Insider Pages Reviews for Orleans Restaurant and Bar

5 Stars: Best service and dining atmosphere in Davis Sq (by mysteryirishdiner)

mysteryirishdiner — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I have frequented Orleans bar and restaurant on many occasions for food and beer and have yet to be disappointed. Last night was no different. We arrived in a party of six and we were promptly seated by the very friendly hostess were greeted at our table by our server and had our drinks in no time. The DJ had his music at just the right decibel to create a good vibe and buzz to put us in our mood for our night out.The food was very tasty and well presented and our drinks were always full. As the kitchen closed our server finished and the cocktail waitress took us over.She never once passed our table without checking our drinks and as our party grew to 8 people she accommodated us very well.Her personality and prompt service was all around fantastic. I would highly recommend Orleans to anyone with all the local near by locations for entertainment and it is just steps from the train.

1 Stars: Awful service, awful times, over priced. (by cawillwe)

cawillwe — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

You'd expect this place to be good based on the hip look. The first time I went there, I had bad service. Food was ok, but not worth the price. Second time - bad service, ok food. Third time - bad service (although this time, the hostess seemed alright), bad food (some salmon omelet that was lukewarm).
Three strikes, and they're out. I live 100 yards from this place and will never go there again.

5 Stars: Good food, good atmosphere (by Kate G.)

Kate G. — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:10:00 GMT

Love the soft lighting and cool atmosphere. You can go to Orleans for a couple of drinks and appetizers (or even a burger) and not break the bank, but they also have some entrees on the more expensive side. You can kind of decide what you want to spend.

One side is set up with comfy couches and chairs where you can hang out and have cocktails and the other side is all tables and booths. Nice bar to sit at and have a drink too. The bartenders are friendly, and most of the time you can have a conversation with the people around you at the bar too, which is always a bonus.

They also have outdoor seating which is very popular, but I've never sat outside so I can;t really give an opinion on it.

I'm pushing out of that "late 20-something" crowd at 31, but I never feel like I'm "too old" there. It's very comfy, very chill, and a great place for lunch, drinks, or dinner.

Prices: Average to more expensive

2 Stars: Maybe good for regulars not expecting much (by leilze)

leilze — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I found Orleans online & was intrigued by the Lobster Ravioli & patio seating. Once there I was told the patio was closed, no surprise since there were only 3 more hours of service. I ordered an Alsace Pinot Gris that I had been wanting to try. The server started w/ the cork w/o showing the label then poured a full pour w/o a taste. It was room temp. I learned something, Trimbach is OK room temp. The menu showed no Lob Rav. The site had not caught up w/the menu. So, I can't sit where I want, can't order the food I want & I'm drinking warm white wine. I felt like I was in Comminist Russia.

Not impressed, but I will go back as it is close & everyone has an off day. I would also like to see if it can indeed get any worse. Red Sox be damned!!!

3 Stars: Orleans is not NEW Orleans! (by tt02144)

tt02144 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Orleans is a great local bar/restaurant. Just to clarify previous reviews...it's not named after NEW Orleans, it's name is for Orleans, MA on Cape Cod where the owners have another restaurant. That's why their menu is not slanted toward Cajun food! The staff is great, very friendly and the food is wonderful!

5 Stars: A place with something for everyone (by johnborek)

johnborek — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Over the years Davis Square has emerged from border line criminal neighborhood, to a semi-hip square. One of the reasons why Davis Square rocks is Orleans.

Orleans has only been in Davis for about 5 but is vital to it's life. Unlike the more mainstream restaurants and bars on the main strip of Davis, Orleans attracts a different more sophisticated crowd - both to dine and drink.

The food at Orleans can be best discribed as a mixture of American Bistro and Neavou Italian. Menu is filled with tender steaks, exquisite seafood, but also tasty sandwiches, pastas and pizzas.

It is important to mention that Orleans serves its extended bar menu until midnight, which is perfect when you're hungry late at night and you're looking for something decent to eat. The late-night bar menu is not just fries and nachos (although they have that too), but also variety of sandwiches and pizzas.

Outside an outstanding dining experience, Orleans is also a great neighborhood bar, perfect for hanging out on weeknights. It is relaxed and friendly and it's really easy to make friends with staff and bartenders.

Between Thursday and Saturdays, Orleans turns to packed party joint after about 10 o'clock. Usually there is a dj, whom can actually get the crowd in the party mood. The best part is that you can always choos to shmooz either by the bar, at the high tables, in the booths, the dining tables or on the comfortable couches in the lounge.

There is something there fore everyone.

2 Stars: Not what I expected (by ilov2eat)

ilov2eat — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

We walked in and couldn't figure out if we were to wait to be seated or seat ourselves. The entertainment was on and off. The live "DJ" should not have been doing sound checks and whatever else he was up to during dinner. As for the service, well our waitress was M.I.A. after we received our drinks. Our entree "Pizza" took so long, my companion inquired as to whether or not they sent our for the dough. The best part of the evening was the appetizer... thats it!!

5 Stars: No longer a hidden gem (by bigvern)

bigvern — Tue, 30 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

fun place to go and enjoy great food in a casual atmosphere, always great for red sox games. barstaff can whip it back when approached rudely but generally are friendly and helpfull. Always a good cocktail list and patio during the summer can get pretty hectic.

5 Stars: Tasty and Fun (by baby m.)

baby m. — Fri, 12 May 2006 11:01:00 GMT

If you're tired of the joints on the main strip of Davis (just like I am) , you might enjoy Orleans. Good food, friendly staff and on weekends, great place for drinks. Friday and Saturday nights are the businest and it gathers a quality crowd of late 20 somethings.

PROS: good people, dj, patio
CONS:

5 Stars: Nice twist to Davis Square (by jeff w.)

jeff w. — Fri, 12 May 2006 10:50:00 GMT

Orleans gives Davis Square some balance. One one hand you have some dodgy college hang outs, on the other some fine, expensive restaurants. Somehow Orleans bridges that gap and brings a nice, cozy, fun and relaxed atmosphere to the Square.

Orleans is both an elegant restaurant, as well as a bar and a lounge. It's a great place for a first date as well as a cool place to relax on the couches with a mojito or whatnot.

The food is good, the prices are right, and the staff is friendly especially if you go there more than once.

PROS: Music on the weekends, food, patio, drinks
CONS: only open till 1 AM on weekends

5 Stars: Brunch, Dinner, Drinks (by will1968)

will1968 — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I've been to Orleans for Bruch, Lunch, Dinner and drinks. It's a spectacular restaurant, with great vibe, fun atmosphere, and very friendly staff. Whenever I go for dinner or any type of a meal I'm treated like I would be in any downtown location, or even better. But at the same time, whenever I'm hanging out at the bar, the staff is relaxed, friendly and chatty. At night, on the weekends, the place gathers a quite an eclectic crowd. Orleans is a great and classy alternative to Joshua Tree or other places in Davis Sq.

5 Stars: Cozy place for cold winter months (by wodzu)

wodzu — Sun, 04 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Went to Orleans again last night and they have all the holiday decorations out. It somehow fits the place and it feels like a fun and cozy place to be when it's cold outside. As usual, the food was great, they got few more pizza's on the menu (my favorite is still the one with argula and carmelized onions). The place was full, but not packed. It looked like there was a few holiday parties going on so the ambiance in the venue was cheerful.

5 Stars: Best First Date Restaurant (by jeffippolito)

jeffippolito — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Has a nice low lighting with reasonably priced food. Really good quality for what your paying. The wine selection is perfect for a night of easy drinking that wont burn a hole in your wallet. Mellow atmosphere that allows for good conversation where you dont have to shout to talk to people, but you dont have to worry about the whole restaurant listening to your conversation.

5 Stars: Orleans Has Come a Long Way (by clance)

clance — Sun, 25 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The last time we went the place was packed at 9:30pm on a thursday night . It did take a moment to get recognized but we were seated promptly thereafter . We all had draft beer as the martinis can get a bit pricey as they seem to cater to a more upscale but young crowd . We were brought bread and olives which is a nice touch . I had the pasta with lobster and calamari and it was better than most of the stuff you'll find in the Nort-End ! Is this an Italian restaurant? Great pizzas too . Whatever it is , it's delicious . We stayed after we were done with the meal until last call. There was a D.J. that night but I'm not sure about every thursday . They even have couches in the lounge area for that "living room" ambiance .

4 Stars: Great vibe, good food! (by joneshugher)

joneshugher — Wed, 21 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I visit Orleans quite frequently. The food is very good and affordable and it's a nice place too hang out as well. Most of the nights they have dj's that play quality tunes and it's not a meat market at night like other places down the streat which makes Orleans a fun place to be. At Orleans they get pretty creative with the drinks as well. It's the only place I know in a 5 mile radius where you can get a regular sangria, white sangria and mojitos.

5 Stars: Quality food and excellent vibe (by jeffwilliams)

jeffwilliams — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Orleans is elegant but relaxed. The tables have tablecloths and service and the food is equivalent to some of the best restaurants in boston, I think. But the price is much lower. Although Orleans has an elegant decor, the staff is relaxed and professional. It seems like there is always a game on or a dj. The dj's there are top quality as well. It quickly became one of my favorite places to eat and hang out. Oh, and they have free wireless internet.

3 Stars: so-so food, below par service (by friedapplepie)

friedapplepie — Thu, 26 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I've been to Orleans for bar food and martinis before, and have never been extremely disappointed. They try to seem more fancy than they are, but recognizing that, I have been relatively pleased doing happy hour there. Last Sunday, however, I had brunch at Orleans, which made me hesitant to return. First the waiter tells us the bar has no horseradish for our bloody marys, the bartender went to "find some". Our coffee and water was never refilled. My eggs benedict had burnt english muffins and eggshells in it. Overall, boo on brunch. Go for drinks though.

4 Stars: Cozy and Easy Spot (by beangirl)

beangirl — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

This is a great restaurant, especially if you want somewhere easy and delicious to eat out during the week. Friendly staff and very cozy atmosphere inside. Would be a great place to take a date since they have tons of overstuffed couches perfect for a cocktail meeting. The food is very good and very moderately priced. Big fan of the ceaser salad, great flavor. The PEI mussels are superb too, loaded with lobster meat in the sauce.

4 Stars: Above average food & drink (by tripleb789)

tripleb789 — Thu, 05 Feb 2004 01:00:00 GMT

I went to Orleans on a recent Friday night and had a great time. We sat in the small bar area rather than waiting for a table (25 min. wait). The nachos were excellent, and my friend raved about her pasta dish, which was large enough to have for lunch the next day. The drinks we ordered were delicious. They were pricey but definitely packed a punch! No watered down drinks there. The atmosphere was cool and it was quiet enough to hear each other without shouting.

3 Stars: Poor service (by mcourt83)

mcourt83 — Fri, 25 Jul 2003 02:00:00 GMT

We ate at Orleans for the first time last night. My beef tenderloin was VERY undercooked, and the waitress never returned to ask how our meals were. Eventaully, we were able to ask the hostess to track down our waitress, who brought my meal back to the kitchen. By that time, I had already waited at least 10 minutes. She returned no less than 15 minutes later with my meal. At that point, everyone else had finished eating. When I told her that I was no longer interested in eating my meal, she got very defensive, exclaiming that it wasn't her fault. (Yes, she didn't cook the steak, but she also wasn't there when I needed her to be.) And so, the poor service was compiunded by unprofessionalism.

Because I never got to eat, my food rating is based on what my companions seemed to think of their meals.

5 Stars: Great food and ambience (by young_professional)

young_professional — Fri, 11 Jul 2003 02:00:00 GMT

I've been to Orleans 3 or 4 times in the past year. It has never disappointed me. The food was always terrific. The menu is not too long but has a good variety including lamb, steak, fish, and vegetarian. They also have a good collection of drinks: beer, wine, cocktail. The price for both food and drinks are reasonable. The ambience is chic, more decorated than most of the restaurants in the Davis Sq area. It's good for a date in their cute candel-lighted table, but also good for a group of friends hanging out around their comfortable velvet sofas.

4 Stars: A comfortable place (by alg0rithm)

alg0rithm — Sun, 11 May 2003 02:00:00 GMT

Pleasant surprise. Saturday evening, no wait. Waiter was efficient, friendly and helpful with selections. The drinks were pretty good: excellent martini, mediocre mojito. Food was excellent. They do a great steak. Modest but good wine list.