Locke-Ober

My husband and I were very disappointed with the food and the atmosphere at Locke Obers. We decided to go for a special dinner on a Friday night as it was our anniversary. It was nothing like we had expected. The outside of the restaurant is tired and worn with cracked windows. The inside is very dark and gloomy. The wait staff acted as if it was still 1870 and it was a priviledge to be there. There were very few patrons there and I now know why. The restaurant reminded me of an 80 year old person who is trying to be young and "happening". The food was just fair and the price was rediculously high. We could have gotten a better meal at a franchise restaurant for a fraction of the cost.
On another note, the building is very historical and the mahogany wood work is stunning. It should become an ice cream parlor where ther is an admission fee to come see a historic building and get a cone.

Yesterday my wife and I went to Locke Ober. It was magical. We walked in and were immediatly taken care of. The beautiful coat girl took our coats, the Maitre D' escorted us inside the main dining room to the most beautiful table. I had never seen such a magestic old Boston venue. The atmosphere was perfect! My wife and I enjoyed some Cabernet Sauvignon while the waiters addressed our every need. I ordered the Steak with Calamari, while the wife dinned had the Veal - And they both were cooked to perfection. And then for dessert we had flamming baked alaska. OMG!!! My wife and I went back home and celebrated our romantic evening. Believe the hype - this place is 5 star quality. Ive been around the world and I have yet to visit a restuarant so magical.

You can't get more "old Boston" than this downtown dowager located off an alley near Downtown Crossing. The glass and woodwork is magnificent, the real essence of turn-of-the-century Boston. Sadly, the same can not be said for the staff (the front desk staff are often downright rude) nor the food (overdone and absolutely loaded with butter and cream). The wine list is extensive and expensive (as in many fine restaurants). As for the food, there is no excuse for some of the sky-high prices for entrees that are often rather mediocre. If they would lighten up some of the dishes and better train the staff this would be an excellent restaurant. As it is, it is a one-time visit ... then try some of Boston's truly great restaurants.

Correction to the review below. My computer screen was partially covered when I originally filled it out and I meant to give "highly recommended" to most attributes. Sorry.

My memory of my one time at Locke-Ober. My friend and I had come into the city to shop and I had brought a small rolling suitcase to carry home my purchases. We were little old ladies in sensible shoes and respectable outfits. We had meant to go to Maison Robert but on an impulse decided on the famous Locke-Ober. The gentleman receptionist greeted us politely (we expected to be told there were no empty tables) and offered to check my suitcase. He almost concealed his surprise as he lifted it and obviously realized it was empty. We speculated that he might have thought we were after the silver. Anyway, everyone was very kind and polite. I felt I got my own back when the expensive item on the menu which I ordered was not available. However the roast beef hash was excellent. The wall-to wall silver on the buffet was impressive and we were treated like "grandes-dames"

It is always amusing, instructive and even pleasing to read a negative review of a place one loves. THose of us who are Locke-Ober devoteees don't mind calumny hurled at the old girl but we of course want the place to do well else it be closed. What amuses is the extent to which someone can miss the point of the place. Of course, it is sad if someone has been rudely treated but experience shows that often(not always) the treatement has been coaxed out of the staff. Two sad trends have developed in Restaurant Reviews: the first is the resentment of dress codes. Denim of any kind should not be allowed in any restaurant of merit nor should pants suits, leisure suits or other abominations. respect for the older places and the people around one are important(As Grace Kelly rebuked her daughhter's dress one day, "_I_ have to _look_ at you.") A little self-respect and respect for the place goes a very, very long way. The second problem is the complaint that an old restaurant is not exciting, or serving, as we have learned to say, "cutting edge" food or, more bloviatedly, "cuisine>" Locke-Ober serves its traditional fare and some dressed up items that Shire has wisely put on the menu to compete. One goes there for continuity and cream---and butter. Shad Roe were magnificent there last trip, the salads were nice if a little frou-frouy. THe place should not be condemened for not being something. And try the steak tartare...not as of yore (would that it were...it was a great pile of chopped ,meat with all the goodies..now it is a smaller, streamlined version but still excellent.) Coffee is nothing to scream about, though, at least not to aging New Orleanians outside their hunting grounds.