The Brahmin Boston
Whenever I’m with my girl B, there’s no doubt that it’s going to be a good night. Often spotted taking Boston stylishly by storm, we recently spent a Tuesday night stopping into two new-ish spots in the Back Bay: The Brahmin and Red Lantern.
Located on Stanhope Street between Columbus and Clarendon, both restaurants are situated in an area I jokingly refer to as Boston’s Bermuda Triangle. Why? Good restaurant/nightlife concepts tend to open and not succeed in this area. Nicknames aside, after visiting both spots, B and I are definitely rooting for these two.
The Brahmin
We started our evening at The Brahmin. I was lucky enough to be invited to the grand opening event and couldn’t resist the opportunity to check out the new space. The layout is similar to its predecessor, 33 Restaurant & Lounge, but the interior has been revamped. Apparently inspired by the decor of historic Back Bay and South End homes, the interior is anchored by an impressively large bar and features exposed brick, plus a smattering of artwork. Tufted banquettes are arranged throughout the space, creating an inviting environment to linger and rest your well-heeled feet.
Interior of The Brahmin
While we weren’t there to eat this time around, we did make a point of scoping out the menu. The Brahmin definitely caters to the cocktail crowd, offering a mix of interesting drinks and affordably priced plates to share. Combined with the atmospheric lighting and comfortable seating, this would be a great date venue. On our radar were the Gin Basil Rickey (Hendrick’s Gin, muddled basil, fresh lime, soda water) and the decadent Brahmin Martini (house-made espresso vodka, kahlua, white creme de caco). While the menu appears to have something for everyone, one can’t help but chuckle to see tarter tots on the list. Think the well-heeled Boston Brahmins of our city’s past feasted on tots? Regardless, I can think of one Bostonian who’d be willing to try ’em!
Red Lantern
Following a wander around The Brahmin, our rumbling stomaches pointed us in the direction of Red Lantern. While the interior is positively spectacular and reminiscent of Tao in Las Vegas (albeit pared down for Boston), the dramatic high ceilings and artfully arranged Asian-themed accents couldn’t compensate for a somewhat ho-hum first experience. Though hesitant to try it again, I’m glad I gave Red Lantern a second chance.
On my first visit, the standout dish was the spicy lettuce wraps ($12), so we ordered it again while pouring over the menu. Last time, I wasn’t keen for the Vegetable Spring Roll, or Fresh Lo Mein, so we looked for new options to try. I knew things were going to be different the second B spotted was the Lobster Whipped Potatoes side dish ($12). Rounding out our meal was a California Roll ($7) and the Avocado Salad ($10).
Red Lantern by Yelp from Flickr
All in all, this meal was far more successful. The spicy lettuce wraps were once again filling and satisfying and the avocado salad was creamy and refreshing. The California Roll was a good size for $7, but paled in comparison to the sushi at Douzo or Haru. The pièce de résistance? The Lobster Whipped Potatoes, obviously. Cleverly folded inside buttery, decadent mashed potatoes, were laaaaarge chunks of tender lobster. If you were seated next to us, you would have heard squeals of joy with each additional lobster chunk was uncovered. Good pick, B!
In addition to my dining experience, my lovely roommate recently went to Red Lantern and raved about the Miso Glazed Sea Bass. Raved! I don’t hear him rave often.
Final Thoughts
For a city that adores new restaurants and nightlife spots, let’s hope that The Brahmin and Red Lantern can reverse the Bermuda Triangle-esque curse along Stanhope Street. Both have distinct concepts, inviting interiors and are great for a meal, or drinks. I know I’ll be back!
The Brahmin is located at 33 Stanhope Street in Boston, while Red Lantern is located at 39 Stanhope Street.
Have you ever tried The Brahmin or Red Lantern? What did you think?