Get your fresh fish here!
Written: Sep 23 '02 (Updated Mar 31 '07)
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Pros: Good, fresh fish, attentive service, children's menu, pleasing decor, healthy options
Cons: no reservations and long waits at peak hours
The Bottom Line: Go for reasonably-priced and reliably good seafood in a nice atmosphere. Great for families looking for more upscale setting and menu.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Legal Sea Foods - Chestnut Hill |
Legal Seafoods have been around Boston for 40 or so years. They have expanded aggressively in the last 7 years adding restaurants in the Boston suburbs, in and around D.C. and now NY and Florida. They made their reputation on fresh seafood. Originally founded as a seafood market rather than a restaurant, they play a large role in purchasing the seafood they serve. They also have some quality control and higher standards than the U.S. Government (or so they say).
FOOD
They serve every table hot, white rolls and butter. Appetizers include chowder and lobster bisque, salads, raw clams and oysters and other kinds of seafood. We recently tried the fried calamari appetizer which was very good but a bit greasy for my taste.
Entrees are mainly seafood: fish, shellfish, calamari, etc. Fish dishes run from fried smelts (9.95) to salmon (18.95). You can get any size lobster ("market price" which translates to "you don't want to know"). There are many options for preparation including wood-grilled, broiled, and fried. Years ago, Legals specialized in fresh seafood prepared very plainly. Over the last few years they have been introducing other flavors including curries, chinese and cajun. You can now get some spice with your fish.
The portions are large. I usually take some of mine home. The portions from the kid's menus are also quite large and will fill up a pre-teen. Two preschoolers could split one kid's plate.
There are some non-fish options and at least one completely vegetarian option. We go for the seafood and have never tried the other options.
Side dishes include french fries, onion rings, rice, baked potato and a couple of vegetables. You usually get a choice of side dishes with each entree.
We usually don't make it to dessert although they have a menu that features the basics: ice cream and some cakes and pies.
SERVICE
The waiter will take your order, fill water glasses and bring the check. There are separate people to bring the food and bus the table. Tips are pooled. This system does not work everywhere although we find it works at Legal. Our waiters have provided great service and we rarely have to look for someone to bring us something. I would give them 5 stars for service based on my last few visits.
One unique thing about Legals is their claim that they bring out your dish as soon as it is ready so that it doens't sit under hot lamps. As a result, some diners in your party may get their food before others. In our experience, this rarely happens.
AMBIANCE
There are white walls, a lot of dark wood and navy blue accents. Huge white and blue stained glass light fixtures hang from the ceiling. There are a few model ships. Dark wood paneling separate most tables. There are also a lot of booths. The dining room has two levels and lots of twists and turns. All this planning makes the huge restaurant feel a bit like a rabbit warren, however it also keeps the noise level down significantly.
There is a bar when you walk in with some seating. There is also a generous-sized waiting area/lobby.
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
The place is filled with kids, even on Saturday night. The hostess will give kids a few crayons and a paper placemat with games when you arrive. There are high chairs and boosters seats. A few years ago, they seemed to seat families in the back of the restaurant. Now, it seems families are integrated with other diners. This may make it less pleasant for people without kids and it also puts pressure on parents to make sure their kids behave.
They have a comprehensive children's menu that includes hot dogs (3.95), hamburgers and chicken fingers (4.95) and more sophisticated dishes such as baked fish and even lobster (8.95 and no, grownups can't order from the kid's menu).
LOCATION
Legals is located in a strip mall also occupied by Bloomingdales, Gardener's Eden, a movie cinema and Rugged Bear (children's clothing). There is ample free parking behind the mall. The Chestnut Hill mall, which is filled with upscale retailers, is located across the street.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I can highly recommend this location of Legal Seafoods. The food is consistently good and the prices are not bad for high-quality seafood. However, there are lots of kids and families in the restaurant at all times so keep that in mind if you prefer a more adult atmosphere.
OTHER INFORMATION
They don't take reservations. Even though the Chestnut Hill location expanded in January 2002 there is still a long line at peak dining hours, particularly Saturday nights.
They do take credit cards. Parking is free. There is a small counter where you can purchase fresh fish to take home and cook yourself.
HUNGRY FOR MORE IN THE BOSTON AREA? TRY THESE BOSTON-AREA RESTAURANTS:
BOSTON: Radius; Caffe Vitoria; Excelsior; Jacob Wirth; Cottonwood Cafe; Imperial Seafood House; Sibling Rivalry; Fleming’s; 29 Newbury; The No Name; Lala Rokh; Grill 23; Kingfish Hall.
BROOKLINE: Mr. Sushi; Fugakyu; Takeshima; Tsunami; Anna's Taqueria; Zaftigs Delicatessen; Bangkok Bistro; Golden Temple.
NEWTON: Appetito; India Paradise; Blue Ribbon Barbeque; Ice Cream Works; Baker's Best; Bill’s Pizzeria; Cafe Nicolas; Union Street; O’Hara’s; Yeradi’s; Johnny’s Lunchonette.
CAMBRIDGE: S&S Restaurant; The Japanese Mall; Jasper White’s Summer Shack; Dali .
WEST ROXBURY: Cafe Misono.
BRIGHTON: Tasca.
FRAMINGHAM: The Aegean.
ESSEX: Woodman’s.
SAUGUS: Kowloon; Hilltop Steakhouse.
CHAIN RESTAURANTS: Not Your Average Joe’s; Bertucci’s; Cheesecake Factory; Rainforest Cafe; Fire & Ice; Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse; Friendly’s; Ikea Cafeteria; Longhorn Steakhouse; TGI Fridays.
COFFEE, BAGELS AND DONUTS: Bruegger’s Bagels; Finagle a Bagel; Dunkin Donuts; Peet’s Coffee and Tea.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations All of the seafood is good.
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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modernmarvel
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