Match: “Burgers and Martinis”
My favorite restaurant of the moment is Match. I’ve been there four times in the past six months, and I basically never repeat restaurants, so you know this is good. This restaurant lounge’s schtick is “burgers and martinis” and while I can’t vouch for the booze ($12), Match serves incredible sliders which come in seven varieties like spicy lamb, lobster, and tuna steak ($5-8). I’d describe the menu as American comfort/finger foods, complemented by standbys like onion rings ($3.50) and fries ($2.50). You’re not going to find anything incredibly innovative here, but everything is reliably tasty and despite the burger gimmick, there’s something for everyone, Orthodox Jews and vegetarians alike. For dessert, the pan-seared chocolate chip cookie dough is not to be missed (I’ve manage to replicate it at home , but it’s still my favorite dessert of any Boston restaurant).
The best part about Match is that it’s extremely affordable, and it’s recent promotion, a “stimulus package”, makes it the most inexpensive night out ever (especially if you’re a lightweight drinker like me). Every Tuesday, Match slashes the price of its mini beef burger from $5 to $1; every Thursday, ladies only pay $5 for entrees, which includes choices like blackened salmon and filet mignon. These specials run from 5-10pm. I suggest a cheap and late dinner followed by plenty of full-price booze. The scene is cool, the people are hot, and it’ll still be way under your typical weekend tab.
Match waitresses are extremely attractive but slightly incompetent, which would piss me off more if I didn’t dine there with men who appreciate competence. Besides their clearly unmeritocratic hiring practices, Match is as cool as a gimmicky Boston lounge gets. That sounds like I’m not saying much, but it is seriously so hard to find a place like this in Boston.
A note for the underage: Match cards on weekends and on late nights, but not always at dinner hour. Ask ahead, since the separation between dining room and bar is basically nonexistent.
Match
94 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02228
(617) 247-9922
