Restaurant review: Atlantic Fish Co.

Last week I met my close friend and fellow blogger, Tracey, for lunch at one of my favorite seafood restaurants in Boston.  For years, this restaurant has consistently provided excellent seafood in a pleasant setting with skilled servers. When I lived in the Back Bay (where this establishment is located) I think I went here weekly.

Atlantic Fish Co. has been serving the public since the late 70s and is part of the Back Bay Restaurant Group, which also owns establishments like Abe & Louie’s which happens to be a few doors down on Boylston Street.  Despite the fact that I think this place may serve the best New England Clam Chowder in the city, I had not been here in quite awhile.  If you are on a budget and are afraid Atlantic might break your budget, consider joining them for lunch.  Day menus always seem to be cheaper than their evening counterparts and it is the same food.

Complementary bread / cup of New England clam chowder $5.00

Immediately after ordering lunch, a basket of warm breads arrived and shortly thereafter the chowder which I referenced previously.  The bread was soft and warm and the chowder was creamy with large chunks of potatoes and clams.  The combination of the two together was so satisfying I wished I had ordered a bowl rather than the cup. However, considering I ordered my standby “Fish and Chips” it was probably best since I can only ingest so many calories without feeling some pinch of guilt.  Like Atlantic’s chowder, I think their Fish and Chips is among the best in the city, but I’ll let the picture tell the full story.

Fish and Chips $13.00

We opted to lunch at Atlantic’s beautiful bar rather than requesting a table. Often one sacrifices a bit of attention and service when dining at the bar since bartenders can be harried making drinks for the floor while serving patrons who “belly up to the bar”, but this is one of the few places I’ve dined regularly and feel no slight.  The bartenders were friendly, attentive and extremely helpful going the extra distance by calling the kitchen when I had a question about an item not on their lunch menu. If you are looking for some delicious New England seafood on your next visit to Boston – check out Atlantic Fish Co.

Located at 761 Boylston Street in the Back Bay, (617) 267-4000

Reservations are strongly recommended