Haute Spots Boston: Grill 23 & Bar

Serious servers, starched white tablecloths, dry-aged steaks seared to perfection and bold cabernets set the stage for an unforgettable steakhouse dinner. With a wine list of more than 1,500 bottles, it’s no wonder Grill 23 & Bar is constantly named one of the top steakhouses in Boston – because it is.

The popular Back Bay restaurant has been a staple in Boston for more than 30 years when it first made a standout name for itself serving up all-natural meats, dayboat seafood and local produce from sustainable farms. All of the USDA Prime steaks here come from Brandt Beef in California, a ranch in southern California that raises and processes hormone and antibiotic-free steer.

Start off with a cocktail from the stylish bar that overlooks Berkeley Street where craft cocktails with fun names are the name of the game (think Death & Taxes with cigar infused Woodford bourbon, peach syrup, lemon juice and a Fernet Branca rinse or try a flight of Scotch).

Photo Credit: Grill 23/CBH

When it comes to appetizers, there are a few standouts worthy of mention. The enormous crab cake made with Jonah leg meat is large enough to share served with a tasty scallop mousse and coleslaw. Traditional clam chowder tastes even better at this modern American steakhouse because it is made with smoked pork, lobster and lobster infused butter. For the ultimate indulgence, try the grand shellfish sampler or a taste of Imperial Golden Osetra caviar.

Steaks here are served a la carte and include a 10-ounce filet mignon, 14-ounce New York strip and 24-ounce porterhouse as well as an 18-ounce veal chop and 24-ounce lamb loin chops, but we recommend a selection from “The Best of the Best” section that features a 14-ounce dry aged New York strip, 10-ounce American Kobe cap steak and a 100-day aged prime ribeye (our favorite).

Steaks can be further complemented with your choice of sauce, including Bordelaise, classic Bernaise, Henry Bain, cognac-green peppercorn, port-gorgonzola or the rich black truffle foie gras. When it comes to sides, don’t miss the wild mushrooms made better with the addition of sherry, confit shallot and herbs or their famously golden truffle oil tater tots.

If you can save room for dessert, the bourbon bread pudding is worth the extra indulgence. Grill 23 & Bar is located at 161 Berkeley Street in Boston.