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Exchange Street Bistro Reviews List
Exchange Street Bistro
Welcome to Exchange Street Bistro, an inviting, exciting contemporary bistro located in the heart of Malden Center. Just steps away from the city’s T-stop and several new luxury condominiums, Exchange Street Bistro creates an upscale neighborhood feel for those looking for an outstanding dining experience. With an extensive and creative menu, Exchange Street Bistro’s chef’s offer trend setting and savory dishes at reasonable prices. Our staff provides superior service along with exceptional knowledge of our menu, and extensive wine list. Therefore, ensuring our guests an experience that will far exceed all their expectations. The warm and charming décor of Exchange Street Bistro, is enhanced with dramatic lighting, showcasing everything from our beautifully crafted granite bar and tables to our intimate high back booths through out the dining room. The fully stocked bar and spacious lounge creates a stylish and vibrant atmosphere with an exquisite martini menu.
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74 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 74 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(42)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(50)
- vibrant bar scene(35)
- fit for foodies(33)
- good for groups(30)
- special occasion(26)
- hot spot(23)
Exchange Street Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
No complaints at all
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was excellent - and the food just fine - we had reservations - so were seated immediately - we chose from the special 3 course menu - and both of us got something we'd never had before - daughter loved the NE Lobster Pie - I had the duck - would never have it again - it had excellent flavor - but not a fan of so much fat or the almost pate texture to parts of it - and would have liked some bread w/the meal - it was never offered - on the other hand DESSERT was w/o question - perfect ! Decadent chocolate cake and we'd have probably ordered more but were too full. The starter salad by the way - VERY GOOD !!! We'd choose Exchange Street again in a heartbeat - good food, good service - nice find ! No more duck however :)"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome go to restaurant!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Try it, you'll like it - all around a winner!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Neighborhood gem!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love this neighborhood gem, best around and somewhat off the beaten path in Malden - food is as good as any good Boston restaurant, without the big city hassle. The staff are attentive and friendly - a very positive experience every time, that's why I keep going back - very reliable for many occasions, an easy and good night out or just for lunch."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
There isn't one thing on the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There isn't one thing on the menu I would not try. Taps is different every night. Drinks are made well and reasonably priced."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 5 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"my friends from Vermont Loved the food , it was there first time at the restaurant.
thanks to Trisha"
thanks to Trisha"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 6 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice place for a birthday dinner!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Still a big fan of Exchange Street Bistro. My friends took me there for my birthday celebration and we had a great time! Our server was great. (I am sorry, I can't remember her name!) The food is always well prepared - the lobster mac and cheese is one of the best in the city!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
dinner was delicious; service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"dinner was delicious; service great."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 8 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
hit or miss
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"its usually hit or miss. but this time the food was wonderful"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
this was lunch and it was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"this was lunch and it was very very good. We find that sometimes a series of appetizers allows us to taste a wider variety of choices and satisfies our eclectic palates AND...leaves us very very happy! Very attentive service, as always."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 10 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
My husband and I went to this
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and I went to this restaurant for Easter dinner, and we were very disappointed. We both ordered lamb from the Easter dinner menu and when it arrived we noticed the meat portion was rather sparse and it consisted mostly of fat and gristle. It was inedible so we had to send it back and order another item from menu. The staff was very polite and apologetic and we were told they had other issues with the lamb that day due to a bad cut. We realize that this sometimes happens but we would have appreciated knowing that before we ordered so we could have chosen something else."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
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Review 11 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Easter Brunch was a highlight!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Easter Brunch was a highlight! Knowing that a local politician dines there was a special treat! Highly recommend it!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overpriced for the neighborhood,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overpriced for the neighborhood, but very good! Our waiter was funny and attentive. Huge martini list!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Can always count on excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Can always count on excellent food experience here. Choose from standard menu or the specials, be pleasantly surprised. Service was personable and attentive."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The front room can be loud,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The front room can be loud, but there are two back rooms (with plenty of tables in each) that are quiet enough to easily converse with your friends. Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. Wines by the glass started at $7. I've seen some criticism of the staff and portion size on Yelp but Howard was a great waiter and the portions were filling.
There aren't a lot of vegetarian options on the menu but they were very accommodating when asked to replace chicken with vegetables in a pasta dish."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 15 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place is a hidden gem. Unless you visit the area for other reasons you'd never know it's there. I love the ambiance though it can get a bit loud once the bar starts filling up and the live music starts.
The drinks are amazing, you can't go wrong no matter what you choose, and the food is pretty awesome too. The menu changes quite regularly so you have to keep going back to see what's new or different."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 16 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Manager and host were great!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Manager and host were great! Excellent as usual. Love the new changes from the recent updates. Free parking across the street."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 17 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The. staff was great! food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The. staff was great! food awsume!!!!!!!!! going back soon!!!!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 18 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Had a decent fish deal the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a decent fish deal the other night. Haddock was cooked ok, maybe a little overdone, but like I said, it was decent. There were supposed to be brussels sprouts mixed with black eyeed peas, but I got all peas, no sprouts at all. also supposed to have bacon. Bacon was there but in short supply. The real winner was the lambshank. My aunt had that and it was delicious. But the sides weren't that great: Feta mashed potatoes were not winners and the carrots were undercooked, and spinach was super salty."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
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Review 19 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was delicious! And a
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was delicious! And a great list of martinis. I would definitely go back!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 20 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Night out with friends
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The waitress Missy was outstanding engaging and knowledgeable about the food and beverage menus. Presentation on the food was spectacular as it was delicious. Thank you for a great time. And over the top meal."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great martins and loved the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great martins and loved the music!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
tasty and sleak suburban Bistro
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For a suburban restaurant (Bistro), Exchange St Bistro was great. We went on a Tuesday night, and had a place right away (although I reserved because I didn't know how it would be). Service was very nice and atentive. We did wait a little while for our food to come, but the food was Absolutely Amazing! very tasty, very unexpected from a restaurant in the suburbs. Huge cocktail list. Nice bar. The decor is very sleak urban. But the atmosphere still lags behind in the 'burbs. However, we will certainly come back for the food !"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It's a perfect place to meet
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's a perfect place to meet people for brunch"
Dined on 02/03/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 24 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food wasn't bad, but it
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food wasn't bad, but it was just "ok". We were seated in the back room and there was a private function on the other side of the curtain - it was so loud we couldn't have a real conversation so it was disappointing. Would have much preferred being seated in the front, at least we could've talked."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2004
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Review 25 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food service was a little
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food service was a little slow at lunch on a Sunday."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall, food was tasty, and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall, food was tasty, and drinks were strong. Our server was great. We really enjoyed the mussels and bruschetta."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Exchange Street Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, could be better
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food, english muffins on eggs benedict were hard though, almost impossible to cut with anything short of a steak knife. French toast was a tad underdone. Flavors for both were good."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Exchange Street Bistro
Based on the average of (47) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic