Top Of The Hub

I enjoyed my experience at the Top of the Hub. The restaurant has the best view of the city so you can't go wrong with that. For dinner, I had the tortilla soup which was good. I also had the lamb shank which was delicious. I liked my experience there, but didn't love it and I can't put my finger on the reason for that. All in all, it's a very nice restaurant and I would recommend it.

Pros: View, food quality

This is not an everyday dining experience, and for us "regulars" I wouldn't even call it a once a year experience. I've only been here once on a super fancy anniversary date, so we were willing to splurge, but it was so worth it! The location is obviously the winning factor, as you sit atop the highest floor in the Prudential building and look outside the giant glass windows overlooking the harbor/all of Boston. The service is TOP notch, as they will cater to your every need (you certainly get what you pay for!). As for the food, it was the best steak (or at least I think it was steak, or at least some sort of meat dish...this was over a year ago) I had ever eaten. The boyfriend didn't quite enjoy his meal as much though, which is sad, but then again he's used to fried everything so his taste pallet isn't as refined...haha. Also portions are definitely quality over quantity, this isn't some buffet where meals are slapped together in 5 minutes in a greasy kitchen. Really what it comes down to is if you want to indulge (key word here is indulge, so bring your fat paycheck but just be sure to enjoy the overall experience) in fine dine, scenery, and service, then there is place no better in the Boston area.

Pros: their main selling point is their view, and it works!

Cons: Pricey (obviously)

The view rocks, the atmoshere is great, and the bartenders can make you a great drink, awesome martinis.

Pros: Awesome atmosphere

Cons: Elevator rid

[this is a review of the top of the hub bar only -- though the food suffers many of the same afflictions described below]

if you're looking for a place to bring a date that will 1) be obviously expensive, 2) have a great view (contingent on local weather conditions, 3) provide no distractions in the form of stunningly good drinks, then the top of the hub is your place.

if you have higher standards for 3) and lower standards for 1) and 2), go elsewhere. a drink here will run you, after tip and assorteds, more than $15. you'll get large quantities of top shelf alcohols in your overpriced drink, but only rarely the love, artistry, and knowledge of history that a good bartender brings. the drinks i've had here (both classics and inventions by their bar) have been stunningly alcoholic (to the point of undrinkability) and poorly-balanced. the place seems invariably stuffed with tourists intent on a view of the city and environs, so the quiet contemplation of a true bar experience will be elusive. go to hungry mother instead.

Pros: great view

Cons: everything else

This is not a review of the view, the drinks, or the entrees at Top of the Hub, rather this is a review of one of their desserts - the cookies. If you're a fan of the warmth, comfort and decadence of fresh baked cookies, then you should get yourself to the 52nd Floor of the Prudential and order "An Array of Freshly Baked Cookies." While you wait for your cookies to bake, you can take in the view and sip on a drink. After about 15 minutes you'll be delivered a platter of 12 cookies, 3 each of 4 varieties, and a little bowl of freshly made cinnamon whipped cream. Are they the best cookies you've ever had? Probably not. But, we're talking about 12 really good, warm cookies with cinnamon whipped cream and a spectacular view. If you're having dinner in the Back Bay or South End, and are unimpressed with the dessert menu, I'd suggest stopping by Top of the Hub for coffee and cookies. This is also a great treat to spring on unsuspecting out-of-town guests who want to go to Top of the Hub for the view.

Pros: warm, fresh, 12

took my friend there for his b-day...we were just going to have a drink in the bar and enjoy the view but decided to stay for dinner. Had to wait "forever" for anybody to serve us even though the restaurant was less than half full. The table was sticky and gross. The air-con blasted cold air on us...we were freezing. The Hostess didn't even bother to tell us that they had fine dining in the other half of the Resaurant.... we were served in the bar-area and had no idea that there was a more upscale part on the other side of the Restaurant. I ordered a Burger with grilled onions ...got a Burger with raw Onions... we ordered a Boston Cream Pie for desert but got a piece of chocolate covered white cake with a "sliver" of cream in the middle (I mean it was maybe 1/4 inch wide sliver of cream) we were totally disappointed in A. the service B the food came out in weird intervals ...either too fast or when it finally did arrive it was not what we had ordered. I told the waitress that it was my friends B-day...she didn't even bother to stick a candle into his desert. If you go there just don't expect good service and you'll be ok!

Pros: view is fantastic

Cons: bad service

This restaurant is of course top notch, but I don't think the decor has been updated since it was built. It's a little distracting. I was thinking about having my wedding there, but I'm not sure how that would look in photos. Yes the views are amazing and the food is spectacular, but let's pick on perfection: it's dated. The Prudential Center holds a special place in my heart and this tops it.

Pros: Food, Views, Elegance

Cons: Dated

I've heard all the bad things about this place, but i can't see what everyone is talking about. I went in with my boyfriend recently and i was amazed. The service was spectacular, the wine list was great, and the view..... well of course. But i was surprised by the diverse and outstanding menu. I had the Tofu Pad Thai and i was floored. IT WAS AMAZING. I am vegan and i usually can't find anything good to eat, but hats off to those guys at the top of the hub. what a great meal!!!!!!

From the view to the staff, this is a restaurant that goes above and beyond for me everytime I go there. The food is exceptional with two different menus to choose from and the wine list has hundreds of selections. I have never had a bad meal there ( the pad thai is great) and this place is worth the money. I hope you get a chance to check it out.....

Guys, if you want to impress a girl, bring them here. Book a reservation far in advance. When you come in ask for a window view. Amazing view of the river. I brought my girlfriend here for Valentines Day and she loved it. Food was great. Clam Chowder was awesome. Service was excellent.

REMINDER: The right side of the restaurant isnt Top of the Hub. Around nine or so its a less expensive menu and Im not sure if its a different restaurant all together. Kinda weird. Jazz bar was ok but too old fashioned for a young couple like us. Oh well.

Have to eat there at least once.

I had been to Top of the Hub twice before and both times were were pleasant -- food was good, atmosphere was perfect., and the live background jazz music was just right. Two days ago, I was trying to show off Boston and took my family friends there and was greeted with: there's a minimum of $24 order requirement per person...as if they were saying: "You're sure you can afford it here? decide before you come in". At the end of the night, they told us how much more we needed to spend before we could go. I was so embarrassed feeling so looked down on as if we're cheap people. Whoever came up with this idea 6 months ago is stupid and unprofessional. If cost is what you're worried about then build it into the drinks and meals. That's how you do elegant restaurant business. Put some class into it!

Pros: View, food.

Cons: I don't like the way we were treated just because we didn't wear snobby suits and tie.

Went here with my BF during a weekend trip to Boston. We arrived about 30 minutes before out reservation, and were seated immediately. I requested a table by the window, which they were happy to provide. The view was just amazing. I'm from New York, so nice views and good food are plentiful, but this place is definitley up there. It was so romantic, the food was delicious and generous portions. Staff was friendly and attentive. Overall a fabulous experience.

Pros: Beautiful view and ambiance, romantic, great food, friendly staff

Cons: none!

I went here expecting a lot. The view was amazing of course, but the food wasn't all that great. For the money I paid for it, I was expecting a lot more. I had better dishes elsewhere for much less. Though the view makes up for it.

We went here on our first wedding anniversary. I really wanted to go somewhere where you had to dress up. I even went as far to insist on my husband wearing a suit, as I didn't believe the "business casual" claims on the website. We arrived early for our 7:30 reservations and were seated immediately. We called twice previously to ensure a window seat, since this was our first time, and we really wanted one. We didn't get one. The waiter did apologize and say "next time". Yeah. ok. When we first got there, I noticed there were people in jeans there....that made us feel a bit uncomfortable, since we really took advantage of the opportunity to get dressed up. However, after the sun went down, more and more people came wearing dresses and suits. SO, if you are like us, arrive after dark and you will fit right in.
The food was ok. nothing spectacular. The service was excellent. We kindly asked the waiter if we could relax over a glass or two of wine before putting our dinner order in. He was more than accomodating, which can sometimes be difficult, considering we were taking up his table on a prime night (saturday).
Overall, we would recommend it. The view made up for the food, and it was very romantic once the sun went down and all the lights of the city lit up. We left just as the jazz band was setting up, but they did have a small dance floor if thats your thing.
If you live in Boston and have never been, you should probably go on your next special occasion.

Pros: View!

wow. that is the first word that comes to mind when i think of Top of the Hub. The food was pretty average. i expected more, but the view made up for it. well, I mean the food was not bad - just really full of fat and oil. but the one thing that was truly awful was the coffee. i swear that i was drinking folgers. i kind of expected something more, maybe like peets or starbucks for the money that was being paid. but, the view took the cake ; it was beyond spectacular, awesomely romantic, and totally breathtaking.

Pros: view

Cons: food and coffee

Yes, the views are great. The staff is overall helpful, with a clear difference between high class dining waitstaff and the cheap seats offered to most off the street folks. There is a definate divide between these two sides of restaurant. For appetizer, I got the Chicken Lollipops; about 15$... for 8 drumstick chicken wing bits. The sauce was mainly honey, with a bit of paprika, the chicken was over cooked, dry, and tough as jerkey. Next up, the main course, I had their Grilled Chicken Pizza. The center of the pizza was so soggy, I couldn't eat more than 2 pieces. The outside was crisp/almost burned. My girlfriend had shimp and pasta. The pasta was elementary school cafeteria style store-bought pasta to the tune of 35 cents a pound. It also was soggy. The shrimp was chewy and grainy, with a strong fish taste that I normally don't encounter. Bottom line, the Top of the Hub would be a worthwhile trip if they were willing to invest a little more into their food. The light dinner menu we were given contained mainly "bar food" items, but I've had much better in much worse bars.

Pros: Good view. Nice tables and dinnerware

Cons: Horrible food. big difference between light dining waitstaff and full dining room waitstaff. Way overpriced for what it is.

I've dined at this restaurant on several occasions. They have the best New England Clam Chowder! It is not heavy and creamy and you won't feel guilty afterwards. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable with the menu. The atmosphere is great for business or pleasure. Plus, you have a great view of Boston! It is worth the money that you'll pay to eat at The Top of the Hub. I would not bring small children.

Pros: friendly staff, great location, fabulous food, sometimes there's a band

Cons: you'll probably need reservations for dinner

The magnificent view is one thing but the service and knowledge of the wait staff is astounding. The food is prepared to perfection and although the menu is not bursting at the seams, there is something for everyone. But lets break it down a bit. The service was prompt, we where seated and within a couple seconds, the helpful (not overbearing) waiter was over at our table. (Tom) knew the answer to every question we asked, and was friendly making a little table chat to add to the experience. The aspect I was impressed with the most was, this is an extremely classy place with some wine bottles priced upwards of 1800 dollars. So my lovely girlfriend and I are younger diners. Not once was Tom condescending or disrespectful due to our age, which sometimes you do see in other upscale restaurants. He treated us just as he would if there where two 51 year olds sitting there instead of two 21 year olds.
The wine list is every wine drinkers dream. Every type of wine with every range. For those who wish to enjoy a 8 dollar chardonnay or the big spender 800 dollar bottle of champagne. I chose a mid range 14 dollar glass. It was excellent. Tom went over with us the misconceptions of wine paring and gave us suggestions on which type of wine to choose. He did not make us feel or try to steer us into a more expensive wine to beef up the bill. He gave us his honest opinion.
The food was exactly what I would expect for my money. Fairly good sized portions that make you leave full. Also there was a good range of prices from about 25-60 dollars a plate with appetizers running from about 6-15ish. But the food preparation was phenomenal. Dessert was somewhat small but the rich flavors made you fill up quickly. Between the two of us with drinks it came to about 140 with a 20%+ tip. So it didn't break the bank.The only negative was the jazz bar, nobody was playing. But overall great experience and I will return. Gents take the ladies there for a romantic evening. Its a sure bet.

Pros: View, Staff, Romantic Spot, Ambience, and Food

Cons: Parking Prices

I went to the Top of the Hub for a romantic birthday dinner on 11/19/06. We had reservations. When we arrived, the place was beautiful! The view was incredible and the ambience was romantic with candle light.

The food was ok. The leg of lamb my date had was really good. I had the "Combination of Native Seafood" which came with tuna, shrimp, and mussels over pasta. It looked great, but once I started eating it I noticed that they had put ginger in my pasta. I'm Italian, and I love pasta, but not with ginger in it. It was loaded with ginger, but being the easy going person I am, I ate half of it, and shared my date's dinner which was a world better than mine.

Just be sure to ask about the ingredients before you order the food. As for the overall experience, It was great, other than my order.

Pros: The View of Boston and the romantic ambience.

Cons: The food ingredients are weird.

I've been here twice now and had an enjoyable experience both times. First time was for lunch and it was fairly good food and I thought above-average. Second time was for dinner (and the day after a bad recruiting dinner at Capital Grille) and it was great. Partially because of the easy comp vs. Capital Grille + WOW an amazing view at night + relatively quiet and uncrowded (made for good conversation - I would recommend hitting the bar for a cheap romantic date).

I had the cheaper tasting menu since we didn't have time for the longer one. It was very good, a nice variety. The wine I had complimented it fairly well. I think the best part was dessert (warm chocolate cake).

To be honest, when I think back I don't know why I liked it so much since I thought the food was just above-average. I think it was the view + the unpressured ambience.

Can someone please tell me why you can't reserve a window seat? We had to wait an additional 20 minutes on top of our reservation to get one... not to mention there was one open the whole time we were there (guess they do make window-seat reservation exceptions for CERTAIN clientele- $$$$). It makes no sense to me... because honestly, people aren't coming for the food... maybe the service but not the food. Speaking of the food, it was good but nothing I couldn't have gotten for half the price somewhere else (I got the Sirloin... try it and see for yourself). The same for my girlfriend's dish which looked unappetizing (the tuna) but she claimed it was good. When I got my soup it looked like as if was only half-full although it was pretty good (Sopa Vermelha). My girlfriend got the Spicy Lobster bisque and that was very good. We got a bottle of wine for around 35 dollars, which I had bought the same exact wine in the liquor store a few weeks ago for $13... although when I bought it it was ONLY room temperature and not chilled... so that may make up for the difference of 22 dollars. Last but not least was our dessert, which was the assorted fresh baked cookies which were slightly burnt and obviously Pillsbury... they were good but worth 12 dollars?! I think not. So at the end of the night we paid 160 dollars with the tax and tip but we could have easily have went to another place and paid a fraction of that... but of course, we wouldn't have that view.

Pros: Service, view, ambiance

Cons: Food, price, can't reserve a window seat

Simply stated. . .
If all you want is a good view, go to the Top of the Hub.
If you want romance. . . take her/him somewhere else to eat and to the skywalk for a late night peek of the city lights.

Pros: great views of the city

Cons: over priced for what you get

When making reservations, everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. I have been to numerous fine dining establishments and as far as decor, view, atmosphere; Top of the Hub is the best. The service was great; I did not have one single complaint as they were even better then I had expected. However, the only problem with my trip to Top of the Hub was the food. It was good but it could've been MUCH better. Overall, the view and service make it worth the trip. Use this restaurant if you are trying to impress.

Pros: View, Decor, Service

Cons: Food was ok

This is the restaurant to choose for special occasions or for a first date if you would like to impress. While the service is not bad, I would say, half of the times I have been there I was satisfied, while the other half were nto as good. The food, while it is not bad, it is not great either. I have certainly have had better food in other places, but where this place takes the extra points to compete with other similar restaurants is the view. Outstanding views of Boston panoramically are a sweet treat by itself. So, overall, a good reastaurant to go to once in a while, especially for a special event, but not the best reastaurant in town.
*Try going for deserts and/or coffee and drinks - very nice*

Pros: Views, Atmosphere

Cons: Mediocre food, Mediocre service

View of Beantown is nice but you leave hungry.

Pros: nice view

Cons: tiny portions

I've been to many fine dining establishments, and this ranks below mediocre. We were seated, and waited 15 minutes for our incredibly indifferent waiter. We promptly ordered 4 entree's, 2 appetizers, and a salad. The waiter returned (no kidding) 40 minutes later to kindly inform us that order was lost on the way to the kitchen, and left with no apology. Another 20 minutes passed until he returned with the appetizer (mediocre mussels) and the wrong salad, but again without an apology for doing so. When the food finally made it a full 80 minutes (!) after the order, it was barely acceptable, and again we were left with no apology for the delay.

When the overpriced check came, I realized the only selling point here is the view from up high, and the waiter was lucky to leave quickly before he was given an express ticket down. DON'T GO!!

Pros: owner is rich enough, to lease a space this, high up in prudential

Cons: service is bad enough, to ruin your night, and possibly the next

If this restaurant wasn't at top of the prudendtial building, it would not get as many positive reviews. Considering the price for there meals, and the quality of there dishes, its a huge rip off. The view is so outstanding, and the sheer ambience of being at literally the top of Boston, makes it a top spot. But if you are going out with the food as your main reason for going, you will be gravely dissapointed. Since moving here, I've been very saddened at the food scene here.

Completely horrendous service. Very dissapointed considering I've gone here before and been satisfied. Dont know if management changed hands or what...but I brought guests from out of town and was totally embarressed! Only went for dessert and drinks(you wouldnt think that would be too much to handle) they lied and said they didnt have the tea we asked for, and our coffees were cold by the time we got them. I said something nicely to management who totally blew me off. To top it off we got charged for the tea WE NEVER ORDERED! My bf had to go once again to mngment...who did absolutly nothing to turn our negative experience around! Customer service is not priority....think twice about spending your money here!!! Better off at dunkin donuts, at least the coffees hot!

Pros: ambience, jazz band

Cons: SERVICE, SERVICE, COLD FOOD

Food surpassed expectations - excellent halibut and sirloin steak special.

Pros: food, views, music

Cons: touristy, martini glasses

The Top of the Hub offers the most outstanding view of Boston. This past weekend my boyfriend took me here for our anniversary. He had made reservations ahead of time and remarked on how friendly and helpful the hostesses had been. Upon arrival we only had to wait briefly for a table with a picturesque view of the city. Men and women were both dressed to impress, however jackets and cocktail dresses were certainly not required. The music from a live jazz band filled the restaurant, but was no competition to talk over. Our server was unobtrusive, but friendly. Our excellent meal was followed by a nicely presented, tasty dessert. I highly recommend this restaurant, especially for the romantics out there. For a less expensive option try cocktails or desserts in their less formal dining area. Make reservations after the sun has set/as it is setting for better views.

Pros: Convenient Parking, Excellent Views, Great Food/Service

Went here for one year anniversary. Although the meal was pricey, all the food was delicious. The bread was tasty, salad a good size, and the swordfish I got was too big for me to eat alone! Best swordfish I've ever had. Also got the chocolate cake-very rich and the waiter put a cute candle in the well presented desert.
The martinis were fabulous. One martini was sufficient and definitely worth the price.
The view from the window tables is incredible. The overall experience is very memorable. A great place to take someone for an anniversary, birthday, engagement (or if you have the money, anytime your hungry and desire gourmet dining).
For college students (guys) save up your money and take your girlfriend. She'll love you for it!

Pros: Food, Ambience, View!!!

Celebrated a birthday here April 16th. Six of us, mid-to late 20's and well-dressed. Waited nearly an hour (expected). The jazz band was great and the view spectacular. Service was ABYSMAL! Took thirty minutes to get waitress (by this time, we had already gone to the bar). The food (dessert) was mediocre, waitress mixed up our orders, had to distribute our own drinks while she stood there looking like she had better things to do. A friend ordered tea--she brought us hot water but no tea. After one round of drinks and dessert, she brought us our check--without asking us. We told her we weren't ready to leave yet and she gave us an attitude. Spoke to a manager on the way out and was completely patronized. TOH could care or less: people will still pay for the view and atmosphere of the restaurant no matter how disgraceful the service.

Pros: View, Music, Ambiance

Cons: Service, Service, Service

Excellent staff, service, atmosphere. Very impressed! 10 of us all had a great experience.

Pros: VIEW, Food, Staff

Cons: none

I go there every so often, and always have a good time. Every waiter/waiteress that served us is nice and polite. Never encountered a rude staff there. Never had a problem with getting a window seat either. (Maybe that depends on how polite you are to the host/hostess? Eventhough we go there often I don't think they'd remember us. But we were polite to them every single time.) Had the 7 course tasting menu (with wine) twice and they were both superb. After the 5th glass of wine I was pleasantly tipsy but made a boo boo by spilling my desert wine on the table, but our server immediately brought out another glass. Definitely THE best combination of price, food and service in Boston.

I recently took my girlfriend to the Top of the Hub for our anniversary. It was a clear night and we sat facing Cambridge, which was not ideal but a wonderful view. The food was good and the wine was good. The bill wasn't as bad as I'd expected. The nicest thing about it was that I wasn't rushed through. We had a leisurely dining experience with desert and drinks afterward. A wonderful night

Pros: View, Food

I have eaten at some of Boston's finest and have to say TOP OF THE HUB win's hands down. A manager greeted me at the door, I was promptly seated and the service of chef Pacaro's 2lb lobster was the best I have seen to this day in Boston. Do yourself ( and friends) a favor and stop in soon. It's worth every penny.

Pros: FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, SERVICE, FOOD

The atmosphere was great and the view was amazing. That alone was worth going one time. The food was just ok...it was priced slightly too high but for the ambience, it was worth it. The service was terrible though. The host-staff and waiters could not have seemed more annoyed to be dealing with the diners. They ranged from unpleasant (our hostess) to just plain rude (our waiter). We didn't bother to ask for a manager so I'm not sure what their response would have been like. All in all, it's worth going once, but don't expect to be treated with any level of politeness. Then you can be pleasantly surprised if you are!

Pros: convienent parking, great view, good drinks

Cons: Waitstaff attitude, over-crowded

The top of the hubb is a great date place, but not for a first date. This is more if you have already starting dating and want to blow some money...I like it, you have to go at least once..

Pros: great view, classy, romantic

Cons: expensive, the wait

The service was amazing, the food was delicious and the view can't be beat. To the diners who complained about portion size - it's true you don't get a trough of food like you get at the Cheesecake Factory - but the portion sizes are more than adequate. Not a trace of snobbery in anyone we encountered - again, if you're looking for a perky waitress to come bouncing up and tell you her name, college major and shoe size - this ain't the place. Just refined, efficient, unobtrusive service. Overall, very romantic, very classy, and the lobster bisque was one of the best things I have ever eaten!! Only cons were classless diners that were way underdressed and left their cell phones on.

Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Food

Cons: A little pricey

This is by far one of the best restaurants that I have ever eaten in! The food was delicious! We had lunch on a Saturday and ordered off the Express menu. We went back on Sunday and had the brunch. Excellent!!!!!

Great service and excellent martinis! Fabulous ambiance ~ if they could only discourage the folks in undershirts, shorts and running shoes!

Pros: true value, pleasant service, beautiful view

Cons: no dress code

Not Worth It! Food is not that great. Very Little portions.

For romance, yes, the Top of the Hub offers a splendid view and great service. However, romance can be spoiled by a disappointing entree. Considering how much it costs to eat at the Hub, my expectations on the food quality were definitely not met. Our dinners were both good, and at a cheaper price may have earned higher than a C+, but considering the Hub's reputation and the price, I have to say that I was not overly impressed.

Pros: Great View, Great Service, Neat Experience

Cons: Expensive, Over Hyped

The view was incredible, the food was almost too plentiful and extravagant and delicious, and the band was amazing! I even hired the band, Common Ground of Boston, for a private event as a result!

Pros: Common Ground Band, Food-Variety&quality, View

Cons: Price&no group rates, No drinks included, Expensive drinks

Dishes was very small and the bill was very expensive. Didn't think it was worth going.

Pros: View