French Quarter — Restaurant in Boston

Every once in a while, you get a meal like this where the opinion is dramatically split. I came here last Friday night with my top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality with the hope that we could get seated at one of our nearby faves after dinner, The Wig Shop (we couldn't - everyone had that idea; devastating). I thought this was okay, but my chum was absolutely blown away so French Quarter would really benefit from that off-the-charts positive review that will likely never be written. But this alternative review could be worse.

I'm not entirely sure if this neighborhood is considered touristy or not; it's near Boston Common and within walking distance of a lot of tourist attractions, but it's sort of an amalgam of a lot of different vibes. That said, for me this place felt touristy to some extent, almost like a kitschy theme restaurant. It reminded me of an establishment you'd find within a few blocks of MSG or Times Square in NYC, a little rundown and not that comfortable (at least from my perspective). That was reemphasized as soon as we walked in and were greeted by a young hostess who looked completely disinterested in her job and maintained an expression-less face throughout our visit. She led us toward the back of the restaurant close to the end of the bar, where we had a view of most of the room.

I lived for a little while in the NOLA area so crawfish and I have a delightful, storied past. If I see it on a menu, I usually go for it. On this particular adventure, I went with the Crawfish Etouffee entree. It was okay though I thought it was a little bland compared to other dishes I've had - it's supposed to be pretty spicy but my gut says they went mild for the tourist palates (assuming I'm right about this being a tourist spot). Unless you're actually in Louisiana, the crawfish are going to be pretty miniscule and that was certainly the case here. It is what it is.

We also split the Fried Oysters, which I was just eh on. I give them credit for having a spicy creole sauce (I reached for my water a few times immediately after consumption), but my gold standard for these is 1803 in NYC. You don't get the chewy texture situation that you had here. They were okay for me, but nothing more. My chum of course loved them and everything she consumed here. Every bite was greeted with squeals of delight. Truly an exciting experience from the other side of the table. She ate most of the app, consumed her salmon/grits (really highlighted the grits though again, everything got an A grade from her) and then started attacking what was left of mine. Nothing was spared. Michelin-level from the school of hospitality alum.

The service was very uneven. Our waiter was nice but inattentive and honestly mystifyingly so - we had a table that was abutting a main walkway for the staff so he was constantly nearby and yet every time we were looking around for him (which was fairly often) his back was completely turned to us. Additionally, French Quarter has a very awkward restroom setup; to access the facilities, you literally have to take this elevator (and not a particularly nice one) downstairs to the basement. I used it twice, and each time had to wait a minute or two for the elevator to arrive - it's slow and tedious. If you think you have to go, don't wait around because you may not have the luxury to do so later on.

About as average as it gets but I'm willing to acknowledge that I grade Cajun food on a curve that others might not. No excuse for the service...

Review of French Quarter, Boston

French Quarter in Boston, located at 545 Washington Street, is a culinary gem for anyone with a penchant for New Orleans' rich flavors and unique culinary style. The restaurant does an outstanding job of bringing the essence of New Orleans cuisine to Boston, creating an immersive dining experience. Here are six notable aspects where French Quarter shines in replicating the authentic New Orleans experience:

Authentic New Orleans Flavors: The menu is a true homage to New Orleans, with dishes that capture the city's unique blend of flavors. The fried chicken with red beans and rice is a standout, offering a taste of the South right in the heart of Boston.

Exceptional Desserts: The banana Foster bread pudding is a highlight, combining traditional Southern dessert flair with culinary finesse. It's a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Attentive Service: The staff, particularly server Miw C., is commendable for their attentiveness and dedication to providing an excellent dining experience. This level of service adds significantly to the overall ambiance and enjoyment.

Atmospheric Ambiance: The restaurant captures the vibrant and lively spirit of New Orleans, from its décor to its music, making diners feel as though they've stepped into the French Quarter itself.

Generous Portion Sizes: The portion sizes are generous, providing good value for money. Despite the prices appearing high at first glance, the quality and quantity of food justify every dollar spent.

Overall Excellence: With a 5/5 rating, French Quarter doesn't just replicate New Orleans cuisine; it excels in it, offering a top-notch dining experience that's both authentic and enjoyable.

In summary, French Quarter in Boston is a must-visit for lovers of New Orleans cuisine and those looking to experience the city's famed culinary delights without leaving Boston. The combination of authentic flavors, exceptional desserts, attentive service, and a lively atmosphere makes it a standout dining...

Tried making a reservation two weeks ago before a show next door. Was told no seating was available until after 9:30pm. My wife called a few days later to see if anything opened up, and was told that there is plenty bar seating, first come first serve. Don’t know why you would not tell me that the first time I called. We arrived and ordered popcorn shrimp and fried oysters. The shrimp was good but the oysters were soaking in oil. The spicy creole sauce is just a ton of Tabasco sauce. My wife ordered Creole Jambalaya with medley of vegetables. There was no vegetables in there, just one behemoth red chili and a thinly sliver of an onion. When we showed it to the bartender she said this is how the dish is. We showed her the description and told her this is not what the menu says. Online, your me u description is accurate. You need to update your restaurant menu and online menu, they don’t match. We sent the dish back because it was a mountain of gooey spicy rice and got a credit for it. We ordered the crab cake sandwich and a garden salad with blackened shrimp with mustard dressing. The crab cake was inedible, the sweet potato fries were terrible. When the bartender asked about a side she didn’t ask if we would like to add a side, she asked as if it comes with the dish. The salad was drenches yellow mustard vinaigrette. I have to say the blackened shrimp were perfectly cooked out of the whole meal. We used a gift certificate for the meal and the bill was $30 over the gift cart value. Worst meal I have ever eaten and paid $50 with a tip. You need to retrain your entire kitchen team on how to make food, and kudos to the person who cooked the blackened shrimp. By the way, I lived in New Orleans for two years and I ran Food and Beverage at a hotel in the city. You’re not doing justice to the great food of NOLA. The bartender was very polite and gracious, thank you for being so understanding with our quirkiness. You did a stellar job in the...