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    Boston Sail Loft

    4.4 (2.1k reviews)
    ModerateBars, American, Seafood
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Boston Sail Loft Photos

    Business Info

    BOSTON SAIL LOFT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Loud
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Dill potato chowder, hardly any clam
    Sheila G.

    Tourist trap. Best clam chowder? I beg to differ, had way better at the Chelsea Market fish market. Our plan was to sit outside at a table on their SIDEWALK area with my 10lb dog in her stroller, but the hostess said, with an attitude, no dogs allowed in the patio area. Patio area? You mean the sidewalk? Isn't the sidewalk a public area? We were confused. We tried to clarify because maybe he was confused? But no, he said no again. My mom was hungry so we opted to get a bowl of chowder to go and we put our name down at the restaurant next door who was UBER dog friendly and even gave my girl a dog bone when we checked in, and lots of pets. Anyways the clam chowder should be renamed to dill chowder because dang, why so much! And hardly any clam, mostly potatoes. Not a fan of the policy or the chowder, would not recommend

    Jeremy N.

    Sail me to the moon with the Clam Chowder they make here! Our first stop on a food tour, we came in for the legendary Clam Chowder. It was an absolute treat to say the least. Thickest, most seasoned, and most delicious Clam Chowder I've ever had. I wanted a second one but knew we had more on our tour to enjoy so I had to resist. In one of my photos attached, the spoon stands straight up in the mug! Incredible! The other food getting served around us looked great too. Definitely adding this to our "come back to" list when we visit Boston again.

    Lobster Mac & Cheese
    Ella L.

    Please forgive me--but sometimes people really do get it so wrong. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the good reviews about this place, as I fell into a tourist trap-- like a bear to honey. We were visiting Boston for the first time and, after a long day of travel on a cold, rainy evening, we were looking forward to a "classic" New England meal--especially clam chowder and a lobster roll. The restaurant was very crowded and loud (Sunday night), but we were seated fairly quickly. However, service was underwhelming; our waitress wasn't particularly engaging or helpful with recommendations. We ordered the clam chowder and a cold lobster roll, along with lobster mac & cheese for my child and a rice and stir-fried vegetable dish for myself. The clam chowder was decent, but quickly forgettable. The lobster roll was fine, but nowhere near the reputation it carries. The mac & cheese was similarly underwhelming from the first bite. The veggie stir-fry dish was inedible. I returned it after the first bite. Unless you enjoy food straight out of a mall food court in 1985--stuck in time, and not in a good way. They should be ashamed to offer this as the ONLY vegetarian option: too sweet, too sticky, and completely underwhelming. The manager did acknowledge that this dish is not well received in general. So why is it still on the menu? Overall, the experience didn't live up to the reputation or the reviews we had seen. If you're in Boston for that classic seafood experience, I'd honestly look elsewhere.

    Bethany L.

    After walking our way through Boston for the day, we stopped for a late lunch at Boston Sail - we were seated immediately on a weekday for a late lunch, right by a window. My husband and I both opted for clam chowder and a lobster roll. The chowder was probably some of my favorite - the amount of dill in it was heavenly and made it taste so fresh! I honestly wish I had just gotten a full serving of this. The lobster roll however was only okay - but I fully recognize that it we were there slightly too early for the lobster season. It just wasn't as flavorful as I want my lobster to be. However, I love that they offer both hot and cold options.

    Daily specials
    Juan M.

    Perhaps my favorite stop in Boston right after an aquarium day. We were maybe 6th in line and glad we were because this place gets packed very quickly! We opted to sit outside on that beautiful day and our server was very kind and chatted with us a bit about our visit. First off, clam chowder here is a non-negotiable. It is literally perfect and I have 0 notes to give on it other than that you HAVE to order a cup or bowl. We also tried the swordfish sandwich was tasted incredibly fresh and tasty! Fries were great too! Really can't beat eating by the harbor with views of boats and the ocean. Can't wait to come back one day!

    Lobster roll with fries
    Jason L.

    Long wait, but worth it. Located on the water with great views. Have to try the clam chowder. Absolutely delish. We had to try the Lobster roll since I am in New England. It was very good and packed with lobster claw meat. Comes with side of fries and Cole slaw. Finished off with the bread pudding. Not as big of a fan of this one.

    New England Clam Chowder
    John G.

    .....and the winner is Boston Sail Loft!!!! Wow is all I could say. From the clam chowder to the lobster rolls to the service, it was fantastic. Place was busy so we put our name down and told it would be 45 minutes. We went on a little stroll and 20 minutes later got a text saying our table ready. Our server was Maddie who was super friendly and attentive. Clam chowder - 9 out of 10 (should have ordered a bowl instead of a cup) Lobster Rolls - we got one of each. One warm with butter the other cold and mixed with Mayo. 10 out of 10. Pricey but hey... you're on vacation and in Boston. We sat outside in the front enjoying the beautiful weather and experiencing Boston people watching. Definitely stop here if you're in Boston.

    New England Lobster Roll
    Jessica H.

    Right on the water. Quaint size. Excellent service the clam chowder, lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese was delicious! Very filling!! Close to the freedom trail short walk to Paul reveres house but is uphill from this location.

    Frances L.

    Cute restaurant well known for their chowder! We arrived around 11 to wait for the opening of the restaurant at 11:30. It was well worth the wait and were seated at the bar. I had an entree size garden salad and the appetizer portion of the the fried Ipswich clams. I love these clams and Boston Sail Loft does them so well-light and crispy coating and the clams are so fresh, tender and briny. Their clam chowder is a must have and different from any I've tried-thick, chunky and flavored with fresh dill. Love this place and will definitely be back!

    New England Lobster Roll w/fried
    Tony F.

    I was in Boston for work and wanted seafood. Found this place with great reviews. Since I was a solo eater I was seated quickly. Service was quick i had one of their specials lobster roll, i got it warmed with butter and fries. It was just OK. The lobster was overcooked (it was rubbery) fries really didn't have much seasoning. But everything was served hot. The restaurant has a rustic flare to it. Over all it was just ok.

    Some of the drink specials
    Steve C.

    First visit, I came in a bit early (around 5:30 PM during the week) and was seated right away, although the restaurant was quickly filling up. Started with a local craft draft and a cup of clam chowder soup. Most definitely one of the best clam chowder I've ever had anywhere! I could've and probably should've stopped there, but I chose to also order a lobster roll. The lobster roll was good, but nothing truly note worthy. The bread it came did taste bakery fresh. For $40 I was hoping I would be blown away by this lobster roll but it was not meant to be.. The roll did come with a generous helping of fries and a tiny, albeit delicious, side of coleslaw. Server was efficient, but not overly friendly. Some of the tables (like mine) are tightly together and offer no privacy.

    Tracey K.

    I can't recommend this place enough! When in Boston make this one of your meals! We brought our adult kids and grandson. He tried lobster for the first time. We actually ate two meals here during our short stay :) I got my favorite meal- clam chowder and a lobster roll (New England style). Others ordered the whole belly clams, fish sandwich, and a regular lobster roll. We went at lunch right when they opened and there was already a line. Worth the wait. Service is friendly and efficient. Can't wait to go back next year!!

    Fresh Calamari Rings
    Mikki M.

    We did wait over an hour but we walked around the to the nearby shops and it wasn't too bad. The service was great with everyone being so friendly and attentive. Clam chowder, calamari, and service were 10/10. The clam chowder had flavor and nice chucks of clams. The calamari was fried perfectly! We both go the surf and turf with stuffed shrimp, and it was a miss, especially at that price point. The veggies were soggy and the potatoes had so much cream that it was hard to eat. The steaks were good until we got to the middle, where it was just so gristly. We did enjoy the shrimp stuffed with lobster. We'd definitely come back for the clam chowder and maybe try the lobster rolls and fish and chips next time.

    New England Lobster Roll

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    Boston Sail Loft Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Boston Sail Loft

    Is there parking?

    $25 lot next to restaurant.

    Will we have a hard time getting a table for 9 people?

    Seating is tight. I would recommend getting two separate tables instead of asking to seat 9.

    What time does the kitchen close?

    I believe the kitchen closes by 10 PM

    Are there any nonalcoholic drinks here?

    Yes they have soda and juice.

    Do they have parking?

    What is the average wait time on Saturday evening?

    There are not allowed to share a red lobster with friends?Why?

    I couldn't tell you. We both ate all of our lobster. Maybe one of you order a lobster and the other order something else and share. No one can really stop you from doing that.

    Any Dress code?

    Nope! Restaurant is definitely casual.

    Do they have an oyster happy hour?

    Yes they have a great happy hour !!

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    You must order the kale salad. I am not a kale salad person, yet I have dined here three times in…read morethe last week to eat the kale salad and am already planning my next visit. You know when you're eating a kale salad and the pieces are too big and you're kind of cramming them into your mouth and then the salad dressing is all over your face? This is NOT that salad! The kale is perfectly chopped so you can enjoy it with just your fork as you talk to your friend/spouse/date or just read your book. The dressing is such perfection, and the perfect amount, no gloopiness here! Crunchy breadcrumbs add magical texture and then there's a shower of finely grated gouda cheese on top. Have you ever read a good book and as you're reading it, you're so into it that you don't want it to end? So you slow down your reading speed to make it last a little longer? That's how I feel about this salad. There are other delicious items on the menu, I saw someone eating the burger that looked so good, I also want to try the Brussels but the call of the salad siren is too strong. Everyone is super welcoming and friendly, especially Catherine, and the kitchen team even shared the dressing recipe with me. Excellent wine list, casual and cozy space with twinkle lights, a lot of bar/counter seating, great date spot. Also attached/sister company to American Provisions I believe (great spot in Southie for sandwiches, cheeses, wines, pastries, rare food items).

    This is one of those spots that I want to keep on the down low because I don't want it to become…read moretoo popular...but I have to give Gray's Hall their flowers. I absolutely ADORE this place. It's one of my top 3 places in all of Boston. The vibes, the food, the wine, the prices, EVERYTHING is 10/10. This is one of those places where I feel at peace because I feel like my money was 100% well-spent. The prices are fair, and I don't feel like I'm being taken advantage of. And the FOOD, the food is exquisite. My favorite time to go is on Tuesdays for the $1 oyster deal, definitely my favorite $1 oyster deal in the city. They mostly have small plates and a few large plates, but you seriously can't go wrong with anything on the menu. And the wine options, amazinggggggg. Gray's is a true gem!

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    Steak Frites + Orange Wine!
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    $1 oysters on Tuesdays! The best!
    $1 oysters on Tuesdays! The best!
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    The Playwright

    The Playwright

    2.9
    (58 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    Came here for dinner for the first time with a couple of friends. Hubby and I ordered their…read morebuffalo loaded fries, a spicy chicken burger, pressed veggie melt, and a couple of drinks. Total came out to approximately $80 (not including tip). What's Hot - Menu. Pretty good variety. There's something for everyone, including vegans (for the most part). Specifically for vegans, they do not appear to have vegan cheese. They recently added loaded fries to their menu. - Quality. We tried their buffalo loaded fries, which definitely a good kick of spiciness. There was a good amount of buffalo mozzarella cheese and chicken. Their fries are slightly crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside. I really enjoyed my pressed veggie sandwich. There were whole veggies, such as broccoli, with a good amount of cheese melted between all the veggies. I liked that it was not a mashed patty. The sourdough bread was not tart (which I prefer), soft, and not too greasy. No skimping on the ingredients either. Their mozzarella bites appetizer is good, not overly breaded, and cheesy/stringy. All of us enjoyed our meals. - Service. We showed up without reservations on a Friday night when it was cold and rainy, and they were able to seat us right away. We tried several other restaurants before getting here, and we would have had to wait at least one hour, because we did not have reservations, even though those restaurants clearly had open tables. Our waitress was helpful. She answered all questions she had and was able to provide us contextual helpful info (i.e., what she's tried from the menu, what she liked and why, flavor level, etc...). She paid attention to detail. One of our friends hates pickles and specifically asked for no pickles with his burger. This may seem like a minor detail, but if a staffer cannot pay attention to detail in the service industry, that is not a good indication. - Price. Good value for money, especially given the quality of food and portions. - Portions. Good amount and enough to get one full on one dish. - Location. Conveniently located in downtown Boston around many other shops and restaurants. - Layout. At the front, there's a pretty large bar area, including high tables and chairs, with booths and smaller tables towards the back. They appear to be able to accommodate large groups and smaller parties, including individuals. What's Not - Acoustics. It's pretty loud inside and sound carries very easily, so it's difficult to carry a conversation. Final Answer Worth returning.

    I got two cocktails from here and loved both! The "down cape" was very pretty and tasty. I also…read moreenjoyed the "starstruck" drink. The restaurant is very large and has plenty of seating. The servers and bartenders are all very nice. My only complaint is that some of the things on the menu are not actually available. I tried to order a sangria but no luck.

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    The Playwright
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    Buffalo loaded fries

    Boston Sail Loft - bars - Updated July 2026

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