Library Grill
Located in the Hampshire House in Boston, The Library Grill excels on Sundays. Phantom enjoyed every bite of his jazz brunch.
Atmosphere(9.5)
Charming with book-lined walls, live piano and bass player, and fresh flowers on the tables. This is no dark, musty library.
Menu(8.5)
Menu has a jazz motif with entrees named after jazz musicians. Fine brunch array including everything from French toast to lamb.
Portions(9)
Very generous portions... appetizers, entrees, and drinks.
Appetizers(9)
Sticky, sweet, and nutty cinnamon rolls. Chowder is creamy and chock full of clams. Cajun shrimp tasted like it was straight from the sea with a brief stop in New Orleans for seasoning.
Food and Drink(9)
Brunch drinks were expertly mixed, from the perfectly spicy Bloody Mary to the tempting tropical Dizzy Rummer. As for food, "The Duke" with two melt-in-your-mouth tenderloins topped with poached eggs and a savory Hollandaise sauce. "The Dex" featured a light and airy Belgian Waffle with banana maple syrup. "The Swan Boat Captain", with fresh salmon and spinach was marvelous.
Desserts(7)
Five disappointing and generic offerings. Chocolate raspberry torte and Boston Cream Pie were nothing to brag about.
Service(8)
Extremely friendly, helpful and attentive. But Phantom's server seemed somewhat inexperienced, although very persistent.
Cleanliness(8)
Aside from a scattering of sesame seeds on the rug, very clean in the dining room and sparkling in the bathroom.
Parking(9)
In the Hampshire House overlooking Boston Common, this is one of the best locations in the city of Boston. Valet parking available for $12 or complimentary parking at the Common Garage.
Value(8.5)
Appetizers average $8.50. Entrees will run you about $15. Drinks for $5. Very reasonable prices for a top-notch brunch.
