Well, we didn’t get into Neptune Oyster.
The Boston restaurant is well-known both for its seafood and its incredibly long lines (just Google it – you’ll read about both just in the page summaries alone). Michael and I arrived around 2:30 p.m., hungry for a late lunch, and I weaseled my way inside to inquire about getting a table for two. I was told the wait would be around 4 1/2 – 5 hours. Translation: by the time we managed to be seated, we would only have thirty minutes to eat and hurry over to our dinner reservation.
So we did what any hungry diner would do, and turned to Google, stumbling upon a relative newcomer to the Boston seafood scene, North Square Oyster. Up for just about anything, so long as it was a lobster roll, we made the quick stroll over.
[Update: North Square Oyster has closed and undergone several transformations. Today the space lives on as Ciao Roma]
A VISIT TO NORTH SQUARE OYSTER
We arrived at the restaurant, which while small, was full of light. Although it was miserably hot and humid out, we decided to share a hot, buttered lobster roll ($29), a clam chowder ($12), and cooled down with some ice-cold, local beers.
While the clam chowder was good (the bread boule unfortunately wasn’t carved out enough and contrary to appearances there was hardly any chowder in there), the lobster roll stole the show.
As we often do while traveling, we shared a portion of each item to get the opportunity to try a little of everything without the cost/calories of getting our own. This was way more than enough food for two people and the staff were even kind enough to split the roll and bring out two plates, eliminating the fight for the bigger portion! While we still may try Neptune one day, we will definitely be returning to North Square on our next trip to Boston, perhaps for one of their seafood towers which looked incredible. (well, I guess not).
Directory
North Square Oyster (now Ciao Roma)
5 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
—
2023 UPDATE
North Square Oyster may have closed long ago, but I’m happy to report that we finally managed a visit to Neptune Oyster, and this time without a wait (not counting the previous six years, of course). You can read about our meal at Neptune Oyster and discover more of Boston’s dining scene in my 36 Hours in Boston and Cambridge guide.
—
Questions for you
Where do you stand on the great lobster roll debate? Hot and buttered, or cold with mayo?
What is the longest you’ve waited for a restaurant table?
Enjoyed this post? You may also like:
- 36 Hours in Boston and Cambridge
- Traveling Light: A Winter Packing List for a Weekend in Boston
- A Review of Moëca in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- A Review of Afternoon Tea at the Boston Public Library
- The Perfect Weekend Getaway Guide to New Haven, Connecticut
- Slice of Heaven: Exploring 6 Can’t-Miss Pizza Joints in New Haven, Connecticut
- Traveling Light: A Spring Packing List for New Haven, Connecticut (in a backpack!)
- Three-Day Winter Travel Guide to Providence, Rhode Island
- Traveling Light: Providence, Rhode Island Packing List
- 36 Hours in Albany, New York
- Traveling Light: Albany, New York Packing List
- 36 Hours in NYC: Lower Manhattan
- Traveling Light: New York City Winter Packing List
- All Travel Guides by Destination
- All Style Reviews
- Checking In: Hotel Reviews
- Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
