The Brahmin

Went there with a friend. Very local place, ok drinks, very outdated music. A good place to hang out with friends, but I don’t recommend it if you are someone like me, picky about music to dance with lol.

Seems as though others have shared the same unpleasant experience as we did on Saturday evening. We made reservations for 6:00pm for a large bachelorette party. They called to confirm our reservation and warned us that they had another party at 8:00pm so we couldn’t linger. We had plans to bar hop anyway so it wasn’t a huge deal.
We arrived exactly at 6:00pm and we were seated immediately. The server was great in explaining the tapas style plates and answered any questions. Our drinks came out fairly quickly, but the Blueberry Vodka Lemonade we ordered was terrible. We ordered a ton of plates to share and the food started coming out at a fairly fast pace. I must say that the food was excellent and the only reason I gave two stars. Filet bruschetta, buffalo chicken rangoons, margherita flatbread and the mac and cheese were some of my favorites. We also ordered hummus which strangely came out close to last and the pitas tasted burnt.
As we were finishing up around 7:45, the manager came over looking at his watch. He told the servers to start clearing the table even though some of the girls were still picking at the food. One of the servers was clearly embarrassed when grabbing someone’s plate and was stopped since she was still eating. We dropped $ 500 there, and some were forced to rush the last of our meal. It was chaotic and made a scene. Without any intervention, we would’ve been out by 8pm easily and without hassle. I have never in my whole life been asked to leave a restaurant to accommodate the next party coming in.
As we were walking out, the bartender snarkily asked why we were leaving so soon (as if he didn’t just witness the whole scene). The bride-​to-​be told him we were getting kicked out and probably not ever coming back. He said aloud to another patron «Good, with that attitude, we don’t you back anyway.» The whole incident was unwarranted and it was a terrible way for the bride to begin her night.

Think dark. Think bar. But I guess those two do tend to go together…
Our group arrived one weeknight without a reservation, so the only space they had for us was not the most convenient, but we can’t blame them for that. They did pull out a fold up table for us and cover it nice with tablecloth for the food to be set out on, but our seating was limited so a third of us remained on their feet.
The food took a while. The drinks came out first. Beer sloshed over the glass as it was handed to the person sitting beside me, dripping on my bag and the floor. The waitress was matter-​of-​fact about it, but didn’t do anything to help till I asked for some napkins to wipe it up on her next visit out to us. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t care to smell of beer as I made my way home after. She grabbed me some from the side table — that’s when I realized that they had set a pitcher of ice water with some glasses and napkins and plastic utensils and single use plates on the table for us, which was a considerate touch.
Their menu was varied, conveniently sectioned off as Salads, Small Plates (with subcategories: Vegetables, Seafood, Meats, Other Things), Sandwiches, Flatbreads, and last, but not least — Desserts for a reasonable $ 6 (although I have yet to see the portion size of these).
The Kobe Beef Burger seemed a little flat a portion (though the menu did spell out that it was an 8 oz patty) for $ 16, but their flatbreads for $ 11 – 12, depending on toppings, were impressive upon arrival. Though indeed flat, the circle was pizza wide and fed two hungry gals quite well. Unfortunately the crust of our shortrib flatbread $ 12 was rather burnt in spots, and I was on a low carbon diet. Another’s pancetta and onion flatbread $ 11 was treated better by the oven, though I preferred the taste of the toppings on our pie. Eat them while they’re hot, as they lose a bit in the flavor department and goo-​factor as they cool down.
A credit card was held for each open tab, or cash will also do the job.
The Friendly Toast is The Brahmin’s newest more cheerful neighbor. And out on the corner, Flour bakery closes much earlier than these two.

The worst experience EVER! Would give zero stars if I could. Tho they have tons of vegetarian options — do not go here as a vegan. They don’t cater to vegans and don’t even attempt to accommodate them. While ordering, our server wasn’t sure what was vegan, so I asked her to check with the chef. She came back saying the only thing I could have was the Brussels sprouts which they could modify without the pancetta and cheese. I ordered the Brussels sprouts (zero seasoning or taste to it) and a flatbread without the goat cheese (only cheese they had listed on there). It came out with mozzarella cheese. When I told the guy who brought out the food about it, he said it hadn’t been put down as vegan on the ticket. He was going to talk to this manager. His manager then came out and kind of reiterated the whole yeah we can only modify the Brussels sprouts but could do the pizza as you requested. And then went on to say how maybe he’ll chat with chef and maybe create a separate vegan menu for the future.
Finally, my pizza came out. It was the most unappetizing food I’ve ever seen! What I got was a flatbread crust (no sauce) with a sliver of portobello on each slice and a sprinkle of basil and caramelized leeks. The chef didn’t even care about creating quality food or to even mention that this was all the pizza was going to have on it.
You’d think it would end there. But no. We gave our server $ 245 in cash (two of us counted twice) and told her to put the remaining $ 71 on the card. She came out with a receipt for $ 91 to be signed. When asked how come she said we only gave her $ 225. We told her we were pretty sure it was $ 245. She insisted her and someone else in the back counted. We asked her if we could count again. Two of us did — and it added up to $ 245 one more time! She then had the nerve to say the $ 20 could have come from someone else’s tab and got mixed up (strange coincidence don’t you think?!). I told her we could count in front of her if she wanted. She obviously didn’t like that because she made a big deal about it and said t was fine, she’d just have to pay the $ 20 from her pocket (even tho it was all there!)
Their only saving grace was the music. But I’d still never go back. Word of advice — if you’re vegan, just go to Friendly Toast next door instead.

Can’t comment on the food but this is one of the best places in Boston if you want a mix of night club with bar. It has 2 ambiances, but normally the top floor is where you want to be. Always going to find a great crowd on a Friday or Saturday. So be sure to arrive before 12 if you don’t want to wait in line to get in.

I used to love going to this place! I’m giving it a 4 since I’ve had many good experiences there but honestly feel like it’s falling towards a 3 more recently.
The area is always busy. Brahmin is located a short walk from Back Bay station so you can easily take the train there or find a meter (or garage) around the area. I would circle the streets around Brahmin, you can usually find a spot close by.
I’ve gone multiple times for lunch, dinner or just a Friday/​Saturday night out. I love their interesting food options. It is tapa style so you order a few dishes and it can get pricey depending on which ones you order. I like the buff chicken rangoon, but that’s just me. I highly recommend the short rib grilled cheese, Mac and cheese as well as the Brussels sprouts! There’s a lot of variety — meat, seafood, veggies. If you don’t want to share, get your own plate! Drinks are tasty and priced like any lounge or trendy restaurant in Boston ($ 9-​$ 15 per a cocktail drink). Unfortunately, the most recent time I went, the food didn’t taste as good as it used to. I would definitely give it another try though.
They have two floors — during the evenings and weekend nights they clear all the tables on the first floor for people to mingle around the bar. There’s also a very tight dance room on the right side. Downstairs is the restrooms, coat check and another smaller room with a bar and lounge seats. The music is different on each floor so walk around (if you can)!
I also want to note that on Tuesdays they have Rat Pack Tuesday — absolutely love! They have a live band that sings and plays singles from Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack era. Enjoy!

To celebrate the end of a year of graduate school, a group of friends and I decided to go out. I only moved to Boston last September and had heard peers praise this establishment, so despite the rain, we waited patiently to get in. Upon reaching the front of the line, the bouncer did not accept my (non-​US) government-​issued ID. I was taken aback by his dismissive attitude, whereby he promptly informed me to step aside until they could come to solve the issue. We stepped aside, and he proceeded to let others through. With no sign of him attempting to rectify the situation, a friend intervened on my behalf and asked whether alternative forms would suffice.
I did some digging and found this response by the manager in 2012 to a review of someone whose friend was asked to present other cards in her wallet for identification: «To clarify our doorstaff is directed to ask for back up ID on anyone under 25 years old or for anyone out of state or for anyone that they are unsure if it is a real ID or not. […] If the doorman for any reason suspects the ID may not be the person in question then they have every legal right to ask for as much back up as needed to make them feel at easeand (sic) they have every legal right to refuse entry to anyone.»
Seeing this, it was even more disappointing that the bouncer did not make any attempt to ask for backup ID. I respect that their duty is to ensure that only people of age are admitted entry, but the entire situation could have been handled diplomatically — he could have clearly stated the rules without being patronizing in his remark that «others know to bring their passport». I have been to other bars and clubs in Boston and in larger US cities, and have never had an issue using this very same form of ID. There’s a first time for everything I suppose. This experience left a sour taste to what was supposed to be a celebratory night, and we will not be returning. On the other hand, it might have been a blessing in disguise, as we found some warm, welcoming gems in Boston.

So we went to this place on a Friday night… Pretty packed and amazing music… But figured the bar tender was a racist and my bf got thrown out because the bar tender thought that he’s supreme human being. The said bar tender was bald and kind of obnoxious. And when we get out a white man decent looking man tells us sorry and starts apologizing because it’s his fault my boyfriend is kicked out. Bottom line is this bar suppers racist bartenders and I would never visit again.

There are way too many places in the area for a drink! But when I looked this place up, it’s definitely right up my alley, atmosphere-​wise.
Ambience: A very sexy and classy cocktail joint. The interior design is pretty psychedelic. It’s almost like you’re stuck in between a time warp in the 1920s. I love it!
Server: Excellent hostess and waitstaff. Everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly.
Drinks: I’m a beer gal so they didn’t have much of a selection here for me and that’s okay! I never tried the Goose Island Honker’s Ale and surprisingly it was a soft-​bodied, light tasting for an amber colored ale.
I’m looking forward to coming back here to try out the food next time (:

Went here for the first time for drinks and was very unsatisfied. I ordered a blue cheese stuffed olive martini and watched as the bartender picked up the olives with his hands and put them in my drink. After paying, my friend and I waited 10 minutes just to get our credit cards back from the bartender.

So disappointed in this place. Went for my birthday dinner two weeks ago with a group of 6 for dinner and rounds of drinks. Easily dropped a few hundred dollars, and after our dinner plates were cleared, around 9:30 a bouncer came over to our table as were finishing our last round of drinks and said, «time to go», proceeded to blow out the candle in the middle of the table, and began removing our unfinished glasses of wine from the table?! Truly disappointing experience for my 25^th birthday dinner. I ended up apologizing to my friends for treating me to dinner there, only to have their money have gone to waste.
I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for a while — my question: Why couldn’t you have just left us finish our meal and drinks for another 5 mins, or rather just kindly have asked us to finish up so you could clear the space? We would have happily obliged. We felt so encroached upon by the staff, that we had to leave. Such an unpleasant experience — wouldn’t recommend for a meal of any kind. The only reason I’m giving this 2 stars is because the drinks were tasty (there was one with champagne, gin, and lemon that was delicous!) and the server was attentive and we were seated right at the time of the 8:15 reservation.

Brahmin is very, very sexy… Im a guy and yes I do go in there and the eyecandy is satisfying. Food is awesome, drinks are great. Friday nights, music, dancing … Yeah Brahmin is happenin…

With no cover, this place gets packed fast. if you’re there after 11pm, be prepared to wait in line. The architecture of the place is terrible with a huge stair case and bar taking up most of the space on the first floor. This leaves very little room to stand, dance, and walk around.
Two friends and I tried to enter the downstair’s bar because all of our friends were already inside. The bouncer said they were at capacity and told us to go back upstairs. We peered inside and there was so much room! More room than upstairs so I don’t know what sort of capacity they set for the floors. We noticed people left to go upstairs and was later allowed back in — very unfair. Another bouncer came by and said the downstair’s bar is closed for the night due to over capacity. We explained we had been waiting to join the rest of our party and he rudely dismissed us, told us to go upstairs and try again in 10 minutes. So is the bar closed for the night or try again in 10 mins? My friends and I were about to leave the establishment because it was complete and utter BS when the initial bouncer finally let us in. Walked inside and no surprise… SO MUCH ROOM.
Terrible place, terrible service. There are better establishments around Boston.

I have been here 3 times now. The food is fine, nothing has been bad, but nothing we have ordered was particularly exciting either. We live within 5 minutes so we’ll probably come back but it is definitely not a place I would put in our regular rotation.

I’ve always been a fan of The Brahmin and was even more impressed after celebrating a birthday party there this past weekend. Management was super accommodating and the service (shout-​out to Shelby!) was top notch– attentive, kind and really strived to go above and beyond.
The food was great (you must try the fried brie!) and drinks were strong. Would definitely host another event here.

Tasty bar snacks, strong drinks. Came here for a work outing — bar is spacious, great for large parties. Enjoyed a tasty Moscow Mule, Dark and Stormy was extra stormy — was pleased to find actual drinks alongside your standard fruity cocktails that should be mocktails. Fried pickles, tots and wings to wash down your drinks… right?

Brahmin is super fun and has many different areas to it, all with different atmospheres. There are more crowded dancey spaces, there are more casual bar spaces upstairs, and downstairs there is more dancing (kind of a more intimate vibe) and another bar.
Plus NO COVER! woohoo!
I think the prices are fair at brahmin – about $ 6 for a bud light after tax (don’t recall the cocktail prices but I believe they’re in line with other places near this bar). I’ve always had a good time at Brahmin. The bouncers are friendly and responsible. The bar tenders are attentive and quick.
There tend to be a lot of foreign students that go to this bar. In line, I’m always sandwiched between people speaking different languages. This adds for a fun atmosphere inside.

Came to the Brahmin for a work happy hour. There are a number of smaller rooms and couch areas throughout the Brahmin that make it a nice choice for a smaller group. The drinks are good and there is a great app menu. I really enjoyed the pizzas, especially the mushroom pizza.
The environment is very dark and on weekends it can get very packed. Around 8 or 9 the DJ amps up and it becomes PACKED. If you want a quieter night I suggest moving to a new venue by then.
Overall, I enjoy Brahmin but it’s not somewhere I choose to go usually.

Been here for post work drinks and also for dancing. It’s fun although very dim once inside. It’s better for a club night — big dance floor, good music and a (generally) good looking crowd.

I came here last night for a friend’s 21^st birthday. I showed up around 10 PM, waited for less than 5 minutes in the line and promptly got in. There was no cover.
The doormen were sticklers for the rules: as one person in line ahead was excluded for wearing «work boots.» To clarify, he was also wearing quite ugly and ill-​fitting light washed True Religion jeans, with an awful break, and a belt that was perhaps 6 sizes too big hanging down looking like an extra appendage… I mention this to illustrate, based on an extremely limited sample size, that the Brahmin doesn’t appear to discriminate: as he was, in fact, white.
Luckily I had on loafers and had no such «issues» at the door. Seeing other reviews, I wonder what my fate would’ve been if I were wearing Superga’s or a pair of Wolverine 1000-​milers though. All things being equal, on first impression my straight-​edge conservative dress probably didn’t look like «trouble» about to walk through the door.
The place was packed, which demonstrates its popularity. If you’re a moderately attractive single guy, who can dress yo’self, go here, pay the $ 3 to check your coat, and hit the dance floor in the basement. You’ll have a field day. Truth.
As a warning, drinks here are expensive. Expect to pay $ 11 for two Bud Lights or $ 12 for two Sam Adams. I didn’t ask my friend what he paid for his cocktail, but after I paid $ 11 for two Bud Lights, $ 6 for one of the two Sam Adams, and $ 3 to check my coat, I didn’t really want to know. Did I?
In summary, 3-​stars.
As astute readers will note, this place is not my scene. I prefer quieter, cocktail joints sans dance floor, where I can charm my lovely lady with my humor and good conversation. In spite of this, I still had fun seeing my friends. This place would’ve been more fun had the lady of the house not been on scheduled to work at 7 AM the following day and therefore attended or I was five years younger and single.
P. S. I did not sight any «Jersey Shore Super Sayan» blowouts (see photo).