The Haven — Restaurant in Boston

In all honesty, I hate writing these type of reviews, but I hope in doing so the business might learn and improve.

It was a Tuesday night, I opted to dine here for my Sister and my Bday’s, after having enjoyed a delightful Mother’s Day lunch w/ my Brother and Mom in May. (That was when The Haven was located on Perkins Street.) Now anyone who’s had The Haven Burger knows this is arguably one of the best burgers around. I was so looking fwd to checking out the new Haven location and have my Sister enjoy the burger which I had hyped up.

We were seated around 6pm before the crowd arrived. They have two chair/table options, the lower chair options ended up being hard and uncomfortable. My Sister was the first to comment on this. We ordered a couple of appetizers, I was surprised they offered neither, lemonade, ice tea, or sprite options. But, the waiter made an alternative recommendation and so I gave it a try. The appetizers came out rather quickly, and were descent in price and tasting. For the burgers I ordered a medium well and my sister ordered medium. When the waiter brought out the burgers and said “one medium one medium rare.” I informed him I had ordered medium well. He apologized for the confusion and said he’d check w/ the kitchen staff. My original waiter came out and explained he’d checked w/ the kitchen and the burger was infact cooked medium well. Sadly, after a few bites, my sister looks over and says, “That’s raw.” Not only that, but her’s was under cooked. We flagged down the waiter who brought the burgers back to the kitchen and some time afterwards brought out 2 new burgers. This time mine was cooked more mediumish (not satisfactory) was still pink. and my sister wasn’t pleased w/ how here’s was still undercooked. The waiter though apologetic, seemed like he was talking w/ his college buddies more than clients when conversing w/ us. In fairness, he may have been new, so I tried to be understanding.

I realize companies are like people, we all have “off nights” but on two burgers. I think this could be example of a company that went big and the quality of wood went South. Odds of me every returning or recommending are 0.

Hope you are able to rebuild your reputation to the status of what is was once upon a time on Perkins...

The Haven: A Cozy Slice of Scotland in Jamaica Plain

If you find yourself wandering through Jamaica Plain in Boston and your stomach starts to rumble, do yourself a favor and head straight to The Haven. This Scottish gem offers an atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace, combining the charm of a Scottish pub with the vibrancy of a neighborhood favorite.

The moment you step inside The Haven, you're greeted with a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes you want to settle in and stay a while. The decor blends traditional Scottish elements with a touch of modern flair, creating an ambiance that's both nostalgic and fresh. Think tartan patterns, warm lighting, and a relaxed, friendly crowd.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the food. The Haven's fish and chips are a must-try. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned, it's a dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. Each bite takes you on a culinary journey straight to Scotland.

And then there's the crafted black ale, Old Engine Oil. Rich, smooth, and with just the right amount of bitterness, it's the perfect companion to your meal. This ale is robust and flavorful, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a good craft beer.

The staff at The Haven are another highlight. They're friendly and attentive without being overbearing, striking a perfect balance that makes you feel well taken care of without feeling rushed. Their laid-back demeanor adds to the overall relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant, allowing you to enjoy your meal at your own pace.

One thing to keep in mind is the parking situation. It's a bit tight, which is typical for the area, but manageable depending on the time of day. If you plan your visit during off-peak hours, you should be able to find a spot without too much trouble.

Final Thoughts

The Haven is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. From the warm and inviting atmosphere to the excellent food and drink, every aspect of this Scottish restaurant is designed to make you feel right at home. Whether you're a local or just passing through, The Haven is definitely worth a visit. So, grab a pint of Old Engine Oil, settle in with some fish and chips, and enjoy a little taste of Scotland right in the heart of...

My experience at The Haven in Jamaica Plain was unfortunately disappointing. We booked a reservation without knowing that the lunch menu was incredibly limited. The offerings were not only sparse but also came at a surprisingly high cost. The portions, from the Birdies to the Cheese Plate, were notably small for the price. It left us feeling unsatisfied and questioning the value for money. While the ambiance was pleasant, the limited menu and high prices make it challenging to recommend The Haven for a satisfying dining experience.

UPDATE:

Thank you for addressing my concerns. However, the dismissive tone in your response only amplifies the unprofessionalism we encountered during our visit. The slow service, coupled with small portions and high prices, was disappointing enough, and your response unfortunately adds to the overall negative impression. I hope you consider addressing these issues more professionally in the future.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my review. While I appreciate your commitment to offering lunch options in Jamaica Plain, my experience extended beyond the limited menu. The service, which you describe as 'unhurried,' unfortunately crossed into the territory of being unprofessional. The slow service not only highlighted the disappointingly small portions and high prices but also left us feeling overlooked and undervalued as patrons.

I acknowledge the economic challenges of running a restaurant and your commitment to maintaining menu prices. However, the limited menu, combined with subpar service, made it difficult to justify the overall dining experience. What was particularly disheartening was the unprofessional tone in your response, dismissing valid concerns and deflecting accountability.

It's crucial for a restaurant to address feedback constructively and professionally. I hope that my feedback, as well as that of other patrons, can contribute to improvements in service quality. A balance between an economically viable operation and a positive dining experience is crucial for any restaurant's success. I sincerely hope that future visitors to The Haven have a more positive encounter with both the menu...