The next restaurant expected to open in the South End is Boston Chops. Earlier this week I was able to sit down with restaurant owner, Brian Piccini, to talk about the imminent opening, the menu and his expectations.
Brian wasn’t able to predict when Boston Chops would open, grimacing slightly he shrugged and said “any day now”. I can tell you from the tour he gave me, the restaurant is ready – all he’s lacking is the glassware and liquor behind the huge bar he’s built, which happens to even include an oyster shucking station and raw bar. This is a large restaurant capable of seating well over 150+, and the space is beautifully designed. While there are plenty of rich woods and dark colors its custom light features, exposed brick and unfinished steel gives it an edge that suits the South End neighborhood this restaurant is calling home.
Boston Chops opening may be the best evidence that the recession is firmly behind us. The restaurant’s size and the expected price point means, Brian Piccini and his Executive Chef, Chris Coombs, are betting they can lure residents from the neighborhood and beyond to keep them busy seven days a week. When I inquired if there would be a bar menu he shook his head and said the decision to forgo a smaller bar menu was a conscious one.
I was not able to look at a wine list since it has yet to be pulled together, but the evening I sat down with Brian, wine was definitely top of mind as he sampled several Cabernets. By the size of the bar — one that comfortably seats 25 (I counted) and the impressive wine room encased in glass and on display for all to see — you too will be mindful that one has many options.
Although at the time that I wrote this post Boston Chops was not taking reservations, Brian has indicated one may call the restaurant or look to online restaurant reservation systems like ureserv.com and OpenTable: Boston Restaurants.
Boston Chops (617) 227-5011 / 1375 Washington Street in the South End
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