Boston Top Shelf Review: Eastern Standard Kitchen And Drinks
528 Commonwealth Ave
Kenmore Square
Boston, MA
(617) 532-9100
www.easternstandardboston.com
In the shadow of Fenway park is a modern day bar with an old school, French-inspired twist. The bar at Eastern Standard is a place where you can spot an interesting mix of the Kenmore Square elite, tattooed music types (left over from the Rathskeller), refined stadium releasees and the physically swank females. The bar and restaurant industry types even flock here on Sunday nights for a few, if that tells you anything.
Sitting at the 40-foot-long marble bar, drinks aren't turned out at assembly line speeds here. They take time to create, but anything worthwhile is worth the wait. The Pisco Sour and traditional Mint Julip are famous here! Many classics are turned into something new and creative but the focus is on traditional craft of the cocktail.
The bar manager and staff usually shy away from most garnish and trimmings because they can be distracting from the drink. So if you are looking for fruit, go to the market.
The torch heated patio is a great place to sample the extensive wine selection while people watching with your date. If you are unsure what to sip and swirl, the staff will walk you through the list, even glass by glass. The staff has been trained to appreciate the wants of every palate, from novice to expert. Its time to visit Eastern Standard.