Amazing beverage program. Solid food. Excellent service.
Came here for dinner about a week ago. With Chef Fraser’s name behind the restaurant, my expectations were high. Perched on the second floor a new food hall (also part of JF’s portfolio), Vermilion Club excluded a sophisticated yet modern lounge vibes.
Chef Fraser may be known more for his innovative veggie and Mediterranean dishes, but this isn’t his first foray into the steakhouse arena. The restaurant bills itself as a modern steakhouse with a touch of Boston flair, but the concept didn’t exactly surprise me in terms of originality. That said, their food looked fantastic overall, and all the staff we interacted with, from servers to the manager, were friendly and accommodating.
Our meal started off with a complimentary olive focaccia, and it was easily the best I’ve had in a while. Soft and spongy, rich with olive oil, and served with rosemary-chili-infused olive oil for a subtle kick, it was kind of bread you could make a meal out of. From the appetizers, our favorite was the King Crab Tagliatelle. Large chunks of tender crab paired with mild heat from cherry bomb peppers and a garlic confit that provided a modest acidic kick that didn’t overshadow the crab’s delicate flavors. The only dish that didn’t quite land for us was our final appetizer - Foie gras Boston cream. I’ve had seared foie gras with chocolate before, but chocolate over foie gras in pâté form looked like a bold move. Indulgent? Definitely. Something I’d try again? Maybe not. It’s the kind of thing that’s interesting enough to try once, but the sweetness really muddles your palate, which makes it harder to appreciate the flavors that follow. A little too rich, a little too sweet, and a tad too much before the main event.
The “Prime cut” department was where Vermilion lost its sizzle. We got the Dry aged ribeye, which was decent. But, it lacked that deep umami punch that I crave in a dry-aged steak. Perhaps a side of sauce would’ve helped, but a high quality steak should be good on its own. Thankfully the Veal Chop was fantastic. Essentially a Milanese masquerading as a pizza, it was reminiscent of the once-popular chicken parm pizza I tried at Quality Italian in NYC, but with a kick. The spicy sausage delivered a nice umami punch, and the veal’s even thickness ensured every bite was perfectly cooked—none of the overcooked spots that often plague a Milanese.
Beverage program was where Vermilion truly shook things up. With over 30 creations, their cocktail menu reads like a masterclass. Every drink was a knockout, and Clover Club and HW were some of...
Read moreA Chic Hideaway with Upscale Vibes Nestled in what feels like one of Boston's hidden corners, The Vermillion Club offers a distinctly modern take on the steakhouse experience. Stepping inside, you're immediately struck by the beautiful ambiance , a sophisticated and inviting space that earns a solid 5 stars for atmosphere. It possesses a certain charm that makes it equally suitable for an after-work gathering or a cute date spot. The service was notably wonderful (4 stars), attentive and friendly, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience. However, the pace was a touch deliberate, so be prepared to settle in and enjoy the company. While billed as a steakhouse, The Vermillion Club leans more towards a stylish after-work hangout with a curated menu. My experience with the grilled octopus fell slightly short, presenting as a bit dry (3 stars for food). The menu does feature pre-batched cocktails, so if you prefer your drinks less sweet, it's wise to inquire beforehand. Interestingly, while the overall price point is on the higher side, the beer selection stands out as surprisingly affordable. The vibe here is undeniably great, making it an ideal spot to unwind with friends after a long day and grab a drink. It's clear The Vermillion Club has carved out a niche as a chic and trendy destination. Overall, I'm giving The Vermillion Club a 4-star rating. It's a delightful spot with a fantastic atmosphere and excellent service, though the food execution could be more consistent. Be prepared for higher prices, but the unique ambiance and appealing drink options make it a worthwhile visit, especially if you're looking for a stylish alternative to the traditional steakhouse scene in Boston. Just remember to bring your...
Read moreRead more5/5 overrall experience for friendly, welcoming front of the house; warm, friendly, and professional server (asian woman with dark hair); I also enjoyed the privacy of tall booths and being on the second floor and having that open space overlooking the first floor. This gave our seating a unique, private, but airy feel. Bathrooms were nice and clean. Lively and fun-looking bar area made us feel at ease. For food; Dumplings: 5/5, light portion but tasty and fun; Crab Tagliatelle: 5/5, light in consistency, simpler than expected, but tasty; Steaks: good as expected, bone-in ribeye filet, (Definitely add the side of horseraddish cream for your steaks). For sides; Potatoes puree: 4.5/5, great consistency; mushrooms: 4.5/5. Both sides had flavor but not "out of this world" unforgetable. They were good enough for essential side dishes. Mac and Cheese: 4.5/5, pretty good and what you'd expect from a mac at a steakhouse, I've had worse. Looking forward to coming back and trying the octopus appetizer, and sole entree with a side of crispy artichokes and brocollini. Oh, and I'll definitely be getting the tagliattelle and...