Any info on Happy’s Bar & Kitchen

I and group of friends went last night . I was tentative about the menu after reading the so-so reviews but ended up having a good meal.

Having been to Burton's a couple of times before, I was surprised by how much bigger Happy's space feels. The decoration is fun to look at, and as one of my friends described it best as "kitschy chic", so may not be everyone's thing and could be, to some dinners, off-putting.

Service was pleasant and attentive. Our server patiently explained most of the menu to us since none of the dishes have details listed. What is in the kitchen sink salad? What does "New Greek" mean? What is "Fall River Style"? The server explained the meaning behind all of them, except was stumped on "Fall River Style". The dinner special was the turkey meatloaf, which no one was thinking about ordering until we saw it served at another table. Three of my DC ordered it, only to learn, there were only two left for the night, and this was at 7:30 - pretty early in the night. After we ordered, we then saw someone else get the burger and that almost made a couple of us change our minds again. The TV Dinner of the night was three pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and a little wedge of cheesecake served on a plastic tray just like the ones from school, another item that looked tasty.

We started with only one appetizer: the homemade ricotta, which was served with a dash of good olive oil, red pepper flakes and slivered sage. The ricotta was creamy and light, balanced nicely with the olive oil.

Some of my DC had a salad and an appetizer for dinner. We tried the shrimp with mango chutney - just spicy enough that the mango chutney sweetness nicely counter-balances the light spice; shaved asparagus and mushroom salad - mostly just an arugula salad with some asparagus, mushroom and parmesan; the mussels - despite being labeled such, the broth was not spicy but very flavorful; and the Ceasar, which was same old same old.

Everyone who ordered the turkey meatloaf loved it. One of my DC, who never finishes anything, finished her plate and wiped it clean with the bread served at the table. I ended up with the Fisherman's stew and for some reason I thought I would be getting a big bowl. I had 6 clams, a 3 oz piece of cod and a decent amount of chorizo; I wasn't hungry after finishing it, but would have liked a little more seafood. The broth, with potatos and kale, had great flavor, but didn't seem to really pick up the "oomph" and depth of the chorizo and seafood. Lastly, a DC had the shortribs; she always ordered shortribs whenever we go out, and she loved it - tender, tasty and nicely flavored. She was too full to finish her noodles and veggies, and there were a lot of vegetables in her dish.

Overall, we all enjoyed the food, thought the wine and beer list odd and slightly expensive (at least wines by the glass) and want to come back to try some of the other items.

ladym16 in Greater Boston Area

Conference Widow Trolling the streets of Boston in search of Food

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ladym16 in Greater Boston Area

Lobster Rolls and Chowder near Fenway Park

Stay away from Canestaro; you'll be able to get in without a problem, which, on that weekend, should be a good indicator of its mediocrity. Stick with the classics at the Summer Shack and you should be able to get good seafood without having a huge wait.

ladym16 in Greater Boston Area

Fenway El Pelon is open!

Stopped by for lunch today. They were packed with a line of twenty out the door. Like in the past, however, it was a short wait as everyone got their order quickly

ladym16 in Greater Boston Area

Faneuil Hall/North End Food/Drink

The Harp, near TD Garden (a couple blocks from Faneuil Hall area), is a Bills-backers bar.

ladym16 in Greater Boston Area

Where to buy veal shanks for osso buco?

Call Savenor's, either in Cambridge or in Beacon Hill (right by MGH stop). They save some for you.

ladym16 in Greater Boston Area