Bootleg Special Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Boston

Bootleg Special is another restaurant I had attended over the years going since pre-Covid times. It has never failed to impress and they are consistently changing their menu for the better. The pictures listed are from both their dinner and brunch menu.

The restaurant itself is a wonderful location to bring a date or come to when it may be a rainy day due to its low lit and calm ambience. They have performances occasionally which adds a sophisticated and soothing charm to its atmosphere.

The brunch is my absolute favorite. Bootleg Special is renowned for their southern cuisine but my favorite dish to get is their souffle pancakes. They used to have chocolate hazelnut and banana foster, but have switched those flavors for macha coconut and apple streusel ones (The apple streusel is delicious and would recommend). They have kept their strawberry and creme pancakes which come with creme fraiche and two sauces to pair with. The softness and the sweetness of the pancakes are so decadent its almost like eating clouds. The bread pudding was a group favorite with the sauce having a hint of some sort of rum flavoring with a soft interior and perfectly crusted exterior for the bread. The sweetness was paired with savory dishes of shrimp and grits and the three little pigs. The shrimp and grits were packed with flavor. The grits were the right level of buttery and salty balanced by the green and the shrimp which paired oh so excellently. The 3 little pigs had fatty and not too crispy bacons, a slightly sweet breakfast sausage patty and sausage that was oozing with juice once it was cut through. While some people may prefer the seafood dinner, brunch is personally my favorite meal of the day.

The dinner items listed below are consisted of the Po' boy sandwich, chili crab pasta, vodka cajun chicken, the NOLA shrimp etoufee and the garlic noodles. Not listed is the dessert tower that is highly recommended to eat after Bootleg specials salty and savory dinner items. While the group was a fan of all the food items, the garlic noodles stood out the most and is an items myself or friends have purchased on multiple occasions both with an without shrimp. Seafood is expected to be expensive, but the only option out of the ones listed that were slightly underwhelming was the chili crab pasta. The price did not seem worth it compared to the flavor compared to the etoufee, garlic noodles, and vodka cajun chicken.

While drinks were not purchased on these occasions, I have purchased drinks here and definitely recommend them. They have quite a few drinks they do well such as their Negroni, espresso martini, lychee martini and other cocktails.

If you love brunch options, I cannot highly recommend enough bootleg special. If you're a big seafood fanatic, have a go at it as well whether it be lunch,...

Cool vibe, pleasant staff, decent drinks, clean bathrooms, wasn’t rushed out after we finished the meal, but food was over-hyped. The best item was probably the bananas foster souffle pancakes. A little overpriced for what you get. Good experience but prob wouldn’t come back.

1. Bootleg Benedict - $17 – mélange of lobster, crab, and crawfish mixed in our spicy Bootleg Sauce over hollandaise – had an Cajun kick to it with small bits of seafood. A bit too salty. A good experience but would not get again.

2. Traditional Benedict - $12 – ham eggs, hollandaise – your tasty average benedict.

3. Chicken & Pancakes – $10 – w/ bacon bits & powdered sugar – would not get again. Pancakes were super flat. Chicken was small and with barely any meat and super salty.

4. Home Fries - $6 – w/ house blend cheese – absolutely delicious and well seasoned! They weren’t crispy on the outside but would definitely get them again.

5. Traditional Beignets - $8 – loaded with powdered sugar. Not too oily & airy inside. Good for the experience but not something that is a must-have for a 2nd time around.

6. Three Little Pigs - $9 – bacon, sausage, pork belly – looked and tasted like your average meats that you would get from the grocery market. They give you two of each. Could definitely skip over.

7. Bananas Foster Souffle Pancakes - $16 – w/ spiced rum & banana liqueur – super fluffy and delicious. Satisfies the sweet tooth. Could use more sliced bananas. Would definitely recommend and get it again.

8. Strawberries & Cream souffle Pancakes - $16 – not bad. Could use more maple syrup (which was slightly watery) and a lot more sliced strawberries. Prob wouldn’t get it again.

9. Bootleg Hurricane cocktail - $12 – New Orlean’s Party Classic, Cruzan Passion Fruit & Key Lime Rum, Fresh Juices, Pomegranate Liquer – Not a rum fan but drink was decent since there was only a hint of rum and drink...

Bootleg Special offers a unique culinary journey where Southern charm meets urban sophistication. The menu is a masterful fusion of New American cuisine with bold Southern and rich Asian flavors.

Beyond the extraordinary cuisine, Bootleg Special's ambiance is designed to transport guests to the vibrant streets of Bourbon Street. With high ceilings, mezzanine seating, and exquisite French Quarter design, complete with Louisiana-style ironwork, the atmosphere is inviting and exhilarating.

The commitment to quality extends to brunch offerings as well. Guests can savor dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes and impossibly fluffy Soufflé Pancakes, a unique departure from traditional pancakes.

Bootleg Special is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. The establishment is dedicated to creating memories and sharing the joy of exceptional cuisine with its guests. The fun, energetic atmosphere and commitment to delivering something different make it a dining destination unlike any other.

WHAT WE ORDERED: Easy Street Corn: A delightful twist on classic street corn Jumbo Snow Crab Legs Boil: An immersive and delicious seafood experience Crispy Wings: Flavor-packed wings with a crispy start and a juicy finish. Signature Garlic Noodles: A harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness in every bite. Truffle Steak Tataki: Elevate the dining experience with truffle-infused steak tataki. Sake Lobster Noodle: Luxurious sake-infused lobster noodles, a culinary masterpiece. A MUST TRY! Dessert Tower: A sweet conclusion to the meal, featuring a tempting assortment of treats, including beignets, macarons, and cake.

Guests are invited to join Bootleg Special for a taste of Southern charm, a dash of urban excitement, and unforgettable moments.

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