View from our table
One of the really cool things about having people coming to visit you in the city that you live in is that you can, without embarrassment become a tourist yourself. You can do a Duck Tour, Trolley Tour, the Salem Witch Museum, The Zoo and not forgetting those fun nights out you would never think of doing like the Top of the Hub.
Over my 15+ years of living in Boston, I have been to the Top of the Hub a few times, usually for fun cocktails at the bar before moving on to somewhere else. I did once have a date there and while the drinks and dinner was really quite nice, the date was not.
During my sister and niece’s recent visit, I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to take an elevator ride to the 52nd floor of the Prudential Towers in order enjoy a bite to eat and cocktail while looking out at the spectacular views from Boston to Cambridge.
As it was just at 5pm so there was no queue of tourists waiting to get in. We looked to see if we could sit in the lounge as I much prefer the ambience of this area of the restaurant, but sadly it was too busy. We were escorted to the main restaurant to a table with an incredible view of Back Bay.
I thought that while it is still light and bright outside the restaurant itself does look a little tired and although I think it had an overhaul not that long ago, it still seems a little staid. That all said, once it started to get dark outside and the candles on the tables were lit, it really is a beautiful and romantic space.
Our waiter came over to ask about drinks and my sister, who had already been enjoying every description of the cocktails ordered the Level 52. I stuck to my usual glass of summer Rosé and we ordered a special treat for Ava of a Shirley Temple – she enjoyed every sip of it.
Toni & Ava enjoying cocktails
Level 52 – Level Vodka, Chambord, Splash of Champagne
The Level 52 is just pure alcohol and I think my sister was a bit tiddly after two sips. She loved it.
For our early dinner we picked some lighter fare starting with Chicken Lollipops. Not being sure what these would be we thought they would be perfect for Ava. Sadly, she was not a fan given the spicy Shandong sauce was already on the drumsticks, but myself and Toni, my sister devoured every one of them. They are awesome. The spicy sauce is sweet and makes the chicken just perfectly juicy. The waiter realized that Ava was not eating them and after we shared why, she so nicely had the chef make some (without extra charge) with no sauce on. What an absolutely lovely sentiment, which to makes a special difference.
Chicken Lollipops
Spicy Shandong Sauce – $13
My sister ordered the Tenderloin Flatbread. She said the beef was tender and worked deliciously well with the boursin cheese and roasted peppers.
Grilled Tenderloin of Beef Flatbread
Boursin Cheese Spread, Roasted Tomato Aioli, Roasted Peppers & Onions – $17
I couldn’t resist the lure of steamed mussels in smoked paprika chorizo butter. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Plump, juicy mussels with just a hint of citrus and gorgeous smokey paprika flavor.
Steamed Mussels
White Wine, Lemon, Smoked Paprika Chorizo Butter – $17
As with all our meals during their visit, everything had to be accompanied by fries and this meal was no different. Of course, they are ordered for Ava but thoroughly enjoyed by myself and Toni. Top of the Hub does good fries!
Super delicious Top of the Hub fries
Top of the Hub is a tourist attraction but it is also somewhere I would suggest going to for that special cocktail, a first date or just to sit and look out over the city at night while enjoying a bit to eat.
