The Essence of Eastern Standard Kitchen And Drinks
Located at 775 Beacon St in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, Eastern Standard Kitchen And Drinks stands as a cornerstone of the local culinary landscape. Since its inception, the establishment has cultivated a reputation for being more than just a place to eat; it is a vibrant social hub that captures the spirit of a classic brasserie while maintaining a distinctly modern American sensibility. The atmosphere is defined by a bustling energy, characterized by high ceilings, expansive windows, and a timeless aesthetic that welcomes both casual diners and those looking for a sophisticated evening out. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor exploring the historic streets of Boston, the restaurant offers a consistent and inviting experience that reflects the city's dynamic character.
The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in the belief that great food should be accessible, expertly prepared, and deeply satisfying. By focusing on high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques, the culinary team creates dishes that resonate with a wide range of palates. The commitment to excellence extends beyond the plate, as the service team is dedicated to providing a seamless and hospitable environment. It is this dedication to the craft of hospitality that has allowed the restaurant to remain a beloved fixture in the Kenmore Square area for many years, serving as a reliable destination for celebrations, business meetings, and quiet dinners alike.
Defining Features of the Experience
A Timeless Brasserie Atmosphere: The interior design strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. With its spacious layout and classic decor, the restaurant provides a sophisticated backdrop that feels both grand and intimate, making it suitable for any occasion.
Commitment to Culinary Craft: The menu is a testament to the art of American cooking. By prioritizing seasonal produce and working closely with local suppliers, the kitchen ensures that every dish is fresh and flavorful, honoring the integrity of the ingredients in every preparation.
A Renowned Beverage Program: Beyond the food, the establishment is widely recognized for its exceptional bar program. The focus here is on precision and balance, offering a curated selection of classic cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers that are designed to complement the diverse flavors of the menu.
A Central Boston Landmark: Situated at 775 Beacon St, the restaurant serves as a vital part of the neighborhood fabric. Its proximity to major cultural and educational institutions makes it a convenient and iconic stop for anyone navigating the vibrant streets of Boston.
A Culinary Destination in Kenmore Square
What truly sets Eastern Standard Kitchen And Drinks apart is its ability to remain relevant while staying true to its core identity. In an industry that is constantly shifting, the restaurant has maintained a steady focus on the fundamentals of good service and honest cooking. The staff takes pride in fostering a welcoming environment where every guest feels valued, contributing to the sense of community that defines the dining room. As you step through the doors, you are met with a sense of familiarity and warmth that is increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world.
Whether you are stopping by for a quick drink after a long day or settling in for a multi-course meal, the experience is consistently marked by attention to detail and a genuine passion for hospitality. The restaurant continues to be a go-to destination for those who appreciate the intersection of classic style and contemporary dining. By bridging the gap between the traditional brasserie and the modern American kitchen, Eastern Standard Kitchen And Drinks remains a vital part of the Boston dining scene, inviting everyone to pull up a chair and enjoy a meal that is as thoughtful as it is delicious.
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of this establishment lies in its consistency. It is a place where the quality of the experience is never left to chance, and where the simple joy of a well-prepared meal is celebrated every day. For those seeking an authentic taste of Boston's culinary culture, a visit to this Beacon Street landmark is an essential experience, promising a memorable time characterized by great company, excellent drinks, and a level of service that makes you feel right at home.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Private dining room
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Menus
Raw Bar
OystersUSD 3.50
Littleneck ClamsUSD 2.50
Smoked BluefishUSD 14.00
Jonah Crab ClawsUSD 5.50
Lobster CocktailUSD 21.00
Shrimp CocktailUSD 4.00
Half Lobster
Salads
Little Leaf Mixed GreensUSD 14.00
Roasted Beet SaladUSD 15.00
Classic CaesarUSD 15.00
NicoiseUSD 22.00
Sandwiches
Standard BurgerUSD 20.00
Shrimp Salad RollUSD 22.00
Broccoli Rabe MeltUSD 18.00
Appetizers
Lobster BisqueUSD 15.00
Maine MusselsUSD 19.00
Salt Cod FrittersUSD 17.00
Artichoke RavioliUSD 19.00
Steak TartareUSD 20.00
Fried CalamariUSD 17.00
Baked ClamsUSD 18.00
Daily Cheese SelectionUSD 20.00
Salumi and CharcuterieUSD 22.00
Entrees
Housemade BucatiniUSD 25.00
Roasted Atlantic HalibutUSD 36.00
Loch Duart SalmonUSD 32.00
Baked RigatoniUSD 26.00
Roasted Half ChickenUSD 32.00
Grilled Flat Iron Steak FritesUSD 28.00
WienerschnitzelUSD 30.00
14oz Prime Rib Eye SteakUSD 46.00
Plats du Jour
Monday - Braised Chicken and Ricotta DumplingUSD 26.00
Tuesday - Maryland Style Crab CakesUSD 30.00
Wednesday - Roasted Leg of Lamb Au PoivreUSD 34.00
Thursday - Honey Lacquered Long Island Duck BreastUSD 34.00
Friday - Lobster GnocchiUSD 38.00
Saturday - English Cut Prime RibUSD 48.00
Sunday - Mushroom Bolognese LasagnaUSD 25.00
For the Table
Fettuccine AlfredoUSD 22.00
Roasted Bone MarrowUSD 14.00
Mashed PotatoesUSD 10.00
Baked Macaroni and CheeseUSD 16.00
Caramelized Honeynut SquashUSD 10.00
Herb French FriesUSD 10.00
Photos
Reviews Eastern Standard Kitchen And Drinks
Anton Ego
10-06-2026
Eastern Standard trades heavily on nostalgia and legacy, and while the room still carries weight, the experience no longer feels essential. … More
David Weinstein
30-05-2026
Perfect place for post graduation celebration with family or a lunch meeting with someone special. Atmosphere is perfect open airy stylish with perfect background music for the perfect vibe . Dinner must be amazing . A great lunch . Onion … More
Tuba
27-05-2026
The food for such a high price was absolutely not worth it. Very rude sommelier if that’s what we’re calling him (short bald guy) He was incredibly condescending and should learn how to speak to people before working in hospitality—not … More
Alvaro B.
21-04-2026
The food wasn’t good. The lobster roll tasted more like a celery salad, the pork was undercooked which made me feel uneasy, and the highlight of our experience was that our waiter was able to fix our meals. They recooked the pork chop and exchanged the lobster roll for a burger. I understand this could be because it was busy on Valentine’s Day. The table next to us had to send their soup back to be reheated. It also didn’t help that our table was the only one without decorations. Overall, I can’t say I’d return.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Thuc Nhan Tran
18-04-2026
Great atmosphere and stellar service! Our waitress was very courteous and made the experience just so much better. We got the $2 oysters deal, fish tacos, mussels in curry, and a side of fries. All were great but the mussels in their delicious curry were definitely the best that I have had in Boston! More
Alexander Olsson
29-03-2026
Ive never had an oilier cut of any meat in my entire life - I mean the steak tips were outright drenched in mediocre oil, I found myself dipping my steak tips in the arugula that came with it in the hopes of drying them out. Needless to … More
L H
17-03-2026
I've been a patron of Eastern Standard since they were in Kenmore and I think that they just get better and better. The staff is always super friendly. The food is consistent in presentation and taste. I always get their bread pudding, … More
H
23-02-2026
Food comes quick, but is mediocre and forgettable. The accompanying mashed potatoes and sourdough bread were the best part, rather than the main courses themselves. We got the short rib and mafaldine and they were both just ok. The … More
Canaan Morse
08-02-2026
My heart is warmed, my stomach is full, and my wallet is totally fine. My wife and I felt such joy to see the best restaurant in Boston back for everyone, including all of us who missed it so much. The steak and fish are tender and … More
Dara Behjat
28-01-2026
Nothing will replicate the charm of the old eastern standard, but this does a great job of getting close. Good drinks, good food, amazing vibe and atmosphere. Music here is really good, not typical top 40, country, trash. All the cocktails … More
Alan Malabanan
22-01-2026
Not like the old Eastern Standard. I enjoyed the appetizers (artichoke and salt cod fritters) but did not enjoy the NY Strip - medium well instead of medium rare and steak flavor hidden by the butter. Our party enjoyed the salmon and steak … More
Shant Davidian
18-01-2026
I had a wonderful dinner. I've been coming to this restaurant for a decade prior to its new location. The new location had a rocky start but everything has balanced out with better staff, high quality service and food. The standard of the East is back! More
Yon Burke
17-01-2026
Ate dinner here before a concert. For a Monday evening, it was quite busy. Mussels were excellent with a white wine and onion sauce. There were some nice peppers which added a hint of spice. Bread was great with soft butter. Pasta Bolognese was tasty however pasta seemed slightly undercooked. Fries were salty and dry. Tiramisu was okay.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 30–50
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Loud, but you can still talk
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Booth seating
Cameron Wallace
08-01-2026
Top notch quality in all regards! The food was absolutely amazing but even better than that was the service. Maria was fantastic as our server and Fernando the GM went above and beyond for us when he didn't have to. So grateful for such a lovely dining experience and will certainly be back!
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
eva zhou
19-12-2025
I had a great experience at Eastern Standard tonight! The service here is excellent, servers were super friendly and professional! The food was delicious and the portions were decent. The warm atmosphere made this dining experience even better. I also really appreciated that the server proactively communicated with me about the delay of my food, which really impressed me! Overall, a fantastic dining experience, and I’ll definitely be back!!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Justin
14-12-2025
For dinner, I arrived with a party of 7 for a Wednesday 6:30pm restaurant. The table only needed a few minutes to prepare; staff invited us to the bar to wait but proved unnecessary.
I managed to try the fried calamari appetizer ($18) and the Wednesday plat du jour, the whole roasted branzino ($42).
The fried calamari proved addictive. The light batter with old bay seasoning and aioli reminded me quite a lot of Taiwanese style popcorn chicken, packed with flavor from 5 spice.
The whole roasted branzino also impressed. I did not expect it to be deboned. The branzino itself was flaky, not dry, light in flavor, and not fishy with a crisped, taut skin - exactly what a roasted white fish should be. Size seemed to be 1/2 - 2/3 lb portion.
I also wasn't sure how the dish would incorporate blue crab. Turns out, the crab meat was stuffed into the middle of the fish. Imagine butterflying a chicken, adding stuffing, and folding it up again. This added an additional briny flavor, almost acting like a really fancy salt rub. The fried shredded turnips helped cut the fish's oil, and the hollandaise added depth to the savoriness.
The wine program also impressed. One member of the party who works in the industry talked up a storm with the server about stocking interesting bottles. One example was from a German vineyard, Adamswein, that had gained prominence from their chardonnays and pinot noirs.
Service was pleasant throughout. Staff maintained their attention to detail when plating, clearing plates, etc. They also knew exactly what to say to this party, from waiting for some late members (a round of drinks?) to waffling about appetizers (we can put in a few and get more as you decide).
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
5-8 people
Parking options
Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Paid parking garage
Michael
06-12-2025
Came in for something simple and ended up with one of the better burgers I’ve had in a while. The standard burger was exactly what you hope for but rarely get juicy without falling apart, rich without being heavy, and packed with real flavor in every bite. You can tell they’re not cutting corners, from the quality of the meat to how well it’s cooked.
The whole experience feels polished but easy, like they’ve figured out how to do classic food the right way without overthinking it. I’d go back just for that burger, no question.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
USD 20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Wait time
No wait
William Barber
30-11-2025
I had an excellent dining experience at Eastern Standard this evening. From the moment we arrived, the service stood out as attentive, friendly, and highly professional, creating a welcoming and well-managed atmosphere. The staff … More
Bill
15-11-2025
First time at Eastern Standard since they moved up the street from the Kenmore location and we are so glad we came! We had dinner on Kentucky Derby Saturday and it was super festive. The manager, Sophie, made sure we had a great table and Maria, our waitress was outstanding! We ordered the smoked salmon pate, a spicy chicken sandwich, and an amazing burger, all of which was delicious. Although the wine by the glass options are pretty limited (the Syrah was just average for $17), all else was fantastic, so overall Eastern Standard is highly recommended. We will be back soon.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 60–70
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Wait time
No wait
Caitlin K
02-11-2025
I dined at Eastern Standard last weekend and had a fantastic time. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, especially the hosts and our server, Lily. The restaurant was clean, and had a cozy atmosphere. I was with my younger brothers, … More
Maeve O’Donovan
27-09-2025
Always good, always fun, always great people working there. Such a cool and unique space and the cocktails! Spectacular event space in adjoining speakeasy-style Equal Measure and in separate private dining room large enough for a 40+ sit down dinner. Both spaces have a great vibe and the staff are brilliant. More
Diana Bahrami
27-09-2025
There was no wait when I arrived, and I was seated right away in a small, comfortable booth that was really comfortable. The food was decent and the service really stood out. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made the overall … More
D L
20-09-2025
Extremely Disappointing Experience for a Milestone Celebration.
I made a reservation for a table of eight at Eastern Standard for my dad’s 70th … More
Kevin
16-09-2025
Ambiance and service is impeccable! Our server was very lovely, talkative and respectful, brought us extra plates and took very good care of us!
Very much recommend the butterscotch bread pudding! We got the fried calamari as well which is decent!
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
USD 20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Group size
2 people
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Bryan Liao
02-09-2025
Had a great dining experience at Eastern Standard! We ordered the fried calamari, Caesar salad, grilled broccoli, and short rib, and everything was delicious. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was excellent. We also had … More
Colt Johnson
21-07-2025
Amazing brunch, and even better service. I will say the Bloody Mary was pretty bad, but the food and service greatly made up for it. The burrata salad was a highlight! More
Rob
01-07-2025
We had a group of 10 at Eastern Standard on Easter Sunday, also celebrating the night before the Boston Marathon with one of our runners. The place was packed, but you'd never know it from the way we were treated—service was absolutely … More
Paul P
18-06-2025
Absolutely loved our experience at Eastern Standard! From the moment we walked in, the service was top-notch—friendly, attentive, and just the right amount of casual. The ambiance was spot on too, with a cozy yet lively vibe that made the … More
Nancy Barile
13-06-2025
Went there for New Year’s Day. They did NOT have the Holiday Menu advertised on their website, and at 1:30 pm, they were serving brunch — despite it being a Thursday. It was a very limited menu. We were disappointed but rallied. The food … More
Greg Hsu
06-06-2025
Eastern Standard always meets and exceeds expectations for everything on its menus. If it looks good to you it will be a really good or great version. It excels at satisfying your interests and cravings. … More
Reviews Eastern Standard Kitchen And Drinks