Moonshine 152 — Restaurant in Boston

Came here purchasing a Groupon for the dining experience for two. Was very easy to make reservations, not too busy for a Thursday evening. The ambience has pretty good dim mood lighting, and I appreciated the large booths - alternatively you could sit at a high top. The hostess and our server were both very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.

The Groupon for two includes: 1 app, 1 salad, 2 entrees, 1 dessert. So our dinner consisted of: buttermilk fried chicken, house salad, steak frites, crispy flounder fillet (an extra side of brussel sprouts), and butterscotch pudding with an added scoop of peanut butter ice cream.

The fried chicken was pretty good, the meat was fall off the bone with very crispy breading/skin. The ranch sauce it came with was also pretty good, and the celery slaw had the perfect tang as a compliment. The salad was a mix of greens with a mound of fried sseaweed on top. At first I was like nah, that's way too much seaweed. But the chef knows what she's doing when she designed this salad. The flavors and the texture contrasts were on point. I'd pay to have that salad again. The steak frites were ordered with the horseradish sauce on the side (will talk about that later), which would normally smother the steak on top of the shoestring fries. This can lead to soggy fries, so if you're not into that be warned. My dining partner didn't mind though and said that the steak was perfectly cooked. My crispy flounder was SO good. The fillet sat on top of two slice of fried green tomatoes, which when dipped in the horseradish sauce from earlier, was stellar. The sauce had tons of shrimp and tomato in it, an overall killer dish. The roasted brussel sprouts were also delicious - and this coming from someone who usually hates brussel sprouts. The ending butterscotch pudding was velvety and smooth and the perfect ending to the meal.

So would I be back? Likely only for drinks as the bar area seemed happening. The food is a little too pricey for me to do on the reg, something that other reviewers have mentioned. Case in point, the side of Brussels sprouts were about the size of a small rice bowl (maybe 1 cup) and cost $7 - yikes! They were amazing....but still. We also had 2 Sapporos at $6 each.

In the end I did enjoy this meal, simply because I felt like I got a good value from it. I was able to get a 25% discount code on Groupon, so I didn't pay the full $55. Next, Groupon+ gives a cashback of 50% up to $10, AND THEN, I AIN'T DONE YET, Yelp gives a cashback of 10%. These cashbacks (linked to a credit card, so make sure it's the same one), which indeed stack on top of the groupon credit, were applied to the balance due with drinks, the side, and tax. Win, win, win!

Also this shouldn't have to be stated, but do tip on the full amount. Don't be cheap. The receipt actually lists all the food you get as the Groupon sale price at $55. I added up all the items as they were priced on the menu and tipped off of that. Again, dont skimp out on the quality of the food and service...

From Toronto with Love.

Moonshine 152 enjoys a prime location as a beloved neighborhood gem. Nestled in a vibrant area, it's the perfect spot for locals and visitors alike to unwind and enjoy a memorable dining experience.

Parking: While parking may be limited, the inconvenience is easily offset by the restaurant's proximity to other amenities and the option to utilize services like Uber or opt for a leisurely stroll to the venue.

Ambiance: The ambiance at Moonshine 152 is nothing short of enchanting. With its intimate and unique atmosphere, it has earned its reputation as the quintessential neighborhood "it spot." From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a warm and welcoming environment that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Service: The service at Moonshine 152 surpasses expectations, earning it the title of the best in Boston in the eyes of many patrons. The staff's exceptional attention to detail and genuine hospitality ensure that every guest feels valued and well-cared for throughout their visit.

Food: The culinary offerings at Moonshine 152 are a true delight for the senses. Chef Asia Mei's expertise shines through in every dish, boasting incredible flavors, impeccable taste, and stunning plate presentations that leave a lasting impression on diners.

Value: For food enthusiasts seeking a unique dining adventure, Moonshine 152 offers unbeatable value. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a special occasion to celebrate with loved ones, this establishment caters to all, making it the perfect choice for any gathering.

The Chef: Chef Asia Mei adds a personal touch to the dining experience at Moonshine 152. Her warm and personable demeanor, coupled with her culinary talent, make her a standout presence in the restaurant. Guests have the unique opportunity to interact with Chef Mei, further enhancing their dining experience and fostering a sense of connection with the culinary mastermind behind the menu.

Bar Staff: The bar staff at Moonshine 152 are equally remarkable, adding to the overall ambiance of warmth and hospitality. With their friendly and welcoming demeanor, they go above and beyond to ensure that guests feel right at home, whether they're dining at the bar or enjoying a drink while waiting for a table. Their attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction are evident in every interaction, making for a truly memorable...

From the moment we walked through the door, everything about this atmosphere was warm, cozy, beautiful and inviting. It brought me a sense of great anticipation and comfort without even consuming anything.

I knew nothing except my adult child, who is now a local, was excited to share the best place in Boston to eat. One of our ways to experience quality time is finding excellent cuisine when we travel. Sharing culinary delights while sharing life stories are moments I treasure with my sweet child. Our season is life, makes these moments even more precious because they are less frequent now that we are both ‘adulting’ and have great distance between us. Last night, just after I arrived in Boston, I was treated to one of the BEST discoveries in our history of excellence, local gems!

The menu has many Parks and Recreation references, one of our family favorite’s, and this immediately brought me joy. Decisions were made, drinks and food were delivered.. Chef Asia delivers each meal, personally, to the table. What a delightful, special touch of service, intention and care. I loved every bite and every moment.

The crew I met knew I was from out of town. As I wrapped things up, they encouraged me to visit again the next time I’m in town. My reply? You might see me again THIS time before I leave!

The Chef, the heart of the experience:

“She (Asia Mae) skipped her graduation ceremony to search for a job to learn how to cook; this would be the day she wandered into the revered Hamersley’s Bistro, where she would leave as a Sous Chef four years later. Here, Asia excelled on the hot-line and formed much of the basis for her style of cooking with classical French technique and New England ingredients. She would later further her love for the many possibilities of American cuisine working with the well-known Kinkead brothers at Sibling Rivalry as an executive sous chef. Even with an undying love for all things butter and salt, Asia then worked as head chef at Whole Foods for two years, which allowed her a unique opportunity to round out her multi-cultural approach to bright, healthy flavors with which everyone can identify. She was able to quickly appreciate the chance to explore the delicious, healthier possibilities found in diets based more on organic, vegetarian, and food allergen free values.”

Read the full story on the Moonshine...