The Summer Shack is a fun, casual, restaurant. Specializing in New England Style Seafood. We offer 10 to 12 different types of oysters daily. Lobsters in varying sizes and styles including our signature clambake. Wonderful local grilled fish and crispy fried seafood. We do offer several non-seafood items as well. Steaks, burgers and award winning fried chicken. We are a children friendly restaurant and we can accommodate larger groups upon request.

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76 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

(76 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 76 reviews

5 stars

(15)

4 stars

(37)

3 stars

(17)

2 stars

(6)

1 star

(1)

Food

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

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Diners classify this restaurant as:

good for groups(32)
kid-friendly(28)
fit for foodies(20)

neighborhood gem(18)
great for lunch(11)
vibrant bar scene(10)

Summer Shack Reviews List

Review 1 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Summer Shack in Boston

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 6/13/2013

2013

Dined on 6/13/2013

2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I reserved a party of 5 for 8 PM and we arrived early no problem and the table was ready for us. The server had some great suggestions on the food we took them. We had a picky eater who got the steak and did not like it. They took it back he ordered a burger w/out cheese it came back with cheese on it. He was not very happy.

Parking was ok. They validate about half of the cost.

Overall, I think that the location was the biggest issue. If I were to go back I would probably go to a different location. Also the server assumed that a male was paying for the dinner. I was taking my brother out, I was not happy about that he was given the bill. I should have made sure that in the beginning, they were told to give me the bill."

Dined on 6/13/2013

2013

Special Features: kid-friendly

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Review 2 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Boston Clambake

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 6/14/2013

2011

Dined on 6/14/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Enjoyed the great seafood and cold beer. Just what we look for when visiting Boston!"

Dined on 6/14/2013

2011

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Review 3 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Disappointing

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 6/11/2013

2012

Dined on 6/11/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We regularly go to the Summer Shack in Cambridge, but decided to try the Back Bay location for a change on a Tuesday night when a friend was in town. Right away we were struck by the very high noise level. The ceilings are low and for some reason there is no buffer for the cacophony of sound. We figured we would get used to it and we did, although we had to speak louder than is generally comfortable. There were a couple of large parties right around us, so we think this is what caused the extremely slow service, which we have never experienced at the Cambridge location. Although it was fun to see Jasper White in the kitchen and the food was great, we were generally disappointed and will continue to visit the Cambridge Summer Shack."

Dined on 6/11/2013

2012

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, great for lunch, special occasion

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Review 4 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice casual spot for pre-show meal!

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 6/04/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We had 4 families of Girl Scouts all having dinner at Summer Shack before heading to Symphony Hall for a Pops show. The staff was great, and we all enjoyed a delicious meal before they got us out the door in plenty of time for the show. The food was delicious and we all had a great time."

Dined on 6/04/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly

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Review 5 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good food

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 6/02/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The food was very good but the loud music made conversation difficult."

Dined on 6/02/2013

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Review 6 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/31/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"oyster on the half shell and fried clam heaven."

Dined on 5/31/2013

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Review 7 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Disappointed

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 6/01/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Expensive for what was offered: mediocre bluefish, should have been a lot better. Surprised, previously had eaten at other location and was expecting much better food."

Dined on 6/01/2013

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Review 8 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

Shameless

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 6/01/2013

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Poor) 1 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We 've been to the Fresh Pond location in the past and have enjoyed the food, service and ambience. The Back Baylocation wa slike a different planet, the kind you never want to visit again. oysters were ok, the swordfish looked and tasted as if they had just microwaved a frozen slice. Cheap, industrial oil and dressings in the crab cakes and side dishes (and too much of both on the food). Service was good. Priced as if they care for the food they serve but we felt cheated by its cheap quality and careless preparation. Music very loud but the place very sad and lonely. Felt that it was a trap for people staying in the hotels nearby, rather than a place that wants to attract locals for repeated visits."

Dined on 6/01/2013

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Review 9 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/23/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great location near the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Copley Plaza, with yummy seafood, and good service!"

Dined on 5/23/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot

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Review 10 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Summer Shack, good as always

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/26/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The Summer Shack on Dalton St. in Boston's Back Bay is our favorite pregame place when going to a Red Sox game. There are always ample tables, great food and attentive service. I had the fish tacos, which were delicious and my companion had the crab meat club sandwich. We shared an order of steamers, which were also good. This will continue to be our before game place to go to have good food and a nice glass of wine before the game."

Dined on 5/26/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, hot spot

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Review 11 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fabulous Meals

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/25/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We had a wonderful dinner at Summer Shack. The staff was friendly and helpful to us. The food was fantastic. The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm. We felt like part of their family. It was so great that we came back the next day for lunch! This restaurant was one of the high points of our visit to Boston. This restaurant is a gem - child friendly and great food and service."

Dined on 5/25/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 12 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/20/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Freshest lobster anywhere. Take that, LegalSeafood!! SummerShack is fabulous."

Dined on 5/20/2013

Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem

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Review 13 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/14/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"great food, very good service. Only negative was it was very very loud. Had to really talk very loud to have a conversation at dinner."

Dined on 5/14/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Review 14 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Flexible when things go wrong

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/11/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I had reservation for 6 for 5:30 on Saturday that i made on Open table. It turns out another person wanted to join, I called up and changed it to 7 no problem. Then that night myself and 3 others in my party were locked in traffic from people getting out of the Red Sox game (we didn't work that one into our calculations). I was concerned we were going to loose our reservation, also I had to be somewhere by 7! They were very easygoing they let the three people there sit down and order for me before they placed the rest of the orders.When we finally arrived around 6:00, we sat right down, my food, and appetizers. The server was great, so was the food.

Love this place, Food is love!"

Dined on 5/11/2013

Special Features: good for groups

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Review 15 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Seafood Gem in Convention Area

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/07/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The Summer Shack is a seafood gem tucked just behind the Hynes Convention Center. The exterior is entirely unassuming, and the inside meets the description of a polished 'shack' with open wooden tables and a half-circle bar. The looks belie the quality of the food. A group of six met for lunch and we found the food excellent. My dish was steelhead trout, and it was one of the best I have had anywhere. It was the quality I expected from a trip to Boston. The following day I returned for fried whole-belly clams. They were delightfully prepared with a light batter and not too deeply fried, so that the flavor came through without distraction The ambience is naturally noisy. The service was attentive enough. The prices were reasonable."

Dined on 5/07/2013

Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 16 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Love the Summer Shack!

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/05/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I tend to frequent the Cambridge location, but we had out of town guests who wanted to do a duck boat tour, too. The restaurant was very accomodating to their 1 year old - easy place away for the stroller and kid-friendly menu options. My friends were blown away by the oysters, too. All around lovely lunch experience."

Dined on 5/05/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 17 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Not great

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/04/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Ordered blue fish. Didn't taste fresh. Too pricey for a mediocre meal. Background music too loud so we couldn't hear each other. Would not recommend restaurant."

Dined on 5/04/2013

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Review 18 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Too noisy at Summer Shack

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/03/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Poor) 1 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Love the food at the Back Bay Summer Shack, but the music was so loud (at 8:00 on a Friday night) that our party of six could, at best, only ever hear the person sitting next to them -- impossible to conduct a normal conversation. Wait staff seemed harried, with more table than they could handle (and the noise probably wasn't helping them either). I've been there many times, but if the current level of music is going to be the standard going forward, I can't recommend the Shack any more."

Dined on 5/03/2013

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Review 19 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Yummy

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/02/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Very good food! It was well worth the trip to Boston. I personally loved the messy Pan cooked Lobster. Good thing we had bibs. If you can't get reservs for the time you want, the bar seating was relatively open for those walking in off the street."

Dined on 5/02/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 20 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

StumbleUpon

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/01/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I found Summer Shack while walking around Boylston one day and decided to check it out. Th atmosphere is awesome, the menu had plenty of options, and it's on a cute little side street. The food was pretty good and our server was very friendly. Would recommend!"

Dined on 5/01/2013

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem

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Review 21 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent sea food: superb

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/21/2013

2013

Dined on 04/21/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Excellent sea food: superb sword fish.
Casual atmosphere, noisy. Service OK."

Dined on 04/21/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups

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Review 22 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Thank goodness the company was good

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/12/2013

2008

Dined on 04/12/2013

2008

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Arrived on time with a group of 6 for a 7p reservation on a Friday, but was told the table still needed to be made up. Three in our party ordered the lobster, but it was so overdone it was like eating a baseball glove. Drinks were slow and the server was not knowledgable about the items on the menu.
Overall, we managed to have a good time in spite of the Shack. Definitely won't be returning."

Dined on 04/12/2013

2008

Special Features: kid-friendly

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Review 23 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Food at the Boston location

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/04/2013

2009

Dined on 04/04/2013

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Food at the Boston location was not as good as the Cambridge restaurant."

Dined on 04/04/2013

2009

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Review 24 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

I was in Boston to tour Northeaster

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/31/2013

2012

Dined on 03/31/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I was in Boston to tour Northeastern and was looking for a place for seafood.someone suggested Summer Shack so we went. Very happy that I listened to this suggestion. The food was great as well as the service. I would certainly go back again."

Dined on 03/31/2013

2012

Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 25 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Night - Super Service

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/27/2013

2006

Dined on 03/27/2013

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We met an old friend for dinner and wanted a casual place with good food to talk and catch up. The service was impeccable. Our server was attentive without being pushy and made sure we had a great night. The food was fresh and delicious. Great time."

Dined on 03/27/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly

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Review 26 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and service

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/26/2013

2013

Dined on 03/26/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Second time here. Great food at great prices, especially for Boston. Very friendly atmosphere. Had both lobster and crab cakes-- delicious!"

Dined on 03/26/2013

2013

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Review 27 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

We left disappointed.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/20/2013

2004

Dined on 03/20/2013

2004

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We went during Restaurant Week. The service was attentive. However, the food, only so-so. One of us got the surf and turf and found the shrimp overcooked, and the steak a bit hard to cut and even harder to chew. The boston cream pie dessert was cold and just out of the fridge. My dinner was better, I had the BGTY Bluefish and oysters which were all quite tasty."

Dined on 03/20/2013

2004

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Review 28 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

boomy loudspeakers

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/16/2013

2009

Dined on 03/16/2013

2009

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Poor) 1 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Very noisy music played through poor, boomy loudspeakers, to the extend that conversation was hard -- even after we asked to be moved from seating directly under a loudspeaker. Food was OK but not special -- especially at the price. Not that enjoyable, and we were happy to be finished eating so that we could leave."

Dined on 03/16/2013

2009

Special Features: vibrant bar scene

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Review 29 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Seafood

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/10/2013

2008

Dined on 03/10/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We enjoyed the seafood choices and all four of us enjoyed what we ordered. Disappointed that the Bluefish special was not available since we were there early @ 5:30PM. This was our first time at the restaurant and certainly will be back."

Dined on 03/10/2013

2008

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Review 30 for Summer Shack

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Not Worth It

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/21/2013

2010

Dined on 02/21/2013

2010

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was not nearly as good as most reviews had claimed - all the fish in my cioppino was overcooked and there was very little broth. The wine was terrible."

Dined on 02/21/2013

2010

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Summer Shack

Based on the average of (46) ratings-only reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

17 out of 18 recommend this product

Food