49 Social, the latest addition to the expanding Downtown Crossing culinary scene, is now open and serving refined modern American cuisine Monday through Saturday. The seasonal dinner menue,draw inspiration from around the globe while incorporating ingredients from local New England farms whenever possible. The bar menu features smaller plates sure to satisfy late night cravings and complement an extensive wine list and craft cocktail menu. Guests are offered a choice of dining experience over three levels of seating including a mezzanine and a downstairs lounge, which are also available for private functions. Friday and Saturday nights feature live musicin an intimate setting, putting you up close and personal with the band.
"This was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. We has a tasting menu that was incredible. The scallops melted in your mouth and the Rib-eye steak was prepared to perfection! They have a wonderfully diverse menu and make everything fresh and on-site. Oh and I almost forgot to mention the dessert, the carrot cake was moist and rich with a cream cheese frosting to rival most that I have had. I work in the food industry and I have absolutely nothing negative to say about t49 Social. My best friend and I walked out of the restaurant full and happy. I recommend 49 Social to anyone who is looking for a special night out or just a great dinner with friends."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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"We had a lovely meal--the fish special was outstanding with fiddle heads and home made gnocchi as sides. I also like the bar very much. The bar tender is attentive and makes a good drink. She remembered I had been in the week before even though I just was a walk in then so she did not have a reservation history to aid her memory. That impressed me. I will be back."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"You don't get food this good very many places. Chef Lishchynsky puts his own spin on old favorites like French Onion Soup, which was, by the way, amazing in that kind of spoon-dropping first-taste amazing. My wife started with the Chef's Spring Salad. When she saw it, she said "Darn, I could have made this at home." But when she tasted it she said "Wow!" She is an amazing cook with a sophisticated palate so this is no small compliment.
For a main course I had the Pasta Primavera and she had the Marinated Grilled Swordfish. The pasta primavera used house-made pasta and it showed - very, very nice dish. The swordfish generated more wows from my wife. She took half home and is looking forward to having it for dinner tonight."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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"Amazing food start to finish! It was a slow weeknight so I was worried the food wouldn't be up to weekend standards. I was WRONG! The food was fantastic. Every dish. 5 spice rub tuna, best lamb shank EVER, incredible carrot cake, great coctails. Really the food was AWESOME."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"The resturaunt was unremarkable in the crowded Boston block, but easy to find nevertheless. We were seated right away, we had reservations but there were open tables. We enjoyed an appetizer (Frito Misto) and she had the Fillet and I had a pasta and seafood dish (de Frutti is all I remember of the name). Both were great and the fillet was done perfect with a creamy mashed potato and grilled asparagus and a gravy to die for. My seafood dish came on top of frsh made long flat noodles and except that I would have preferred a little more seafood, it was delicious! I ordered Carrot Cake for dessert but we brought it home we were so full! It was terrific as well. The waitress, Leah, did a great job as well. An enjoyable experience for sure!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The food was very good the waitress had to come back to the table a second time to take our order because she forgot what we ordered and then brought out the wrong bottle of wine. Maybe it was an off night"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2008
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"we had a great meal at 49 Social. The food was delicious - the monkfish was perfectly cooked. our waitress was very attentive and friendly, offering good suggestions. There weren't many people in the restaurant so it was rather quiet that night, but could imagine it may be much louder if full."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"I thought it was very unusual that my dinner companion and I had to ask for each individual piece of bread instead of being given a bread basket. This bothered me when paying the prices we did for dinner, ie it was not inexpensive."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
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"The five of us sat at the back table. We had a 5:30 reservation and were going to the theater for an 8 pm show. The food was fabulous; the drinks were good and the owner stopped by a couple of times to check in on us. The only glitch was that they didn't have the ingredients to make an appletini - my mom's favorite drink - was a bit surprised at that given it was a Friday night. Was a great experience and would go there again."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
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"The ambiance was very good, but the service was sub-standard. Once seated we waited almost 30 minutes before anyone noticed us and then we had four different individuals waiting on the table. There was no consistency with the wait staff and they were not coordinated. Thankfully the food was very good. To top it off the hostess was really put off by our initial request to move even though it didn't inconvenience any patrons. 49 Social needs an engaged restaurant manager...."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"a disappointment. we liked the setting and the bar, but at dinner we had a server with ZERO personality who served us bland, overcooked food & salads drowned in dressing. the atmosphere has potential, but they need new talent in the kitchen. disappointing."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2005
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"Got the round booth in the back which was away from the bustle of the bar scene. We loved the starters menu so much we decided to eat "Tapas" and share a set of starters. The calamari was very good with a slightly different flavoring that we all enjoyed. The seared tuna was delicious but just a few small pieces. The filet mignon was delicious as were the mussels. After dinner we had the caramel bread pudding which was excellent - not too sweet, and perect"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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"Food was not that exciting, and is was pricey. 10-15 apps, 25-35 entries. Also, the flor plan is such that a number of the tables are in what is effectively the corridor to kitchen, bath rooms, etc. We're not going back."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
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"Food was good but not worth the price. Service was friendly and intermittently attentive (waiter noticed I was finishing my drink slowly and asked if it was ok). However, we were repeatedly forgotten and never received parts of our order. We ordered desert with coffee. After apparently forgetting both, we received the desert with no coffee. We reminded the waiter we wanted coffee and then asked for it two additional times. He was apologetic...but we never received the coffee. The seating was more crowded than we liked and the climate control was inadequate (humid)."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2010
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"49 social has replaced the former restaurant Ivy. There is great use of the space for seating and bar. I love the dark yet rich ambiance of the place. The entrees are in the $20-30 range, but big enough portions to share. They have a decent wine list. I think I would really enjoy the bar. It's not too noisy, so perfect for catching up with a friend."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2000
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Excellent spot for pre-theater dining. My fellow diner swears she had the best swordfish she had ever had. I tried the lamb Bolognese with mint sauce - tastes much better than it sounds! Solid service - the manager shut down a cold air register above our heads when we complained about being cold. Space got crowded upstairs when it filled up but the servers were able to maneuver just fine."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"This place was great. My boyfriend and I had the lamb and the scallops and both dishes were to die for. The service was great as well. We would recommend this place for a nice date-night in the city."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"The food and ambiance were terrific. The lobster ravioli appetizer was delicious and the pan seared scallops on root vegetable puree with lotus blossom crisps and a citrus foam was ethereal . Also the cold smoked sirloin with chipotle blue cheese butter and herb roasted new potatoes with sauteed spinach was outstanding."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Food was really good, and our waitress was very attentive. Big gripe would be the corner table at the back, and how much it felt like it was using every space possible. The restaurant is too dark for food and I felt the website was misleading in that respect. enjoyable food, no question, but found the ambiance was a little more dive bar than gastronomic excitement. The prices may reflect the food, but not the ambience. Have no issues on paying top dollar, but this wasn't top dollar."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
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"The staff at the restaurant was welcoming and friendly. Our waitress explained the menu thoroughly and made a point to note the Restaurant Week menu. Each course was exactly as described on the menu, but looked even more beautiful than imagined coming out of the kitchen. The drink menu was varied and unique, and the wine list had options for every taste."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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"Table were on top of each other. Not a lot of elbow room to get romantic. The waitress brought the wrong order. She alsi brought my tea at the end when I was leaving. I had the lamb it was kind of bland. My husband had the filet it was ok. The beef ahort rib sliders was great. Overall it was ok. I had a groupon I might try it again but their price is a bit up there too. Outside of the few issues service was good. The waitress was really nice and the people were friendly. That's what would draw me back."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We had the calamari appetizer which was exceptional; breaded, fried and seasoned, not just deep fat fried. The seafood pasta was fresh and delicious. My husband enjoyed the scallops very much with the "foam" topping. The portions were perfect, not too much or too little. The only disappointment was that they charged my husband for his coffee refill as if it was a new offer. Cheap! Vey cheap!!!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2010
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"I was nervous about booking a pre-theater dinner at 49 Social because of the many Open Table comments about slow service. But the service was very good. Everyone was attentive and courteous. Out dinner was not rushed and we made it to the theater in plenty of time. The food was good but not quite good enough for the price."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Excellent menu choices - everything was delicious - a true find. Our server, David, was excellent with both his drink and menu suggestions as well as his attention and responsiveness. We will definitely visit frequently!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"A little too pricey for the amount of food on the plate (for example, the beef wellington did not have any accompaniments and the server did not suggest any side dishes; we ended up ordering some side vegetables - again, small portions for the price). The food was decent and we could make a reservation in time to go to the Opera House; however, it would not be my first choice to return to."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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"Our 2nd time here and food was consistently very good. However service was lacking. Waitstaff were inconsistent, they didn't communicate and seemed confused with three among them trying to remedy our needs. Bar service was a failing -- we waited 20 mins for a glass of wine
Staff made a bad impression off-the-bat. We arrived to find no one to greet us -- at peak dinner hour. Other couples were waiting before us looking similarly confused; and no one at the bar seemed to care; and no one offered to hang our coats. If more professionally managed in the front of the house and with a better trained wait staff, this could be an outstanding place.
At present we have no plans to go back. Hard to recommend it w/o caveats."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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"Everything about this place was great. Food was a little pricier than I usually pay, but it was excellent and, I guess, that's just how it goes in the city. If you're looking for fantastic food and service, this is the place."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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"Loved the exposed brick + glittery chandelier style of the restaurant; rustic romance. Food was great - we started with the Lobster Ravioli, which was a little small to share between 2 people, but very tasty; next we had the Grilled Sirloin and Seared Scallops, both cooked to perfection, and boy were those potatoes delicious! For dessert we had the Nuttella Creme Brulee - absolute perfection. All washed down with a reasonably priced bottle of Merlot! Service was great, kept our water and wine glasses full, was timely, and did not rush us to order or finish our bottle. Overall, great place for a date night."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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"Food was very good, but they either were not properly staffed, or our server was not very attentive. He was pleasant enough, but it took forever for our food to arrive and he disappeared often."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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"I went here for Valentine's Day, and felt that the menu and decor were appropriate for a romantic dinner. However, I was seated in the back area on the first level, which is underneath a low-hanging ceiling. In this area the lighting is far too dim, and you feel like you're set apart from the rest of the restaurant. The gorgeous bar area was far from us, and we felt like we were in a cave. If I ever go back here, I'll won't sit back there. It took away from the atmosphere that you are paying for with the slightly overpriced food."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"I was not impressed by this restaurant. The staff was ok, but not very friendly and the food was only unexceptional. The best part of meal was the lobster ravioli appetizer, but the main course wasn't very good. My date and I thought it was strange that when providing bread to the customers all the wait staff was only allowed to bring out two pieces at a time from the kitchen and only serve it to their table. It seemed like they had to ask the kitchens permission to serve bread and butter. The only good thing I can say is that the music was fantastic in the restaurant; not too loud or soft and a good selection. I would not recommend this place to anyone as I thought the place was overpriced for mediocre food."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
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"I had a very nice time but it's just a bit of tight space when it comes to space not much room to move around it feels as if your sitting on top of one another."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"A small restaurant with a nice ambiance. The food is decent, good sliced tuna dish to start, lamb shank that while tasty was a bit overcooked. Prices are reasonable for the area. Staff training is weak. We stood at the hostess station for about 3-4 minutes before anyone came to help us. A slow night. Hostess did look at us from behind the bar, but chose to continue her conversation with the bartender rather than comming to help us. Our waitress seemed to be in a hurry to move us along all the time, even though 1/3 of the tables were empty. She kept poping in asking if we wanted the check while my guest was still working on his main course. I'd go back, but not with that waitress"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2006
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"We went before the theatre. We got there at 6pm and had an 8pm show. It took about 10 minutes for our server to come over and then a bit longer before our wine was delivered. Although the service was slow the servers were great and the food was fabulous. We would definitely go there again. The hamburger was unbelievable! They got us out in plenty of time for the show."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
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"good food but the service left a lot to be desired (wait staff made us feel like we were at Applebees), and frankly a terrible ambiance. Cheap fixtures. Way too dark you couldn't read the menu. I had a view of an unattractive closet and too super cheap looking chandeliers. There are so many good restaurants with professional wait staff and nice ambiances in Boston, its just not enough to have good food anymore."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
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"The service was very slow. We waited 30 min for our wine. Food was cold. Not crowed at all and appeared to be staffed. I guess just not customer focused."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
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"The food was okay and the service was okay. If we didn't have a Groupon (which was a gift), I wouldn't be able to justify the prices of the entrees. They were severely overpriced for what they were. The good was good, but not worth over $30 for an entree."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2009
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"The food at 49 Social was great and our waitresses were friendly and checked in frequently but the table we were seated at was in a really awkward location with a lot of traffic. Furthermore, it seemed that the owner was trying to resolve some electrical issue so there were a few people near our table messing with the speakers/wires which was a little distracting. Finally, unless you are trying to jam while you eat the music is a bit too loud for a dinner environment- better for just drinks."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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