Audubon Circle

We were invited last week to join a great group of other Boston food bloggers to dine at Audubon Circle, just outside Kenmore Square. It's a great little space I had never been to before. Done in the sleek, minimalist style as a few of their sister restaurants Tory Row and Miracle of Science, the bar designs here were the first to feature the clean bar design (where the bottles are not on display behind the bar). It makes for a more sophisticated look, I think. I also like the outdoor bar and patio in back with the bamboo plants where people were enjoying a last alfresco meal before the cold weather really settles in. It's an easy walk from Kenmore but enough off the path so that one does not feel the place has been hijacked by a frat house.


My first cocktail was the Vanilla Eight Ball: Stoli Vanilla, pineapple and lemon juice. A smooth, vanilla taste laced with a nice citrus note.


The white bean puree with grilled bread. In back is the artisinal cheese selection, served with toast rounds and seasonal jam. Both great choices to share with friends. I didn't taste a very sharp cheese on the cheese board. Not sure if I missed it but that would have been nice.


The beef shin quesadilla. The shredded beef was excellent and not masked by a heavy cheese. In the back are caramelized scallops in a corn sauce. Both very good.


The New England style crab cakes were topped with a dollop of a mild chioptle aioli. Very nice.


Watermelon, feta, micro greens and sherry vinaigrette. This is one of my fave salads. This version was a bit light on the feta but I still would have eaten the whole platter. My second cocktail, pictured on the right, was the acrb tea party: tea infused vodka, mint, lemonade and lime. Just the right potency and very refreshing.


Yet another classic: fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomato and basil strips drizzled with a nice balsamic vinegar.


Pappardelle Bolognese, pecorino romano and cheesy garlic toast.
The rich bolognese sauce was all the rage a few years back in restaurants and then went out of favor. It was nice to see this back . The sauce was meaty and rich and the pasta perfectly done. True comfort food.


For dessert we had the Oreo Crumb, delicious, not overly sweet and just the right size.

Overall, the food is great, the cocktails ($10 each) are exceptional and it's a quiet, intimate setting. A great alternative to more boisterous locations in Kenmore Square with plenty of on street parking available.

Audubon Circle
838 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02215
Telephone: 617.421.1910