Barlow’s Boston

Before I go away on business, the hubs and I try to make a point of going on a date to relax and catch up before schedules get crazy and time differences make it difficult for us to even speak on the phone. After a good 40 minute workout and some packing, we headed to the nearby Fort Point neighborhood of Boston to try out Barlow’s, a restaurant that I have passed several times while running.

Located on A Street in an area of Boston that is rapidly growing and developing, from old brick mill buildings to stores, bars, and restaurants, Barlow is housed in an expansive space. It is so new that you can still smell the varnish on the shiny hardwood floors.

Upon arriving, we were seated immediately and I realized that I left the battery for my camera on the charger. Sad, as I was really actually looking forward to photographing this meal.

The menu is pretty large, and there were a number of dishes that we both wanted to try. The cocktail and beer menus are sufficient. The wine list, while short, is quite good. I was excited to see The Crusher Petite Sirah on the list, but I decided to order a pomegranate martini which was slightly sweet and delicious.

We started with Tuna Two Ways, tartare with avocado, jicama, lime, and wonton chips, also coriander black pepper crusted medallions with wasabi coulis. My favorite part of this dish was the tartare with the fresh, crispy, cold jicama and tart lime flavor. The tuna medallions were also good, but the wasabi lacked the kick that I normally expect from such a sauce. Overall though, it was quite yummy. The tuna in both parts of the dish was fresh and melt in your mouth tender, always a good sign for raw tuna!

For my entree, I went with the homemade three grain veggie burger with avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. It came with crispy fries and a pile of homemade dill pickles. Give me a pile of homemade pickles, and I will be a fan forever. Yum.

The veggie burger was soft and sort of falling apart, but I enjoyed how hearty and nutty the grains made it. I also loved the flavor combos of the avocado and tzatziki.

My husband ordered the walnut stuffed Statler chicken with house made gnocchi in herb jus. Holy comfort food. This was DELICIOUS. I had a few bites of the gnocchi and chicken, and the flavors and textures were just incredible. The chicken had a crispy, herb crusted skin which kept it juicy and flavorful. The gnocchi melted in my mouth. I would absolutely get this dish again, especially after a long run in the cold weather.

The service at Barlow’s was very friendly and quick. Its only major downfall was the number of TVs throughout the space. I counted about 6, and I think there were more. I understand Bostonians’ obsession with sports, but in an open layout like Barlow’s you don’t need more than one TV up at the bar. If your dining companions are so boring that you need to watch TV, you should probably find new ones. The flickering all around is distracting, and even if you don’t want to watch one, if there are TVs in every direction you look, you really can’t help it.

Overall, good food with a bunch of great looking possibilities on the substantial menu, good service, a lovely environment and convenient South Boston location. . . with too many TVs!