridge. Not a bad thing on the menu. Have been here dozens of times and never had a bad meal. Even the less expensive things (chicken) are terrific. Tuna taco is a standout. Arugela salad is great. Waitstaff are knowledgable, experienced and like what they do.
(5)
Billie M.

My love of East Coast Grill stems from the two B's, brunch and bar. Sometimes brunch and bar combined. Or sometimes.....breathtaking brunch bites bordered by a bevy of brilliant bar beverages all bearing a beautiful burn. I'm not too huge a fan of the actual "main menu" here. Not because it's not good (it is), and not because I think the price is inflated despite the top notch and fresh ingredients (it isn't), but because the bar snacks and the brunch is SO good, that I'm never quite satisfied if I try to venture from my old standbys. Is it a Saturday or Sunday morning and you're looking for a little spice in your life? No silly, get OUT of bed, and head down to Inman, where you can play bartender with the make your own bloody mary bar, or let them do what they do best, and mix you up one of the best dark and stormy's in the city. Sit back and enjoy an app of the grits with molasses banana and bacon, or maybe be daring and burn your mouth with the pork stuffed banana with inner beauty hot sauce. It will make you glow (or just plain sweat if you're a boy). Move on to the duck tortilla....duck, cheese, green salsa, red salsa, cheese, duck, tortilla. I get carried away. And hey, a few more hits off the bar list, and you can head back to bed. You know, to work off your brunch. Now that's spicy. If you head over at night, leave your entourage at home, and bring just one friend (bonding time!). This way you can grab a seat at the bar, where you'll be treated to some great banter, delicious cocktails, and the fun that comes from watching some lighting fast shucking. Be daring and try the wings of mass destruction (but do NOT rub the tears from your eyes without washing your hands. Just saying). Cool down with the seared tuna taco. Spice it back up with one of the wet bones, then round it all out with a selection from the raw bar. Snacking perfection.
(4)
Lisa M.

A funky place with food that's anything but bland and never disappoints. My fave is the scallops & shrimp with garlic noodles. I go there for the seafood but think it's cool they offer a BBQ menu, too. I'm always torn about what to choose. The baby backs are tender, the sauce is smoky & just the right amount of sweet & vinegar.
(5)
Emily O.

One star for the pickled veggies brought to the table as a welcome wagon. One star for the vibe that this meal was going to be a very good time. One star for what looks to be great BBQ, cocktails, and quality seafood.
(3)
David P.

After going to smoque in Chicago, IL, I realized how desperate I was for ribs out here on the east coast. So much so that I gave this place 4 stars. Silly me,
(3)
Jay W.

Finally went here after seeing it on MvF, the Hell Brined, Smoked & Grilled Jerk Chicken Wings were sure spicy, one of the hottest things i've ever ate, real great stuff. The pulled pork/ribs were devine, enjoyed the huge serving of corn bread and sides. Not 5 starts however, as I'm confused by the 7% tax, but 4.5 stars when all said and done.
(4)
Paula A.

Went to ECG's Sunday brunch for the sole purpose of trying their cheese grits, man, do i LOVE grits! Ehhh -- a little disappointed; too many flavors (bacon bits, jalapeno peppers AND grilled bananas/pineapple (which were delicious, btw, just don't think they belonged in my grits). If it weren't for my hatred of cilantro -- the gazpacho would've been really good. I had the cornbread crusted french toast -- it was fine, but i'm not sure where the 'cornbread' came in -- it tasted like regular french toast -- after pouring their mixture of mango, berries & pineapple on top - it was good - otherwise, nothing special. they rave about their sangria (we had the white), again it was ok, but i like (& expect) my sangria to have fruit floating around, otherwise its just watered down, iced wine.
(3)
David F.

In short, I found the fare at this apparently popular spot (place was packed) to be bland and overpriced. We had 2 appetizer ribs ($3/ea) that were delicious. I also had an arugula salad that was good, but incredibly overpriced ($9.50). My cousin had the cod, which she described as under-seasoned. I had the smoked pork, which was also under-seasoned and was a bit gamey tasting. I needed bbq sauce to make the pork palatable. It wasn't so nice to look at either; it basically consisted of pile of random pig parts that looked like they were torn off by hand. For $100 (including tip) we had 2 ribs, a small salad, one glass of wine and two entrees. I don't feel that I got my money's worth. If I were to eat there again, I would go for the ribs and nothing else.
(3)
Ji C.

Three stars based on my one visit so far. Grub Street recently included East Coast Grill on a list of urban bbq restaurants based specifically on the pulled pork, which I also thought was the best part of my bbq trio platter. The Memphis-style dry rub rib and Texas brisket were so-so. And I agree with another reviewer who mentioned that plating the slice of watermelon with the meats basically just wastes the watermelon. Who wants meat-flavored watermelon? Nobody. Nobody likes meat-flavored watermelon.
(3)
Alexander H.

The gist: Awesome bbq and seafood place +1 star for having ridiculously spicy wings (Wings of Mass Destruction). They were spicy, but not in the hot sauce way... more along the lines of some amazing seasoning that just made your mouth tingle for half an hour. The ribs were well flavored and delicious if just a tad bit overcooked. I can't say it was perfect, but it was pretty amazing.
(4)
Chris W.

INCREDIBLE. First time at East Coast Grill last night and it was nothing but perfect. Service was amazing, waitress was very awesome. Drinks were great, lots to offer. Food was impeccable. Started off with a few different apps...buffalo shrimp, dozen island creek oysters, and then a dozen Asian island creek oysters(oysters,wasabi, and ginger!) They were all so so tasty and so fresh! Then for dinner I had their Sunday special..it was pig. It was amazing!! Recommended to all!!!
(5)
jenn p.

The food here is always fresh and great tasting - and the place is always packed. It is expensive, but Inman Square is one of my favorite places to eat. The buffalo shrimp appetizer is very good.
(4)
Jen L.

Parking is horrendous anywhere here -- unless the parking gods are on your side and you luck out with a spot on the street or the muni lot two blocks away. I am not too crazy for the entrees here as they seem to sneak mustard into a bunch of their stuff (the roast chicken?!). I do however LOVE the appetizers here and they are big enough to almost make a whole meal -- definitely if you are going to have dessert. My favorites here are: 1. Buffalo Shrimp -- super tasty sauce (not 99% vinegar), FRESH shrimp, good blue cheese, lots of celery and none of that icky orange vegetable that people usually pair up with buffalo anything. 2. Carnitas -- this was somewhere in between a Caribbean roast pork and the Mexican style. It is juicy and flavorful with some thin green plantains on the bottom. They include lime to put on the pork. This made my Puerto Rican little heart happy since I LOVE tostones with salt and lime. YUM! 3. Wetbones -- these are a large pork rib with a spicy, VERY strong on the chili dripping, dipping, get everything dirty sauce. I love these and have a good burn without killing your taste buds. Anything with that much red chili is heavenly. 4. The real deal Margarita. Lots of places make the sweet variety of margarita with varying success. There are only a few places that make them as they were traditionally intended to be: tart and salty. This is pretty much lime juice, salt, and tequila. MMMMMMM Also good are the tuna poke and dumplings. The flan is also surprisingly good and made properly (no grit!) These folks are good about food allergies and the waitress made several trips to find out if certain dishes were ok for me to eat.
(4)
guitar w.

How are you going to have an item on your daily menu, calling for half a avocado filled with pineapple salsa, and serve rock hard avocados? Come on Son! Figure out your ordering, or dont serve em. yeesh. And the high price for low flavor results in my not returning. Server was nice enough bout it, seems like that might happen often.
(2)
Jacquelyn M.

My experience here was very disappointing. After managing to get a reservation for Helloween, I was psyched. I was reassured twice over the phone that my two food allergies would be handled "no problem/ we deal with that all the time here." When I got there, our waiter made me feel like I was totally inconveniencing him and pointed to very few things on the menu that I could have. He made a snarky comment about how I "came to the wrong place" (I think he misunderstood and thought I didn't like spicy food, which I DO!). Furthermore, we were told we had to place all of our order at once (OK, fine) but when I wasn't full, we weren't allowed to order more food! We were simply handed the check after being there for less than an hour--the whole pace of the night felt rushed. This is unacceptable--the next group of reservations wasn't for at least another hour!! I don't know if this was an actual kitchen rule that we couldn't order more food, or if our waiter was just hurrying us out of there, but after spending $127 on dinner I had to go next door to Ginger Exchange to actually fill up. I have never written a negative review on Yelp before but I knew that the only way I could make this right would be to write a scathing review. I won't even speak for the food - it was in no way good enough to make up for this negative experience.
(1)
Emily A.

One of the best spots in Boston. While not typical New England cuisine, it does rely heavily on seafood. Plenty of meat as well tho, and some good vegetarian dishes. Really high quality food with creative, but not contrived, preparations. Never had something I didn't like here. Tried the thai-style mussels this evening and one of the best I've had. Leave room for plenty of appetizers and sides by sharing entrees. Practical stuff- It can be a long wait on a nice Friday or Saturday, and they don't take reservations on those days. They also close the kitchen in between lunch and dinner hours, so time your visit accordingly.
(5)
Christian H.

ECG is truly deserving of its acclaim. Though the owner chef is practically a celebrity, his place does not take a single thing it does for granted. Whenever I take someone there for the first time and they ask "what's good" I always say EVERYTHING... and it is true. Too add some uniqueness to this post I make the following recommendations: 1. The mojitos are very good here, but mojitos are subject to interpretation. If you ask the server to have the bartender wh makes mojitos best to make your drink you will not be disappointed. The actually take this simple request quite seriously. 2. I am going to be in a lot of trouble for this, but when it is slow, it is possible to order a dozen oysters on the half shell and have them BBQ'd. When doing so, I usually ask the chef myself while slipping him $10. Kind of outrageous, but they are magnificent and I honestly think it should be added to the menu. 3. If you are doing the raw bar - sit at the seats closest to the window. Up to three people can sit and it is like your own little paradise. Plus the raw bar person is right in front of you and they basically cater to your every need. (ps - don't do this if you are on a budget!!) One word of caution: ECG is noisy and very fun for dinner with friends and co-workers. Not so good for quiet dinner dates or story telling.
(5)
Chris W.

I came here after hearing my room mate discuss why this is one of his favorite places to eat. In fact the food we ordered was really good and so was the service. I would almost definitely give it five stars. However, during the entire meal my girlfriend and I had to continuously swat away the gnats hanging around our food. For the price and hype behind a place like this with a parking lot that charges $5 that was a major disappointment. Sorry ECG...
(1)
Amy H.

I've heard lots of raves about this place. My husband recently became a pescatarian, so I thought it was time to check it out. Our appetizer of calamari was great, but our meals were bland and lacking. Basically, I can cook better tasting fish at home. Sorry ECG. I wanted to like you, but if I pay $30 for a fish, it had better taste great. Also, I think it is really weird that they write the specials on the chalkboard and also put them in the menu. Why have a chalkboard at all? That reminded me of a gimmicky place like Applebees or Chilis. Off putting. We skipped dessert and went next door to Christina's Ice Cream instead.
(2)
Ben T.

I guess I was expecting a lot more. PEI mussels were just ok..they were drowning in coconut milk which was over powering. Mix BBQ plate was good, but nothing to write home about. The garlic mashed were awesome! The waitress let me sub out the coleslaw for those, and it made my meal. Great move and she was accommodating. Cool place.
(3)
Buggin O.

Good but very expensive food. Ambiance is not relaxing, particularly on any weekend when it's busy and seating is tight. Their complimentary pickled vegetable is excellent. They do fish very well but their BBQ (except their beef brisket) is mediocre at best. I could do without their dessert. Service is hit or miss. If you don't look like everyone else in the place, you're liable to get weird looks from staff. Overall, an alright place but doesn't live up to the hype.
(3)
Mark W.

So I think the anticipation for going to this restaurant out weighed the actually experience. Went on a Wednesday night and had to circle a bit before we found a parking spot.They have a parking lot available across the street but they charge 5 buck,which is crap in my opinion. We didn't call ahead but with only three people we were seated right away. Ordered the oyster,mussels, fish tacos and short ribs for apps. Oysters were fresh and tasty,mussels or more specifically the broth they were in was awesome,short rib was done well and the fish tacos were ok. For an entree I ordered Uncle buds trio platter. This was the part of the meal that really disappointed, I was expecting so much better from the BBQ here but alas it was not to be,it was ok at best. Beers were about 5 bucks. In my opinion it's a bit overpriced, I will return for the raw bar but thats it.
(3)
Brian S.

The East Coast Grill makes for a very interesting seafood restaurant. As you can see from the reviews, they don't shy away from spicy presentations on the fish, and everyone I've went with has been pleased with the results. Being a notorious lover of more bland offerings, I was pleased with their take on Fish and Chips. Its essentially very traditional, but also exceptionally well done. Easily one of the best Fish and Chips plates I've gotten. It came with a TON of fries, too, which I was pleased with. Thin cut and well cooked, they were a great counterpoint to a solid but tender slab of fried white fish. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, but the prices don't match. I'd probably have given it 5 stars if my dish were just $5 less, but we're not talking about anything outrageous. They do justify their prices with top notch seafood and inventive preparation. There is a reason they've been an Inman Square staple for 20 years and are well worth a visit.
(4)
Dawn E.

I truly love East Coast but lack the fundage to eat there on a regular basis. Best bet: Sunday brunch. This is great deal, and the offerings are 100% yummy, particularly if you are a fan of the humble avocado. The Amilcar omelet is perfect, the monterey jack grits are brilliant, and I'm pretty sure I would love the bloody mary bar as much even if I were not hungover (someday I will have to test this theory) because of the staggering variety of hot sauces and garnishes. We were there with a huge party yesterday and our server could not have been more pleasant and accommodating. So check out the brunch, I guess, would be the thing to take away from this review.
(4)
I. G.

Great food, great atmosphere, great service for a casual night out.
(5)
Alexis B.

HELL NIGHT REVIEW ONLY: Really people? Ok where to begin. I made a reservation weeks ago. My group of 5 and I have REALLY been looking forward to this for months. We always missed the dates but not this time. I called and confirmed several times. We get there. It's packed. It's loud. Within 5 minutes we were seated. Great off to great start. The waiter comes over literally after a minute and asks us if we know what we want because it's about to get super busy. No we don't so we take our time. We sat by the kitchen which was fun at first until I started to look around. We order 1 pasta from hell, 1 dozen oysters (wimp style), 2 jamacian roties, 1 spare rib with guava, 2 sirloins, and 1 bluefish entree. So the pasta from hell comes out first. Everyone but me tries it. It's kinda gross. Yes it's hot, Lindsay even enjoyed it. She kept eating it. A few runny noses later we started to disect the dish. There was barely any pasta in dish. And as for the meat sauce? We couldn't find any meat. The dish was basically a hanfdul of pasta with TONSSSS of peppers on it. Ok so its the pasta from hell what can you really expect. Now it's hell night and food is hot, you would think the water refills would be plentiful--- NOPE. We had to ask several times for water and then they only filled up half the table. So as we sit there hungry waiting for more food I start to look around the kitchen. It's disgusting. There is huge dishses of chicken wings sittinng on top of the ovens, some other already grilled meat over the grill. It was a turnoff. You can't fry chicken wings fresh? I'd wait the extra what 10 minutes for fresh stuff. My oytsters arrive. I ordered 12 and only got 6. I corrected our waiter and he said he would be back with more. Now the oytsers were GREAT. They were fresh and delicious and honestly the best part of my meal. 20 minutes go by still no oysters. I ask someone passing by about them and also about Terry's guava rib. They go to get my oysters. The waiter comes over and says he is sorry but he put the rib in with her entree and the chef was not in a good mood and was scared to ask for it now. EXCUSE ME??? WTF? The chefs not in a good mood? I DON'T CARE. THIS IS A BUSINESS YOU TARD. That is where is super started to go down hill. That put us all in a fowl mood. We were just annoyed to be there. Finally we order cornbread because we are soooo HUNGRY. We devour. Good cornbread. Now finally after an hour and ten minutes of being there our entress come. The steak is cooked nicely and had great flavor. The sides were disgusting. The peppers and onions clearly had been made that morning and just sat in a vat of oil until slapped on a plate and served. My bluefish was gross. The piece of bluefish itself was nice, but the sauce was gross. It's like they just wanted it to be hot for hot's sake. None of the flavors made sense. The red beans came with sausage.... couldn't find one piece of sausage. The greens were so dry like dried out cripsy it was left on my plate. If the fish was just served straight on plate that would have been fine. The roties were also a failure. They thick clearly bought pastry dough was around some meat glop. The dinner was a gross fail. We all grabbed the check as soon as we could and booked it out of there. We will not be returning for hell night or any other night as this establishment. What a waste of $190 bucks and a warm Monday night.
(1)
Bo W.

There are plenty of reviews of ECG, so I'll talk about their catering. ECG brought the grill mastery to my nuptials. My guests left both satisfied and impressed- granted, anytime you can give someone something tastier than a dry chicken breast and week-old pasta primavera you're doing better than most weddings. But still, the crew at ECG did a masterful job. We had some tasty smoked brisket, grilled mahi-mahi, a pile of veggies, beans and rice, and the apps! Oh the apps! Tuna tacos were in the house, alongside a little goat-cheese bite-size pizza and some other goodies. They also made up a ton of margarita mix in differing exotic flavors. For wedding food (which is inherently unreasonably priced) they were competitively priced even compared to shitty el-cheapo caterers. Not that one ever hopes to get married again, but it's good to know ECG will give me some tasty meat to wipe the tears from my cheeks should that become a necessity.
(5)
Anastasia R.

***AWESOME about food ALLERGIES*** The East Coast Grill is by far the best sea food restaurant in Boston. I recommend it to anyone visiting from out of town looking for some local flavor. The tally: 1) The ECG is the most attentive restaurant I have ever been to regarding allergies. The servers give you a card where you can write your food allergies that will be given to the chef. They take precautions to avoid cross contamination and never give you a hard time about checking specific dishes. 2) This is a great place to go on a blazing afternoon for a hand made margarita and some raw bar action. 3) If you have veggie/vegan friends, they have a veggie dish that is a platter of all of their specialty sides that is enormous. 4) $5 parking lot 5) Light up volcano built into the wall and real fun light sculptures for ambiance 6) Home made chili infused tequila and vodka that would make any masochist's heart flutter. Tips: 1) If you are getting a margarita, ALWAYS get the big one cuz you're going to want another one anyway. 2) Get something from the raw bar because it's sexy 3) The specials are always an adventure and ALWAYS worth trying. 4) This place has some of the best fried plantains you can find in this town 5) Definitely a 3rd + date venue
(5)
Amy S.

Grilled Veggie Platter... buttered or vegan.... a large platter of colors and flavors that will not disappoint. Grilled avocados, plantains, squash, greens, slaws, pickles, yams, garlic potatoes, and more and more and more. The seared tuna taco is also one of my favorites, but this review is for the vegetarians. You guys need to check this place out. It can get pretty darn loud when the place is hopping, so go in expecting a lively scene. I am a fan of the festive atmosphere and the plastic monkeys that dangle from the cocktail rims. Only downside is they do NOT take reservations and they will not seat you unless every single member of your party is hunched around the hostess stand. Do not go here if you have a chronically late person in your party. I say show up at odd hours with 1-3 buddies and enjoy the fresh, beautiful, tasty food. ECG - good for the pescatarian, vegetarian, and everyone else.
(4)
Jenny N.

I was completely blown away....by how East Coast Grill can get away with charging $20+ for entrees in this neighborhood of Cambridge. I mean, I love me some crustaceans and expect to pay a certain price point for the dining out experience, but I felt blindsided by our check total ($60 for 2 drinks, 2 apps, and 1 entree w/o tip). While I understand that this is not a chain like Legal's where the dishes are typically consistent across the board, I find it hard to justify that they are charging nearly the same amount for seafood when the restaurant itself is so casual. Overall, the food was good but certainly not amazing. Some of the flavors were just overly intense, confusing my tastebuds and did not pair well with other elements of the dish. For example, the boy ordered shrimp and scallops over garlic noodles and just one bite of the pasta was enough to end a date. Luckily, we've been dating awhile so it wasn't a dealbreaker, but geez Louise....it was overpowering to say the least! I think that the seafood itself was well-prepared, and I would've eaten those alone without the "extras" like the soupy sauce that made my fried oysters soggy, or the gloppy sweet & sour sauce that coated our order of over-fried chicken livers, which were resting atop a bed of kale with bacon dressing. It was just too over the top and the flavors were competing with eachother. Actually, I think it's funny that my favorite part of the meal was the dish of complimentary homemade pickles--an interesting alternative to your typical bread basket. The restaurant itself is casual and rowdy--much like Redbones, except they serve seafood here as well as BBQ. Even though the weather was gross outside, the place was hoppin'. We walked in and waited at the bar 10 minutes for a table. The service was great, so I give them an extra star for that. We had a super nice waitress who noticed that I hardly touched the chicken livers and kindly took it off the check. Note: my review is based on dinner alone, and I would give them another chance just to try the brunch that everyone raves about...
(3)
S J.

Was a big fan of owners cookbooks before my travels brought me to the Cambridge area. ECG is a funky joint that delivers great flavor. I have always drifted to the seafood side of the menu and every one has delivered layers of flavor that are damn tasty. Did not care for the Sangria (red), but everything else spot on.
(4)
Matt B.

I've been here three times, and each time the food was great. Three stars because the third time our waitress was insanely rude. I'm not the kind of guy that usually cares about that but this was pretty bad. Usually I don't care because everyone has bad days, you know? Thing is- she was just acting this way towards our party. At the end of the night I just felt sad.
(3)
Shelly D.

The open front windows and convenient location lured us. I was very impressed with their wide ranged menu items accompanied by such reasonable prices. I spotted the eggplant rollatini right away. Usually I'd lean towards a shrimp/seafood dish, but tonight I was in the mood for a classic Italian meal. My boyfriend was more than happy with the steak tips that came with a side salad and mashed potatoes. I look forward to going back for a few appetizers we missed this time, as well as tasting the many wines they have to offer.....great local find
(4)
Kim P.

Well, as reviewer # 107, I will be contributing exactly 0.934% to the overall rating of East Coast Grill. For your sake, I will try to make my 0.934 percent count. The problem is, there's not much to say about East Coast Grill. It's wholly neutral. WAIT! Don't stop reading. Maybe the muse will strike me. In contrast to other diners, I thought the service was pretty good. The waiter was nice, if a little slow bringing the check. The fish was very good - I had the monkfish special, my dining companion had the salmon, and for sure that fish was slammin'. The sides (fried sweet potatoes and sauteed broccoli rabe) were good - I mean, they were easily superior to something I could prepare myself at home, but nothing to call mom about. To be fair, the woman at the table next to us was in raptures over that broccoli rabe, "Oh my god, I didn't know broccoli rabe could TASTE like this!" etc. Weird. I mean, come on girl, it's broccoli. It's not covered in chocolate or something. Calm down. One actual complaint about East Coast Grill is the fact that there is a not a lot of room for personal space. This usually doesn't bother me, but rapture girl was being rapturous about more than just her broccoli, and the volume and substance of her conversations was really getting on my last nerve. Given the cramped layout of the tables, there was a lot of community feeling going on in that restaurant, which sucks when your fellow community members are yowling at their party on the top of their lungs about how their crazy college tried to cheat them out of an honors credit. So my contribution as reviewer number 107 is that I feel neutral about East Coast Grill - scrolling through the rest of the reviews, it appears that I'm unique in this ambivalent feeling. On one hand, the food is very good, and this is certainly the best place to eat on that stretch of Cambridge St. between Springfield and Prospect. On the other hand, the competition in this respect is (1) Montien, with mediocre food and always creepily empty (2) That hell-hole of a Bukowski's and (3) The god-forsaken All-Star Sandwich Bar. East Coast Grill, don't pat yourself on the back too hard. Summary: The food was very good but for the prices they charge, it had BETTER be good. I would never advise anyone not to go here, as there's no reason to warn people away. It's fine and it's close - I might even take the family here when they're visiting (and paying). However, as a general rule, I'd much prefer spending my hard-earned dollars at equally pricey, but truly excellent restaurants* at the corner of delight** instead. East Coast Grill: very good. But hardly delightful. * Truly excellent restaurants: EVOO, Dali, arguably even the bargain-priced Kebab Factory. ** The corner of delight: the intersection of Beacon and Washington. Only a few short blocks away from Inman Square, and worth the walk.
(3)
James K.

So this place is outstanding. A Wonderful mix of bbq, cajun and seafood, not to mention the greatest brunch in all of metro Boston. Yeah, it can be a touch loud, and yeah the staff might need a touch of prodding but the quality of the food and ingredients are top notch. Order the specials, they've never done me wrong. This is where we go when we've worked some kind of insane amount of hours or made some kind of great sale and need to treat ourselves to some proper food and drinks. A locals favorite.
(5)
Kara B.

I can see why people like this place...big drinks, heaping plates, good-time atmosphere...but the food, itself, just isn't great. I started with shrimp cocktail...three jumbo shrimp for $9. Shrimp were of good quality, but vastly overcooked so they were tough and chewy and very very over salted. Hardly tasted like shrimp. Ribs were tasty, but very greasy, somewhat tough and the bbq sauce was OK, but not great. BBQ chicken the same. A bit undercooked and tasteless beneath the sauced skin. Mahi-mahi was well-cooked, but the plethora of sides on the plate weren't much to get excited about. Salty, steam table beans and rice were a weird combo of gummy and dry. Plantains were OK. Pineapple salsa was good, but served in a brown, mushy avocado half. Giant portion of cornbread, ordered as a side, was too sweet and cakey and served with a tiny portion of butter. I guess if you start with a big drink you can't taste the disappointing food. The place is packed and many of the other reviews are good, so I guess a big gulp margarita makes everything go down better...but this is not great dining. Service was over friendly and under attentive. We four weren't drinking much and once it was clear we weren't ordering the second beers, it was hard to rouse our server. Meh.
(2)
Jessica R.

Absolutely amazing job catering my wedding. I cannot say enough good things: the food came right off the grill onto the buffet - fresh, hot and delicious, they were able to accommodate food allergies by preparing fabulous special meals, their servers were so helpful and friendly and the catering manager made everything run seamlessly from start to finish. I think we may need to have them cater our anniversary as well!
(5)
K W.

Was at East Coast for some BBQ. The Ribs are just awsome. Juicy and tender, not fall off the bone/tofu ribs like the chain stores. One issue is the seafood, i don't think its their specialty or its just hard to grill seafood. The grill shrimp definitely didn't work because of the charred taste and the fact that the entire shrimp is black. we asked waitress to switch for some that is less charred and it was still the same second time around. The nice thing is the waitress saw that we didn't touch the rest of the shrimp plate and promptly asked manager approval to take the order off. That was very nice of her. we will definitely be back more often for ribs :)
(5)
Nick S.

Damn, this place got it right. Maybe it was the slightly sweet pickles offered at the start of the meal, or the perfect array of appetizer plates we shared, maybe it was the fine company I was in, or the laid back yet professional service, but damn. Spend some $$, eat some delishus seafood, enjoy the atmo, and never look back.
(4)
Jason W.

Wet bones! Hell bones! Damn yo, can a dogg get a bone?!
(5)
Sam M.

Coming here I really wanted to be blown away. The reviews were great, the menu looked great, and everything was in line for an amazing meal. However both times I've been here I feel like I have not made the best choices and have second guessed my decisions. I feel like I could go here and have an amazing amazing meal, but each time I've had a good meal, but wishing I had ordered maybe something different. Therefore I reserve my right to switch this to a 5 if I can find that allusive perfect East Coast Grill dish. I came here with my lady friend on a Friday night expecting there to be a long wait, but it took us longer to find parking then to get seated (big plus). We were seated pretty close to the kitchen, which was a bit warm, but still fun to watch the cooks work. I had a scallops appetizer (I believe was a special) It was very good, small, but I look quality not quantity in my apps. I then ordered the pulled pork sandwich for dinner. Now I am a pulled pork connoisseur, I live for pulled pork. This pulled pork was moist, it was a good serving size, but unfortunately it was a heavy vinegar based sauce. I prefer more tomato based sauces or at least not overwhelmingly vinegar based. So if you like a vinegar based bbq sauce this pulled pork sandwich is the way to go, if not, stick with the dry rub ribs. My girlfriend had the Peppered Tuna, which was very well cooked and a good piece of fish. Little too much pepper, particularly for someone with troublesome stomach, but still solid. The second time I went to East Coast Grill I went for the bowl of seafood. Again a good meal, lots of seafood, several different types, but just not amazing. The people I were with had the ribs and seemed to enjoy them greatly. We also had the buffalo shrimp (alright, probably would go with something more unique next time). Things that looked great: anything braised (lamb or pork), the vegetable medley (looked delicious), and the tuna taco. I will be back to East Coast Grill. Their menu is way too interesting to keep me away because of a couple of questionable ordering choices.
(4)
Doug C.

Really good food and exciting drinks. Great fresh local seafood. On first appearance, it looks like a bar and grill sort of place, but the food is high quality and the drinks were fantastic. We had a great time - in fact our favorite, most delicious meal in the Boston area!
(5)
Esther Z.

The Sunday brunch is to die for. I had the tuna tacos and I am still thinking about it two weeks later - it is THAT good. Those who love Bloody Marys - they've got a make your own bar! :) Inman has TONS of options for brunch but this is definitely one of the best!
(5)
Dave L.

I paid $23 or so for fish and chips. They were below average (not crisp, soggy) and the plate was also mostly fries with hardly any fish. The prices are pretty steep here and the quality isn't worth it. There is also hardly any space to wait for a table....the bar was full so we had to wait awkwardly in the space between the bar and the hostess. To top it off, the staff was constantly reminding us to scoot towards the bar because they need to walk through...annoying!
(2)
Jason H.

The short: good atmosphere, good wait staff, good menu. Frozen food. The long: Reading the reviews here, I feel like I'm going to be hung for writing what I'm going to say. But it has to be said. I wanted to go here in August when my parents were in town, but it was packed past full with a 2 hour wait required. We went to a restaurant nearby then (which was the worst place I ever ate at) but it was only maybe 50% full last night, so I took it as a sign that tonight was my night! With my buddy in town, we ordered what seemed like a surefire hit at a place that features oysters in the front window: the cold seafood platter for $30. Let me start this off right. The free appetizer bowl of pickles was pretty darned good, not just sour but flavorfully so. I ate nearly the whole thing by myself. We started with some french fries which were pretty good (nothing outstanding) and also a corn+clam chowder. I really liked the chowder but my friend hated it. I liked the spicy hotness to it, the crutons, the huge clams that were in there. I would make it a bit creamier to make it more of a chowder.... but that's totally a minor issue. No points lost there. Now comes the main dish, the $30 platter of chilled seafood. Clams, 2 kinds of oysters, crab claws, and big shrimp. 3 sauces: butter, cocktail + horseradish, and onion/ginger. The first two were fine no +/-, the onion-ginger was really good. Light but intense. I liked it! I was ready to love this dish! The clams and oysters seemed pretty good. I'm not enough of an expert to really say for certain. But they had the sea salt taste I've had at a few other restaurants, and with a pinch of lemon and the third dipping sauce I sucked these dudes dry..... or, well, you know what I mean. Then came the shrimp. Plucked that sucker up and.... wtf do I see? I bigass vein (aka the poop-filled intestines) along the back, and a few legs attached. The legs are fine; I can take those off. But you're gonna serve me a big ol' stinkin' wad of shrimp shit? Not for $30 you aren't, this isn't crap-ass Chinese restaurant prices here. But ok, small harm if I can see it, right? But wait, there's more. The shrimp itself reminded me of Costco. It was dry and mealy. It was still frozen inside. I know it's sitting on a bed of ice so it should be cold..... this wasn't cold. This was freezer burned. You can't freeze shrimp on ice. It has to be colder than that to do it. These fellas were cold and dehydrated from it too. That's unacceptable for $30. Crab claws had the same problem. I actually cracked the meat... yes, the meat.... not the shell..... when taking it out. And no, it wasn't the little soft bones inside that cracked. It was the meat, cuz after sitting awhile it got soft. That ended the night fast. We didn't even stay long enough to get our waters refilled. Perhaps the turf here is good. But don't waste your money on the surf. East Coast Grill could be anywhere. If you're gonna be on a coastal city, fix your seafood. All the people who were having fun seemed to be enjoying the alcohol rather than talking about the food. I'm never coming back here. Yet another night wasted on Cambridge street.
(2)
Dilip P.

This is hands down the best restaurant (in it's price range) in the Boston/Cambridge area. The chef is creative; the menu is playful and always throws up a few surprises. The fish is *always* cooked very well. The barbeque is pretty good as well. In general, everything is flavorful -- including the interesting pickle served as a starter and the mixed drinks concocted at the bar. And of course; on Hell's night; ECG is just something else -- an experience you cannot replicate anywhere else in the NorthEast.
(5)
Doug W.

This is one of those times when the extra half star would come in handy if offered. The good: -The buffalo fried shrimp were excellent. Paired with some of the best blue cheese sauce I've ever had (this wasn't just your garden variety Kens dressing like most places) they had just the right amount of spicyness, texture, and flavor. My only complaint is that there werent enough of them. -The seared shrimp and scallops with ginger sesame noodles were the favorite of the evening- both the shrimp and scallops were cooked perfectly and the noodles were delicious with a lot of flavor. -The BBQ trio plate was delicious, and very reasonably priced compared to a lot of the other mains offered. The baked beans and coleslaw were also delicious. The bad: -The cornbread, while only a side dish, was extremely dry and disappointing. -My father wasn't all that crazy about his mahi-mahi- bad might be a stretch, but I think he used the word 'unimpressed' at least three times. -Prices- the seafood in particularly seemed really high. The food was definitely good, but I'm not sure the quality/atmosphere justified it. -Limited reservation policy- this can either be a blessing or a curse, but on a Friday night it was definitely the latter. -Parking- not necessarily the restaurant's fault, but it is a complete nightmare. All in all, I might consider giving it another try since it was definitely a good meal, but I would be lying if I said that I wasn't somewhat disappointed given the glowing things I'd read coming in.
(3)
Maryann S.

I should start out by saying this review is based primarily on having brunch there semi-religiously. I have had dinner there twice, but it got to be kind of pricey (I drink. A lot) and it was crowded so everything took a while. Aaaaaaaah, but brunch - brunch is in a category all its own. The make-your-own-bloody mary bar is amazing, as are the grapefruit mimosas. Get there kind of early if you can, and if you are only going with 1 or 2 people, sit at the bar - the bartenders are pretty funny and have some good stories. Order the oysters to start, and then have the traditional breakfast with the tortillas, fried plantains, and black beans. Complete yummery. If you are ridiculously hungover, had a bad week at work, are going through a breakup, etc, treat yourself to the bacon steak. Yes, bacon steak.
(4)
Cara P.

Five words: MAKE YOUR OWN BLOODY MARY. OH and one more. Oysters. OOOPS and one more ...stuffed pork chop ...oh....and BBQ Yup both brunch and dinner at East Coast are standouts in my book. For starters, their brunch is reasonably priced and pretty hopping....if you truly believe to cure a hangover is to drink more...come on down. The line is VERY long, so we wait at Bukowskis with 20 other poor SOB's just wanting food..we chill and have a beer. As soon as our cell phone rings, we know are table is up. First things first. ....Bloody Mary ...."Yes, Sir may I have another"... They bring you the glass with your choice of vodka and you can add whateva you want. SWEET! Than it is all out traditional breakfast fare....my friend who doesn't do French toast etc, usually gets oysters-the super sweet kind...oh and are they AWESOME. I just can't handle them sometimes first thing. When the man and I have walked here for dinner, we always get the BBQ, Fish or stuffed pork chop. All out of this world, reasonably priced, fresh and definitely five star material. The only downside is the long wait .....oh...and this might bother those who drive here: the guy manning the parking lot across the street, that you can park at for under$10....well..... he sometimes has fights with himself and almost came to blows one day...with himself.
(5)
Shelby S.

The East Coast Grill was overrated. We were enticed by the amount of people in the restaurant, thinking that if it was packed it must be at least decent. To say that we were disappointed would be a massive understatement. Our waitress was unfriendly and not helpful at all. Our appetizer and food came out all at once. The food was unremarkable and overpriced. This place is not worth the wait. Don't waste your time.
(2)
Barney B.

Back in my consultant days, when customers visited town and wanted 'authentic seafood', I always told them to come here....and they always ended up at Legal Seafood because it was easier and they heard more people rave about it. They also tended to head to Vinny Testa's over the North End, so my customers were frankly a bunch of fracking newbie morons. But I digress... I love that this option is in my hood - and though the price tag is a bit high for Inman, I haven't had a disappointing meal yet, food wise. there have been one or two order mishaps, each time matched with the manager bringing a free bowl of chowder (which was inconvenient since neither of us like chowdah, but still a nice enough gesture). For non-seafood heads, they have a section devoted to BBQ - which I frankly can't comment on, because it never distracts me away from the oceanic offerings. Check out the blackboard specials for a great catch of the day (like tilefish last night). It'll run you a few more bucks than the already spiked prices on the standard menu - but to have something caught earlier in the day, prepped perfectly and offered to my gullet that evening - it don't get much better.
(4)
Tom M.

My favorite place on the planet. The "Hell Wings" are fabulous, the "Hell Bones" rock, the Malaysian Seafood Bowl special the other day was out of this world. Great grilled food, exceptional raw bar, amazing drinks, always great seafood. Go!!!
(5)
Erika R.

Holy Vegetarian Plate Batman! I went here not knowing what to expect, and being vegetarian with a garlic allergy proves to be a difficult task when going out, but I usually try, avoid what I can, and have some success in foraging for food. East Coast Grill's vegetarian plate "The All Vegetable Experience" was above and beyond what I could have ever expected. Having moved away from Boston, my friend and I were looking for a joint close to her apartment where we could find food and a good experience; we settled on East Coast. My meal, it was like a treasure hunt, approximately the size of my torso, on a plate. It was full of every side imaginable, not only that was an excellent aspect of the meal, but also once I mentioned my allergy they came out with an allergy card on the plate saying it was free of garlic :-). This was proof from the chef they actually care about people with allergies! I really enjoyed the meal, the glowing decor (glowing lava volcano), and the experience. As a vegetarian I would definitely go here again, despite the limited choices, but this plate is worth a trip! My leftovers weigh about 4 lbs which shows how much food you get for your buck. Minor list of what is piled on my plate: Fried Plantains, Fried Sweet Potato Stuffed Avocado Grilled Corn on the Cob, Grilled Pineapple, Grilled Banana, Grilled Tomatoes, Grilled Onion Sesame Noodles Mashed Sweet Potatoes Kale Salad Regular Salad Slice of Watermelon Cornbread Guacamole -- did I mention this was all on 1 giant plate?
(5)
Rebecca S.

I've been here a few times, and was never impressed. The last visit, 2 weeks ago, confirms my opinion that this place is vastly overrated. First, some caveats: Excellent bloody mary. And that's worth something! Also, I'm not a fan of the crustacean or bivalve sides of raw seafood (but I love sushi & sashimi). So the raw oysters could be fantastic here and I wouldn't know. The best thing I've had here was the vegetarian platter. Which is curious, considering it's a seafood restaurant. They do vegetables quite well, in my opinion. What they don't do very well is seafood! Imagine ordering a piece of tuna, medium rare, and receiving a very thick slab of very bland fish. Cooked to order? Yes. Flavorful? Not at all. The fish was fresh, but it seemed to have been prepared by someone who thought he was cooking a steak. In my opinion, treating tuna like a thick hunk of beef is not going to show it to its best advantage. If I'd wanted a steak, I'd have ordered a steak. I wanted fish -- tender, flavorful. Nope! My boyfriend was equally unenthused with his food, and our friends didn't seem to be overwhelmed by tastiness. So far, we're talking a 2 or even possibly 3 star meal. But then there were the foreign objects in the food. Boyfriend found a hair in his chowder. To their credit, the restaurant removed it from the bill and offered him a free dessert. But 10 minutes later, after the entrees had been served, our friend found a fiber in her food that didn't seem to be a hair ... we weren't sure what it was. She was done eating, we were hurrying to catch a movie, and so we said nothing this time. But, really -- two unwanted objects in one meal? Bland food. Careless kitchen staff. Long waits for tables ... why?
(1)
Cheryl L.

Continues to be a regular stop in my neighborhood. Tasty Gazpacho and Fish Tacos. Sooo goood.
(4)
Kana O.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Aside from the long waits that I have to deal with because they don't take reservations on weekends, I have nothing bad to say about this place. I love their tuna taco appetizer.. yum! and I always get their fish special and it's been amazing every time!! The best one I had was some type of grilled blue fish. If you like fish, you will love this place!! You can bring your carnivore friends with you too because they have a decent BBQ menu.
(5)
Jessie O.

I really like this place. It's not trying to be anything fancy- it's just making really delicious food. I have enjoyed everything I've had here, most especially some form of "breakfast platter" I got here for brunch last sunday... a little bit of everything wonderful was on this plate, including PERFECTLY cooked scrambled eggs- still a little runny (this is rarely accomplished). staff is super nice, very helpful, and the place is run like a well-oiled machine.
(5)
Michelle Z.

This is the best restaurant I have been to in Boston. I absolutely loved it. Weird combination of specialties with a Raw Bar and BBQ food but both were fantastic. Also a restaurant with amazing food plus a casual atmopshere is my perfect place. Oysters were great, Buffalo Shrimp were AMAZING and this is coming from a person who is not crazy about buffalo sauce. The Gazpacho special was interesting, no great but not bad. The flavor mix was intriguing, but not for me. For dinner I split the Bud's BBQ Sampler that includes ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket and everything on this platter was unbelievable. Best pulled pork that i have EVER had!!!! also they had a really good pinot noir by the glass, and thats always a plus for me this might be weird but my favorite part might have been the mixture of pickled vegetables they give you when you first sit down.
(5)
Arestia R.

Totally worth the $25 I spent on brunch. Why $25? Because I couldn't say no to anything. I came for build your own bloody mary bar and kept going with cornbread with lime butter, plantains and some pork thing I had that put me into a damn fine food coma. Also, bonus points for a super fun waiter. Everything was AMAZING. No, not amazing. Splenoyfuler! Yeah, so good, I made up a new word.
(5)
Jon H.

E.C.G. can be expensive but i have never been let down. It's a bit like eating on a happy ship. Bearded chefs in bandannas yell at each other in an open kitchen and servers and hosts and customers and bartenders are colliding with each other and still endlessly smiling and saying sorry and thank you at the same time. You can go cheap w/ the $9 bar-b-q plate+ $3.50 beer and free pickled plate or you can splurge on reliably awesome seafood for a lot more $$. IT'S LOUD+ALWAYS A WAIT on FRI/SAT BUT IT'S WORTH IT
(4)
Theresa C.

Build your own bloody mary bar was the best thing and just what the doctor ordered! I loved the selection of mix-ins although I'm very traditional with my Worcestershire, Tabasco, lemon, Clamato with a splash of bloody mary mix! Throw in some celery, olives and hot peppers and you have yourself an eye opener!! Liked them so much I had 3!! The food was great and based on other reviews I read got the buffalo shrimp with a side of sweet potatoes - both were excellent. Our table also shared some plantains which were greasy but still very yummy! I can't wait to come back and try other things on the menu!!
(5)
Hana C.

A very solid restaurant in East Cambridge- The food is awesome! I love how they give complementary bottomless homemade pickles. And it goes so perfectly well with the food. There are a couple of dishes I would definately recommend. These are single bones- succulent, Spicy! and meaty Spicy banana appetizer- watch out, this thing is seriously spicy, I have never finished a whole one myself because it is so so spicy though. white pepper crusted tuna- This entree is my favorite. The thing literally melts in your mouth. Ask for their specials- I got the scallop with rice pilaf special last time and it was excellently prepared with huge juicy grilled scallops. The service is also top-notch for a casual restaurant. The servers are always so professional and curteous. One thing to note though is that sometimes the wait can be very long if you don't reserve (although I don't know if they even take reservations). Last time I went with a group of five, and we ended up waiting for 45 minutes by the bar. But it was so worth the wait!!!
(4)
Eileen B.

The East Coast Grill is overrated. Not sure why it is crowded most of the time. They sat us right near the kitchen, it was hot and there shouldn't even be a table there! The food was OK but overpriced. Service was good, waitress was friendly.
(2)
Dan K.

Had the Eastern North Carolina shredded Pork Platter. Was good but nothing like North Carolina Pork. That said I enjoyed it and left satisfied.
(4)
A. P.

GO HERE. We did, and got: -Fried oysters with tasso ham and remoulade -Ceviche made with shrimp, some other manner of bottom-feeder, and hearts of palm, served on fried plantains. -Striped sea bass. Fresh, perfect. With-- oh boy-- cumin-y broth, broccoli rabe, tomato and CORN NUTS. Very Encino Man. -Chocolate pecan pie with Christina's vanilla ice cream. This might have been unnecessary. -Smuttynose Old Brown Dog & Long Trail Ale, on tap. Very necessary. Good, fresh ingredients, well prepared. Worth every [one of my visiting mom's] dollar[s][s][s][s].
(5)
Kar M.

I am a believer... If you want grilled anything....this is the place for you If you are afraid of a little spice...this might not be The drinks, spicy shrimp -- with the delayed kick, the swordfish and the dessert were all A+++ in my book The service was amazing and the place was jumpin' Dont go if youre in a rush! But GO!!!
(5)
Carolynne M.

It's been 3 weeks since Hell Night. Three weeks since I plopped my butt into a seat in a small back room of this joint and scoffed at the challenge laid in front of me. It seemed easy enough - a menu outlining each dish with a corresponding "bomb" level next to it. Two bombs was pretty wimpy - 9 bombs was the limit and reserved for a single dish. And not just any dish, the most evil, blisteringly hot dish, called Pasta From Hell. Supposedly coated with a sausage bolognese sauce that was also infused with about 6 different kinds of peppers, including habaneros, serranos and ghost chiles (bhut jolokia). Well, if there was sausage hiding in there, I never found it. Seriously folks, this pasta is no joke. I can take ridiculously high amounts of heat and this was *almost* too much for me. You know its bad when you can actually feel the sauce continually burning your esophagus and into your stomach. (Yeah, Stomach was mad for the next few hours, but it took the beating OK in the end.) If I can give you any description of how it felt eating this it would probably be how a wildfire rips through a forest and leaves nothing in its wake. My one problem with the dish is that it really didn't taste like anything, except for the pepper. Now maybe this is because once you get to a certain spice level that's all you are able to taste, but I don't think so. I think East Coast needs to go beyond just a gimmicky plate of food and actually make it delicious. It can be done, I have faith! Considering the other things we ordered that were friggin fantastic...the 2 pieces of shrimp with the Detroit Diesel Horseradish Sauce, delish! The Curried Shrimp & Sweet Potato Samosas with Fatali Cucumber Relish, Mango Chutney & Minted Yogurt - drool worthy. Andy M had an order of chili along with the "Wings of Ass Destruction" Phuket Style (Brined, Smoked, Fried Chicken Wings with Ghost Chile Oil, Nuoc Cham & Aromatic Herbs) and those were absolutely exquisite. East Coast Grill, thank you. There is nothing that even comes close to this experience over in wimptastic Chicago. I cant wait for the next Hell Night - you guys kick ass!
(5)
Josh C.

2 words.... Hell Night!!!! So you think you can handle hot sauce or the hottest peppers? This place has something to blow your face off. You dont believe me? Ask for the "Pasta from Hell" It's not on the menu and you have to sign a waver to get it. I still haven't fully recovered. Vaya con dios
(5)
Deann M.

Solid food, cool waitstaff, LONG wait for ribs. Mussels - AWESOME w/ a side of grilled bread Rack of ribs - First time w/ dry rubbed. I prefer the mine saucy. But, overall, yummy. Not worth the long wait though. I was about to break out one of my own ribs. Oysters - Pretty freaking good! Among the top 25% that I've had...not to say I'm an oyster expert of any sort. Beer - Good selection and comes quicker that the ribs. Waitstaff - Cool chick.....from SF of course! :) Head over if you don't mind a wait but want some good ol' grilled goods, a beer and a casual, fun environment.
(4)
ack c.

One of my favorite dishes is fish tacos... I have a running tally of fish taco locations in the city, categorized by how much I liked them and East Coast Grill has just taken the lead in this category. We went for sunday am brunch and had a delicious meal of fish tacos, eggs, baked bananas, everything was amazing. It was like breakfast in jamaica sans the travel. No wait, no reservation, no worries man!
(5)
Jon M.

Cool vibes in this Inman square hotspot allow patrons to dine in style without having to venture into downtown Boston. East Coast Grille is known for fresh seafood and tasty bbq...our experience was lucky enough to include a little of each. Although we enjoy both seafood and bbq we were a little surprised to see a restaurant specialize in both. For starters, we cracked snow crab claws at the bar while sipping salty margaritas. The claws were fresh and tasty but for their size $3.00 a pop was a tad expensive. The bar itself was very well decorated with a sort of cool blue (Atlantic) ocean breeze theme. Once our guests arrived we ventured over to a booth where we ordered another round of drinks and some Prince Edward mussels for an appetizer. The mussels were piping hot and served with a sweet and soothing coconut milk broth. The portion was enough to keep four adults satisfied until our entrees arrived. At this point, I felt as though I tasted enough seafood and switched gears to their southern style bbq selection. I ended up ordering the North Carolina shredded pork sandwich which was brought to me on a grilled bulky roll, oversized, yet still overflowing with tangy, sweet pulled pork pieces. The pork was cooked perfectly, very tender and burnt at the ends. Let's just say if it were still on the bone it would have fallen off. We drank our dessert in the form of.... well more drinks... and by the time we left, we buzzed out of there like a swarm of well fed and somewhat tired bees. Four (and a half) out of Five
(4)
Nicholas P.

I love the East Coast Grill! It's a fun, crazy place to go. The best times are really the Hell Night when you go just to have your mouth burned straight to hell. I went for their Sunday brunch which was also excellent. The bloody mary bar was a definite great way to start a Sunday. They understand subtle taste and flavors. They also understand how to treat their customers. They are real people serving good food. They've created a restaurant that not only has good food but is a fun place to eat. Go to the East Coast Grill!
(5)
Sneakers A.

Yes! Banana stuffed with smoked pork and serious hot sauce. Tuna tacos with slaw. Cajun seasoned scallops with hearts of palm salad. Sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious. They have a couple decent craft beers on tap. Fantastic menu for such a casual, laid back room. Will gladly go again.
(5)
Andy H.

Hell night. Only been there once, but it was awesome. The banana and pork appetizer was by far my favorite. But everything was good, oysters, beers, MEATBALL ROULETTE. What a great concept and a great way to get people in the door
(5)
Orly M.

Brunch -- 4 stars I got yummy yummy steak and eggs, really nice and spicy. And bloody mary bar is awesome. Dinner -- 2 stars I've only been here for dinner once. I think I got mahi mahi with mango salsa and some plantains or something. The meal wasn't memorable. What was memorable was that it was way too expensive and my man and I left hungry. For the same money you can get a nice, big piece of fish at Legal's, enjoy a better atmosphere. And hey, they'll give you tobasco if you want som.e spice. I just won't pay $25 for some salsa on a $15 piece of fish at East Coast
(3)
Wendy L.

Awesome food but definitely a bit of a wait. As the name would lead tyou to believe, they cater to the seafood crowd. I'm not a huge seafood person, but I found plenty of options. The restaurant is deceptively large...and when I went, I was said to be stuffed in a little corner. But it was actually quite nice because it felt very intimate...as long as you are with somebody you would want to be stuffed in a corner with. :-) One of the best places in Inman Square and a great place for a date.
(4)
Annie P.

I like the Breakfast Platter (yay Hearts of Palm salad. hoorah Rice & Beans for breakfast) and the Bloody Mary Bar. Dinner has never been memorable for me. Also the line blows on Sunday mornings. I usually go next door to empty Bukowski's and have a drink while our party name gets bounced up the list.
(3)
Zane G.

This is a great place for bbq and especially if you like anything spicy and they even have an oyster bar. I have never been a fan for oysters but the bbq and spicy is great. The prices are a tad higher than average but well worth it. The staff is friendly and quick. If you love spiciness, show up on Hell Night, happens three times a year and the next one is on Halloween, you can bet you will see this girl there!
(5)
wolf t.

When someone serves you a sashimi-tender tuna grilled just a bit crispy on the outside, it's easy to focus on that. But I'd prefer to call attention to the tiki bar ambiance. Because while a few restaurants in boston can prepare fish this perfectly, none of them have a flowing lava mural.
(5)
Julia K.

I have been to the East Coast Grill before, and it's always been fantastic, but I would like to review a particular dish that blew me out of the water! I recently became vegetarian (almost vegan), and this can be a depressing predicament when dining out. But not at the East Coast Grill! I went with friends and ordered the "All Vegetable Experience," which can be made with or without dairy. It was the best meal ever, vegetarian or not. The plate is huge and extremely colorful. It costs $17.50, and it's approximately three hearty meals worth of food. The plate included delicious things like grilled pineapple, roasted banana, plantains, kale, chard, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, jicama-cilantro-lime salad, mango slaw/chutney of some kind, some cold asian sesame noodles, corn on the cob, really unusual and flavorful rice and beans, half an avocado stuffed with a mango salsa, and more. I can't describe how colorful, beautiful and delicious everything was. The dish changes depending on what else is on the menu and what's in season, so you won't get bored of it either! My favorite restaurant meal of my life! P.S. The oysters on the half shell were also awesome.
(5)
R B.

Good food, but I hate having to shout to have a conversation with people sitting next to me. Crazy. We weren't even near the speakers. (Yes, I'm old.) Nothing I've had here was so memorable that I'd go out of my way to willingly brave the volume of the music or crowds.
(3)
Ashley S.

You'd think that being tucked away in Inman Sq would keep East Coast Grill for the neighborhood locals. But when you're this delicious, people make the trek from all over town. I bring out-of-towners here for brunch when I want to give them an experience beyond just omelettes & french toast. Tiki room, sangria, make-your-own bloody mary bar, oysters, the most sinfully delicious plantains (as a side or on the breakfast platter). For dinner, my meat eatin' friends rave about the BBQ. I've been pleased with the seafood selections that change regularly with what's fresh. It's a little pricey for the super casual atmosphere, but when the food comes you realize it's worth it.
(5)
Brian F.

I'm still a huge fan of this place, but last night's experience wasn't quite up to par. We got there at 5:45 just after it opened to beat the rush since we had 2 toddlers in tow. The waitress was moderately attentive at first but as the place filled up we got more and more ignored. I ordered the jerk wings which as i expected were insanely hot, but they had zero taste other than heat, which was disappointing. Their Thai wings manage to offer both flavor and heat but these offer only the latter. The waitress did go out of her way at first for us, bringing slices of watermelon and some plastic scorpion bowl animals for the girls. But then the real dinner crowd started piling in and the entire staff seemed harried by it. I mean sure, it got really crowded all at once - but I'm pretty sure the place is like that every Saturday (if not every night) and they should be prepared for it. I don't have very high expectations for service in general. If the food is good and the service is prompt and courteous, I'm happy. But for what you're paying for at ECG i think they could step it up a notch. Your customers should not be able to perceive or be affected by your Saturday night rush stress, and that's what i feel like happened last night.
(3)
Pete P.

I rarely ever give something 5 stars or an A+ but this place deserves it. Chris Schlesinger never ever disappoints. The fish is fresh off the boat, the steak is phenomenal and the BBQ is outrageous. Not only that, but the cocktails are fantastic too and the oysters are sweet or salty depending on the region. This is my favorite restaurant in Boston and I have been here for over a decade. There is even parking now for $5 right across the street. What is the downside? They dont take reservations so you have to wait. Its not the big of a deal though because you give them your cell phone number, head to Bukowski's next door for a delicious beer and they will call you when your table is ready. My "cant go wrong order" is the house specialty margarita, one dozen oysters and the stuffed pork chop if they have it on the menu. Then, skip next door for the best ice cream in New England at Christina's.
(5)
Arthur M.

Love the raw bar and daily fish specials. Every Sunday, the best brunch in town.
(5)
Sarah D.

I've only been here once but i would love to come back. The food was straight up good. They have a good selection of different things and everything i tried was worth the price. I'm not gonna say it was amaaaaazing but it was definitely better than average food. I had whatever their margarita special was, and it was okay if possibly a little light on the hard stuff. No big deal, i wanted a margarita and they brought me a margarita, in fact i drank 2 of them. For food i had the taco special which was 2 pork tacos with slaw and some citrus sauce on it. These were fantastic. Pork tacos are maybe my favorite food and these did not dissappoint. I also had the mussels, which were kind of strange but very good. The sauce they were served in was really rich, kind of peanutty? I don't remember how they were described on the menu so i don't know it really was, but i know i liked it. My date had a bbq platter with ribs and dirty rice. The ribs were tasty and the rice was pretty good for what it was; i've never been to a restaurant that makes dirty rice the way i always had it growing up and i'm always dissappointed by that, but that's really my own issue. They give you some awesome pickles when you sit down too. So yeah, i liked the food. i would go back for the food definitely. I just want to give a few extra words for the service. Me, i don't need a lot of attention and hand-holding at a restaurant, so i don't really notice service much unless it's completely horrible. But i really have to say the waiter in our section was fantastic at his job. Next to us was a family who were really pleasant, but had a million questions for the waiter about the restaurant itself and the menu and the history etc. He seemed happy to answer anything she threw at him and even offered to show her their kitchen/smoker when she expressed an interest. On our other side was a large table full of people who were complaining before they even sat down. If you've ever worked in the service industry you've dealt with people like this, who are always on the lookout for a reason to not have a good time. The waiter was awesome with them and accomodated every substitution and nitpicking thing they demanded of him while maintaining a friendly and helpful attitude the whole time. I wish i remembered what his name was because he represented the business very well. Anyway: good food, decent margarita, and at least one great waiter.
(4)
Amanda G.

I went here for my friend's birthday dinner the other night. It's a cute little place. The oysters were delicious -- especially with the chipotle sauce they give you with it. I also had the buffalo shrimp appetizer -- had a nice little kick to it. I'm not DYING to go back, but I don't have anything bad to say about it.
(3)
Mats K.

I love this place. If I were made of money I'd come here all the time. The highlight of the ECG experience is the Lords Brunch on Sunday mornings. Come early, as it generally gets packed rather quickly, and they only take reservations for large parties. The build your own bloody mary is definitely the way to go. They bring you a glass with ice and vodka, after which you go to their bloody mary bar, and add exactly the ingredients you want. We started with an order of Quonset Point Oysters (yum yum yum). after that I ordered some more standard breakfast fare. WARNING: If you are not a fan of really spicy food, avoid anything on the menu that contains their "Inner Beauty Sauce". This is the kind of hot sauce that makes your ear canals burn. I can't recommend this place enough. Come one, come all (just not so many of you that I can't get a seat for the Lords Brunch) Everything they have here tastes wonderful
(5)
Paul D.

Living on its past reputation. For years the East Coast was my go to for seafood. Then I discovered their BBQ. Not as good as Redbones, but really good just the same. The last two times I have been to East Coast, I have been extremely underwhelmed. I gave it another try last week, and have to say I will be thinking long and hard before I stop in again. The martini's were 3/4 full, the plantains had obviously been sitting there all night, and the servers and bartenders were more worried about getting out the door (mind you this is 9:30 on a Thursday) than taking care of customers. The quahog appetizer was delicious, as was the buffalo shrimp - but again, with so many brilliant restaurants in the general area, I wont be back for while.
(3)
Dane K.

Things to get: The cornbread. The ribs. The greens. Oh jesus christ, get yourself the greens. The greens are what should make this place famous. GET YOURSELF SOME GARLIC GREENS. Am I clear? Service was good and attentive, atmosphere was loud, but getting to watch the line (open kitchen) was fun. Who you should bring here: your best foodie friend who's had it up to HERE with fusion, foam and frills and just wants to eat something time-and-tradition tested. And seriously, please get the greens.
(4)
Maria R.

One of my top 5 restaurants. Excellent grilled fresh seafood and bbq. Just consistently awesome.
(5)
Ryan D.

Sit by the grill, you may have the good fortune of slow cooked ribs served on the house by the grill masters next yo you. Great margarita - has the decor of an old diner face lifted with a great wait staff and a bountiful list of grilled meats that will leave none left to be had. Korean BBQ skewers - little dry fyi
(4)
Amanda M.

I was expecting a lot when I went here. Everyone raves about this place, and not just on Yelp. When I moved to the neighborhood I heard from everyone that THIS was the place to try. So the first time I went I was really excited and feeling pretty ready for the "best dinner ever." I ordered the shredded pork sandwich... it was nothing great. The baked beans that came with it were just so/so and overall, the experience left me feeling pretty let down. But I decided to give it another go a few weeks later when my parents came to town. This time I went the seafood route -- ordering the mahi mahi. Again, nothing special. The kitchen did send us out some pretty decent fried plantains though, and I really enjoyed the sangria. I think we all left feeling pretty full, but not equally as satisfied. Ah well, I probably won't be returning, unless it's for drinks alone.
(3)
Nicole E.

The mussels are delicious...love the atmosphere. Unfortunately they don't take reservations and it can get really busy.
(4)
Elizabeth F.

The food was good, but mostly I was excited about their bloody mary bar at brunch. It didn't disappoint. I'll have to take advantage of the raw bar sometime, too.
(4)
j r.

One of my all-time favorites. Great food & drinks. I love sitting at the bar when in town. Also have had the cookbooks for years & use them all the time for creative, easy to prepare grilled meals.
(5)
Kate F.

Why did I only first visit this place two months before leaving Somerville?! Some of the freshest, best prepared fish I've had in a while. Really innovative pairings, not to mention influences from Caribbean, Southern, and Japanese cuisines... Everything was flavorful, the portions were very generous, and we're STILL talking about the buffalo asparagus appetizer. And the true test of a great place - I went with the Sig O and Momma P - both seasoned foodies but with widely varying tastes - and the three of us all had a great time. And the bar looked awesome, though it hosted an older crowd compared to where I usually frequent. Can't wait to go back for drinks...
(5)
Bryan R.

Went here for brunch on Sunday with my family. Had to wait 45 minutes to get a table, but it was well worth the wait! Everyone was in love with their meal. My Aunt had the "best eggs she's ever had." I got a chicken burrito that was on the special menu and it was delicious. The service was also great. I've been to the East Coast Grill for dinner and now for brunch, and both have been great experiences all around. Everything on the menu is a little pricey, but at least you get what you pay for.
(4)
Rebecca C.

I really liked this place, although I wanted to love it. We ordered a variety of fish and raw bar stuffs- but the highlight was the roasted banana side we ordered- brushed with molases and sprinkled with scallions. The people across from us got a whole black bass, a special that the owner had caught- it looked crazy amazing, but we weren't into picking all the bones out, etc. We enjoyed our food, but it just wasn't super. I feel like they did a bit too much and that the food would have been better with simpler treatments..
(4)
Eva K.

Now that I've tried dinner here, I'm upgrading my rating to five stars, yes, five stars. Despite the fact that the menu is a strange mix of barbeque and South American cuisine, it is just damn good. I'm not big on the barbeque part, but their apps/sides are to die for...plantains with guava ketchup, garlic mashed potatoes, chicken livers app, and of course, watermelon.
(5)
Ken M.

Went here again tonight. Was just as good as before. Service was maybe a little slow.
(5)
Harold S.

Ok, so after reading a lot of the reviews, I had high expectations going into the restaurant. Since this week is Restaurant Week, there was a three course special for $33, which three of us ordered. The appetizer was a shrimp/crab cake, which was fairly good. It was moist, meaty, and well cooked. Then it went downhill from there. We ordered a 1/2 dozens oysters, which were really small. Then it took close to 45 minutes for our food to get here. We had to ask our waitress to check on our food for us, and it still took another 10 minutes after we asked her. The food, I would say is average at best. I had the fried cod seafood bowl with mussels. The cod was tasteless, as one my friend commented, it taste like I'm eating a Filet-O-Fish. My other friends ordered the bluefish and BBQ platter. The bluefish was average as well, the sauce didn't do much to add to the dish. The BBQ platter, with 1/2 chicken and ribs, were average, nothing spectacular, the corn was good though. After the average meal, we waited over 15 minutes for our dessert. The dessert was a grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream and a blueberry crumble. The grilled pineapple was interesting, and the crumble was surprisingly good, with a good crunch to it. Overall, I'm going to blame my experience on the Restaurant Week menu. I will give this restaurant another try and order from the actual menu, maybe with lower expectations.
(2)
Bill L.

Ok, I will admit I am biased. Throughout the past decade, many members of my family and many of my coworkers have gone through the ranks at the ECG, from front house to working the grill and sautÃ© lines to catering. Regardless, this place has been around this long for a reason. Pigs around the world, Hell Nights (try the ghost chile pasta if you want a fun ride)...it's all still here, and will be here for years to come.
(4)
Emily D.

A friend hooked me up with a gift certificate from East Coast Grille. It was about to expire and she wasn't going to be able to redeem it. This is the only reason why I went...and probably will not return. The food was not horrible.. but.. I just wasn't impressed. It's a seafood joint and also has some BBQ options. The menu prices are kinda pricey.. it's not for a cheap night out. I got a burnt edge beef brisket sandwich for about $9..not bad. But that honestly was probably one of the only cheaper things on the menu. It was very tasty.. but do expect the burnt flavor... it was really strong. My hubby got a half roasted chicken which came with some potatoes and roasted corn on the cob. He almost licked his plate. He loved it. I thought his chicken had too much pepper...but now I'm sounding like a picky eater. lol The food was good.. I'm not a huge seafood eater..which I've heard is what this restaurant is all about. So I guess I probably won't be coming here again.
(3)
Bridget C.

Went here for dinner on Saturday with my boyfriend and it was delish! We got seated right away which baffled us! We got the hell brinned jerk wings and they were delish! I got the watermelon martini and I did not like it. Then I got the cornmeal crusted cod which was awesome.
(5)
Karyn S.

We went here for Sunday brunch and just didn't fall in love. The raw oysters were good. I ordered so-called cheese grits. They really don't know how to make grits, it's a northern problem I suppose, but they should take them off the menu. They taste like cafeteria quality - and where was the cheese? The cornbread which was very dry. The tuna tacos needed soy. This menu is just not my style for brunch. Friendly staff, though.
(2)
Mike V.

Probably my favorite restaurant in Boston. I've been here several times now and each time I get a new seafood dish. The chefs are extremeley creative and the seafood is right out of the ocean. Also a nice spot to sit at the bar order a few beers and some oyster shooters. Going to the ECG is an experience.
(5)
Meaghan S.

This place is too bright. The food is WAY over priced. The atmosphere is lackluster. If you want better BBQ go to Blue Ribbon in Arlington or West Newton. If you want better fish buy your own from New Deal in East Cambridge (right up the street). Want better drinks? Cuchi Cuchi. River Gods. Even Border Cafe (for Sangria Tu y Yo). Better atmosphere? Try Bukowski's next door. You want to spend as much for atmosphere try Dali down the street. Very much not impressed. Especially since the mussels my mother ordered were borderline rotten, pretty bad for a place that specializes in fish. When I spend this much on food I expect a degree of quality. I feel I did not receive that. There are many much better expensive places, as well as much better more moderately priced places in the area. Not a fan.
(3)
Jennifer D.

I came here with my coworkers on a Wednesday night and we each decided to try the hell bone for $3 per piece, just because it sounded interesting. They ended up giving us extras because they were nice. However, we didn't finish them because they were tremendously spicy, habanero sauced ribs. We had to down a lot of water. For my entree, I got the blue fish with gumbo and fried onions. It was very tasty - the fish was skilleted and came with tartar sauce, but it was seasoned and cooked in a way that the sauce was unnecessary. My coworkers got the mahi mahi and some gigantic meat platter with braised beef, etc, etc. and they were satisfied with their meals as well. Sounds like they liked it so much that they went back to the restaurant later that week.
(4)
Nicole P.

I love bbq and The East Coast Grill is def. a good spot! The pulled pork and the ribs are quite good but I think the fish entrees are what make East Coast stand out. If you go and dig spicy food please get the buffalo shrimp app.- very good. It's def. more pricey then some other equally good bbq places like Blue Ribbon or Red Bones but the ambience is nice (good date place) and the fish selection/raw bar make it worthwhile. Expect a loooong wait on weekend nights; even with a reservation I have had to wait. I have heard the brunch is amazing but haven't tried it yet : )
(4)
Tony L.

I have a new motto: "You don't always get a second chance to try everything." I came here with my girlfriend, and we did just that. We ordered the cornbread with chile lime butter, the spicy sausage, the plantains with banana guava katsup, the black and blue tuna, and the fish tacos with sweet pasilla glaza. Man! That was a lot of food. Everything was pretty solid. The Bad: The tuna wasn't very remarkable, for 9 bucks it wasn't very big, although it gets extra creativity points for being skewered on a splint of sugar cane. The cornbread was also a bit expensive for four bucks, although the chile lime butter for the cornbread gave it a unique flavor. The Awesome: The plantains were a bit dry, but dipped in the guava katsup (who ever came up with that?!) they were freaking delicious. The tacos were definitely the highlight of the meal, the slaw was sweet and flavorful, the fish a little crunchy and not too firm, and the soft tortillas not tacobell large, but not potsticker skin small--just the right size. The sausage had me shooting fireballs out of my ass the day after. Yes, the decor with its clamshell lampshades and blowfish ornaments pushes the decor over the top. But with the creative dishes concocted at East Coast Grill & Raw Bar, the over the top moniker is well deserved. Four and a half stars (rounded up).
(5)
Neno S.

I told you when I was there and I am telling you now: You gotta try harder with that hot sauce to impress me! It was hot, but nothing I can't handle. I was really impressed with the fried oysters though. Our food was cooked with care and while I had low expectations about this place and went there only because I heard of their notorious hot sauces I was pleasantly surprised. The place is always busy, which is always a good sign for a fish restaurant. The area is very busy too though, which is a bad sign for you finding a parking spot. It's a bit expensive but unique and has character.
(4)
Susan N.

Go for the fish, not for the service. After reading many great reviews about this place, I brough my friend from out of town here. The fish was amazing. We always end up doing a shared appetizer thing and had the Latin Style Grilled Pacu Ribs (fabulous!), Chile Crusted Tuna Taco (really good), fries (also really good) and the Brazillian greens dish (almost very tasty... it was drenched in way too much oil... and if it hadn't been, it would have been fantastic as well). The drinks were strong and well worth the money and then some. The service, on the other hand, was another matter. We came in just after they had opened for dinner so it was still pretty empty. Our waitress came to take our drink order, came back with our drinks, took our order and that's pretty much the last we saw of her. We noticed pickles out on the other tables and wondered why the waitresses were putting it on the other tables. Then we saw the couple of tables with people around us also had pickles. We were the only ones. Now I love pickles and it was starting to become obvious that these are complimentary. The fact that we had been neglected irked us. We tried to get the waitresses attention but as I mentioned, she pretty much disappeared/ignored us after the order had been placed. Anything else we wanted, we received from others we flagged down. I could understand if we were dressed in rags, smelled bad or were rude in any way whatsoever but we weren't. It's such a shame that the rating dropped because if the service wasn't so bad, this place would definitely have five stars.
(3)
Jeremy F.

went there on "Hell Night" and they delivered. see i like spicy food. generally when i go out and ask them to make it as hot as they can it still doesn't do it for me, but these guys, they bring the spice. they have alot of good dishes and then they have some of their novelty "super-duper" hot stuff as well. they have one dish "Pasta From Hell" of which i ate one noodle and subsequently lost all sense of reality shortly thereafter. some big guy drove down from Maine just for this specific night and ate an ENTIRE plate of the stuff. he got up and was in the bathroom for like 15mins and then we saw him again out in the parking lot walking paces looking like he was going to die. my advice: don't be a stup*d asshole. the only thing that i would kind of give a heads up on is that the "chili roulette" is NOT little bowls of chili. do not be lured into this trap like i was, you will be kicking yourself in the ass for years to come. it IS little cucumbers with various chilis on top -- for 5 bucks a piece not really worth it in my opinion. other than that buckle up kiddies and get ready to sweat your ass off. oh yeah, go for the wings. they rock.
(5)
Liz N.

Came here for Sunday Brunch with a group last weekend during my first visit to Boston. The Bloody Mary bar - a smorgasbord of different tomato juices, pickles, hot sauces, spices, and other condiments - was quite awesome and the Chili Crusted Black N' Blue Tuna Taco with lime pickled jicama (mmmm) was fantastic. I deducted a star because my boyfriend's smoked salmon cake was just mediocre. This casual meal more than compensated for the subpar experience we had the night before at the fancy Meritage.
(4)
M V.

The Thai style chicken wings were excellent. But everything else left much to be desired. The cocktail was very forgettable. And all the seafood was sub par. My mussels were either spoiled or not fresh at all. A few bites later I gagged and looked like I would throw up in my plate. Had to spit the mussel out. The accompanying blue fish was not the freshest either. Will never go back!
(2)
Pat H.

ECG has some of the best food, atmosphere, and service I have ever had eating in Cambridge. Check out this video and take a look for yourself. vimeo.com/11564590
(5)
Alex B.

As soon as you walk in, you know your in for a treat. Right on the left near the bar they have a raw bar consisting of oysters, clams, etc. Its all very fresh and delicious. Great to sit at the bar for a drink and a quick bite if you don't have much time. Sitting down is also great because the menu has so many options. They are known for the fish and its hard to go wrong with any fish on the menu. The best part for me were the sides they offered. There was a garlic bread type thing that was so good, soaked in butter and almost dripping. Also, they had fried bananas which were also very good. If you want, you can simply order a number of the sides (because theyre huge portions) and still be good. Great drinks and they even have a "volcano" drink which is limited to 2 per couple, so there's a lot of booze in it. Great place, great atmosphere and decorations.
(4)
Food E.

Inman Square hipster cachet balanced by excellent seafood and fun, playful surroundings. Heat plays a welcome role in the food. Unfortunately, runs on the pricey side and it gets busy quick (though if you find yourself waiting, try Bukowski's next door for a beer). Recs: I'd stick mostly to the night's star: seafood (even for appetizers: mussels & buffalo shrimp). BBQ falls short, but may be worth a dabble, rib by rib.. Unfortunately, they tend to run out of the most popular seafood dishes, so try not to land the last table of the night. On a more specific note, I love the mahi mahi dish, but we asked for a different preparation on our first try, i.e., not blackened, more citrus or ginger&soy; on the second try, we forgot this request and were overwhelmed/saddened by the charred taste of the blackened preparation. Just a thought.
(4)
Mark C.

The classic amateur mistake is to think this place is a seafood restaurant. Guess what? IT'S NOT. It's a BBQ Joint that just happens to have a menu mostly composed of seafood offerings. I maintain that they're there just to appease the girlfriend... BBQ Ribs with a side of fried plantains will NEVER let you down. All joking aside, East Coast is great. They do up some great BBQ, they have an AMAZING selection of sides, and hey I guess their seafood is pretty good too.
(5)
ILLAN K.

I've eaten here 3 times and never really come away with any complaint. The oysters are great, and their fish are grilled simply and to perfection. They don't need to mess around with batters or heavy sauces because they trust the quality of their ingredients, which is really a testament to their ingredients. This place doesn't really have any flaws except that I'd say it's roughly $5-10/main course dish overpriced. The food is awesome and the people working the raw bar are very friendly. I also like the open-concept kitchen that allows you to watch them as they prepare your fish. This is right up there with Ole and Oleana as the best restaurants in Inman Square.
(4)
Michelle L.

Three words: Fresh squeezed margarita
(5)
Kelly M.

They have the most amazing clam and corn chowder with sweet potatoes.. it has a little kick to it, very unique and delicious! I would go back for that dish alone. The food is good, great seafood and BBQ... the cornbread is also stellar. Overall I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.
(4)
Shannon H.

Went to the East Coast Grill last monday. Atmosphere is funky and casual.... but not super comfy (wood chairs etc). Food was excellent. We got a margarita $10.50 and a rum punch $8 both strong but pricey. For apps we had buffalo shrimp $13.50 and spicy shrimp and sweet potatoe empanadas.... both super delicious and super spicy. Main coarses were scallop and shrimp with garlic noodles $26 (not a lot of seafood unfortunitely) and bbq beef $16.50 (we substituted the slaw and beans for garlic mashed and roasted vegis which was a good decision). The sides were actually very very good whereas the beef was just ok. We thought the service and food were both great. Price was a little much for the atmosphere and portions. Next time would definitely get the empanadas again, try a different seafood and leave out the beef all together. The garlic mashed and roasted vegis were some of the best sides that we have had in a long time. Our total bill came to $91 plus tip.
(4)
Bryanne R.

Come here for dinner and skip their Sunday brunch. I had the tuna special here for dinner -- and it was amaaaazing. I tried my families dishes as well and they were just as good. The pre-dinner bread is tasty and their sangria is to die for. It comes complete with the fruit and a big pitcher, and doesn't skimp like some other places. Their key lime pie and chocolate something or other were awesome desserts as well. Get here early to avoid the crazy huge crowd - they don't take Friday reservations. It's a bustling place so be ready for a noisy and delicious night. Guide to the ECG: 1. Come Early 2. Come for Dinner 3. Get a pitcher of Sangria 4. Have dinner and dessert Brunch - a little too harsh for my taste. However, if you're going to do it anyway - try the French Toast.
(5)
Mariko W.

Was not a huge fan of East Coast Grill. Ambiance: 1) The inside looks like a beachfront wannabe, yet there's peeling blue paint and glued bamboo sticks to the wall to make it seem "tiki" like. 2)FREEZING. Maybe it was just where we were sitting, but I had my winter jacket on the entire meal. And was still cold. And the bathroom? Freezing as well, with a FAN going. 3) Every once in a while, the bartenders just start yelling at each other. Not sure if it's calling orders, but it scared the crap out of me as we were sitting near the bar. Food/Service: 1)BBQ really not that good. Not very appetizing, and the cornbread was dry. Maybe my fault for ordering bbq at a fish place, but I don't eat shellfish and didn't want to take a chance. 2) Took forever for our food to get out. We were a party of five, and the server proceeded to bring two of the dishes, and say "I'll be right back with the rest." We then proceeded to watch him run food to two other tables, seat a group of six behind us, and then about five minutes later, return with the rest of the plates. 3) I do have to say that the sweet potato fries were pretty good. Also, from what I hear, the Sangria is also pretty good - I did not partake, but the rest of the table did. Overall - not a fan of the service or the look of the place. Will not be returning when there is a plethora of better restaurants in any one of the squares in the Cambridge/Somerville area.
(2)
Glenn S.

This restaurant has been a gem for years, and I am pleased to report.... it still is. Our most recent visit there was Sunday brunch. No line, no waiting in the street, no taking a number or any of the other Cantabrigian hole in the wall tricks to make you feel fortunate when they finally grant you a table. Perhaps more people will catch on, you can actually have brunch in Cambridge without the hassle and the next table so close to yours you wonder if you were seated with someone else. But. How about the broad of fair? Excellent! Even better if you like spicy, creative. adventurous selections. Drinks are reasonable and well prepared to complement the food. All accomplished with quick, cheerful service and attention to the diner. Well worth the few block trip from the heart of Inman Square.
(4)
Nhi N.

Have had brunch here I don;t know how many times. Keyword: GUAVA BUTTER. Enough said. Amazing cornbread, anything that involves plaintain, banana, or banana ketchup is awesome, the grit (the 2nd time I had grit, and I usually don't hold high opinions for mushy American food) was super tasty with the rich bacon bits in it. It's weird to say this but their best dish must be the seared garlic greens. So simple, but so addicting. What did they put in it?? I've been there for dinner as well, and the dinner entries are not as good. The fried chicken with honey sauce, some fish dish, the korean style pork belly, are all so-so. I think East Coast Grill does best when they do funky Mexican-but-not-really food. Always coming back for more!
(5)
Joe R.

Solid!! Where I bring friends from out of town who might want sea food. I now can go here with my young adult kids, and they get it!! We share a little with each other, have a great time and the quality of the food is .... Solid!! Staff is good. The place can get crowded, but then you won't find me here. I like calling to make a reservation on my way over to check on the wait and see if I can get a table. But "breaking bread" here with family and friends has always been special, and I have been using them more for the late (9pm ) supper or something to share with my lovely.
(5)
J R.

I went to a wedding that they catered and everything was great! The catering person Becky was so great. My friends that got married couldn't have been happier. Thanks East Coast Grill and Becky!
(5)
Presley A.

A lively, happy establishment offering a casual and energetic atmosphere. The menu is wholly inventive and diverse, featuring a choice selection of fish, shell fish, chicken and beef based dishes, all accompanied by a bountiful melange of zestfully prepared veggies. Original, provocative drink menu, a small but lovely oyster selection, delicious appetizers, and robust entrees really set this place apart. Wait staff is smart and engaged and handle the mad rush of patrons with grace and ease. Loud place, sometimes sounding like a barroom brawl, but after 9 PM it quieted down quite a bit. I really enjoyed my meal here. We started off with some Duxbury Island Creek oysters, dressed with a Sesame and Watermelon relish that also had a smoky quality to it that, even though I usually adhere to the naked oyster school of bivalve consumption, was a beautiful complement to the briny meatiness of these sucullent oysters. Sheer joy. The corn and clam chowder was sublime, with a light, cream broth and chunky sweet potatoes thrown in with bits of bacon. Delicious. The White Pepper Crusted Tuna with ginger, aged soy, wasabi and grilled vegetables was also great. The tuna was seared perfectly, with a moist red interior that happily absorbed the soy and wasabi to make a complex, oceanic, mildly spicy mouthful of goodness. Followed with a bite of the fresh, shaved ginger to cleanse the pallete in preparation for the next bite. The veggies were plentiful and nicely grilled, with seared skins and hot interiors including a grilled tomato, red onion, sweet potato slice, yellow peppers, and more. A lot of vegetables. On the downside, the smoked brined Chicken Wings sound great but are gratuitously spicy and can ruin your palate for the rest of the meal. They were delicious but then the Thai pepper glaze kicks in and the fun is over. Don't get them. Also the entrees are just too large. Less is more. The entrees are pricey - in the mid to upper $20's per dish, and I feel like they are trying to justify that big ticket by piling on the veggies with every plate. I'd like it better to be served a little less mass and pay a little less in turn. Lastly, the deserts are dissappointing and again, too large. I had the Authentic Key Lime pie, but it was too custardy and ruined by a dressing of mango and raspberry syrups. It didn't work for me - it took away from the joy of tart key limes. All in all, a great place that I could easily see myself visiting again. The neighborhood is also lively and fun - good for walking around after your enormous meal.
(4)
Molly C.

I love ECG restaurant and I couldn't be more in love with their catering! The food was outstanding - fresh and delicious. Becky, the catering manager, went above and beyond working with me to make sure every detail was perfect. They were flexible with menus and very accommodating for my guests with dietary restrictions. The staff was very professional, efficient, and unobtrusive! I couldn't be happier with all the food at my wedding - and my guests couldn't stop raving about it!
(5)
Josephine L.

Eh..... I really wanted to love this place but was kind of let down overall. There were some really good points (though not spectacular) and there were some not-so-good points (though not horrendous). Here they are: The Good: After a bug fell on my friend's arm and got swatted down onto the floor, the waitress (who arrived just in time to kill it) told the manager after taking our orders, and the manager came to personally apologize to us and offered us something to make up for it. We got a huge, delicious plate of fries. I enjoyed my Striped Bass and Shrimp Cake. I usually never like cole slaw but the slaw that came with my Jerked Bluefish was amazing and mixed perfectly with the fish. Possible the best slaw I've ever had. The Not-So-Good: The bug itself. Ew. The ridiculously long periods of time where we went without any attention from servers. What could have been a dinner that ended at 8:30pm ended at 9:30pm. Yes, they were busy. But seriously. The bluefish itself--I didn't like the jerk seasoning and I usually love that stuff. The Peach Blueberry Crisp. Two of my favorite fruits but this dessert was just so mushy and strange and unforgettable. I'm definitely coming back for Hell Night no matter what and have heard their brunch is good, but don't think I'll be stopping by for dinner again.
(3)
Michael I.

Hell Night Was Great! Will be back to try there regular menu and get some more delicious oysters. Also Dr Pepper Rules!
(5)
Matt S.

YES. I can't tell you how excited I was to take my lovely lady here for Valentine's Day. We had watched the Boston Man V. Food, and I was eager to try their infamous Inner Beauty sauce, made from the ghost pepper...the hottest pepper on the planet. We got a table from a friendly hostess right away, and were soon greeted with an equally pleasant waitress. Throughout the night, her service was prompt and accurate, wearing a smile all the while. I had to try their spicy stuff; since it wasn't Hell Night, the only food item that offers their dangerous condiment was their wings. I was warned by our server that they're outrageously hot, and I decided to take the challenge. The wings were delicious. Hot, yes, and definitely a tough feat to tackle, but the incredible flavor was my saving grace. I finished them (with several sips of beer to cool down the heat), but I could have eaten twenty more. These chefs know just what they're doing. Boston is lucky to have these guys around. If you're not into spice, that's okay, too. For the main course, I had a three-way combo of shredded pork, beef brisket, and sparerib plate known as "Uncle Bud's Trio Platter." It's like a greatest hits collection of their finest foods. The spareribs were my least favorite, but that's like picking out my least favorite paid holiday. It's all good. Wicked good. The place is definitely a little steep, but it's a treat. Worth every penny. Save up and splurge a little at the East Coast Grill. I don't know how you can leave disappointed.
(5)
Emily L.

delicious bbq and a fantastic vegetarian platter (seriously it will feed you for days). amazing margaritas. also, get the cornbread!
(5)
Jess K.

I am writing this review in regards to a Hell Night experience- not the every day menu: I have been trying to get reservations for Hell Night for quite some time as my husband likes really hot food and has been trying to find a place to challenge himself. We thought this would be the perfect seeing as how they had been featured on some shows regarding this event and their spicy (unbearably spicy) dishes. I was finally able to get a reservation for the fall Hell Night and invited my brother along who is a hot pepper connoisseur and was up for the challenge himself. We arrive for our dinner reservations and the place was a lot smaller than I had imagined it, but it was very nicely decorated and I did like the cozy feel. The staff was very friendly but I was expecting more from them to pump us up for the burn we were about to experience. As a first-timer, nohing had been explained to me. They do a roulette where they bring out as many items as there are people in your party and one (or all or none) will be a very spicy one. I figured this would be on the menu, or the server would have at least mentioned it. I had to ask about it. This night's roulette was a jell-o shot. Not sure if they tasted good because I was the (un)lucky one to pick the hot one. It had a nice burn to it that didn't last long so that was good (for me anyways since my tolerance is nowhere near the limits of my husband or my brother). Looking over the menu, there wasn't a lot of entrees to choose from. They had a good selection of appetizers though. I had ordered from the appetizer menu because I could not justify spending close to $30 for an entree. My husband and brother both ordered "the hottest thing on the menu" and were told "do not order". They were very excited to try the short ribs labeled with 10 chili peppers. I wimped out with a gnocchi labeled with 4 chili peppers. The food came out and the portions were disappointing to say the least. I understand we all ordered from the appetizer side of the menu but I'll just say I'm glad we didn't splurge for the entrees. Looking around the portions for the entrees weren't that great either. The food itself was great. The gnocchi was good, their garlic bread was awesome- loved the char on it, cornbread was delicious and the lo mein noodles were the best my brother had ever had. The short ribs were cooked great as well. The only complaint about the food is that the hottest thing on the menu did not even make my brother wince. My husband's tolerance isn't as high, but even he was disappointed. He has had hotter. I give the experience 3 stars because the food was cooked well and flavorful. I was expecting a livelier atmosphere and hoping the staff would be more into it. It wasn't the experience I had hoped for. It was Halloween! Maybe if we had a later seating things would have been more lively...
(3)
Joshua V.

My favorite restaurant in Massachusetts- possibly the world. The menu is inventive, the food is always spectacularly prepared. Oh, and the shrimp cocktail is worth killing for. The restaurant is ALWAYS crowded, but I don't think I've ever had to wait more than 15 minutes to get a table. If you've never been to East Coast Grill you are in for a real treat. The ambiance is loud and festive, so this is not the place for a quiet romantic dinner. This is place is all about the food.
(5)
Damien S.

Dear God, Forgive me as I face Hell. Dear Satan, Sup. Table for four. Dear East Coast Grill, Look at you, being all Inman/Cambridge/funky with your loud (and so apropos) jams celebrating your 100th Hell Night. Open seating at the bar with the patrons faithful three deep, clamoring for all things raw and shucked. With a reservation weeks in advance, we sit beneath red lights and fiery streamers, making nervous small talk as we review a very serious menu. Dear Lovely, Prompt and Hilariously Dry Server, We'll start with the Jamaican Connection (six oysters with a sweet chili finish and a plain Jane Scotch Bonnet sausage on the side) and the Russian Roulette-style Indian Spicy Meat Ball with Mango Chutney and Yogurt. Then bring on the Wings of Ass Destruction, a round of Pork Spare Ribs with Guava Lava Glaze, a side of Hell Fries and... ... ... The Pasta from Hell. Dear Dr. Pepper, Yes, another stupid idiot. Thanks for the waiver, and no, I will not need the antidote. Dear LP&HD Server (Part 2), Please tell the chefs the smokey heat and texture of the perfectly grilled wings were phenomenal. The VERY fresh oysters provided a temporary lip salve with the spice falling well short of even 3 bombs, and the Scotch Bonnet sausage, while a little dry, had terrific flavor. The fries were heavily seasoned and could have been served anywhere, really. We'll overlook you forgetting our pork spare ribs, because A) we're pretty spent, and B) Katie B. got the hottest meatball, which made her cry immediately. That was awesome. Could you hold my hand while I tackle the Pasta? Thanks. Dear Pasta from Hell, A sausage bolognese loaded with habanero, scotch bonnet and bhut naga jolokia, I realize I don't enjoy you; I survive you. And yes, at well over a million Scovilles, Guinness BOWW and your mom have declared the bhut jolokia "Ghost Chili" as the hottest thing they've put in their mouths, more than 400x hotter than Tabasco. That IS a fork I'm sticking in you. Why? Because you're done. (two bites) Dear Digestive Tract, I am so, so sorry. (four bites) Dear God (CC: Satan), Oh fuck oh shit. See you soon. Dear East Coast Grill (Part 2), Well, I'm sitting naked on a white chair at a white table in a white room with no visible walls. Not sure who responded to my last letter, but they gave me a white typewriter so I thought I'd tell you if I can manifest a physical form, I'll come back for the regular menu, the make-your-own Bloody Mary brunch and the Friday pig roast. Hey, music! It's a mashup of Ke$ha's Tik Tok and Baha Men's Who Let the Dogs Out? Guess that answers that.
(4)
Terry C.

3.5 star. The service was good and so was the food. East Coast Grill has a lot of meat and seafood on the menu. Their daily special menu is extensive as well. I couldn't even get pass the appetizer section so I ordered a few appetizers as an entree. We shared the mussels and the buffalo shrimp as an appetizer and it was good. The mussels were served with grill focaccia bread - YUM. The broth for the mussels were different. It was really rich and not the clear broth i'm used to with a lot of mussels. This was more like a sauce. The buffalo shrimp was ok. Nothing fancy. I ended up with the clam & corn chowder, the korean fried chicken taco (a special) and the ginger tuna and pork sausage dumpling. Everything was good. I was so stuffed that i barely touched my dumplings. The fried chicken for the tacos were delicious. But I wish they served it with kim chee!
(3)
citizen l.

This one stings a bit. I had it at 3 stars. When I went to school in Boston I would have given it 5. I remember it as being a little pricey but not outrageous and worth it for fun, good food. Went with 5 people yesterday, the first time I had eaten here in about 6 years. Ordered appetizers. They were okay. But for $7-14 they were overpriced. The salad appetizer was pathetic. I am writing this after eating a better salad on American Airlines. Entrees were okay as well. The BBQ platters were as I remembered, but $23+ for them is too much. There is better BBQ elsewhere in Boston for less. The seafood entrees were $30+. Everything was solid, nothing was bad, but nothing was great, and the prices were just too high. Before moving away from Boston I used to go a few times a year for years. i wanted to take friends from out of town while we were in Boston but after this I doubt I will ever be back.
(2)
Parry B.

DIRTY PLACE, YUCKY FOOD! I have learnt about this place from the Man Vs Food Boston episode. I went there on a Saturday evening for dinner and had to wait for 1 hour. DIRTY PLACE: The place is very very noisy, crowded and dirty. We got a small table that was not clean and there were stuff lying on the floor (food, napkins, water, drinks, cutleries!) and everyone was walking over them. SERVICE: The staff does not bother to clean the tables or the floors. We waited for 30 mins for the waiter to come and take out order. FOOD: We ordered Texas Style Sliced Beef Brisket Platter ($ 16.50) and it was the most terrible brisket I have ever had. The meat was stale, rubbery, very chewy and of course tasteless. My husband got chocked! The brisket was served with watermelon which had gone bad and was smelly. We left the food and did not finish it. This place is a big No for me!
(1)
Katie H.

While visiting Boston, I stopped in with a good friend who lives right around the corner from East Coast Grill. This good friend is from college, so in true college fashion we ordered the very large cocktail that came with floating plastic mermaids. It tasted like one would expect a drink with many kinds of alcohol and juice to taste. Too sweet, but it's all about the floating mermaids. Next we ordered a couple of single ribs (I the Ghost and Dry and she the Hell) and our entrees. I would like to say the ribs are actually quite big and couple of them will put you well on your way to full. HOLY SHIT. The fire that exploded on my face was out of control. I tried guzzling my water, and our cocktail, but neither put out the fire. I wasn't sure I'd be able to eat my entree when it came. I cannot tell you what the Dry bone tastes like, because I foolishly started with the Ghost Bone. At this point in the meal I have eaten two ribs, and the delicious pickled things that came at the start of the meal. I have also chugged a couple glasses of water and downed the mermaid drink (mermaids spared). I am FULL, I am now DRUNK, and MY MOUTH IS STILL ON FIRE. I cave, and I ask for the milk. It is a sweet, sweet respite for my tongue, lips, and cheeks. It no longer hurts to breathe. I have not even received my entree at this point, but with 64oz of liquid and the two ribs, I haven't much room to spare. Also still drunk. The drink is strong, my friends. I didn't have much room for my entree, and unfortunately my friend's brisket is overdone. (I don't know if this was just a one time thing or if the brisket is regularly dry.) We still had a grand old (drunk) time, and my friend has discovered the place she will take unsuspecting visitors. Success.
(3)
Kelly C.

Finally just had dinner at ECG. Been meaning/wanting to go for years. We decided to try a few appetizers to share and had the PEI Mussels with focaccia, Chowder, buffalo shrimp and a special of the day, mochi with chinese sausage. Our favorites were the chowder and shrimp. Super yum. Mussels were not bad but the mochi was so-so. It was my first time having savory mochi, and it got a bid hard when it cooled down and was hard to chew. Our server was great, always on top of things. I also witnessed great business savvy when a table nearby received the wrong order, they were brought a complimentary soup so the they wouldn't be sitting watching everyone else eating. I will definitely be back to try some bbq and more seafood! So many choices and that veggie plate looked AWESOME Didn't see it on the menu. It was HUGE.
(4)
Jessica R.

Best restaurant I've been to in a long time!! The minute we saw the menu we were pleasantly overwhelmed by the variety of foods. How is one to decide when everything looks delicious?! We had the Asian style oysters, Kansas style BBQ ribs and Mahi Mahi. All dishes were expertly made and so different. Its unusual to have such a broad selection of cuisines, so take advantage of all they offer. The ribs dish was the best BBQ I've had here in Boston. The dishes were all huge too so you get your moneys worth. So look no further for a great restaurant!!
(5)
Jamie Y.

Been wanting to try this place for a while with my sister. One night we just happened to go. I personally think it is overrated. It was good, but not THAT GOOD. I had one hell bone just to try it....trust me it's hot!! And this is coming from someone who can eat spicy, like east asian spicy! While it was definitely fun to try, I probably wouldn't try it again. We got the buffalo shrimp which I liked because it's like eating buffalo wings but crispy shrimp! And then my sister got the MAHI because it seemed like everyone was ordering it. It was good, it comes with a grilled avocado and a side salad....everything was GOOD, just not like blow-my-mind awesome like everyone makes it sound...try it if you've never tried but don't expect anything crazy
(3)
N D.

Yesterday was my first visit to East Coast Grill. My fiancee and I wanted to try the ever so famous spicy food of East Coast Grill. We ordered Fried Shrimp for appetizers and its one the best Shrimps I've ever had. I am not a seafood fan at all and still enjoyed it a lot. I asked for Margarita from hell and the waitress was kind of to ask if I wanted to try some before ordering the entire thing. Believe me, it was from hell. EXTREMELY SPICY... We also wanted to try the bone from hell. It was from HELL. The spiciest food I've ever had in my entire life. Nothing helped after eating it, neither water, nor the watermelon on the side. It was awesome for the experience. The food overall was ok. But the service was just FANTASTIC.
(4)
Hai Van C.

Love coming here for brunch anytime I'm in Boston. The make-your-own bloody mary bar is the best. The cumin crusted shrimp with grits was a hit with us, but the banana relleno app was a miss.
(5)
Nitya D.

I'm a big fan of the bloody mary bar. I fucking love bloody maries. They are awesome. Therefore, an establishment that will let me add whatever I want from horseradish to pickled vegetables to olive juice to my BM is pretty darn cool. I had solo brunch here a few weeks ago - just kickin' back and having a little me time/getting wasted by myself at 11AM (but hey, tomato juice is healthy!). Everything looked good on the Platos Pequenos menu, so I opted to do it tapas-style rather than get 1 entree. So when my food arrived this is what it looked like: drunk as shit girl hanging out by herself (possibly talking to herself at that point, can't really say) with like 6 plates of food. Yeah you know, just another Sunday morning. Anywayyyy the food was really good! I got some molasses fried bananas, fried plantains, guac, sweet potato fries, garlicky greens, and grilled avocado. Writing all that out just made me cringe and resolve to go for a run in a few minutes. I like this place, I haven't been for lunch or dinner but would like to at some point. Although seriously, I'm probably going back first for the bloody maries.
(4)
Joe R.

We live a block or two away and we really want to like ECG. Just not happening. Probably eaten here 5-6 times now. Sometimes the food is good, sometimes it's not (overpowering seasoning), sometimes there's somethings strange floating in your water, sometimes they forget your appetizer (that would be tonight's meal). The one constant is the noise. Got to be one of the noisiest restaurants ever, they seem to take pride in the racket. If I pay $25-$30/entree I want to come home saying I had a good time, never seems to be the case here. I'll stick with Bondir or Rendevouz, Tupelo if I want southern, and Redbones if I want BBQ.
(2)
Ben M.

This restaurant makes me want to live in Cambridge MA. The PEI Mussels almost made me fall flat on my back, the sauce was a coconut lime thai style sauce, I wanted to pick up the bowl after I finished them and pour it down my face. The Big Gulp Margarita was an incredible start to the meal and the service was phenomenal. For my main course i ordered the Blue Fish special, I had never had blue fish before but really wanted to try something new. The waitress assured me that I could order it and if I truly didn't like it, they would give me my money back or just let me order something else free of charge. Not many restaurants can offer such confidence. This will be the first place I go back to in Boston.
(5)
Michael C.

I had an amazing brunch here. It was filled with Grits, Make it yourself Bloody Mary's, a delicious banana rellena (pork stuffed banana with bbq sauce), a grilled avacado with salsa, and breakfast nachos. You have to try it to believe it, this place is fantastic!
(4)
Ryan S.

In my never ending quest to gorge myself at as Man Vs. Food stops as possible, I tried the East Coast Grill during my recent trip to Boston. Unfortunately, despite all of the stellar reviews, I though the food was sorely lacking. I ordered the brisket, which was a massive portion of beef with baked beans, corn bread and coleslaw, along with a side of fries. The portions were massive, but the beef was bland. I mean seriously, it had no taste. I thought maybe it was a fluke, but my friends felt the same about their orders of ribs and catfish. I'm really not a tough customer to please, but I just didn't care for this spot. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.
(2)
Dawn E.

Two of us. 300+ calls each. No reservations to Hell Night. Whatevs, let's go anyway and sit at the bar. Arrived before pretty much anyone (except that one guy). Stood in line. Spots at the bar were easily had and food had to be ordered all at once and it came when it did. Fine. The Champion ordered a Helltini (5 bombs) which set the spice palate for the night. (I had a few sips too.) Us: Roulette Meatballs. Could be 2 bombs spicy... could be 6 bombs spicy... you just don't know. We must have both have gotten 2. The meatballs themselves were tiny. Like, dime-sized tiny. At $2.50 a pop, I kind of expected a golfball. I guess if you got roulette, you might be happy it's just a dime. That said, there weren't really all there in flavor. Since there were more of an amuse bouche than an appetizer, I'd expect them to be tiny little bites of sublime deliciousness (frankly, if I made them they would have been), but they were just bland. I also found out later I made the huge mistake of not asking what meats were in them (and there was veal and I don't eat veal - I am not regretful though, in that that they were so small, I probably consume more veal particles just breathing in the air in a good Italian place), so, if you care, be forewarned, but that doesn't factor in my opinion. These are just not good. Waste of money. Chiptole Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Okay, these were really good. I'm not sure if they were spicy at all because by the time I got to them I had already sampled my meat, but, delicious. Me: Atomic Backyard Style Babyback Ribs (4 bombs). Came with celery and blue cheese. I am no spice wimp and these puppies has significant burn. I could taste the flavor of the meat through the burn and they were pretty good. Not AMAZING, but better that just edible. Fried Sweet Plantains & Banana Guava Ketchup. Perfect. Seriously. It's so hard to find plantains done well in New England. Bravo. The Champion: Stupid. Just plain 'ole Dummy McDumberton of the West Boylston Dumbertons. He had the Hell Pasta (and most of of the afore mentioned Helltini). I did not try this, but, believe when I say, don't don't DON'T don't DON'T you try it either. And try to talk your man out of it. Boys are stupid, so I know you can only reason so much but... So with my 4 bomb ribs and much calmer sides, I completed my meal, but the martini tricked my spice receivers and I think the ribs seemed less spicy than they actually were. I was hurting a few hours later. The Champion, however, was hurting IMMEDIATELY. It hurt his face. It hurt is chest. It hurt his stomach. It hurt his... his... well, this morning he had to ask me if I had a plunger. DO NOT ORDER THE HELL PASTA. Also, while I'm giving quick tips: when you need to use the bathroom, wash your hands first, then go and wipe. Then, of course, wash again. Especially if you just ate ribs or wings or something with your hands. You do not want that spice on your hands pre-wiping. Trust me. You will be in for a warm little surprise a few minutes later. Or maybe you do. I dunno. You've been advised. Also, seriously, $5 for milk? This is the most genuis thing I've ever seen, and, also, a serious dick move. It's like price-gouging gas during a hurricane. Dick move, I say. But genius. And, also, you're a pussy if you need to order milk anyway.
(3)
Eric R.

I went for Hell Night. This should be enough of a precursor for you to understand that even with all the intense pain, curse words, and novelty of the evening, it was exactly what I went there for. The place itself is funky, and comfortable. We sat at the bar, which was fine. I got a helltini, which, was really spicy and very much smelled like the habeneros used to spice it. The 5 little seeds in the bottom was a nice touch too. I was suprised at how -clear- the drink was, and it was also very clean. Loved it. It hurt. I, being not that bright, ordered the hell pasta. My ladyfriend ordered the ribs, meatballs, and 2 side dishes. She clearly understood that you need to temper the idiocy with something else. I did not. The meatballs were ok, more like novelties then actual appetizers. We didn't get a super spicy one. The other sides were really good, but really after the first couple bites of hell pasta, I couldn't taste anything remotely subtle anyway. The pasta was ridiculous. It smelled -heavily- of habeneros (or scorpions in this case, same family of peppers) and made me feel things I was not entirely prepared to feel. In a good way. And a bad way. But still kinda good. It was actually quite tasty, but the spice of it just destroys your mouth. I ate it last night, and my mouth is still faintly tingling. I love this place, and will go back and satisfy my masochistic tendencies every chance I get.
(4)
alana c.

waiters, hostess and bartenders are super nice. awesome recommendations. and awesome specials every day. LOVE the grilled avocado and tuna tacos. the spicier the better. great place to take any kind of group for conversation and atmosphere. always packed which is a great sign. worth the trip to Inman Sq.
(5)
Jill G.

AMAZING seafood dishes. I got the buffalo fried shrimp and the fish tacos... the flavors were so unique. Reasonably priced and a cute location in Cambridge. Loud, crazy, fun atmosphere.
(5)
Cristina L.

I enjoyed the brunch here very much. It was a funky, vibrant atmosphere, combined with excellent food and sufficient service. They seemed a bit overwhelmed, but I'll chalk it up to just a busy Sunday brunch. The food was carefully prepared, and had a bold flavor. I would definitely return here.
(3)
Mike G.

Not going back there. Ribs were awful based on Mid-west standards (especially when they're spare ribs), clam/corn chowder the worst I've ever had (maybe I'm just not used to the East...although everywhere else in Boston has great chowder that I've tried) . Service was decent, but pretty sad when you want to order crab legs (one of the most expensive things) and they tell you that you can't get fries with it due to the chef's objection. Why serve fries at a restaurant if you can't order them with an entree? The crab was decent. Also, with no reservation, expect to get a seat on the addition to the restaurant with hardly any air circulation. I guess not much happened in America on the day this place supposedly received national press.
(2)
Amanda E.

This place was pretty awesome! We got there around 5pm on sat, not knowing what time it opened. A worker was outside putting up the days specials and kindly let us know they didn't open for 30 mins. We walked the neighborhood. We came back and there was a short line. To me that's a good sign, that they obviously have good food. The food was great! I had some oysters as an app. and mahi mahi entree. My hubby had the phuck it wings of mass destruction and ribs. No complaints on my food. The wings we were anticating to hot like as in a man vs food challege. I had 2 and they weren't bad at all! As we are from Chicago we are use to baby back ribs and these were spare ribs. I am loyal to my Chicago ribs, they were good but not better than my main spot. My husband rated the ribs a 6 out of 10 but the bbq sauce was great. They put out these pickles and carrots that taste pickled. Not a fan. Just give me some giardaniera! The reason I didn't give them 5 stars was this was our 1st time in Boston and this was our 1st waiter who wasn't that nice. Everyone else here is overly nice. The hostess was very sweet, and pleasant. she even recommended some dessert place to go to when I asked her. Also the pickled stuff should just stay where it came from, and not on the table.
(4)
Dawn C.

Rescinding first review. Don't think I 'got it' the first time, not sure why. I had an amazing meal here - big meaty shrimp cocktail and Texas brisket. Holy. And a really cool laid back place with a unique vibe. I will be bringing visitors here and dreaming of smoky brisket splendor until then.
(5)
Peter C.

It's been many years since I was last in Boston; after reading a bunch of web reviews, ECG made the shortlist of places while here for the 3 days. On the Friday before New Years, it was pretty busy and they didn't take reservations, so the 1/2 hour wait around 7 PM wasn't unreasonable or unexpected. We're a family of 4 with 2 teens. We all love food, whether it's burgers, lobster or beef cheeks. So the range at ECG fit in very well. Between us we had the BBQ oysters, clam chowder, tuna taco, tuna & pork dumplings, crispy pork salad, ass't BBQ platter and scallop & shrimps with Asian noodles. I sampled everyone's choices and as a group we enjoyed everything, the tuna and seafood was beyond reproach BUT without exception, the kitchen was heavy handed with the salt and overall flavours. A greater controlled and finessed approach would have been welcome. And trust me when I say we have had our share of highly flavoured food of many cultures, so it's not a case of us being used to bland dishes. We finished off with the key lime pie at our server's reco; again way too sweet. I like my citrus sharp and puckering, not cloying. When asked how we enjoyed the desert, I said too sweet, at which point it was removed from our bill; a very respectful gesture from ECG. Overall, worth the effort despite the criticism; really warm and excellent staff in a slightly quirky space.
(3)
Greg I.

Meh. Waited about 60 minutes for the food to come out. It was decent. Go here for drinks, then call it a night. It was meh^meh
(2)
Danielle B.

Hell night is amazing! Cornbread is phenomenal! And they have tecate in a can for $3... A little taste of home, being it that I am from Texas... Love this place!
(4)
Kathy M.

I went here for hell night a few weeks ago. Hell night can be booked solid for months in advance but if you can wait for 30 min-1 hour a few spots will open up at the bar. I was able to get a seat at the bar after 30 mins with 4 other people. I had the "phucket wings of ass destruction" which is 8 bombs on a scale of 12 (i think)..regardless, it was really f*ing hot but delicious. If you like wings..man up and do it!
(4)
Aki N.

Awesome Sunday brunch. I arrived right at 11 AM when it opens, and there was already a line out the door. We were a party of two, and there were barely seats left, so I would expect a wait if you're not with a group that can arrive on time. No one else mentions Latin to describe the food here, but the brunch menu struck me as an impressive collection of eclectic Latin inspired choices, from the banana rellena with their spicy sauce to the BBQ pork on tostadas. Way more than your average huevos rancheros. And the bloody mary bar is pretty awesome. Clamatto, celery, horseradish, and worchestershire is my go-to combo. All in $23
(5)
J D.

Love it! Dinner at The East Coast makes for a happy night. From the moment you walk in and are greeted by the host and bartender, to the time you leave, you are treated as a GUEST. Something a lot of restaurant's forget to do. The menu is full of seafood and BBQ options and they prepare dishes with flavors from South America, the Caribbean, Asia and the US South. The seafood dishes are always on the money. On or most recent visit we started with the Buffalo Shrimp. Not heavily breaded, but just dusted with a coating and flash fried then tossed in homemade buffalo sauce, it was a nice dish. If you are an oyster fan, the raw bar is a must. The catfish and mahi dishes were nicely seasoned and came with incredible sides, plantains, mashed sweet potatoes, grilled avocados. The East Coast just has a way of making sides stand apart from other places. Parking can be a challenge in Inman Sq. but there is some paid parking across the street.
(4)
Ryan H.

I've been to east coast grill twice. Once on a normal night and once on hell night. I'd rate the normal night 2 stars and hell night 4.5 stars. This averages to a 3 star review. Start with the normal night. Nothing was special. Everything was average to below average. I had the BBQ platter. Everything was on the dry side. The best part of the meal was the wings in the ghost chile oil. Clearly East Coast Grill does best with heat. On Hell Night this really stood out. I had the roulette deviled eggs challenge, the hell fries, the crab dip and an indian type dish. oh and the pasta. Everything was amazing. The pasta is worth the try, even if you can only stomach a few bites. The atmosphere was fun too and I enjoyed chanting "wimp" to the suckers who ordered the "antidote" (creamsicle) Overall a great place...if you go on hell night. On any other night its pretty average.
(3)
Dara S.

Another place that I am luke-warm on and do not understand why others love it so much. Their food is over priced. Brunch did not impress. I love that they do hell night. I enjoy a few oysters at the bar. It is conveniently located for me. That about sums it up.
(3)
Dennis F.

The food was good, but the service was incredible. They took care of every little issue without even being asked.
(4)
Garrett Y.

Only got the bbq and some appetizers. The place is very loud and cramped, but it adds to the bbq aesthetic. It's a bit pricey at $3 a rib or $27 for a rack, but it's the best ribs I've had. The brisket and pulled pork was pretty standard, so go for a rack!
(4)
Tom K.

Brunch Review! Alright, so ECG has a bit of a different brunch menu. You're not going to find a bunch of egg dishes in between pancakes and french toast. But what you will find are a bunch of delicious, slightly unorthodox options that all hit the spot. Our small brunch group of 3 went nuts on the menu. We ordered everything from the slab of bacon (not as awesome as it sounds) to the hell bone (holy spicy!) and to the Breakfast Platter (YUM!)... Being able to split a handful or dishes was such a great idea, enjoying some sweet, spicy, and savory dishes, nothing was left by the time we left the table. All of it was so good, we're already talking about going back! Another big selling point here is a Bloody Mary bar, if you're into that sort of thing. Our BM lovers were in heaven here. A make-your-own bar, allowing you to customize your experience to taste seemed to work wonders with our group. You're served a giant glass of booze and pointed to the additional ingredients to complete your beverage. Mix to taste and enjoy! Simple enough and apparently a must have! Add in some great, attentive service without being overbearing and some funky decor, you might have found your next favorite, non-traditional brunch spot!!
(4)
Charles G.

Not as good as it was. I've not been to the East Coast Grill for about a year and it has definitely gone down hill since the last time. The food was not as good, and the portions were smaller. I was afraid that when Chris Schlesinger left that the place would lose its magic.
(2)
Jeff M.

East Coast Grill serves up really good simple, no thrills food. They have a long bar and an open kitchen. The service was helpful and plates came out quickly. Pork and tuna dumplings were made fresh and had a great flavor. They sauce serve over them was just not enough; a little more would have been nice. The PEI mussels were had a very nice broth. THE BUFFALO SHRIMP were out of control. They were one of the best single food items I have had in a while. Everyone kept talking about them even the next day. I want to go back and sit at the bar and just drink beers and eat the shrimp. The cause was kinda sweet on them, but still spicy. The seared scallops and shrimp dish served with spinach and noodles didn't seem to work together on paper but I understood the combination when I tasted it. It was very good. The blackened mahi mahi had a nice char on it. It didn't have just a blackened rub, it was actually blackened from the sear. The salsa served with he mahi mahi was better than then the fish itself and the fish was great. The BBQ trio platter was excellent except for the ribs which really just tasted like fat and the cornbread was pretty dense. The pulled pork had a vinegar base sauce and the brisket was delicious. East Coast Grill would be a great first date restaurant or a place to go with a bunch of people because of how diverse the menu is; raw bar, seafood, bbq and a grill. My only regret was not ordering the sangria I saw everybody ordering. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Aaron Z.

Best BBQ in MA. I always stop in when I fly into Boston. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Stephen H.

Dont see what the hype is all about. Party of 5, we split some sangria, which was a bit weak. The appetizer oysters we ordered came out late, however it was taken off the bill and they were apologetic so thats ok. And they were delicious, best part of the meal. They put out house made pickles which were also quite good. Could have used more variety/options for beers on tap. Corn bread, dry, burnt ends were sub par, pulled pork was passable, and their sauces really werent all that great. Buffalo shrimp decent, some got the scallops and shrimp entree which was the best of the entrees. BBQ is not good, seafood decent, based on prices you get 2 stars, and I'm not a strict yelp reviewer.
(2)
Jill F.

When first walking upon ECG located in Inman Square, one is greeted with a colorful, unique bar and a large spread of oysters on ice. After walking past the delectable bites begging your name... you are seated in an area of tables with an open kitchen nearby. The atmosphere screams kitsch and noisy, the plastic menus scream diner and mix into a strange, melting pot of tropical paradise ideas that conglomerate into an almost "datey" place you could take girlfriends, boyfriends, moms and dads alike. Lets get down to the food. I'm a seafood gal and I can't speak for that famous fire burn my whole body off pasta, but my Mahi Mahi was delicious and light. It came char grilled to perfection with a side of mango salsa, rice and fried plantains. The fish was fresh and summery tasting, like a plate of Hawaii in Cambridge. My date and I split the tuna taco's which were also totally awesome and although my meal looked better than his, our drinks were pretty delectable too. I got a lychee margarita that was delish and crisp (also kind of rare in Cambridge) and we both left with full bellies and satisfied, summery fresh tastebuds. The only reason why I don't LOVE this place is their prices and interior. I know it's good...but I'm pretty sure my plate wasn't worth 30 some dollars. I felt like for the price, my menu could have been better than a plastic coated piece of paper and maybe it's just the loud noise, but I wasn't loving the vibes. I feel like ECG is more of a bar with good food, and less of a restaurant feel.
(4)
Travis B.

holy cow.....13 bucks for a half dozen oysters???? are you kidding me???? we get them 75cents to a buck during happy hour and have never, ever received any deathly bowels. i only had a beer. and i have something against restaurants where the tables are packed so tightly you can't even back your chair out to go to the bathroom.
(2)
lizzie b.

Brunch-tastic! I came here with some ladies, and we each felt silly ordering the breakfast "platter" -- it is a lot of food, but reasonably priced (like $10) and yummy. I hate cilantro, and it was cilantro heavy - so don't get the salad or the rojo portion if you do. The atmosphere is a lot cooler inside than outside, and the plaintains especially were delicious. I just wish there was free cornbread, and maybe a dollop of sour cream or cheese inside the warm tortilla. I'd come back fo sho.
(4)
Catie C.

It was my first and it was Hell Night! Festive Indeed. Fright certainly was seen. Never had I ate so many spicy foods in one sitting. First, I was hot... then I started to get the chills. Is that normal? With this experience, it made me realize that I eat to enjoy food which was necessarily true for Hell Night. This is more for the adrenalin, the challenge and just to have some fun. If I had the opportunity to come again for Hell Night I certainly would.. just not for the Pasta From Hell! As you would know, the level of spiciness that goes in, is the same way it come out.. ouch!!!
(4)
Elizabeth P.

We came to the East Coast Grill for brunch this past Sunday and definitely enjoyed ourselves! There was a line out the door when we arrived a few minutes after it opened (11 am). If you have a party of six or more you can make a reservation... but if you don't, get there early! The interior is a bit cramped and quite noisy: this definitely isn't the place for a romantic date. That being said, the overall feel of the place isn't that bad... it's noisy and crowded, but in a fun, "alive" way. As we had a lot of driving to do that day, we were obliged to skip the cocktails. It was a pity... they offer some tempting choices at brunch including the much-talked-about make-your-own Bloody bar. The menu for brunch had a number of tempting options. Ultimately, however, my disdain of overly savory food before noon compelled me to wimp out and order the cornbread-crusted french toast. It might not have been the most creative dish on the menu, but the french toast was delicious and exactly what I was looking for that morning, particularly when eaten with the accompanying Vermont maple syrup and nicely-spiced orange marmalade. The serving was generous, but not too much so, and the inclusion of a tropical fruit salad on the side was a welcome touch. Others in my party lived on the wilder side with their choices. Amilcar's Omelet straddled the line of traditional and creative. Stuffed with avocado, black beans, and jack cheese and topped with salsa and queso fresco, the omelet was tasty, but could have used another component to give it more texture. Others went all out, feasting on the smoked duck tortilla rellena (huge and tasty) and the tuna tacos (the tuna was nice and rare). As a table, we sampled the cornbread (quite good and not too sweet), the bacon (pretty fab), and the fried yuca (not my thing, but others at my table really enjoyed it). I also had a chance to commandeer a bite of a sauteed shrimp that was absolutely fabulous. The meat was cooked perfectly and the grilled avocado that accompanied it was an excellent touch. Overall, brunch at the East Coast Grill was good eats indeed! I'm definitely looking forward to returning for another dose of it, as well as to stopping by for dinner...
(5)
Deanna D.

Ambiance= Funky and cool decor with fish everywhere Service= Friendly and attentive bartenders Big Gulp Margarita= Big, strong and yummy Asian Oysters= Fresh and tasty PEI Mussels cooked in Coconut Milk = Flavorful and fantastic Chile Crusted Black 'n Blue Tuna Taco= Deliciousness in every bite Chocolate Pecan Pie a la mode= Amazing! Value= Pricey but good quality and fresh seafood Overall experience= Very happy Deanna =) I will definitely be back!!
(4)
Liz M.

Best oysters on the half in Boston area. Hasn't lost a bit of fabulousness in the 20 years we've been coming.
(5)
David A.

I ordered a Grilled White Pepper Encrusted Tuna and some Fruit Punch Alchoholic mixed drink that was their signature. Well, the tuna was excellent quality. A good size chunk of fish seared on the outside and sushi-quality semi-raw inside. The ginger was an actual piece of strong ginger that was enjoyable. It wasn't that pickled dyed pink crud that you see at a typical sushi restaurant. I enjoyed every bite. The punch I could have done without. Wasn't impressed. It didn't taste too "punchy." The place was rather busy on a Friday night, but we only had about a 15 minute wait to be seated. We had to squeeze in for the table. They didn't sit us in a comfortable one for our entire party. The service was slow, but good. They disappeared a lot to let us chat, but I think we got everything we wanted. I'd come back here anyday, but warning, it will hit you in the wallet. Drinks and food can add up to $$$.
(4)
Stephanie P.

The oysters were very good, although pricey. I enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine while my husband and sister ordered a couple beers. Super busy place. We just happened to time it right and get a table. Service was mediocre.
(3)
Jeff D.

A friend and I came by ECG for the Latin Brunch yesterday and were not disappointed. I got the fantastically cheesy monteray jack grits (with molasses grilled banana, chopped pecans, smoked bacon and pineapple) to start us both off. She got the French toast and given that it all disappeared I'm going to assume it was tasty. I decided to go with the Tortilla Rellenas Con Pato Loco which was stuffed with smoked duck, more jack cheese and served over a bed of garlic greens with fried Yucca. As much as I loved the half of the tortilla I was able to finish, I think the fried yucca might have been the tastiest thing I had. Lightly spicy and with a great texture, you could substitute these for french fries and I don't think one in ten of your friends would notice. All told it was good as I remembered it. Well done ECG!
(4)
Natasha A.

I always hear great things about East Coast and finally tried it last night. The restaurant is an interest combination of seafood (including raw bar) and bbq. Suffice it to say I was underwhelmed at best. I ordered the Trio platter thinking I would try a variety of their bbq meats - the pulled pork was so, so, brisket was not bad, ribs also so so. I had a really terrible glass of sangria as well. It had no body whatsoever. The truly positive thing about this place is that they take their hot sauce seriously. Unlike the "hot" sauce you get at many other bbq or even Asian restaurants, theirs will warm up your heart, your face, your entire mouth and make you shed a tear or two (and this is coming from someone married to a chili aficionado that has a crop of ghost chili's, habaneros and scotch bonnets on the balcony - jalapenos are for woooses). I definitely would like to come back here for Hell Night and I also heard great things about their brunch, with a make your own bloody marry bar. but doubt I will return for a regular meal. Service was good.
(3)
Raymond W.

After reading about East Coast Grill for years and seeing it appear on Man vs. Food, I had high hopes. The biggest question I had enter was that given the casual environment and atmosphere, would the food warrant some of the higher prices? The answer was both yes and no. The hits for the even were the oyster samplers and a crispy Vietnamese salad, and desserts even though I couldn't finish. The oysters seemed really fresh and briny, and mixed with the cocktail sauce and house made Asian condiments, They were the best oysters I've had in some time. The crispy Vietnamese came with what seemed like some kind of fried pork that was tasty and crunchy. For dessert, I got a key lime pie, but was honestly too full a few bites in to recall the details only knowing that I liked it. The miss was that the BBQ sampler left me disappointed and wished that I put my money on the seafood at East Coast Grill. My BBQ fix is much better satisfied at BBQ joints like Blue ribbon and Redbones, even Soul Fire in Allston. The last small thing that bugged me was that they included a watermelon slice along with the plate of BBQ. Under most circumstances, I would let it slide, but my watermelon got covered in meat juices, slaw mayo and vinegar, and baked beans sauce. The ensuing first bite left me a little speechless as I was trying to figure out what I was tasting as I took each bite.
(3)
Julia N.

HAHA, its funny that the yelper below me said that "this definitely isnt the place for a romantic date". Yet, this is exactly what happened last Valentines Day here with me and my boyfriend :) Yes, romance isnt what comes to mind when you come in here, its not the candlelit quiet dark sort of place. But my boyfriend and I are bestfriends, and totally in love so we could be eating at Fenway or sitting on a park bench for all I cared... it was the conversation and the absolutely perfect deliciousness of our expensive seafood meals that did it :) I got white fish (cant remember the type this was a while ago) it was lovely, but I was even more impressed with my boyfriends mahi mahi, which i usually do not like at all. it was not only edible, it was devine!!!! A good meal with a wonderful person means this might as well be a sandy beach on some tropical island with the sun setting ... cause the tastes are so good! Ahhh, if only we werent still students and had to save our $$ wed definitely be back alot more! :)
(5)
Christopher K.

Best mussels I have ever had. The rest of what we ordered was fantastic. Excellent beer selection. Main dining area is casual and hectic, which is what we expected b/c of the open layout... you see the cooks, feel the fires from the roasting chickens, etc. Thank you help for guiding me here. From Boston, but now live in SD, so I'm keeping this review short b/c I'm so sad that may not eat here again for a long time. If you are reading this and you are anywhere in the area and are looking for seafood or BBQ, stop Yelping and get over to this place, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Jessie C.

love this place! Make sure you order the Sweet Tea and Vodka - sometimes not on the menu but totally worth it! Shrimp and Scallops - killer - even if you order all scallops and 1 shrimp. Just a little pricey but seriously - WORTH IT!
(5)
Steve S.

Wow, this place is good For a restaurant, which doesn't seem to take itself seriously, they know good food. East Coast has changed a bit, since I left Cambridge almost 20 years ago. Gone is Jake the BBQ pitmaster who used to operate the take out. The place still has its funky vibe with a bar and two dining rooms The Mahi Mahi excels. Great food has multiple textures and flavors. The fish, the salsa and the sides are just awesome together. The peanut butter pie is homemade and light, but at the same time creamy Interesting food, offbeat place, but definitely worth a visit
(5)
Joe C.

Our last night in Boston after 3 great days , happened on the East Coast Grill, we were welcomed by the Manager( sorry I did not get his name) a great start . We ordered the Seared Cauliflower with grated cheese and chile flakes it was awesome , my wife had the Mahi- Mahi again great I had seared shrimp and scallops with Asian noodles fantastic.the manager stopped by a couple of times to check on us and we told him we were visiting from New York and a nice dessert was delivered to our table( chocolate pecan pie with ice cream) Thank you for a great experience . Highly recommend this place. Joe C.
(5)
B T.

I do not know the raves with this restaurant but the night I brought some out of town guests there wasn't great. The ribs were not tender at all (falling off the bone). It was tough and not tasty for a full rack of baby back ribs. The lobster wasn't fresh either. I guess maybe the place wasn't that busy when we were there but it shouldn't affect quality of the food.
(1)
Samuel F.

The hazards of sitting in front of the raw bar: 1. The first row is the splash zone. 2. The person taking your order will be the person manning the raw bar, and thus insanely busy, so it may take a while for you to be noticed when you want to order something. 3. The seats are pressed even more closely than at the main part of the bar. 4. Your credit card may be returned in a more covered-in-horseradish-y state than desired. The place also struck me as quite expensive, even for a seafood restaurant. Those minor complaints aside, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The seafood is top-notch: The raw oysters were perfect little morsels, and the bluefish was wonderfully tasty. They seem to have pretty good options for drinks, too, the Fisherman's Brew went well with my food selections.
(4)
Sydney L.

Went last night and sat at the bar. Have to honestly say the food quality has slipped considerably since Chris sold the place. This is the 3rd time the Hell Bones have been too fatty to eat. They took the Hell Wings off the menu for reasons unknown even though people have been asking for them???? The beers on tap were mediocre and a couple were out. The service is always excellent but they comp bad food too often for a restaurant that has been open for 20+ years with an excellent reputation. I hope they get it right again because at the moment, they are heading in the opposite direction.
(2)
Erica T.

This is my place to go when I want to do go someplace special for dinner. The food is always amazing and the portions are perfectly sized, without being too big or too small. I had my birthday here, a party of 10, and we had fantastic service. Our drinks never went dry and there was something on the menu for everyone. While good for the larger group, I've also found it great for dates as well. I like keeping it as something special, a place I go to when I want the food and service to be amazing so I can focus on those with me. That's what I feel makes a great restaurant--when the food is great and everything is perfect, so that you can just enjoy a wonderful meal and not have to worry about a thing.
(5)
Michael K.

Been meaning to go here for the longest time. Finally got around to it and I was not disappointed. Restaurant is smaller than I planned but we were able to get in and seated rather quickly on a Friday night with no reservation! I went with the home made kimchee for my appetizer and it was awesome, I've really be on a kimchee kick and this hit the spot. Great to see places trying out fun stuff like this. For dinner I got the bbq plate which had a little bit of all the barbecued meats on it. The ribs were good enough, but the shredded meats were awesome, really a nice platter for someone that isnt in the mood to commit to one thing in particular. Oh I almost forgot, I also ordered something called the hell bone, which was a super spicy spare rib covered in some crazy hot sauce. It was awesome, the waitress noticed I liked it so much that she brought me out a side of the hot sauce for me to dip my barbecue in. Which brings up another point. our waitress was awesome, super friendly, funny, and polite. Great place, a little on the noisy side, but fun none the less.
(4)
Paul D.

Lived up to my expectations. Amazing service, and the food was wonderful. Had a sampler from the raw bar, then a spicy rib, and the smoked jerk chicken wings. Couldn't have been happier, and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Leighann F.

So. freakin. full. Can't. barely. move. Nom. Nom. Yum. Yum. Mmmmmm. I think East Coast Grill has officially turned me into a food zombie. I sat at cool marble-topped bar, drank a couple of Smuttynose's and ate to my heart's content. Unfortunately, my heart and stomach aren't exactly on the same page with content. My palette and taste buds seemed to be in cahoots with my heart..."Eat, eat, eat and savor every spice...and then eat more!" they were saying to one another. My stomach, growing ever the more full, was none the wiser about their plan, and it now at the point of exploding! My palette and heart could not help themselves. We started with the plantains and moved onto two entrees: (1). the pulled pork shoulder in a crispy tortilla cup, served with salsa, beans, guacamole and more plantains. (2). the duck and cheese tortillas. Muy frickin bien. The service at the bar was friendly and funny. It took a minute for the entrees to arrive, but with the lazy-day pace of brunch, it was hardly noticeable. Doesn't hurt that you can go next door to Christina's for some mighty fine frozen treats for dessert. There's goes my heart and palette talking again. My poor stomach!!
(4)
Matt I.

(Dinner only, have not done brunch here.) I'm kinda torn on this one, because it's on the borderline between 4 and 5 stars. A LOT of the food is excellent. It's the kind of restaurant where the daily special is actually something awesome and not what they're trying to clear out before it goes bad. The last time I was there they had this grilled shrimp thing with bacon grits that was crazy good, and my better half got the swordfish special and that was amazing too. A little pricey, but the quality is there to back it up. They also have bartenders that make great cocktails without it being one of those places that has twelve different kinds of sidecar but can't mix a decent margarita. High quality without being stuck-up. Also gotta love a place that lets you buy PBRs for the kitchen staff. But I've had inconsistent service at times, and some of the food is just meh (the BBQ in particular; don't know what it's missing, but it's just not that great to me). On a good night, if you order the right thing, it might be the best restaurant in Cambridge. A great restaurant makes that happen EVERY time.
(4)
Annie I.

I went for brunch and was impressed by the extensive bloody mary bar, but found my brunch food options to be a little pricey for what they were.
(3)
Elizabeth C.

My friend and I went to brunch here. The place was packed so we sat at the bar. The bar tenders were super nice and helpful. Our food did take awhile to get there, but it was delicious! I got the Amilcar's Omelet which came with two different kinds of sauces, it was cool to have two different great tastes for one meal. I would recommend this place for brunch if you're going with a small group, otherwise it's probably gonna be a long wait. Sitting at the bar is a great way to go though! The food was also reasonably priced, I haven't gone for dinner but I heard it can be pretty expensive. Not the case for brunch!
(4)
Alison F.

Obviously popular with many people, so they must be doing something right. Every time I come here, I re-read the menu in a desperate search for what it might be. Haven't found it yet. This place has a lot of food that would be good without that one fatal ingredient that they add to it to make it "original" or creative or just plain weird. Seems often to involve ground conch meat or oyster broth. Great service, upbeat atmosphere, always packed, should be a great place -- but everything I have ever ordered here has been gross. Except the little pickled amuse-bouche stuff they bring out at the beginning -- that stuff rocks.
(2)
Leigh C.

If I ever (which is very unlikely) end up on death row, I want my last meal to be from the East Coast Grill. The Sunday Brunch is amazing! Everything on the menu is AMAZING...and I am not kidding. The duck rellenos are delicious, as well as the grits and bacon (thick slab!), make sure you grab a famous "make your own" bloody mary bar! I like mine with the spicy marmalade:) Whatever you get...it will nothing short of flavorful and Delicious. The service is so good too! The wait might be long but the atmosphere is hoppin and it's sooooo worth it! Enjoy!
(5)
Jim S.

Just went to the East Coast grill on Sunday for their pig roast. Every Sunday they roast an entire pig in a different countries style. This week was Thai. Started with the taquito appetizer that wasn't fried like all the taquitos I've ever had in Texas, but who really cares. They were delicious. Came with very generous portions of salsa and guac. The pig was incredible. Juicy, tender and oh-so-flavorful. Pork, noodles and a spicy broth all topped with crispy cracklins. Service was good but a little hectic as we got there right when they opened. The Sunday pig roast starts at 5:30 and you should plan on getting there early. That pig looked like it was flying onto the tables. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Rachel K.

I've had sooo many meals here and never been disappointed. Everything here is great and there is a wide selection from specials to appetizers to meals to sides to drinks! Service is always great. My fave is the make your own bloody mary bar! The sangria is also really good, and they give you a decent portion that is not watered down with ice!
(5)
Dor Z.

Yummy! Delicious food, great atmosphere, awesome staff. Went on a Tuesday night and it was packed - that must be a sign of something good. Luckily we got there just before the lines started forming. Brenda, our waitress, was very welcoming, cool, and informative. We got drinks and some of the orange chipotle chicken livers to start with. The livers are advertised as crispy but ours weren't, and the orange flavor made it taste too much like a Starburst or something. I'm all for liver, but you can definitely pass these up. We also got the chowder, which was very creamy and delicious. For entrees, we got the burnt ends brisket sandwich, the mussels, and the tuna tacos. Everything was enjoyable. The brisket was tender, juicy, and came with beans, sweet mash, and a slice of watermelon. Even the watermelon was super sweet - I haven't had watermelon that good in a while. That goes to show how much attention they pay to detail and quality at ECG. The mussels were flavored nicely - the menu says they are steamed in coconut milk, chiles, and lime. It's a nice change-up from plainly steamed or the white wine sauce. My friend ate her tacos right up - they're roll-your-own, so you can have some fun with that too. Regardless of the food, I think the atmosphere is the best part of ECG. I love how it feels very casual without being too dive-y. The staff seem laid-back yet professional. The kitchen is also completely open so you can see exactly what the chefs are doing. It's a very comfortable environment. Food 8/10 Service 9/10 Atmosphere 10/10
(4)
Zack G.

Two very disappointing (particularly for the price) experiences in a row. Specifically, the issues had to do with taste and preparation. No more, I'm done, which is sad because many moons ago this was my all-time favorite restaurant.
(2)
Elle J.

The ambiance is casual and energetic. The food is great!! Portions are very generous. I wanted to try half of the menu. However, I ordered the entire meal from their specials. As an appetiser I had a half dozen island creek oysters with tuna sashimi on each one with a touch of soy sauce and ginger.. something like that. Then as my main I ordered two appetisers: spaghetti squash with butter and walnuts and scallops on a bed of sauteed chili spinach. Yum! For dessert we shared the pecan pie that came with whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. That was ok but nothing special. I did enjoy an after dinner 20 year tawny port. The only complaint I have is that the servers removed dishes too quickly from the table. The moment you were done they took your empty plate even if others at the table were still eating.
(4)
Pj B.

On a day of kind of relaxing and not drinking 12-14 beers a day in Boston, a friend of mind invited me out to check out this east coast grill place. It w explained to me they had only been open for dinner until recently, they started a lunch menu. The place is tiny on the inside, but pretty colorful. We were seated right away and we ordered some beers. On to the food. So the only thing that really jumped out and said EAT ME, was the east north Carolina pulled pork meat platter. You got to pick three sides, which I picked corn bread, sweet potato salad, and some cole slaw. The sides were small but tasty. Once you get the platter it looks like there may not be enough food, but by the time you're done eating you seem to be full. The pulled pork meat was very tender and had TONS of flavor. Well worth ordering. I would very much like to go back and try the dinner menu. I'm giving the three stars because the portions of the sides were small, so you only got to enjoy them for two bites max!
(3)
Angel C.

After making my mouth explode during Hell Night (in a good way), I wanted to try East Coast Grill's daily menu. Well, just like one Hell Night was enough for me, one trip for the regular East Coast Grill was also enough for me. The food was good, but WAY overpriced. I tried the oysters, Mahi Mahi, and the BBQ platter. All very tasty, 4 stars. But I remember when I got the bill, thinking "that much for what I just ate??" Not worth it. Also, I don't get having a place with a super casual vibe that charges this much. Go for Hell Night. Maybe not for earth night.
(3)
Steve K.

Their clam chowder was very unique and very amazing. I seriously eat clam chowder at every restaurant I go to that has it (you can see my reviews on them). This was a very unique taste for sure. It was a bit on the soupy side rather than the chowdery side, but honestly... while I would normally complain about that, I can't here. The constancy was that of a clam chowder, with sweet potatoes to replace red potatoes, honey-crispy bread/croutons for a bit more sweetness and very large chunks of fresh clams. It was a sweeter chowder that didn't come with oyster crackers, but they would have just ruined it anyway. I also tried two different types of oysters here, Duxbury and one other (that I can't remember right now). They were very fresh, sandless, and for the first time in a long time, I was able to eat oysters without chomping down on a bit of shell, so good job to the shuckers! The ribs were also very tasty and very different than what I was used to. It was not my meal, so I only tried a bite, but it was very pleasing.
(5)
Kathy Y.

I came here for Hell Night last night, it was very packed. I already went in knowing that I couldnt get a reservation and had to sit at the bar. So I walked in, hostess greeted me and made sure that I got a seat at the bar, since she noticed I had been waiting, which was GREAT. I waited about 30 minutes before a seat at the bar opened up, which was expected, so I didn't mind. We started off with appetizer: "Wings of Ass Destruction" Phuket Style (2 Hot 4 U) ... Brined & Smoked Chicken - Wings with Aromatic Herbs, Nuoc Cham & Ghost Chile Pepper Jam (7 Bombs) Now eating this, it was spicy, but not as bad as I thought it would be. This actually tasted pretty good too. another appetizer - we had to try was the Pasta From Hell with Sausage Bolognese & Naga Bhut Jolikia (9 Bombs) Now this was spicey, but it didn't taste that good because I think the spices wer just overpowering. we did have to sign a waiver to eat this, which we both did, so I was expecting it to be super spicey. It was okay, we didnt' finish it. We didn't drink it with milk, which we probably should've because my stomach was burning an hour later, not like sickness, just straight burning. I don't drink milk, so I ate ice cream and was fine after. My friend drank milk when he felt pain later and was fine after. Then we shared an entree: Chile Grilled 16 oz Sirloin with Jalapeno Salsa, Hominy Mashed Sweet Potatoes, & Cumin Seared Greens (5 Bombs) 27.50 Compared to everything else, this was not spicy at all! It was pretty good though, steak was cooked just right. Overall this was a good experience. I thought it would be alot worst, but not too bad! I would recommend this for the experience.
(3)
Victoria J.

Saturday night during the dinner rush and I was able to find street parking right across the street! Just from this, I knew it was gonna be a stress-free night. My friend and I showed up a little after 7:30pm and this place was bumpin'! I mean, absolutely packed, and we still got a table within 5 minutes. As this place was crazy-busy, the service the entire night was a bit like having a teenage older sister - she loves you nonetheless, but she's preoccupied with other things. As this place was crazy, it didn't really bother me. Every table gets pickled veggies to start with - and they were phenomenal. Super mouth-watering. We ordered a bunch of appetizers to split between the two of us: 1/2 dozen oysters on the half shell, Buffalo Fried Gulf Shrimp, P.E.I. Mussels, Ginger Tuna & Pork Sausage Dumplings, Damn Good Fries, and some Grilled Bread for the sauce in the Mussels dish. Ok, so. The oysters were super fresh, the Buffalo Shrimp was to die for, the Mussels, in their Thai Coconut sauce, almost killed me, they were so delicious. The bread came perfect for trying to get as much sauce out of that bowl as possible - divine! The fries were, just as the name claims, Damn Good! The Ginger Tuna & Pork Sausage Dumplings, however, I will say, were very disappointing. I don't know if they just couldn't stand up to the flavor-packed shrimp & mussels, but they tasted a bit on the blander side. For dessert, we split the Grilled Jamaican Banana Split. Delicious! I was so stuffed and satiated when we the left that I felt like falling asleep whilst walking. Loved it! I cannot wait for Hell Night!!!
(4)
Jess T.

Huge fan of this place. I wish I lived closer. Their brunch menu and mix your own bloody Mary bar are the stuff that dreams are made out of. I didn't believe my friend who lives in Cambridge that we had to get there before they opened to wait in line. Waiting? In line for brunch? This is Boston. Get real. I was terribly wrong. We got to Inman Square 10 minutes before they opened and there were already about 10 people deep. I was grateful we had the hint because the line was about 40 people long behind us and as soon as the doors opened, the restaurant filled and the line stayed long even after we left. Other than catching up with my ladies before heading to Fenway, the main attraction for me was the bloody Mary bar. I was also excited to eat there because the menu is so eclectic and funky. It's seafood, American, with Central and South American flavors with a little bit of mesquite thrown in for good measure. The selections of Bloody Mary mix and the plethora of garnishes were utterly amazing. The setup of the bar needs some adjusting as it bottle necked a bit and crowded the corner bar area but seriously.....well worth the hassle. Um. One of the best tasting bloodies I have had. I mean sure, I made it myself so clearly I tailored it perfectly to my liking, but East Coast offers a much different type of bloody. Clearly, I adore the tried and true celery and olive garnishes, but I really enjoyed the artichokes and carrots and the different hot sauces to add a bit of kick. Well done. Guacamole was perfection, the bloody bar rocked and the breakfast platter was amazing. I wanna go back.....and do it all over.
(4)
Mike M.

Just went to the 101st Hell Night - oh my sweet lord what an experience. There really just aren't many dining experience that get our whole group nervous, clapping, and sort of terrified before you even sit down like you are going on a space shuttle mission - ECG Hell Night is one of them. Yelper Alexis B. said in her review of Hell Night that "it was like they were making it hot just for the sake of being hot" - um...yup, that is pretty much it. And is it ever BLAZING hot. Much more of a dining experience to do once a year than something I would necessarily "enjoy" HIGHLIGHTS: - you have to do the Russian Roulette Meatballs. The brought out one meatball for each person at the table. All are sweet and savory except the one fire ball. Catherine got that and she was crying and spanking the table in about 30 seconds. Awesome. Very 24/Deer Hunter... I know how Jack Bauer felt in that rioting prison now. So happy to get the tasty meatball. - the "Wings of Ass Destruction" are the hottest wings I have ever eaten. Hotter than the hottest at Buffalo Wild Wings. Stupid hot. Plus, those get the sauce all over your fingers, lips, and tongue - baaad news. - the Hell Pasta is the main event. First, you have to sign a consent form saying you know what you are getting into - cool souvenir (see attached photo). I had one bite and while the heat goes further back in your mouth, it begins to ramp up and just rage in strength like a thousand fiery suns. Yelper Matt R. finished his ENTIRE bowl (according to our waitress 3-4 people per 4nights of Hell Night actually do that) and still managed to eat another wing afterwards. A man among boys. He was rewarded by the famed Dr. Pepper with a round of applause from the restaurant and a free T-Shirt. It kind of felt like John Candy in the Great Outdoors as Matt wanted to eat an entire jar of Tums for desert. Overall, Hell Night is not like a normal meal. It is an experience. ECG has a great menu other nights as well, but Hell Night is kind of their specialty calling card. I loved it. Our group will be making jokes about it for weeks. I probably would never do it again. :)
(5)
Leilani H.

I've been meaning to give East Coast Grill 5 stars for a long time now. Then, after having a less than 2 star experience at Legal Seafoods at Copley, I'm motivated to write a real review. You can't go wrong with the options here. All the fishies are deliciously yummy and cooked with such flavor! (Flava?) Even the vegetarian option (the only one there) is amazing and wonderful. Think: What would a meatatarian give a vegetarian to eat? Answer: Anything and everything that's not meaty! Their brunches are pretty great too. Only downside has been the drinks. Never quite delicious. Either no alcohol in them at all, or it's so alcohol filled that it tastes terrible. Go for the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar on the weekend. Yum.
(5)
JD H.

Probably the best brunch in the city! If you can put up with the lines. The bloody marys are great because you get to make them yourself. I love the buffalo shrimp. It actually reminds me of a place called Chick's in Virginia Beach. We came in for dinner and it was good but not really worth the price tag. We did have a snafu here about 6 months ago with a hostess but we have buried the hatchet. All's well that ends with a bloody mary.
(4)
Eladio A.

Can't wait to get there
(3)
Lai X.

Eh. Came here because the reviews were great. I had the Grilled Mahi Mahi, and maybe it's not my kind of thing, but the grill marks tasted less flavorful and more burnt. Wasn't a fan. It came with grilled avocado with mango salsa on top, as well as fried bananas and rice with black beans. I liked the mango salsa and the avocado. Everything else tasted average. My boyfriend got the Trio Platter of the barbeque and his dinner (and it often does) looked better than mine. The dry-rub one was my favorite.
(3)
Foodie F.

I had been wanting to try East Coast Grill for a year but had been to lazy to drive from Boston over the river. The experience was every bit worth it. Upon entering one immediately feels relaxed in the laid back atmosphere. My friend and I started with the mussels appetizer which she suggested would be amazing. I have never really been a huge fan of mussels. This dish was one of the best I have had in a while. The mussels were in a garlic sauce and served with a giant piece of bread for soaking up the delicious liquid. These were the cleanest mussels I ever had in my life. My entree was amazing as well. A Portugese style stew with shrimp, mussels, crab, mussels, and swordfish. The seafood was so fresh. Service was very friendly and welcoming. I will return!!
(4)
Katie B.

Hell Night- the name delivers... VIDEO REVIEW candkinthecity.blogspot.â€¦ whoever said this was a good idea was a liar. i personally can say that i have never experienced that much pain from food before in my life. we like spicy food, but this was brutal. the experience was worth it and we really enjoyed the restaurant. enjoy the video and we hope we were able to explain the excruciating pain that was endured. we're ready to head back and see what east coast grill has to offer on non-hell night.
(4)
Jonathan B.

East Coast in my humble opinion is one of the best places around. As the seasons change they offer up new dishes here and there. Everything is good and I've come to that conclusion because I've been coming here for so long. This place has only gotten better with time. With 100% honesty I've never had a bad experience here. My only complaint is I wish the menu would go through some changes. As mentioned I've been coming here forever and I feel like some of the dishes need a revamping. The menu is all good and they absolutely have a great variety of oysters. The pepper steak or the white pepper crusted tuna are my usual entrÃ©es of choice. The chefs are grill masters! On one or two occasions I have gone the vegetarian root... one of the best vegetarian main courses I've ever had. I'd avoid the hell bones. You will regret it and more than likely you will be begging for some milk. They do have some great dessert if you so choose to indulge. All I can say is god damn East Coast I love you. Kick ass drinks amazing food awesome ambiance and great servers. How could you not love this place? I also had the key lime pie. Yeah I probably have gained a pound or two over the years I've spent coming here but it has been so worth it. Love this place and you will to.
(5)
Darren R.

Lived in Cambridge for years and heard many good reviews. Tried tonight. Great hospitality and food excellent. Now on our top restaurant list; will be back for dinner and keen to try lunch.
(5)
Ross S.

Experience: Went on Sunday night, arrived at 6:15. Thought their would be no wait, but there was an hour wait. (Great sign) Fortunately the two of us grabbed a bar seat within 15 minutes and ordered drinks which were strong and delicious. For apps got the famous spicy wings, a hell bone for each, and the duxbury oysters. The oysters were of course fresh, briny and went down smooth. Perfect compliment to the two extra spicy apps. The hell bone was so tasty and the sauce was hellish. Our eyes were watering with every bite, but couldn't put it down. The wings were of the same heat with that hell sauce. The homemade banana ketchup was a great compliment to cool the mouth. Because we went on Sunday night they roast an ENTIRE PIG and do a special marinade. We split the pig which was in an Asian style presentation (ginger/scallion/soy) and the fresh fish of the day (Cod) in a fish and chips style. .. Fish was perfectly cooked with a light & crispy batter. Homemade tarter sauce was the best I've ever had and obviously worked nicely with the fish. Fries were good as well... could taste that they were freshly cut and fried. The pig was out-of-this-world-good. You could drink the sauce it was basted in... that's how good it was. Terrific experience. There is a reason this place has an hour wait on Sunday nights.
(5)
Arjun G.

FIRE! In my belly from the hell sauce... In my throat and food pipe from the most spicy drink I have ever had... In the restaurant from the kitchen... Makes me happy!
(5)
Renee M.

I came to East Coast Grill for Easter brunch with a couple friends. I read many great things on Yelp, and held high expectations for my experience here. Got there around 11:45, there was about a 35 minute wait, which was fine because it was so nice out! Finally got seated and proceeded to order some drinks. I got the white wine sangria, which had many fruity ingredients and was light and refreshing! One of my friends opted for the make your own bloody mary, and loved it! I don't usually like bloody mary's but the one he concocted was delicious! (Lots and lots of horseradish makes anything great) The brunch menu is latin-themed and I ordered the pork tostada. OMG - effing DELICIOUSSSS The pork was juicy, tender and flavorful. It was also served with pico de gallo and guacamole, and an egg on top. Perfect combination of flavors, and the guacamole was AMAZING. The fried plantains that came on the side was also absolutely delicious- a perfect sweet compliment to the otherwise savory meal. Overall I absolutely LOVED East Coast Grill and would definitely return again for brunch, or to try their dinner menu! AMAZING
(5)
Lady J.

Wow... they must be paying you guys to write these positive reviews. I didn't experience anything that you guys did. The food wasn't good at all. Their drink menu is more extensive then their actual food menu. So for the appetizer I ordered the thai spicy wings. They were ok but spicy as hell just to warn you. My date and I shared the volcanic scorpion bowl. This has 5 different liquors and their was nothing volcanic about it. It tasted like juice. We then told our waitress and she got mad, grabbed our drink and flipped out at the bartender telling him that we didnt like it and to add more liquor. Nonetheless that didn't help... Our food came I ordered memphis dry rubbed ribs... yes dry is the word.. I thought they were smoked.... why are they dry and tough as hell.. So tasteless... I took two bites and decided to save the rest for home so that I can fix them myself.... (by the way I make my own bbq from scratch and I am a serious bbq chick) So ya the food was horrible... I woke up this morning and was upset at the fact that our dinner came out to 70$ for 2 people.... ugh... Nonetheless the one star was because the french fries that we ordered were fabulous... So I really don't know what these other reviews are talking about because the experience that I had was horrible...
(1)
JB B.

Why bother...lots of great restaurants in Cambridge. We had a bad prior experience and gave it another try. This time it was worse - much worse - in fact, unbelievable! Bartender was great - he reiterated our order but it came out wrong - after 25 minutes. The manager, Stephanie, came over to appease us but was more defensive than apologetic. Our order came out incorrectly the second time and understandably we were upset but in no way did we respond inappropriately. We are both professionals and mature adults. Nevertheless, Stephanie gave us 2 choices: "Leave or I will call the police." We were stunned. What was the provocation for that response?! Do you really want to eat here?
(1)
Sara S.

I came here for dinner tonight with my mom and my husband. I got the "All-Vegetable Experience" (the regular, with-dairy version), my mom got the same thing but the dairy-free version, and my husband ordered the barbecue trio. The waitress warned us that the vegetarian plate was a lot of food, but I was honestly a little unprepared for the behemoth pile that I was presented with. Basically, it's a plate of a ton of different vegetarian side dishes, and you apparently never really know what's going to be on it outside of a couple of staples. I'll list as many as I can remember: Corn bread (pretty good) Garlic mashed potatoes (pretty good) Mashed sweet potatoes (pretty good) Fried plantains (Delicious!) Beans and rice (meh) Garlic cooked greens (AMAZING, easily the best item on the plate) Grilled veggies (really, really good, especially the grilled tomato) Chili-garlic noodles (not great and super salty) Mango salsa (good) Fried sweet potatoes (not bad, but a little bland) Corn on the cob (fine) As you can see, there was a tremendous amount of food on this plate, and because so much of it was starch, it was extremely filling and I had to throw in the towel a little less than halfway through. My personal preference would have been for fewer starches (Three types of potatoes AND noodles AND cornbread?!) and more veggies. My husband really enjoyed his barbecue sampler and said that the ribs, especially, were very nicely smoked. East Coast Grill's prices are a little too steep for us to be able to make this a regular stop in our restaurant rotation, but I definitely look forward to returning for an indulgence the next time we're in the mood for a lot of really flavorful comfort food, and don't mind overpaying a bit for it.
(4)
Katy G.

Yessssss. East Coast Grill was a nice find tonight. We got there right when they opened at 5:30pm- I highly recommend this tactic because by the time we left, it was a complete zoo with a line going out the door. I don't know how long the wait was, but it didn't look pretty. I had a Marvelous Martin Margarita- it was tasty. They had lots of other awesome-sounding drinks, too. So, I'm a fish-eatin' vegan, and I ended up getting the Grilled Vegetable Platter. OMFG... this was no joke the TASTIEST meal ever! I'm sure the veggies change with the seasons, but my plate had grilled sweet potatoes, plantains, avocado, red onion, squash, pineapple, kale... the list goes on. There was also red beans and rice, and a bunch of different slaws and salsas. As far as the slaws go, they were all great, but having to switch gears for all the different flavors was a little hard. If you go with a friend who also wants the veggie platter... DON'T ORDER TWO!! My eyes popped out of my head when I saw how much food there was. I think three people could have gorged themselves on this thing. I've got food for days now. The other people in our party had the ribs sampler and the bluefish special. They also loved their meals.
(5)
Jeff C.

Anyone that gives this place less than five stars is Crazy with a capital C. It may be the perfect restaurant and certainly my favorite in Boston & Cambridge. The East Coast Grill rolls up seafood and BBQ with a Latin flair. It's top notch food with a casual vibe. Go elsewhere for the white tablecloth, but come here for great food and a good time. Anyone that visits Boston, this is the first place I insist on taking them to. And for the love of god, order the PBR for the cooks. They deserve it.
(5)
Ashley H.

Second time we went here and even better than the first! We got there around noon and had to wait about 20 minutes for a table for 4. Got a sangria and the boyfriend made a bloody mary from the bloody mary bar. It was a short wait considering the last time we went we had to stand in a line to even get our name in. It was very cold and the weekend after a big snow storm, so the short wait can be attributed to that. We both ordered the Cuban Reuben. It was great and came with delicious fries that had kind of a sweet taste. The mimosa was made with fresh squeezed orange juice and was the perfect follow up to my sangria. Yea for breakfast drinking! My only disappointment was that my boyfriend and I ordered the same thing because of course I would like to have tried something else. Alas, it was for the best because I wouldn't have wanted to share mine with him and vice versa. He also ordered a side of cornbread and it was huge; he loved it. We will be back!
(5)
Christopher B.

The manager responded to my previous message and offered to send me a gift certificate to ensure that I have a better experience next time. This level of ownership suggests that my initial experience was a fluke. I will update after I return.
(4)
Eric H.

The thing that stuck out most here was the outstanding customer service. Not just from the waitress who knew the menu well and was able to make recommendations. But they food runners, drink servers and bar tenders. Great attitudes, friendly and always smiling. Sad to say, you just don't see that anymore but you will find it here. The food was incredible as well. Our dishes ranged from tuna steak to ribs and all were great. Only negative is the entres were on the high side for prices. Also, they have their own $5 lot across the street for parking which is huge in this neighborhood where parking is a premium.
(4)
Bryce K.

It just wasn't that good. It looked great, had a great atmosphere, and was jammed pack. But for a place called EAST COAST Grill, you gotta BRING it. Had the BBQ Trio Platter. Enjoyed the dry rub ribs but everything else just didn't jibe. Cole slaw was good but who comes back for the cole slaw? Service was great though. Our waitress was a doll - very sweet, polite, and fast. But it's all about the FOOD man! This was TGIF/Apple Bee's tier for anyone from the west coast.
(3)
Joel M.

Had brunch on a hangover morning. Went with the grits and a side of sausage. While the sausage was good it was nothing to write home about, but the grits, amazing paired with bacon, pineapple, and bananas, were insanely good. The pineapple didn't add much but the bananas somehow meshed perfectly. It looked like we got there at the right time (11:00 on a sunday), because by the time we left there was a pretty sizable wait.
(5)
Laura B.

Yes, parking in Inman is difficult but East Coast Grill offers 5 dollar parking... totally worth it. I am not one to pay for parking but this is the same price as 2 people taking the bus! When we arrived there was a huge wait, as expected I guess. So we opted to sit at the bar right away, no harm done there! My boyfriend and I split a pitcher of delicious white sangria. The bartenders and barbacks were very friendly and provided great service. We started with the fried plantains and the fried sweet potatoes. Both were SO GOOD. Then we split the Tuna Taco app and the Bluefish special and my boyfriend had the chicken liver appetizer. On all fronts, the portion sizes were large and the food was delicious. The thing I liked least was the Bluefish special actually. It was all so mild and lacked flavor compared to the rest of the meal. However, I rarely like fruit salsas like that because they never pack enough punch but my boyfriend wanted that dish so we ordered it. My favorite dishes were the Tuna Taco (so fresh and delicious) and the plantains. I would love to go back to the East Coast Grill. I am DYING to try Hell Night but they need to have more of them! Or, offer more of the options on the regular menu.
(4)
Derek B.

I'd really like to give this place a 4th star. I would. I've had brunch here before and it was definitely 4 star worthy. Unfortunately, some friends and I went here for dinner last week and it was barely 3-stars. The food was serviceable, although uninspired. By 8PM they were out of nearly all of their specials. The real hit to the rating came from the really bad service; we waited nearly an hour for our food, even as the tables around us (who had arrived afterward) were served and left. My friend's request for a refill on his soda went unfulfilled and there was an issue at payment. All in all, a little disappointed, but there was enough glimmer of hope that I still want to give it another shot.
(3)
Shannon C.

I had heard that East Coast Grill was an amazing seafood spot but did not know about their famous BBQ. What a treat! Our server offered more than fair warning regarding the spiciness of the Southern Thai Style Crispy Wings. Apparently I'm getting cautious in my old age so I heeded his advice and went with the "mild" version which he assured were still "crazy hot" as they're designed for their Hell Week (coming up soon I believe). Visions of late night heart burn danced in my head. These wings did not disappoint! I can understand how I did not get the full treatment of hotness but they were some of the most flavorful wings I've ever had. Don't let the dainty onion strings fool you though--they pack a shocking little punch! The BF got the BBQ Trio (a la "Uncle Bud") and was not disappointed. Would recommend this as well but definitely come hungry or plan to take home leftovers.
(5)
Katie G.

I was seated in the busy area by the kitchen, and I was with a friend who insisted the other side was MUCH cooler and more comfortable, but I still had a great time! The food was AMAZING! (I got the seafood combo dish. The mussels were out of this world!) We also shared a scorpion bowl which they limit to 2 per couple, but I didn't believe it was very strong. They had blue fish on special which was amazing too, and their ceviche was pretty tasty too! Next time I will definitely check out the other seating area, but as long as you dont mind close quarters, the kitchen side was fun and the food makes it worth it!
(4)
S B.

Really great restaurant! "Bloody Mary Bar" - the server brings your glass of ice & vodka and you go to town....the bar features clamato, tomato juice, or bloody mary mix, about 10 fresh hot sauces, several salsas, scallions, celery, carrots, olives, horseradish, and a wide variety of bottled hot sauces. No cukes, but still impressive! ($10.50 for a mega size, $3.50 for a virgin) Seafood platter is great ($29) for a wide variety of fresh seafood - the oysters were fantastic. Smoked BBQ pork nachos, jalapeno corn grits, basically hot and spicy brunch food. Staff was super friendly - as in 'midwestern friendly' - which is not too common in larger cities. It didn't strike me as super loud at first, but I did find myself saying "What?" to my brunchmates frequently. Specials have a latin flare and spice is the theme here - but well worth it. A very solid choice for sunday brunch. We went early (they open at 11 on Sundays) to avoid having to wait in line, but if I went again, I'd gladly wait.
(4)
Shaina P.

I was drawn to this spot by it's spectacular menu appeal and fun atmosphere, but when I actually entered and tried it with my parents, all of my expectations were reduced to ... eh. The food was fine, but not out of this world. And I thought the price could have been a bit lower. Why is it that Cambridge Tech areas have higher priced foods?? I'll try it again.
(3)
Q S.

Hell Night is RIDICULOUS. In a really good way. As soon as you walk in, you choke on the fumes of the peppers and sneeze and cough. The place is decorated with peppers and warning tapes and Dr. Pepper walks around in all his glory. Warning: if you don't want to spend the night and the following day with major stomach issues and ass burning, then stay away from the pasta from hell and don't sign the waiver. If you don't mind the ass burning and indigestion, then go for the Pasta from Hell, but don't eat it at the beginning of your meal! If you do, you won't be able to taste much else for the rest of the night. When you get to the pasta, start out in small steps, take a tiny bite first. Most people won't be able to get past the first bite. And good luck! Try the deviled eggs, they were good but some were insanely spicy! So were the "wings of ass destruction" from what I heard. I had already anticipated ass destruction from the pasta, so I was too scared to go for more destruction, but I'll take other people's word for it by the expressions on their faces. Other than the burning sensations in our mouth and stomach after consuming the Pasta from Hell, it was really fun to see how people reacted to the peppers. The staff was very attentive with the water, milk and antidote - creamsicle. Will be back again soon!
(5)
mark g.

Went there last night for drinks and appetizers at the Bar. Although it was restuarant week, we were just looking for a few drinks. Staff was great, even making a point to get us seats at the bar, which was full, knowing patrons were leaving. We had the Tuna Poke and tuna and pork dumplings. Both were excellent. This place is consistently good. have not been here is about three months and the place is always a good pick
(4)
Luke P.

One of the more interesting and unique restaurants in the Boston area, I'm always up for a trip to East Coast Grill. The inside feels like it should be featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, but the prices do not match the extremely casual ambiance and expect to drop a good chunk of change equivalent to what you'd pay at a modest French gourmet joint. Personally, I love casual restaurants so I fit right in with the fun, zany atmosphere. The theme of most of their food revolves around spicy/sour. If you're turned off by either of these flavors, I do not recommend coming here. Instead of bread, you're given these amazing pickled vegetables. I usually inhale the bowl within 5 minutes and if I'm lucky given a refill or two. They make some incredible appetizers with my favorite being the chile crusted black'n'blue tuna tacos. I really think this should be made into an entree; I would order it every time. Definitely look into the app specials too. I had the best tuna poke I ever ate here a couple years ago. There are only a couple regular entrees and then usually two or three specials. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of their sea food entrees. I often find the main protein to be disappointing and that the veg and starch sides put it to shame. Specifically, the mahi mahi sometimes feels off, maybe the spice ratio isn't consistent as sometimes I'm blasted with cumin, although the fried plantains and pineapple salsa are always delicious. The shrimp and scallops entree is probably my favorite overall as every component is done extremely well. I only tried the BBQ once and remember it being extremely tangy, again with the sour theme, so keep that in mind. Beer/cocktail selection is great with decent wines, quality drafts, unique cans and what I imagine are awesome cocktails (I don't drink those). Embracing the casual theme, they do things like offer 6 packs of PBR. It's expensive, the food isn't all at the same level of excellence, but overall, I love this place and will continue to go back for some of the outstanding elements mentioned.
(4)
Elena E.

Had a fun, filling dinner here Sunday night. Made reservations on open table which was probably a good idea, even for a Sunday. We started with cocktails - they have a nice bar with a good selection of drinks and specials. The entrees here are huge so we skipped appetizers. Though they do bring some pickled vegetables to the table which were nice and light to snack on while we waited. I got the grilled mahi-mahi. Amazing! All the sides made it even better. Fried plantains, yum. My dining-mates had the pulled pork platter and the trio platter. All were very much enjoyed. And there was enough food to take leftovers home. For dessert we shared the chocolate peanut butter pie. We were worried it would be too heavy after such a big meal but it wasn't too overwhelming as far as peanut butter pies go. I would definitely order it again. Overall, it was a fun atmosphere, good service, and great food. The reason I give it 4 stars is I thought it was expensive for the type of food it was.
(4)
genevieve e.

my favorite moment of ordering at ECG the other night: Haquel: "I'll take the steak" Arthur: "How do you want that done?" Haquel: "Well done" Arthur: "Rare?" Haquel: "no, well done" Arthur: "very rare?" that is all.
(5)
Ben K.

I've got nothing but love for the ECG. I've dined here twice and both times have been sheer pleasure on a plate. From the whimsical nautical/tiki/eclectic decor to the friendly enthusiastic foodie waiters, to the high quality food and varied menu- it's just amazing. I'm also a huge BBQ and brisket snob, having come from North Carolina, and this is the best version of eastern NC-style BBQ I've tasted. Brunch provided a vehicle for the cuban ruben- well-smoked brisket with cuban fixings and plantanos which made for a substantial and delicious meal (one of those "you don't need to eat again today" meals). Their bottomless mango iced tea is refreshing and the attentive service meant I never went thirsty. This weekend I took my man to the ECG to celebrate his birthday and we both LOVED it. From the cheerful attentive service (our waiter bought him dessert with a little candle on it) to the amazing chopped bbq, brisket that melted on the tongue, and ribs with cornbread and beans and slaw, to my boyfriend's delicious mahi-mahi with roasted avocados and plantains...we were both happier than a kitty with a giant ball of yarn, soaked in catnip. So, RUN don't walk to the ECG and enjoy. They seem to have an impressive raw oyster bar (not my thing) and also feature occasional Hell Night for those of you who are masochistic and like to burn your tastebuds on ultra-spicy food! Wow...I'm so hungry after typing this. This place is amazing... (written with input from Joey, "El Chacho Gato" who savored both meals with me)
(5)
Josh S.

East Coast Grill serves up gourmet seafood and delicious BBQ in a bright, artsy setting. The service is never too far away and always quick with food and drink orders. I arrived with a group, so I was able to steal bites from everyone (because, i'm greedy). The buffalo fried shrimp was so tasty we all had to battle for the last piece. The mussels were served in a broth of coconut milk, chilis and limes resulting in an amazing Thai flavor. I ordered the Brisket, and it did not disapoint. Juicy, tender and smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce. On the side, I ordered the garlic mashed potatoes. This was the biggest surprise of all. A whole head of roasted garlic sat atop the buttery mash - good show. Some of the entrees are a bit pricey. However, one can get by just fine by ordering a few pieces from the raw bar/appetizer menu. Oh, and if you want spicy, East Coast Grill has their Ph.D in heat.
(5)
H H.

Amazing dinner at East Coast Grill tonight (Tuesday). There was no line at 7pm. - Started with margaritas - don't remember the exact name, but it's the one made with just lime and tequila without sugar. It was excellent. - The tuna taco appetizer was very flavorful with Avocado, jicama and herb mixture. - The pan-seared shrimp and scallops were also very good and cooked just right. It's a bit salty for me though I've been here for brunch before, which was good. However, dinner was beyond my expectations. There are many decent restaurants in Boston that are nice to try once, but I would definitely return to East Coast Grill for food and drinks.
(5)
Jade Y.

This place was fantastic. I live right up the street and have walked by it a couple times so a few of my friends and I went to try it out. We ordered: The all vegetable experience of the day (for the vegetarian) Uncle Bud's trio platter 1/2 Dozen oysters and one other entree, I forget at the moment... but I was impressed dish after dish. The wait staff is amazing and super friendly, the atmosphere is very comfortable, and the food portions are huge! At first I thought they were a little pricey at about $20-$25 per dish, but I felt like I ate a ton and my plate looked like I barely touched it. I easily used the one dish I ordered for dinner, lunch the next day, and an afternoon stack to polish it off. And I wasn't eating sparingly.. Their BBQ anything is ready to melt in your mouth, it's super satisfying and my mouth is watering just thinking about it. They also bring this very tasty, pickled carrot/veggie bowl to keep your mouth busy while you wait for the food. Two thumbs up.
(4)
Soul B.

I always go here for brunch. I love their brunch menu here! I know it's incredibly busy on Sundays for brunch but I will go there and wait to eat here. The food is great and I plan to eat there for lunch or dinner some day but I just love brunch. The Amilcar's Omelette is my #1 favorite brunch item. Try it and you'll love it. The only thing I would look out for is that sometimes certain menu items get sold out and you will have to make other menu choices. This isn't totally bad because of all the great food but sometimes when you have your stomach set on something it can be disheartening. Just get there early to avoid this issue. If you go for brunch make sure you go, get there early and because parking is tough in the part of Cambridge (well usually parking is tough in Cambridge period) and there is always a line. My favorites: Apps: Monteray jack grits, Buffalo fried shrimp Entrees: Amilcar's omelette, grilled NY sirloin, french toast, breakfast platter menu: eastcoastgrill.net/menusâ€¦
(5)
Desiree D.

Has been awhile since I've eaten at East Coast Grill. I especially like the spicy foods here. Many cooks wimp out on the spices to accommodate more people, but East Coast Grill stays true to each type of cuisine. A caution is that the seafood tacos taste bland, but that may be because of my tendency to eat hot foods. :) Enjoy.
(4)
Andrew M.

It's unfortunate that I'll probably never be back unless I get another gift certificate--a little too expensive for my taste. However--phenomenal clam and corn chowder and mahi mahi with plantains and banana-mango sauce. I haven't had a better meal in a long, long time.
(5)
Sarah L.

Holy crap, East Coast Grill brunch is fantastic. The cinammon dusted fries were, seriously, the best french fries I've ever had in my life. You might think it would be hard to pick out the best french fries I've ever eaten, since I have eaten so many, but these were so good that there is no way that any other french fries could even come close. The bloody mary bar is genius. Genius! Put in your own horseradish, tabasco, hot peppers, pineapple, whatever you want. Oh man, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
(5)
Sutanuka L.

fish fish fish
(5)
Amy B.

Yum! Fun! This place makes my heart super happy! Where else can you order an exquisite seafood meal and a PBR tallboy? All the drinks were garnished with little plastic trinkets in the shapes of monkeys, elephants, etc! A complimentary starter of pickled veg, although awkward to eat, whets the appetite. Normally, I don't take to fusion food. However, try starting with the Creamy Clam and Corn Chowder with Chiles & Sweet Potatoes. Creamy, tangy, new style comfort food. Huzzah! For the main course, I had the Seared Extra Large Shrimp & New Bedford Scallops ... with Ginger - Garlic Noodles & Sesame - Chile Spinach. Delicious! My initial mistake was not mixing everything up to evenly distribute the spicy seasoning but caught on quickly enough. And the dessert...gurgle! Chocolate drizzled pecan pie! Whoa! My only regret is that they are not open for lunch. Unfortunately for me, this place is so popular that it doesn't need to be! Definitely a good sign.
(5)
Kyle H.

Holy crap hell, this place changed my life. I'm not kidding. I used to work at the Waltham Jake and Earl's Dixie Roadhouse before the management (particularly Tyler Goff the biggest douchebag I've ever met) ran it into the ground and all us cooks did too much coke in the walk-in. That's not to say it's closed; it's still open, miraculously. And we would go to East Coast Grill sometimes and eat and hang with the cooks but then one time, ONE TIME they took me to Hotter Than Hell Night. Hotter than Hell Night is the reason I am now fully, fully obsessed with hot food. And this was 8 years ago. So we're sitting around, and someone asks me if I'm getting The Pasta Dish. I mean, we'd fooled around with hot food back at Jake's, with habanero vodka and shit like that so I felt pretty confident. Then some dude comes over and asks me to sign a waver. Um. OK. So I get this pasta dish and I take a bite. Wow, it's hot. It's pretty freaking-oh jeez man, it's getting hotter? Really? Five minutes later it's probably twice as hot and I'm sitting back, eyeing my beer wondering if a sip is a good idea(it isn't), and then all of a sudden it starts to cool down and these fucking endorphins kick in. And I'm feeling really GOOD. I'm feeling fucking GREAT. So that was the beginning of my Hot Food Obession. I'm not saying I finished that whole plate that night, probably not even half (and to those people who say they can "taste the underlying tropical fruit flavors - you're full of it. It just tastes like fire and you know it), but I'll remember that night forever and ever. I also know that when the cooks are prepping everything for Hotter Than Hell night, they can't wear gloves, cause they touch so many peppers, there skin blisters underneath. So they have to prep everything bare-handed. And not touch their dicks or eyes or girlfriends for several days after.
(5)
Rafa R.

What could be better than a restaurant that serves awesome barbecue, awesome seafood and awesome drinks? The answer is not much. This is a Boston area institution where there's nothing not to like, except maybe the waiting for your table. I can't praise the staff highly enough, and if there's ever a problem with your food they'll make it right for you.
(5)
Todd B.

Hell Night: Wow. We did it all from the spicy drinks to the Russian Roulette Pepper thing. Wish it wasn't also the night that I started drinking again as the ONLY thing I remember was the incredible, earth-swallowing heat! All of the dishes were terrific and when I say things were hot I mean that in the best possible way. But damn that stuff was hot! Probably a bit too pricey but some of that cost has to be for the guys dealing with that stuff in the kitchen for 3 days straight. It should also be noted that we changed our numbers several times over the course of a few weeks and the front desk people were great, polite and understanding. Can't wait to do it again! Next time i'll stay sober enough to "enjoy" it!
(4)
Gabe M.

Great parking across the street for $5. Usually busy, the menu has an offering of BBQ and seafood. I wasn't so sure what was special about this place until I started eating my bbq brisket, corn bread, coleslaw, and beans. It all melts in your mouth. Fantastic food.
(4)
Joanne R.

Without dating myself, this is my first return visit since ECG opened. I'll justify that statement by saying I used to live near ECG so I was a regular for its first probably 5+ years. That said, on Sat. 4 friends and I arrived to a crowded but controllable scene. Put our name in and litereally had only about a 15min wait..not bad... The bartender was excellent and very attentive and had good recommendations/.We started with a raw bar platter and a grilled salad.. Both excellent and plenty to share. Then did two of the trio platters so everyone could experience BBQ...We asked for additional sauces on the side..Med mild to Hot....While the place is larger than I remember, the food is still as good....Our server was excellent. All in all a great experience
(4)
Nancy K.

I went in here tonight for drinks with friends. I had a gift certificate which, according to the handwritten memo on the certificate, actually expired in 2007. I know the law mandates that they honor the thing, but they were just so gracious about it. I really appreciated that they didn't even try to bother hassling me about the expiration date. The drinks were great. The bartenders were friendly and pleasant. The service was quick and accurate. It was cool that the bartenders kept an eye on the patrons, too. At one point, my friends and I were lost in conversation. We were completely oblivious to the fact that there was a couple standing there and that there was an empty single seat on either side of our small group. The bartender was totally on top of it and asked us if we'd mind moving one seat over in order to allow the couple to sit down. As a bar customer who has been left to stand with friends while single seats remain empty, I certainly appreciated this. We didn't have any food, but the menu selections looked great. Can't wait to get back.
(5)
Aretha B.

I love the East Coast grill for a number of reasons. I worked there for a while last year as the shucker. I was always treadted with respect by the management, but they in turn expected me to be well versed with the various menu items... CUSTOMER SERVICE is huge for the East Coast Grill. If something is wrong, they'll do what they have to to make it right. They have a passion for fresh, regional ingredients. I love that the menu changes frequently, but there is a general menu that remains the same. The bar is great - try the tranquillo rum drink... or the margaritas which are QUITE good. The raw bar is super fresh. The fried oysters are amazing. Try one of the xiao jianming's wet bones - this asian sauce on the rib is gingery and spicy - to die for. The mussles in a sesame coconut broth are UNBELIEVABLE. Fresh, meaty mussels - make sure you order some grilled garlic bread to dip in the broth. SO GOOD. You can't go wrong with a BBQ platter - the rice and beans rock, the slaw is great with a bite, the corn bread is sweet, the baked beans are sweet and full of molasses... If you have room for any more sides try the fried plantains with guava relish, or the grilled corn on the cob (huge and fresh and SWEET). The clam chowder with sweet potato is also really delish. You can't go wrong at the east coast grill. One of the best restaurants in New England!
(5)
Dana L.

Having just moved back to Boston after three years on the Left Coast, I had high hopes for the barbecue. Unfortunately, I learned that barbecue is best left to southerners. The beef brisket tasted nothing like what I had expected - good brisket should be so soft that a baby could gum it apart. This stuff was tougher, and not nearly as flavorful as it should have been. The cornbread was mediocre - it didn't taste very fresh. As for the coleslaw, well, it was more like a mayo soup. At least I got a lot of food, because it wasn't cheap.
(2)
A D.

Nice busy little place full of atmosphere. Food is good but not as good as I expected. There was a lot of stong flavory choices of sauces and spices with fish on the menu, sometimes i think fish can be good without too much sauces and flavors taking from the taste of the fish. I think this was the case with my main course option. The food is good but I thought it was overpriced. I would eat here again but I would rather go to Out of the Blue in davis, same quality food but much better prices.
(4)
Brian K.

First off I am huge fan of Chris. Love his bbq books and recipes. His new all star sandwich cafe has been a hit everytime. The dinner here when I went for a price fixe menu in which they brought back old school dishes was ok. I need to go back for the tuna sometime. The brunch here on sundays is unreal! bloody bar and this unreal duck tortilla dish! I hope they changed it back and got rid of the duck stuffed poblano peppers. Get here before 11 for brunch so you can get in line. Enjoy!
(5)
Awesomechusetts U.

I went there just over a week ago on a Friday. It was busy but waited for a seat at the bar. Bartender quickly took drink orders from us and got us a seat as soon as possible. Great customer service. Good beer, great food. Would go back any day.
(4)
None o.

Excellent, tasty, healthy, festive, accomodates large group. We had the Arugula Salad (very flavorful), Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna (medium done- excellent), and the Grilled Spice Crusted Mahi Mahi (my favorite). These guys will grill anything. It's not on the menu but you can get grilled bread and grilled avocado (hard to describe)... eaten together is quite an experience. It's pricey. I sometimes split the rice, beans and plantains with a friend if we don't want a full meal. The sauce for the plantains is great. It gets really busy. Just head towards the bar and get some strong drinks. if you don't mind, you can even eat at the bar - the bartenders are swell. I've been to their infamous brunches once and it's amazing. The menu is large as are the portions so beware. A great place for a large gathering. Overall, I highly recommend checking it out.
(4)
Laura A.

this place earns points for a great atmosphere, and great staff. frank bruni's blog about the week he spent working at ECG totally confirmed that to me. my boyfriend (who eats meat) also really loves the food. however, as a vegetarian, i really fucking hate that the only thing i can eat there is a giant plate of grilled vegetables. it kind of freaks me out in the sense that i can't tell what's what, and i start eating something thinking that it's potato but it's carrot, and that makes it disappointing when it's not even that bad in the first place....y'know? not all vegetarians want to eat a giant plate of vegetables. please, please, please east coast grill at least throw one other thing on the menu so i can at least pretend i have some variety! (i'm taking this out on ecg in this particular review, but soooo many restaurants in the boston area are guilty of this!) i don't consider being able to order blackened vegetables "with or without dairy" variety!!
(4)
Bevin C.

If you have dinner plans with someone who has lots of money, and if you aren't prone to pangs of guilt when said person buys you dinner, you should definitely suggest East Coast Grill as your next dinner destination. See, this place is tricky. The food is undeniably delicious, especially if you like little explosions of flavor. But here's the rub: even though it is delicious, it is not worth the bucks you shell out at the end of the night. Of course, I am in certain economic bracket and might feel differently if I had a bigger salary. But I might not. I don't mind "splurging" on a truly spectacular dinner, I just mind splurging on East Coast Grill. It is too casual, too unceremonious. Also, I had a negative experience with a server here - she was quite rude when my boyfriend and I didn't order an entree (even though we ordered a bunch of oysters and drinks and appetizers). I've been a server before, and I understand the frustration of a table ordering just appetizers. But the restaurant was nearly empty! So why be bitchy about it? I don't know. But it sure made shelling out the bucks even more painful when the check came.
(3)
Rick R.

I hadn't been there in awhile, and it was fantastic, better than I remembered. I agree with last reviewer, the mussels were unbelievable. Great oysters too.
(5)
Chris S.

Excellent dinner spot. Noisy and crowded but that's the right atmosphere for this seafood & BBQ joint. We were told our wait would be 30-40 min, but it took a bit longer. Because of the extra time we were given a free rib appetizer (yum!). I also had a hell bone for an appetizer--their hottest rib app smothered in hot pepper BBQ sauce. It was hot, but not blazin'; I did expect more. For dinner my friend & I split a plate of ribs and The Mahi Mahi. Both were delicious. Adding to the overall experience was the fact that we were seated right next to the open kitchen. In some restaurants that might not be desirable, but here it was quite entertaining to watch the scruffy chefs work their magic. ECG also has CBC beer on tap--good & local. I hope to make it to hell night some time!
(5)
Jess M.

This place is great. Super casual and affordable, but the food is awesome! Upon first glance, the formica countertops and over-the-top nautical decorations are a bit off putting. You almost expect the menu to be fried clam baskets and have everything coated in tartar sauce - but it's not! Fresh seafood and creative BBQ dishes are the bulk of the menu, and it's so hard to pick! We ordered four appetizers and three desserts (don't judge). The raw bar sampler was amazing and fresh, the buffalo shrimp were spicy and not rubbery, the tuna tacos were zesty, and the tuna and pork dumplings were delicious and something I've never had anything like. Then the desserts... ahhhhh. We had the flan, the chocolate pecan pie, and the banana split. I can't even begin with those, all were so amazing. I also should mention the cocktails, because they are very noteworthy! I had a gin, st. germain, strawberry/mint thing that was great. And the margaritas and sangria are also pretty delish. The service was nothing special, but nothing horrible either. And the prices can't be beat! Definitely give this place a try. My favorite place for seafood in the Boston area.
(5)
Stryker C.

This is a great place, fresh, real food, and lovingly prepared. What's more, the waitstaff are all extremely friendly, and accommodating. I would recommend this place to anyone. The various combinations of barbeque, (real honest stuff, not some half-assed "sauced" thing, but slow smoked goodies) and great, fresh fish make this a fun place and one where you can find something very interesting. The bar makes the grade as well....the only drawback to the place is the noise level, it's a little noisy, as the kitchen is out, on display in the "dining room" but - it still makes for a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Alyssa H.

While not a huge BBQ fan, the food at East Coast is always delicious. Having been a few times for dinner, I was excited when my friend Kevin picked ECG for his birthday brunch. While we had a reservation, it took us about 25-30 minutes to get seated. The place is a zoo. Having come off a night of drinking, I didn't partake in the Bloody Mary Bar, but it looked pretty amazing. The menu offers a little bit of everything, with several tempting A la carte items like a molasses grilled banana, plantains with banana ketchup, hotter than hell sausages etc. I chose the cornmeal crusted french toast, which came with a small dish of fruit, syrup and a really yummy tropical orange marmalade. The plantains came with the light and fruity ketchup and also this fresh cheese - soo good. I left wishing for a pair of sweatpants..
(4)
Mick T.

WTF, they advertise that they serve brunch at the weekends until 2.30pm. Got there 2 weeks ago and they were closed at 2pm. Great food, but I'm still pissed after walking there all the way from Copley Sq and finding the place closed (when their hours say they're open).
(3)
Lisa C.

Pretty good seafood and nice selection. The restaurant is very casual and the wait can be very long during busy times. My food was ok though slightly overcooked for dinner and the latin brunch was fine though not amazing.
(2)
Adrienne Z.

Everything I've ordered here has been great. The fish specials are always fresh, and the vegetarian plate is amazing -- especially the grilled avocado! We often order a combination of sides to share. Brunch, also, is amazing. We're usually full enough to not be able to eat dessert, although the ice cream sundaes are great, and go to the ice cream place down the street instead. Their catering is wonderful as well! Very impressive.
(5)
Steven M.

Excellent barbecue and fish dishes. The fried plantains and collard greens are very good, and most of the meat dishes I've tried have been great. The spicy baked beans are delicious as well. It can be noisy at times, but there's still almost never a wait for a table. God bless Boston.
(4)
Adam K.

I'm truly torn about East Coast Grill, because I really, really, really want to love it and make it my favorite spot (partially because I love the vibe in Inman Square and this is the flagship restaurant), but if I really think objectively about East Coast Grille, I can't go above "Meh. I've experienced better." I've been 6 times now and all but once I've been underwhelmed, especially for the price. It's really not hard to crack $120 for 2 people at this joint if you get oysters and drinks. The last time I went they were out of the customary oysters and served us some truly disgusting, tiny oysters. The waitstaff has been inattentive each time we've gone, and I really don't see the value in this restaurant. The "Bang for your Buck" is incredibly weak when you stack it up against the other great restaurants that Cambridge has to offer, and the vibe is nothing special. Feel free to give it a shot, but if you think about it objectively, you'll be underwhelmed as well.
(2)
Bobby H.

This place has great food and good drinks. The clam/corn chowder was not as thick as I would have liked, but extremely tasty. I had the Swordfish and itwas definitely very tender and well done. My gf had the Blue Fish and it was good, though the greens were a little too salty. Drinks were good as we had the tropical Sangria which was extremely light and refreshing. Overall a good meal with good food and drinks!
(4)
Julia K.

their drinks are STRONG. the seafood is FRESH. and there's usually some sort of twist in flavorings that makes it exciting. I didn't like the lamb riblets, i do like the raw bar, the peel and eat shrimp, the seared tuna dishes, the seared scallops... they had sauteed fiddleheads as their veggie special last time i was there. restaurants are usually really stingy with fiddleheads, but this was like a heaping plate of them. the sauce was a simple lemon beurre blanc that is totally a seafood saucey type thing, but it didn't interfere too much with the nutty, crispy, yumms of the fiddleheads.
(5)
Diane D.

East Coast Grill rocks my world. Me and the ECG have been through it all - awkward dates, uptight work dinners, and casual fun food with friends. Thank you ECG for providing me with wonderfully strong drinks to offset the awkwardness of any situation and incredibly scrumptious seafood to leave me wanting more. I also must say that if I was stranded in some desolate place with only one restaurant to eat at forever, I might pick this one. The variety of both seafood and BBQ - can't go wrong! The grilled bread alone would be worth it... I'd be fat and have high cholesterol, but damn I'd be happy! Not cheap, but worth the spend.
(5)
April I.

It's getting hot in here...hotter than hell that is!!! Love this place. Make your own bloody mary bar on Sundays...banana rellena which will burn your mouth...oysters, clams, and crab claws oh my!! Grits and bbq, fried fish tacos, pork tostada, chili style pork carnitas, mahi mahi, did I mention Memphis style pork spareribs, beef brisket, and north Carolina pulled pork...oh I think I am in heaven. Add in some sangria or a margarita, the zombie or caipirinha and I become very very happy.
(5)
Jon A.

A great Sunday Brunch! Make your own Bloody Mary Bar is so tasty. The food is mexican and very unique. Great fun atmosphere on Sunday AMs. If you want conversation, sit further away from the open kitchen, it can get a little noisey.
(4)
Jennifer D.

Came our first night in town and it spoiled us for the rest of the Cambridge visit...never found seafood this good again. Good drinks, good oysters, good fish, good chowder, good sides...good, good, good. Desserts weren't quite as yum as the rest or I would have put five stars. Nice folks, too...there was a wait, but we didn't have reservations, so what do you expect? Seemed they seated us as soon as they could. Should have come here every night...everywhere else in the neighborhood was second-rate compared to this.
(4)
Joseph S.

Great seafood, oysters, sangria, and atmosphere--esp. for being so close to MIT. I ate there twice while in Boston (once with Michael & Abby, once with Dave Morin and David Recordon), and it was great both times, with different specials of the day, attentive and knowledgeable service, and consistently good food. It's a bit expensive, but it doesn't feel overpriced because it's casual and well executed.
(4)
Pete C.

Maybe the best piece of tuna I've had in my life. Awesome.
(4)
Anonymous P.

A bit overrated. This is an "it better be good if they're charging this much" restaurant. And it is good, but it's not great. It's just good-quality fish prepared rather simply. I'm not a cook, but I can do what they do at home. You just take some fresh fish, rub it in some spices, and grill it. Or chop up some tuna, avocado, and mango, and mix in a vinegarette (that, by the way, is way too strong, and overpowers the fish). The cocktails are nice and the atmosphere is great, but you don't get more than you pay for. The bottom line: I think all the raves on this place are over the top. I've had better meals at Legal Seafood (strike me dead). The service is fantastic though. The reality is that the service and the atmosphere, not the food, are behind this place's buzz. In my opinion, the prices are unreasonable. This is not fine dining. Update (10/23/06): had brunch here. Not all that impressed. I've been to a much better bloody mary bar. The food seems interesting, but it tends to be bland or too sour or something--it's never really that good.
(3)
Jessica E.

A very surprising restaurant to be in Inman Square. I live in the area, and this place seems out of place among all the Portuguese establishments. East Coast Grill combines fresh seafood (complete with a raw bar!) with Southern BBQ offerings. A true blend of surf & turf. Atmosphere is crab shack meets diner, minus the kitsch. Can you picture it? Full bar is a plus. The cooking area is right out in the open, which is enjoyable. Sometimes the chefs bring entrees to the table, which I always appreciate. There's plenty of staff on hand. Good service. Their house salad is a little heavy on the onions and a tad too vinegary for my tastes, but I dig mesclun. I had raw oysters on the half shell (oyster power!) which were delicious. I had a bite of the BF's pulled pork sandwich and found it nice and tasty- not too spicy, and not sloppy. :) My "homemade" limeade tasted like it came out of a can. Boo! $15/person food bill minimum (but it's easy at their prices) A few vegetarian options on the menu which says something at a seafood/bbq joint. I would go back.
(4)
Kelly L.

While waiting, we sat at the bar and got a drink. The bartender was attentive and chatted with us. In under 10 mins we were seated at our table. I came here when I was just starting to eat fish. I ordered the grilled mahi mahi with pineapple relish and grilled avocado. And let's not forget those plaintains. It was all good! I've been converted to a fish eater ;-) I've got to go back and try something else!
(4)
Joe R.

Let me start off by saying that I really enjoy the East Coast grill for their seafood, the hell night events, the atmosphere and their great brunches. Having said that, I would pass on their BBQ. I went there on Tuesday night and had the burnt end sandwich. It was a slather of sauce sloppily thrown onto a roll very akin to a sloppy joe. The quality of the meat was fair and was quite fatty. My friend had the ribs and also commented on how fatty they were. All in all, I'd say go for the seafood - hold off on the BBQ.
(2)
Laura L.

Great quick food, amazing attentive wait staff, good prices, big portions, cozy atmosphere.... Can't get much better than that! I got the pulled pork sandwich, a side of the warmmmm corn bread, a side of the garlic mash potatoes (yummm) and can't forget the orgasmic hot chicken wangs. Yummmmmmmmy!
(5)
Julie S.

Dissatisfied with service but food was good. The hostess was bitchy to my friend and wouldn't even give her an ESTIMATE of a wait time until the whole party (6 people) arrived. We ended up sitting in the bar area next to the kitchen. Between the clanging dishes (someone actually dropped and shattered dishes twice) and the blazing heat from the grill our table was noisy and uncomfortable. Our waitress was nice but forgot what someone at my table ordered and so she was left plateless while we all ate, the waitress admitted she forgot and rushed to get her food. The bill was hand written and so confusing it was practically illegible. It took us 20 mins to figure out who owed what and the waitress offered no input as she watched us struggling. I got the crispy cod special and it was good. Key lime pie for dessert was delicious. My friends ordered white sangria which was so full of ice it was extremely watery and had like two slices of fruit- that's it! When I order sangria I expect fruit and it was a huge disappointment.
(3)
Arun C.

I went here again recently and had a much better experience than my ruined-by-white-pepper first time around. As usual, it's really crowded on the weekend, but we ate at the bar and ordered oysters and mussels. Definitely get the grilled bread to dip in the mussel sauce! It was coconutty and delicious. The bartender and raw-bartender were friendly and helpful too.
(3)
Zinah A.

This place is a gem! I love it for dinner, great oysters, services always consistently friendly and knowledgeable. THE BRUNCH IS THE BEST! East coast grill sets up the best bloody mary bar....they serve you vodka in pint glass then you hook up your ingredients! LOVE IT!
(5)
Christopher N.

Although I loved the atmosphere, location and service, I was not overly impressed with the food. I am not a big fan of grease and I personally believe fish should be prepared with little oil; after all, it is fish! My dad would absolutely disagree with me on that point, but this is my review....not his. :) I simply believe greasy, unhealthy food to be cheap and this place is not exactly that. Given the ambiance and service, I will try this place again. Maybe we had the wrong dishes. Another visit will clarify this.
(3)
Holly W.

i felt my review needed an update since I came here for brunch last weekend for the first time EVER. why have i not come before?!?!!! bahhh.. anyways. brunch was AMAZING. seriously. we ordered an absolutely insane amount of food and it was all lick-your-plate great. first we started with the fried buffalo shrimp and the bacon steak. BACON STEAK. how can you go wrong... the shrimp was obviously good as well, they're on the dinner menu and i've ordered them a million times. YUM. then we each got and sort of shared the black n' blue tuna tacos, the smoked duck n' jack cheese tortilla (HUGE.. bring yo appetite and/or a few friends), the grilled sirloin and the tropical fruit salad. everything was fantastic and cooked perfectly. besides what we ordered, everything on the menu looked interesting and delicious. lastly, i will leave you with these three words: bloody. mary. bar.
(5)
Matthias T.

With the exception of some top-notch staff, this place toes the line between inadequate and mediocre. I'd heard great reviews of the ECG for years before finally trying it out this past weekend when I had family in from out of town. I only had a few dishes but what I did have left me happy that Christina's was right next door, ready to top off my otherwise unsatisfied tummy. First we had the mussels in a sweet caribbean/thai-ish coconut cream sauce that completely overwhelmed the mussels. My dad liked it because he said it was "like candy" but that was exactly what I didn't like. I don't think mussels should taste like candy, call me crazy. I want mussels to taste like mussels and any flavoring added to bring out the best in their natural flavor: garlic butter and beer-steaming come to mind. This was just way too heavy a sauce. Even the sauce would be forgivable though, if all the mussels had been adequately cooked. Blech. My main dish hovered somewhere slightly better than the mussels, pan-fried "Latin-style" scallops, on a bed of sweet potatoes and greens. The greens were perfect and had a tangy vinegar/mustard sauce that flirted on the edge of perception, but the potatoes were cut too large and overwhelmed the entire dish: POTATO POTATO GREENS scallops GREENS POTATO POTATO. They sweet potato was good enough, just way too much of it. The scallops were a little too cooked for my taste. I like scallops too be just barely opaque all the way through, and melt in my mouth. These were chewier than that. Tasty enough, but still a little too... meaty. I won't say they were tough, but they were thinking about it. The best thing about this dish was the surprise of caramelized onions on top of the scallops. Not ordinarily a fan of sweeter tastes with my dinner, I was pleasantly surprised at the marriage of the scallop and onion flavors. Good job on that one. Despite the lackluster, disappointing food, I loved the staff here. Friendly, high-energy, professional, attentive, available, and knowledgeable they were everything I want the staff to be at a restaurant. Great job, guys, keep that up. Did not try the raw bar, or any of the spicy dishes, both of which are, I gather, kind of the signatures of this place, so maybe I just got unlucky with the food. I might try it again, but then again I might not.
(2)
David B.

ECG has been and always will be one of my favorite restaurants. It used to be the Memphis Ribs that had me slayed every time, now it's the fabulous Tuna Taco and the Tuna Entree. Even the prickles positively rock. Always a great dinner experience, don't miss The East Coast Grill!
(5)
E B.

The best food in the area. The East Coast Grill is the only reason I go to Inman Square and then I shop there because I've just been to dinner and need some time to walk around and get off the spicy high. If you are not afraid of spice then ask for some Inner Beauty, which is hot sauce made in house and the best stuff I have ever tasted. Inner Beauty is not for people who just say they like spicy food, one must actually like it because it is the real deal, but so flavorful. Vegetarians beware- there is only one veggie dish on the menu, though there are also veggie sides which are delicious. Everything is overwhelmingly delicious, take your time to savour. I'm told the seafood is the best around.
(5)
John W.

People say the brunch here is great; people arent wrong. The menu is a self-proclaimed hangover cure, offering both sweet - Cornbread Crusted French Toast (with Orange Marmalade, Tropical Fruit & Real Vermont Maple Syrup) - and salty - Breakfast Platter ("In the style of the Yucatan" with 3 Eggs any style, Black Beans 'n Rice, Mango-Avocado-Hearts of Palm Salad, Fried Plantains, Rojo & a Warm Flour Tortilla). Everything, however, is a little spicy (though they can make food mild). They have several vegetarian options - try the inventive platos pequines, Grilled Avacado with Salsa Bravo. And the East Coast brunch experience is typically marked by the World's Largest Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar!
(4)
Paul M.

Brunch that's filling but not heavy...what a wonderful concept. A little on the pricey side though.
(4)
Digital H.

Pretty flavorful food. I got the mashed potatoes and there was an entire garlic bulb in it. Expensive menu, food was pretty good. Parking is hard to find. Service was ok, our server kept walking away right by me when I tried to ask her for things. They also messed up my side order, and my waitress took my whole entire plate away, instead of giving my side on another plate for their mistake. Tables are a little tight. Other than that I had the pulled pork,brisket, and rib sampler dish.
(3)
Luke J.

My favorite restaurant of all time, at least in the Boston area. Expensive? Yes, but worth the money, unlike some French restaurant in Newton with a bunch of lawyers and doctors around. The food here is smoky, delicious, grilled, unique, and changing. Get here early too, on weekends. You might have to wait otherwise.
(5)
Katherine I.

I realize I'm part of the minority who don't like this place. My last meal here was the vegetarian plate. After eating it, I became violently ill and was sipping ginger ale for 2 days. Their food is taboo.
(1)
Photon S.

I had the "Vegetable Experience" on Thursday night, and holy hell was it amazing. Plantains, squash, sweet potatoes, a baked avocado (!!!) with mango/pineapple salsa on top, kale like you've never imagined, rice and beans, a tomato, and probably a number of other things I'm forgetting. Everything was fresh, incredibly tasty, and downright amazing. Further proof that vegetarians/vegans can have an excellent time at the East Coast Grill.
(4)
Melissa W.

This was the best meal I have had in a long time! I ordered the swordfish, which wasn't dried out like what I've seen at other restaurants. We went on a Sat night, and were lucky enough to get seated right away, but right next to the stoves. The service was great... the waiter was very attentive even tho the place was packed.
(5)
anita c.

The missing star is for being difficult to get to without a car, and for having lines out the door with no room to wait in the bar. Those two things -- and those alone -- are the only barriers between this place and restaurant perfection. Great white-wine sangria, justifiably famous tuna tacos and "wet bone" ribs; other barbecue items aren't nearly as impressive. The meat in my brisket sandwich was a touch dry, and the sauce was too-sweet and unremarkable. The wet bones have a slightly Asian taste to them, and are much, much better. Fantastic seafood specials -- if the striped bass is in season, order it. I thought the prices were really a good value for the quality. The decor is a little 80s-dated ("Nagel called, and he wants his wall sconces back") but the atmosphere is so funky and friendly that you can't help but be won over.
(4)
Molly D.

This is one of our "go to's" for an easy date night. Laid back, fun and awesome food. We usually grab a spot at the bar and start with margaritas!
(4)
Luke B.

Here's the deal...I love this place. The first time i came here everything, food, service, drinks, ambiance, etc. were perfect. However, the reason I can't grant the 5 stars the East Coast Grill deserves is because of my last experience, today. We arrived 20 minutes before they opened, the hostess was nice enough to explain that they'd be open at 11. I asked if they could make a res for the 4 of us and she said we didn't need to, that we should just come back in 20 minutes. No problem. We arrived back at the restaurant at exactly 11:04, waited in a short line, arrived at the host stand and were told by the same women that there was an hour wait! now the reason there was a wait is because the place is awesome, it just would have been much more prudent for her to tell us to wait there because they'd be filling right up at 11. This really pissed me off because I was with some friends from out of town who I had hyped the place up to all morning. So East Coast, get your act together, let people know what's going on! You're too good to let stupid stuff like this cause you to miss a deserved 5* rating. Anyways, go here its awesome, just get there early and don't trust the hostess.
(3)
Kristina D.

The grilled white pepper crusted tuna (rare, with grilled veggies and baby bok choy salad) is awesome. The crispy shrimp appetizer is good too. The accompanying chili sauce packs quite a punch. The white sangria is pretty good, and the pitchers are huge!
(5)
Bianca G.

Everytime we go there, I always end up saying cliches to the boyfriend like "the tuna is so good, it melts in my mouth" or "there's no fishy taste in the seafood at all" (and once, "my tongue burned off" - after trying the wings of mass destruction) but I'm really preaching to the choir because he loves East Coast Grill too. I'm a big fan of the grilled white pepper encrusted tuna which goes perfectly with the white sangria *swoon* There's always a long wait for dinner though and the food is definitely a little pricey, but it's always worth it.
(4)
Mihir P.

Yummy yum yum yum!!!! This place is incredible! Key West style decor in one room and volcanic in the other. But the food is obviously the big deal here. Put it this way, I still have yet to order off of the menu since there are plenty of tantalizing specials on the chalkboard. Whatever you get to eat, wash it down with the Chef's Seasonal Margarita, And it you've got the grapes, you must go during a Hell Night. FYI - parking is almost non existent
(4)
Liz M.

We ate here like we were eating for the last time in our lives! None of us were thrilled about the entrees, but my lord, the appetizers! We got oysters, fiddleheads with bacon and horseradish, the black and blue tuna taco, ginger tuna and sausage dumplings, cornbread, and fried plantains. I won't even breakdown how each were. I will just explain that you need to eat these things. Today. I think they were mind-readers because they put us in the corner table away from everyone and after a pitcher of sangria and some beers, we were rowdy. Because we didn't have enough to eat, we got Uncle Bud's Trio Platter. Memphis dry ribs, Texas beef brisket, and North Carolina shredded pork. No real shinning stars here. The pulled pork (while noted as Eastern style, was WAY too vinegary). I am biased and really prefer Lexington-style pulled pork. After all that, we went for broke and got two desserts. The key lime with mango sauce was very good, but the peanut butter pie was so overwhelmed by banana that we didn't get the glory that is the candied bacon that can on it. What sweetened it was when I got reverse sticker shock when the bill came, and was glad to pay it!
(4)
Sara H.

I love this place, but I'm not a meat eater and my review is based on seafood, salads, sides, etc. East Coast Grill is a wonderful neighborhood place that has been unbelievably consistent and high quality in the 10+ years since I first visited. Barstaff are friendly, service can be playful but is always professional, and the fun, casual atmosphere belies the expertly prepared and delicious food. I'm there five or six times a year, and have never had a disappointing meal.
(5)
Susie C.

I'm giving this place two stars based on the average quality of the food, and the fact that no one at my table can remember what they ordered. Didn't make an impression beyond 'eh, what's all the hype about?'
(2)
Kevin M.

A little piece of heaven. My wife's boss gave us a $100 gift certificate for Christmas, and we just got around to using it last night. Hot damn, was it an amazing meal. The secret to having a great dining experience at the East Coast Grill is to get there as early as possible. They start serving dinner at 5:30. Get there at 5:20. Have a light lunch, if you have to. Get to the door of this joint any time after 6 pm, and you'll be waiting for at least and hour for a table. I ordered the grilled mahi mahi, my wife ordered the Uncle Bud's Barbecue Trio, and we both had the intention of sharing our dishes with each other. Once the food arrived, however, we were far too eager to dive in to our own wonderful goodness than to share. Tis better to give than to receive, you say? Well, not at East Coast Grill. The food here is just that good. Amazing place. Bravo. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
chungo m.

this should be a staple in any Boston foodie's restaurant routine and a must for new and visiting Bostonians. this is awesome food and awesome prices with an awesome atmosphere. I've never had anything that was not good here, NOTHING! go, eat, be full and happy
(5)
Raven J.

Amazing, amazing food. Arguably the best meal I've ever had (Heaven and Hell Night on NYE) The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because it is pricey, but definitely worth the fresh and delicious seafood.
(4)
DeeJay H.

I can't believe I have been back in Boston for 5 years without going to East Coast Grill. Something must be wrong with me...because people rave about it and who is nicer than that Chris Schlesinger. Decor and atmosphere are great. Casual but nice. Servers have a casual attitude but were constant professionals. Luckily my fellow diner shared my love for getting several apps, so we tried the Chile Crusted Black 'n Blue Tuna Taco (fish heaven in my mouth), the buffalo asparagus (you heard me right!), Moroccan Style New Bedford Scallops (yummo- yes i said yummo- got a problem?), the shrimp cocktail (i never get shrimp cocktail- but this was great- great horseradish in the cocktail sauce), and a side of the plaintains (which would probably have to be on my last meal request should i ever be on death row). The margaritas were FAB...and my friend tells me there is this crazy brunch where they have a Bloody Mary Buffet. Mind blowing.
(4)
michael l.

The perfect blend of seafood and BBQ options because you never know which one you might want. The Ginger Tuna Dumplings are awesome. Also falling under the awesome category are the mussels, the bbq chicken, the drinks and the service. They also do Brunch which I don't like as much as their dinner but there are few Brunch options in Inman Square.
(5)
Daniel L.

fantastic food. was extremely loud but I guess that's how that place rolls. the food was substantial in taste, quality, and quantity as well the shredded pork was great. the poke tuna was one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten.
(5)
Joe p.

Where do you start to look when your in the Inman Square area and your hungry. Well the East Coast Grill @ Raw Bar would be a good place to start. For the last 6 weeks I have been to this quirky restaurant to party on barbecue ribs and fresh seafood 3 times a week. The greatest place in the world for a first date. Just unwind, have a drink or two and then enjoy the food. Everything seems to be great that is on the menu and the waitstaff is very helpful in all ways. One evening I got there as the kitchen was just about closed and the waitress asked the cook if I could get something to go. What I got were the best ribs that I have had in a long time. The staff went the extra yard that night. Anyone who knows me knows that I have no problem with a good tip for good service and good food. Please tell the girls that Joe sent you.
(5)
matt h.

I went here a month ago on a Thursday night at 8pm. The wait for a table was only fifteen minutes, which was less than we expected. I thought the food was good, but overpriced. The atmosphere is nice, though the place is pretty loud. The pitcher of sangria was a very good deal and it ended up making the meal just about the right price.
(4)
aaron t.

YUM!! Probably some of the best seafood around boston, as well as bbq, though, I have not found any super striking bbq places here in boston. (i'm a mid-west bbq spoiler) Great environment, though sometime loud. Great service, waiters with personality. Yummy oysters and fish. Fish tacos, fried oysters, scallops!!! Pretty busy place... go there for their 3 day " hell nights" if ya like spice!
(5)
Beth F.

We've been going to this spot for years. 4.5 stars: Probably the two things wrong with it: 1) parking (I'm too cheap for pay for the parking lot across the street!) 2) getting in if you don't time your visit correctly. That being said, the tuna taco is in my top 3 favorite dishes of all time. My dc loves the veg. plate (with a side of bones). Only loses 1/2 star because on occasion, the bone can be dry (most of the time, it is heaven). Solid, irreverent, service.
(4)
S S.

I liked it. I went there on a thursday night. It was packed, yet we didnt have to wait at all, weird! in a good way i guess! The sangria roja was ok, a little too watery for my taste. I had the special of the day, which was a monk fish, a little too dry for my taste, but overall tasted decent. The service was decent. The place was a buzz, right next to Chrisitina's so we didnt have dessert there, and went for icecream instead. My friends ordered the Mahi, Mahi and had mixed opnions. It came with plantains(which i helped myself too!)yummy! and whole half of an avocado(which i again helped myself too...love avacado), didnt taste the fish. My boy thought it was a little too greasy! Overall a decent thursday night dinner experience.
(3)
Kerry L.

I loved this place. My oysters and monkfish were absolutely divine (I just wanted to say 'divine'). Seriously, very yummy. It wasn't cheap, but it didn't seem *that* much more than other places. I went by myself as I was visiting Boston alone, and they were more than friendly to me (and I noticed several other solo diners too, which was interesting). My waitress was so nice, attentive, professional, and extremely helpful (as was the other staff) in helping (yes, I just said helpful in helping) me find my way around that area. I would definitely recommend it and would definitely go back. Oh, and it was a bit loud, but it seemed more jovial than annoying.
(5)
Danielle D.

I live in Inman Sq and this is my absolute favorite restaurant. I love the mussels, the fried plantains, and the mahi mahi. The dry rub ribs are amazing as well.
(5)
Mini S.

My BF is a Vegan, but there is a Vegetarian plate on menu. It was a huge Vegetable plate with more than 5 or 6 different food! Visualy impressive and taste was amazing too! I enjoy my fish meal as well! I always want to go there, so it was nice. We went there on Friday night and there was no waiting and service was very good too.
(4)
JOHN r.

This place is good I think The bartenders are surly, but in the good way. Like jovial surly, you know they kind of put on the surly airs, but you're supposed to see through it, and they're actually all pretty good guys. And so I think the rest of their staff kind of follows the bars lead and is also surly in the good way. And you know what even if they were surly in the bad way I would still like them because they mix good drinks man, and they pour heavy. And the food is good. The raw bar is great, and I like the pepper steak and the tuna, and the BBQ shrimp are diesel.
(5)
Lynette M.

Love the menu. The garlic noodles and shrimp were sort of strong. Would like to go back and try some more things to make sure its a three but I think this place has potential :)
(4)
Andrew W.

Great seafood joint in Cambridge. Tuna tacos are awesome. Had the cod special which was excellent
(5)
Maggie C.

Best restaurant. I've been a reg here for about 10 yrs. Love the food and the people. The customer service is outstanding and the range of menu options is perfect. Great if you're a healthy eater, also great if you want to mow down on some BBQ or fried fish. Also check out their brunch--they have a make your own bloody Mary bar!
(5)
Beats M.

Granted, my boyfriend and I never leave this place without taking at least 6 shots of Jameson each, making any dinner seem like fun, we are kind of food snobs and we've yet to be disappointed. Actually, that's a lie, one time our waiter recommended this weird fish roe that was similar to the texture of cooked and then dried out polenta. It tasted like aged fish fart. But, when we explained that *gag, I just puked in my mouth a little* we hated it, they comped it for us. Usually, we sit at the bar. The tenders are upbeat cool guys and we usually make them take a couple shots with us. The ceviche is awesome, buffalo shrimp, the fire ribs (wicked hot) and all of the sides really rock my world. God, this is making me want a shot... of Jameson and oyster. Too bad I'm at work. Great atmosphere, cool layout, me likey. Not 5 stars because I would like to see more vegetarian stuff.
(4)
Tracee D.

Another example of why Cambridge restaurants kick Boston in the arse. East Coast Grill has good wine and even better food. Healthy dishes but never lacking. I like the decor in the bathroom better than the actual restaurant. If only they could work on the ambiance. My growing angrier by the day chef boyfriend, is so upset that they came out with avocado gazpacho before he was able to put it on his menu....Sad story great restaurant.
(4)
Scott M.

I normally like this place, but this time it was a bad experience. The food was still great but the server treated us like derelicts. Maybe we looked like it, but come on - my friends were visiting from new York and I was real let down.
(3)
J B.

I thought I already reviewed East Coast Grill but I guess not. They have a really good vegetarian platter (that can also be made vegan I believe) that is huge- I always end up bringing at least 1/2 of it home w/ me. I've had good soup and other things there as well but the platter is a good standby. Always friendly and yummy. Update: A few weeks ago I went to dinner here with a friend who was in town for a visit. We went in and were told it would be an hour until we could be seated (which we were prepared for since it was busy/we did not have reservations etc) and that we could sit at the bar for drinks and appetizers if we wanted. We sat at the bar for an hour and got drinks. By the time we sat for dinner we already knew what we wanted, the waitress seemed pretty pissed that we did not want an appetizer and that we had drinks from the bar even though we were told by the hostess it was fine to bring our drinks over. She pretty much avoided our table the rest of the meal which was really strange- it was almost as though we had personally offended her. I'm going to take it as one person having a bad night, and hope to return to the normal good service I am used to from them next time I make it in. But it was pretty weird and uncomfortable. The vegetarian plate also just was not as good as I remembered.
(3)
Robin G.

Both my ex and I were very disappointed... It wasn't bad.. but nothing special at all.... our waitress was very nice...but we don't understand the hype and the crowds
(2)
catherine h.

For Brunch on Sundays you can make your own bloody mary at East Coast Grill (served after noon). My favorite thing on the menu is Amilcar's Omelette. It is avocado, jack cheese, black beans, scallions and a touch of guava paste. Yum!!! REALLY worth it! Fresh squeezed orange juice that is amazing too..It is a perfect place for a low key brunch in Cambridge on Sunday.
(5)
Bird B.

when we moved to the area we heard from numerous people how good the east coast grill is. we only went once and that's probably because we weren't impressed. it's overpriced for what it is - which is decent food and an average atmosphere. they have fancier restaurant prices without the fancy-feeling. food was ok to pretty good. if you decide to check it out for yourself, the buffalo shrimp appetizer is worth trying.
(2)
Melissa B.

Hands-down this is the most solid seafood restaurant in town. Lots of Caribbean/Latin-inspired dishes. The specials board is the way to go most often, but also check out the stuffed quahogs (if they're back on the menu), excellent raw bar, tuna tacos, and fantastic BBQ - ribs especially. Brunch is a fantastic deal, too, with a make your own bloody mary bar and dishes like duck rellenos. The menu gives you an option to buy the kitchen a tall boy 6pack. Do it!
(5)
G N.

We've been here several times, but after last Sunday I think we'll find another place for oysters. When we got there the waitress, (within less than 5 seconds asked us for our drink orders) it wasn't being attentive, it was being pushy. They were out of oysters (only had the "special" available, which were not great and had a lot of shell bits in them). I asked the waitress for her preference for an dinner item and she obviously made something up. All of the above was forgiveable until I got my scallops (a special that day). The scallops were fine, but it was obvious the side salad (some slaw of some type) was at least (likely more) a day old. It was like something you find from last weekend bbq in the back of the fridge. Way to expensive for that to be happening. Will not be heading back. Too bad ... I had thought it was worth the price until this past Sunday.
(1)
julia r.

tasty. pants. huge portions of delicious seafood bedazzled in sumptuous sauces (though there is plenty of meat to choose from if you prefer). their appetizer list is divine; i could easily stop right there. but, plunge into the entrees i did, and i never looked back. nice selection of beverages - plus the fun-colored, animal-themed stirrers are always a hit.
(5)
Katy T.

It was an ok meal, I honestly walked out not feeling like I'd been treated to something that I couldn't do better at cooking at home. Tables were so close together that I could hear the women at the next table kvetching about their skin problems. The wait staff was really inattentive.
(2)
Jeannie C.

Good spicy, fresh seafood. This place rocks! You just wont get a bad meal but be prepared to wait because this is the place to go in Inman Square, but it is worth the wait.
(4)
Joe B.

Here's where Chef Chris Schlesinger has been walking that walk for a while and it just has it all. Atmosphere like a party, food like you dream about, service that can't be beat. I sat there last week next to rocker Peter Wolf. I had the tranquilo cocktail (limit 2 to a customer), IPA pints, oysters w/mango mignonette, 3 Zahtar Grilled Giant Shrimp ... with Fattoush & Cucumber Yogurt, Chile Crusted Black 'n Blue Tuna Taco - "Roll Your Own" Arugula, Avocado, Pickled Jicama & an Orange Chipotle Glaze, ahi poke, Chipotle Glazed Crispy Chicken Livers ... with Sweet n' Sour Bacon Greens & Fried Onions, Grilled Spice Crusted Mahi Mahi ... "The Style of the Yucatan" Rice and Beans, Pineapple Salsa & Fried Plantains, and finally the fried banana sundae. I noticed the woofer goofer sent a round to the line and shook their good cookin hands on the way out. This place just rocks. Get in there and eat!
(5)
Gina R.

My favorite place for a non traditional but tasty place for brunch when you are hungover! Bloody Mary bar is THE best and the food is very unique but incredibly good. Get there before noon on Sunday though if you dont feel like waiting an hour or more. They do amazing things with duck and tortillas, which I dont even normally like. If you go for dinner it is pricey but it is my favorite place for unique food you wouldnt find elsewhere around Boston and the quality and taste of the grub is certainly noticeable. Anything with fish for dinner there that I've had has been unreal. Chris--former cali--surfer dude has got a good thing going here, definitely worth checking out if you're in inman.
(5)
pete g.

All hype, no delivery. When a restaurant wants to take a quarter of a C-note out of my pocket for an entree, I feel as though we are entering a gentlemen's agreement; they deliver with very good food and good service and atmosphere, and I am happy. East Coast Grill had fine service, loud and rather bright atmosphere, and food that ranged from pretty good to unacceptable. A tablemate (say hi, meaghan s' mom!) ordered the mussels appetizer, and the mussels had begun to spoil. They were easily the worst mussels I have had in a restaurant, though Whole Foods once sold me a vile, stinking 2lb bag far beyond these. I would have sent them right the hell back to the kitchen. Anyway, since I didn't feel like spending $25 on a fucking plate of fish, I ate the BBQ (spare ribs, $16). They were fine I guess, but I could have gone to Redbones if I wanted barbecue that wasn't as good as Blue Ribbon, and I could have had a pint. Oh. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention: they were out of all five of their draught beers. I am not likely to return.
(2)
Bim E.

I'm supposed to be watching football right now but I wanted to write about my dinner! I just went to East Coast Grill with my friends and I love this place. Our waiter, Arthur, was an attentive fellow with a slew of useful recommendations. I've been served by him before and while his tactics may seem a little odd, you can't mistake good service! He recommended some appetizers as dinner those of us who weren't too hungry and helped my carnivorous friend make a solid rib choice. I had the coconut mahi mahi tacos and they rocked! Sadly the drinks were lacking flavor and pah-zaz, but the food was great. I stole my friend's cornbread and Arthur brought me butter and honey for my carbohydrate theft. I didn't ask for either because the cornbread really didn't need anything to aid the awesomeness, but I loved the thought! We finished the meal without dessert even though it was offered. Our server didn't push us into anything and since we were completely stuffed, I have no idea where I would have put a piece of cake. Bottom line, I have been to this place a couple of times but Arthur has been the best server and while the drinks were subpar, I really enjoyed myself. We were a very happy table and made sure to tip accordingly. Lookin' for a great dinner in the cambridge neighborhood? Go here!
(4)
Julie A.

ok, so this place has been one of my top favorites for years and years. The dinner menu totally rocks. If you love fish as much as I do, you'll love these guys. They are one of the few places I have found that does fish right! I highly recommend the Mahi Mahi. Just had the steak and let me tell you..... it was one of the best ones ever! Their BBQ is good and on Sundays they have a killer brunch! I can't not get the Omelet with black beans and avocado. Oh, and their bloody mary's are the best in town. UPDATE............ just waited for 2 hours to get a table, it was worth the wait once again. I wanted the steak that they used to have. it wasn't on the menu anymore but the made if special for me anyways, even though it was a crazy busy night. and they were all super nice too. seriously, I can not say enough about this place. yeah, you wait for a table, yeah it's a little pricey, but in the end it's all totally worth it.
(5)
Eric C.

Hands down, one of my all-time favorite places for brunch. I've probably gone 10 times over the past couple years. Their brunch menu isn't huge, but I've tried many of their choices, and it never disappoints. Corn-bread french toast, avocado omelettes, and the grilled bacon, forget about it. But don't forget the Fresh-squeezed OJ! I'm not sure what the are - Cuban? Carribbean? or Cajun... whatever it is, it's unique, and it's delish. I have been for dinner as well, and guess what - it was just as good. I especially recommend this place if you're looking for a unique seafood menu.
(5)
Bo D.

Seafood is a bit dry and shy in terms of amount. Good atmosphere, they had this special pork dish during valentine's day that I really enjoyed. That lame seafood plater knocked it down to 3 stars for me though, it might've done it for some inland places, but I was expecting a lot more things on that plate being in New England.
(3)
Phil B.

I finally tried the East Coast Grill this evening, taking advantage of the Restaurant Week special. The meal began with delicious mixed pickled vegetables brought to the table in lieu of a bread basket, with pickled cucumbers complimented by carrot slices, watermelon rind, onion, and a few veggies which I couldn't identify. For an appetizer, I chose a carnitas taco with a delicious and interestingly spiced slaw which contained avocado. Very nice. I went for the fried scallops for my entree. For some reason, I assumed that they were going to be breaded and deep fried, but had been lightly dusted with a flour and seasoning mix and pan fried. Served with Old Bay-spiced tartar sauce, it was very tasty, yet the portion of scallops didn't quite equal the price. (It seems like only the fried scallop platter at Kelly's Roast Beef sates my craving for a healthy amount of scallops.). A side dish of sweet potato salad came with it; the salad had great flavorings, but the sweet potato chunks were too firm and obviously undercooked. I chose the peach blueberry fruit crisp for dessert, from the Restaurant Week menu options. I have very mixed feelings about it....the fruits and crisp topping had a great flavor, and the fresh whipped cream melting over the dish was a nice touch. The problem is that it was unnaturally hot and almost certainly microwaved. A fruit crisp baked in an oven would display some sort of browning of the crisp topping, but none was evident. When you contrast the lack of browning with the mouth-burningly hot fruits contained within, you just know that the dessert has been microwaved. C'mon now, anything on the Restaurant Week menu is sure to fly out of the kitchen. I'm sure that they could have kept a pan of the fruit crisp on low heat and dished it out as needed.
(3)
Matt L.

This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. Yes, it is somewhat expensive*. Yes, I wish it were less expensive. But it is so good that I have adjusted my weekly budgeting to accommodate my inability to resist coming back time and time again. The menu always has unique and exciting dishes (the menu is also frequently updated)- fusiony stuff, creative use of spices...extremely fresh fish and seafood, and the BEST use of the grill imaginable. Grilled fish, grilled meats, grilled shrimp, scallops - you name it. Everything is cooked to perfection. Even though many of the fish/meats are cooked with various spice rubs, and the side dishes may feature combinations you probably have never experienced before - there is a simplicity to the cooking that allows the grill and the freshness and natural flavor of the item in question (be it bluefish or pork) to carry the flavors. I love the atmosphere - always lively, but casual. The food is on par with the nicest, most expensive restaurants in the city, yet there isn't even a trace of pretension. The staff is always super nice and helpful- especially the manager, Mark . Also, HELL NIGHT is a dream come true for spice lovers. However, even the regular menu offers plenty in the way of spice - not just spice in the sense of making your mouth burn for several minutes at a time - but creative uses of various chiles from around the world in combinations that are as flavorful as they are inventive. As for recommendations - the buffalo shrimp w/blue cheese sauce is the best thing ever! Also, you cannot go wrong with the Pepper-crusted Tuna, or the Shrimp and Scallops entrees. I find myself ordering the specials every time I come, though, because EVERYTHING sounds amazing and I put off ordering the regular menu items, knowing I will be back again soon... *Edit: Regarding the $$, the Brunch is VERY reasonable - and is incredibly good as well. Make-your-own Bloody Mary Bar is a must if you come on sundays...
(5)
Cara A.

The emplyees at the East Coast Grill stole my $1,295 Moncler jacket. I ate dinner there with friends last night. My 11 year old daughter got a bad headache towards the end of the meal and we left in sort of a hurry. I left my brown Moncler jacket with shearling colalr in the coat room. As soon as I got home and realized what I had done, I called and spoke with Hannah, the hostess. She walked to the coat room and found my jacket hanging up. I asked her to hold onto it and put it in a safe place until I picked it up today. When my husband arrived at 4:30 to retrieve it, it was nowhere to be found. Shame on me for leaving it there, but double shame on them for finding it and telling me they would keep it safe and then stealing it. I am filing a larcen complaint tomorrow and then I am taking them to small claims court. Sadly, the jacket is sold out and I will never get it back, but at least I will probably get my money back from them.
(1)
Daniel M.

I love seafood. I had good seafood while living in LA but I never had GREAT seafood. Since I've been back on the East Coast, I've made it a point to try as many places with a reputation for great seafood. The East Coast Grill is my current favorite. I've only been there twice so far but both times the food was excellent and the service was top-notch. I've had their crispy cod and a fantastic monkfish. Both dishes disappeared quickly. On top of that, they have Narragansett beer on tap, which is a big plus in my book. The only reason there is one star missing is because the last time I ate there, the portions seemed a little disproportionate to the price.
(4)
Yubert F.

I had an excellent meal here. Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna was delicious and cooked just right, pink in the middle. For an appetizer, I had the Ginger Tuna Sausage Dumplings that were tasty and not oily. The wait staff was prompt and attentive. I'll definitely come back again!!
(5)
Courtney C.

This review is for the brunch only. Go somewhere else. They miss the mark on the Tex Mex Yucatan breakfast. We had oysters, grits, tuna tacos, and the Yucatan platter and everything was not appetizing, except the oysters. Go for dinner and the fish will blow your mind. Go somewhere else for breakfast.
(2)
Christopher S.

The ECG is a must-visit for any local. Funky atmosphere and a great menu, whether you're looking for fish or meat. The crowd is a good mix, though the place ALWAYS seems to be packed (get reservations, if at all possible). The staff is always helpful and friendly, no matter how harried they are at the moment. Now, here's the key to the ECG: HELL NIGHT. Your innards will hate you for days after but you have not lived 'til you have food cooked in a way that's hot yet still tasty. This ain't like getting spicy buffalo wings from Dominos - this is culinary heaven (well... hell). Check their website for the next Hell Night and book it ASAP! Oh, and for those who complain about the cost - go to Legal Seafoods (which, news flash, is mediocre at best). If you're looking for great dishes then this is the place.
(4)
C. N.

Some of you guys really were feeling the barbeque here? Huh. I was not. We had a huge meal here, ordered a ton of stuff (one of my buddies worked there so we were barely paying) and really, nothing leapt out as even memorable. You want BBQ, go to Redbone's and save the dough. You want seafood, there's plenty of other places, particularly at these price points.
(2)
Ciao H.

Went here for Sunday brunch. We had to wait 30 min for a table, but got some Bellini at the bar, it was OK, heavy on the alcohol, light on the other flavors. Couldn't brave the Bloody Mary, though I heard it was good from the patrons at the bar. Food is a bit overpowering in flavor--lots of citrus and chiles can overwhelm the dish, making it difficult to want to keep eating. On the other hand, I was totally in the mood for this kind of strong bold flavor, so I was in heaven. Got a side of platanos that were PERFECT. Waitress was really sweet and attentive. Totally recommend this place as a rock n roll punch in the face for the morning after.
(4)
Rob J.

I really like this restaurant- If I owned one it would be a lot like this. This is the place to go if you like local seafood. Of course they have the generic selections (salmon, snapper, mahi, tuna) like most restuarants that claim to be fish places have, but they also have had bluefish (that was actually good) , striper and monkfish on the menu when I've gone. I was impressed with the Scallops and Shrimp skewers they served over lo mein. However, I'm a little disappointed that they only serve two types of oysters, that doesn't really qualify them a raw bar in my book. Nonetheless, the littlenecks and oysters were very fresh. The open kitchen is cool, and I liked the pickled vegetables they served to pick on instead of bread.
(5)
Hiroko S.

Did you try super spicy chicken? Even though I get used to eat spicy things, this chicken was the way too hot. Therefore I was really happy that they serve me a free milk to spice away. It was too spicy that I was almost able to drink milk from my nose. I heard this is No1 Seafood in zagat. I am glad that they are reasonable price. I come from Japan aka seafood people. Frankly speaking I didn't like seafood until I know the wasabi taste good which means around high school. I am kind of beginner about seafood as a Japanese. I think some of them cannot trust my review but think positively. I used to hate seafood, so I can understand how those who do not like seafood feel. I think you can enjoy this seafood. Their way of cooking was pretty good. Especially the moule. Usually it is hard to see perfectly cooked shell fish. Too much cook makes it taste like tofu texture. Not cooked well it taste like super 88 smell.
(4)
Huan z.

Their food is very gressy and not very health. It's expensive as well. I don't know why so many people like this restrurant and why it appears top on many food reviews. I won't try again on this restrurant. Cafe ole down the street is 100 times better than this one. On the other hand, their staff is very friendly. so the stars are for the people who work there.
(2)
Rob D.

Ok....just one more ECG review - can you stand it? I was just there for Sunday brunch with some friends....another place I've been away from for way too long. The oysters are fresh, the bloody mary bar (do-it-yourself) rocks, and the food itself is an absolute pleasure. (It took my mind briefly off a world o' troubles today, so that's why they get the extra star.) At night, this place is pretty damn crowded - has been ever since I started to go here years ago. (Before they expanded, before Jae's came and went...) If you come later in the evening, just fight your way to the bar, have a really excellent Martguerita and some oysters and wait for your table. ...oh, and when something on the menu ends with "...from hell," you should probably believe it.
(5)
S B.

MMMMM mmm good! I went here a few years ago, and this fish was SO memorable that I have to write about it now!! Hopefully, things have only gotten better over there. My dish was cooked perfectly and utterly delicious. The ambiance inside is nice too (again, assuming it hasn't changed over the years) - sort of funky and fun and under-the-sea-ish. Great for a date or to just meet up with friends!
(4)
alexander b.

Had a party of 5 whose first two answers to the question "what kind of food tonight?" was seafood and bbq. Searched for a place in cambridge and came across the East Coast Grill. Although we came in at a risky time , 10 minutes before closing, the place was packed and they were very glad to seat us. We quickly ordered our food off of a very large and eclectic menu not ranging too far from the bbq/seafood theme. Meal started out with 2 large bowl of "pickles" including pickle slices, carrots, onions, red peppers and string beans. The pork belly was amazing and everyone's meal was SUPER fresh. We had out entree's in 20 minutes after sitting down. The host was prompt and not annoying and had plenty of subtle suggestions. I will be going back to this restaurant on another trip to Boston, and i'm sure the other 4 will be back as well!
(5)
harry n.

has grown on me into the loud lots of specials, sometimes hit, sometimes miss, always intriguing raw barrrrrr mmmmmmm good bbq too closes at 10, sat us at 9:55 with nary a nasty look. thank you! always good service, but extra awesome hilarious server last time gotta try hell night
(4)
Antonio A.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in the metro Boston area. Its certainly my favorite seafood restaurant around. The menu is a bold and unique combination of seafood and barbecue. The service is also excellent, though the wait on popular evenings can be excessive due to demand. Specifically, I really enjoyed the Mahi Mahi and the Monkfish entrees.
(5)
jim I.

One of the best meals I have had that I can recall. The price was not cheap, but not out of line for the quality of the experience. I recommend the peppered Tuna steak and a homemade margarita.
(5)
Dan S.

Food made with craft to emphasize flavors, not presentations. Terrific ribs, and really great job with seafood. Hell Night is a blast!
(4)
JJ D.

the east coast grill was the worst dining experience i have had in years. my partner and i went there to have a nice romantic dinner. well, we were seated so close to the people next to us, that i could hear every word of their whispered conversation. my partner ordered the steak. how did the east coast grill ruin a perfectly great cut of meat! it didnt taste like steak. it had a strange buttery/milky taste, followed by an overpowering burst of black pepper. i ordered the pepper encrusted tuna -- rare. first, the cut of tuna was too thick. the whole point of eating a seared rare tuna steak is getting a mix of the nutty seared flavor of the outside, mixed with the delicate flavor of the raw inside. it was cut much too thick for this. the only thing i could taste was the black pepper. there was so much pepper on it that it was overwhelming. my tuna was served with one piece of a few random vegetables -- like one piece of broccoli, one slice of yam, etc. and no carbohydrate -- no rice or potatoes or pasta. as frosting on my bad culinary experience, my soda was watered down. seriously? i felt as if i had ordered a soda at a cheap corner diner. the oysters were good. fortunately, they could not figure out a way to ruin raw oysters. this place is over-rated. we paid double as much as we usually pay for dinner and were miserable. i will NEVER go there again!
(1)
erica c.

I had such a blast here! My favorite part of this overall great experience was sitting at the bar drinkin' BEEEEES and having yumaliciously wonderful oysters shucked and fed to me right at the bar. All of your truly fabulous reviews are only reminding me that I need to make it back to this diamond in the ruff..(or buried treasure I guess would work better here)---don't mind my little mind-wandering tangents... MY point is BRAVO East Coast Grill!!! ADDITION TO FIRST REVIEW: I made it over here again tonight and just added another star. This place may not look fancy from the outside, but the food, service and overall vibe, get 5 stars my my book. The fresh shellfish is amazing as is the tuna tartar. Heather B really got it right, big flavors without being confusing or trying to mesh too many spices....and it is consistently really damn good....which says a lot about their stellar management. A side note, everyone here seems very happy to be working there...another note about great management... And last but not least, the cooks/chefs are adorable......I like to still close to the grille and watch em in action!!!
(5)
Gery A.

I give props to Chris for doing both of the two best things I think a chef can do to stay relevant: A) make everynight in your restaurant a clinic on serving fresh food, and B) never be afraid of flavor. Every meal I've eaten at ECG was freshness exemplified, and even the dishes I liked less were bold and assertive, not hiding behind some vague, underseasoned sauce, or whatnot. The drinks, though, were on all occasions not quite living up to the boldness of the menu. That kind of food needs a special touch from the beverage end, imho.
(4)
stephan j.

Like my fellow reviewer Melissa, I too was sat next to the kitchen and experienced excellent, non intrusive service and perhaps one of the better seafood experiences I have had in Boston. The chef and sous seem to know what they are doing. Good atmosphere (aside from - I think there was a TV in the bar).
(4)
Sarah C.

The East Coast Grill is the Epitome of really good, honest, SUPER FRESH 'East Coast' food. There is an open kitchen which is a BLAST to sit next to, and if you're right next to it, the chefs are always fun to talk to, and are all incredibly nice even in the midst of being ridiculously busy. The portions are really big... I almost always have food to take home. Don't miss the side options on the back of the menu! They have amazing fried plantains with mango banana butter, grilled banana, seared garlic greens, awesome garlic toast that comes with a whole roasted garlic...among many other options. The BBQ platters are out of control and FULL of flavor. They give you complimentary pickles... one of their specialties. Sometimes they are a little heavy on the cilantro in some of their dishes... but that comes with the ECG style. Also, the prices are a tad over the top for some of the fish... but the overall experience generally makes up for it. I have had AMAZING dinners here and 'just okay' dinners... thankfully never any bad experiences or problems with service. As far as drinks, the wine list is changing and just 'alright' (I miss my vouvray they used to have... an old stand-by here :/ ), the Margarita's are killer, and they serve little plastic animals on all the drinks, even wine. This is not the place to bring veggie friends who want a substantial meal.. which I did tonight... poor guy had salad and garlic bread while I almost cleared a plate of grilled swordfish with golden cherry tomato sauce, seared greens, and asparagus (yum... and swordfish is really in season right now)... there was however a vegetable plate option. The specials are always great and feature seasonal produce and fish. Oh yeah... DON"T forget to get oysters here... some of the best in the city are offered at the ECG ;) I'm dying to check out the brunch... I hear its delicious!
(4)
Kayle S.

I've ordered a wide selection of the changing menu, and East Coast Grill is a fantastic place. Wonderful quirky decor (check out the volcano!), good service, and most importantly, the freshest and most excellent food. Good menu variety and range of price. The brunch bloody mary bar is wonderful - try the bloody mary oyster shot, and customize it at the bar. Perfect soft shell crab, well crafted monkfish, and quality oysters. It's my favorite place in Inman.
(5)
Amanda M.

Love this place! Combines my two favorite food groups: oysters and BBQ. ECG has a cool atmosphere and a great menu. It does get crowded though - the place is a bit small so waiting at the bar is sometimes impossible.. but there is a bar next door, so put your name in a go next door for a drink. My husband and I brought my parents here once and when they finally sat us after a very long wait, they brought over a plate of ribs just to say "thanks for waiting." Love it!
(5)
Kiki B.

phenomenal fish, loud, raucous atmosphere. feels like a much bigger, louder, more neon crabshack, with deliciously done food and inventive taste combos.
(5)
Anna S.

I wasn't so thrilled with this place. This could be fore one of two reasons, or both. 1. Because I got chicken here, and it is known for it's seafood 2. Because The atmosphere too "chic."
(3)
Tom R.

Down with chains! Up with great local places like this! Can be loud, noisy, crowded, so go on an off night or go early.
(4)
jen c.

I'm only giving them three stars because of the service. And, I'm sure I got stuck with the one horrible waitress during brunch. But seriously, if you dislike people and don't posess any social skills...then don't be a waitress! I know that's why I sucked at it. We had to wait 20 minutes for coffee and then get attitude from our server who was seemingly mute because the ONLY words she grumbled were "do you know what you want yet?" I think another 20 minutes were tacked on while we waited for someone to pick up our credit card. Other than that annoyance, my omelet was delish and the whole place smelled great like cumin and chile. No matter how tasty my eggs are I can't help feeling disappointed if they don't come with home fries and/or toast. Maybe I should stick to diners. I did enjoy the creative garnish of guava paste and pickled peppers. Mmmm. I think I need to try this place again for brunch and remember to hit up the "make your own bloody mary" bar.
(3)
Ari D.

Amazing food. I often come here with my family for Sunday brunch. We are picky eaters and neither one of us has ever been disappointed. Each dish I've tried here has always been delicious. The nachos are drool-worthy, resembling more a fondue with sausage and guacamole than your standard melted cheddar faire. Also, the make-your-own bloody mary bar always piques my interest to try new combos. The decor complements the food -- aquamarine walls and mounted fish make me feel like I'm in Key West. One of my favorite restaurants, hands down.
(5)
Steve N.

Luv it. however, as is with most of my Luv It places i only get certain things there. here it's oysters, clams and giant shrimps. i sit at the bar, the little section by the front window, and get all blissed out on fresh shellfish, strong cocktails and cold beers. i will also happily do their Hell Night at least once a year.
(3)
Jim C.

The food and the make your own bloody mary bar were fantastic...Why only three stars you may ask? Well for standard brunch fair, I paid a lot more money then I was expecting compared to other comparable places. The raw bar was fresh, but also quite pricey. I would visit there again only for a special brunch or dinner where I am expecting to pay a lot more for what I am going to eat. So the food and drinks were good, but expect to pay alot more for brunch then you normally would.
(3)
Andrew B.

A bit pricy but awesome southern flavor foods that you can order extra spicy if you like that sort of thing, which I really really do. The atmosphere is great and I can't wait to try out the brunch and maybe grab a drink late night as I intend to return here again and again.
(5)
Juliette V.

I Really enjoy their mussels. They are cooked in lightly spiced coconut milk. The caribean fish plate was a little too much "side dishes" and not enough fish.
(3)
m o.

This review is for HELL NIGHT only. I will say the food is great and an ever changing menu is appreciated and is generally spot on(5 Hell nights and counting), Hell nights are very busy and the wait staff and host/hostess are really good with such a load of people so no complaints. I only wish I could give ECG 5 stars. I have had truly outstanding meals but twice out of five visits my entire parties or the majority of was way off, from incorrect temps on meats to items delivered cold or not delivered, and believe it or not the hell pasta, the PiÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance, was delivered as a glob all stuck together like a pasta baseball, all was rectified when brought to servers attentions,but it still leaves me wondering about every next time I come to a Hell night. I want to upgrade this rating!!!
(4)
havell r.

We love this place.....our favorite neighbourhood diner...they know us by name, and alwasy take good care of us, especially my wife who has a gluten allergy....we eat there almost every week....their Sunday breakfast is our favorite..
(5)
Jennifer B.

this may be one of my new favorite restaurants!!! my boyfriend and i went last night after a suggestion of a coworker. we didn't have to wait at all which was nice. we were seated in a corner booth away from the crowd. we started with drinks, sangria roja for me and cocktail tranquillo for him... holy moly was his strong (and delicious) i can see why there's a 2 per person max we had bacon wrapped scallops for appetizers.. the only words i can use to describe them are om nom nom!! we were surprised that only 2 scallops came out but they were HUGE so thats ok. for dinner i got the grilled vegetable platter and he got the BBQ trio platter. mine was HUGE.. i could not believe how much food i got. it had: avocado, tomatoes, zucchini, artichokes, pineapple, carrots with cilantro and lime juice, mashed potatoes and beans. it was DELICIOUS my boyfriend said this was the only time in his life he wished he had gotten the veggie plate instead of the meat. the meat was good, not as tender as we would have liked but definitely yummy. the best part was we got a Hell Bone... i have never had heat like that before in my life. the green sauce that comes on it is INSANE. its a very dry, intense heat and i want to go back for more. it was the best rib i have ever had in my life. it definitely took a few glasses of water and some mouthfuls of ice to get the feeling back in my face but i would risk paralysis again in a heartbeat for another rib the meals came to about $75 which was not too bad considering the amount of food we got. we will be going back there time and time again p.s a side note.. there is an East Side Grill also on the same street. we made the mistake of thinking it was that one and parking there. it was only after we fed about $5 into the parking meter that we realized that 1. they don't check the meters and 2. we were at the wrong spot. we left the car and walked down. it was about 10 minutes from where we parked so it wasn't bad. i did the waddle of shame after dinner though.. good thing i brought pants with an elastic waist
(5)
Colin M.

Great atmosphere, very friendly staff (we sat at the bar to skip the line) and good food. I ordered the insane-super-hot-atomic-cannon ball wings (or whatever they were called) and they did the trick. My lips and part of my face went numb. and I'm pretty sure I breathed fire out of my nose. My friend had oysters (I'm not sure of the variety) which she also enjoyed.
(5)
Chris K.

I was recommended this restaurant by several people but did not get a chance to go out to Inman until a few months ago. This restaurant has a lot of hype and it did not dissappoint me in the least. We had the Raw Bar Platter which was a perfect size for a raw bar starter- oysters were shucked well and everything was ice cold - also there were some interesting mignonettes for the oysters. I had a 12 spiced salmon with an awesome peach chutney that was perfectly spicy and sweet. I also remember a small thing of house pickled veggies that they bring out when you sit down and are nice and tasty. The drinks are fairly priced and its the usual selection of margaritas/bloody mary's etc. I have never had their barbecue dishes but I know that Schlesinger is supposed to be equally good at barbecue as he is with seafood. I will be back soon to try some barbecue dishes and in the meantime will be spreading the word about this place and how much it lived up to my expectations. Otherwise, decor is consistent with the restaurants themes, semi open kitchen, cool raw bar.
(4)
Erin C.

Our favorite local restaurant - and we've tried a lot, including Oleana and L'Espalier. Fantastic food and drinks with friendly, unpretentious service. Great restaurant to share with friends or just stroll in for a date night. We've never been disappointed and always leave feeling happy and satisfied.
(5)
Peter P.

I know Chris Schlesinger personally, and hope he reads this, good good good good good good! NO complaints at all. Good food, good drinks, and a hell of a nice staff. can't wait till the next time I go back. The funky atmosphere puts the plus on the A+
(5)
Alyssa C.

You can get popcorn as an appetizer, thats good stuff. Their Sunday brunch was tasty, and their fish tacos were great. Plus the "Make your own Bloody Mary Bar" seemed to be a hit with the crowd.
(4)
John T.

Great fish, casual atmosphere. Besides the #22 at Hi-Rise, the catch of the day at East Coast is my must-do Cambridge meal. The seafood (both raw & cooked) is always fresh, the sambals and chutneys are what Chris Schlesinger is known for, and the grilled bread dipped in the leftover sauce from the PEI mussels is heavenly. The garlic greens are addictive. I've tried meat here a few times, but it never has topped the fish. Good mojitos and caipirinhas. Brunch is worth checking out, but get there at open before the crush.
(5)
Erin W.

I have to agree with Jennifer S. This place seems to be way overrated. The menu was all over the place and my mahi mahi was just fine and not inexpensive. The pickled vegetables left a weird taste in my mouth for the entire evening, and the cornbread that looked so yummy was only alright.
(2)
Mike T.

I hate the ocean because its full of things that want to eat me. East Coast Grill helps me turn the tables by putting the ocean on my plate and making it delicious. The East Coast Grill is among Bostons best seafood. The fish is fresh and creatively prepared. Try the 'Raw Tuna Sausage Dumplings' for a great appetizer or the 1/2 dozen oysters for $13. The 'Essential Raw Bar Platter' at $29 has alot of variety for a group with different tastes. The margaritas are their big drink but they are not quite as good as the Cactus club and they cost alot. Stick with a cheap white wine or beer to balance out the considerable food cost. This place isn't cheap but I don't believe in bargain hunting when it comes to seafood. The staff is excellent. I have been there at closing time twice and we were never hassled or made to feel that we should leave. If you have to wait for a table, go to Bukowski next door and have a beer while you fantasize abut taking your revenge on the ocean.
(5)
Jane T.

This is the restaurant my parents always want to go to while they are in town. Great food, really good spicy stuff. Crowded every time I have been, but it's worth it.
(5)
Molly L.

This just may be my all time favorite restaurant! I love the unique menu and a meal isn't a meal unless it's uber spicy, in my opinion. I've never been a huge fan of bluefish because it's a stronger tasting fish but their blackened bluefish is my favorite entree. The wings of mass destruction (appetizer) are the hottest wings I've ever tasted in my life. The first one will shock you but keep eating because each one gets better and better...just be sure that your glass is always full! The beer selection isn't great but it doesn't even matter because their flavored margaritas and sangria are where it's at! The restaurant is rather small, it's always busy and they do not accept reservations so it's not great for large parties. It is, however, a great restaurant to go to on a date. Also check out the fried plantains and the complimentary homemade pickles.
(5)
Y D.

Nice place in a nice neighthood for a visitor like me. Seems lots of locals enjoyed this place as well. Will come again
(4)
Avid E.

This place is amazing. I wandered in off the street one weeknight (from what I hear this is impossible on a weekend) and had the most amazing meal. I started with some coconut mussels that were out of this world. Next the Mahi Mahi was really great; well seasoned and super tasty. Finally the desert was phenomenal. Can't remember exactly what I had, but it was just amazing. The service was great (she gave great recommendations when we didn't know what to order). East Coast Grill is one of the best restaurants I've been to in the Boston area.
(5)
Heather B.

Chris Schlesinger and his crew can cook a mean piece of fish; for that matter, everything's good! This is one of my favorite places in town. Consistently excellent. Big flavors, expertly prepared.
(5)
Musin Y.

It's a cozy place with diner quality tables that somehow still passes for quality comfort seafood. The seafood here is fantastic even though I feel like you don't have to do much to make seafood fantastic if it's fresh. Those things that are not from the sea are mediocre by comparison. They really like their vinegar in this here grill. Pickled veggies for pre-meal snacking, the BBQ pork sandwich was smothered in vinegar and the sauce of my scallops and shrimp over noodles was too salty and vinegary. The scallops and shrimps themselves were delicious and so tender that you didn't need to chew them. The Asian fresh oysters (sprinkle of soy sauce, chip of ginger and dab of wasabi) were smooth and delicate. The Buffalo shrimp wings were huge and tasty and came with tons of celery sticks. All of the above (6 fresh oysters, Buffalo shrimp, BBQ pork sandwich, shrimp and scallop over noodles) for two people was just right. We weren't stuffed, we weren't hungry, but I coulda ate more.
(4)
Alice K.

Asian American fusion, with interesting swizzle sticks. Food is decent, if a bit overpriced; you're really paying for the garnish and the funky lighting. If you get a drink, ask for the dolphin that floats in your drink or the giraffe which hangs out in your glass upside down.
(3)
Lizzy M.

My friends and I sat next to this totally adorable grill dork who brought in all these books to be signed by the owner. So yeah, the restaurant has groupies. Also really good gazpacho. GOOD FOR: Best grilled fish ever (don't read this dad). Read the bottom of the back of the menu its funny- buy the kitchen beers and you'll be extra pleased with the food.
(5)
Vivian A.

This past weekend our daughter treated us to dinner. At first I was uncomfortable because there was no place to wait for a table once the bar is full. But the friendly staff quickly made me feel at ease. We waited just under 1/2 hr. It was worth it! The James Brown music playing in the background was great the staff was genuinely friendly and happy to accommodate. The food and sangria were very good. The only thing I was a little disappointed with is the portion of the particular dish I ordered could have been a little larger .A little more pasta would have done it. Everything was cooked to perfection. Next time we visit the Boston area we will go back!!!!
(5)
Ellie L.

On a dark and stormy night that also happened to be my birthday, I decided around 9:30 pm to quit whining about the weather and do something. East Coast Grill it was, based on reviews I had read and my penchant for the picante...despite it being a late Tuesday evening, the place was hopping when we arrived, and our short wait at the bar was well-lubricated with one of the best margaritas in town (no sour mix out of a generic jug here). Our waitress was efficient and to the point, the crowd was fun but low key, and the upbeat lighting and nautical decor banished all thoughts of rain. Foodwise, I thought everything was well-seasoned and tasty; it's not highbrow creative cuisine, but it is satisfying, and I thought reasonably priced. Apps were standouts--I had some yummy shrimps, and my boyfriend spent some quality time with a wet nap after devouring a giant single rib. This is a great place that's popular without being mainstream--definitely take your next out-of-town visitor here!
(4)
Corona W.

My bf and I love having brunch here on the weekends because of their make your own bloody mary bar and their delicious brunch menu. My only complaint about the restaurant is that we had our NYE dinner here last year and it was so disappointing! The food was really mediocre for the price and the bloody mary that I ordered did not have any vodka (or any alcohol in it). The service (bar and waitstaff) was really not what it should have been for a restaurant that was not full that night. Based on our disappointing NYE experience, I would recommend others to find a different restaurant for NYE. I would still go to the ECG for regular dinner and brunch.
(4)
Bob S.

We were visiting the Boston area, ended up in Cambridge during dinner, and looked on Yelp. We found the East Coast Grill, and decided to try it. We are so glad we did! My wife had the mussels and the shrimp and grits. The mussels were among the best she has had, and the shrimp and grits were the best. I had the pork and tuna dumplings and the mahi mahi. They were also great. We also had grilled bread that was also great. It was a bit noisy, but it was celebratory noise, and the quality of the food outweighed that. Good service, too. They were very attentive. We also ordered grilled sweet potato with molasses, but wasn't able to eat it right away, so it was a to go item. A great dinner!
(5)
Ted D.

Always heard good things about this place and wanted to see what all the buzz was about. The decor is somewhat old cluttered and very noisy. The fish tacos and the cold soup was outstanding. Blackberry margarita was excellent. Ribs were very big and cooked with just a little too much sauce. But very enjoyable. Other than how loud it got... it was with the trip.
(3)
Roberta D.

My boyfriend and I visited East Coast Grill for their New Years Day brunch buffet. I booked a reservation through open table beforehand. We booked the first reservation which was 10:30. We arrived a few minutes early and were told to wait in the doorway for roughly 15 minutes because they were running behind. I understand it's New Years day and they were expecting a large crowd but come on. If you're advertising a New Years brunch you should be prepared for the crowd ahead of time. After finally being let in we were seated. We had to wait another five minutes for the buffet food to be ready. They offered an array of options: Andouille sausage, scrambled eggs with cheese, french toast, sweet potato hash, crab macaroni and cheese, and so on. The sausage was so delicious but I was extremely disappointed with the macaroni and cheese. It was completely cold and the cheese tasted a bit odd. Also the French toast was pretty disgusting - it was clear they didn't cook it enough. Overall for the approx $20 per person I was extremely under impressed. If you're thinking of doing a brunch here I'd definitely pass.
(2)
Becca N.

Let's start with the super chill ambience. Very relaxing. Now let's move on to the important stuff...The food. First off, the mussels are ridiculously delicious. I'm not typically a huge fan of mussels and this dish had me licking my fingers (and, awkwardly, those of the rest of my party too. Yes, they're that good.) get them. I promise they won't disappoint. Next up: the mahi mahi. RIDICULOUS. Perfectly cooked and soooo delicious. Babyback ribs: My son loves babybacks, so he's currently going to town on a full rack, but his poor 8-year-old body is too small! Can anyone say BREAKFAST TOMORROW?! My husband might fight him for them. They're that good. Gazpacho: Again, not typically a huge fan, but this stuff is to die for! And perfect for a warm summer evening! Why oh why don't I have a second stomach? We probably should have come with two-day empty stomachs. The portions are huge and the overall food experience epic. Don't miss this spot. You'll kick yourself later. Trust me!! I'm a huge fan of shrimp and grits...they're one of my favorite dishes of all time. East Coast Grill makes them very well. We're fighting over the bowl. We are BEYOND excited to be here. This place is awesome!!!
(5)
Julianne Z.

Came here with some friends and we got a little bit off of everything from the menu. The food was pretty good and the service was great! I had a suitcase with me when I walked in and the person at the front immediately asked to take it and put it in the back. Seared Tuna Tacos: Very refreshing started! Nice slices of ahi tuna and a nice medley of spinach, onions, avocado and lime! Clam and Corn Chowder: This was my first time getting clam chowder and in Boston and although I liked this, it wasn't thick. I def. want to get real clam chowder soon! Seared New Bedford Scallops with Garlic Noodles, Sesame and Chile Spinach. The Spinach was a bit salty and I couldn't finish it but I liked the noodles and I was surprised by the large portions of scallops!
(4)
Jason M.

Here's the conundrum: I'm allergic to shellfish and love BBQ. My boyfriend loves shellfish and pretends to be allergic to BBQ. East Coast Grill should have been the answer to all of our relationship problems, but alas, it was not meant to be. I guess Eric liked his shellfish. I didn't like the BBQ. It just didn't compare to anything I've had in my travels, and I can't even put it in the list of Best of Boston BBQ. Plus, I really wanted fries. I asked if I could sub fries for slaw and beans. I was told no. I asked if I could just not have slaw and beans and BUY a side of fries. I was told no. Our friend who was with us ordered a side of fries successfully. Weird. Couple that was the bro-iest staff I've ever seen. I don't mind a bro, but that was over-kill. Every interaction was something like this: "Hey bros, welcome to the joint." "Hey dude, can I snag you another slammin brew?" It was weird and off-putting. One star for the attempt at something good. One star for the ADORABLE plastic neon animal figures they put on your beer glass. That was the highlight of the night. As an aside, we must have been there on MEN night. We looked and could only find one female employee, who was in the kitchen. Weird.
(2)
Ne F.

Tried east coast grill for brunch. I had the tuna tacos. They were very tasty but lacking on the Tuna. My boyfriend had the steak and eggs. He found the steak tasty but the eggs and potatoes needed some help. Overall a decent meal, but not somewhere I would run back too.
(3)
Kim V.

I've been here for hell night before, but this time, my friends and I wanted to check the place out without fear of tears and heartburn. (Hell night is a lot of fun, don't get me wrong!) Came here on a Monday night and was able to get seated right away. My friend and I were waiting for our other amigos and were given some pickled treats while we waited. Aside from pickle coins, there were also carrots and onions heaped on a plate; and they were mighty tasty. After checking out the daily special menu and the regular menu, I got the Seared Shrimp and Scallops with ginger, garlic noodles and sesame, chili spinach. I was debating the Scallops meal, but the shrimp caught my eye. (Also, the waitress recommended it) We also ordered some wings for the table. I have to say, some of the best wings I have ever had have come from the Boston area. These, my fellow yelpers,... were some good wings! She gave us some spicy sauce on the side and just YUM! The scallops and the shrimp were cooked perfectly. The spinach was pretty amazing as well. The noodles weren't bad either. Truth be told, I ate pretty much every last bite. I shared with my friends, as well. :) One friend decided that next time, he'd be getting that dish. It really is that good! We were very receptive to the waitress's suggestions. One friend got tuna tacos with grilled bananas (she devoured it all, but let us sample her bananas which were also yummy). Another got the Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna, which was also devoured. My last friend got the Uncle Bud's BBQ Trio Platter, and was the only one who had left overs because that was a hefty plate of food. The service was great, the food was great, the company was great. Hope my next visit will be soon!
(4)
Michael M.

Disappointing. My girlfriend and I were looking for quality BBQ and we were sorely disappointed. Maybe we should have ordered seafood instead. We both got BBQ platters and although the food was abundant, it was flavorless and overcooked. Not to mention that the prices are way higher than what you should be paying at this sort of establishment. While good BBQ is hard to find in the Boston area, both Redbones in Davis and Blue Ribbon in Arlington blow this place out of the water. This isn't even to mention that we waited nearly an hour for our food. Not cool! The only reason that I'm even giving 2 stars is that the buffalo shrimp app was good and the free pickles they serve as an amuse bouche were pretty delicious. Next time you're in Inman, skip this place and go to one of the AllStar outposts down the block.
(2)
C. K.

Food: this place has wonderful shellfish. My friend and I were pleased with the quality, particularly the oysters. Unfortunately the fish entrees were not great, particularly the swordfish. Presentation of the plates was lacking but this is a very casual restaurant. However the shellfish made up for this and I would recommend getting anything from the raw bar or crab legs. Service: the waitstaff and management were extremely friendly as well as attentive and courteous. I believe we had the manager come by our table and others to check on us. He and the rest of his staff were great! Ambience: very casual, fun, and relaxed. I would recommend bringing friends here, it had a lively atmosphere.
(4)
Angel E.

My wife and I came to visit Boston as one of our first family trips since my first born..;) This place was great! The ambiance was very casual and the food, in my opinion, somewhat unique. Entrees had a mix of latin, asian, etc. In addition, I found interesting the mix of sea and land choices found on the menu. So if you have a date that love sea food but you rather have BBQ ribs this is a great place to go. The service was AWESOME...very friendly ambiance and now that I am a parent...can't explain enough the importance of being able to accommodate my child. Surprisingly enough there are places out there that are not accommodating to your car seat. Point being..this place was very accommodating by giving us a table where my child would fit comfortably being a small building. Finally...for those who like spicy food I recommend the Mahi Mahi...great lating style dish with a bit of spice.
(4)
Danielle S.

Lively little place with fun atmosphere/vibe.The staff is pretty laid back and even borderline quirky, but it just adds to the character of the restaurant. I ordered the pulled pork platter, which was delicious. The food is a little on the expensive side for what it is, but still worth a visit if you're looking for good seafood/southwestern food.
(4)
Igor S.

This was horrible! Place known for the pasta from hell now can be known for cuisine from hell. Had the BBQ trio which was barely edible. The soup was good hence 1 star.
(1)
Raymond L.

Went to this place without any knowledge on the restaurant. The doors are good, but still feel the price is a bit higher than what it should be. Seems like the place is famous for its spicy food? Not sure about that but just got the idea when dinning there.
(4)
Elaine Y.

Shortly after posting the original review, I received a personal message from the Manager Kayla to follow up on my experience. The restaurant has been around for 30 years and the team has been trying their best to spruce things up, but it's a working progress. So that explains the decor. I should have mentioned in my original review that the staff at ECG was very attentive and professional (and I am not saying this just because of Kayla's message). They patiently explained the menu for us, filled our water when needed, and cleared the table as soon as we are done to give us some space. Customer service is definitely a top priority for them!!
(3)
R K.

Loved it! Got the Texas Style Brisket Platter and it was easily the best steak I've had in Boston, besides Russell House Tavern.
(5)
Leila L.

I totally agree with Sarah I. because I was there on the night of Valentine's day too! The pre fixe dinner that day was rip off. The fact that it costed us $65/person for such low-quality food is also unacceptable. I bet most 3-dollar-sign restaurants on yelp have better-made food and, more importantly, with much greater sincerity. I have to say that the pricey Valentine's pre fixe dinner looks almost like a hoax to me. Never happened in our past Valentine's dining experience. We actually came here because we did our reservation work too late and the top-rating restaurants in Cambridge were all booked up. I m not sure if I ll ever come back again.
(2)
Laura A.

Recommended by a "grown-ed" Bostonian with excellent taste, we decided to check out this place. "You must order seafood" I was brought there completely blind; no previous Yelp investigation; not sneaking on other's reviews. Nada. Therefore, my mind flew by her own and I was expecting a classic seafood display restaurant for some reason. With maybe pastel blue walls, immaculate tables dressed on white, white collar personnel, clients doubling my age on average (or close to that) and perhaps, even fish tanks outside where to fish your dinner... Silly? Instead, we found ourselves in a rather causal establishment that somehow screamed to me beer and finger food towards all his sides. Neon lights on the outside and even little plastic mermaids hanging on the edge inner side of our beer glasses. Actually, I recalled images of TV documentaries about Hawaii restaurants so I started to feel like we were in the right place. Granted, my perception could be greatly altered considering the longest day of meetings ever. But, anyways .. "you-must-order-seafood" And this is me talking to you. Beer; because I was in the mood for it. Let me tell you, they have this CBC seasonal ale (Cambridge Brewing Co.) that suited perfectly for my taste. Light, a little sweet, too "girl-y" in other's opinion that opted for a more heavy, bitter one. The point is that we asked for recommendations. Our server (who I would have love to tell you her name) recited what they have, described each one and asked what do you normally like. Made recommendations for each, you get this you get that ... we were offered tasting until we found the one we like. How-good-is that? The same behavior with the food. They offer lots of meat. But I dunno my friend. I will stick with my previous sentence. "you-must-order-seafood" And if it wasn't enough pleasant surprises already, I was even happier when I took a detailed look and recognized an Asian flair in their seafood dishes. To name: Coconut milk, hoisin, aged soy..... Wasabi!! We shared: Clam and Corn Chowder with Chiles, Sweet Potatoes, Bacon. Flavorful, very smooth, a slight spicy touch barely noticeable. And then, amazing Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels with Coconut Milk, Chiles, Hoisin and Lime. A bit higher on the spicy department but even for the ones who can't tolerate it will be fine. Order please. My entree was Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna with House Pickled Ginger, Aged Soy, Wasabi and Grilled Vegetables. Ordered raw with crusty outside. Another must order. The Mahi Mahi was apparently excellent as well. Te patrons fall into the young category. The servers into the friendliest, more knowledge and pleasant I have find. Those that create a place where you wanna go back because of them also. Allow yourself to have high expectations because you will surely left completely satisfied. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars
(4)
Brandee S.

I love coming to East Coast Grill. Service is always speedy and friendly, the drinks delicious, and the food varied and awesome. Where else in town can I get oysters and BBQ? In regards to the BBQ, the ribs (bones) use a dry rub which is good though I prefer something more tender and moist. The pork is Carolina style with a vinegar base sauce. The big win for this place is their seafood/fusion plate offerings. The tuna tacos are a must have, with the catfish tacos coming up in second place.
(4)
Rachel Q.

Had dinner here last night and was disappointed. Menu is fish and barbecue.... Only. Ribs were so tough I couldn't get the meat off the bones even by using both hands and biting straight from the bone. No kids meals if you are dining with a family.
(2)
sarah i.

Valentines Day Dinner Experience. - Not quite the meal I was hoping for. I was excited to come to East Coast Grill, I know many of my friends have come in the past and it's always been good, and I came about 6 years ago, and had good food from what I remember, but on Friday, we had a pretty blah experience, and one that I feel compelled to review on here. The food was almost like a bad wedding. The only thing that was good, was the raw oysters ( that I squeezed my own lemon on so really how can that go wrong ) that thankfully they offered a la cart, and the chocolate pecan pie dessert- that was pretty damn tasty. I guess it wasn't really advertised that they would ONLY be serving the pre fixe menu this day, because we were not the only one's surprised that this is what happened, the poor couple that sat down next to us ( for a 10pm reservation so they must have been starving ) couldn't find anything on the menu for the poor girl to eat so they ended up leaving. We did find items that sounded pretty good, so we stayed and ordered, but to my disappointment, they were not serving the same menu advertised online, the lobster dish that was talked about was no where to be found. The foie gras starter that my husband ordered was SO extremely salty, ( with the foie diced up into minuscule little bites that we had a hard time finding ) but we were starving at this point and kept eating it, the salt content causing us to order about 10 glasses of water each, having to actually flag the waiter down for more, because not ONCE during the entire meal did OUR waiter actually ask us how the meal was. they just kept picking up plates and bringing the next course, no feedback requested, so we couldn't even tell them that we were unsatisfied at meal time if we wanted to. The starter I got wasn't inedible, it was just kind of gross as a concept anyways, not sure if I am a fan of ruining a beautiful wellfleet oyster with a hunk of vinegar soaked crab meat with a splash of sesame oil... but that's not an ECG problem, that's more a preference, so it's not directly effecting my start rating. Our entrees were not awesome. They were most of the reason I am writing this actually - My husband's steak, which looked like a huge cut of meat, was completely burnt to shit on one side, and raw in the middle, he likes medium rare but this was pretty raw, as was the girl's next to us ( she actually had to send hers back ). He attempted to live through it and eat the rawness, feeling bad that the girl next to us had to send hers back too, but on further inspection of the cut of meat, there would have been no bother trying to send it back for more flame, the entire steak was sinew. like not more than 2 bites of decent meat in your mouth, sinew all over ( this is why I likened the experience to bad wedding food ). My confit duck legs were nothing special either. They LOOKED gorgeous, they were not awesome. there wasn't really great meat on those either, and for being "confit" they tasted oddly smokey, and weren't as tender as you may expect from that method of cooking, with, again, not great amounts of actual meat on them. I had such a stinky experience for the valentines pre fixe menu that it's making me not want to go back, but I probably will because it seems like that's an isolated problem maybe. I still needed to document it, and open feedback should be important to the restaurant, so this review was still necessary. Maybe next year they will consider not having the pre fixe, as it seemed like we were not the only diners missing their regular menu.
(2)
Lannie L.

I catered from ECG for my wedding and I couldn't be happier with Becky and her staff. She was thorough and helpful through the entire planning process and accommodated to a lot of my requests. We went with the 4 corners BBQ option (drop&serve) and our guests raved about the food. (sidenote, their pickles are soooo good) We were so glad we went with ECG and recommend them for your catering needs! Update: We had forgotten something and Becky personally came to our place to deliver it, as well as a gift (ECG cookbook!) and a gift certificate to the restaurant. We were blown away by the thoughtful gift! Thank you!!
(5)
Colin S.

By far my best restaurant experience in my 6 years in Boston. To start, the staff is all warm, welcoming and engaging from owner to line cook. Next, the food is delicious, reasonably priced, and comes in a healthy portion (or unhealthy depending upon how you view it!). The prices are fair considering what you get. We had the crispy pork and shrimp, shrimp tacos and tuna potstickers (2 people) and took about half of it home because we were stuffed. Definitely will come back here time and time again.
(5)
Erica S.

Took a large group of people from work here. It was a fun atmosphere, good service and tasty food. We had a good time.
(3)
Jenn H.

Sweet, tender, fall-off-the-bone, delicious, beautiful, amazing, magnificent RIBS.... where have you been all of my life and how do I THANK YOU for making me a better woman?? I mean, HOLY MOTHER OF ALL THAT GOOD AND GLORIOUS. Sorry, did I do that wrong? I feel like I had a religious experience with these ribs. Collard greens? Great. Mac and cheese? Holy crap, so friggin good. Corn bread? Wa-owww. The CHICKEN WINGS? OH MY GOODNESS. THE POINT IS: this is the best BBQ you're gonna get in Boston. Get your behind over there.
(4)
John R.

What can I say? This place came in much above my expectations. I ate a light meal with the Seared Tuna Tacos but managed to get in a sample of the Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels (wow!), House Salad (very good), the Fried Shrimp with Buffalo Sauce, and I saw the New England Style Fried Haddock which looked amazing but was gone before I got a sample of that! If that was not good enough the Longtrail Ale on tap is amazing. Oh, and I forgot the Steamed East Coast Snow Crab Legs -- got a sample of those too! Thanks to everyone else at the table! The bottom line is that not only was everything very tasty with service beyond wonderful, but the dishes all had a little bit of a unique flare to them. This all comes down to making a huge hit in my book.
(5)
Joanna F.

I think my husband and I may have found our dream restaurant. I love seafood, he loves BBQ and East Coast Grill does both well. I got the mahi mahi which was delicious. Spiced perfectly, cooked perfectly and with great sides. Mysteriously I got greens on the side (without asking) instead of the standard fried plantain, but I was happier with the greens, so I didn't say anything. The grilled avocado was to die for (avocado put on a grill and filled with fruit) and the rice and beans were shockingly flavorful. My husband wasn't blown away by the BBQ, but definitely enjoyed it and would come back for more. Service was a little iffy and our server seemed a little confused/frazzled, but overall it was a good experience. I didn't have any booze, but the drinks sound great too. We'll be back!
(4)
Mena M.

I wish we could take our tip back. We finished a dinner with a large party and most of us had left. A few of us stayed back to finish watching the end of the game, which had about five minutes left. Unfortunately the bar tender turned the TV off and when questioned he told us "talk to the manager." The manager pulled a completely phony "oh, the TV is off?" charade and the other bartender pretended like the TV wasn't working. The manager told the bartender to turn the TV back on and in a backhanded way told us "can we at least have the table?" I would have been more than happy to leave them the table if someone had said "hey, do you mind if we clear the table for another party that needs to sit." Don't turn the TV off like we're a bunch of kids that need to go to bed on time. This is not our first time at East Coast Grill, but it's our last. Next time treat your customers with respect.
(1)
Joy S.

The server was nice and the food came quickly, however the flavors were hit or miss. The steak was over seasoned and very salty. The shrimp was good but over bland grits. The best thing we ordered were the French fries. They were like fresh cut boardwalk fries. Overall okay but wouldn't make the drive to come back.
(3)
Craig L.

Amazing place that is also local. Great beers, ribs, pulled pork, and OYSTERS! The food is great - I always seemingly get a platter and can barely finish it. Come here hungry and leave in a food coma.
(4)
Nina D.

Highly recommend! Not just because of the DIY bloody Mary bar (it's been so long since I've seen so many fresh ingredients, like fresh horseradish, etc), and not just because of the extensive interesting menu items for brunch, but also because all the waitstaff was so cool and infused the place with personality. That's the word to describe East Coat Grill - COOL! You really feel like you're in an awesome neighborhood institution here between the ambience and the not-so-cookie-cutter staff. Definitely planning to come back. My friend and I shared a divine chocolate cinnamon roll before our savory brunches - really cool, interesting combos of spice and savory and sweet! Mmmm!
(4)
Rachel M.

Very interesting food here. I also love the bloody mary bar for brunch. I've been about 5 times for dinners and brunches. When they say spicey, they mean it, and I like spicy, so be careful! Service is hit or miss I think, and its not great for picky eaters, but I tend to enjoy myself!
(3)
Joyce H.

Amazing Bloody Mary bar with all the fixins. Fresh oysters! And unbelievable mac n cheese!! I only wish they didn't close in the middle of the day. Still, coming back next weekend and probably the one after after that.
(5)
Sarah G.

East Coast Grill--you have really stepped up your game in my book! After going here for lunch, brunch, and hell night most recently, I really think that maybe just your normal dinners just don't do it for me, because everything else you did I loved! First, hell night. Yes, I am one of those crazy people who LOVE spicy food. I walked through storm Nemo to get reservations this year, and I am so glad we did! That spicy meat pie was just awesome. It made a few people cry a little in our group, but not me! I ended up finishing other people's :-) They also did a spicy tequila roulette (they were out of the spicy jello roulette!) and spicy swordfish, pork shoulder etc. Plus the place is decorated with such amazingly corny hell night things like a RIP cross for their previously famous hell night pasta, devils and skulls everything, and of of course death metal music playing in the background. And my friend ordered a Popsicle then, and this guy in an awesome chili pepper shirt came out with a kazoo with it just to embarrass him. Amazing and so fun, but with entrees at $30 definitely not cheap. Then brunch--that bloody mary bar (yes it is $11) is just too fun not to do on a weekend. They only thing missing from their unlimited toppings is BACON. Yup. Call me crazy but bacon in the bloody mary is pretty much perfection. But I do love all of the pickled veggies, spicy sauces, etc. And their brunch menu is also much more inventive too--spicy pork enchiladas baked and smothered with cheese, coconut fried fish tacos and rice, hanger steak and eggs with chimmichurri...yum! So East Coast Grill, you definitely have earned another star from me, and I can't wait for Hell Night part 2 in my future!
(4)
Derrick C.

This place still lives on as one of my favorite spots in the Boston area. The vibe and the food are both excellent but I have to admit, their brunch is better than their dinner. For apps, we split fresh oysters, clams, and the soft shell crab. For entrees, we split the Mahi Mahi, the cod, the pepper crusted Tuna, and the daily fried catfish. It's always amazing to me how good BBQ places can grill food evenly and keep the moisture in the meat as was the Mahi. I'm 2 for 2 for good meals here.
(4)
Renee G.

BEST RIBS EVER! The garlic bread is a staple and is fresh with a full head of roasted garlic that literally will spread on the bread with a knife like butter. My boyfriend ordered the ribs (must have) and I ordered the chicken. I probably won't order the chicken again - it was dry and the seasoning wasn't as flavorful and salty as I anticipated and sat on a mush bed of avacado and tomatoe salad (it sounded better on the menu then it actually was). But enough about the "meh" dish and back to the delectable rib dish.....I am speechless.... The ribs were one of the tastiest pieces of meat I've ever had and the side of rice was delicious. The service was great and I just love a restraraunt with an open kitchen. I recommend this place for anyone and everyone visiting or locals. I can't wait to go back for ribs and to try the crab legs. BEST RIBS EVER!
(5)
Hugo A.

Great food - mix of delicate seafood and high volume portions of BBQ. Cocktails are delicious and certainly do the trick. Service is generally good though there have been exceptions.
(4)
Kee K.

I really wanted to like this place and to be able to come back..the ambiance, though a little divy, is bright and comfortable, with a raw bar station and an open kitchen, and although it can get loud at times, the service is friendly and attentive. I went with my s/o - draft beers selection is average, at $6 per, and wine menu is not so extensive. We wanted to get some oysters, but were enticed to go big and get the seafood platter - oysters, clams, shrimp and tuna tartar. The oysters were decent enough (and reasonably priced), but the clams were way too briny, the tuna a little fishy masked by sesame oil, and...they were out of shrimp. We also shared the barbecue platter (Uncle something's trio?) - pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket, baked beans, cole slaw, and corn bread. First off, too much barbecue sauce! The ribs were a little rubbery, the pulled pork tasted alright but it could have been less chewy, and the brisket was way too tough. All that being said, we still had a good time, and I would definitely still recommend to check out at least once and see (and taste) for yourself. Perhaps it was a bad day.
(3)
Christie V.

Exceptional food and attentive service. However, I found myself without flat wear 4 times tonight. All but once did I have to ask for it. Because we we're befriended by the GM, we got an appetizer, dessert and round of port wine on the house.
(3)
Ana R.

The 6 Asian style oysters were a great start to our BBQy meal. We both had ribs, dry-rubbed and falling off the bone. Couldn't finish everything but definitely tried, although the cornbread was a disappointing dry mess. I'm glad I tried it, but without a groupon or similar deal, I probably won't return as the prices are crazy high and what you get is good, but not worth the money. Service and drinks were good, not great.
(3)
Mary M.

This might be my favorite place in all of Cambridge. The staff is beyond friendly, the food, whatever you order, is fantastic. Expensive, but you pay for what you get - and what you get is amazing quality and a meal you'll be thinking about for days.
(5)
Peter T.

Went here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. It was not good. I ordered a BBQ sandwich with cole slaw and potato salad. The sandwich came on a stale bun; crispy stale, not just a few days old. BBQ was tasteless and dry, but I could barely get the attention of the waiter to keep my glass full, making it difficult to choke down my food. And to make it worse, everything tasted like it was doused with chili powder -- maybe they were trying to cover the lack of flavor with heat. Overall, a very disappointing visit that unfortunately followed several generally positive experiences over the past few years. I doubt we will be going back.
(1)
Kiki P.

East Coast Grill is known for its "Hell Nights." These are dinner parties hosted by the owner Chris Schlesinger. Dishes include the "Pasta from Hell" etc. For some dishes, customers are required to sign a waiver! People have actually gone straight to the hospital after trying some of these dishes! This review is not about "Hell Night" because I couldn't stand two minutes of any event of that sort, nor do I have any desire to eat food from hell. I decided to checkout East Coast Grill on a regular Saturday night to see what all of this hype was about. For dinner I ordered the special of the day... cat fish, served with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans. This dish was absolutely delicious. The sweet mashed potatoes went perfectly with the cornmeal crusted fish. I also ordered a side of cornbread, which was not very good at all. I was pretty disappointed because I thought this restaurant specialized in Southern Style dishes. My brother, who is far braver than me, ordered some of the "Hell dishes" He had the Hell Bone Ribs and Ghost Bone Ribs. The Hell Bone Ribs are made with House Inner Beauty Sauce which is composed of Scotch Bonnet Chili Pepper and a little mustard. The Scotch Bonnet Pepper has a scoville rating of about 100,000-350,000. I watched my brother struggle to eat these ribs with tears running down his cheeks. It looked quite painful. The Ghost Bone Ribs are made with the famous ghost pepper, Naga Bhut Jolokia Chili Pepper with a scoville rating of 350,000-1,000,000. These ribs are coated with a sauce which is composed of ghost pepper, vinegar and tomato. The combination of these ingredients ends up diluting the ghost pepper so that it is actually bearable to eat. I noticed my brother was able to eat the Ghost Bone Ribs a little faster than the Hell Bone Ribs. He definitely enjoyed them more because he wasn't crying this time! So if you are looking for a spicy dish which is actually edible, checkout the Ghost Bone Ribs! In terms of ambiance, the restaurant has a laid back and comfortable feel. The music goes really well with the scene. Bob Dylan, The Beetles etc. Great service. I asked my server a billion questions about the types of chilis that they use and she was nice and patient with me. Overall: Had an awesome time at East Coast Grill and I learned a little more about Chili Peppers from the experience!
(4)
Susan C.

I hate to be a hater, and maybe the brunch experience here is better, but dinner was just MEH! I don't understand why this place gets such high marks from fellow Yelpers because I was thoroughly unimpressed by my dinner here 2 weeks ago. My dining companions and I ordered the buffalo shrimp, the tuna dumplings, a steak dish, and their BBQ sampler platter. For the price and the quality of food that came out, it was nothing to write home about (positively that is). The shrimp were good, but they were just fried shrimp. The tuna dumplings were extremely dry and were bland. The steak dish was ruined by the blue cheese mash. And the BBQ was not even comparable to the BBQ at places like Blue Ribbon, RedBones, Sweet Cheeks or any other BBQ place I can think of. The BBQ meats did not tasted like they were cooked low and slow at all, and were bland. MEH MEH MEH. Just not what I would expect from all the rave reviews. As a cherry on top, they also overcharged us on the bill. If math isn't the strong point of the servers, they should consider switching to a POS system instead of written checks.
(2)
Elizabeth S.

I liked this. Loved the kitschy decor (totem heads, volcano with lava, something that resembled a puffer fish), the friendly service, the tasty food and drinks. From my plate: Oysters: I'd stick raw. The Asian flavored ones (ginger, wasabi, etc) were creative, but do you really want to mask the flavor of the very expensive tiny slug? Well, maybe you're a more normal person and do. I don't! Mussels: these are good and HUGE. For an appetizer, they are like an oceans worth of dead little slugs. I felt like I should go atone with The Little Mermaid and Free Willy. Really great though. Pulled pork: yum Pecan pie: yum I'd like to come back and try the ribs in their various sauces. Fun place.
(4)
Jess H.

All of the food I've had here is delicious, whether seafood or BBQ. The seafood is fresh and prepared well, and the BBQ is flavorful and tender. The restaurant is a pretty cool atmosphere, and large enough to accommodate big groups. I wouldn't say that it's a super fancy experience, as one might expect from the price tag, but the food justifies the price.
(5)
Debbie S.

We visited on Sunday with lifelong friends upon excellent recommendations. Well, no so much. The food that we ordered WAS delicious warranting a "5"; our server was not very good at all "-1"; the restaurant was not impressive, disorganized, "old", felt "unclean" and unkept up "-1"; therefore a "3" review. I ordered the evening special - grilled swordfish, which came with sweet potatoes mashed and grilled greens - it WAS delicious. Friends ordered the mussels, also great, the mani mani with rice/black beans, also delicious. Not sure I would return......
(3)
Adam B.

Started a new dinner strategy, as me and my friends tend to enjoy appetizers and desserts. So we started off with the mussels, buffalo shrimp and tuna tacos. All there were great, each person had a different favorite, for me it was the buffalo shrimp and mussels. (worth ordering some bread to go with the mussels, surprised it doesn't come with them automatically actually). At this point we realized we may have ordered too much food. Round 2 was the catfish tacos, duck salad, dumpings and the bbq trio platter. Among the 2 meat eaters present the trio platter was very good, and the other 3 were all delicious as well. We were too full to eat dessert so our mission was a failure Instead we got it to go Keylime pie was very very good and was the winner over the pecan pie. Although wanted the chocolate peanut butter pie but was not available. Would i go back yes! 3$ PBRs certainly help
(4)
Michelle B.

Not sure what was going on here tonight... Service really sucked! They treated my friend so rudely...I expect much better for the price!
(1)
Danie R.

Torn. I loved making my own bloody. I was not even intending on drinking yesterday... But I did. And no regrets. The bloody bar had about 15 types of hot sauce in bottles, plus a bunch of spicy and flavorful sauces to be scooped in. There were also peppers, pickled veggies, capers, scallions, and of course, celery. I did not love what I ordered. $11 for one taco? It didn't have any flavor other than lime either. I ate an $11 lime taco. Such a bummer.
(3)
Kenny C.

A very interesting place. As my friend put it, it looked like in the 26 years they'd been in business, they just collected random crap and stuck everything on the walls. Definitely a lot of conflicting facets with the decor and logistics- glass doors, handwritten receipts, tacky framed items on the walls, good beer/wine selection... it goes on, really. The cooks behind the open kitchen only drink PBR as per ECG policy, which was a nice touch. It can get loud if you're near the kitchen though, so don't expect a quiet romantic conversation. Didn't know what to expect in terms of food portions, so my buddy and I just started with appetizers. Had a half dozen of the Wellfleet oysters. It was fresh, but we had better at Island Creek. Ordered two shrimp cocktails (individually priced at $3 apiece), and it came on an ice platter with a thing of dipping sauce. Definitely not what we expected and not as "Colossal" as the menu implied. The horseradish that they put on top of the cocktail sauce is super spicy but delicious. Think wasabi. On the other hand, the mussels came on a gigantic plate and were delicious. The coconut flavor was subtle. Our waitress mentioned that garlic toast is what they always recommend to have with the mussels to soak up the broth. What we received was three gigantic slabs of toast, which definitely helped fill us up to the point where we just had to opt out of ordering any entrees. We also had two hell bone ribs at $3 each. They were some of the biggest ribs I've ever seen, slathered in this super spicy yellow sauce. The hotness really snuck up on you. A rising heat that builds up until you're sweating bullets and hating life. But oh so delicious. Also had the chicken livers, which we didn't care for. I've only ever had pork and beef liver before, but I'll try anything once. Great service, and surprisingly, we didn't have to wait for a table for two. I can see why people rave about it. Sadly, we had just missed the Hell-o-daze, though maybe that was a blessing in disguise, as I do like my stomach.
(4)
Jessica L.

Not a great choice for women. I've been to ECG many times, and the experience is always the same: couples are treated well, groups with men and women are fine, but women alone or in groups are treated like they're just not worth the server's time. I went last Thursday with two (female) friends for a 7:30 reservation. We were given a table next to the bathrooms, with a vent in the wall blowing cool air directly on our table. When we asked to move, the server said no. So we spent the entire meal huddled over our food in our coast. We ordered starters, entrees, and drinks, too, so it wasn't as if they didn't make any money off of us. I felt bad for recommending it and will not do so again.
(2)
Tasha M.

Fantastic SEAFOOD! I love the tuna tacos, the crab claws, the mussels, whatever. If it swims or lives in the deep, you can rest assured. They know what they're doing with the fruit of the sea. The sides are delicious too, and extensive! Plantains to seared greens and everything in between. Wash it all down with a strong and/or spicy libation, and roll home happy.
(4)
Emma G.

ECG is great. I went with a friend for a dinner date and we started with two lovely seasonal beers. Mine was pumpkin ale. Thank god it's pumpkin ale season! I think it was Cambridge Brewing Co's pumpkin and it was tasty. They immediately bring a dish of house-made pickles to your table (far superior to a bread basket in my opinion). Delish! We started with the Ginger Tuna & Pork Sausage Dumplings. Tuna+Pork in sausage sounds REALLY weird, but we just knew we had to do it, and we were right. Juicy, fatty in the right way, dusted with "orange coriander dust"...? The skins were seared and the portion (6 dumplings) was a great starter to share and a bargain at $8.50 per order. My friend and I couldn't decide on one thing each, so we split entrees too. We shared the Chile Crusted Black 'n Blue Tuna Taco (listed as an appetizer, but you get two hefty-sized tacos and it is definitely entree sized especially with a starter and/or a beer). I'm all about seared tuna in tacos (I had a great one at Five Horses Tavern in Somerville, too, definitely try those!). As stated on the menu, the taco has Arugula, Avocado, Pickled Jicama & an Orange Chipotle Glaze, and the flavors meld together really well. We also got Uncle Bud's Trio Platter, which is a trio of the ribs, the brisket, and the shredded pork (looked like pulled pork to me- are they the same?), and also came with cornbread (I didn't try it and my friend didn't finish it), baked beans (decent, but not as delightfully soft and stewy as you'd want. almost seemed undercooked), and cole slaw (mediocre). The meat, however, was great. I liked the atmosphere inside, very informal and relaxed, and friendly/prompt service. It was fun sitting near the open kitchen. I was fairly mesmerized by the spit-roasting chickens. Ask my friend, I hardly looked at her all night.
(4)
J B.

Finally checked Hell Night off the bucket list - and I will be back again for another Hell Night, and a normal night. I could manage one spoonful of the chili, which was the hottest thing on the menu (and that I've ever tasted). Glad I can say I tried it at least. My entree was the crispy pork & shrimp w/ scotch bonnet lo mein and it was outrageously good. It was wicked hot, and probably my tolerance level, and the flavor was just amazing. One of the best spicy dishes I've ever had. My wife's steak was pretty dry b/c it was over cooked, but the flavor was awesome. I think this execution flaw was probably just due to the prep for Hell Night. Our friend's fish was cooked to perfection, so we all know that's harder to do - so there's certainly no lack of talent in the kitchen. Owner was walking around talking to people, kitchen staff was booming, it was quite the atmosphere - unlike anything I've been to in the Boston area. 4.5 Stars
(4)
Arjun S.

Value for money . And worth a trip... Its just a X factor i dont know what is missing. Rest all good no complaints.
(4)
Peter E.

This place is pretty neat - nice to have a seafood / BBQ place in Boston - not too many around. Went with my wife and a friend. Good drinks to start and the pickled veggies they brought out were pretty awesome. Appetizers didn't come out together, which was a bit odd and the dinner took awhile, but was generally really good. My wife and her friend loved their meals, but my mahi mahi wasn't fully cooked so I wasn't in love with my dish. We each paid $3 extra for some corn bread, but it was so dry it was like dust in your mouth. All in all, if it were me alone, I would give this place only 3 stars, but my wife and friend really liked it and it definitely eclectic and different, so I'll probably be back to try this place again.
(4)
Gary M.

Eclectic, but just not that great. Expensive relative to value. I asked to substitute fries instead of mashed sweet potatoes with my meal. The answer was no, but I could pay for an additional side of fries, which are the same $6 price as the mashed sweet potatoes. Really? At first I thought the waiter was joking. OK, not joking, so I skipped the fries (and a more expensive meal). I instead spent $15 for a shrimp appetizer. The 6 whole shrimp were overcooked to the point that they were a challenge to peel. The flavors were interesting, but not memorable. My son went for snow crab legs, which were also meh. Alas, I was expecting a great experience, and instead I will not be back.
(2)
John T.

Make your own bloody mary!!!! pretty awesome. i got the beef brisket sandwich. it was amazing. i heard the sunday brunch is the best in the area so try that too. the wait staff was freakishly nice but not in annoying way. good times.
(4)
Elle W.

It's not a good sign when the most memorable thing about my experience here is how cold it was inside the restaurant. We moved our seat once because we were sitting next to the A/C vent and it was blowing directly on us. Even at the table next to the kitchen it was really drafty. I was wearing my long puffy north face coat throughout my entire meal - my friends also kept their coats on. The host never smiled once and rolled her eyes when we asked to move away from the A/C vent. Sorry to inconvenience you, lady. Aside from that, the food was good. My friends really liked their steak and eggs. I had the tuna tacos which were small, but good. The bloody mary bar was great. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. In summary, you won't be disappointed by the food or the waitstaff, but you might want to dress in layers - and ignore the unfriendly greeting at the front door.
(3)
Maria R.

The food here is awesome. Their shrimp tacos and oysters were awesome when I had them. The atmosphere is not very appealing to me, but stay for the food. Service is good too.
(4)
Boston D.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston although my first Hell Night this week was disappointing: food was not served hot and overall neither particularly spicy or tasty, with some exceptions...the shrimp appetizer was excellent. The loud Hell Night atmosphere was fun though.
(5)
David K.

I went here last night with my girlfriend, who has a gluten allergy, after seeing some positive reviews on the Gluten Free App, FindMeGlutenFree. While the don't have a gluten-free menu, they are very knowledgeable as to what might be cross-contaminated, and what could be prepared gluten free (pretty much everything on the menu)! They included a card which informed the chef that she had a gluten allergy (big plus!!) which was included on the entree plate. They were more than happy to include substitutions on the sides which did contain gluten, and didn't bat an eye. I don't have a gluten allergy. however am also a huge fan! If you like outrageously spicy food, this is a must-go location! Usually a lot of places tend to boast about having "spicy" food and tend to disappoint when you realize how watered-down their "hot" food is. I was met with a delicious surprise by their Hell and Ghost pepper ribs, which despite making my face feel like it was being burned off had an amazing seasoning and flavor (not just burn). Can't wait to try their hell night. Their regular ribs are outrageously good too. Best dry-rub I have had in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville (Redbones doesn't hold a candle to this). Entrees came to the table fresh-hot, and were absolutely delicious. Spit chicken was perfectly cooked, and NC Pulled pork was true to its name; good vinegar based BBQ that wasn't overpoweringly vinegar-y.
(5)
Cindy K.

I love East Coast Grill. I've been here a ton. Last time I was here, the service was great. We had a party of 10 and we called head for a reservation. It was ready for the time promised. Food was great. I love their bbq and their cornbread is massive. I also like the fact that its not just bbq and you had a choice for seafood too, which I also have tried and loved. The best thing about this place is their drinks. Not only are they delicious, but they have all these fun swizzle stick that go along with them. Suggestion: if you are ever thinking about going to Hell Night here (which is practically impossible to get into) I recommend trying the Hell bone first there on a normal dinner. Its way to spicy even for me, and I love spicy. The Hell bone is their weakest level of spicy in the Hell Night menu, so if you don't pass the Hell bone test, I don't suggest you going to Hell Night.
(4)
Skye G.

On the run we stopped in for a really fast bite to eat. Pulled up a stool at the bar and got a drink and some apps. The bartender was friendly and quick and our food came right out. Nice place, one I'd like to go back to when I can sit and relax and try their Margaritas. Wings - 3.5 stars Dumplings - mmm 3 stars Buffalo shrimp - 3.5 stars Bumping it to a 4 because of the good vibe, and quick service.
(4)
Cassandra O.

Went for drinks and apps on my birthday. Strong pours, cajun shrimp, catfish tacos and bbq heaven. Received a wonderful birthday gift on the house -- don't want to spoil the surprise, but it's something you never knew you needed.
(4)
Joann K.

From the minute you walk in, you are greeted by 5 staff members. Everyone is super friendly. The food is great especially the ribs and oysters. They serve their dishes with baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread and watermelon. You can't go wrong. Stop here if you are in the Cambridge area!
(4)
Juliet A.

When my foodie-phenom brothers-in-law said our first Bostonian reunion meal would be at East Coast Grill, I came with high expectations. Expectations that were most deliciously met. East Coast Grill has a laid back vibe about it, although the prices ain't too chill. With specialties in both seafood and bbq, there are plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. I can't remember all that I sampled from my in-laws' plates, but I remember it was all mighty fine. I myself had an appetizer - the PEI mussels served with a coconut lime sauce, with a side of crusty, buttery, seasoned bread that was pretty much out of this world. My hubs had the mahi mahi, which came with a side of rice and beans, veggies and platanos. YUM. Perfectly cooked, flaky, tender. My sis-in-law, a diehard vegetarian, bemoaned the lack of veg-head options here, but settled on their "farmer's bounty" (something like that" dinner which, for around $30, was quite possibly the most ridiculous amount of vegetables (and...hidden within...spaghetti?) I'd ever seen served. But MAN were those veggies tasty! My only qualm with the joint was the poor/surly customer service. Perhaps it was just our waitress - an older lady who didn't seem happy to be there or happy to take our orders. She pretty much asked us to stop talking so she could put our water glasses down, and she balked at the fact that I was "only ordering an appetizer" (which, it should be said, was WAY MORE than I could have possibly eaten on my own). Even though I ordered just an appetizer and all seven of us were sharing dishes, we left with tons of leftovers. So keep that in mind, and tsk tsk to the waiters that try to guilt you into ordering more. In all, a SOLID place for yummy in my tummy seafood.
(4)
Dmitri M.

One of the best meals I've ever had! The oysters, soft shell crab, BBQ platter, drinks, and service were all excellent! I'm definitely going back and bringing friends and family!
(5)
Brian D.

I just finished splitting the BBQ trio, tuna tacos, and a half dozen oyster. Fantastic. Trio comes with ribs, brisket, and Carolina pulled pork. Then you get some cornbread, slaw and bomb baked beans with bacon in em. Top it off with a Pacifico and some good friends and I'm fine tonight
(5)
Geoff I.

This place is great! Food rocks your face off! The staff was really friendly and the food speaks for itself!
(5)
Grace M.

Could not believe how rude the people are here. Half of the dining experience is the customer service! Even when I tried calling I got hung up on! I guess you guys just want to push away new customers. Shame on you, I will be recommending to friends to NOT visit here.
(1)
Ryan O.

This is probably one of the best restaurants in Cambridge. I have been many times. I just went recently and had oysters and mussels. The mussels melted in my mouth, they were so good. Also had the buffalo shrimp. I went to their Hell Night last spring. OMG. It was pretty amazing. I had the hottest martini ever made. It had an oyster in it and I could not even finish it. The people that work there are great. I sat next to the cooking area and was handed free samples of swordfish. Best place ever. Good place for a date.
(5)
Nicholas S.

Wow. I've eaten at a lot of restaurants in my life, and I know what good service is, and last night, East Coast Grill delivered on great service, great food, and great ambiance. Some details: Made reservation (highly recommended because it's always busy) for 7pm. Called an hour and a half before and asked to move to 7:15. "No problem." My date and I were greeted by 4 people between when we stepped in the door and when we sat down: 1.) The bartender yells over a busy bar, "Welcome, guys! Someone will be right with ya!" 2.) A waitress passing by a few seconds later ("She'll be right with you!") 3.) The Hostess - greeted with a smile 4.) As we were walking to our table, a server passing by from another table says, "Enjoy your meal, guys!" Uh, Thanks!? They clearly drill and practice on this. The water came to our table in under 30 seconds. Best practice. Ambiance has the feel of a tiki bar meets, uh, hip raw bar/bistro, I guess? Anyways, there was plenty to look at without feeling like the walls of an Applebees. Music was great too, upbeat mix of 80's rock hits and some other upbeat instrumentals. ****The "pre-dinner bread" at the table was in fact a medley of pickles, some exotic onion and big sliced carrots. AWESOME! Cleansed the palette and was light alternative that was fun to eat and tough to fill up on while waiting for the meal. Drink orders put in less than 5 minutes after sitting down. Could have been faster, but was a busy night. She got red wine. I got planters punch. Red wine came with cool little elephant drink charm (it's the little things) I got the mahi mahi. Asked the waitress, is it good? She gives knowing smile, "mmmm, well done!" Servers know the menu inside and out. We order 6 Asian style oysters. They've been reviewed here already. Great alternative to traditional oysters and they were 100% prepared so all we had to do was slurp 'em down. All food arrives HOT and in a timely manner. The mahi mahi WAS well done! Delicious! Soooo juicy on the inside, cooked all the way through. I was loving it. Sides were some spicy rice and a GRILLED half-avacado hallowed out and filled with mango salsa. I ate everything! Waitress checks on us twice while we eat. I down the water early and leave on the inside of the table to see if anybody would notice. The next time someone swings through our part of the restaurant, boom, they reach over and fill me up. Pro. So yeah, the meal with 2 main courses, 2 glasses of wine, glass of planters punch and oyster apps was $102. That's what I'd expect some one of the best raw bars and grills in the area. They worked hard for that money and they earned it. Like I said, I've been to a lot of restaurants, in a lot of different places across the globe. I always wanted to check out East Coast Grill and they delivered. I'd happily go there again - there was still a lot on the menu I'd want to try. Well done guys, well done. I don't usually spend the time to go on and review like this, but damn, these folks earned it.
(5)
H. A.

Here's the thing: I enjoy ECG. I love the lively atmosphere, the fun events, the fresh seafood. But the pricing doesn't match the quality of the food. You pay $26-32 for a down-home BBQ meal. Dishes can be hit or miss-- really awesome or just okay. Nothing is BAD, but no one wants to pay $30 for a "just okay" entree.
(3)
Meagan S.

After looking through Yelp for some gluten-free and allergy friendly places, I stumbled upon the East Coast Grill. We arrived and the three of us were seated right away. I told them I had gluten/wheat and soy allergies and they told me without batting an eye that they could take care of me. First off, were the pickles. The pickled veggies are free and they give you a little bowl of them when you sit down. We didn't know what they were at first, but when we asked our server she said "house made pickles." After the first bite our eyes got big and we demolished the whole bowl. When the night was done we had eaten three. I would go back for the free pickles alone! I ordered the brisket (no sauce, had soy) and did some substitutions on the sides since it was cornbread and other stuff which I could not have because of my gluten allergy. My plate consisted of brisket, mashed sweet potatoes, grilled greens and watermelon. It was to DIE for - the sweet potatoes were pimping hot and melted in your mouth. When my plate arrived it came with an orange card that read: "Attention Chef! I have a severe allergy to (fill in the blank) gluten. To help me a void a severe reaction, please: 1. Be sure my food doesn't contain these ingredients. 2. Prepare my food away from dishes with these ingredients. 3. Clean any surfaces used to prepare these ingredients. 4. Wash any pots, pans and utensils before preparing any food" I was floored! I have never seen such a competent display of dealing with food allergies. Throughout the meal I could hear the kitchen shouts and many of them contained "blah blah meal with nut allergy" or "dairy allergy" etc. Because of all this (and a very knowledgeable server) I felt very safe and confident making food choices here. When the night was over I was full, satisfied, NOT feeling sick (actually feeling great), and I had leftovers! My brother's fiancee got the pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, watermelon and baked beans. She said it was all good, but the sauce on the sandwich was lacking. My brother got the 1/2 maple chipotle glazed chicken with apple and pecan sweet potatoes and bacon greens. He demolished the chicken quickly! We helped him with the veggies :) I ate most of my plate, but the portions were perfect in the fact that they were not too big or too small. I could have easily eaten have and taken the rest home for another meal. We were too full for dessert and I never saw a dessert menu, so I can't vouch for how good the desserts are. Overall, great quality food. Fun, warm, lively, atmosphere. Go for the pickles, stay for the food, and they'll def take care of those who have food allergies. I had very positive experience and WILL def be going back. Thanks East Coast Grill! Also, their specials looked great and change regularly - so there's def no way to not find something that you like!!
(5)
Jeremy Y.

The worst BBQ I've ever had! We ordered pulled pork and dry rub pork ribs. Both are bad. The pulled pork is so dry, and not much flavor to it. The ribs are very tough, salty, and char flavor dominates. I cannot taste the pork flavor. Also the fat are rendered. The beans are overpowered by some spice and not soft. The cole slaw was okay but nothing special. The corn bread is drier than our taste, although I'd say I've had much worse corn bread. Theirs is at least tasty. So for the price range, this is totally a big disappointment. Maybe this place is good for seafood. But it's BBQ is abysmal!
(2)
Fun Night S.

Great drinks. Great mussels. Awesome BBQ trio dinner. Cool and causal. I will go check out their brunch.
(4)
Lisa B.

I wish it was possible to give less than one star, I cannot tolerate lying. We walked in and they asked if we had a reservation and we said no. They said it would be an hour, then it was half an hour. We asked if we could sit at the four places open at the bar and he said no, it was reserved. Two people walked in five minutes later and said they didn't have a reservation and they were told it would be an hour wait. Then they asked if they could sit at the bar and were told yes, they could eat at the bar. then I turned around and said to my husband we were leaving since those people didn't have a reservation and they were seated and the place is just chaos. The man followed us out and blatantly lied to my face that the other people had a reservation. When I said I know they didn't, I heard them say so, his story changed and it was that anybody could sit at the bar. When I said we asked and you said no the story now was the bar had been reserved but then the people didn't take their seats so it was open again. Just more stories. The restaurant was very loud and chaotic because the people seating customers have no clue what they're doing. If you tolerate lying, maybe it's okay, but not for me
(1)
Kenji G.

Had a great time with clients at the East Coast Grill. Great service, staff and food.
(5)
Corey L.

I've been here a few times. Once in the morning so my then-girlfriend could drink off her hangover with a bloody mary. I tried one and realized yet again that no, I do not like Bloody Mary's. But the breakfast was good. I was also here on a date with a very cute girl who ended up telling me about her brother in prison and cried. ... but the food was good. Finally, tonight - came with my buddy on a Wednesday around 8pm and it was packed with a 35 minutes wait. But we were ravenous and like stealthy ninjas stole 2 seats at the bar after waiting for like 45 seconds. BAM! Bar tender was busy, but still helpful and nice. We splite the roasted chicken and brisket. My buddy really wanted fish, but they were out of both the mahi mahi and other fish - only having the haddock. But alas, my friend was trying to be healthy and they could not grill it b/c it was too crumbly and would be lost forever to the grill. Chicken and it's fixin's: quite good. I really liked the sauce. It's a half chicken and I'm obsessive about getting all the meat, so it was like a fun adventure for me that disgusted everyone around me. Only problem is that some of the meat doesn't seem entirely cooked whenever it's served that way. But I'm still here, so it's okay. Came with corn on the cob (tasty), and tomatoes (grilled and good). Brisket was in a good sauce and nice - not super tender, which was good for me. Corn bread was good, as was the watermelon and mixed beans. Overall, good meal and experience. And he didn't cry, which was good
(4)
Kim K.

I just went to the East Coast Grill for the first time after years of hype from my husband. We attended their In Praise of the Braise night. While I'm totally behind these types of specialty events, I did find the menu to be extremely limited and the food to be just ok. I was hoping for bolder flavors and more diverse ingredients. All the same, I'd return anytime to try their regular menu. Awesome location, decent prices, extremely nice staff.
(3)

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Address : 1271 Cambridge St
Cambridge, MA, 02139
Phone (617) 491-6568
Website https://eastcoastgrill.net
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:30 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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East Coast Grill

1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA, 02139

East Coast Grill Menu

Starters

Entrees

Ribs

Raw Bar

Bbq Plates

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for East Coast Grill

Starters

Entrees

Ribs

Raw Bar

Bbq Plates

Sides

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