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The Gallows
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
1395 Washington St(between Union Park St & Pelham St)
Boston, MA 02118
Neighbourhood: South End
(617) 425-0200
- Nearest Transit:
-
Washington St @ Union Pk (191, SL4, SL5)
Washington St @ Union Pk (191, SL4, SL5)
W Dedham St @ Washington St (10, 170)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 5 pm - 11 pm
Wed 5 pm - 12 am
Thu-Fri 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Thu 5 pm - 1 am
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 1 am
Sat 11:30 am - 3 pm
Sun 11 am - 3 pm
Sun 3 pm - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
244 reviews for The Gallows
Review Highlights
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"All were delicious, but I especially loved the Scotch egg." In 34 reviews -
"The peanut butter ganache was to die for." In 19 reviews -
"It was topped with cheese, fried oysters and remoulade." In 10 reviews
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244 reviews in English
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Review from Linda H.
Boston, MA
5/21/2012
Neighborhood gem!
I love the cabin-esque feel of the interior and the healthy variety of draft beer, but the star of this show is the burger. I am salivating as I revisit the memory of my Carpet burger. First things first. The meat in these burgers are so darn juicy and delicious. Top that off with FRIED OYSTERS(!!!), cheese, lettuce, on a soft bun? I've died and gone to heaven.
I attempt to order something different every time I visit the Gallows, that carpet burger beckons every time. Literally, the best "fancy" burger I have had EVER. -
Review from Todd O.
East Greenwich, RI
5/25/2012
I cannot believe how easily South Enders are impressed. Actually, I'm sure the lion's share of the reviews here were written by bored suburban parents visiting the South End for the night because it it's sooo hip. That group is probably easily impressed.
There were a few high points that I'll get out of the way right off the bat. The drinks are very good. My wife ordered the bartender's special drink and it was amazing. I had the Old Fashioned and was pleasantly pleased with their corny-twist on this classic. Their cheese plate was delicious: a goat/dairy blend, a cloth wrapped cheddar, and a delicious blue with apple slices and a generous portion of mouth watering honeycomb. The night ended with a superb dessert: the Banana's Foster. That was one hell of a dessert.
However, the negatives were too big to ignore.
Attitude: You aren't cool enough to be here. This is perhaps the smugliest restaurant I've ever been in. I'm no stranger to fine dining. We're not country bumpkins. So don't roll your eyes or speak to me with that hipster - I was drinking bourbon before it was cool - tone. Great! You know more than me about bourbon. How about you not make the guests feel inferior because we have lives outside of a restaurant. You're servers. Serve us politely or get a new job in a different line of work. Is it that hard to be nice? Because I firmly believe it's not to much to ask.
Hype: The best Scottish Eggs? Other reviewers rave about these eggs. Guess what? It's a fried egg. It tastes like a fried egg. I'm not saying it was bad. It was fine. It was a fried egg!
The Burgers: The Gallows touts its burgers, but these are not to be trumpeted. They are to be hidden on a low shelf in the closet of shame. I love burgers. I love rare to medium-rare, grass-fed beef with as few toppings as necessary so you can really taste the quality of the meat. Just the thought of sinking my teeth into a big juicy burger, savoring every single taste, well, it brings me true joy. The Gallows' burger is nothing more than an additional meat bun for their toppings to sit between. First of all, you cannot specify how you want your burger done. Let me say that again: at a restaurant that touts their burgers you cannot SPECIFY HOW YOU WANT YOUR BURGER DONE! However, there is a very good reason for that. The reason is that the burger is a McDonalds-style tiny little gray patty. Pathetic. So, so, so sad.
I could rant about how The Gallows' burger hurt my feelings, but words cannot begin to describe the shame I feel for them - the disgrace that they have brought upon the noble hamburger. I'll leave you with this: if you like a good hamburger, this is not the place for you. Pull up a chair at the bar and have a drink while you wait for your reservation at a better restaurant in this Boston food-lover's neighborhood. -
Review from Jim M.
Beverly, MA
5/12/2012
Went here last weekend for a friend's bachelor party. GREAT atmosphere, beer list, and menu.
Appetizers are top-notch. The Scotch Egg was legendary, as was the Pulled-Pork Corn Muffin and Buffalo Chicken Dip.
I had a burger that was pretty terrific with a side of good, not great, truffle fries.
Overall, this was a really cool restaurant that I'll be going back to alot, even just for beers and apps. -
Review from Kate R.
Ferndale, MI
5/21/2012
As a tourist wandering around I cam across this place and it was one of my favorite places of the whole trip. The food was fabulous- filling and full of unique flavor but didn't weight you down after. Our waiter was charming and a big help with suggesting food and drink and even what to do after. Lastly, the drink menu was creative and I'm sure one that you will only find there. I can't remember exactly what I ordered but I know it had the name Green in it and it was delicious! I highly recommend this place and would go here on the regular if it was possible!
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Review from M W.
4/23/2012 1 photo
I'd been "online menu stalking" The Gallows for quite some time now. I even coaxed a foodie coworker and friend into joining my drooling sessions, so we were both very excited when our schedules finally allowed us to sample their creations!
We were so looking forward to it, we blew off shoe shopping beforehand so that we could get down to business, so to speak. LOL
My new obsession is beautiful ceiling decor. I thought their rustic ceiling light was pretty spectacular and couldn't resist snapping a photo!
The Experience:
First things first, our server Matt was awesome! He had great personality, recommendations, and knowledge of the menu!
I enjoyed the decor very much and was curious about whether the tables (against the wall in the main dining area) were specifically designed to be low as to encourage the servers to lean and engage the customers. I may be over-thinking that one, but it was worth considering. Our server politely entertained the thought :0)
What we tried:
The simple poutine was a disappointment. Maybe Montreal and upstate NY (of all places) has me a bit spoiled? I love poutine, but the gravy here was a extraordinarily bland.
To my delight the provisions only ascended above expectations after that...
The fava bean gratin with spiced lamb ragout and pecorini, topped with bread crumbs was totally addictive! I couldn't stop shoveling the crunchy fava beans and fragrant lamb, seasoned with allspice. The seasoned lamb sent my palate into a frenzy trying to decipher what I was tasting...is it nutmeg? Is it cinnamon? ginger? clove? LOL I eventually asked the back of the house...ahhh allspice! I had to laugh at myself for once again over-analyzing. It's clearly my forté...one of many talents ;0)
The wild boar meatball was moist and absolutely delicious! Served over parsnip puree and dressed in a guinness mushroom gravy, it was one of my favorites of the evening.
The short rib arancini was truffled. Those who know about my repugnance for all things truffled understand that I will not post an opinion about this dish. However, I will say that my friend seemed to enjoy them.
The Ibérico pork taco was a treat! Ibérico pork is harvested from pigs fed primarily acorns during finishing. The meat was very tender and wrapped in a tortilla with pickled slaw, avocado, and molé.
The Cocktails:
I was enjoyed two specialty cocktails at The Gallows and my only complaint is that they were pretty tiny servings.
Governor's Garden: bay leaf vodka, basil, cucumber, absinthe, and lemon
The Healer: rye, mead, bitters, and lemon (it was reminiscent of a Manhattan) -
Review from Chuckie T.
Boston, MA
4/7/2012
Great South End option for food and drink. Sat at the bar for dinner and experienced impeccable service from the bartenders. Had the Scotch Egg to start and it was fantastic. Went with one of the burgers, which was also tasty. In this case, the toppings made the meal.
Beer selections are interesting. 24oz Natty Lights for $5 or something like that is strange. Went with Smutty and then some sort of stout, which also tasty. GF enjoyed her martinis.
They don't take reservations for parties under 6 and at 8pm, figured we'd be in for a long wait. We ended up getting bar seats, but the wait would have been just 15mins. Not too bad. -
Review from Joe M.
Boston, MA
5/15/2012
I don't know what to say about this place...
I won't go on and on about how the ever-changing cocktail list and ever-evolving menu continues to blow me over... or how the decor is subtle and hip and well-designed... or how the staff is FRIENDLY, fun, and knowledgable...
It's one of the small number of cool places in Boston that "gets it," that isn't pretentious, that doesn't cater to just one type of clientele. Everything works.
It's my favorite restaurant and bar in Boston. -
Review from Andrea B.
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
David C. and I went to The Gallows last Sunday evening looking for some hangover food. We came in with a game plan (well, David did. I just went along with it) and ordered a bunch of food to share. Some of it was definitely really good, but some dishes left something to be desired.
We chose a few starters, which was difficult since we wanted to try everything. Literally, EVERYTHING! Our selections included the wild boar meatballs, (with mushroom dijon gravy and sautéed brussels sprouts - can't go wrong with that!), the roasted beet wedge (doesn't sound very exciting, but you can't put ranch dressing, bacon, pickled red onion, and blue cheese together with generously sized beet wedges without it being delicious), and the grilled gulf shrimp (I wasn't a fan of the sauce the shrimp was drowned in, but the griddled corn bread was near perfection). We threw in a Scotch Egg at the last second, too. Good thing we did - very yummy!
The simple poutine we had next was a disappointment. The fries weren't nearly crispy enough, even the ones that weren't doused in a very average gravy. And the cheese curds were tasteless. You'd probably be better off going to Saus if you're looking for a better poutine (not to mention it's cheaper).
We split the Tasmanian Devil next. Topped with goat cheese, sweet chili sauce, mango, and herb salad, this burger sounds like perfection in theory. However, the herb salad overpowered everything else to the point where we decided to simply toss all the greens aside. This improved things somewhat, but the burger itself was pitiful. The patty was woefully thin, and it contained some chunks of beef that were oddly difficult to chew.
Dessert was an improvement over the two dishes preceding it. They only have one item on the menu, but that's all they need. The fluffernutter creme brulee consisted of banana buried beneath a massive amount of gooey marshmallow, chocolate and peanut butter. So rich, and so filling, and... just try it, will ya??
So for me, our meal was a mixture of ups and downs. Service was great overall. Our waitress was really friendly. The dark, woody atmosphere was a perfect fit for the place. One thing I didn't like was that our table had a bottle of water already out when we arrived. but without any ice. I don't know about you, but when I'm hungover, I want cold water - and lots of it!Listed in: Can't Beat Beets!, The South End of the Road
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Review from Dennis D.
Boston, MA
4/21/2012
The gallows does a great job of scratching the "gastropub/comfort food" itch.
I find myself coming here more for brunch than for dinner, but both are very good. Their menu changes frequently and they keep it fairly seasonal.
Standout dishes for brunch include the sunnyside burger (with a fried egg and bacon on top-amazing hangover food) and the sunrise poutine. Chicken and waffles are mediocre here, im not a fan of the breading they use. The bloody marys are on point, especially the OOC.
Their appetizers are pretty good, especially the scotch egg, as prominently featured in other reviews. The boards are decent but there's better charcuterie elsewhere. Mains are reliable overall. No particular dinner entree really blows me away. The burgers are a great example of the thin patty style.
As you've probably seen in other reviews, their poutines are not "authentic Canadian style", but they are still tasty. Not as salty as you might expect poutine to be. Fries tend to get a bit soggy but I like their house made ricotta.
Cocktails are very good. The healer has been my mainstay but i also have a lot of love for the brazen bull. Beer selection is good too. I haven't had wine here but their selection looks solid.
The service is nearly always excellent. Very friendly and conscientious servers and bartenders. You might be worried that with the hipster vibe/clientele that there may be a stuck-up vibe - not at all the case. (well, only the case once out of many visits)
Ambiance is awesome. Love the wood paneling, the light and noise levels are just right, there is clearly a lot of attention paid to the aesthetic/environmental details here.
Not as much of a wait for a table as you might expect for a place of this quality, though I imagine this will change over time as their reputation spreads further. For now this is a great place for a group of nearly any size (I don't know firsthand how they handle groups of 10 or more).
Parking down at this end of washington st is reasonably easy to find. Maybe 10 minutes walk from mass ave if using public transport. -
Review from Boris P.
Boston, MA
3/22/2012
I just love this place. Great resturant with a great staff.
The food is incredible. The burgers are to die for (in a good way). They have many irish dishes and they are very good.
Rosalinda, one of the bartenders is just AMAZING... WOW... what a beautiful and smart girl. She makes great drinks and will make you feel really comfortable.
My favorite drink? The Habanero infused vodka.... really good.
Great place to come with friends and have drinks after work or just because... or you can bring your date and seat at the resturant... you won't be desapointed.
Love, love, love , love this place... :-) -
Review from David C.
3/13/2012
"The Gallows" is a pretty sinister name for a place that dishes up such delicious comfort food. Service and decor are also a bit warmer than you might find on the scaffold, so the name is pretty much a misnomer all around.
The menu reads top-to-bottom delicious, so the best advice I can offer is to try something from each section.
A scotch egg is the perfect rich and hearty way to start your meal, but be sure to follow it up with an appetizer or two (or three if you're a fatty like me and Andrea B.). Grilled gulf shrimp with creole bbq sauce and griddled corn bread and wild boar meatballs served atop sauteed brussel sprouts with mushroom dijon gravy follow in the rich and hearty vein of the scotch egg, while the signature roast beet wedge salad provides a nice light contrast to the heavier dishes.
Still not sure if I'm a fan of poutine, but The Gallows' is pretty good, and actually rather addictive after a while. The burger we ordered was the only real disappointment of the night. The patty was extremely thin and contained numerous gristly morsels.
Dessert. OMFG dessert. The Gallows only has one dessert, but it's like they made it specifically with me in mind. What is it, you ask? They call it bananas foster fluffernutter brulee, and it's all those things and more. My only complaint is that it's served cold. A little heat on this dish would take it from merely delicious to borderline orgasmic. -
Review from sonia q.
Boston, MA
4/17/2012
Similar to Toro, if you come here on a Friday or Saturday night be ready to wait for hours! That said, it is well worth it.
One of the weird things about this place is that the bar stools can be reserved, so don't expect to sit at the bar if you did not make a reservation. The food was outstanding! The burgers are perfectly cooked and the toppings are DELICIOUS! I had the carpetbagger burger with fried oysters on top and it was outstanding! My husband had the pork dinner and it was super tender and full of flavor. This place also has a lot of fun drinks and was reasonably priced considering the area and how trendy this place has become. Highly recommended! -
Review from Jon D.
Boston, MA
3/18/2012
The best place for a burger, fries, and a beer in Boston. They use niman ranch natural meat and cook it to a juicy perfection every time. I would also suggest the "out of control" poutine.
Oh, this place seems to be vegetarian friendly too, because my veggie girlfriend likes the Gallows as much as I do. -
Review from Shuang C.
Cambridge, MA
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Accidentally spent $48 here yesterday. I'll tell you how it happened:
First I ordered a Scotch Egg and a Fried Green Tomato w/ Lobster brûlée (name didn't make sense cuz it wasn't burnt but wtv). The Scotch Egg made me question reality because I've never had eggs this good. Think Onsen Tamago, slightly cooked à la Taiwanese Tea Egg, then coated in sausage and fried. The crust was a sausage-y goodness, the egg white was slightly all-spice-y, and the yolk was liquid-y soft! The asking price of $6 was well deserved. The fried tomato was slightly less spectacular, but was also good nonetheless. For those of you wandering, green tomatos taste just like the red ones, except firmer and less tomato-y. The Lobster sauce that went on top was quite good, 8/10 and $5 gone. The super nice super tall waiter then recommended the Lamb Osso Bucco, and he was spot-on. The sauce was the best lamb sauce I've ever tasted. I was literally drinking it after I ate all the tender lamb. The peas and fava beans in the dish were quite hard and unnecessary though. Still, $14 well spent. I was gonna stop there, but I was still hungry since the food I just ate wasn't much. I remembered what I read on yelp and ordered the Wildboar meatballs. The meatballs were seasoned with spices I've never tasted before, so obviously I can't tell you what they are. They also had built-in chunks of water chestnuts, which were quite interesting to chew on. What made the dish stand out was the parsnip purée combined with the stout mushroom gravy. You can give me the dish without the meatballs and I'll gladly lap it up. There goes another $14. In the end, with tax and tip, the meal cost me $48, but it was worth it. -
Review from Cameron H.
Boston, MA
3/4/2012
The first thing that hits you is just how alive this place is. The amount of noise and people crammed into the little space, you'd expect them to be giving away free gold bullion.
Called up to make reservations for a Friday night and was told they don't accept them for parties of less than 6, but the wait shouldn't be more than 20 minutes. After trying to snag a parking spot for about 15 minutes, I was told it would be about an hour wait for a table. Found, what was perhaps, the last remaining unoccupied square inch, and was quickly approached by a bartender making rounds on the floor. I ordered the Victorian Sedation, while my dining companion got the Empress Josephine. Both drinks were surprisingly good; fresh ingredients, clean flavors, all around enjoyable. Sipped on a few before getting seated.
The menu featured about 8 different main courses (burgers aside), split somewhat evenly between meat and seafood. I was in the mood for something simple but tasteful, and wound up ordering the Grilled Whole Chicken. While the dish was performed technically fine, portions acceptable, and the presentation very nice, it was a forgettable meal. I got a lot of the simple part, and not much of the tasteful. It was essentially a piece of grilled chicken like you'd find at a backyard barbecue, minus any of the great charcoal grill flavors. The sunchoke puree and hazelnut butter were either tasteless or so delicate that they were completely overpowered by the chicken.
That said, the other dishes that I saw coming out looked and smelt great, and my friend was extremely pleased with her dish. Wait staff was top notch, and everyone was super friendly. The experience itself was 4-5 stars, but the food that arrived on my plate just didn't do it for me. -
Review from Adam M.
Boston, MA
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Where to begin! This is definitely a place to go when you are looking for a great beer/cocktail and some comfort food. The burgers are 100% delicious (well seasoned, great bun) and the "snacks" are great little tasty bites that go great with alcohol. In particular, the arancini, poutine and scotch egg were particuarly memorable.
Unfortunately, the entrees still lack a lot. The cod was tasteless and poorly seasoned and the vegetarian curry failed to live up to our expectations. So, stick to drinks and burgers! -
Review from Kenneth F.
Cambridge, MA
2/28/2012
Excellent food. Excellent drinks. Excellent decor.
I love restaurants that can consistently provide a great meal and a great time, and without the horrendous wait which so often accompanies the restaurants in the area.
I have been here twice and had a great time both times. Very interesting and tasty drink menu. My food choices ranged from a burger one time to the scotch egg and steak the other. I like the flexibility of choosing a more inexpensive but still yummy option with the other side of choosing a more expensive and upscale meal.
Both times I had the out of control poutine. The first time it was topped with foie gras and duck. AMAZING. really good stuff...huge portion and could not complain. I would have eaten it just as a meal. The second time, it was a barbeque slow cooked pork one with cole slaw. Very mediocre and a big disappointment from the first time. I'll actually need to think hard about whether to order it next time I go here, depending on what the out of control poutine of the day is. -
Review from Jenelle J.
Boston, MA
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've had better food for this level of ambiance. The mussels were technically done well but I didn't have any longing to go back anytime soon for more. Drinks well done but heavy on the ice and not enough of the good stuff.
Maybe I should have gotten the burger instead? -
Review from DJ N.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2012
The South End is one of my neighborhoods of choice for food in Boston. It works well since my cousin lives in the heart of the neighborhood and has for over a decade. We've seen restaurants come and go....and we expect this one to hang in there for a minute, but not too long. "Bridge & Tunnel" folks should keep it going for a little while.
We decided to try the Gallows on St. Patrick's Day and was able to walk right in for dinner and drinks.
I had the "Our Way" Burger (american cheese, grilled onion, iceberg, homemade pickles, fries) which was quite tasty. It was even tastier with the home made ketchup - which was more like a nice chutney. I slathered that chutney on and enjoyed my burger and fries with it. I would happily go back for the burger & fries with this ketchup. The price for this burger & fries combo = $10, which is about average for a "gourmet" burger.
So, why the 2 stars??
Well....let's start with service. It was not very good. Our service was generally very slow. Our waitress was nowhere to be found for the first 15 minutes after we sat down. She also disappeared after we finished eating. I took one star off for that. I don't want you hovering over me while I eat, but please be alert and aware and check in every once in a while.
Something to note: the venue is ridiculously dark on the restaurant side. You can barely see your food or the people around you. The bar was much better lit.
The worst part of the evening was when we headed over to the bar after dinner. Some friends joined us and we ordered mixed drinks. I don't think I've ever seen cheaper bartenders in MY ENTIRE LIFE. ALL of the mixed drinks were served short... When my drink arrived it looked as if 2 or 3 good sized sips were taken before it arrived. As I watched the bartender (I think her name was Pam) make the drinks, it was obvious that she was SKIMPING BIG TIME. At $10 per cocktail, that's not cool. In addition, the glasses are not large to begin with.
I almost gave this place 1 star, but in all honesty, I enjoyed my drink and my food. However, I would go broke drinking here. They totally rip you off at the bar. BEWARE!!
Hopefully the Gallows management will read this review and make some seriously needed changes at the bar. In a down economy, it's shady when your local joint is nickle and diming you on a short glass cocktail. Don't split 1 drink between 2 glasses!! I can't see this place staying in business if these practices don't change.
It's going to be really hard to get me back there at this stage.... -
Review from Ryan H.
3/19/2012
A short ride to South Boston, and I was finally able to check this one off my list.
The first thing I noticed about The Gallows was how dark it was inside. After my eyes slowly became adjusted, I realized the place was actually perfectly lit with candle light with minimal overhead lighting. The second thing I noticed were the black snakes on the wall. Nice touch. Lastly, once our group was settled at our table, we quickly realized how loud this place is. When we arrived the place hadnt completely filled up yet. But by the time we left, it was mostly standing room only within 20 feet of the bar, and all tables were packed. We had to use our outside voices to communicate and the place was bustling. After adjusting our pitch, it was not an issue. I wouldnt suggest this place for a date night unless you like to yell at each other.
The food is nearly phenomenal. Our group ordered a ton, and were given complementary treats as well because we are just THAT awesome (it also helps to know half the people that work there). Trust that you wont be disappointed with anything on their ever-changing menu. Its very diverse and different from most places I have been.
For starters, the mussels bathed in a potato leek sauce could be the best mussels I have ever had. And the wild boar meatballs in a mushroom gravy were outstanding. And dont forget a side of poutine of which you have 3 different kinds to choose from. The Brussels sprouts were really good too, with raisins adding some contrasting sweetness. The horseradish, fraiche and dill carrots were probably my least favorite as they werent cooked enough for me (I like my carrots well done).
I sampled a few of the entrees. For myself, I went with the salmon served on lemony colcannon but I wasnt impressed. The seared side was a bit over-seared and almost chewy. Otherwise it was juicy and the flavors were great. I also tried the Irish stew which was ultra hearty, with tender and delicate lamb, perfectly cooked veggies and savory broth. The Dubliner burger was huge, cooked perfectly, and the cheddar and thick-sliced bacon were over the top. Cant remember what else I had, food was flying around the table.
Service was on point but since we knew half the people there, we received special treatment. But judging by the way the place was packed, Im assuming service isnt really an issue anyway. The crowd was on the younger trendier side, casually dressed with a hint of an edge. I think there was music playing in the background, but I couldnt tell you what songs were playing. There were enough drink options to keep most people happy. Prices seem on par with most similar places I have been do.
Id give The Gallows 5 stars but I may be a bit biased so Ill keep it at 4. I see no reason this place shouldnt get 5 stars. Will definitely -
Review from Greg N.
2/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've hated this place for the longest time, even though I had never been. The menu I had read online gave off this ridiculously hipster, faux-foodie vibe that was a major turn-off for me. I love being experimental with my cuisine, but I generally am not impressed with restaurants that are being gimmicky or sacrifice taste in the name of "cuisine." Literally, every time we'd walk by I would scowl at this place.
Alas, I've lived here for nearly 8 months, about 2 blocks from here, and I haven't been until very recently.
My boyfriend decided to take me here after an impromptu date to a show downtown. We were stopping in for drinks and a couple appetizers as it was late and we didn't want a full meal.
The service and the interior were impeccable. Everyone was friendly and helpful and kind... even if they were dressed directly from the pages of Hipster Weekly. The interior was a bit "urban barnyard chic." The highlight there was the really cool bent wood wall sconces that we discussed borrowing for our home....
We both ordered a drink. They were "interesting." I ordered a tropical drink that ended up tasting like Banana Boat suntan lotion smells.... Chris ordered something herbal and it was better. I can't say they were bad... just odd combinations.
The food was actually better than I expected! We ordered an order of the regular poutine, a scotch egg, and a side order of brussels sprouts. The sprouts had an oddly sweet flavor to them. There were raisins mixed in and maybe they were cooked in apple cider vinegar? Either way, they were good.
The poutine was the highlight of the night for me. but then, it's potatoes, cheese, and gravy. What's not to love???
In a round about way, I guess I'm apologizing for all my former issues with this place. I'm not saying they're fully resolved; the drinks are still super pretentious. All in all, this place is better than the credit I had given it. -
Review from mike G.
Updated - 4/2/2012
a friend (with gift certificate) brought me back nearly 2 yrs since my first. past issues with cold and salty food were happily gone. last night's maine blue cod and vt. lamb chops were hits, as was salmon on colcannon sauce at a previous visit. but the corned beef rib was unseasoned boiled meat bland. really thought this dish would shine esp on sunday of st paddy's but...
i think they've mistaken us for some VIPs as we're treated like g o l d. manager brings salads on the house, comps drinks (bit light on the pour there, bartender) and dessert. did recognize former server of another south end eatery. maybe 2. but really, dunno anyone here. hmmmListed in: South End, Jacob's Ladder, utter nutter
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/22/2010
this space is haunted by the middling ghost of it's predecessor, Sage. apps of little neck stuffies… Read more »
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Review from May W.
Mountain View, CA
4/24/2012
They have an amazing assortment of cocktails. My friend and I came for brunch, and we were sheer gluttons. We started with their amazing poutine fries, which was a giant bowl of fries smothered in gravy and cheese-- amazing! I then had their oyster burger which was extremely filling and I had to take half home-- but nothing to rave about. My friend had a veggie quiche, which was also tasty and generous in portions.
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Review from Kelsey C.
2/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
When going to a restaurant named after a neck-breaking apparatus designed for severe social deviants, I was worried that I was going to eat my meal on a wooden platform and have my food somehow asphyxiate me. Turns out, while I did eat on a wooden platform in the form of a table, but the food was more like what I would want as my last meal right before the execution.
The Poutine managed to be hearty yet delicate, though I wish I'd sprung for the Out of Control version - foie gras-topped fries are just genius...
The foie gras in the Goose Confit was less juicy than I'm used to but that burst of flavor never gets old, and the confit broke into tasty shreds at the gentle touch of a fork. I know people think fatty liver is morally wrong, but come on, it's so freaking good!
The Slow Roast Pork Belly had intricate layers of mussels and the best coconut broth EVER! I've had good Thai, and I've had great Thai, but I've never had a coconut broth this good!
Don't be fooled by the narrow, easy-to-walk-by storefront, it opens into an expansive dining area with exquisite light fixtures and a bright-enough-to-see-what-you're-eating-but-dim-en ough-to-not-see-the-zits-your-date's-make-up-is-so -artfully-covering dining area. A hip and modern ambiance without the stale scent of trying too hard, I could almost sit here and just mellow out on any given day of the week. And so should you! -
Review from Michelle B.
Boston, MA
1/25/2012
I thought my first great experience here was a fluke, or just good timing, but my second time visiting was even better! The Brazen Bull, a spicy, delicious concoction of jalepeno, scotch bonnet infused vodka, and lime, is the perfect way to start the night (and continue it and finish it!) before launching into an array of foods packed with taste. We started with the Venison Tourtière and the Out of Control Poutine, both wonderful. My dinner was the Bánh Mì burger, complete with a fried egg and pickled veggies.
The atmosphere is the best part. It's cozy, intimate, crowded in a way that makes you feel like you're sharing an experience without having your own private conversation or space interrupted.
My only complaint is the obvious attempts to turn the table quickly. The Gallows doesn't allow you to order little things at a time, you must order your entire meal all at once (maybe there's a kitchen reason behind this, I don't know). The waitstaff is extremely friendly and accommodating, which I appreciate, but I could tell the waiter was eager to button things up.
But all in all, one of the best dining experiences I've had in Boston. -
Review from Andria L.
Cambridge, MA
2/5/2012 1 photo
This place is fantastic! A few friends and I stumbled upon this place last night prior to the Extreme Beer fest and I can say hands down we made the correct choice!
The ambiance was amazing! Dimly lit with several different themes going on from the exposed brick on the walls to wood panelling on the ceiling. The bar area in fact had branches hanging from these wood panels which added some interesting character. There is a large frosted glass panel sits in the main dining room with lilies lined up along the ledge. The bar area was nice with ample amounts of seating.
The bartenders were fantastic! They were prompt, friendly, and were very knowledgeable in all the food and drink offerings. They were constantly filling our water when our glasses even came near empty. Though they only carry a small list of beers on draft, the selection was superb! From victory prima pils, notch session, to duval. Though i did not have a cocktail the menu looked detailed and delicious!
For an entree i had mushroom bolognese that consisted of semolina dumpling, spaghetti squash, radicchio, and aged balsamic. A different combination that proved to be amazing!! My friends dove into the burgers which they raved about for the entire night!
In addition to this they gave us a few hard boiled /fried eggs on the house which were delicious as well!
I will definitely be heading back here in the near future! -
Review from Daniel M.
Boulder, CO
4/3/2012
This place is REALLY POPULAR. I think its a groupthink thing rather than some indication of greatness.
Pros - The food is pretty good. The $10 burger was tasty and came with fries. Good meat and toppings. . Brussel Sprouts were amazing (not very healthy, but greasily awesome).
Cons - Pricey. $7 beers, $10 cocktails, most menu items are above $15... The PICKLES are not cucumber based, but rather carrot/califlower/etc... meh, nothing great there
We had this waiter that was ABSOLUTELY OUT OF CONTROL. He was pretty emphatic about nobody talking over him during the introduction... the place was packed.. totally uncalled for, he was a real bozo and shortly thereafter he was pulled from our table and they gave us a waiter that could handle the job stress.
Will not return here if the prices remain out of line with the quality. -
Review from Sebastien T.
Cambridge, MA
4/14/2012
It was my first time going there. I left with the feeling I have been scammed.
I ordered "Out of Control Poutine" and their "normal" version and that was shameful.
Poutine was invented in Warwick, QC, Canada, where I come from. In Quebec, even McDonald serves poutine.
The cheese they used (and made themselves) is not anything close to cheese used in Poutine. Their version is kind of the size of feta cheese with the consistency of ricotta cheese.
Poutine is a salty meal, not sweet, but the "Out of Control Poutine" came with rib meat that is sweet.
We didn't finish the plates, we left Gallows's cheese in the plate!
Their sauce was not tasty, there is nothing good about Gallows'poutine other than it's definitively a good example of something that doesn't qualify as a variation of a poutine or a good meal.
If you are looking for a Poutine, you should check if All Star Sandwich Bar still serve it. -
Review from Ben L.
Leominster, MA
5/11/2012
Where did they find chickens that lay sausage covered eggs? I want to eat nothing but scotch eggs for the rest of my life!
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Review from K S.
Boston, MA
2/22/2012
A number of restaurants have existed in this location. Gallows - don't go anywhere, stay, stay, stay.
Someone really cares about the menu. Someone really tastes the food in the kitchen. Someone is creative and offers up surprising and fresh combinations.
I like that they experiment with food themes based on the seasons and holidays. I haven't even had the St Patricks Day meal this year but it was the best corned beef I've ever had last year. Ever. Just tried the Fat Tuesday gumbo. Decadent, rabbit, pork belly, andouille...must like okra and green pepper.
Love the chicken liver pâté, could eat it in a bowl. Scotch egg, always. Just tried the meatball app - yup, delish. The Ploughman, depending on the components. The Poutine, right idea, wrong curd? Maybe I wasn't inebriated enough. Not sure but flat flavor.
I see a meat pattern in what's resonated with me, I'll admit it. Have not had the same success with the seafood but I'll meet them where they are.
I like the decor, which they mostly update to reflect seasons and holidays (the wreaths are probably done with, those can go). And the waitstaff, never a problem in my experience. They talk with you but not so much to irritate or bore. Thanks for that. -
Review from Marissa P.
Boston, MA
Updated - 3/26/2012
The burger here is to die for... just saying. Wish I lived around the corner still 'cause I'd be here all the time! The cocktails are so so creative - major points for this!
Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/15/2010
One of the only reasonably priced places to grab a drink and a bite to eat in my neighborhood. The… Read more »
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Review from Julie S.
Boston, MA
12/29/2011
It made me sad to see some of the sub-par reviews that people gave this South End restaurant. My husband and I went for dinner last Thursday night and had one of the best meal of our lives. We consider ourselves to be "foodies" - our dining excursions include anything from BBQ on a food truck to the multi-course tasting menu at L'Espalier. Our goal is to find great food - period - no matter the location or environment of the venue.
The Gallows is a small, dark, comfortable and inviting restaurant. It has a really diverse, high quality drink menu, but we opted for our usual - a beer for him and a slightly dirty Kettle One martini (extra olives) for me. As soon as I took my first sip, I knew we had chosen the right place. The martini went down smoother than a zamboni on an ice rink. I could've drank them all night, but instead finished my meal with a hearty Malbec.
To start, my husband got the simple poutine and managed to polish off the whole plate minus a couple of forkfuls for me. I warmed up with a bowl of Pumpkin Ale Cheddar soup, which really couldn't have been named any better. You could taste each of those flavors, in that order, during every bite. It was a great combination.
For entrees, my husband ordered the goose and I, the venison. Both were incredibly delicious. The meats couldn't have been cooked more perfectly and they were plated with accompaniments that only intensified the natural flavors of each meat. I had never eaten goose before, but as soon as I took a bite, I wanted to eat the whole thing. For other goose-consuming virgins, one tip of advice: do not cut off the tiny piece of fat that is attached to each medallion. It gives your bite so much robust flavor that's worth the few extra calories.
We can't wait to go back to The Gallows soon. We hope the goose and venison are still available, but with the frequency of the revolving menu, we know we better get in there quickly. If not, we'll gladly order different menu items that will most likely provide us with another fantastic dining experience. -
Review from Andrew A.
Boston, MA
2/2/2012
A cozy place that I can't say a single bad thing about.
Food was delicious (I had a farmer board, and a turkey taco special, and shared a poutine with my wife).
I would only suggest that they make good on their promise of changing the menu frequently, because my impression of most of the menu is cozy winter food to keep you warm, I can't see myself ordering most of the items in the summertime. -
Review from stephanie c.
San Diego, CA
12/11/2011
Came here for dinner and expected much better.
Ambiance-cute cozy south end feel place. Like the decor. Romantic and casual for dates or small parties.
Service-Friendly sure, but not seemingly that knowledgeable or enthusiastic about the menu when asked for descriptions or suggestions.
Food-Really underwhelmed. Within our party we tried a Ploughman board platter, Our Way burger with fries, Roast Goose, Mushroom Bolognese. Everything was okay, but not great. The flavors did not strike us as anything truly unique or flavorful. We ate in silence and to fill our stomachs, not out of pleasure ( a sad thing for a foodie). Don't get me wrong, it wasn't terrible, just nothing really special. And each platter was pricey.
Overall: Overpriced and underwhelmed. I expected better and will not be back anytime soon. -
Review from Jan Mark H.
Bedford, NH
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went to The Gallows with a group of 4. Lucky enough we showed up
early (6pm on a Saturday) so we didn't have to wait at all.
Their menu is always interesting and of course you have to try the Poutine !!
We had a few snacks and small plates which we shared.
The highlights have been
Out of Control Poutine (with Foie Gras/Duck Confit/Gravy/Cheese), need to say more !! It got all of the important food groups in it (well except bacon)
Carpet Burger (with fried Oysters, one of the most flavorful burgers ever)
Ploughman plate (wild boar sausage, chicken liver pate, goose rillettes, cranberry sauce, pickles, mustard) , great selection of meats and very tasty
Longshoreman (smoked scallops, bluefish pâté, smoked salmon pickled fennel, mustard, gribiche) interesting variation of fish and great flavors
Scottish Egg (always a winner), this particular order came a little bit on the cold side but usually it's a crowd favorite
The disappoint of the evening was the Slow Roasted Pork Belly (mussels, coconut broth, rice noodles, green papaya salad). Unfortunately it was returned as it tasted "funny" and we just couldn't eat it. However the waiter was very accommodating and took the dish off the bill and offered a substitution.
They also have a pretty good selection of cocktails/drinks (Narraganset beer!!)
Will definitely return -
Review from Andrea S.
Boston, MA
11/14/2011
I feel like sometimes yelp actually spoils the experience for people. For example, if I had stumbled across Gallows accidentally and came in and ordered some of their drinks and apps, I bet I would be bragging and raving to my friends about this awesome little place on Washington street next to the thrift shop, that I "discovered". However, my actual experience is that I've been stalking the yelp reviews for this place for a few months before actually trying it out and for that, I was just a tinsy bit underwhelmed,
Don't get me wrong, I liked the food and I think the ambiance is great, but when you hear so much hype about a place, it's a setup to be let down. My boyfriend was a little upset that the "Big bowl of seafood" he ordered was actually about an 11 ounce bowl of seafood, but I found my Duck confit incredibly tasty ( and rid of the excess fat they usually have on duck) and very intricate tasting.
We had gone there with a party of 8 and about 6 of them said that they loved it and that Gallows was a fun and "different" experience which I agree with -
Review from Anne W.
11/11/2011
Who knew there was a lovely bar like this in the South End. I usually think of Tremont Street when I think South End... there are really nice bars as well. This review is only for drinks.
It's dark in here.. and had fantastic Halloween decorations still up. The bats and ghosts were spectacularly hung on the ceiling. The drinks were pretty good here.. they accomodated us well with water... seats.. and drinks.
Would definitely come again.. -
Review from Chris C.
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
What an awesome place. Great atmosphere, nice staff and a very interesting menu.
The drink options were interesting and very good. The food menu was not huge, but certainly had a diverse set of options. I ended up going with the poutine that had everything but the kitchen sink on it including foie gras & duck meat. I mean how could you go wrong with that? -
Review from Hungry C.
Medford, MA
12/3/2011
We so wanted to love this place, but in the end the bland food did it in. We have been wanting to go here for months, had read great reviews on the food.
Service: excellent!! We loved our waiter Matt, very personable and on the ball. Met the owner, she was great:)
Bar/drinks: great beer selection. My cape coda were just average. Quick service at busy bar
Atmosphere: a tad loud. We liked the dim lights and cozy decor.
Food. (reason for the 2 stars) fisher mans board and mussels were good. The Nantucket scallops app($15) were highly recommended to us, and they were extremely disappointing: bland, under seasoned, and overpriced.
My main dish, should be the star of the show, was the cod. It was not hot enough, no flavor to it, such a buzz kill. My husband got the pork and he liked it. The side of Brussels sprouts($8) was not anything more than boring slaw, don't get it.
They only offered one choice for dessert which seems a little odd to us but we figured if they only have one if must be a home run. It was a banana nutter butter creme brûlée. It was good but not great.
With some many choices in Boston there's really no way we would go back. The bill for the two of us ended up being $200 and for that kind of money I would head over to Eastern Standard Kitchen or Gaslight any day if the week. -
Review from Sarah C.
11/4/2011
I've been wanting to hit this place up for a while, and finally glad I did! Popped in with some friends at the last minute, last (Thursday) night at about 10:45. They were happy to accommodate us, even for food, 15 minutes before the kitchen closed. Bonus!
I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this menu - yes it's a little pricey at points, yes they don't have a huge selections of entrees, but they DO have a wide selection of different types/sizes of dishes, and the flavors...oooh the flavors. Modern comfort food at it's best!
The atmosphere is welcoming, though a bit dark, and their selection of 90s hip hop (biggie was played numerous times) was out of place, and awesome. Our waiter was super helpful, and very nice.
We were only in for a last night noshing, so didn't try a ton of things, but here's what we did go for...
-The Ploughman board - too expensive for the portions, but that's kind of what you get when you go for charcuterie. Still, the chicken liver was delicious, the cheddar was great, and the green tomato chutney was perfect.
-The "Fall" poutine - our waiter recommended this to us right off the bat, and it was a hit! Again, a little expensive, but to share between two people it was perfect. A pile of crispy fries covered in root vegetables, applesauce, and ricotta? YES PLEASE.
-Our friends ordered the brussel sprouts, which were a pretty big portion for a side dish (though priced accordingly) and tasted strongly of bacon and other yumminess.
Most of my friends ordered beers (again, a little expensive), and another ordered the Corral, which was a sangria type drink. It was priced at $9 on the menu, and came at $10 on the bill, but whatever.
Why four stars if I continuously comment that everything was a bit too expensive? Great service, delicious food, nice atmosphere, and a ton of menu items I can't wait to back and try (the scotch egg, the burger, more poutine, brunch, etc).
