Row 34

Row 34Row 34
Row 34Row 34
Bar, Eatery

383 Congress St
Boston, Massachusetts, 02210-1811
United States

(617) 553-5900 | map
row34.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.52
Reviews:
33
Ratings:
140
pDev:
7.08%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Abe_Froman:
Photo of Abe_Froman
Rated by Abe_Froman from Massachusetts

4.46/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.75

Aug 04, 2018
More User Ratings:
Photo of rousee
Reviewed by rousee from Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -13.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
I finally went to Row 34 for the first time on President's day 2023 as my family came into town and took me out to lunch for my birthday.
Perhaps my expectations were built up too high but I can't help but feel slightly disappointed. Being in the Seaport it has your typical renovated warehouse design and its a clean and wide open interior. The beer selection was quite impressive but I tend to go for ABVs below 7% as my preferred strength and I opted for a Mary by Hill's Farmstead which I can't recall ever seeing on tap in Boston before. The beer was great but at 5.2% --I was given a pour of about 10 oz and it was $10. I really felt that was kind of ridiculous.
I was the first in my party to arrive so I got some oyster sliders while I waited which were excellent. We got a dozen assorted oysters from the raw bar and they were delicious but $3-$4 each is also sort of steep. I've lived in downtown Boston since 1993, so its not as if I'm out of touch with your typical raw bar prices. The fish tacos I had for lunch were average at best.

The server was friendly and professional as was the host when I entered. I think I need to give it a try for dinner hour sometime but I can't say I'm in a hurry to do so. I was way more impressed with Island Creek in Kenmore Square several years ago and I know this is the same ownership group.
Feb 26, 2023
Photo of Sheppard
Reviewed by Sheppard from Massachusetts

4.73/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.75
Row is maybe my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. The seafood is great, the taplist is one of the best in Boston. It is not just a place that will have IPA heavy list. There'll be top notch lagers, some sours, some stouts, some rare stuff, some common. The selection means there is something for everyone. The food is really good. Low key has one of my favorite burgers (with the fried oysters and togorashi). The assorted raw oysters, crudo, etc are excellent as well. This is where I take out of town guests when they want seafood. The vibe is good and while it can be hoity toity at times, it's not a place that is going to overwhelm you with that type of clientelle You can still grab a seat at the bar and have a nice meal.
Feb 03, 2023
 
Rated: 5 by Holderness from Massachusetts

Dec 02, 2022
Photo of Harrison8
Reviewed by Harrison8 from Missouri

4.69/5  rDev +3.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Wow.

Walking through the double glass doors into this industrial building immediately evokes the idea that what was once old, has now been revitalized. Inside the vestibule, between front door and hostess stand are a selection of kegs (although, an interesting place to store them, and perhaps not best in the hot months). The glass vestibule leaves no surprises for what's inside, opening up to an industrial, but very open and welcoming, vibe. Smooth concrete floors lead to exposed brick columns separating large windows for this corner restaurant. Brick columns extend far up to exposed metal rafters, with the lofty ceiling dampening the conversation noise extremely well. A raw bar extends in a large "L" the length of the 'back' of the restaurant, proudly displaying lobsters and other raw seafood on ice. Over the raw bar is a large push-pin board acting as a tap list, although not totally complete. Service quickly brought us a beer list, which includes not only a hearty tap list, but an extensive bottle list. Service was excellent for the duration of our visit, happy to chat about beer and seafood for suggestions. Selection spanned a wide array of styles, both on tap and in the bottle/can format. Food was superb, and while it may be more of a stop for quality food, the curation of their beer list must not go unnoticed. Note: my friends reported their meals were quite salty overall, including the fries. I have no comment as I was eating oysters, and not an otherwise prepared meal.

If seeking quality seafood alongside great craft beer, this is a 'must'.
Apr 16, 2019
 
Rated: 4.73 by StoutElk_92 from Massachusetts

Oct 27, 2018
 
Rated: 4.61 by mig100 from Texas

Oct 03, 2018
 
Rated: 4.06 by PhillyStyle from Georgia

Jul 02, 2018
 
Rated: 4.23 by nickfl from Florida

Mar 13, 2018
Photo of Glider
Reviewed by Glider from Massachusetts

4.51/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
This place has a pretty stellar tap list of around 25 offerings as well as some pretty great seafood. Location is great for hitting Trillium and Fort Point Market/Craft Beer Cellar as well. Definitely a touristy spot, with prices to match, but the quality is there as well.

I found the lunch menu to be pretty short and a bit boring, so I would save a trip here for a special occasion dinner. It also gets booked up pretty far in advance. Off hours, it may be reasonable to get a spot at the bar or a table to have a few beers.

All told, I wouldn't recommend coming here if looking just for a beer bar, but for an expensive seafood dinner with some great beer options, this is the choice.
Feb 12, 2018
Photo of Rutter
Reviewed by Rutter from Finland

4.3/5  rDev -4.9%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4
Quite a large place, seems trendy in a positive way. Sea food was solid, and the beers excellent. Nice to visit and easy to grab some beers from the Trillium shop and few other good bottle shops that are right next to this place.
Dec 07, 2017
 
Rated: 4.7 by Taybeh from Minnesota

Nov 29, 2017
 
Rated: 4.51 by littlestevie14 from Massachusetts

Nov 27, 2017
 
Rated: 3.46 by kevintaraross from Maryland

Nov 20, 2017
Photo of heymikew
Reviewed by heymikew from California

4.48/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.75
A great and varied lineup of excellent beers compliments an exceptional food menu featuring an oyster /raw bar and seafood. Bonus points for being next door to Trillium brewing.
Oct 27, 2017
Photo of Johnct
Reviewed by Johnct from New York

4.64/5  rDev +2.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
Pretentious and pricy, but that's not a negative thing if the food and beer are as good as they are here. Rare beers and fresh seafood make it a must-stop if you're in the Seaport district
Aug 08, 2017
Photo of beernerd
Rated by beernerd from Massachusetts

4.3/5  rDev -4.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Great seafood and beer+wine offerings. Very busy place. Excellent staff attitudes!
Aug 07, 2017
Photo of ivyman
Reviewed by ivyman from Massachusetts

4.88/5  rDev +8%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.75
Stopped in for early lunch and avoided the crowd. Exceptional beer list and
service from the bartender and wait staff. Raw bar selection is phenomenal.
Jul 09, 2017
 
Rated: 4.19 by PhineasMcClintock from Massachusetts

Jun 11, 2017
Photo of Knapp85
Reviewed by Knapp85 from Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev -7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Really nice place in the heart of Boston. The place was pretty slammed after going to EBF but managed to get in before they started turning people away. The beer selection there is rad, the vibe is cool too. I would definitely go here more often if I was in the area.
May 25, 2017
Photo of Antg8989
Reviewed by Antg8989 from New Jersey

3.91/5  rDev -13.5%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75 | food: 4
Considering Trillium is right next door, they should be marketing/utilizing that option to their fullest potential. A good selection, but nothing to write home about. Didn't have any food so I'll just give it a 4. Service was good, but I got the hint the server knew we were only getting beers..she didn't seem thrilled about it. Interesting place...seems like a great first date kind of place.
Apr 13, 2017
Photo of JamFuel
Reviewed by JamFuel from Sweden

4.58/5  rDev +1.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Went here for brunch on a Saturday.

Cool place, industrial vibe, with pretty spartan furniture and trimmings.

Tap list lived up to it's reputation. This was the day after Peche Day, and they had a few of those left. The rest of the list was varied, and had quite a few odd ones, including one I had, Bellwether by Breakside. Food was also excellent, I had chowder and then pancakes. A lot of food and very tasty indeed.

Row 34 really shined in the service department however. My waitress was named Erin, and she was great. She took the time to chat, and seemed genuinly interested in my opinions and my enjoyment. We talked about me making the trip from Sweden basically for the beer, and she seemed amazed by that. So amazed that she brought over the head of their beer program, Suzie. Suzie was so helpful and knowledgeable about beer, and also just such a nice lady. We chatted for quite a bit about the beer scene in New England and Europe, and then she cracks open a bottle of Jester KIng that she wants me to try. Just awesome level of service here.

So, in all, I loved Row 34, next time I will come for dinner, but the main reason I'll be back is Erin and Suzie. That level of helpfulness is just world class.
Mar 15, 2017
Photo of jzeilinger
Reviewed by jzeilinger from Pennsylvania

3.26/5  rDev -27.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 1 | selection: 4
'Stopped by with the recommendation of good friends. The selection was eclectically solid. Tap pours were expensive ($8-$9+). The place was packed. I sat down at the bar and was ignored for 25 minutes, after which they closed for the night and the bartender then presented me with an unsolicited pint glass of water. Say what?

I wasn't going to write a review but if I am giving the lowest score available on BA there needs to be an explanation out of respect (no matter who it is).
Feb 16, 2017
 
Rated: 4.91 by Ctruskey from New York

Feb 12, 2017
Photo of SiepJones
Reviewed by SiepJones from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev -0.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Stopped in over EBF weekend in part to grab lunch but also to make a stop at Trillium. It was close to 2 PM but lunch was still going strong as lots of people hung out in the bar area enjoying drinks. We didn't have a reservation but were sat, almost immediately, in a side dinning room away from the bar. Row 34 has large and diverse beer list, and I started with a Trillium Coffee Pot and Kettle. Our server was very friendly and especially helpful with recommendations. She helped us with our lunch decisions and her input was spot on. Our food was excellent. We split some Brussel sprouts and spicy lobster tacos, which were great. I had the Crispy Fish Sandwich (a classic) and my fiancee had Clam chowder which she loved. I would certainly recommend Row 34 to anyone looking for good seafood and craft beer while in Boston.
Feb 08, 2017
 
Rated: 4.19 by Gkruszewski from New York

Jan 12, 2017
Photo of bushdere
Reviewed by bushdere from Florida

4.68/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
This place is phenomenal. If you're in the Boston area and on a one night work trip, make this the place that you go. The food is great and the beer selection is posted on a daily basis on their website. If you don't like what you see, go elsewhere. But if you like what they have to offer on their beers, the food makes the trip worth it. They have a really interesting list of light, sour and hoppy beers. Even some local Trillium and Night Shift when I was there.

I am very glad I made the trip over here for dinner. Try the raw bar and follow the waiter/bartender recommendations, you will not regret it.
Dec 19, 2016
 
Rated: 4.16 by 22Blue from Kansas

Oct 16, 2016
 
Rated: 4.58 by Lare453 from Florida

Sep 25, 2016
Photo of MtnSoup
Reviewed by MtnSoup from Colorado

4.44/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 5 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.5
Had the opportunity to stop in for dinner and beers at the bar before a flight out of Logan. This place is outstanding. Would go back again and again if I was local.

Vibe: Very busy, beautiful space with a large l-shaped bar. Definitely a high-end restaurant.
Quality: Great.
Service: This is where this spot really shines. My bartender was extremely knowledgeable about the beer, and the food menus. Without asking he was bringing tasters of beers to try. Super attentive (even before I was seated after a wait).
Selection: Great beer list, mixed with local NE highlights and overseas exports. Nothing mind-blowing, but they definitely had some beers I've not had before from the area.
Food: Amazing seafood. Oyster selection was out of this world as expected for the location. Also had a fried fish sandwich that was about the perfect accompaniment to the beer.

Go here.
Sep 19, 2016
 
Rated: 4.4 by BeerBucks from New York

Sep 08, 2016
 
Rated: 4.26 by Cpmitchno1 from Virginia

Aug 10, 2016
 
Rated: 4.44 by costanzo_mike from Massachusetts

Jul 25, 2016
 
Rated: 4.59 by zimm421 from Ohio

Jun 23, 2016
 
Rated: 4.44 by INWarner413 from Texas

Jun 18, 2016
 
Rated: 4.63 by cshafer7 from Massachusetts

Jun 06, 2016
 
Rated: 3.93 by StoutSnob40 from California

May 24, 2016
 
Rated: 4.1 by SimcoeKid from California

May 24, 2016
Photo of Macsimus
Rated by Macsimus from North Carolina

4.7/5  rDev +4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
Awesome place with great beer and food : )
May 12, 2016
Photo of DanforthPewter
Rated by DanforthPewter from New York

4.9/5  rDev +8.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Buzzing on a Tuesday night. Service went out of their way. Awesome tap list. Only had oysters but they were top notch
Apr 13, 2016
Row 34 in Boston, MA
Place rating: 4.52 out of 5 with 140 ratings