Coda

Reviews 7

A

A Private User

After a decade of piano instruction, I have always known coda as a music notation. Coda the restaurant, directly next to Cleary’s, means Columbus Avenue and Dartmouth Street and fantastic cocktails paired with cozy American food. The dining room has funky art on the brick walls and white canvases on the ceiling to dampen the noise level. Although there is spacious bar and bar tables in the back, I personally prefer the few booth seats in the immediate front of the house for additional privacy. The grapefruit press had a lightly sweetened and tart flavor and I could have easily finished off the drink in a few minutes. The Madagascar Manhattan is one of my new favorites being strong (good economic value) and has a hint of sophistication from the vanilla. I was happy to enjoy the candy sweet marschino cherry at the very end. I have been known to have a few of their solid chargrilled 10oz. Black Angus Hamburger with bacon and bleu cheese. However, no burgers for me that evening, the best item we enjoyed was the pine nut bacon salad. The frisee had little chunks of blue cheese, pinenuts and vinaigrette for $8. The multiple layers of saltiness, creaminess and nuttiness was genius. Conceptually, this salad is a simple one, because bacon and bleu cheese is an old flavor combination. However, the addition of the pine nuts with the dressing gives the salad an exponential factor that makes me want to order this again. The side of brussel sprouts were well seasoned and going well with the rest of the meal, however we have had better ones at Myers + Chang. The duck fettucine appetizer ($9 appetizer/$18 for entree portion) had tender pieces of duck, al dente pasta, ragout of root vegetables and duck jus. The dish was hearty and is perfect for those bitter cold evenings. The steak frites was a great entree for $20. The medium rare, chargrilled balsamic marinated hanger steak had a nice texture and the handcut shoestring fries were seasoned well, but nothing spectacular. The frisee with balsamic vinaigrette that accompanied the steak allowed us to make an impromptu steak salad. Our server was very charismatic and attentive and the bartender was very friendly and laid back. Looking forward to Coda’s cocktails and more comfort food to fend of the remainder of the winter.

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Peter Haley

I work in the Pru and was meeting a friend for lunch. I wanted a small, local business and thus got good reviews. Went just after opening on weekday and got a window seat on a nice sunny day. Lots of tables and seats at bar for a small space. The brick interior matches the Back Bay architecture outside the window. Up front, I have to comment on the bathrooms. Very clean, very spacious. Most small spots squeeze the bathroom in and, when you are 63", it matters. Plus they are unisex so no waiting for one while other is open. Seems very LGBT friendly, now that I think about it. We were greeted warmly and mentioned we had heard good things on Yelp - I expected them to bristles at that word but, it was cool. No alcohol was consumed so, I cannot comment there but the bottle of still water brought to table reminded me of Europe. My burger was excellent; cooked perfect medium and the bun was gloriously buttery and sturdy. Buns that melt are a pet peeve. Fries were good too - thin and crisp. My friend got a fried chicken sandwich. She didnt realize it came w cheese but she scraped it off. They offered another but she declined. The service was prompt and friendly. We were left to our conversation as the place filled up for lunch. I will definitely return with others and tell coworkers about it. I like to support local businesses when they make an effort towards excellence.

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Dan Gross

Went here tonight for the second time. The short version: nice ambiance, great food, great drinks, and great service. I had the Czech Your Bullets cocktail which was impeccable: balanced and pleasant. The person I was with got the gnocchi, which she really liked. I ordered the Amatriciana but without milk products, as Im lactose intolerant. When it arrived (pretty quickly, I might add), it had cheese on it. I gently reminded my waiter that Id asked for it without cheese. She apologized profusely and promised me a new one. No big deal, it happens all the time. The waiter who took my order then came by and apologized. And then the manager came by and apologized as well, and even offered us a free charcuterie plate! Which, by the way, is fantastic at Coda. Its very rare, if ever, that Ive seen a restaurant go so over-the-top to make up for such a simple, small, and easily rectified mistake. And the Amatriciana was delicious too. Enjoyably spicier than the classic Italian version. I already liked Coda, but this really put them over the top. I cant recommend them enough. Oh, and their beer list is great too. Cant wait to go back!

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Lindsey Mark

The word that comes to mind is superb, the food is excellent and of the less is more mantra. While not a huge menu they succeed at doing a few things really well, fresh eats and great drinks. This hidden gem could get lost amongst the sea of pubs, especially with Clearys and Brownstone right around the corner... But differentiates itself by offering a classy, well thought out seasonal menu and a soft modern ambiance. I find it easy to eat there even with my multiple food allergies (gluten-free, nut-free, no shellfish, yes Im a disaster), and the staff is friendly, knowledgable, and non-prentious. All around Ive had great experiences, ones that are both memorable as far as the food and drink are concerned and at a reasonable price point. Intimate enough for a quiet dinner with an old friend or a date with someone youd like to know better.

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A

A Private User

Weve been in Boston for two weeks, and this lunch will the the fifth, sorry, make that the sixth time weve been to Coda. Initially, I had seen the picture of their eggs Benny in a local magazine that was lying on the coffee table of the place we were staying, and the more I looked at it, the hungrier I grew. Well, they didnt disappoint: crisp, golden home fries, runny yolks, chewy toast, and the best hollandaise sauce Ive had. Plus, there was spinach, so its practically healthy. Or something. Great beer list too, small, but something for everybody. We went for dinner and just ate all the interesting sides (parsnips are highly recommended). Service was almost always very good, sometimes excellent, and Ill be sorry not to have it my neighbourhood. Let me sum it up with a phrase you people will understand: its wicked good!

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Eve Chou

Its in a quiet neighborhood and its a neighborhood spot. There are the set of regulars and thos in the area. The food is solid and you will be full. The batter on the fried hake was a little too thick but the fish was tender. The different types of aioli they have is great for dipping the fish and fries in it. The fries were a bit soggy but nicely flavored. The salad was simple and fulfilled the needed greens. Service was great. They are really accomodating and friendly. The restaurant is nice and clean. It has local art throughout the place which is nice to see.

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Sally Guan

Coda was mentioned as one of the new trend "gastropub" in the "Boston Guestbook" provided by The Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel. It is just a couple blocks away from The Fairmont. The place is small and cozy and neat. The food was excellent. The house cider and pretentious peach were so delicious. We ordered "Chicken Wings" as starter, and it was the best chicken wings I ever had, the balance of spiciness, sweetness and savory is just perfect. The main dishes (we tried Half Chicken, Bluefish and Salmon) were all excellent. The service was also excellent.

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