Raised mahogany paneling, banquette seating, mosaic tile flooring, etched glass, discrete mirrors and a large fireplace help to create a refined and comfortable bistro environment on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. A true urban neighborhood venue, The Beacon Hill Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. While breakfast and lunch have an American/International flavor, at dinner the accent is decidedly French. Jason Bond crafts menus calling on modern bistro cuisine, “striving to balance tradition with modern tastes and techniques.” The Bistro also serves late-night dinners until 11:00 p.m. for the after-theatre, symphony, and film crowd. And, of course, Sunday brunch.
"Having heard good reviews about this place, I made reservations when out of town guests came to visit. The dining room of this hotel is pleasant enough and it looked promising, Our waiter was also pretty nice, but not very good at his job. We all decided to start with the muesli, but then 3 museli and one salad appeared. The server (not the waiter that took the order) seemedwas clearly angry when we explained that no one asked for a salad. He literally stomped off and wouldn't listen to us explain we asked for muesli.. The waiter brought back the salad (!) to say this is what we ordered (!!!) and we had to insist that we didn't. This was the first of several snafus. The waiter was always pleasant but really not very competent."
Dined on 5/19/2013
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"I took my wife for a late lunch, on a Thursday, to celebrate her birthday. We started with a 1/2 bottle of champagne. Unfortunately, the temperature of the bottle was adequate for a red wine (warm). During lunch (the food was very good), it was hard to get the waiter's attention, despite the fact that the restaurant was already quite empty. My wife ordered an expresso together with a tirammissu, to enjoy both at the same time. The expresso came right away (and it was also very good), but it took 10 minutes for the tiramissu to make its way from the fridge to our table!! In summary, great location, great food, corteous but very inneficient service."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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"The location is great, the space is comfortable, the decorating elegantly understated. However, the meals were a bit sparse for the price, and the fish entree was embarrassing - very little actual fish, a lot of touch skin and fish gristle (?). Service was very good. We did not mention the fish problem, as we were engaged in a serious conversation. The vegetarian entree was good. Both were pricey, but considering the location, not too bad."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"While the food was very good, I was disappointed in the service. Waited long time just to give order and others who entered after me were served before. Also, check you bill carefully. I was over charged and unfortunately did not notice until I left."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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"The Bistro could not have been more welcoming when I arrived on the first eve of my move into the neighborhood from London to report that I had been stood up by an ailing guest. Both the hostess and the waiter were both exceptionally brilliant in seating me and treating me with the best possible service....and at the best table in the restaurant! - rare, very rate! I was immensely impressed and will return time and time again......alone, with a partner and with business guests!! Five stars all the way!!!!!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Be sure you eat before you go! Smallest portions I have ever seen for the entree. I am very small but was starved when finished. My scallops had one tablespoon of cous cous and two teaspoons of mushrooms on the plate. My poor dinner companion ordered the steak frite, which had literally four bites to it but tons of french fries to help fill one up.Very disappointing. Would rather that they charge more and actually give you some standard size meals."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"It usually boils down to service. Quality restaurants nowadays seem to all have good food. They spend all their time and energy in the kitchen, and then forget about the front of house. This is one of those restaurants. Our waiter had absolutely no personality. None. In addition, he forgot orders and was slow in response with a half empty restaurant on a rainy cold night. Most people in our group enjoyed their food. Their appetizers were a little odd and unsharable. The main courses, most got steak and frites, I got the Hake. 6 out of 7 liked their meal. One felt steak was way undercooked, but didn't want to send it back."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Poor food quality/presentation for the price. Scallops were full of grit, creme brulee was old and chewy. Staff not that friendly. Go somewhere else."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
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"We have dined here several times before and like the idea: creative cooking, clean surroundings, knowledgeable staff. This last visit showed some flaws that seem endemic: service was more mechanical than friendly, portion sizes continue to shrink, and prices continue to rise. After all, 3 scallops for $27 on a tablespoon of faro looks more like an appetizer than a main course. Noise level remains very high, and a soft ceiling or cork tiled floors would help."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"This is a perfect spot for dining, with the glories of Charles Street, and the Boston Common and Park just around the corner. Feels, and tastes, like a spot in Paris. Lovely people on the staff."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
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"Very reliable neighborhood favorite. For all meals. And a drink. Very good food. Well intentioned, good to very good service. And, good value. Can sometimes be a little noisy, but some tables are more out of the way."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Had a really nice meal here during restaurant week, delicious mussels to start, followed by a great risotto and a yummy honey comb panna cotta...service was excellent and the ambiance was energetic and reminded me of a proper french bistro...I would definitely come back! Perfect location too, right on Charles Street in Beacon Hill!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We went for the special Passover menu. Enjoyed our meal so much we look forward to returning and sampling the regular fare. Our waitress was helpful and engaging."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I was very disappointed with the attitude the wait staff had at welcoming us. It was as though they rushed us at every course and were annoyed we were there so late, although they were the ones to push late our reservation claiming it would be difficult to seat an extra person...in what was an empty restaurant.
I expected far better."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We enjoyed Restaurant Week as we have in the past. The Semolina Crusted Haddock was perfectly prepared. The fish was fresh and moist with a very nice crispy crust, and the tender baby beets were delicious. The Buttermilk Panna Cotta with honeycomb and caraway brittle was such a sweet ending to a lovely evening with good friends."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Never a bad experience here...... Have been coming back for years well prepared innovative dishes with great service make this a neighborhood gem always think next time we'll try the place across the street, but never do!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I chose Beacon Hill Bistro for a group of four, two of whom had not been there before, of us to meet for lunch. I knew they'd all be happy, and they were. The food writer among us said nothing about the food [we had a lot of catching up to do], but I noticed she cleaned both her plates. Solicitous service; bright convivial atmosphere; excellent food (and coffee, important to me). Divine frites. Love Beacon Hill Bistro!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"While we were seated immediately, it took a bit of time for the waitress to come over. Once she finally did and brought bread, we had to wait another 5 minutes for them to bring us bread plates and knives. I shared the charcuterie platter with a companion and there were more condiments on the plate than meat. There were three thin slices of salumi and a slice of charcuterie. Both were very tasty but the dollops of mustard on the plate were larger than the meat. I had the line caught hake-the dish was flavorful and well cooked. We also ordered the scallops which were supposed to come with a mousse that was non-existent on the plate. The lobster we ordered was overcooked and dry. Overall, disappointing for price."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2004
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"Went for dinner on a weeknight and we were quickly seated. Appetizers were brought out right away. Main courses were very good. I had the gnocchi which was delicious and very nicely presented."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2006
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"This was my third dinner at the Beacon Hill Bistro. If I lived nearby I would dine there regularly. The chef is creative and the staff very welcoming. The restaurant though part of a hotel--does not have that feel. It is charming, elegant but unpretentious. Unrushed service. It is a great restaurant in a great location. We have tried many dishes--all have been successful. There are good choices for vegetarians in addition to the wonderful meat and fish. The bread and desserts also stand out. We have not tried breakfast, brunch or lunch--though the menus look good. Also, the bar looked busy but it is away from the dining room so dinner was undisturbed by noise from the bar."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Tempted to try to keep quiet about this place b/c its one and only flaw is the acoustics. Not noise so much, but the acoustics are such that when the place is full it's very difficult to understand the person sitting right across from you. In every other way, perfect. We go as often as possible."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
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"As always, Chef Josh Lewin served up a superb meal. His sides and extras are always so inspired. This may be my favorite restaurant in Boston. The service is exceptional. Our waitress met every need before we even asked (I brought you some bread because I thought you might like to sop up that sauce)."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Our experience at BHB was mediocre. The special scallop appetizer was luke warm and served in a watery puree--I believe it was supposed to be served like this, but the description on the menu didn't prepare us for what the dish actually was. The duck, which the server suggested as one of BHB's signature dishes, was nothing special. The sirloin was pretty bland. The cocktail list was interesting and the service was good."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2009
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"The food selection wasn't very broad but the choices were interesting and not boring. The food was not disappointing and was better than the ambiance and service."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The bistro continues to be one of our "go to" restaurants in Boston, and our most recent visit didn't disappoint. As always, the food was creative but not trendy, and the service was professional but not stuffy. The mussels appetizer was not what we expected but was outstanding. We will be back!"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We have been to the Beacon Hill Bistro several times - it is a good reliable neighborhood place, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is usually pretty good, but often the service is indifferent."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2006
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"Wonderful restaurant. Great ambiance without being too pretentious. Very romantic and set in Beacon Hill just adds to the experience.. Great steak and frites. Staff made us feel right at home and gave great help with menu choices."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"If you are driving,the location is within easy walking distance of the Boston Commons garage. The food is very, very good and the wine list impressive. The Bistro is within a small Beacon Hill boutique hotel. It is cozy, which makes it romantic. But it can be noisy because the tables are close, with a variety of customers, from the late night political workers you will always find people who talk loud."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"My experience with Beacon Hill Bistro was "just ok". We eat out a lot and in many cities and different countries and this was truly a disappointment. We sat at the bar and had a drink, the bartender was not the least bit friendly. Then we were seated at a table that was slanted downward and wobbly. We moved. We waited so long for the waitress to come my husband had time to look up other restaurant options on open table. We almost got up and left. I ordered the mussel starter - it was nothing like any mussel appetizer I have had in a French bistro before. It was different - I like different - but again, "just ok". I did have the chicken dish - which was delicous. I would not eat at this restaurant again."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
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"Great feel to this bistro on Beacon Hill, much charm. However, the "line-caught cod" was disappointing, and looked and tasted more like Chilean Sea Bass to me."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I had brunch on last Saturday with godson from California and breakfast on last Sunday with friend from Hog Kong. They both enjoyed the experiences, the highlight of which is the food. The facts that it serves breakfast daily including weekends. as well as lunches and dinners are an important attraction, in addtion to the food."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"1. Food was average. The quantity was very less for each dish. 2. Staff was courteous. 3. They served cold food which seemed liked sitting in the kitchen for a while. The waitress took it back to heat it up but it was not a good experience. 4. Why would they add gratuity automatically for a party of 2? Total turn off. Never going back."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
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