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Name: Red Bird
Address: 361 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453
Telephone: (781) 891-5486
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.08

Red Bird

361 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453

(781) 891-5486
Store is closed

Red Bird Menu

Antipasti

Baby Spinach, Duck Prosciutto, Spring Figs and Citrus Vinaigrette

Beef Carpaccio, Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano-Regianno and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tuscan Scampi, Artichokes and Olives Over Crispy Polenta Crusted Tomatoes with Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Creamy Asparagus Soup with Shaved Parmigiano-Regianno

Fava Beans in Garlic Basil Butter with Pecorino Romano and Sourdough Bruschetta

Tuscan Caesar Salad with White Anchovies, Crispy Parmesan and Sour Dough Croutons

Sauteed Chicken Livers, Prosciutto, arugula and Bruschetta

Seasonal Greens with Shallot Red Wine Vinaigrette

Antipasto Misto

Baby Spinach, Duck Prosciutto, Spring Figs and Citrus Vinaigrette

Beef Carpaccio, Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano-Regianno and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tuscan Scampi, Artichokes and Olives Over Crispy Polenta Crusted Tomatoes with Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Creamy Asparagus Soup with Shaved Parmigiano-Regianno

Fava Beans in Garlic Basil Butter with Pecorino Romano and Sourdough Bruschetta

Tuscan Caesar Salad with White Anchovies, Crispy Parmesan and Sour Dough Croutons

Sauteed Chicken Livers, Prosciutto, arugula and Bruschetta

Seasonal Greens with Shallot Red Wine Vinaigrette

Antipasto Misto
Pasta

Ravioli of Sweet Peas and Ricotta in a Spring Onion Brodo with Prosciutto, Fresh Peas, Butter and Parmesan

Linguini Primavera with Asparagus, Fava Beans, Pine Nuts and Spring Onions

Fettuccine Alle Vongole Mahogony Clams, Cockles, Housemade Tuscan Sausage, Tomatoes and White Wine

Tortellini Bolognese

Ravioli of Sweet Peas and Ricotta in a Spring Onion Brodo with Prosciutto, Fresh Peas, Butter and Parmesan

Linguini Primavera with Asparagus, Fava Beans, Pine Nuts and Spring Onions

Fettuccine Alle Vongole Mahogony Clams, Cockles, Housemade Tuscan Sausage, Tomatoes and White Wine

Tortellini Bolognese
Secondi

Spit Roasted Leg of Lamb, Mint Pesto, Creamy Polenta and Pan Fried Pea Tendrils

Chicken Al Matone, Caramelized Vidalia Onions and Garlic Potato Puree

Pan Seared Scallops, Sardinian Couscous, Crispy Zucchini and Squash with Tomato, Lemon and White Wine

Wood Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna, Salsa Verde, Spring Vegetable Risotto Cake and Roasted Sunchokes

Veal Osso Buco with Strawberry Balsamic Risotto

Tuscan T-Bone, Crispy Potatoes and Stewed Leeks with Applewood Bacon

Spit Roasted Leg of Lamb, Mint Pesto, Creamy Polenta and Pan Fried Pea Tendrils

Chicken Al Matone, Caramelized Vidalia Onions and Garlic Potato Puree

Pan Seared Scallops, Sardinian Couscous, Crispy Zucchini and Squash with Tomato, Lemon and White Wine

Wood Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna, Salsa Verde, Spring Vegetable Risotto Cake and Roasted Sunchokes

Veal Osso Buco with Strawberry Balsamic Risotto

Tuscan T-Bone, Crispy Potatoes and Stewed Leeks with Applewood Bacon

Healthy Meal suggestions for Red Bird

Antipasti

Baby Spinach, Duck Prosciutto, Spring Figs and Citrus Vinaigrette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Carpaccio, Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano-Regianno and Extra Virgin Olive Oil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan Scampi, Artichokes and Olives Over Crispy Polenta Crusted Tomatoes with Aged Balsamic Vinegar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creamy Asparagus Soup with Shaved Parmigiano-Regianno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fava Beans in Garlic Basil Butter with Pecorino Romano and Sourdough Bruschetta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan Caesar Salad with White Anchovies, Crispy Parmesan and Sour Dough Croutons [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauteed Chicken Livers, Prosciutto, arugula and Bruschetta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasonal Greens with Shallot Red Wine Vinaigrette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Baby Spinach, Duck Prosciutto, Spring Figs and Citrus Vinaigrette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Carpaccio, Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano-Regianno and Extra Virgin Olive Oil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan Scampi, Artichokes and Olives Over Crispy Polenta Crusted Tomatoes with Aged Balsamic Vinegar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creamy Asparagus Soup with Shaved Parmigiano-Regianno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fava Beans in Garlic Basil Butter with Pecorino Romano and Sourdough Bruschetta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan Caesar Salad with White Anchovies, Crispy Parmesan and Sour Dough Croutons [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauteed Chicken Livers, Prosciutto, arugula and Bruschetta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasonal Greens with Shallot Red Wine Vinaigrette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasto Misto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Ravioli of Sweet Peas and Ricotta in a Spring Onion Brodo with Prosciutto, Fresh Peas, Butter and Parmesan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguini Primavera with Asparagus, Fava Beans, Pine Nuts and Spring Onions [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettuccine Alle Vongole Mahogony Clams, Cockles, Housemade Tuscan Sausage, Tomatoes and White Wine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Ravioli of Sweet Peas and Ricotta in a Spring Onion Brodo with Prosciutto, Fresh Peas, Butter and Parmesan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguini Primavera with Asparagus, Fava Beans, Pine Nuts and Spring Onions [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettuccine Alle Vongole Mahogony Clams, Cockles, Housemade Tuscan Sausage, Tomatoes and White Wine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortellini Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Secondi

Spit Roasted Leg of Lamb, Mint Pesto, Creamy Polenta and Pan Fried Pea Tendrils [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Al Matone, Caramelized Vidalia Onions and Garlic Potato Puree [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Seared Scallops, Sardinian Couscous, Crispy Zucchini and Squash with Tomato, Lemon and White Wine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna, Salsa Verde, Spring Vegetable Risotto Cake and Roasted Sunchokes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veal Osso Buco with Strawberry Balsamic Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan T-Bone, Crispy Potatoes and Stewed Leeks with Applewood Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spit Roasted Leg of Lamb, Mint Pesto, Creamy Polenta and Pan Fried Pea Tendrils [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Al Matone, Caramelized Vidalia Onions and Garlic Potato Puree [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Seared Scallops, Sardinian Couscous, Crispy Zucchini and Squash with Tomato, Lemon and White Wine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna, Salsa Verde, Spring Vegetable Risotto Cake and Roasted Sunchokes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veal Osso Buco with Strawberry Balsamic Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan T-Bone, Crispy Potatoes and Stewed Leeks with Applewood Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Waltham for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 881 Moody St )

Visit below restaurant in Waltham for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 881 Moody St )

Write An Anonymous Review

Sean R.

12/6/14 Sat at the bar and absolutely feasted on bread, appetizers, and sides. Handmade gnocchi, braised short rib, mixed green salad, torn fried potatoes all were fantastic and hit the spot. They should throw some bacon and cheddar on the potatoes and I would be there every week! They did take the arancini off the menu which was disappointing, but I can't complain about the other options. We will be back soon.
(5)
Garrett V.

Highly recommend Red Bird. I am not a meat eater, my friend is. Day boat scallops on the corn risotto were perfectly cooked, the corn in the risotto stil had a snap and sweetness. My friend loved the Bolognese. We also ordered a side of the torn potato fries. OMG. French fries will never be as good. The Neapolitan and Malt ice cream desert are both highly recommended. The bright, lively interior gave a nice atompshere, but wouldn't call it romantic. Broad selection of wines by the glass. Creative cocktails.
(5)
Jae P.

Kudos to Red Bird for having a vegetarian menu; loss of kudos for not knowing what a vegetarian diet consists of. Second time going, and second time receiving non-vegetarian eats. Sadly, we will no longer be returning. Granted, this time it wasn't shrimp, it was gelatin (which has horse hooves), and it was the complimentary snack after the meal. It shouldn't have been dropped at a vegetarian table. The Greek salad was sad; the tagliatelle was just okay, it was pretty under seasoned; and the brussel sprouts were way overcooked. Best thing was the buffalo cauliflower. The price point does not match the quality. I would hop over to the opposite side of Moody St. and check out The Backroom. Service is stellar though!
(2)
Jamie S.

Fun date night! We had the Buffalo cauliflower for an app and I would go back just for that! All of the entrees our table ordered were amazing! The cocktails were original and refreshing!! One of the best restaurants in Waltham! Definitely returning.
(5)
Kim M.

It breaks my heart to write this review - which is why I've put it off so long - because Will and I had been DYING to try Red Bird ever since it opened and especially after our wonderful V-day Solea experience! So here's the rundown of what we ordered: HOMEMADE POTATO GNOCCHI: Definitely one of the better dishes of the night. The gnocchi was sticky (in the best way) and the mushrooms were very tender. Still, something was a-miss. Unfortunately I should've wrote this in March when I would've remembered but like I said, it was a very disappointing dinner which we had high expectations for. FRENCH ONION SOUP: The gnocchi came out with the soup - they were serving us in courses of sorts since we ordered a random assortment of food rather than the typical an entree per person kind of deal. Everything about the soup was delicious ... except that it was over-salted - Will mostly ate that one, he LOVES salt and even he admitted it was a bit too much. BRAISED SHORT RIBS: Probably tied for our favorite dish of the night. This one we scarfed down, the meat was juicy, succulent and melted in your mouth. Excellent flavors. DUCK CONFIT: We split this entree and had very high hopes. We had tried duck confit for the first time at Solea and were excited to try a different take on it. The duck was cooked very well, meat falling off the bone, we didn't care for the vegetable hash that much - it just seemed like it was there and didn't even add anything to the plate, the colors were very muted. Everything with this dish would've been great if the duck didn't have this weird creamy, mayo/hollandaise like sauce on top of the duck. That really didn't sit well with us and we pretty much were scraping it off to enjoy the already well-seasoned meat. BRUSSEL SPROUTS: I insist on a vegetable with every meal and our go-to is a side of brussel sprouts or asparagus which I've never had anyone do wrong in nicer restaurants. Well, Red Bird managed to do it. The seasoning was unimpressive and the vegetable itself came out quite charred (please refer to picture) - and not in the way that was contributing anything to the already underwhelming flavor. DESSERT: Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the dessert we ordered and with their rotating menu, it's not available at Red Bird anymore which is such a shame because it was the dish that was tied for our favorite. It was a flan of sorts dinner with creme brulee'd bananas, and an assortment of other delicious dessert-y bites around it. My words aren't doing it justice but the picture should! We'll just settle with - it was as delicious as it looks. DRINKS: I will say one thing, Red Bird has an interesting drink menu, definitely give that a whirl. Overall, if the portions are going to be small and the prices high, there needs to be consistency between the dishes. Not some coming out right and others falling flat on its face. I don't know how the menu has changed now but from my experiences, the Red Bird experience you really want is at Tempo just across the street and down a ways. Price range about the same and the portions are MUCH bigger and each dish I've ever sampled or eaten there has never let me down and always left me moaning in pure bliss with each bite.
(2)
Chris N.

Another amazing restaurant on Moody St. I've been a fan since this place opened. The food is great. The wine and bourbon selection is great too. Rachel is amazing bartender. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Gotta try a Blackberry Bourbon Bramble and the Red Sangria. Two of my favorite specialty drinks in addition to their Whistle Pig Manhattan. For dinner: With apps, I would go with homemade potato gnocchi with the madeira jus or sticky pork ribs. Main course: Slow Simmered Pork Ragu (if you didn't go pasta in apps) or veal Saltibocca. Both are great. You can't go wrong.
(5)
Lindsey M.

I was so excited to come to Red Bird but my experience there was not great. A lot of the issues had to due with bad timing (we arrived at 8:30pm due to a late meeting at work) but there were also things beyond my control that made the experience poor. We came on a Tuesday night and found two open spots at the end of the bar. There was a TV right ahead of us which was great but the open container of bar fruit in front of us made for a lovely game of "who can kill the most fruit flies" all night. The bartender was very nice but she was also very flustered. She had mentioned that they had one of the busiest Tuesdays in a long time and it was very busy earlier on. At 8:30pm the crowds just were not there anymore, but we could tell that since all specials were all sold out that yes indeed they were probably busy. Even though it was not busy anymore, we still waited a long time to order drinks. Once we received the drinks, I put in the appetizer of the homemade potato gnocchi. We waited about 20+ minutes for the gnocchi to come out, it was very good; very rich and had a great pasta to lamb ratio but the portion was very small. We were never asked how the appetizer was and I had to hunt the bartender down to put in our main meals. For our main meals we got the chicken and the hanger steak. Because of the timing of finally putting this order in, our meals didn't come out for another 30 minutes and at this point we were starving. The chicken and steak were excellent, cooked to perfection, wonderfully seasoned and a great large portion. We were very happy with the meals, but the timing of everything just really made the experience not so great. What I do like about Red Bird is that it is beautifully decorated and that the wine list is phenomenal. No bottle of wine was over $58, so the price point was very good. They also have a great list of cocktails and craft beers available as well. What I do not like about Red Bird is that we had fruit flies around us all night, that there were no specials (again our fault for coming at 8:30pm - but the bartender even said they sold out early), not having someone check in with us on our food and also just the fact that we had to hunt down our bartender to put orders in for everything. It could of been just an off night but when you spend $150 for two people on dinner you want to leave feeling like you enjoyed your time and your meal. I just don't know if we will be back after our first experience.
(3)
Peter D.

Had a good if not great meal here. There was literally no one else in the restaurant on a Wednesday at 7pm but could imagine it is a good scene when busy. I started with the deviled eggs which were great and not overly drenched in mayo, followed by the pork chop which was great and more than I could finish. Given the other options in the area this was a nice surprise and would go back.
(4)
Melissa L.

Wonderful Wednesday night dinner. Food (quality, taste combinations on each plate, and presentation) was excellent and portions generous. We were shocked at how quiet the place was. We are new to the area from Los Angeles and maybe that is more the way things are here. Our party didn't mind the quiet at all, but the only negative thing I could say is that the atmosphere was much more sedate than we expected. Recommending by a friend and will be recommending to others!
(5)
Martha F.

We found Red Bird through Yelp and I recommend this restaurant to other yelpers. I have no negative press to share....if I could I would give a 4.5 rating. We had three different meals...swordfish, salmon and the pork chop which were all prepared to our liking. Beware, the bone in pork chop is huge but delicious. We had the brussel sprouts and kale sides. Overall, thumbs up on the swordfish and brussel sprouts. Service was right on target. Lastly, I love the decor in Red Bird. It was contemporary and intimate.
(4)
Jessica B.

Red Bird is lovely, but perhaps a bit too precious for me. A lot of style but an unimaginative menu and meh service provided for a serious lack of substance. I was going to wait until I visited again before I reviewed to see if they were having an off night, but I have no desire to return. I did like the artistic rendering of a cardinal in a tree, the shiny bricks, the stained glass, and the large deuce booth. A party of 10 was seated right before us and it was clear that the waitress couldn't handle both that table and ours. When she made it over, we were ready to order our entire meals for fear we would never see her again. We got bread and butter by request and quickly finished our small beet salads. Then she removed our bread plates and silverware but left the bread and us alone for quite awhile. Were we supposed to jam the bread in the butter with our bare hands? Charming. I had the duck confit with root vegetable hash (hold the hollandaise). While duck is usually quite rich and filling, this was a small piece, mostly skin and bone. Root vegetables are cheap, but oddly, I only got a couple of spoonfuls. I don't think I've ever complained about the portion sizes being small in a restaurant, but after the small beet salad, and the duck, I was still hungry. I had ordered a second drink during dinner, but was done before it appeared. While it's a step above most of the other restaurants on Moody St., I'd hardly give it 5 stars.
(3)
john c.

Went in on a Thursday night, not knowing what to expect. It was Totally worth it. We had cocktails and appetizers and were very pleased. Definitely try the buffalo cauliflower appetizer and the soft shell crab (if it's available) is a must. Dessert was fantastic. Wine and cocktail list were great and reasonably priced. Overall a good experience and we will be back. PS the young lady behind the bar was fantastic too although I can't remember her name.
(4)
James O.

Went to Red Bird on a Friday evening for dinner before fireworks. We were seated immediately. Excellent atmosphere. Modern, clean lines and much less claustrophobic than old Tuscan Grill. Service was professional and pleasant. Drinks excellent. Food was quite good. Buffalo cauliflower app was unusual and excellent. Clams were fresh and tasty. Hanger steak was outstanding. Will definitely be back
(4)
Yuki S.

Overpriced food and overrated service.
(2)
Caitlin R.

A great addition to Moody Street! We enjoyed excellent food, service and the atmosphere here. The shrimp bisque, fried clams (with fried lemon slices - yum!) lobster ravioli and chocolate ganache were all terrific. The food was all served piping hot, something many restaurants do very poorly. I look forward to returning here for dinner and coming to the bar for drinks, too.
(5)
Mariani D.

I'm not sure if there was a confusion on seating order when the hostess sat us, but we waited for at least 10 minutes for our waitress to greet us. I kind of knew who our waitress was going to be because it looked like the same waitress was working the entire left section of the restaurant while 2 (or sometimes 3) other servers had their backs against the wall just staring at people. It seemed strange that the hostess continued to fill up that section instead of spreading it evenly to the entire restaurant. After 10 minutes of not a single person coming to our table, I asked the hostess if we've been forgotten. Within a minute our waitress, Priscilla, showed up. This was the same waitress we saw running around like crazy while other servers just stood and.......stared. She apologized for the delay, introduced herself, told us the specials, and proceeded to take our orders. Before I write about the food and all the other good stuff, I just want to emphasize how professional and gracious Priscilla was. It was definitely worth the wait for her to finally come to our table. She is a total package and an asset to this restaurant. The food....my husband and I started out by sharing the crispy calamary appetizer. It was definitely crispy, and a tad bit more breading than was necessary. But they tasted good. The both of us ordered lobster tagliatelle for our entrees and loved every bite of it. It was so full of flavor! From the in-house pasta, to their special sauce, and to the juicy, tender chunks of lobster...this was a dish to be savored. We also shared a slice of chocolate cake for dessert, and that too was delicious. The wine list was different from most restaurants in the same food price range, and that the most expensive bottle was a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley at $54!! It was so unusual to see a wine list where the wines didn't hurt your wallet. So we ordered the Cabernet and it was an excellent choice! Before we left, Priscilla apologized again for our initial wait. We told her it wasn't her fault (we saw what was happening around her), and that we had a wonderful dining experience in large part because of her. We look forward to coming back here! And Priscilla if you're reading this, thank you for a wonderful service!
(4)
Spencer P.

Nice seasonal food, well executed. Great for a date night or special occasion. All the food was great, and it changes seasonally. I asked my waitress about my side, and chef was nice enough to come by the table and explain how to make it. Nice decor and service.
(5)
Stephen W.

As big fans of the Tuscan Grill for many years, we had great hopes for the nicely revamped space, Unfortunately we had a much less than pleasurable dinner with these folks. To be fair, their food is a little better than average. Their portions were somewhat smaller than you might expect at this price point, but most importantly (for us) was the way we were treated by the staff, especially the front of the house manager, who acknowledged some serious mistakes they had made had caused our visit to be very unpleasant, but then, did little to try to make it right. We won't be revisiting and are left with a poor impression of the operation as a whole.
(2)
Roger M.

I love this restaurant and welcome it to the Waltham scene. My wife and I went to celebrate my birthday and we are returning this week to celebrate her birthday. It was that good. Everything was amazingly fresh and seemed like a great example of farm to table. Before I start with the food, let me tell you something about their attention to detail. I certainly never said anything to my server or anyone else about my birthday. And, my wife swears that she did not say anything. So, my guess is that somebody at the restaurant must have overheard my wife and I talking about my birthday when we made a toast to the future. When I ordered dessert, the waiter came by with two glasses of dessert wine on the house saying that the manager wanted to wish me a happy birthday. They also put a candle in my dessert. How did they know? The waiter only said that his manager told him to do it. Nice. I will always remember that. Back to the amazing food. I started with the Grilled Peaches Marcona Almonds, Goat Cheese and Greens salad. The peaches were so fresh. They must have been picked that day. Also, unlike many places that have limp grilled peaches, these were firm and cooked perfectly. (Try them before peach season ends!) It is a difficult salad done well. The Pan Seared Wild Halibut Summer Succotash, Pistou, and Citron Blanc just melted in my mouth. Over at the next table, I saw an incredible looking Homemade Lobster & Ricotta Ravioli. Boy, did that look good. I plan to go back again and again.
(5)
Karen D.

When I spend over $100 on dinner, I expect it to be fabulous. Sadly, I was disappointed. I went with two guys; one thought it was good, one was just as disappointed as I was. Here's the breakdown. DÃ©cor-Really nice space, nicely decorated Atmosphere-Could be a little darker. The music was classic rock (Aerosmith, Tom Petty, etc.) for most of the night. It didn't really do it for me and doesn't seem to go with the place. Cocktails-They were so-so. I got a Vanilla bourbon smash and thought it was OK. The guys got a tequila cocktail and liked them. I ordered a Manhattan that did not taste great. I did let the bartender know and she fixed it. Comment from one of the guys, "Craft cocktails like that need to be made with more love." Food French onion soup-All three of us thought it was good. Tamale-All of us thought it was underwhelming. Salad-It was OK. Hangar Steak-The guys got them and shared with me. It was good and the guys thought the sides, potatoes and brussel sprouts, were the best part. Even though it was good, compared to steaks we get a bunch of other restaurants at the same price point, the steak wasn't as good. The portion size was good. Scallops-It came with butternut squash risotto. The dish was very good, but the portion size was ridiculously small. It was four scallops with a small scoop of risotto. I know you're not going to get big portions of fresh seafood, but all of us thought it was horrible at $28. Desserts-For $12 / dessert, they should have been to die for. We ordered a chocolate dessert and a flan. They were good, but not worth the hype or the price. The service was good, but nothing special. We paid the bill and left a decent tip (over 20%), and lamented about the $330 we left behind for not a great meal when we could have just gone to Tempo or Solea where we always enjoy it.
(2)
Diana O.

Red bird definitely stands out from all the other restaurants in the area. The food is fresh and beautifully presented. My father and I had the sirloin and I have to say it was amazing! The sirloin comes from grass fed cows and comes with delicious seasoned torn and fried potatoes. We also had the heirloom tomato salad and the tomatoes were fresh and delicious. Our server named Ashley was just so attentive and really made our visit special, she guided us through the menus and we were very satisfied with the food and great service. Our visit was simply amazing and I highly recommend this place for their great food and great service. I look forward to going to Red bird!
(5)
Dave R.

I had a chance to try Red Bird for the first time last night after a friend and I decided to "try something different" on Moody Street (we often meet at Tempo). I'm glad we tried it. I prefer to eat at the bar and share appetizers, or maybe an entree, with my date. Red Bird is a great spot for this sort of thing. The bar was cozy and comfortable (great bar stools/chairs), if a little small. There are two big-screen hi-defs in case you're hoping to catch the game. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly according to our barkeep, with plenty of delicious looking options. This night we decided to go the appetizers route... We had the Homemade Potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms & Braised Veal to start ($12). It was very tasty! We followed that with the Boneless Beef Short Rib with Cabernet Reduction a bed of Creamy Polenta ($14) and the Torn & Fried Potatoes from the Sides menu ($6) -- both of them also excellent. Then we finished with the Beet Salad ($9) which was the only disappointing dish if the night; just not as flavorful as the others (it seemed like the beets were not ripe enough, or maybe overcooked, and the kitchen really scrimped on the candied pecans which I think added a lot to the dish). My date and I had wine by the glass (she likes white, I like red). The wines-by-the-glass selection was "okay" but, in my humble opinion, not on par with the overall experience. I would have liked to see more choices in each category. The service was lacking a little... The bartender was a bit frazzled (I think she could have used some help) and was having a hard time keeping up with the orders from the waitstaff while still paying attention to her customers at the bar. The (person who I assume was the) manager was behind the bar for a bit rebooting the crashed ordering system and never once attempted to engage or welcome his customers. That said, the food trumped the negatives and overall I would recommend Red Bird. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Doug B.

Very nice place. Excellent drinks, great vibe. We sat at the bar (no reservations: I recommend having them!), which was fine. A shared appetizer, two reasonably-sized entrees, one dessert and two specialty drinks totaled to $97. Bartenders/waitstaff were great. Friendly, attentive. I was very impressed with the quality of the food and drinks. Would gladly return there. As to what we ordered, I'm not sure that's important. I suspect everything on the menu is excellent. Certainly looked that way!
(5)
Brian W.

I rarely do reviews but this place deserves some recognition. To start off I was pleased to see they had my favorite beer ever - Southern Tier Harvest, which made me a very happy man. I would agree that this is a borderline $$$ place as the bill came out to around $100 but it was well worth it. The atmosphere is spacious and comfortable. The bar looked like a great place to hang out but we got a table for two. I couldn't believe how small the cooking space was - I only saw two chefs and a pastry specialist. Hard to believe they churn out the amazing food they do with the space they have. Started off with excellent bread which is usually my barometer for how good a place is. Next my gf got a pasta dish to which she proclaimed it was the best pasta she has had since she studied in Italy. I had the catfish absolutely delicious. We next got some blueberry crumble with ice cream for dessert, absolutely amazing. Do not miss out on this place, the chefs there really know what they are doing.
(5)
Casmine L.

I like this place and I hope it sticks around for a long time. The little browned haired hostess was so friendly and greeted us upon arrival on a busy Wednesday night. The drinks are delicious. The food is really good. I wish the restaurant was bigger so we could have a larger party come here. One weird thing that happened while we were there was that the fire alarms went off and the fire department came dressed in full fire gear. We sat near the kitchen and could see that there was a little bit of smoke from the grill. We were told that it was not a fire and that the dishwasher sets off the alarm from the steam. It was weird. All the diners remained in their seats and continued dining as the fire department went out back. We had a gnocchi dish with truffles on it. It was to die for.
(4)
Veronica D.

I made a reservation at 7 and when we arrived we were seated promptly. The restaurant itself (decor) is simple, minimal, and very nice. Once seated we were greeted by the server who was very nice and attentive throughout the service. He made some recommendations on drinks and explained that they had a seasonal menu etc. We ordered the braised short rib to begin. It was okay. It was tender but was lacking seasoning in terms of the other accompaniments to the dish. I ordered the hanger steak and my friend ordered the duck. The steak was tender, and the duck was cooked nicely. The portions are very small. The food is okay, but not amazing. I guess I was expecting amazing since it's so close to my home. I didn't want to keep having to make the trip to Boston for an amazing meal. For dessert we split the brown sugar cheesecake which was very creamy good. Overall not bad. I would return, but I'm not running back here anytime soon.
(3)
Gretel S.

Nice boutique decor and atmosphere. Buffalo cauliflower was a stand out and soft shell crab on kale special appetizer too. Now the bad news waited at least half hour for main course and monk fish overdone and lobster pasta ok. Had to be sitting under the lights for a good long time. Would go back only for starters. Staff really didn't know the wines either.
(3)
Charles O.

Just finished our excellent meal at Red Bird, yet another entry in the burgeoning Waltham restaurant scene. She had the mussel appetizer, followed by the asparagus / pea soup with crabcake. I had the blackened salmon. What could have been better? Nothing. Food was prepared perfectly and served with confidence and elan by Pricilla. Our new favorite place in our new home town.
(5)
Annoyed C.

This place has potential, but needs a better chef. Food is just mediocre. All you could taste in gnocchi was madeira. Portions are extremely small. If you are going to charge $10-15 for an appetizer, there should be more than just a couple of bites. Tamales are good but again, very very small. The server confused my order, so it sat on somebody else's table until it got cold. A high-end restaurant would have prepared a new portion. Ambience was nice though. Weird coffee concept. Who wants 16oz of coffee at the end of dinner? A regular cup of good coffee would have been sufficient.
(2)
Paul M.

I really wanted to love this restaurant, as it replaced an old favorite - the Tuscan Grill. The beer menu and imaginative cocktails were a nice start, and the service was friendly and swift. My wife had the catfish, batter-fried and served on a minimal asian salad. It wasn't the blackened catfish with grits and collard greens that the online menu promised. And while it's okay to change up a dish to make it unique, we're not quite sure what this was shooting for. Likewise with my pasta dish, the Lumache. The pasta itself was soft - perhaps a little overdone - but the spicy tomato sauce contained saffron, which in my mind threw off the taste entirely. Instead of achieving "fusion", both of our meals seemed to be unfortunate accidents.
(3)
Lada L.

This is not a $$ place. It is a $$$ place. Amazing drinks. Good flavors. Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. Over all positive experience. Fail short of 4 stars because I had high expectations and they were not met. Calamari - awesome Ribs app - fall off the bone but lacked flavor Role model drink - in love!!! Duck - a bit salty, I refer how the Chinese prepare duck Steak - good
(3)
Waybs L.

Came here with a couple of girlfriends for cocktails and dessert. My only regret is that we had dinner elsewhere but we were craving sushi at the time. Im glad we finally made the stop in because we had such an amazing experience! if you want to impress someone (or yourself) I recommend this place for a date, anniversary, birthday, celebrating a new job, new business, that it's simply monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday... whatever! Absolutely no complaints about the atmosphere, service, or dining. The entire staff was friendly and welcomed conversation... you can sense the passion all throughout Red Bird. They change their menu twice a season to ensure the freshiest ingredients, their cocktails were delicious and invented inhouse, and they even offer a bar menu. As I mentioned our main focus was cocktails and dessert..the san fran cocktail is dangerous but good, the tequilla cocktail was super smooth with a slight kick, and we literally tried all the desserts except for the apple-something. We decided to save one for our next visit (dont judge us). All of the desserts were my favorite and since we had so many we were expirementing with others. They were good as is...but we discovered some "eye closing moment" combos...if u ask im sure they will accomodate! 1. Miso icecream BUT topped on their chocolate ganache dessert... sweet, salty, smooth, mmmm combo 2. Almond cake dessert BUT with their grilled pineapple...think of a deconstructed upside-down pineapple cake 3. Cheesecake as is...we actually spoon fought at one point. In short, im coming back for a three courser.
(5)
Namcy L.

Great place Menu is small but offers enough selection Roast chicken was amazing
(5)
Nina U.

When I was hovering my mouse over the stars to decide where to land, the description (by Yelp) of 2 stars was "Meh, I've had better" ---- that describes our visit perfectly. The gift shop proprietor next door was trying to persuade me to "give them a second chance". Why? I can go somewhere else and spend that kind of money at a place where I know the service and food production will be more pleasing and consistent. It's not that they did anything really wrong, but nothing was "quite right" either. We asked for the vegetarian menu, we had to ask 2 times (and the second time was after we had already ordered, it was a curiosity thing). We had to ask for bread, it didn't come automatically. As for the food... The gazpacho was not that "interesting", the chicken was dry and cool to the touch, the scallops were truly tasteless and luke-warm and the parsnip puree cold. The meal took a long time to come. The beer menu was cool and we did enjoy the bottle of "Left Handed Milk Stout" we bought to taste! Overall - 3 simple starters, 3 entrees and 4 bottles of beer cost us $150 with tip - pricey for what it was. Sorry Red Bird. I really did want to like you!
(2)
Jake M.

I wanted to like this place, but it had some pain points it needs to overcome. We recently went there as a large party. The poor barteneder was assigned to our table, so in addition to tending the bar she was expected to wait on 8 people. If it was busy, I'd get it, but I saw multiple other waiters hanging out around the kitchen doing nothing. While the food was decent, it was overpriced for the portions we got. We were told we'd get bread before the meal, so we didn't order as many apps. After 20 minutes, I asked someone where the bread was and he seemed super annoyed and said "It's in the oven!" Ok, great, I guess we'll just have bread as our dessert then. I might go back for a drink, but have no plans to go back to eat as a group of more than 2-4 people.
(2)
David J.

This is a strong 4.5 stars. We sat at the bar, in the corner couch. Bartender was nice and helpful in suggesting things to eat. We had the lamb gnocchi, which was unbelievable, Brussel sprouts, bib salad and mussels. All were extra tasty and cooked just right. They also had this great vodka drink, infused with strawberry, and ginger beer. Chocolate soufflÃ© was awesome as well. Paired with a yummy port.
(4)
meghan c.

Just had a really nice dinner with husband and 4 yo kid. We all had fantastic food Apps- Peaches were good but not as I imagined. Peaches could have been a bit softer and warmer but still really good Sticky ribs- so good!!! Everyone enjoyed Entree - scallops- perfectly done. Tender and cooked really well - pasta with spicy sauce and rock shrimp- - husband liked it but I don't really eat spicy food - no kids menu so got my daughter pasta with butter. It was $12 so a bit steep for her, although we certainly ate the leftovers Decent beer selection One point off because no kids menu and soda and milk for a kid were $3.5 each
(4)
Katie A.

Cute new place on Moody St in Waltham. Certainly a different menu and option in comparison to the traditional restaurants we see here. Seems like they have the farm to table feel and menu reflects that. Decor is great because it is sleek and not too fussy. Open kitchen and open floorplan makes for noise to travel. Went there for a casual dinner with my family and got the following: Complimentary bread with thyme and honey butter- best butter ever! Cheese platter- 3 cheeses with 2 types of jam/compote and candied walnuts that were delicious. Chop Salad- appetizer size salad but had great flavor Tomato salad- came with a big crustini with ricotta Corn soup- very sweet, but expected with summer corn, fritter ontop was great Ribs- meat was super tender and flavor was great Grass fed steak- $30 and contained a huge chunk of fat that was unappealing, but once again, flavor was on point Chicken- super flavorful, by far the best entree we ordered, came with broccolini that were so bitter they were unedible Lobster ravioli- sweet with a hint of savory from the filling. however the pasta was a bit tough Service was great- very attentive which is always a plus, keep it up! Recommendations: Add an entree size salad onto the menu for the vegetarians This place is a great date night spot, or dinner with friends. Wouldn't recommend bringing kids because of the menu- our 13 year old was not too happy with the options.
(4)
Jeff B.

food was excellent. Service was a bit slow. it took us almost 2.5 hours for dinner. wine list is reasonably priced and is evolving with good values.
(4)
Francine C.

We enjoyed our dinner at Red Bird. There were definitely highlights and a few things that we weren't all a fan of. We ordered the grilled peaches to start. They weren't anything special, but they did inspire us to go home and grill some fruit for our next cookout. I had the scallops and my boyfriend had the catfish. Both were very beautifully done, even though they were on the pricey side. The chocolate ganache was velvety and luxurious and we both enjoyed it a lot. Our waitress was a little odd. She seemed incredibly nervous, which made me nervous and a little uncomfortable. I think she only had 3 tables, and she hovered a little too closely. She came over to ask us how our app was when we were still busy noshing on bread, and realizing we hadn't tasted it yet asked us how it looked. Odd. She asked us too many times if she could take empty plates away. Yes, if there is no food on it, by all means. It was annoying she kept interrupting our conversation to ask us to clear a dish or plate or glass. I felt bad for her because she seemed nervous and apologetic. She dropped silverware and almost spilled our drinks when serving them off her waitress tray because she had a little trouble balancing them. Poor girl. I could see her hands shaking she was so nervous. We enjoyed sitting in the windows of the restaurant. The decor is clean looking and nicely done. Red Bird has its menu down for sure. The preparation and freshness of the food is top quality. They seem to have a little bit of an identity crisis in other areas: the music was a tad too loud and my boyfriend and I had a hard time talking across the table from each other. The TV seemed a little out of place for such a lovely atmosphere. Red Bird is a nice place to go for a special occasion. Be prepared for a lovely culinary experience, though a little on the steeper side. We will probably be back another time because of their seasonal, fresh, rotating menu.
(3)
Viv V.

Decent food, SLOW service. Not worth the $ IMO Took them an hour to get just an entree! So much so that we decided to skip desert. Waitress wasn't the least apologetic about the inordinate delay. Might be good for a team dinner, but definitely not for a peaceful and relaxing dinner
(2)
Viveka Z.

Really awesome cocktail selection, great fresh food with lots of bold flavor and unique ingredients. Service is a bit slow, but totally worth the wait. Dessert and coffee are a must!
(5)
Kelley B.

We went on Friday night early (with a reservation) and were seated immediately. Friendly, attentive service. Cheese plate and corn soup were both nice, reasonable appetizer size portions. Scallops and haddock were both really good, with a mix of sweet sauce and succotash for the fish. Portions were just about right. We were too full for dessert. Prices are higher than most nearby places, but this is expected in more of a fine dining establishment.
(4)
Cherry M.

We'd heard good things about Red Bird but it definitely exceeded our expectations. I was especially pleased by how quickly hot food got to our table...everything was piping hot and 'fresh off the stove,' suggesting excellent coordination between the kitchen and the wait staff. We thought the appetizers were the stand-out dishes. Both the clams and the mussels were memorable. And I wish we could have eaten our way through the desserts, instead of splitting one, a pumpkin flan w/small beignets...excellent! Our waitress was attentive and helpful without being annoying. The restaurant was crowded and noisy; given that it was another cold, snowy night, we found the ambience cheering. We'll be back!
(5)
judy j.

let me start by saying I was a HUGE Tuscan Grill fan so there is our standard... Saturday night 6pm... Our meal started out with terrific winterberry mojitos and mussels that were Fabulous! However I was a little put off by the waitress asking us to put our whole order in because it gets so busy (I heard "we are going to rush you" and I was right. Which I think doing to a mother of 3 on the first time out in a while was reflected in my tip...) ok so back to the meal... My dining partner had the fish special. It was cold and a fairly small portion. I had the hanger steak it was tough and in comparison to the fish enormous. Yes the potatoes were excellent but the brussel sprouts were barely cooked or in the billed "sauce". We had to flag the waitress down to get the wine menu AFTER our food was served (even though she has asked us at the beginning if we would like wine with dinner). Basically as I look back it was just disappointing. If I am going to spend over $100 on a meal I want to be full and happy and all I was was full.
(3)
Sam N.

Came here a while ago, but we were extremely impressed! Nice staff, great food and great atmosphere. If you are looking for an upscale dining experience near Moody street - this is your place. One minor nitpick was that drink service was a bit slow, but it wasn't a deal breaker by any means. Go here!
(5)
Pearl E.

I was able to get in without a reservation on Sunday around 6. My pork loin schnitzel with bacon braised cabbage, spatzle, and gravy was utterly delicious! I usually ask for dishes without gravy and this time I forgot. However the gravy was so subtle I was unaware of it and the entree was perfection as it was. The bacon in the cabbage was also subtle as well. Kudos to the chef! (I am a fan of the sauerbraten with cabbage and spatzle at Jacob Wirth's in Boston and I found this cabbage and spatzle to be even better.) My husband was very pleased to be able to order a side of grits, as they are rare to find on a dinner menu. He thought the grits were great. Our server was very pleasant and attentive. She quickly brought bread and a honey butter to our table. With our bill the server brought tiny blackberry jellies and a couple macaroons. They were very tasty. We will definitely be back to try more.
(5)
Rob P.

Really love this place. Excellent quality all around. Everything was delicious.
(5)
michael p.

I brought my wife here to celebrate her birthday last night. Everything was fantastic--an amazing cheese plate done right (something the "italian" places in Waltham could learn from), the scallops were perfectly seared and intensely flavorful (possibly the best I've ever had). The servers were lovely and prompt, and we went at the peak time on a Saturday night (other reviews mentioned server issues--I think they've sorted this out!). Another critique older reviews have was of the noise--it seemed quiet to us so maybe they've added enough sound dampening decor. I agree I wish there were no TVs, but they aren't too in your face. It isn't cheap, but I think it's priced well/fairly. We also sampled more than a few wines by the glass and they were all quite nice. Overall, I am so happy this place joined the neighborhood and we'll definitely be back.
(5)
Bob H.

My wife and I have been to Red Bird three times in the last 6 months. The food, drinks and atmosphere have always been excellent. Others at the bar seating area have been so friendly. It is a little upscale than other Moody Street eateries, but the prices are reasonable. Special thanks to Manager Jeff and bartender Nicole for making our meal that much more enjoyable.
(5)
Jen M.

When you wake up in the morning thinking about the dinner you had at a restaurant the night before, you have to write a review about it. Cheese platter app, duck confit w/ vegetable hash and hanger steak dinner, chocolate soufflÃ© for dessert. To say it was delicious would be an understatement. Each dish was phenomenal. I'm giving four stars because of how cold it was in there (near window seats) and the service wasn't all that great. It wasn't terrible by any means, but for what I'm paying per dish I expected a bit better service. An example would be that we needed water for a while blah blah small complaint. All together our appetizer, 2 dinners, 2 beers, 2 cocktails, and dessert totaled $116. I will be going back without a doubt.
(4)
Ellie R.

I had never been there before and was pleasantly surprised to find it as good as others have told me. Service was great, food was just perfect! I had the salmon that was delicious and my friend had the chicken, both entrees were presented well and seasoned perfectly. Portions I thought just right, but if I were a big guy maybe should be a touch bigger. I will surely be back to try other items on the menu. The only thing odd was there was a $1. charge to have a drink poured neat ( no ice). Clearly this restaurant is very sensitive to portion control.
(4)
Carla U.

This restaurant is really nice with great decor; I love the look of the place. We wanted to sample the menu so we ordered a variety of different items. Arancini, sticky pork ribs, watermelon gazpacho, bucatini (bucatini: best of them all, I LOVED it), and dark chocolate ganache for dessert. Everything was excellent, including the cocktails. Our waitress (who had fabulous green hair!) was pretty much as good as she could possibly get, very friendly and attentive; she made the dinner experience even better. Despite all of this fabulousness, I didn't give it 5 stars because their portions are all very small for how very high the prices are. They also have a limited menu and really should add more items, but hopefully they're still working on perfecting their menu. I will most likely return to this restaurant again in the future and I hope it does well on Moody St.
(4)
Claire L.

My experience at Red Bird was 100% positive in every way! The waitress was outstanding, the drink was delicious, the appetizer was yummy,my dinner was Salmon and it was the best Salmon I've ever had! Too full for dessert but maybe next time, I'll save room to try a dessert.
(5)
Rachel L.

Just go. Red Bird is simply amazing. The food is fantastic. The portions are great. The service is beyond compare. And, the ambiance is lovely. Waltham, you have found a winner. Note to future visitors: I mistakenly thought I needed an "occasion" to visit Red Bird (i.e. birthday, date, visiting parents), but the truth is that it can be as formal or informal as you like. You could just as easily come here for a low-key, after-work dinner+drinks with friends as you could for a special evening. I would strongly encourage spontaneous diners strolling down Moody Street to give it a shot. Red Bird also gets an A+++ for accessibility. It has an automatic door, accommodating layout, and a spacious family restroom. Well done, Red Bird.
(5)
Robert L.

We went here with my brother and his wife to celebrate his retirement. Had a wonderful evening. I had watched this place being built, as I walk by this location every morning. I had been wanting to check out Red Bird since it opened, but didn't get a chance until now. I will definitely be coming back. The interior is very attractive, the seating is comfortable, and the atmosphere is nice but not stuffy. The restaurant was full when we were seated, yet it was quiet enough to have dinner conversation at normal level. The staff was friendly and attentive. We had a number of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed every item, but I will just talk about what I had. I started with the boneless short rib appetizer. It was very tender and had that intense beef flavor you expect from a good short rib. I'm salivating just thinking about it. For my main meal I had the hangar steak with torn fried potatoes and Brussels sprouts. The steak was juicy and delicious. The Red Bird torn fried potatoes are hard to describe. Maybe a cross between home fries and French fries? They are tasty in and of themselves, but are even better when they soak in the steak juice. I can't remember the name of the dessert I had but it was the special and it was a Chocoholics dream. I order coffee with that and they make it and decant it out of a French press right at your table. Nice touch! We felt so comfortable there that we were the last ones to leave. It was a great night and I can't wait to go back. I highly recommend Red Bird.
(5)
Stasia B.

My fiancÃ© (gasp!) went to Red Bird for a special dinner the night after we got engaged. Everything was perfect from start to finish. He put into the notes section of the online reservation that it was an engagement dinner and they immediately congratulated us upon our arrival and brought us complimentary glasses of champagne. The drink menu looked fabulous but I stuck to wine. My fiancÃ© got the Sweet Disposition and said it was sort of like a modern Old Fashioned. He really enjoyed it. The appetizer was to die for. We got the Sticky Pork Ribs. The meat just fell off the bone and the side of watermelon it came with really brought out the flavors in the sauce they used. I got the Chicken Confit and my fiancÃ© got Fresh Lumache. The chicken again fell off the bone, was so flavorful, and the gnocchi it came with were cooked perfectly. The Lumache had shrimp, chorizo, and the pasta was cooked perfectly as well. Both meals were such a treat. For dessert we got the toffee pudding and again, every single bite was savored. The waitress was incredibly sweet and congratulated us again at the end and brought us two of their homemade rosemary toffees- very soft and sweet. Overall this is a welcome addition to Moody Street and it's about time they got something more upscale to have a romantic meal.
(5)
M B.

Excellent food, nice atmosphere. We had a party of 5 and our order covered 5 different entrees which were all delicious. Also tried a few appetizers, cauliflower ( very good), clam strips ( good but not great), gnocchi ( very good). Desserts were terrific! This was my second visit here and I can't wait to return. But I do have one complaint, the service was extremely slow on this visit. It wasn't fast on my first visit but this was crazy slow( like 30 min before we got our drinks) . So don't expect to have a quick meal.
(5)
Natasha E.

SERVICE My complaints will certainly not arise due to the service. The hostesses, bartenders, and waiters/waitresses are very accommodating, knowledgeable, flexible, and attentive! Great service. FOOD The food, unfortunately, did not meet the expectations I had. One good thing about the food is that they DO offer a gluten free menu, and it actually offers quite a few options. You do not feel limited like you might at some other restaurants. However, a lot of options also have bacon and shellfish-- and if you don't eat either, the menu will be extremely limited. I have gone to the restaurant twice, and I've ordered several of the sides and a salad. I have also picked off friends' plates. Everything is just way too salty. I can't handle too much salt in general, and I felt as though all the food was over salted, drowning out the flavors that didn't need sodium-based enhancement. I think the dishes always sound great; however, they are just drowned in salt. DRINKS They have a great selection of cocktails and beers/wine. The bartenders are great at what they do. The restaurant's ambiance is sensational; and while I would not recommend the food, I would highly recommend Red Bird for a pre/post dinner drink/date/dessert spot. OVERALL This is a great place to go for a fancy night out with friends. However, I would only recommend it as a night out for drinks. The food is extremely salty; but the service is great, and you won't be disappointed hanging out in your LBD with a drink in hand.
(3)
Jeff N.

My wife and I stopped in for dinner and it was incredible. We sat at the "copper top" overlooking the bar area and it was great. The dÃ©cor is upscale yet very relaxed. The food was top shelf. I've uploaded a few pictures. Nice craft brews. The grilled peaches were a great way to start, as was the calamari. The star was the ribs. Cooked just right - soft but not falling to bits. Lots of great flavor. We also had the double-cut pork chop. Again, cooked just right and loved the reduction sauce. Can't go wrong with these. I was very impressed. Definitely looking forward to coming back again. A great find!
(5)
Cheri L.

I have eaten at some of the best restaurants globally. Red Bird was memorable. I have three courses, all exceptional. I had to write and review this delicious meal I had the pleasure of enjoying. The decor is stylish, beautiful lighting and the service is exceptional. I live in California, but frequently I am in Boston and I definitely will go back for another meal before I return home. I heard about the restaurant on the TV show Chronicles and I will look forward to my next meal at the Red Bird. I loved the experience.
(5)
Da J.

First. Yes, this is an expenses dinner.. If you want Margaritas, Denny's or Sonic prices, this is not your place. This is a pricey upscale place, that is welcomed on the ever fusion strip that is Moody St, Waltham, Ma. The service was impeccable, I like my water glass full and our waitress made sure that it was. The wait staff was attentive, but not over bearing. I had the soft shell crab and grilled peach appetizers. Red Bird's soft shell crab was done well, not too much batter and just enough spice. The grilled peaches weren't as sweet as I expected, but were sweet enough. The goat cheese was an excellent counter to the peaches (note: they should have remove the brine). The spiced nuts added a greater depth to the dish. The blackened catfish was excellent, flakey, fresh. A very good take on a southern classic, shrimp and grits. The collard greens were done NE style. The chicken confit -- the meat fell off the bone. The potato gnocchi, were incredible. The dish did have a little too much broth, but a good dish nevertheless. The vanilla mousse with peaches and berry sorbet was an excellent way to end the meal. The richness of the mousse was balanced by the cold, freshness of the berry sorbet. Overall, if you are looking for a fresh, unique meal, Red Bird on Moody St. Is your place. Price Point is high, great for special occasions or a simple date night.
(4)
Davy G.

Super expensive, but the food was quite good. Very loud atmosphere for a date night. Drinks were decent, but the service was painfully slow. Waitress seemed distracted, like she had better things to do. Plenty of better, more affordable options in Waltham.
(3)
David W.

Four of us had a delicious meal here recently. I had the cod with Himalayan rice, which was quite good; the fish was cooked perfectly and the rice had some very interesting flavors. Our server was excellent--knowledgeable, attentive and very helpful with answering our questions. We tried the "torn potatoes" based on her recommendation, but they were nothing more than glorified french fries, certainly nothing special. That was our only disappointment. We will definitely be back soon!
(4)
Lori L.

I would give the food 5 stars. The flavor and presentation of dishes were outstanding. $26 each for both the seared scallops and the double cut pork chops is reasonable. The portion size was appropriate for the price. We were pleasantly full, but not stuffed. We declined dessert. We were brought two delicious cream cheese filled macaroons as a treat with our check. That was a lovely touch. I took away one star for a few items. The first was when we arrived for our reservation the restaurant was only half full. We were seated at a high top in the bar side of the restaurant. Half the booths were open as well as regular tables on the non-bar side of the restaurant. (Yes, I could have asked to be moved. As it was our first time here, I wanted to see how the experience played out without requesting changes to the "normal" routine.) Second, our server was a bit of a flake. She brought our water, but forgot our soda. She brought our soda but forgot our bread. She kept reaching across the table in front of me to set down my glasses instead of going to the other side of the table (I would have also been happy to just take the glass from her and set it down.) She was very nice and appropriately attentive. Third, the two large screen TV's playing sports above the took away most of the ambiance from the lovely decor. I was very happy our meal was almost over when a couple a few table away started clapping and cheering. I can go up the street and pay half the price if I want to eat in a sports bar. Items 1 & 2 can be corrected. We will give Red Bird another try and make sure we are not seated on the bar side. Hopefully the TV's will be less distracting. If not, there will not be a third visit.
(4)
Leigh B.

Service excellent, ambience excellent, decor wonderful, and most importantly the food was fantastic. Well done. We celebrated a friend's birthday and it was a most enjoyable dining experience. We are looking forward to our next visit to Red Bird. Thanks to all from the accommodating hostess, our delightful waitress and kudos to Geoffrey the GM and of course Daniel, owner and chef.
(5)
Lindsay K.

Had a great meal with family here. The only downside was the service was a little slow. However, everyone enjoyed their meals. We had the shrimp toasts for an appetizer and they were very tasty and different. we also got the cheese plate, which had an assortment of delicious cheeses. The winterberry mojito was decent, not the best, but definitely refreshing. The rucini pasta dish was great, perfect size and not too heavy. We had the mousse bombe and baked Alaska for dessert and both were great. The baked Alaska was different but the combination of marshmallow, Ice c the and carrot cake was great!
(4)
Greg T.

Service was great, food was excellent would definitely go back. It was a great place for a nice/casual date night
(4)
Anya T.

My husband and I were really excited about this new restaurant on Moody, and we were encouraged by positive reviews from other reviewers. Perhaps it can be attributed to this being a new restaurant but we both agreed that they seem to be over reaching. We shared the grilled peaches, parmesan butter beans and the halibut. Everything was fine, but nothing was particularly interesting or delicious. The beans were bland, the fish was over cooked abd over buttered, and the peaches were fine but the flavors on the plate were not well balanced. For the cost of the meal, we could have enjoyed an excellent dinner elsewhere. At least we had good company. I had the Sherlock and Watson cocktail which too sweet. It was also very loud in the restaurant, making it hard to hear the friends who joined us for dinner there. I hope these are just new restaurant growing pains, maybe I'll try again in a year. Though probably I'd spend my money elsewhere on a more promising meal.
(2)
Matt R.

My dad ordered the chicken, came out undercooked, we sent it back, the chicken came back out still undercooked. So that was pretty frustrating. The service was amateur at best, and the manager didn't take too much charge. Came back and gave us the smallest bottle of wine for a party of 8. The cake was good, but we brought it our self :)
(2)
C P.

Friendly service that balanced being attentive and prompt without making you feel rushed. Nice atmosphere. Not too loud so you could have conversation. Very good food--portions are a little small given the price, but very tasty, and I'm glad we had room for dessert because the chocolate souffle was delicious!
(4)
Jackie B.

I went with my husband and our friend a few weeks after they opened this summer. The ambiance and decor are lovely. Very modern and romantic. I like how they used silverware of the previous restaurant at that location to make (towards the back wall by the kitchen I believe). The food was delicious. We split some arrancini (riceballs) as an appetizer and I had the lobster ravioli. We all wished the portions were slightly bigger. But quality was up there! The cocktail I ordered was also a tad too strong. I'd rather it be mixed right than jam packed with alcohol. A common mistake I keep finding on Moody street. Looking forward to the next visit!
(4)
Daniel B.

The watermelon gazpacho was tasty. The lobster ravioli was pretty decent, and the pan-roasted chicken was moist and yummy in a mustard sauce. Overall worth a visit, though the noise is loud and the TVs are entirely unnecessary.
(3)
Alicia H.

This was our first time at Red Bird and it was great. The menu selection is not extensive, but there is nice variety. I had the seared scallops and they were perfect. The beer list is solid and the cocktail I had was delicious. It looks like it would be a nice bar to hang out at. They have really done the place up right. My only complaint is that every dessert had some fruit in it and I don't like fruit in my desserts, so that was a little disapointing. I can't wait to go back and bring some friends!
(4)
Elisha M.

I wanted to love Red Bird, but it just wasn't for me. We stopped by for just drinks after having dinner in Boston earlier. The restaurant was pretty quiet for a Saturday night. We sat at a booth by the bar since there were no seats at the actual bar. The bartender came over and took our order. We ordered an old fashioned and a winterberry mojito. The old fashioned was very good, as the bartender took some liberties on how to make it, leaving out the sugar and adding a cherry liquor. The winterberry mojito was good, but was tough to drink because the mint and muddled berries kept getting stuck in the straw. I was hoping that red bird was going to be a funky, cool spot because the ambience and the music decor on the walls was great, but the music was so slow and quiet it made me want to fall asleep. We only stayed for one drink and then left, as it seemed like they were getting ready to close earlier than normal due to the lack of patrons. I would go back and try it again, as maybe it was just an off night, which is what I'm hoping for and my next experience is better.
(3)
E. C.

Great atmosphere and a high-quality menu.
(4)
Ursula M.

Excellent experience there - great service, excellent food and drinks, great atmosphere - would highly recommend!
(5)
Anon L.

Very fun new place! Great vibe and atmosphere. The food was very good, but the dessert was FANTASTIC. Seriously the best desserts I've had in a long time. My table split the chocolate ganache and the vanilla mousse and both were out of this world. The only thing I'd want to see more of were appetizers on the menu.
(5)
Eric T.

Clean, modern restaurant. I love places that have a few items on the menu. We had the steak and a pasta entrÃ©e, and also had the almond cake with pear dessert. Everything tasted excellent, and the portion sizes were larger than expected for the quality / price point. Only downside is that the service could be a bit faster, but understandable. As other people mentioned, this is a great addition to Moody Street and plan to go back as I hear their menu changes seasonally.
(5)
Philip G.

"One of the best meals I've had in a long time," noted the female supervisor of our household. Service is likely going to be slow at peak times because the line kitchen is small. They could use a children's menu (we ordered plain pasta for a picky 5-year-old). For adults willing to enjoy drinks and wait a little, the restaurant is close to perfect, even applying Boston standards rather than suburban ones. We had chicken confit, catfish, and scallops.
(5)
J U.

Laid back, quality food. I got the salmon and it was really good. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Michelle A.

Nice place - clean - a little loud and service was a bit slow, but they were very busy. I liked the fact that they have a separate vegetarian menu and a separate gluten free menu. The food was good - not great - but good. And dessert was very tasty. I would go back :)
(4)
Molly C.

My boyfriend and I came here for a date night last weekend. We had seen it when walking on Moody Street and wanted to give it a try. The place has a very sleek, modern, and high class vibe. I loved the funky cocktails and interesting variety of beers/ciders both on tap and in a bottle. I got the catfish with grits and collards and it was a delicious spin on southern comfort food. We got the artisinal cheese board to start. It was good but definitely better for more than 2 people. We unfortunately didn't have room for dessert (which never happens to me), so we're planning to go back ASAP. We sat in the dining area, but the bar seemed really cool too. May even just come back from drinks some evening.
(5)
Karina N.

We had an excellent dinner at Red Bird. It was easy to make a last minute reservation for 2 on a Saturday night. The wine was a bit overpriced but the beer selection was interesting. The gnocchi appetizer was amazing - really light texture but deep meaty flavor. The PEI mussels were a bit too spicy for me - and the added ingredients overpowered the flavor of the mussels. The local greens salad with apple and cheddar was delicious - mostly because of the surprise crunchy caramel or peanut brittle or some sort of candy-like awesomeness. The ambiance made us feel like we were in the city and not the suburbs, and the service was excellent!
(4)
Skid P.

Food was pretty good. Halibut was perfectly done. Watermelon Gazpacho was delicious. Fried clams were a bit overcooked and very salty, but otherwise acceptable. They do need to add at least ONE vegetarian entree to the menu. What new restaurant doesn't have even one simple pasta/vegetable dish on the menu? The menu is small overall, so check it before you arrive. Decor is nice, but it is still a small restaurant. We were squeezed in to the front windows and I had a nice view of the "interesting" Moody Street inhabitants congregating literally on the other side of the glass during dinner. I am willing to give them another try seeing as they have only been open a few weeks, but we won't be sitting in the windows next time. Overall, it seems like they are trying to offer an alternative to Tempo up the street, but they seem to fall a bit short. We'll check back in a couple of months.
(3)
Maria L.

Red bird is a great addition to moody. I had dinner here recently. The arancini and chicken confit were both very good. The decor was classy and our waiter Jared was fantastic. Minus one star because the cocktails needed some work my mojito didn't have a trace of mint...
(4)
AnnMarie P.

I really didn't know what to expect from this place as it only opened on Tuesday but what a find! The manager was super accommodating when he realized our party of three was in a small booth, and immediately moved us to a larger table. Our waiter was polite, precise and had fantastic suggestions. The olive oil almond cake is to die for(something I would usually never order of a dessert menu). My scallops were perfectly cooked and the place just had a friendly happy vibe. Will absolutely be back and will recommended to all my friends!
(5)
Hank L.

The Fiancee and I ate here on Friday. Very cute little restaurant. Though it was packed to the gills, getting a table was easy, thanks to their website reservations list. We arrived about 3 mins before our reserved time, and were led to our table immediately. The 2 top we were seated at was fairly small, and fairly crowded, but it did the trick. (The crowding became much less of an issue when the wine glasses, menus, and bread basket were removed) Drinks is the one place I feel Red Bird could use a little help. While their wine list looks excellent (I didn't read it particularly carefully, the lady likes white, I only drink red) the beer list could be a bit more varied. I ended up settling on a Titan IPA, while my ladyfriend ordered a "Sherlock & Watson" she liked it, I thought it smelled and tasted like cheap perfume. Eh... what do I know? We started with the cheese plate, which featured 3 cheeses, a cherry spread, an apricot spread, candied walnuts, candied jalapeÃ±os, and some manner of crostini... I wasn't a huge fan of the bread chosen to play on the cheese plate, and felt it was just a little over toasted, but thankfully, the table had a basket of Iggy's bread, so no harm, no foul. For our entrees, I had the hanger steak, and the lady had the duck confit. Hangar steak, rare, was cooked to perfection. The marrow butter melted coating the steak in a wonderful marrowey buttery amazing... and since they didn't skimp on the marrow butter, I ended up with a delightful little pool of amaze-sauce to run my brussels sprouts and torn potatoes through. Brussels sprouts were pretty good, but the star of the sides was the torn fried potatoes. Crispy on the outside, delicious in the middle. As for the confit duck, I only tried a very little bit (which is unusual) but it looked excellent, and based on reactions, must have been quite good. The little bit that I tried was very good. Due to stuffing our faces with the meal, we didn't venture into desserts, but everything sounded quite tasty. The service was excellent. Our waitress was very attentive, but not overbearing. She was completely honest when asked about anything on the menu, and definitely wanted us to be happy with everything that we ordered. TL;DR - This place is great. It's cute, it's nice, the food is excellent, the staff is great, the location is convenient. I'll definitely be back
(5)
Sara C.

We went to Red Bird to celebrate our anniversary, and really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is very nice, cocktails were creative and food was interesting and tasty. They have a whole separate vegetarian menu (if you're a vegetarian, be sure to ask your server for it) which I really appreciated. Overall a nice place to go for a special occasion, and a welcome addition to Moody Street.
(5)
Gretchen W.

I went to this new spot on Saturday. It was so good! Everything was fresh and delicious and the service was surprisingly good for a place that had just opened. More details? Okay! I had an arugula salad that was a nice, light start. A little parmesan, some pine nuts, a light vinaigrette--yum! For my entree I had cod with a summer succotash. The succotash was a nice collection of seasonal vegetables, cooked just right. The cod, however, was ridiculous. It was so fresh and so perfectly cooked! It had that sweet, delicate flavor that I so adore in a nice piece of cod. I look forward to going here again soon!
(5)
Alan L.

This was one of the nicest dinners I have had in a long time. The pasta with duck was amazing. The ambiance was awesome. Dessert was delicious! I would definitely go here again!
(5)
Kathleen M.

I came here with my family for my birthday on a Thursday night. We closed the place down because we could not get enough of the great food and drink. We had two appetizers, the cheese plate and the New England fried clam strips. The cheese plate was exceptional, so we asked our server the details about the cheese varieties, which she readily had available. The clam strips were also amazing. We had four different entrees, including the pastas which were delicious and completely different from anything I've had before. I personally had the scallops, which were cooked to perfection as everyone else has mentioned. Two bottles of wine and four brandies later, it was one of the best meals we have ever had. The coffees, served in French presses, along with the caramels were nice final touches! We will be celebrating all the big events in life from here on out.
(5)
Thomas U.

Really good mixed drinks and tasty food. I would have liked there to be food specials though.
(4)
April P.

Nice new restaurant. Loved the atmosphere and the decor. Equally nice for sitting at the bar with friends /date or sitting in the main restaurant. My friend and I sat at a table. We had the soft shell crab, the arancini, and the sticky ribs as appetizers. We shared the scallops and also had a couple of desserts. All of the food was excellent. We both thought the portion for the scallops could be bigger for a main meal but we enjoyed as we were sharing. I would definitely go back!
(5)
Hallie K.

We stumbled across Red Bird because Tempo was under renovations. Would not have known it was opening night. Service and food was very good. Was quite busy and had a good vibe. Would definitely return. Hope they do well!
(4)
Steve W.

Went in this weekend for drinks and an app. They really did a nice job with the remodel. Everyone was friendly. I ordered a drink and an app. The drink was small but really good. And packed a punch. App was so good I decided to stay for a pasta and another drink. I really liked the place. Though a little on the pricy side, I'm a local and eat out a lot. It's just a tad more than what I'd spend for a Tuesday or Wednesday dinner out. More of a special occasion/ Friday night out with friends kind of place. Welcome to the neighborhood!
(4)
Stacie D.

Wow! We are food snobs and the food at Red Bird far exceeded our expectations! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a tasteful but also reasonably priced culinary experience. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
(5)
alyson h.

We went to Red Bird this past Thursday and sat at the bar. The bartender so nice! She was really friendly and helpful with drink recommendations. For drinks we tried the rich girl, the tequila cucumber cocktail and the whiskey cocktail with coconut foam (sooo good)! I loved all of the drinks- well made and reasonably priced. For apps we had the arancini, the short ribs, and the fried clams. Ribs were awesome! Clams and arancini were good but not amazing. Service was on the slow side but I think it's because they were packed. I want to go back for dinner. I hope they do well on Moody St!!
(5)
Andrea G.

I don't know if the opening of this restaurant was intentionally planned for a week when Tempo would be closed, but it was a smart move. The food and service were just outstanding! We started with the peach salad and shrimp bisque, both were amazing. Dinner was the sticky ribs (technically an appetizer, but we're crazy that way), the scallops, and the bucatini. Presentations were spot on, and the bucatini (my meal, I didn't get to taste the others) was fantastic- like something my italian grandma would make for me. We ordered three desserts- the olive oil pan seared almond cake, the chocolate ganache, and the vanilla mousse. All three were pretty close to perfect, but the standout was the cake. I have no idea how they made it, but it's one of the best things I've ever tasted (and I am NOT a dessert person). I honestly had no idea what to expect from this place- opening week, would service be a mess? The kitchen disorganized? But I can't wait to go back, it was THAT good. Also, the general manager is super hot.
(5)
Sarah L.

Our waiter was named Jared, it wad his second night working at Red Bird. He was delightful and his service was impeccable. His timing of our food was just right. We could tell that they strive to make eating there an experience. The host was friendly and from the moment we sat down Jared did a great job with everything. We asked for recommendations and he could tell us what he liked and about every item on the menu (he said the entire staff did a whole menu tasting!). The bread and dipping sauce wad great. I've never had anything like the sauce. My fiancÃ©e wants me to learn to make it for her! Next we shared the watermelon gazpacho soup. It was light and refreshing. Definitely unique. We each had a fish entrÃ©e. They were both cooked perfectly, balanced nicely and innovative. Overall, it was the best meal I've had in a long time. I rarely have no complaints but tonight Red Bird has left me without anything to complain about!
(5)
P. L.

First there is the problem with the wine list. Prices seem reasonable until you find out that they are selling wine for more than 4 X retail. For example from the wine list with restaurant selling price: Malbec, Punto Final Classico, Mendoza, Argentina '12 - $42 - Retail $9-10 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hayes Valley, Central Coast, California '12 - $42 - Retail $9-12 Nebbiolo, Guidobono, Piedmont, Italy '12 - $42 - $11 at Yankee Spirits in Sturbridge There is simply no justification for selling inexpensive wine at 4X retail prices. Service was 50/50. The waiter was great taking orders and bringing food, but we had to ask for water 4 times and ended the dinner with everyone having empty glasses. Is it really that hard to keep water glasses full without having to ask for it? You would have figured after asking the first 2 times the guy would have got it that - these people drink a lot of water, I better check on them. Not the end of the world but a minor annoyance. They also rushed us in that we had not finished the salad course and they were already at our table with the main course. It was early dinner reservation on a Thurs night - there was no line of people waiting for tables....why would they rush us? That could have been overlooked if the food was excellent - but it was not. My friend asked if he could substitute something on a dinner and was told no. The recommendation was for him to order a 'side' at an additional $6 if he wanted something different than how the plate was prepared. Again, not the end of the world, but not very accommodating. I had a beet salad that was average. Nothing bad about it, nothing great about it either. I had gnocchi appetizer that was very good. I also ordered a tamale appetizer that was terrible. Mostly corn meal and very dry. The pumpkin mole was excellent but it did not make up for how bad the $10 tamale was. My friend had a pasta dish that she thought was average. Again nothing bad, nothing great about it. The guy who wanted to do the substitutions ordered the catfish even though he could not swap out the side dishes. The catfish was average. Nothing good, nothing bad about it. Finally, the waiter comes with the dessert menus and says there is an addition to the dessert menu - chocolate souffle! That gets everyone's attention. But everyone at the table says - aren't you supposed to order that at the beginning of the dinner because it takes 45 minutes to cook? The waiter says no, we can order it now. So we order 2 of them and they come out in about 15 minutes...How that's possible we do not know but we do know that the chocolate souffle was not great. One friend said - it was like eating chocolate pudding. So I guess the answer is you cannot make chocolate souffle in 15 minutes and have it be good. All in all everyone at the table was disappointed with Red Bird which is unfortunate since it is a great space and a could be a real gem in Waltham. The place was very nice. The bar set up was great and I think they did a great job on the restaurant design. Will give it another try if stop selling wine at 4X retail.
(2)
Kristen S.

I was very excited to hear that this was opening on Moody Street and decided to check it out on a Thursday night about a month ago. All I can say is yikes! My boyfriend and I were shocked over how poor the service was. We waited about 10 minutes before we were even greeted by our server. Once he did come over, he was unfriendly and conveyed that he did not want to be there. Although we had two empty water glasses at our table, he never filled them or asked if we wanted tap or bottled water. Another female server noticed the empty glasses later and filled them for us. Our drinks from the bar took a very long time. Keep in mind, there were probably only four other tables, if that, on this particular Thursday and maybe one person at the bar! When I asked a question about an item on the appetizer menu, he turned his nose up and discouraged me from ordering the dish because it was "too shrimpy." This server was standing around chatting with the cooks even though we were ready for our cocktail refills. When we asked for a second round, he totally forgot and we figured we'd just forget it! He unenthusiastically jotted down our dinner orders. When the food FINALLY came out, everything was just mediocre for the prices. We waited and waited and waited, until we finally had to flag him down to get our check, as he joked around with the cooks. He didn't clear our plates, ask us how the food was (then or during the meal), or ask if we wanted dessert. This guy stunk stunk STUNK! I don't think I've ever had such a terrible server in my entire life. Although the atmosphere was cool and the food just okay, the service was beyond disgraceful. I was going to say something to the host/hostess, but there was no one at the host stand as we left. I will not go back to this establishment. They really need to step out their game and not hire terrible people if they want to survive in Waltham. When friends ask me about this place, I tell them not to bother. Horrid!!!!
(1)
Bradford P.

Red Bird was awesome. Great service, great food! I had the blackened catfish with collard greens and fried potato after the Rib appetizer. The ribs were excellent although a bit too fatty. The flavor made up for it. The catfish was perfect. My Wife had the halibut and the shrimp bisque for an app. Perfectly cooked. Drinks were great but my only disappointment was the pour was very short. We eat out frequently and will be sure to eat there on a regular basis.
(5)
S R.

I had the double pork chop and the watermelon gazpacho, which were 2 of the best things I've tasted in a long time. The pork was extremely tender and flavorful, with a delicious wine reduction sauce. The watermelon gazpacho was amazing and highly addictive. I have to go back again soon.
(5)
Kate W.

Love this place! Every dish was delicious (soft shell crab, halibut, tomato salad, butter beans, and corn pudding). The server was perfectly attentive and the atmosphere was fun. So glad to have Red Bird in the neighborhood - definitely elevating the Waltham culinary scene.
(5)
K F.

This restaurant has some nice items on the menu, and it has a lot of potential, but it has some work to do to realize that potential. First, the food was mostly solid. Our salads were fine if not inspired (arugula, that really needed some shaved parmesan, and chopped, which was pretty straight-forward), while our entrees were better. My husband had scallops that he liked very much. I had lobster ravioli, which had a delicious sauce, but the lobster meat in the sauce was overcooked. Given the cost of the food, a bit more inspiration in the salads and attention to detail in at least that one entrÃ©e would make a difference. What is the bigger issue is the service. We sat at our table for over 10 minutes watching servers walk back and forth by our table with no one stopping to offer us water or to take a drink order. My husband finally grabbed a random server to ask her to get us sparkling water, but it took several more minutes as apparently she had to pass this on to our waitress who was not immediately available to make it happen. So we didn't have anything to drink for almost 20 minutes, and then when the seltzer finally got to us, the waitress went right into taking our dinner order, and we had to insist on ordering some drinks first. Odd. In general there were a lot of people who appeared to be service helpers but who (on this Saturday night with less than half of the tables full) didn't seem to have much to do -- they just walked back and forth looking for something to do but doing nothing. We could only identify two waitresses, and they were either over-worked (but really that seems unlikely given how few tables there were to care for) or poorly trained as we had to ask twice for more bread and getting every drink we ordered took some time. We really hope that this restaurant will pull things together. The space itself is lovely, and the chef/owner is clearly trying. Some staff training sessions seem in order to make everyone works together and takes responsibility to be sure that diners' needs are met.
(3)
Paul G.

Enjoyed our meal very much, mostly hits a couple misses but for the most part very good meal and good value. The hits: Gnocchi with veal cheeks, Tamale, Roasted Chicken Breast, Salmon and Cajun Catfish; Misses: Chocolate Souffle dessert (boring) and Seared Scallops (scallops were fine but not exceptional). The only annoying part was the timing of how our entrees came out: the restaurant was full when we arrived at 8 PM but nearly empty while we were waiting for our entrees after 9 PM. First 2 entrees arrived (chicken and catfish), about 3 minutes later the scallops arrived and about 10 minutes later the salmon arrived with an apology from the waiter who said that initially the salmon was too underdone and they were cooking it more?? I did not try the chicken or the catfish but I was told that they were both delicious, especially the chicken.
(4)
Wendy W.

Really fantastic food and service. I want to only eat the mushroom gnocchi forever. The dessert was amazing!
(5)
mindy a.

From what we ate tonight, it is clear that Chef Dan is really well versed in (at least)French, Italian, Mexican, Amer.Regional, and what I particularly liked was that he showed a confidence and steady hand with flavor components. Understated, I would say, nothing overdone. Our entrees were both highlights. Blackened Catfish w/ Cajun Butter, Grits and Greens; and Chicken Confit with Potato Gnocchi in Parmesan Broth. (And I had a very difficult time not choosing the Scallops w/ parsnip puree, beets,hazelnuts, pea tendrils and Orange Ginger Beurre Blanc [which may change w/ the new fall menu, in 2 wks.]) My catfish was stellar- sweet and tender and flavorful, and the spice coating was not like the usual heavy crust ; it added without overwhelming, and was perfectly applied to let the sweetness and silkiness of the catfish shine through.(Capt. Marden's is his fish purveyor.) Grits were toothsome and clean flavored. (I did ask for more Cajun butter- it was so perfect on everything!) The potato gnocchi were beautifully light and tender and the concept of pairing them in a parmesan broth w/ the chicken- was lovely. Of our apps, the Braised Pork Tamale with Mole was the standout; Arancini were well executed but lacking in cheesiness. Desserts- when do you see a dessert menu that has this many good choices? We ended up with a sampling of the very full flavored and creamy sorbets; my favs were White Peach and Pistachio with Olive Oil. But next time...next time...... The room was attractive and comfortable; our non-bar side, with high-backed banquettes as well as open tables, was designed for privacy and conversation. The bar half has a long high counter w/high bar chairs. Our server was pleasant but not very skilled. It was very quiet on a Sunday night but I am confident that once the word really gets out, this place will be full most of the time. I myself have hopes of returning before the fall menu comes in. Those scallops are calling my name! *Red Bird is in the next block up Moody from the Indian Market, next to Lizzy's ice cream and across from Solea.
(4)
Olga S.

Came here with my family, and had one of the best meals I had had in months (and that's considering that we live in Cambridge and go to pretty good restaurants in Harvard Square). I had blackened cat fish with grits and collard greens, and it was really, really good. The place itself is very nice, and the wait staff are great.
(5)
Bev W.

My husband and I took my dad to Red Bird last night. We all loved it. Very nice atmosphere and staff. My dad and I each had different fish entrees and both were excellent. My husband had the lobster ravioli which was very good tho perhaps not as large a portion as he had hoped. This place just opened and it was not terribly busy on a Sunday night, which was good for us since we had to push back our reservation. We will definitely go again. A calmer vibe than Tempo but quite upscale.
(4)
Betty S.

We had a wonderful meal here last night. Our server was friendly and very helpful. The courses were well paced, and we were there for a full 2 hours. I tried the Rich Girl cocktail -- yum! The peach salad and arugula salads were excellent, ad were the blackened catfish and the seared scallops. Desserts were also awesome -- the coconut sorbet bshn mi and the chocolate ganache were scrumptious. Some people might consider the portions to be on the small size, but IMO they were perfect. You could have appetizer, main course and dessert without feeling like you're going to burst, but you're definitely full. Well definitely be returning to Red Bird. It's a welcome addition to Waltham!
(5)
Miss B.

I really struggled with the rating on this one. The restaurant itself looked beautiful, the food was very good, and Moody St. sure needs something like this to breathe some life into it. We flew from California to visit our daughter to celebrate her 21st birthday and went straight to Red Bird after picking her up. We thought this would be a fun place for a special dinner. We were wrong. Our server (the young woman with the blond bob--never introduced herself) was pretentious and unwelcoming. Our drinks took 18 minutes to arrive after we had already been there a few minutes before ordering them(I noticed the times, but I wan't timing!). That was an awfully long time to be sitting with nothing in front of us, so I tried to order the cheese plate so we'd have something to snack on since we had been flying all day and were starving--WRONG. We were not "allowed" to order unless we wanted to place our whole order since the kitchen "prefers it that way." Did I mention that we came at 8 on a Friday night, and the restaurant was clearing out? She did finally bring us a basket of bread, but the drinks still weren't there. We sat with our bread and water (prison rations) until the drinks arrived and we placed our order. Her descriptions of the cheeses were spoken like we had never eaten cheese or traveled (we know where Pt. Reyes is, dear, we had told you were just arrived from CA while we were begging for a bite of food). The food was well timed and well prepared/presented. We did not choose to get desert, nor did they bring even a small offering with a candle (which we had seen go to another table). Our server had checked our daughter's ID, so she knew it really was a special occasion. She did give her a bday card from the restaurant with our check--ok, I guess, but could you have handed it to her with your good wishes?? I don't know, I just didn't feel welcomed or appreciated as a customer. We dine out often, have lived in New York, San Francisco, and SoCal, and my favorite kinds of places are small, chef-driven, using local ingredients kind of places that manage to make you feel like they're happy to have you there. On this trip, we were looking for a place to host a graduation celebration dinner for our local family and friends. While the food was good, I would be embarrassed to have my guests treated the way we were, so Red Bird is off the list.
(3)
Grant G.

Upon entry, we were greeted by a friendly host, that knew we were coming. From here it went a little downhill. Our server gave us plenty of time to look at the drink menu. The house cocktails were delicious and not too strong. After the cocktails were delivered, it was a long time before we were asked for our order. We ordered the sticky ribs, which were very good. I had finished both my water and cocktail and our server was just standing by the kitchen doing absolutely nothing. I looked around and we were one of only 4 couples in the entire restaurant. I had the lobster ravioli which was OK, and my wife had the steak, which the potatoes were definitely the best part of her dish. Now, the service continued to be sub par, as we waiting for our server once again. The saving grace was the corn pudding desert which was Amazing!! Overall pretty good food, bad service, and great deserts.
(3)

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Address : 361 Moody St
Waltham, MA, 02453
Phone (781) 891-5486
Website https://www.redbirdwaltham.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

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

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Red Bird

361 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453

Red Bird Menu

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