“This review is for the Brookline location of The Abbey. The Abbey doesn't do reservations or call ahead. We showed up around 6:00ish on a Saturday night and were told there was a 20 - 30 minute wait. We were welcome to sit at the bar, but there was no place for four people to sit together, so we lurked near the door and chatted, ducked customers walking in and out and staff taking orders, running food and clearing plates. It's a small space when all the tables are full and people are a few deep at the bar, but that just added to the ambiance. I was seated facing the wall so I didn't see quite how busy it got, but the noise was at "lively" level. We could still have a conversation but needed to speak up to be heard across the table. We were able to snag a table after about 30 minutes. The basics first: The drinks, food and service were fantastic! This is our second time here, the first being ages ago when they had the covered tables outside early in the pandemic. I've been wanting to come back forever, but don't usually get to this part of Brookline. I need to change that or head to Cambridge too! I started with a winter sangria (red wine, brandy, spiced rum, apricot and allspice) that was delicious. They have a pretty extensive gluten free menu, which is nice. My friend wanted the GF pasta Bolognese, but she is dairy free to so that was not an option. We ordered two of the slow-braised short rib "French dip" egg rolls with gruyere, horseradish aioli, and red wine demi for the table. Loved this! I never finish apps and I inhaled this. I was fine with that, I could just put my main in a take home container. We also got the black kale & Brussels sprouts salad, avocado, pepitas, Crispy bacon, and a fried duck egg. Even if you think you don't like kale and or Brussels sprouts, get this dish! I got the "Thanksgiving" panini (house roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, cheddar, arugula, cranberry aioli, hand-cut fries). It was delicious and can't wait for the leftovers. The hanger steak frites came topped with watercress and a madeira sauce. It was the most tender steak that I've ever had. For sides my friends also ordered shredded Brussels sprouts and pan roasted cauliflower with capers and pecorino as sides. Not to be missed are the hand cut fries that are the embodiment of French fries perfection. They are a must order, either plain or with truffles and cheese. Fried potato nirvana! As I said, the place was packed, but service was attentive and Ty (sp?), our server made sure allergy info was provided to the kitchen. He made great suggestions for items to try. The Brookline location does not serve dessert (sad panda) but the Cambridge location does. Good to note for next time! Did I mention that the kitchen is open until 1:30 AM every night? Perfect for late night bites.“
“This is a great place to go with a crowd. Lots of variety on the menu and reasonably priced. Service was friendly and attentive. They did not have a record of our reservation for 8 people, even though I received multiple confirmations. Luckily it was not an issue as the restaurant wasn't crowded due to snowy weather. Drinks were great. Lighting was definitely very dim, almost too dim for my old eyes to read the menu! This was definitely a hike for our son and his friends, who all go to BU, but the walk didn't seem to bother them, and usually the green line will take you nearby (we didn't know it would be closed when we made the reservation). Food was okay, I found the fried chicken sandwich to be enormous (the chicken filet was way bigger than the bun) and the coating to be too thick and crispy for my taste. The Brussel sprouts side was delicious and we liked that they had a variety of sides to choose from that were on the healthier side.“
“Was staying nearby for a week over St Patrick's weekend and we were in everyday. Greg and his staff couldn't be friendlier and treated us really well, helping us with recommendations for places to visit and things to see. They would let us in early for a Irish breakfast and nothing was ever too much to ask. The food specials were great and they even showed the rugby internationals from Europe on the Saturday, this was great fun as the place was buzzing.“
“What an amazing place. In these times when we are still not comfortable dining indoors this place rocks. The chef behind these dishes knows a thing or two about bringing beer garden food to a totally new level. Thank you chef and staff in front of the house.“