33 Restaurant and Lounge

after waiting 20 minutes for a rude and self absorbed bouncer to get off his cell phone to let me in, i waited patiently for 10 minutes at a not very busy bar for a cocktail, which was very delicious. However, being a frequent diner in boston, and in the rest. industry myself, I don't think I'll be spending any more money here when there are so many other more welcoming options around the city. The food was average at best, and the menu clearly needs a direction to go in.. there are trying do too much food wise, and then, of course, are you a restaurant or a bar? Diners should not be treated like we are going clubbing. I don't club. I just like good food and good service.

Posted 06/14/05

My husband & I Went to dinner recently and loved it! We had been before to an event and then after joining their email list I won a $1OO gift certificate!!!! So my husband & I went & dined on mac & cheese, delicious steak, mashed potatoes and my husbands chicken dish came with these potatoes that were to die for!

The vodka soda's were NOT weak which is very important!

Posted 06/09/05

My girlfriends and I have decided to try a new restaurant every month and this was our first and did not disappoint. We met on a Thurs. night and although our reservation was for 7:00 we wanted to have a drink at the bar and enjoy it. They had no problem with us taking our time and when we finally decided to eat, we were sat promptly. The food was fantastic with amazing blends of flavor and the service was attentive. I would definitely recommend the 33 for a special night out.

Pros: Food

Cons: Parking

Posted 05/29/05

I went to 33 over the weekend with my boyfriend and was looking foward to a great dinner after reading most of the positive reviews. This restaurant has a great atmosphere with a lively scene. The waiter was polite and attentive the whole evening. However, the food was definitely not worth the wait or the cash. I ordered the Beef Tenderloin (one of the more expensive dishes) and it was extremely well-done although I'd requested it medium-rare. My compainion's dish was bland and devoid of the flavor you'd expect in an establishment so highly regarded. There are alot of good reviews of this restaurant but it's clearly inconsistent and I wouldn't risk the chance of being another disappointmented customer like myself.

Posted 05/17/05

I've been here a million times - The crowd was trendy & classy...I've seen quite a few celebs (always impressive) - Mark Walburg, Derek Jeeter & Giambi, (who cares that they're from NYC - they're Hot!), Red Sox Wives (and RS Wives) are regulars, I even hear that Sandra Bullock was there for a party during the Hasty Pudding Awards. An overall great place...they have cool private rooms for dinners & cocktail recpetions.

Pros: Celebrities, Great Food, Great for Groups!

Posted 05/15/05

Having won a gift certificate to your restaurant...Only to discover a wonderful place to have great food, excellent service... My husband and I have decided that we will be coming back for dinner at least once a month, making it one of our favorite dinning places...Where we can smile and look into each other eyes, and make it our special place..Thank you and continue with being one of the GREAT places in Boston...

Posted 05/10/05

Our meal at "33" was nothing short of exceptional...although there appears to be more of a bar scene the restaurant should not be overlooked...it is extraordinary

Posted 05/10/05

Although not the cheapest place to eat 33 never disappoints and you get what you pay for. The service is excellent, the ambience is both sophisticated and inviting and the food is delicious. This is the only restaurant in Boston that I have been to over and over again. The signature drinks are great- I highly recommend the 33-tini.

Pros: service, cool bar

Cons: pricey, crowded at night

Posted 05/10/05

Really cool space, pretty neat place to have a drink. The food, which has been widely panned by the Zagat's scene was decent. I had an uninteresting cornish game hen, but my date's tenderloin was excellent. The truffled mac and cheese side is outstanding. The service was disappointing. They sat us down in the corner and I guess the waiter didn't notice we were there, so we were unattended to for the first 10 or 15 minutes we were there. The waiter wasn't knowledgable, fumbled around and reversed our glasses of wine.

Overall, seems like a really great place to have a drink, and it was fine for us because you can get one entree off with the Entertainment Card here, but if you were just to walk in, you'd be having a decent meal at fine dining prices.

Pros: Ambience, Mac and cheese, Steak

Cons: Service

Posted 05/07/05

Nice decor but the food is awful for the price points; they didnt even fully cook the risotto. When told, the manager returns with the same risotto using the same undercooked rice. The worse thing about this place is the lounge. They always keep the same 20 people waiting outside in the cold even though its empty inside just to give off an air of exclusivity. Come on, its Boston, not New York. The bouncers ask for not-so-subtle handouts to sneak you in and make degrading remarks about women while they walk in. After awhile, it turns into a mob scene as people crowd toward the entrance to avoid being passed over by the bouncers arbitrariness. Ive been here multiple times and the musics usually pretty good on the weekends but it is definitely not worth the necessary homage paid to the gatekeepers. After all, who are the clients here?

Posted 04/05/05

My friends and I were looking to go out, sit, have some drinks, chat, people watch etc. But when we got to 33 at 8:30PM we were told the lounge wasn't open yet, and the seating was for those who were eating only. The bar had no seats left, and everyone was standing around - uncomfortably close to the people who were trying to eat dinner. We didn't want to push through to get a drink and then end up standing over people eating dinner so we just left. Maybe I"ll try again but I doubt it.

Pros: hip atmosphere

Cons: no seating to drink

Posted 04/03/05

During dinner the other night we asked for wine off the menu only to find that the wine was not available - "the wine menu just changed" was what we were told. We selected another bottle.....waited what seemed a long time only to find that our second choice was also not available. However, the server had brought over a bottle he thought we would like. We tried it and were quite pleased. We ordered our food (which was delicious). As a gesture of appreciation for our patience, the server brought an additional complimentary pasta course - which tasted incredible! Our initial disappointment turned into a pleasant surprise. Overall I would say they did a great job and made up for the initial slip ups. I'd recommend this place, but I'd say be flexible with your wine choices as they obviously don't stock everything they list on the menu!

Posted 12/23/04

Know what you are getting yourself into when you go to the 33, I didn't. I met up with friends here on a weekday evening. I felt like I was in an episode of Sex in the City. If you have a clue about the 33 & it interests you, I think you will be pleased with the experience (if you don't mind forking over the cash for the scene). I think our server was new, so the service was very slow. I did not appreciate the darkness or lighting. The Modern touches almost seemed silly. The manager & the hostess seemed very eagar to please. The bartenders were not as attentive. The menu is extremely limited and small. The food was good, but I think everyone had hunger pangs and their pockets were hurting by the time the check came.

Posted 12/08/04

This is a fun spot for drinks. It has a nice atmosphere, a good drink list, and friendly bartenders.

The food was only fair. I was with a group of six and almost everyone got cold food. The scallop appetizer was fishy. The creme brulee tasted like custard.

Pros: Friendly staff, Atmosphere, Bar

Posted 11/08/04

I had a superb experience at 33-from the food to the drinks to the service. I went in with 3 friends without a reservation (a friend had recommended it) and the hostess and managers promptly came to my attention and set up a spot for my friends and I. It was a busy night but the food came out steadily and the service was great-friendly and not too overbearing. We decided to stay for the club scene and while it was packed, the bartenders were quick to make drinks and coversation all the while, smiling. Great place, interesting international crowd but well worth it.

Pros: Good food, Friendly staff, Fun atmosphere

Posted 10/10/04

Had a nice night out with some friends here, but won't return. Atmosphere was fun and warm, but too loud to hold conversation. Hostess was polite and helpful. Had one drink at the bar, bartender was fine. Once seated, the waiter was pushy trying to rack up the bill, but slow in bringing beverages and never checked after dropping anything off. Appetizers were delicious. Fish entrees were over-cooked, dry and cold. Dessert was served without key ingredient as listed on menu.

Pros: nice wine list

Posted 08/26/04

We were supposed to meet friends one night to celebrate somebody's birthday. Half our party arrived early and got in. Other half was a bit late and bouncer want $250 to let us in. Said we'd get some crappy bottle of champagne and a table, but we only wanted one drink. They make you wait in line for hours to create a false buzz, but when you get in, nobody's there. Total waste of time every time I've been there (at least 3 times).

Pros: Nice decor, Couches in bar

Cons: , Rude bouncers, Line; nobody inside

Posted 08/16/04

33 Restaurant is wonderful! Everything is perfect about this place! The atmosphere is classy with an edge! Those who know how to dine will appreciate 33!!

Posted 03/17/04

This place has as of yet been largely undiscovered and it amazes me that word has not gotten out. Why pay Mistral prices for the same if not better food and ambiance? The service has been impeccable each and every time I go there and they have consistently provided an exceptional dining experience. The chefs take time with the meals and you are NEVER rushed out because they "need a table". Sonsie could take a lesson. Friends go quickly and spend an evening exploring just their cocktail menu and you will not be disapppointed.

Pros: Ambiance, Incredible Food, V Nice Servers/Staff

Posted 03/13/04

Had another great meal at 33. Cannot wait to go again which will probably be this evening. Yes, it is a "higher priced" establishment, but you truly get what you pay for. At least I am not being rushed out the door for the benefit of freeing another table. And I love being asked where I would like to sit. Other restaurants will stick you where THEY want just to fill space or maintain their server rotation. Incredible food that shows that every effort is made to please the client. Tastes are distinct and kept intense and even when you order the same thing again and again ( I know..I am boring) it is consistently delicious. Great wine pairings and the GM is THE FRIENDLIEST in all of Boston...hands down. Way to go 33!!!

Pros: Incredible food, Attentive Staff, Delightful Gen Mgr

Posted 03/13/04

Hey great place and atmosphere, great food and definitely the best is the downstairs lounge, great people and music but to bad that the DJ has no clue how to mix

Pros: Lounge, Atmosphere

Cons: DJ

Posted 07/20/03

My friend and I went here last Friday. The service was great. We missed the time for dinner but the staff offered us some nice bread. The outdoor balcony was beautiful. It's also not too crowded to find a seat. Downstair bar was cool. Music got louder after 12am, however, the setup of the downstair was not good for dancing, and it was not a dancing crowd either. Drink was a little bit expensive at $10 each. We did like the place, though.

Pros: good service, good atmosphere

Cons: expensive, can't really dance

Posted 06/25/03

Guess who is finally coming around to recognizing the South End. 33 Lounge and Restaurant that's who...I guess they finally realize that our crowd is as cool as the Euros and you know the crowd i mean. New G.M (very scrumptious to the eye) and new chef (keep making those Choco Bombs but for god sakes change the name) is making this the spot away from the South End norm and day to day. New sheriff in town is making this the new corral for eating but then hightail it out of there by midnight or get swept away by the Euro my-father-is-richer-than-yours crowd.

Pros: Food Yum-Yum, New G.M. (Yum-Yum), Till Midnight

Cons: Pricey Pricey, Hidden away, Euros, Euros, Euros

Posted 06/02/03

and trying to dance could be a nightmare. I've had more drinks spilled on me here than everywhere else I've ever been.
Still, the DJ on Fridays plays such great music that I end up dancing anyway. He isn't very good at mixing, but his selection is great. And the crowd is pretty good.

Pros: good music selection, high energy crowd

Cons: extremely crowded

Posted 05/03/03

I heard a number of different opinions about this restaurant, and decided to try it anyone. We have a lovely romantic dinner. Got there at 6pm, and practically had the place to ourselves! Great friendly waitstaff, who helped each other out when needed. The bartender makes a mean martini. Food was delicious, but the portions are a bit small. When there on a date, order the 33 Mon Cheri for dessert, it's fun to share!

Pros: romantic, great service, great food

Cons: expensive, small portions

Posted 03/09/03

One of the best I've been to in a while. The atmosphere is wonderful and the menu had such a great varity. The manager was very accomodating and the food server seemed to like working there. Great place for a nice night out.

Posted 02/24/03

I was here on Valentine's Day and was quite unimpressed. First of all there was a fixed menu of which we were not informed of when making the reservation. Secondly, we felt like we were being rushed out of there. The food was good, but it was not amazing, like I would have expected for the price. The waiters also were not in coordination as they cleared dishes at the wrong time. The decor, however, is very hip.

Posted 02/24/03

A substatial amount of money was spent on the space and it shows. The sommelier was pleasant, informative, and knowledgeable. The wait staff, helpful; especially George. The menu has something for everyone with portons substantial without being excessive. Lentil Soup, Lamb Shank were excellent. Lobster Bisque could could be more creamy. Pear Tart and Chocolate Mousse are musts!

Pros: Beautiful Decor, Valet Parking, Cool Crowd

Cons: Sometimes loud, Stingy with Butter

Posted 02/19/03

I went to 33 for the first time right after it opened about 7 months ago. The food was bland and came out to us luke warm. We felt we had been cheated out of our money by a nightclub trying to disguise itself as a restaurant. But we tried it again last night because we had heard both the chef and menu had changed. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I had a special chicken dish in a hazelnut sauce that was absolutely amazing. My husband had a swordfish steak that was simple and light, yet very flavorful, unlike the tuna steak he had the last time we went. The service was professional, yet friendly and relaxed. The ambiance is still the same tastefully fun place it was before. Great new GM named Antoine... really made us feel welcome and special. Bravo 33!

Pros: Great food, Great Atmosphere, Great Service

Posted 02/12/03

Came in the summer time, owner was rude and cocky and not diplomatic towards me wearing shorts at outdoor patio (what was i thinking, being summer and all). Friend of mine wanted to experience 33 do to buzz around town, so gave it another try. The buzz is Antwone (new G.M). Goes to every table and inspect from top to bottom without imposing and gives great service and he adds to the atmosphere. Sommellier in house for great wines. Owner still around and still cocky (no shorts this time but yet lots of euros wearing baseball caps). Dining experience was much better

Pros: Great scene, Improved menu, great drinks

Cons: expensive drinks, Hats for Euros only, No shorts or else

Posted 02/10/03

I went to Minstral, a no-miss restaurant but had to wait longer than my quoted time. I remembered 33 from the LeMeridien food show and went there instead. I was pleasantly surprised by the decor and friendly staff. The wine list was amazing and the food was paired well with our demanding palate. My significant other and myself just found our spot for the summer. See you there...

Pros: Wine list, Ambience, Food

Cons: Hard to find, $9 valet

Posted 01/28/03

My wife & I recently went to thirty three for a romantic dinner. Our concierge recommended the restaurant and we were thoroughly pleased with his suggestion. From the time that we walked into the restaurant where we were greeted by the Manager Antoine, until the time that we paid our bill. The French onion soup and filet mignon were delicious. We were also surprised by the lounge that was downstairs where we were able to relax and watch the activity. A++

Pros: Atmosphere, Menu, Music

Cons: Packed

Posted 01/24/03

As a newcomber to Boston trying out new places has been great. 33 has been by far one of the most enjoyable dining experiences I have had in Boston. The food was wonderful, the waitress was helpful and the wine list was impressive for a Boston establishment. After dinner, I was able to venture into the lounge and party the night away

Posted 01/21/03

I first went to 33 with my girlfriend for some tasty martinis, and the second was with my husband for dinner. Both times it was comfortable and inviting, and the staff made us feel welcome. The ambience warm and romantic, and the food on the new menu was exquisite. The place is gorgeous, and it was all an amazing experience.

Posted 01/21/03

I had such an exquisite dining experience at 33 Stanhope Street Restaurant and lounge. Chef Josh Botsford has just recently changed the menu and I found the selection to be innovative and unlike any other in Boston. The extensive wine list complemented our meal perfectly. The service was very professional, attentive and knowledgable. Most definately the restaurant i will be frequenting.

Pros: Food, Wine List, Atmosphere

Posted 01/21/03

Overall a great place... if you can afford it.
The restaurant upstairs serves fine French and Italian food, along with select wines (and the wine dude is knowledgeable). The waitresses are smiling, friendly, and know the menu.
The lounge downstairs is a good place to chill until 10.30-11pm. After that, the music gets louder and the place gets packed: that makes for a fun dancing atmosphere, but not for a romantic lounge. A special mention to Mike, the bartender downstairs, who really knows his business! Ask for any drink, he'll fix it just perfectly!
The downside? Waaayy too pricy!!! Conclusion: if you can afford it, it's one of the hottest place in Boston.

Pros: Top bartender, Excellent food, Nice service

Cons: Price, Price, Price

Posted 01/16/03

The crowd here is typically older, mid twenties to mid thirties. The place is beautiful, modern and the place to be......if you're a wall st. banker looking to pick up girls. Couples are the norm at this place. The food is good and prices are reasonable. Although, the tab will run high if you are planning on dining and lounging afterwards. The hot night is probably friday when the best crowd goes. Overall, I think the place has great potential but, is undermined by wall st. wannabes and the overall lame crowd.

Pros: decor

Cons: crowd

Posted 12/25/02

if you are looking for something different....something that offers a combination of French and italian with a twist. This is a very good place to eat at. after dinner one can go down -stairs to the lounge for a drink with friend.

Pros: different, service, ambience

Cons: expensive, value, parking

Posted 11/17/02

We went after the ballet because it was close by and participated in IDine. We knew nothing about it in advance. We were unprepared for the nightclub scene, but they served dinner late. Hostess and host quite uptight; host/sommelier snooty when we ordered not-expensive wine, but wine list good top to bottom. Our first table was poor but we were moved when we requested another. Pastas (hand-cut), salad and desserts well-prepared with high-quality ingredients. Dishes oddly shaped and difficult to eat out of (menus also difficult to manage). Restaurant not especially attractive (spartan, walls noticeably bare of decoration), loud and smoky. Service (below host level) very good; waiter and busboys charming and genuine, in marked contrast to studied, strained "cool" the place attempts to project. Not a first choice, but not a disaster; good food to be found under the desperate hipness.

Pros: open late

Cons: very noisy

Posted 11/17/02

We went to 33 for a birthday party. The place is gorgeous but the people who seat you are obnoxious. This is nothing against the wait staff, they were fine, just the host and hostess. My food was ok, I have had better. I'd would drink at the bar again, but not eat.

Posted 11/11/02

THIS PLACE IS OVERPRICED, HAS HORRIBLE SERVICE AND RUDE MANAGEMENT!!! I recently sponsored a birthday celebration for someone at 22, and the waiters served the cake/desserts late, overcharged us on drinks and to top it off, the management was considerably rude regarding our accommodations after running up a $500+ tab. SAVE YOUR MONEY PEOPLE, and go somewhere else! Often this place is overcrowded and filled with wanna-be Brahmins. Its like Whiskey Park when it first opened (all hype with no delivery). I give this place until the end of the winter before it tanks like Whiskey Park. Ive never seen so much cheesy, wanna-be pretentious attitude.

Posted 10/02/02

took a friend here for his birthday. the hostess was very gracious and the bus people (water/bread servers) were great but our main waiter was a bit snobby as was the somlier. our meals tasted delicous although our entree's were served luke warm (a pet pieve of mine). seems like a fun place to grab drinks...but would probably go somewhere else for dinner

Pros: delicous food, fun crowd

Cons: snooty waiter, lukewarm meals

Posted 09/14/02

I was extremely surprised by this restaurant. Granted that I have heard alot of street buzz on this new location, I was plesantly treated to great service and a very large menu to select from. The Lobster carpaccio was amazing, followed by a tantalizing filet mignon au poivre. The list of deserts was very tempting however I finished the meal with a simple sorbet. I was then invited down to the Swanky lounge where I met a hand full of very interesting indivdiuals. A++

Pros: Ambience, Decor, Range of menu items

Cons: Wait to get in

Posted 09/08/02

The food was pretty good, but not anywhere near special enough to justify the price. If your goal is a trendy place where you can impress people with how much you're spending, 33 might catch on but there are better places now. The service was average at best. You can easily spend over $50 a person without even getting any mashed potatoes, if you get a small over-$10 drink.

Pros: spacious, okay food

Cons: extremely expensive, side dishes extra, food not special

Posted 08/16/02

If your want a fun bar with a ton of eye candy...33 is the place for you. If your looking for edible food and good service, go next door to Bomboa, because 33 does not have either. 33 should do at least one thing....teach the staff how to serve wine! They are clueless which leads me to believe the owners are as well. ouch!

Posted 08/05/02

Walk downstairs and let the fun begin....

Wrap around bar with quick serving bartenders. Great eye-candy for both guys and gals! Wrap around sofa as well! Great for chillin or dancing on a weekend night! Brand new!!! The trendy place to be, but not overly crowded and known...YET. Clientele ranges from college kids to young professionals...with the mix of Euro. Great Dj on Fris. and Sats. Sundays are the BEST nights. Def. Recommend..take it from me, I KNOW!

Pros: Great Eye-Candy!, Quick Service, Not too Crowded

Cons: A tad expensive, No parking, Sunglasses in doors.

Posted 07/30/02

One Heineken ($6) and one "house" vodka tonic ($9) was $15 plus tip. The upstairs bar is really my favorite. The bar itself changes color, there is plenty of space, and it's a very trendy, fun scene. The downstairs bar is also cool, but it's much darker and feels much more cramped and dungeon-like. Drinks are simply too expensive for me. Every time that I've been over there we've left to go to another bar where we can drink for less $$$.

Pros: Very cool upstairs, Lovely outdoor seatin

Cons: $15+tip=beer&drink, Dungeon Bar downstair

Posted 07/21/02

With both French and Italian food to choose from, you are sure to be please with this wonderful menu selection. The decor is very soothing and trendy. Nothing I have ever seen before. Great New Place!

Pros: Fun, Happening

Posted 07/11/02

This place is great! I've gone for both drinks and dinner and the atmosphere is amazing. Great place to get a drink after work.

Posted 07/11/02

I LOVE 33! You won't find another place like this in all of Boston. They have outside seating to enjoy this beautiful summer weather we have been experiencing and a wonderful menu to choose. The drinks are just fabulous. Tyr any of the martini's.

Pros: outside dining, great food

Posted 07/11/02