Moon Bar — Restaurant in Boston

One of the best elevated casual cocktail bars in Boston.

Following a complete renovation last year, Moon Bar has evolved from a casual hangout into a chic, modern cocktail bar with a creative food menu. As a long-time fan of Chef Carl Dooley from Mooncusser, I’ve been eager to try this new spot. At Moon Bar, Chef Nelson Whittingham crafts a wicked menu featuring excellent seafood and innovative dishes inspired by his Jamaican background, and both the food and cocktails were fantastic.

Despite it being our first visit, we were lucky to snag perfect seats right in front of Jake, the bartender. Jake was one of the best bartenders I've met in the city. He took great pride in crafting perfectly balanced cocktails and had extensive experience bartending in both Cambridge and Boston. We typically don't order more than three drinks, but he made us want to try everything on the menu. Some of our favorites included the Golden Colada and the 305 Cowboy.

While Chef Nelson may not yet be a household name in Boston’s food scene, he delivered dishes that paired perfectly with the cocktails. His creations were mainly divided into two categories: Complex & Aromatic and Robust & Spicy. In the former, standout dishes were the Tuna Crudo and Black Bass. The Tuna Crudo had a fiery kick with its red chili salsa, balanced by aromatic notes of mint and sesame. The Black Bass, served with a side of warm roti, showcased a satisfying interplay of textures. The tender, moist bass was complemented by a crisp peanut mix, with lime juice and pineapple sambal adding just the right amount of complexity to its flavor profile.

The Jamaican Beef Patty and Tandoori Chicken Thighs were in the latter category. The Tandoori Chicken Thighs had a robust spice kick, balanced by creamy cucumber raita. The chicken was incredibly juicy and tender, making it my favorite dish from the "hot stuff" to pair sweet the fruity cocktails . Another favorite was the Marinated Halibut, a zesty blend of halibut, avocado, and tomatillo. The real highlight of this dish, however, was the tostones. Given halibut's mild flavor, the crispy tostones added a satisfying rich and salty boost to each bite.

Due to its popularity, Moon Bar primarily operates on a reservation basis, so walk-ins during peak hours may be a bit challenging. However, I highly recommend making the effort to secure a reservation. An added bonus is that Moon Bar shares its ingredient supply with Mooncusser upstairs, so their menu gets an update...

Moon Bar is a culinary gem. This establishment promises a culinary journey through diverse and bold flavors. From the moment you step inside, the chic and intimate ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

One of the standout dishes is the banana leaf wrapped black bass. Perfectly cooked, the fish is moist and infused with subtle aromatic flavors from the banana leaf, creating a delicate yet impactful taste that lingers on the palate.

The tandoori chicken thighs are another highlight, showcasing a perfect balance of spices and tenderness. Each bite reveals layers of flavors, from the smokiness of the tandoori marinade to the juicy and succulent meat, making it a must-try for any lover of Indian cuisine.

For those seeking a taste of the Caribbean, the Jamaican beef patties are a delightful treat. The golden, flaky crust encases a savory and spicy beef filling that delivers a punch of flavor with every bite. It's a wonderful fusion of texture and taste that stands out on the menu.

The marinated halibut tartare is a fresh and vibrant dish that exemplifies the balance of flavors and textures. The halibut is perfectly marinated, providing a refreshing and zesty profile that is both sophisticated and satisfying.

Overall, Moon Bar offers an eclectic menu that caters to adventurous palates and those seeking comfort in familiar flavors with a twist. The attentive service and inviting atmosphere further enhance the dining experience, making it a top choice for anyone looking to indulge in innovative and delicious...

We were greeted at the door by the chef who was a lovely individual, warm, fun, funny, inviting. The staff was uniformly reflective of this vibe, from beginning to end. We didn’t have a reservation but it was early(5:30ish) & they put us in a cozy little spot by a window looking out at Boston. The menu was an absolutely fabulous fusion of South Indian, Mediterranean and Jamaican (turns out the chef spent time in Jamaica) cuisine. The food came right away, perfectly cooked, and every single taste was exquisite. The dishes were unique, unlike anything we’ve ever had, and we’ve eaten all over the world. We didn’t order that much food, but we were deliciously full, having had an elegant sufficiency. The chef came out to speak with us again, and we had a really fun conversation about the food, the restaurant and his background. He had a wonderful curiosity about us as well. One of the amazing things about the restaurant is that it has an open air kitchen, so you can actually see everyone cooking, and the kitchen is about the size of a postage stamp. It’s like a magic act how they can get all of this food coming out so quickly, (seemingly) effortlessly, all delivered with style, flair, and panache. Then we found out they had only been open for a week. Our eyes popped & our jaws dropped. This was a well oiled machine that seemed like it have been around forever. My only sadness is that we don’t live closer so we can eat there once a week. Needless to say, I recommend this for anyone who enjoys putting food in...