Nice wait staff but this place is way overrated by locals. Food looks like it was bought frozen then reheated for serving to us. Salads look beat up and bread is of the cheapest variety. Nothing special. Come here as a last resort versus a lot better food nearby.
(2)
Jim H.
This is a two in one. A dining room plus a separate bar/dining. Good food. The bread was just so so and keeps me from giving the fifth star. Don't get me wrong, I'll go back and just avoid eating the bread.
(4)
Phebe S.
Although this is an Italian restaurant, in attitude it's actually closer to a diner than almost (I haven't been to South Street in many years) anything you will find in downtown Boston. The bartenders are wonderful (@ 11 p.m.: What do you mean you're leaving? Don't you known we're open until 2 a.m.?) every night of the week, and may well call you "hon". The wings are great, and this is a really pleasant place to watch football. They put the sound on for the Pat's games at the bar and no one talks over it too much. As with anywhere in Eastie, if you sit at the bar, particularly alone, you will make some random friends, whether you feel like it or not. I go here regularly. Oh, and there's a cheapgoodbigpizza (CGBP).
(4)
Jason B.
I asked the bartender about the origin of the "Terminal J" lounge thing. Apparently before it was actually called that, airport announcers would say, over the loudspeaker that employee meetings would take place at such-and-such a time at "Terminal J." I asked him if they sold any Terminal J pint glasses, and he gave me one from behind the bar for free. Jeveli's is one of three things I miss about Beastie.
(4)
Aimee P.
Jeveli's is my home away from home. Jeveli's is my Cheers. Jeveli's is my jam. After a long hard day of working at the airport, heading to Jeveli's to sit and have a drink (alright....several drinks) with your friends and co-workers is one of the best things ever. It's right near the airport so it's the most convenient place for everyone to meet after work. Paul and Sandy are both amazing bartenders. Sandy makes a mean Cosmo. They are both so friendly and take care of you, especially when you are a regular. I feel like I'm never here in time for real food but they serve appetizers into the wee hours of the night and the apps are all AMAZING. The pizza is so cheesy and perfect and the potato skins are perfect drunk food. Also, they have Blue Moon on tap which is a major plus for me.
(5)
Kristen B.
Decent food, but by far has my favorite Chicken Parm. Nothing fancy, just great tomoato sauce and a huge piece of chicken. Definitely a staple in my book :)
(4)
Ruth A.
Reviewing only places that are memorable & made a great impression, I have to say Jeveli's is one of the most memorable of all ! Even though years have passed, I will never forget this little place for it's most outstandingly wonderful Lasagne ! I had no idea what to expect of this little place near the airport, but when they presented us with their Homemade Baked Lasagne, my impression of Italian food changed forever ! Looking like a tower of "cheesecake," it was impressive enough.... turns out it was a big slice of pure heaven ! Must have been made with at least four kinds of cheese, all fluffy, exquisitely tasty, and in good prominence over the meat, sauce, and noodles. All the "players" worked together flawlessly, providing outstanding flavor, smooth delicate texture, savory aroma, and a beautiful feast for the eyes as well as the palette ! If ever in Boston or traveling via the Logan Airport, be sure to stop in, and if you can... please get the recipe for this fantastic slice of Italy !!
(4)
Paula B.
Came here for my brother's birthday with his family and my husband. My brother and I come here for the stuffed calamari which last night was cooked perfectly. Last time i came it was over cooked and rubbery. The dish was missing a good portion of the little squids so I was alittle disappointed but it was still great. So it can be hit or miss. My niece and sister in law had the eggplant parm and couldn't even eat it because the breading was full of grease. The results on that dish was a surprise to everyone at the table. I told them to send it back but they refused. They both did not touch their plates. Such a waste. The spumoni ice cream with the best claret sauce was old school italian that you just can't find too many places. My only complaint and it's a big one is the salad is prepared ahead of time and is served ice cold. So cold that you can't even taste the flavor of the salad and the tomatoes were dried out because the dish was probably sitting there forever. Then they serve the dressing in a plastic cup on the side. Just very unappealing. Please toss your salads jevelis to order! Parking is difficult and the place needs to be updated because even though it is clean it appears dirty because it's so so dated. Why don't alot of old businesses understand they need spruce up and maintain after so many years. It boggles my mind how they don't know that the investment would help them make MORE money. I like jevelis because I don't have to go to the North End and the prices are better too. I just wish they would get rid of the weaknesses they have so that the diner's experience is a confident consistent one.
(3)
Melissa M.
I've died and gone to heaven. Food heaven. Oh. my. God. I am almost in tears as I write this delicious review of Jeveli's in East Boston. I am almost in tears because I wish I was sitting in their dining room right now with another dinner of broiled haddock and steak fries. Yeah, it's 9:52am on a Saturday and I want some haddock. Let me set the scene for you. Last night, my fiance and I drove my sister to Logan airport for her flight to Virginia (SPRING BREAK for her). I was jealous that she was escaping the cruel Boston winter for a while. March is an evil month. So, to make this ride to Logan a win-win for everyone, I decided to take it upon myself to find a place to eat. I consulted the wonderful reviews on yelp.com and the fiance and I agreed that Jeveli's is where we would dine. So, we drive her on Friday night in a slow traffic crawl to Logan. Bid her adieu and in 4 minutes we pull into a parking space on Chelsea Street in Eastie. Can, I call it Eastie? I like to. So, we exit the car, and cross the street to Jeveli's. I was looking forward to our visit to Jeveli's all week . Why you ask? 1.) Because it's a new place for me to YELP 2.) Because it's in an unfamiliar neighborhood to me and I needed something new in my life. 3.) It's old school Italian food, and you bet, I was salivating while I read the menu online all week. 4.) Jeveli's fit the bill. So, we walk in and there is an empty podium for the hostess, a pair of glasses, a lipstick tube sans top and pieces of paper with some times written down. It kind of looked like a setting for a play. I have no idea why, but that's what it reminded me of. They have lots of old pictures on the wall. I really like the picture of the bar from the 1930s (?) it was a beautiful looking bar that had sawdust on the floor. The hostess saw us and grabbed two menus. I was thinking that we'd have to wait, but we did not. We sat down and before we even sat down, we had bread and water that almost magically appeared in front of us. Well, our waiter brought it by and he was very speedy with the drink orders. A club soda for Bill, a Pellegrino for me (no booze, gave it up for "Lent"). The bread is a braided loaf with sesame seeds. I love this stuff. A dish full of little butter awaited us. I ate about 75% of the loaf before we even placed the order. We got escargot for the appetizer. I never have had these delicate little snails. I tried one, it was sauteed in an olive oil/garlic sauce. This little delectable beauty was in a word, delicious. I had a few more. They serve salad w/ the main course and it's just a typical salad. It clearly came from a bag (because for one, I could see the kitchen from where we sitting and second, I saw the bags of ensalade). But, it was crisp, they forgot onions (I was not complainin' about that, I hate onions in my salad) and they topped it nicely with my favorite dressing, Thousand Island. Then, it was time for the main course. Bill got clams in a garlic sauce. He loved it. I got my haddock and steak fries. Let me tell you, I'm usually wary of ordering fries in restaurants. Some places DO NOT know how to make them. These were just as I wanted, golden in color, lots of soft potato inside and just the right amount of crispness on the outside. Room temperature Heinz ketchup, too. I guess I'm easy to please. The grand total was $41 bucks and change. Such an inexpensive price for a five star meal. I really felt taken care of at Jeveli's. Our, waiter was genuine, sweet, kind, and really seemed to take his job seriously, with pride and an easy smile. They don't make waiters like that anymore, I thought. He checked in with us twice during the meal. When we were done (we ate everything), he came back and said, "Nice job, guys." Jeveli's, a little part of Italy in Eastie. We will be back!
(5)
Kyle D.
My girlfriend and I came in here on a Sunday. It was not very busy and was mostly older folks. My personal opinion is that the interior is WAY too dark and it almost feels like you are stepping back into the 1970's. Also, they were playing a "top 40" music station over the speakers, so that kind of killed the whole Italian atmosphere. I ordered the fettuccine alfredo and my girlfriend ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. The portions were a great size, the gravy on my girlfriend's dish was delicious, and overall the food had great flavor. It seems a bit pricy when first viewing the menu, but keep in mind that a side salad is included with the meal. Now, you may be wondering why I only rated this 2 stars. It's because of the AWFUL service. Despite it being very slow that day, our waitress seemed very rushed in terms of helping us. She would stop by to check on us but would do it while walking by--wouldn't even stop and wait for an answer. Never once asked to refill our drinks. Then we waited about 20+ minutes for the check because she disappeared somewhere. Also, all of the waitresses/waiters were SITTING DOWN in the guest waiting area IN THE FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT and reading magazines/newspapers/gabbing. This included our waitress--we were waiting for drink refills while she was sitting down reading a magazine. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND LAZY. Seems like the staff here needs major retraining on customer service. Despite the food being very good, I will most likely NOT be returning to Jeveli's in the near future.
(2)
Dave T.
We visited this afternoon on the way to the airport. Service was prompt and friendly. We had six in our party sp were able to try several items. The BBQ Sausage was large (2 large italian sausages per serving). They were delicious with great grilled flavor. The lamb tips were also very good and cooked perfectly. Shrimp scampi was the standard. Chicken Caesar salad was gigantic with lots ofthe grilled chicken on top. Overall we had great meal. I would go back.
(4)
Bill O.
The reason I love Jevelis over any North End eatery is because you won't find tourists in East Boston. Every around you is from the neighborhood and a million animated stories float around you before you're brought to your seat. The menu is classic, with a surprisingly great seafood selection. Jevelis offers one of the best chicken parmigiana dishes in the area, but explore the menu. Bag salads take it down a notch, but they're always cold and served with a crispy hunk of bread. The specials are usually fun and tasty, but the menu itself is already large enough. Waitstaff makes me feel like I'm bring served by my Ma and I love it.
(5)
Nicole E.
There was nothing unique about this restaurant. It was your typical Italian joint - but a good Italian joint! The food was great and the service friendly. I would have liked to see some more authentic Italian on the menu and less American Italian - but that's the only complaint I had. My husband had a seafood dish that he said was very good. I had an eggplant parm that was better than most I've had recently. If you're stuck in this part of town and don't want to take the T into Boston, then this is the place to eat.
(4)
Jocelyn G.
Good prices, solid food, kitschy decor from the 70s. Its a pretty good place to go for when you just don't feel like cooking. The music threw me off for a few minutes because I wasn't expecting it, but it quickly turned into a game of trying to identify the song and musical that it was from (we heard Phantom, Send in the Clowns, HELP!, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). The portions are decent sized, but Carmen's has a bit better taste and a lot more on your plate.
(3)
Yelp Z.
My husband took me here when we were dating once and then we started going anytime we wanted Santarpio's but it was to cold to wait outside. Now we live on the North Shore and every now and then we look at each other when we're talking about what to do for dinner and one of us will utter "the braided roll". It's almost like a whisper. Jeveli's is usually bustling. Busy but not so bad you couldn't get sat within 5 minutes. Especially if you're a party of 2. The waitstaff always entertain me. They either have really broken English or are your stereotypical East Boston guido with a part time weekend job...it's like being in a movie. Really though, the food is the best. No need to try to park in the North end, just come and grab a spot out front - order whatever you feel on the menu - all is amazing. We've had chicken parms, homemade pastas, thick red sauce (super plentiful), saus-eege, meata-balls, fish, steaks, appetizers, fried things, sauted things, cannolli's, tiramisu, salad with the house dressing (of course) and dear god...THE BRAIDED ROLL. Hot with lots of butter pats.
(5)
Anne B.
Growing up in Winthrop, my family came here often. My parents and brother's idea of a good restaurant is good food, large portions, fast service, inexpensive, nice waitstaff and "on this side of the tunnel." It was a favorite for many, many years Over time, it fell off our favorite list as the food slipped a little bit and it was getting a bit sad looking inside. My dad never lost faith though. Now that mom is gone, we've been back a few times with dad. Great memories and I'm happy to say it's now back on our regular rotation of dining spots. It's my dad's 82nd birthday today and we'll be going to Jeveli's.
(4)
David L.
Food is good and atmosphere is even better if you're into lounge type of restaurant settings
(3)
Pat P.
Great service, great value, I'm not going to say I've never been disappointed, but Jevelis has been pretty consistent. This is an older place, could use a little facelift maybe, but always clean. Some favorites are the lamb tips, lasagna, the fish lovers in the family swear by the baked haddock and scallops.
(4)
Joe A.
Came back for late night drinking. How do you mess up wings & potato skins. I gave this place a second and third chance on the food. Do yourself a favor and eat before you go. However they are open til 2am for the late night drinking, which is a plus in this area.
(3)
Heath M.
I'm here to tell you, Jevelis broke my heart. Years ago, when I first moved to Eastie I brought my parents there. Dad got the sausage cacciatore, Mom got lasagna and I got veal parm. It was delicious, the portions were huge, the waitress was fun and best of all, we left full and happy. Mom and Dad figured that maybe East Boston was a pretty good neighborhood. At least I'd eat good. I fell in love and since it didn't break the bank, I decided I'd eat there at least a few times a month. Over time though, the food and the service got progressively worse. Eating there in daylight exposes the dingyness of the main dining room. I largely forgave that until the cuisine started to look equally forelorn. The pasta's often served watery and overcooked. The veal is often tough (come on guys, beat that baby cow into submission!) and don't even bother with the dessert (when they aren't out of your selection anyway). You're better off crossing the street to Spinelli's for that. Sure, Jeveli's is an East Boston institution -- it's just a shame it's going downhill at bobsled speed. I think the restaurant's status in the neighborhood has led to complacency and with so many better Italian options in the neighborhood (Mario's and Rino's for example), I'd sooner fork over the extra cash and frequent them. The Logan employees can have this place.
(2)
Lindsay B.
I heard great things about this place, so I was excited to try it out when I moved to Eastie in April. I was really disappointed. My boyfriend and I went for an early dinner on a Sunday. The place was empty. We had salads to start, and it was typical iceberg lettuce that had been prepared for hours and flopped on the plate. I ordered the chicken marsala, which was more the consistency of soup than sauce. And it didn't taste great either. The potatoes that were served with it had way too much oil on them. Not impressed. My boyfriend said his chicken (or veal?) parm was just okay but he agreed he wouldn't want to come again. I could overlook the dingy outdated atmosphere if the food were good, but it wasn't...
(2)
Wayne D.
Italian at it's best, or not-so best? Jeveli's in Eastie takes Italian fare to the next level without the modern enhancements such as fashionable decor and swanky Chianti. Here you will find the old-school Italians. You know who I am talking about right? C'mon, you know, the old Italian ladies sipping on white zinfandel while their husbands sit in the corner watching the keno screen spit out numbers while they sip on amaretto and sambuca. :-) Mangia! Mangia! I can still here my mother pounding her fist on the dining table, which by the way, was so strong from kneeding all her pasta dough by hand and hand-rolling out her special Italian Meatballs. If you're looking for mounds of food without spending mounds of cash you should certainly take the trip to Day square and visit Jeveli's. They have everything italian on the menu from Scampi to Cacciatori and from parmesan to escarole. I personally recommend the Calamari and the Chicken Marsala. Delicious. See you at the Cohnah, Vinny.
(4)
Matt S.
Food was delicious, service was great, and prices were more than reasonable for Boston. The portions are big and the very casual atmosphere at the Lounge makes for a quality meal.
(4)
Victoria J.
Oh Terminal J. How many times have I had one too many after work. Oh Terminal J. How have I eaten way too many of your ridiculous nachos, your buffalo chicken fingers, your fries, and your Antipasto, all in one sitting, in a drunken stupor after work. And then felt bloated for the rest of the week. I have seen everyone here that I see on the Chelsea bus on the way to work from the garage. Drunk, and seemingly a lot happier than 10 hours before. TSA, JetBlue, American Airlines, United, Swissport, ServisAir. No more labels, just all drunken fools commiserating how much the airport sucks and how much we really all hate our passengers. Christ, I've seen my boss doing shots and ripping mad butts here. Yes, Terminal J loves Keno. It's like a different dimension. Twilight Zone. And I kind of love it.
(4)
Eric I.
This used to be my family's go to for special occasions and big nights out when I was little. And I probably hadn't been there since but decided to try it again. Good Italian food with big portions for a good price. You don't have to fight crowds of tourists and no parking like in the North End. So if you're looking for good Italian food with no hassles this is worth checking out. Hey, even Mumbles Menino loves this place. Hint: You can find some of the best Italian food in East Boston.
(4)
lauralee s.
Recently went here with the boy and his parents. Yum. The prices on the menu seemed reasonable and relatively inexpensive. Then I got my food. A HUGE plate of sausage and peppers. I was in awe of it's largeness, then unbeknownst to me, the dish didn't have any pasta in it. The server set another HUGE bowl of pasta down next to me and said, "This is for you." I looked surprised and dug into my dish. Yup, no pasta. Two more meals later, I was finally at the bottom of all that food. It was rich and authentic tasting. We all enjoyed our meals, the boys making themselves sick by trying to eat every bite and then the parents payed the completely worth it bill. Ps. The decor would be cute and kitschy if the wood paneling came down, but get over it, you aren't eating the decor.
(4)
Jennafir E.
I give this place a five, but unless you're close to East Boston it's a drive. I'd take one away but I can't refuse to take one away because of that. We went with family a few times, who go everytime they're in Boston. The app's can be missed, the portions are massive. The bread is always warm and delicious, the desserts are yummy. The service isn't the best, but then the food makes up for it. Go, who can resist sitting in the presidents oval office? yes, thats right, they have a white house room there.
(5)
Leighann F.
This joint is neighborhood bar to the nines. In the heart of East Boston, Jeveli's is an old-school bar/restaurant/lounge scene inhabited by the locals. No need to get fancy. No need to worry about much! Just come as you are and the sweet-as-pie waitress will call you "hun" and bring your beers right quick. It being late and wanting to try someplace new Jeveli's fit the bill of requirements that evening: cheap, quick, low key and late-closing kitchen. Though the 'dining room' was closed, they quickly referred us to the Terminal J lounge, connected to the dining room by a small hallway. The food itself is better than average pub fair, mixed with some Italian specialties, mixed with some Italian basics. We went with the spicy buffalo wings and the veal parm sandwich, paired with two Sam winters. The entire meal cost us $30 wit tips...but if we'd had beat the odds and cashed in on the Keno games we played, we could off gotten the meal at nearly half off! Yes. They have Keno. Yes, we played. When in Rome...
(3)
Mike D.
Ok here is what i dont get.. Back in the 90's president clinton came to boston and this is where he decided to eat. Now, this should be pretty valuable. I grew up eating jevili's so I have over 20 years of experience there. The seafood is always fresh. The meat is sometimes over cooked. The sausages are phenomenal. The bread is outstanding. The ordianary italian is what you would expect for comfort food. The food it moderately priced., and honestly a good bang for your buck.
(3)
Tony C.
As everyone said local place i enjoy it here tho come at least once a month. Staff knows everyone here you walk in see old friends etc. Start you off with fresh hot bread and butter get a salad very good. I for one ALWAYS get the Chicken Marcella thats the best dish. They have great Veal parm/chix parm aswell. Parking is hard only compliant but i cant complain im used to it lol
(5)
Joel L.
Having had takeout several times and never dissapointed with the food,I thought I would take my family here before they went to see Dirty Dancing in Boston. Everyone loved their food, Great soups,salads and an orgasmic Lobster pie. The Chix N Brocolli Scampi is HUGE and delicous too I went with 4 women and they RAVED at how good the food was. Check it out
(5)
Scott P.
Jeveli's was highly recommended by several people at Signature Flight Services... I loved the Chicken Parm, sometimes places just can't make good parm, but Jeveli's was great! Of course, my co-worker and I got a kick out of the interior and the friendly staff... they call everyone "Hun", which I always think is cute and quaint... but done with the right amount of sincerity!
(3)
Ryan P.
This place was good. We had the Chicken Parm and the Sausage and Lamb Plate. Starter salads were excellent in a middle class family style Italian joint kind of way. Portion sizes were large. Italian food was good and the beer and wine were affordable. Go to the J Lounge side, and get better prices. Hidden gem!
(3)
Marc L.
If I remember correctly, they claimed to be Boston's oldest Italian restaurant. I don't know how they stay in business! We were stuck near the airport, and needed somewhere close. The bellman at the hotel recommended this place. I thought a simple pasta dish should be safe, so ordered cheese ravioli with meat sauce. The ravioli were very heavy, definitely not homemade, and I could only bring myself to eat a few of them (the overcooked, greasy red sauce was no help). My wife had a scallop & shrimp broil, with which she was very disappointed. So much so that she sent it back. Bummer, because it was her birthday. I think it is safe to say everything we were served was in the freezer when we ordered it (not only because of how it looked and tasted, but because it took over 45 minutes for us to get our food, and the place was not busy). The whole experience made me think of that show on the cooking channel where they need to shut the place down for a while and get a complete overhaul of menu and management ... . (I gave it the second star only because our server seemed nice enough, even though she was not particularly attentive, and forgot to bring us things we asked for). Sorry Jeveli's, I don't normally write reviews, but I think of this as more of a public warning than a restaurant review!
(2)
Omar E.
Jason B and Julia F's reviews are pretty accurate. Jeveli's is standard Italian-American fare, but done right. Bar area is definitely the best place. Service can be really rude or really friendly, depending on who you catch and what kinda mood they're in, but you don't go eatin in Eastie for great service, you go to get a bellyfull cheap and you likely live there. I have good memories of the place, and hope they're around for a long time to come. The antipasto plate is great, but be warned, if you're gonna do a true antipasto and eat it as an appetizer, you better have a huge appetite or have at least one other person dining with you. If you can finish the antipasto plate and the bread and the salad and the Chicken Parm and you're not stoned or wrecked outta your mind-- all respect.
(4)
Carlo S.
Jeveli's is very good but doesn't compare to that of Rino's (Saratoga St.). Their meats are very tasty and tender. Their service is with a smile and without question they are quick to bring out your food. For the price, its awesome! Then again, you can go to Rinos and for $5-$10 more, your portion sizes are bigger and the sauce is tastier!!!!! Bottom line, if you are looking for cheap but good (but not great) Italian food, go here to Jeveli's.
(4)
J J.
Not great, not too bad. People in Boston rave about this place. I'm not very impressed. Service is Great though.
(4)
David A.
This is supposedly the oldest Italian restaurant in Boston, it is a fine choice but you can do a lot better in East Boston (Rino's- the best choice but you will also have to wait awhile for a table, Kelly's Square Pub the best combo of quality, value and quantity and Ecco which has the most sophisticated vibe). I have eaten here twice in the last year once for lunch and once for dinner, both times the meal was fine but it wasn't memorable and I did not have any leftovers to take home either time (this would never happen at Kelly's). I had the veal Marsala for lunch- small portions, veal was pretty good but nothing spectacular. It came with a salad and side of pasta, both okay but nothing great. I also tried the Italian wedding soup which was fine. For dinner I tried the grilled sausage and lamb- they were both pretty good especially the lamb. My wife had the manicotti, which were fine but were not a huge portion (at Kelly's you get easily double the amount). They have a good selection of wine- the house burgundy is just fine and the pinot grigio was pretty good. The value you got is pretty good, but you will most likely not have any leftovers I know I am in the minority but I do like the ambiance, there is the White House room which has many pictures of former presidents the main dining room which is very old school. They have a bar called the J Lounge which is pretty nice. Overall this place is fine but unremarkable, I would recommend going to Kelly's pub over this spot since the portions are considerably bigger and they have specials which change every day.
(3)
Austin g.
I'll give it one star because the bread was good and the server was great- but everything else was awful. There were 7 of us and only one person liked their meal. I had the steamed mussels for an appetizer and then shrimp scampi for dinner. They were both in the same no taste, oily sauce. The seafood didn't taste right either. I had 2 bites of my meal and then gave up and just ate more bread. Maybe it was an off day in the kitchen but won't be going back to find out.
(1)
Julia F.
My dad always brought myself and and my sisters here when we we were young. I love this place, if I had to guess it's 60% fond memories, 40% they finally fixed it up and now I kind of want to go whenever I'm on that side of the tunnel. I love the chicken parm, the ravioli too. I had the chicken caesar salad last time I was there, and it was not so good. I would definitely suggest staying with pasta dishes, or meat dishes. Those are probably gonna go over better. The bread they give you is soft and warm and mildly addictive. They make really good meatballs... If keno is your thing, this is the place to go. If you wanna watch the game, I dare you to find a seat where you can't see one of the flat screen tvs.
(4)
Caroline D.
a hidden gem... only 30 seconds from my humble abode!! im so lucky i dont think there is anything on the menu i dont like. their baked stuffed haddock, chicken parm, and marinated steak tips... mmmmmmm. i even love the garden salad because it hits the spot and its not all fancy smancy. tiramisu = cloud 9. before my grandfather passed, i would go there at least 3x/wek in the lounge for a glass of wine and a few games of keno.. the waitresses (esp in the lounge) are just wonderful. if im not at a family function at near-by spinellis, im at a function here. its great food for a great price... i want to lick my plate when im done. if i can finish my plate. this place has been around and there is a good reason why
(4)
Jaclyn P.
Boston's Oldest Italian Restaurant. Went here with friends who grew up going to the place. My fettucine alfredo was pretty good and my husband said his Ravioli was ok. My friends had the Chicken Parm and loved it. The decor is straight out of the 70's and I loved it, I felt like I was back in the 70's (yeah, I lived for two years in the 70's and rocked every minute of it). The only downside of this place is that the women's bathroom was right by our table and it only has one stall. Who puts just one stall in a woman's bathroom? Also, who puts only one stall in a women's bathroom in a Italian restaurant? Good place if you have the time.
(4)
Mike M.
Nice place. Glad to hear the New England accent again. Stopped in for lunch. Ordered stuffed calamari with salad. Very good. Nice gravy to. Salad typical. Bread was great. My FO ordered the shrimp scampi w/ brocolli which look very nice as well. Iced tea was a little bitter. Overall, good Italian and nice atmosphere.
(3)
Anonymous I.
I went here about a week ago and it was really good. They have updated the restaurant with a waiting area and new booths. The menu is bigger now with great daily specials. They still serve that delicious warm bread. I totally recommend it!
(5)
Russ S.
Set out looking for a seafood place, couldn't find it, but I did spy what was definitely the busiest place in the East Boston area. I skipped the restaurant, sat the Terminal J Lounge. All older locals, watching local hockey games and eating well. There's enough HD TV's around to ensure a good view, and Keno action to boot. Decent menu selection, and very affordable prices. I ordered a double lamb tip plate. Yummy bread and a 'default' salad (obviously not the star of the show) arrived speedily. The Lamb was wonderful, but just lamb chunks on a plate. It did arrive with my choice of pasta and some red sauce on it, which was very good as well. Next time I'm in Boston, I will return and wish I had some Italian roots.
(4)
Bill M.
It's all been said before, Jeveli's is your standard family Italian restaurant. As the reviews below show I think most of the people who are eating at Jeveli's have been doing so for 30+ years. If anything that show how good the food it. To be honest, I am a creature of habit, so I really have never had anything but the Chicken Parm. It;'s really good.Everyone I know who goes here seems to have their own favorites and sticks to them. Again, as stated before, the staff can be kinda gruff, but I have seen the other extreme too, then being overly friendly, and it's not pretty. :) Jeveli's is a good place for quality food. If you are in the area, stop on by.
(4)
Chris M.
Jeveli's the oldest Italian restaurant in Boston! Love it here! they have the best tasting sauce around, and they aren't even in the northend! You get great food for the price, the service is good. The only thing is the parking around the neighborhood.. which can be tough. But once you find a spot it is worth it! I went last week with my wife. I love the manacotti. Soft baked pasta with the ricotta inside and sauce over it. Simple but delicious. The wife had chicken broccoli marsala. also delicious! creamy buttery marsala sauce, to make your mouth water. With the side of pasta.. excellent! I just get the pasta dishes when I come here and they haven't changed, always good. The meatballs need some work... a little too doughy for me. If they where better I would give them 5 stars.
(4)
AJ F.
Solid Italian Food!.....Whenever your in Eastie you got to go here or Santarpio's I've frequented Jeveli's numerous times with my family. Never had a bad experience. Food is good, quality is good, service is not bad either. Price is reasonable too!!
(5)
Shannon B.
I'm really not a huge fan of "terminal J". I live across the street, so I go there often. Their pasta sauce isn't too flavorful and they overcooked (and practically burned) the steak tips I ordered medium rare. Most of the staff is pretty rude, also. One thing that I love is their cannoli's, they are GREAT!
(3)
Paul M.
Set the way back machine for this one. late 70's for this one, I worked at Logan 2nd shift, we would go there for dinner on friday night, always good, can't think of it changing.
(4)
Marcus D.
The food is the only reason to come here. The wait staff is very friendly. The bar side is a big airport hangout, so be warned. The dining-room hasn't changed at all, but it's clean and homey. How many times have you sat in a pretentious restaurant that was trying very hard to be the mirror-image of Versailles, succeeded wonderfully, and the cuisine is unedible? Yeah, I thought so - too many times to count. I've come here with and without my family since I was a very young lad - my mom and aunt used to waitress here back in the 70's - probably the last time the place saw a facelift (wish I could say that about ma and auntie: I kid, I kid!). The lunch and dinner specials are excellent - I have never had a bad meal here. I would definitely take people from out of town here and avoid the tourist traps in the North End and Fanueil Hall - at least parking is easy and free.
(4)
D M.
The best Italian-American cuisine. This is indeed a throwback to another era. It's casual and affordable for a family. The food is very good quality and I have always found the red sauce to be thick and rich and never oily. I can honestly say the meatballs are the best I have ever had. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that I haven't tried everything on the menu. The portions are big (but not overly huge). The price is right. I've read the other reviews and I have to say it all depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a neighborhood restaurant that serves excellent Italian-American food for a reasonable price, go to Jeveli's. If you want to spend a wad of cash on something trendy, you can go to today's North End. Also, I have to say that the waitstaff is great and very efficient.
(4)
Dave V.
Great prices. You get what you pay for. Poor quality and lackluster service.
(2)
Ulli K.
Probably more stars than just 3, but I didn't really love the ambience....big dining room, tacky decor...a bit...but the food was good (HUGE portions). So, definitely a great place to get a good meal, not a place for a date or so.
(3)
Heidi O.
Went here last night and chosed to sit in the lounge (Terminal J) rather than the a little too-well-lit dining room. We got menues right away and the waitress quickly asked us our drink order. I ordered a cranberry vodka which was on the light side but the bottle of Chianti was good. Wine-list and food menu overall sparse and simple but ordering the antipasto plate really hit the spot. It was a fresh and generous mix of mozarella, tomatoes, artichokes, roasted red peppers, prosciutto, salami, olives and mushrooms with a oil-vinaigrette on the side. Also the escargots drowning in aromatic garlic-butter were delicious. Veal Marsala was tender and nicely flavored. Unlike most other Italian places, Jeveli's lets their simple ingredients speak for themselves. This food is what most good food is based on. Simple quality ingredients, simple preparation and no fuzz or wannabe-attempts. Our waitress was perfect: polite, attentive to details, efficient and service-minded. She also sensed when we were finished and asks to wrap anything left over or take any plates out of your way. Will definitively return, the best part was the food and service.
(4)
Shannon S.
awesome hearty italian-american food. lamb tips are incredible with their oven roasted potatoes. and if they have the baked lobster pie on special, GET IT. it is the most expensive thing they ever sell but it is so worth it. i'm a freak about house salads at italian restaurants, always trying to find the perfect dressing--jeveli's has got it down. there is only one other place where its acceptable to me and that's in dallas. barside is great for hanging out, killing some time, throwing some money to the mass state lottery (KENO!) i became a vegan about 9 months ago but when i go back to visit boston, this is one of the places i will break my diet for. oh, and don't forget to get spumoni for dessert. mmm, spumoni....
(4)
Jen M.
I have been to Jeveli's a handful of times. It was introduced to me by a friend and I'm glad she did. When I get a taste for good Italian food but don't feel like paying North End prices, I come here. The last time I went I had the lobster ravioli which was addictive and delicious. The bread is good, but the salad is iceberg lettuce with a couple of mass produced tomatoes. But then again, I really don't go to Jeveli's for the salad. Yeah, the decor is a little dated, but I haven't been disappointed in any of the entrees I've ordered so far.
(4)
Paul D.
growing up, this was one of like 8 restaurants my family would hit, and i loved that shit...until 2 years ago when i was food poisoned by a seafood fra diavolo. thats 2 days of my life i wont ever get back.... so fuck them.... heres a tip if your fish stinks dont think over cooking it and throwing it in marinara sauce is an okay thing to do... fucking amateurs....you can really hurt someone- food safety 101
(1)
Amy C.
Jeveli's is a bit of a throw-back, but a pleasant one. The food was good Italian food, the ambiance was bright and dated, the service was friendly and no frills. We started with the scallops wrapped in bacon (the order included 7). The bacon was very crisp so I was worried that the scallops would be dry and over cooked, but they weren't. They were delicious! We also had the stuffed mushrooms (12) which were garlicky and excellent. We went on a Saturday night with an elderly couple who love Prime Rib, which is available on Saturdays only. The restaurant allows splitting of meals for a $2 charge, which the older couple took advantage of and still they took some home. They said the prime rib was excellent. I had veal piccata (4 veal pieces) which was very good. I didn't want any pasta, so they brought me two vegetable servings! I tasted the lasagna which was good - full of light, fluffy cheese and a generous portion. The swordfish looked excellent as well, not dry. The red sauce was very nice, but the linguine looked over cooked. All entrees came with a salad. The dessert menu was not extensive, but we had the tiramisu and the cannoli which were both good. Our server was pleasant although not overly so. This was not a bad thing. The busboy was a bit too eager to clear our plates. Overall, we had a nice dinner and will return whenever we need a good meal in East Boston.
(3)
R E.
I enjoyed the tacky decor, antiquated menu, etc. that you would expect at an older family-style Italian restaurant. However, the food is just plain bad. Also, the bartender, who was admittedly in the weeds, was inexcusably gruff. Great place for grabbing a few beers, but there are several other options for Italian food at the same price.
(2)
Diane H.
Wow, this is one of my favorite places to get lobster ravioli. The price is decent and they give real chunks of lobster and a good portion too! Definitely don't want to share...but oh well! It's kinda of a local/divey pub/restaurant-- i guess the dining room is different but i always sit at the bar side for some reason. You get a delicious salad with your entree and the bread is to die for! my bf did get this chicken pasta dish that wasn't that good...i guess it depends on what you get..but the ravioli hasn't let me down yet!
(5)
Valerie L.
Chicken escarole soup- excellent! Warm bread-excellent! Meatballs- meh. :( Red Sauce: meh :( Lobster Ravioli: Delicious! Shrimp & Fresh Asparagus over linguini: Fair :( The shrimp were overcooked, tough, and small. The asparagus was overcooked. Way too much linguini for the (small) portion of shrimp & asparagus. I'd go back, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
(3)
Alexa R.
This local dive is a regional favorite BUT don't you think that you can wear a leather vest in here and get exceptional service. Supposedly they have amazing food and locals love it! The interior looks like something straight outta Goodfellas (I bet everyone thinks that's a compliment. It's not.) Edit: They reprimanded me for taking my shirt off. You must NEVER EVER take Ur shirt off in this Bar. Even if you are on fire. Stop. Drop. And Roll. Also there is no music playing inside. Terminal J does not live up to the hype. Well actually they do have good pizza.
(2)
Tan Q.
4 of us dropped in for donner on a wednessay night. The spacious yet cozy dining room had 3 other tables and a large party of 7 arrived as we were leaving. Service was prompt and courteous and the owner was very friendly with the 3 year old, keeping her occupied so I could finish my meal. I really appreciated that and they did not mind her curiously walking around. My clams linguine was very very good - i like a lot of garlic and herbs, so that would be the reason for my 4 stars instead of 5. I found it a bit under seasoned. My dining group memebers ordered a marinara and a alfredo. The alfredo was extremely creamy, over the top. It tasted fine but if you have a hard time digesting dairy, stay the hell away from this one. The marinara was perfect. Overall, a solid beighbourhood gem. Will be back to try more things like the appetizers and the lobster ravioli.
(4)
G H.
Always consistent Italian food..had a family gathering tonight..lamb tips..baked haddock...tripe..the best homemade Italian food..the chef even came out and introduced himself..this does not happen at alot of restaurant. .jusr like a good old fashioned Sunday meal..thank you Jeveli`s!!
(5)
Joe F.
My dad is extremely old school, and anytime he comes to see me this is where we HAVE TO GO. Apparently, I've been coming here since I was a kid. I am glad he reminded me. Service is great. Very local- "honey", "babe", etc are typically parts of the conversation. Everything is quick and my order has always been accurate. Portions are enormous. My eyes are often bigger than my stomach here. Between my dad and I there are usually enough leftovers for two more meals. Veal part is fantastic, breading is perfect and it's probably among the best I've had. Salads with every meal-- don't order an appetizer or you're going to be too full for supper! Prices are super low for what you get. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a great meal at a good value in Eastie.
(4)
John R.
What a treasure in the East End.
(5)
Steve P.
Feels like a family dinner, enjoyed everything on the menu. Service was personal, fast and portions were huge. The manicotti is very fresh, the chicken parm filled the plate, but save room for a cannoli. Look past the dated decor, leave the dinner jacket at home and enjoy a night of Italian cooking. Plenty of seating and filled with locals. $ (Courtyard Marriott shuttle will drop off too)
(4)
Owen G.
This place is more like a slightly up scale Denny's. The food is very mediocore, which was suprising to me since I had had some delicious Italian food just a few blocks away in East Boston the day before. My place setting didn't have a fork and the stwff member seemed bothered to get me one (when we went the place was pretty empty).
(2)
Amy H.
Reading through the other reviews, and yes, your server might disappear for 15 minutes. But if you like to spend your Fridays leisurely splitting a carafe of wine with someone, talking and enjoying gigantic plate of pasta, this is the place for you. The food is good, the servers are pleasant, the atmosphere is laid-back and comfortable. I always leave more relaxed and happy than when I walked in. If you're looking for fast, then this might not be the place for you.
(4)
Eric S.
I was out with some friends, and one of us wanted to go get food. We reluctantly went along, but we were glad that we did! We were delightfully surprised at how good the food was! We arrived and my friend started heading for the dining room. Oops! It was closed! But, that's to be expected late at night (~9PM) on a Tuesday night. We took a table up front near the bar. The waitress got us a pitcher of water, menus, and we settled in. The prices looked a bit steep at first, but when the food arrived, we could see why. The portions are HUGE! You get what you pay for and then some! You will have leftovers for 2 meals! They brought out some bread and butter. Now, these aren't your dinky little bread rolls. They brought out two whole loaves of bread. It appeared to be freshly made, and the sesame seeds on top added a delightful nuttiness to the bread. One of my friends ordered the fettuccini alfredo. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. My other friend ordered the chicken parm sandwich. As I said, the portions are huge! You WILL get your leftovers to go! It's just that good! My friend's chicken parm came on a loaf of bread, the same bread that they gave us earlier with butter. I was surprised that my friend could finish it! This restaurant doesn't look like much in a corner of Day Sq, so it's easy to pass by without a second glance, but the food here is incredible, and I will not hesitate to return again!
(5)
Elaine K.
Haven't been here in a long while and was pleasantly surprised. The decor was fresh, the food delish and the waitstaff very attentive. I had veal parm with ravioli and Dan had Seafood Maria. Both outstanding.
(5)
Kayla T.
Came here with my boyfriend because his friend had suggested it. Instantly loved t. Fresh bread from the oven(my favorite thing ever). The service was extremely friendly. Didn't wait long. He got spaghetti and meatballs. He loved it! I got chicken alfredo which i loved too. Definitely am coming back for more!
(5)
John C.
While staying at the Hilton airport hotel we needed dinner, not over priced hotel food. Thank you Yelp! Ignore the old reviews about bad service, obviously they fixed that problem. The lobster ravioli was fantastic. A small cute gem in East Boston.
(5)
Donnie G.
The. Best. Gravy. On. The. Planet. Try out the stuffed calamari, the lasagna or the chicken parmesano as well. I've been trying to duplicate that calamari recipe for years and haven't even come close. If you're Italian like me, that's the best compliment you can make - if they make it better than you can make it at home.
(4)
Josie K.
The food is homemade Italian, cheap, and delish. The atmosphere is loud, white-trash Irish pub. Full bar, 5$ wine; lots of TVs in the lounge... don't bother wearing your nice jeans in, but great for the times when you just cant be bothered to shower after the gym but wants to gorge. Try the stuffed baked calamari- you are welcome.
(3)
Bri D.
Absolutely incredible place. I flew here 53 weeks ago and had been still thinking about it. Needless to say my job put me back here for a day or so, immediate this was the first place I returned too :). Let's start with the atmosphere. It's a bar/restaurant. It's very local/homey feeling. It's very clean. The staff are amazing. The manager Lorenzo and my favorite bartender Paul took such good care of us the first time we were in. They also looked out for me because the first day we were in some of the guys were unwelcomely trying to talk to me. They made sure they left me alone. Fast forward to now, they remembered me and were very happy to have me back! I was on my own this time and they made conversation with me here and there. It made me feel at home once again! Now onto the food.. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G I can't remember exactly what I had the first time except that I kept getting fed with different appetizers. I just remember the bruschetta which is what I started with this time. It was sooooooo good. It's a huge portion and only 7.95. They use buffalo mozzarella on the bread which really makes a difference. I had the eggplant rolletini (which they bake not fry, yay) and the meatballs (which I've had before. They are huge and delicious). I don't think anything could disappoint here. Food, service, atmosphere get way above 5 stars. Other restaurants should definitely take note. I'll be back anytime I make it to Boston again!
(5)
John M.
Jevelis is a very good family owned italian restaurant. Great specials and oversized entrees enough to feed a whole family. I had the Haddock Florentine and Crab Cakes. my food was very fresh and perfectly cooked and our waiter was truly seasoned . He brought out the food in a timely manner and was very attentive. I would recommend this restaurant over some of the other highly rated restaurants in the area. You will not be dissapointed.
(5)
Harry D.
I am always pleasantly surprised at how good the food tastes here. Never been to the main dining room so the ambiance I'm sure will differ from what i've experienced. Tons of townies, you can tell they're regulars and for a good reason. The waiters are efficient and the food is always great, will be coming here pretty often.
(5)
James M.
Two of us had the shrimp scampi and the other two had lasagna. The scampi was average and the lasagna wasn't anything to write home about. However, they had very good service and the staff was very friendly.
(3)
Bo F.
The only thing I've never had here is the Prime Rib, with that said, I've never been disappointed. The drinks are cold and food hot, (taps cold use cleaning-flushing more often if I was being objective) don't be confused by 3 stars, in my personal merit system this signifies worthiness of much more.. T.V.'s will always have the local game on. Keno will always be running in the lounge Dining room accommodates the crowd seeking a quiet meal. I'm a local, I eat here 3-5 times a month but I'm not biased. I have many choices and I come often because there's so much I like. Is it an "Italian" restaurant? No, it's a restaurant owned by Italians.. Yes there's a few Italian-American dishes on the menu for those needing to quench their craving for chicken parm, or sausage/meatballs. The prices are FANTASTIC. The grilled menu and seafood are perfect for craving quenching. Could they do better? Sure, but couldn't we all.. This place is wicked worthy of local praise. Very Boston, and open late!!!
(4)
Jason A.
This is not what Boston area Italian food is about ... their gravy is acidic and very plain. None of their sauces are put together well. Plates were loaded with oil or fat that separated from the overcooked mozzarella. The Baked Manicotti was a joke, flavorless and loaded with more of their flavorless acidic sauce. Knowing that their Italian dished are not any good I ended up getting the New England Seafood Platter (Trio) ... a handful of clams that were not that great, for very small scallops and two pieces of some kind of cheap white fish and the steak fries were extra greasy. $18.95 was a rip-off for that plate. Bathrooms were dated and not clean, server was clueless about the beer list and she could not handle our table of 12 ... she at the time only had one other table. Don't go here ...
(1)
Paul P.
They should not even call themselves an italian restaurant! The chicken masala was awful. It seemed more "prepared" than made to order including having canned mushrooms. In the italian family i grew up in, marsala was served over pasta, this was served seperate in a plate and pasta was served on the side with what tasted like a canned tomato sauce. The fried haddock sandwich was tastless. I had gone to this restaurant while growing up, it was very good many years ago, but it seems the last few times i have gone to the restaurant it has gone by the wayside.
(2)
Gita N.
Disappointing! The food was very mediocre and expensive too. There's a pretty side and an ugly side to the restaurant, make sure you sit on the pretty side! The house wine is pretty good but very disappointing vegetarian choices.... I even got charged extra for asking for mushrooms when I wasn't even having meat.
(1)
Matt S.
A great local place not far from the airport. The food here is consistently good and you cant beat there prices. This is a great place to grab a quick dinner at the bar. Paul and Rebecca are both outstanding bartenders and the local crowd is friendly. This place is open til 2am and can get very busy with the late night airport crowd.
(4)
Mike D.
I just ate here for the first and last time. The service was fine but it didn't make up for the food. I had linguine with white clam sauce. The overcooked pasta was drowning in tasteless oil. A few clams were tossed on top. My girlfriend had chicken piccata. It came with canned mushrooms. Yuck! This place is worse than Olive Garden. There are too many good Italian restaurants in Boston to waste your money here. Stay away.
(1)
Scott S.
East Boston Italian. This is near the airport and surrounded by crash pads so it's popular with crews, and for good reason. The service is always attentive, the food is fresh and reasonably priced. If you like ravioli I highly recommend it. If you're a big salad person, try the pasta. I make it a point to eat here when I'm in Boston, if I actually lived here I could see being a very regular customer.
(4)
GINGER C.
Jevelis Restaurant, is The Best Italian Restaurant, to Enjoy Yourself, and have a Great Dinner, Anytime of the Week, or Weekend, Day or Evening! I Love going There! The Food is Excellent, and the Staff are Wonderful, Prices are Reasonable! I would tell your Family, and Friends, to, Go There, and have an Enjoyable Meal, and Nice Quiet Atmosphere! This was also My DAD'S, Favorite Place, too!
(5)
Vincent T.
Eastie has changed a lot in my 10 yrs away... Jeveli's stays the same.. Parking is very limited. Decor is nice inside, and as others have said, it's definitely not touristy... lots of locals, and a few people from the airport who are there on break or have probably got there via recommendation.. Wait staff brings over a nice warm twist loaf of bread, with butter... very nice.. I ordered the chicken marsala... nice sweet flavor, lots of mushrooms.. tender chicken medallions.. I've been here a few times... food is pretty good...not great... but a good homestyle meal at a reasonable price... definitely not your fancy/shmancy type place... Menu is fairly extensive, with lots of classic Italian favorites..
(3)
Miss T.
Everyone I know raves about this place but HONESTLY ITS OK! The Front Desk older woman, where to begin with her not someone that should be the first impression for Jeveli's. A gentleman tried to assist us with seating and she was bossy and her personality unpleasant. Then a cig and lighter sitting there on the desk. Not sure why the other room wasn't opened on Valentines Day. Our waitress (younger girl / dark hair) was very pleasant and always there when we need something. The escargo was cook to perfection EXCEPT drenched in garlic & butter. Sautee means to cook food quickly and lightly in a little butter, oil, or fat. My entree potatoe gnocchi overcooked & mushy. The creamy pesto sauce it wasn't!! Ya, what I got was far from that drenched in butter as well. See the pic. The fresh warm bread was excellent.
(3)
Joshua B.
Old fashioned, Italian food that your grandmother could have made. The spaghetti and meatballs was excellent! My friends got the lasagne and fettuccine Alfredo. They were just as enthusiastic. The service was excellent and the homey atmosphere makes this a place I would definitely recommend!
(5)
lindsey s.
We frequent Jeveli's and typically have a pleasant experience. The foods consistently great. So if you're looking for great Italian, go. However be prepared for subpar service. After almost walking out after we were left sitting at the table for 15 minutes with zero acknowledgement I asked the hostess of we had a waitress. She looked shocked and said she would send someone over. I want to note the restaurant was nearly empty, there were at least 10 servers milling around eating food, talking loudly about personal issues, and sitting at tables on their phones. I heard our waitress yell she didn't know she had a table and rushed over without an apology or acknowledgment of leaving us sitting there. After our food came there was no check to see how it was and we were left the entire meal without water refills and empty drinks. She proceeded to sit down and eat a full meal with her boyfriend a few tables over. I've been a server for 7 years in a casual bar and would never act with such crassness and unprofessionalism. I get it, you're dead slow on a Saturday...then maybe management should be letting staff go home so you don't have more servers then patrons sitting around doing absolutely nothing. We still tipped 20% because as a server I feel bad tipping less. I hope management understands you don't have to be a fine dining establishment to give great and professional service. We will stick to the lounge area next time.
(2)
Erinire A.
Not saying this place is gourmet, but I do love the atmosphere at Terminal J. It's a great place to chill out with a Bud and people watch. Play some Keno, scratch some lotto, and have a chicken parm sandwich. The waitstaff is courteous and prompt, with that hard-bitten edge you sometimes find on the North Shore, and whether you order a cup of soup or a 3-course meal they're there on the spot to get you another drink or more bread. Great on a rainy Sunday evening, and there's not a whole lot of places like that.
(3)
Jack K.
If you like claret sauce with your spumoni this is place. While the sauce has a hint of chocolate it is still claret flavored. Very few restaurants in the area offer you this combination . Baked ziti with mozzarella is excellent. Veal picatta is excellent without breaking along with mushrooms, garlic and lemon flavored sauce. Just what you will expect in a local Italian restaurant. Been attending for 20 years.
(4)
Nathaniel P.
Very good traditional family-owned, family-operated and family-friendly Italian restaurant in East Boston. 20 years ago East Boston was nearly 100% Italian, now it is nearly 100% Latin (as in South and Central America, not as in the Latin Mass.) Some of the best Latin food can be found in East Boston, and it is worth the trip there just for that. But if you're coming home from Logan and want to stop off with the family at a Boston landmark that has not lost its original character, or just want the have Italian food the way you remember it as a kid (not as nouvelle cuisine) then it is a great choice.
(4)
Michelle C.
Grew up in Eastie (Born and Raised) We ate at Jeveli's at least 2x a month. Loved it then and Love it now. Love the braided roll. Always ask for a second one to dunk in my main entree. Their antipasto platter is a bargain for what the provide. OMG The mozz sticks are average but the buffalo wings are crispy and nicely seasoned. Bruschetta is the best on that delish braided roll!! As for the entreees? As a child, I always got the chicken parm sandwich. As an adult, it's the Veal Marsala. The veal is thin thin and tender. The marsala sauce is perfect. not too greasy. The slivers of ham and diced sauteed onion are also stars in their own right! I order my ziti on the side with their (delectable and delicious) red sauce (GRAVY if you're from EASTIE) The macaroni is al dente, lots of grated cheese available. The servers are awesome. I adore Alison. And the busboy knows us by name, always has our extra bread and packs are leftovers (which are always plentiful) just how we like them. This is our go-to family owned fave place! My husband worked here in the 80's as a dishwasher and still recognizes some of the faces that frequent the bar! There is a reason this place is East Boston's OLDEST Italian restaurant! It's the bestest!
(5)
Robert A.
My family just got back from another dinner at Jeveli's. First let me say our food was great and the price is right. However, this will be the last time we eat there. Tonight, we witnessed a manger/head waitress/ bar tender eviscerate a younger waitress in front of everyone. The young women, made an error with another tables order. Mistakes happen. The manager made it seem like it was the end of the the world. In front of many happy dinners, she brought the young employee to tears. Then told her she was done, and that she was sit at and empty table until it was time for her to go home. Eventually making her cash out and sending her home. What was a festive dinner, turned sour fast. Over the hour we were there, she kept at her. Other staff would sneak in a pep talk to her. I overheard her tell her superior that she made the mistake because her mind was off due to the result of asking for a divorce from her husband earlier that day. Awful. Interestingly this was the manger/head waitress/ bar tender extraordinaire w who gave us terrible service one night last year. Myself and 5 other friends had packed into the Terminal J lounge. We order drinks with her, and 20 minuets later nothing. She was no ware to be found. So we had to hunt for her. We found her sprawled out on the bench near the restaurant entrance . Just sitting there like a fat lump on a log. We left. What she did tonight was unprofessional and awful. It really ruined a great meal. We will not be back. R-
(1)
Anita C.
Went in today and had lunch with my 89 year old mom. The food was fantastic and we ended up taking leftovers home, so I can enjoy it again another day. The waitress was very attentive and also very pleasant. I have not been there for a very long time since moving out of East Boston, but there will definitely be another road trip in the very near future.
(4)
North Girl M.
Hole in the wall but clean. If you are dining in the bar, you can be assured of any Boston based sporting event on the five TVs. Your company will be locals who are colorful, likely old school and working class. Super nice, honest waitresses that will tell you if something is good or not. Crab cakes were just ok but Caesar salad was good. Fresh bread is standard and do NOT miss the cannoli even if you have to take it to go (be prepared for a small charge for supplies). Pasta all around me looked outstanding and clearly, what I should have ordered. Prices are as expected.
(4)
b w.
Really bad food, across the table. Not even "decent for the pricepoint". Friendly staff & and nice rooms, but a restaurant can't do with really bad food.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Daren B.
Good food. Very nice staff.Worth the visit.
(4)Tasty Bee Review S.
Nice wait staff but this place is way overrated by locals. Food looks like it was bought frozen then reheated for serving to us. Salads look beat up and bread is of the cheapest variety. Nothing special. Come here as a last resort versus a lot better food nearby.
(2)Jim H.
This is a two in one. A dining room plus a separate bar/dining. Good food. The bread was just so so and keeps me from giving the fifth star. Don't get me wrong, I'll go back and just avoid eating the bread.
(4)Phebe S.
Although this is an Italian restaurant, in attitude it's actually closer to a diner than almost (I haven't been to South Street in many years) anything you will find in downtown Boston. The bartenders are wonderful (@ 11 p.m.: What do you mean you're leaving? Don't you known we're open until 2 a.m.?) every night of the week, and may well call you "hon". The wings are great, and this is a really pleasant place to watch football. They put the sound on for the Pat's games at the bar and no one talks over it too much. As with anywhere in Eastie, if you sit at the bar, particularly alone, you will make some random friends, whether you feel like it or not. I go here regularly. Oh, and there's a cheapgoodbigpizza (CGBP).
(4)Jason B.
I asked the bartender about the origin of the "Terminal J" lounge thing. Apparently before it was actually called that, airport announcers would say, over the loudspeaker that employee meetings would take place at such-and-such a time at "Terminal J." I asked him if they sold any Terminal J pint glasses, and he gave me one from behind the bar for free. Jeveli's is one of three things I miss about Beastie.
(4)Aimee P.
Jeveli's is my home away from home. Jeveli's is my Cheers. Jeveli's is my jam. After a long hard day of working at the airport, heading to Jeveli's to sit and have a drink (alright....several drinks) with your friends and co-workers is one of the best things ever. It's right near the airport so it's the most convenient place for everyone to meet after work. Paul and Sandy are both amazing bartenders. Sandy makes a mean Cosmo. They are both so friendly and take care of you, especially when you are a regular. I feel like I'm never here in time for real food but they serve appetizers into the wee hours of the night and the apps are all AMAZING. The pizza is so cheesy and perfect and the potato skins are perfect drunk food. Also, they have Blue Moon on tap which is a major plus for me.
(5)Kristen B.
Decent food, but by far has my favorite Chicken Parm. Nothing fancy, just great tomoato sauce and a huge piece of chicken. Definitely a staple in my book :)
(4)Ruth A.
Reviewing only places that are memorable & made a great impression, I have to say Jeveli's is one of the most memorable of all ! Even though years have passed, I will never forget this little place for it's most outstandingly wonderful Lasagne ! I had no idea what to expect of this little place near the airport, but when they presented us with their Homemade Baked Lasagne, my impression of Italian food changed forever ! Looking like a tower of "cheesecake," it was impressive enough.... turns out it was a big slice of pure heaven ! Must have been made with at least four kinds of cheese, all fluffy, exquisitely tasty, and in good prominence over the meat, sauce, and noodles. All the "players" worked together flawlessly, providing outstanding flavor, smooth delicate texture, savory aroma, and a beautiful feast for the eyes as well as the palette ! If ever in Boston or traveling via the Logan Airport, be sure to stop in, and if you can... please get the recipe for this fantastic slice of Italy !!
(4)Paula B.
Came here for my brother's birthday with his family and my husband. My brother and I come here for the stuffed calamari which last night was cooked perfectly. Last time i came it was over cooked and rubbery. The dish was missing a good portion of the little squids so I was alittle disappointed but it was still great. So it can be hit or miss. My niece and sister in law had the eggplant parm and couldn't even eat it because the breading was full of grease. The results on that dish was a surprise to everyone at the table. I told them to send it back but they refused. They both did not touch their plates. Such a waste. The spumoni ice cream with the best claret sauce was old school italian that you just can't find too many places. My only complaint and it's a big one is the salad is prepared ahead of time and is served ice cold. So cold that you can't even taste the flavor of the salad and the tomatoes were dried out because the dish was probably sitting there forever. Then they serve the dressing in a plastic cup on the side. Just very unappealing. Please toss your salads jevelis to order! Parking is difficult and the place needs to be updated because even though it is clean it appears dirty because it's so so dated. Why don't alot of old businesses understand they need spruce up and maintain after so many years. It boggles my mind how they don't know that the investment would help them make MORE money. I like jevelis because I don't have to go to the North End and the prices are better too. I just wish they would get rid of the weaknesses they have so that the diner's experience is a confident consistent one.
(3)Melissa M.
I've died and gone to heaven. Food heaven. Oh. my. God. I am almost in tears as I write this delicious review of Jeveli's in East Boston. I am almost in tears because I wish I was sitting in their dining room right now with another dinner of broiled haddock and steak fries. Yeah, it's 9:52am on a Saturday and I want some haddock. Let me set the scene for you. Last night, my fiance and I drove my sister to Logan airport for her flight to Virginia (SPRING BREAK for her). I was jealous that she was escaping the cruel Boston winter for a while. March is an evil month. So, to make this ride to Logan a win-win for everyone, I decided to take it upon myself to find a place to eat. I consulted the wonderful reviews on yelp.com and the fiance and I agreed that Jeveli's is where we would dine. So, we drive her on Friday night in a slow traffic crawl to Logan. Bid her adieu and in 4 minutes we pull into a parking space on Chelsea Street in Eastie. Can, I call it Eastie? I like to. So, we exit the car, and cross the street to Jeveli's. I was looking forward to our visit to Jeveli's all week . Why you ask? 1.) Because it's a new place for me to YELP 2.) Because it's in an unfamiliar neighborhood to me and I needed something new in my life. 3.) It's old school Italian food, and you bet, I was salivating while I read the menu online all week. 4.) Jeveli's fit the bill. So, we walk in and there is an empty podium for the hostess, a pair of glasses, a lipstick tube sans top and pieces of paper with some times written down. It kind of looked like a setting for a play. I have no idea why, but that's what it reminded me of. They have lots of old pictures on the wall. I really like the picture of the bar from the 1930s (?) it was a beautiful looking bar that had sawdust on the floor. The hostess saw us and grabbed two menus. I was thinking that we'd have to wait, but we did not. We sat down and before we even sat down, we had bread and water that almost magically appeared in front of us. Well, our waiter brought it by and he was very speedy with the drink orders. A club soda for Bill, a Pellegrino for me (no booze, gave it up for "Lent"). The bread is a braided loaf with sesame seeds. I love this stuff. A dish full of little butter awaited us. I ate about 75% of the loaf before we even placed the order. We got escargot for the appetizer. I never have had these delicate little snails. I tried one, it was sauteed in an olive oil/garlic sauce. This little delectable beauty was in a word, delicious. I had a few more. They serve salad w/ the main course and it's just a typical salad. It clearly came from a bag (because for one, I could see the kitchen from where we sitting and second, I saw the bags of ensalade). But, it was crisp, they forgot onions (I was not complainin' about that, I hate onions in my salad) and they topped it nicely with my favorite dressing, Thousand Island. Then, it was time for the main course. Bill got clams in a garlic sauce. He loved it. I got my haddock and steak fries. Let me tell you, I'm usually wary of ordering fries in restaurants. Some places DO NOT know how to make them. These were just as I wanted, golden in color, lots of soft potato inside and just the right amount of crispness on the outside. Room temperature Heinz ketchup, too. I guess I'm easy to please. The grand total was $41 bucks and change. Such an inexpensive price for a five star meal. I really felt taken care of at Jeveli's. Our, waiter was genuine, sweet, kind, and really seemed to take his job seriously, with pride and an easy smile. They don't make waiters like that anymore, I thought. He checked in with us twice during the meal. When we were done (we ate everything), he came back and said, "Nice job, guys." Jeveli's, a little part of Italy in Eastie. We will be back!
(5)Kyle D.
My girlfriend and I came in here on a Sunday. It was not very busy and was mostly older folks. My personal opinion is that the interior is WAY too dark and it almost feels like you are stepping back into the 1970's. Also, they were playing a "top 40" music station over the speakers, so that kind of killed the whole Italian atmosphere. I ordered the fettuccine alfredo and my girlfriend ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. The portions were a great size, the gravy on my girlfriend's dish was delicious, and overall the food had great flavor. It seems a bit pricy when first viewing the menu, but keep in mind that a side salad is included with the meal. Now, you may be wondering why I only rated this 2 stars. It's because of the AWFUL service. Despite it being very slow that day, our waitress seemed very rushed in terms of helping us. She would stop by to check on us but would do it while walking by--wouldn't even stop and wait for an answer. Never once asked to refill our drinks. Then we waited about 20+ minutes for the check because she disappeared somewhere. Also, all of the waitresses/waiters were SITTING DOWN in the guest waiting area IN THE FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT and reading magazines/newspapers/gabbing. This included our waitress--we were waiting for drink refills while she was sitting down reading a magazine. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND LAZY. Seems like the staff here needs major retraining on customer service. Despite the food being very good, I will most likely NOT be returning to Jeveli's in the near future.
(2)Dave T.
We visited this afternoon on the way to the airport. Service was prompt and friendly. We had six in our party sp were able to try several items. The BBQ Sausage was large (2 large italian sausages per serving). They were delicious with great grilled flavor. The lamb tips were also very good and cooked perfectly. Shrimp scampi was the standard. Chicken Caesar salad was gigantic with lots ofthe grilled chicken on top. Overall we had great meal. I would go back.
(4)Bill O.
The reason I love Jevelis over any North End eatery is because you won't find tourists in East Boston. Every around you is from the neighborhood and a million animated stories float around you before you're brought to your seat. The menu is classic, with a surprisingly great seafood selection. Jevelis offers one of the best chicken parmigiana dishes in the area, but explore the menu. Bag salads take it down a notch, but they're always cold and served with a crispy hunk of bread. The specials are usually fun and tasty, but the menu itself is already large enough. Waitstaff makes me feel like I'm bring served by my Ma and I love it.
(5)Nicole E.
There was nothing unique about this restaurant. It was your typical Italian joint - but a good Italian joint! The food was great and the service friendly. I would have liked to see some more authentic Italian on the menu and less American Italian - but that's the only complaint I had. My husband had a seafood dish that he said was very good. I had an eggplant parm that was better than most I've had recently. If you're stuck in this part of town and don't want to take the T into Boston, then this is the place to eat.
(4)Jocelyn G.
Good prices, solid food, kitschy decor from the 70s. Its a pretty good place to go for when you just don't feel like cooking. The music threw me off for a few minutes because I wasn't expecting it, but it quickly turned into a game of trying to identify the song and musical that it was from (we heard Phantom, Send in the Clowns, HELP!, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). The portions are decent sized, but Carmen's has a bit better taste and a lot more on your plate.
(3)Yelp Z.
My husband took me here when we were dating once and then we started going anytime we wanted Santarpio's but it was to cold to wait outside. Now we live on the North Shore and every now and then we look at each other when we're talking about what to do for dinner and one of us will utter "the braided roll". It's almost like a whisper. Jeveli's is usually bustling. Busy but not so bad you couldn't get sat within 5 minutes. Especially if you're a party of 2. The waitstaff always entertain me. They either have really broken English or are your stereotypical East Boston guido with a part time weekend job...it's like being in a movie. Really though, the food is the best. No need to try to park in the North end, just come and grab a spot out front - order whatever you feel on the menu - all is amazing. We've had chicken parms, homemade pastas, thick red sauce (super plentiful), saus-eege, meata-balls, fish, steaks, appetizers, fried things, sauted things, cannolli's, tiramisu, salad with the house dressing (of course) and dear god...THE BRAIDED ROLL. Hot with lots of butter pats.
(5)Anne B.
Growing up in Winthrop, my family came here often. My parents and brother's idea of a good restaurant is good food, large portions, fast service, inexpensive, nice waitstaff and "on this side of the tunnel." It was a favorite for many, many years Over time, it fell off our favorite list as the food slipped a little bit and it was getting a bit sad looking inside. My dad never lost faith though. Now that mom is gone, we've been back a few times with dad. Great memories and I'm happy to say it's now back on our regular rotation of dining spots. It's my dad's 82nd birthday today and we'll be going to Jeveli's.
(4)David L.
Food is good and atmosphere is even better if you're into lounge type of restaurant settings
(3)Pat P.
Great service, great value, I'm not going to say I've never been disappointed, but Jevelis has been pretty consistent. This is an older place, could use a little facelift maybe, but always clean. Some favorites are the lamb tips, lasagna, the fish lovers in the family swear by the baked haddock and scallops.
(4)Joe A.
Came back for late night drinking. How do you mess up wings & potato skins. I gave this place a second and third chance on the food. Do yourself a favor and eat before you go. However they are open til 2am for the late night drinking, which is a plus in this area.
(3)Heath M.
I'm here to tell you, Jevelis broke my heart. Years ago, when I first moved to Eastie I brought my parents there. Dad got the sausage cacciatore, Mom got lasagna and I got veal parm. It was delicious, the portions were huge, the waitress was fun and best of all, we left full and happy. Mom and Dad figured that maybe East Boston was a pretty good neighborhood. At least I'd eat good. I fell in love and since it didn't break the bank, I decided I'd eat there at least a few times a month. Over time though, the food and the service got progressively worse. Eating there in daylight exposes the dingyness of the main dining room. I largely forgave that until the cuisine started to look equally forelorn. The pasta's often served watery and overcooked. The veal is often tough (come on guys, beat that baby cow into submission!) and don't even bother with the dessert (when they aren't out of your selection anyway). You're better off crossing the street to Spinelli's for that. Sure, Jeveli's is an East Boston institution -- it's just a shame it's going downhill at bobsled speed. I think the restaurant's status in the neighborhood has led to complacency and with so many better Italian options in the neighborhood (Mario's and Rino's for example), I'd sooner fork over the extra cash and frequent them. The Logan employees can have this place.
(2)Lindsay B.
I heard great things about this place, so I was excited to try it out when I moved to Eastie in April. I was really disappointed. My boyfriend and I went for an early dinner on a Sunday. The place was empty. We had salads to start, and it was typical iceberg lettuce that had been prepared for hours and flopped on the plate. I ordered the chicken marsala, which was more the consistency of soup than sauce. And it didn't taste great either. The potatoes that were served with it had way too much oil on them. Not impressed. My boyfriend said his chicken (or veal?) parm was just okay but he agreed he wouldn't want to come again. I could overlook the dingy outdated atmosphere if the food were good, but it wasn't...
(2)Wayne D.
Italian at it's best, or not-so best? Jeveli's in Eastie takes Italian fare to the next level without the modern enhancements such as fashionable decor and swanky Chianti. Here you will find the old-school Italians. You know who I am talking about right? C'mon, you know, the old Italian ladies sipping on white zinfandel while their husbands sit in the corner watching the keno screen spit out numbers while they sip on amaretto and sambuca. :-) Mangia! Mangia! I can still here my mother pounding her fist on the dining table, which by the way, was so strong from kneeding all her pasta dough by hand and hand-rolling out her special Italian Meatballs. If you're looking for mounds of food without spending mounds of cash you should certainly take the trip to Day square and visit Jeveli's. They have everything italian on the menu from Scampi to Cacciatori and from parmesan to escarole. I personally recommend the Calamari and the Chicken Marsala. Delicious. See you at the Cohnah, Vinny.
(4)Matt S.
Food was delicious, service was great, and prices were more than reasonable for Boston. The portions are big and the very casual atmosphere at the Lounge makes for a quality meal.
(4)Victoria J.
Oh Terminal J. How many times have I had one too many after work. Oh Terminal J. How have I eaten way too many of your ridiculous nachos, your buffalo chicken fingers, your fries, and your Antipasto, all in one sitting, in a drunken stupor after work. And then felt bloated for the rest of the week. I have seen everyone here that I see on the Chelsea bus on the way to work from the garage. Drunk, and seemingly a lot happier than 10 hours before. TSA, JetBlue, American Airlines, United, Swissport, ServisAir. No more labels, just all drunken fools commiserating how much the airport sucks and how much we really all hate our passengers. Christ, I've seen my boss doing shots and ripping mad butts here. Yes, Terminal J loves Keno. It's like a different dimension. Twilight Zone. And I kind of love it.
(4)Eric I.
This used to be my family's go to for special occasions and big nights out when I was little. And I probably hadn't been there since but decided to try it again. Good Italian food with big portions for a good price. You don't have to fight crowds of tourists and no parking like in the North End. So if you're looking for good Italian food with no hassles this is worth checking out. Hey, even Mumbles Menino loves this place. Hint: You can find some of the best Italian food in East Boston.
(4)lauralee s.
Recently went here with the boy and his parents. Yum. The prices on the menu seemed reasonable and relatively inexpensive. Then I got my food. A HUGE plate of sausage and peppers. I was in awe of it's largeness, then unbeknownst to me, the dish didn't have any pasta in it. The server set another HUGE bowl of pasta down next to me and said, "This is for you." I looked surprised and dug into my dish. Yup, no pasta. Two more meals later, I was finally at the bottom of all that food. It was rich and authentic tasting. We all enjoyed our meals, the boys making themselves sick by trying to eat every bite and then the parents payed the completely worth it bill. Ps. The decor would be cute and kitschy if the wood paneling came down, but get over it, you aren't eating the decor.
(4)Jennafir E.
I give this place a five, but unless you're close to East Boston it's a drive. I'd take one away but I can't refuse to take one away because of that. We went with family a few times, who go everytime they're in Boston. The app's can be missed, the portions are massive. The bread is always warm and delicious, the desserts are yummy. The service isn't the best, but then the food makes up for it. Go, who can resist sitting in the presidents oval office? yes, thats right, they have a white house room there.
(5)Leighann F.
This joint is neighborhood bar to the nines. In the heart of East Boston, Jeveli's is an old-school bar/restaurant/lounge scene inhabited by the locals. No need to get fancy. No need to worry about much! Just come as you are and the sweet-as-pie waitress will call you "hun" and bring your beers right quick. It being late and wanting to try someplace new Jeveli's fit the bill of requirements that evening: cheap, quick, low key and late-closing kitchen. Though the 'dining room' was closed, they quickly referred us to the Terminal J lounge, connected to the dining room by a small hallway. The food itself is better than average pub fair, mixed with some Italian specialties, mixed with some Italian basics. We went with the spicy buffalo wings and the veal parm sandwich, paired with two Sam winters. The entire meal cost us $30 wit tips...but if we'd had beat the odds and cashed in on the Keno games we played, we could off gotten the meal at nearly half off! Yes. They have Keno. Yes, we played. When in Rome...
(3)Mike D.
Ok here is what i dont get.. Back in the 90's president clinton came to boston and this is where he decided to eat. Now, this should be pretty valuable. I grew up eating jevili's so I have over 20 years of experience there. The seafood is always fresh. The meat is sometimes over cooked. The sausages are phenomenal. The bread is outstanding. The ordianary italian is what you would expect for comfort food. The food it moderately priced., and honestly a good bang for your buck.
(3)Tony C.
As everyone said local place i enjoy it here tho come at least once a month. Staff knows everyone here you walk in see old friends etc. Start you off with fresh hot bread and butter get a salad very good. I for one ALWAYS get the Chicken Marcella thats the best dish. They have great Veal parm/chix parm aswell. Parking is hard only compliant but i cant complain im used to it lol
(5)Joel L.
Having had takeout several times and never dissapointed with the food,I thought I would take my family here before they went to see Dirty Dancing in Boston. Everyone loved their food, Great soups,salads and an orgasmic Lobster pie. The Chix N Brocolli Scampi is HUGE and delicous too I went with 4 women and they RAVED at how good the food was. Check it out
(5)Scott P.
Jeveli's was highly recommended by several people at Signature Flight Services... I loved the Chicken Parm, sometimes places just can't make good parm, but Jeveli's was great! Of course, my co-worker and I got a kick out of the interior and the friendly staff... they call everyone "Hun", which I always think is cute and quaint... but done with the right amount of sincerity!
(3)Ryan P.
This place was good. We had the Chicken Parm and the Sausage and Lamb Plate. Starter salads were excellent in a middle class family style Italian joint kind of way. Portion sizes were large. Italian food was good and the beer and wine were affordable. Go to the J Lounge side, and get better prices. Hidden gem!
(3)Marc L.
If I remember correctly, they claimed to be Boston's oldest Italian restaurant. I don't know how they stay in business! We were stuck near the airport, and needed somewhere close. The bellman at the hotel recommended this place. I thought a simple pasta dish should be safe, so ordered cheese ravioli with meat sauce. The ravioli were very heavy, definitely not homemade, and I could only bring myself to eat a few of them (the overcooked, greasy red sauce was no help). My wife had a scallop & shrimp broil, with which she was very disappointed. So much so that she sent it back. Bummer, because it was her birthday. I think it is safe to say everything we were served was in the freezer when we ordered it (not only because of how it looked and tasted, but because it took over 45 minutes for us to get our food, and the place was not busy). The whole experience made me think of that show on the cooking channel where they need to shut the place down for a while and get a complete overhaul of menu and management ... . (I gave it the second star only because our server seemed nice enough, even though she was not particularly attentive, and forgot to bring us things we asked for). Sorry Jeveli's, I don't normally write reviews, but I think of this as more of a public warning than a restaurant review!
(2)Omar E.
Jason B and Julia F's reviews are pretty accurate. Jeveli's is standard Italian-American fare, but done right. Bar area is definitely the best place. Service can be really rude or really friendly, depending on who you catch and what kinda mood they're in, but you don't go eatin in Eastie for great service, you go to get a bellyfull cheap and you likely live there. I have good memories of the place, and hope they're around for a long time to come. The antipasto plate is great, but be warned, if you're gonna do a true antipasto and eat it as an appetizer, you better have a huge appetite or have at least one other person dining with you. If you can finish the antipasto plate and the bread and the salad and the Chicken Parm and you're not stoned or wrecked outta your mind-- all respect.
(4)Carlo S.
Jeveli's is very good but doesn't compare to that of Rino's (Saratoga St.). Their meats are very tasty and tender. Their service is with a smile and without question they are quick to bring out your food. For the price, its awesome! Then again, you can go to Rinos and for $5-$10 more, your portion sizes are bigger and the sauce is tastier!!!!! Bottom line, if you are looking for cheap but good (but not great) Italian food, go here to Jeveli's.
(4)J J.
Not great, not too bad. People in Boston rave about this place. I'm not very impressed. Service is Great though.
(4)David A.
This is supposedly the oldest Italian restaurant in Boston, it is a fine choice but you can do a lot better in East Boston (Rino's- the best choice but you will also have to wait awhile for a table, Kelly's Square Pub the best combo of quality, value and quantity and Ecco which has the most sophisticated vibe). I have eaten here twice in the last year once for lunch and once for dinner, both times the meal was fine but it wasn't memorable and I did not have any leftovers to take home either time (this would never happen at Kelly's). I had the veal Marsala for lunch- small portions, veal was pretty good but nothing spectacular. It came with a salad and side of pasta, both okay but nothing great. I also tried the Italian wedding soup which was fine. For dinner I tried the grilled sausage and lamb- they were both pretty good especially the lamb. My wife had the manicotti, which were fine but were not a huge portion (at Kelly's you get easily double the amount). They have a good selection of wine- the house burgundy is just fine and the pinot grigio was pretty good. The value you got is pretty good, but you will most likely not have any leftovers I know I am in the minority but I do like the ambiance, there is the White House room which has many pictures of former presidents the main dining room which is very old school. They have a bar called the J Lounge which is pretty nice. Overall this place is fine but unremarkable, I would recommend going to Kelly's pub over this spot since the portions are considerably bigger and they have specials which change every day.
(3)Austin g.
I'll give it one star because the bread was good and the server was great- but everything else was awful. There were 7 of us and only one person liked their meal. I had the steamed mussels for an appetizer and then shrimp scampi for dinner. They were both in the same no taste, oily sauce. The seafood didn't taste right either. I had 2 bites of my meal and then gave up and just ate more bread. Maybe it was an off day in the kitchen but won't be going back to find out.
(1)Julia F.
My dad always brought myself and and my sisters here when we we were young. I love this place, if I had to guess it's 60% fond memories, 40% they finally fixed it up and now I kind of want to go whenever I'm on that side of the tunnel. I love the chicken parm, the ravioli too. I had the chicken caesar salad last time I was there, and it was not so good. I would definitely suggest staying with pasta dishes, or meat dishes. Those are probably gonna go over better. The bread they give you is soft and warm and mildly addictive. They make really good meatballs... If keno is your thing, this is the place to go. If you wanna watch the game, I dare you to find a seat where you can't see one of the flat screen tvs.
(4)Caroline D.
a hidden gem... only 30 seconds from my humble abode!! im so lucky i dont think there is anything on the menu i dont like. their baked stuffed haddock, chicken parm, and marinated steak tips... mmmmmmm. i even love the garden salad because it hits the spot and its not all fancy smancy. tiramisu = cloud 9. before my grandfather passed, i would go there at least 3x/wek in the lounge for a glass of wine and a few games of keno.. the waitresses (esp in the lounge) are just wonderful. if im not at a family function at near-by spinellis, im at a function here. its great food for a great price... i want to lick my plate when im done. if i can finish my plate. this place has been around and there is a good reason why
(4)Jaclyn P.
Boston's Oldest Italian Restaurant. Went here with friends who grew up going to the place. My fettucine alfredo was pretty good and my husband said his Ravioli was ok. My friends had the Chicken Parm and loved it. The decor is straight out of the 70's and I loved it, I felt like I was back in the 70's (yeah, I lived for two years in the 70's and rocked every minute of it). The only downside of this place is that the women's bathroom was right by our table and it only has one stall. Who puts just one stall in a woman's bathroom? Also, who puts only one stall in a women's bathroom in a Italian restaurant? Good place if you have the time.
(4)Mike M.
Nice place. Glad to hear the New England accent again. Stopped in for lunch. Ordered stuffed calamari with salad. Very good. Nice gravy to. Salad typical. Bread was great. My FO ordered the shrimp scampi w/ brocolli which look very nice as well. Iced tea was a little bitter. Overall, good Italian and nice atmosphere.
(3)Anonymous I.
I went here about a week ago and it was really good. They have updated the restaurant with a waiting area and new booths. The menu is bigger now with great daily specials. They still serve that delicious warm bread. I totally recommend it!
(5)Russ S.
Set out looking for a seafood place, couldn't find it, but I did spy what was definitely the busiest place in the East Boston area. I skipped the restaurant, sat the Terminal J Lounge. All older locals, watching local hockey games and eating well. There's enough HD TV's around to ensure a good view, and Keno action to boot. Decent menu selection, and very affordable prices. I ordered a double lamb tip plate. Yummy bread and a 'default' salad (obviously not the star of the show) arrived speedily. The Lamb was wonderful, but just lamb chunks on a plate. It did arrive with my choice of pasta and some red sauce on it, which was very good as well. Next time I'm in Boston, I will return and wish I had some Italian roots.
(4)Bill M.
It's all been said before, Jeveli's is your standard family Italian restaurant. As the reviews below show I think most of the people who are eating at Jeveli's have been doing so for 30+ years. If anything that show how good the food it. To be honest, I am a creature of habit, so I really have never had anything but the Chicken Parm. It;'s really good.Everyone I know who goes here seems to have their own favorites and sticks to them. Again, as stated before, the staff can be kinda gruff, but I have seen the other extreme too, then being overly friendly, and it's not pretty. :) Jeveli's is a good place for quality food. If you are in the area, stop on by.
(4)Chris M.
Jeveli's the oldest Italian restaurant in Boston! Love it here! they have the best tasting sauce around, and they aren't even in the northend! You get great food for the price, the service is good. The only thing is the parking around the neighborhood.. which can be tough. But once you find a spot it is worth it! I went last week with my wife. I love the manacotti. Soft baked pasta with the ricotta inside and sauce over it. Simple but delicious. The wife had chicken broccoli marsala. also delicious! creamy buttery marsala sauce, to make your mouth water. With the side of pasta.. excellent! I just get the pasta dishes when I come here and they haven't changed, always good. The meatballs need some work... a little too doughy for me. If they where better I would give them 5 stars.
(4)AJ F.
Solid Italian Food!.....Whenever your in Eastie you got to go here or Santarpio's I've frequented Jeveli's numerous times with my family. Never had a bad experience. Food is good, quality is good, service is not bad either. Price is reasonable too!!
(5)Shannon B.
I'm really not a huge fan of "terminal J". I live across the street, so I go there often. Their pasta sauce isn't too flavorful and they overcooked (and practically burned) the steak tips I ordered medium rare. Most of the staff is pretty rude, also. One thing that I love is their cannoli's, they are GREAT!
(3)Paul M.
Set the way back machine for this one. late 70's for this one, I worked at Logan 2nd shift, we would go there for dinner on friday night, always good, can't think of it changing.
(4)Marcus D.
The food is the only reason to come here. The wait staff is very friendly. The bar side is a big airport hangout, so be warned. The dining-room hasn't changed at all, but it's clean and homey. How many times have you sat in a pretentious restaurant that was trying very hard to be the mirror-image of Versailles, succeeded wonderfully, and the cuisine is unedible? Yeah, I thought so - too many times to count. I've come here with and without my family since I was a very young lad - my mom and aunt used to waitress here back in the 70's - probably the last time the place saw a facelift (wish I could say that about ma and auntie: I kid, I kid!). The lunch and dinner specials are excellent - I have never had a bad meal here. I would definitely take people from out of town here and avoid the tourist traps in the North End and Fanueil Hall - at least parking is easy and free.
(4)D M.
The best Italian-American cuisine. This is indeed a throwback to another era. It's casual and affordable for a family. The food is very good quality and I have always found the red sauce to be thick and rich and never oily. I can honestly say the meatballs are the best I have ever had. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that I haven't tried everything on the menu. The portions are big (but not overly huge). The price is right. I've read the other reviews and I have to say it all depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a neighborhood restaurant that serves excellent Italian-American food for a reasonable price, go to Jeveli's. If you want to spend a wad of cash on something trendy, you can go to today's North End. Also, I have to say that the waitstaff is great and very efficient.
(4)Dave V.
Great prices. You get what you pay for. Poor quality and lackluster service.
(2)Ulli K.
Probably more stars than just 3, but I didn't really love the ambience....big dining room, tacky decor...a bit...but the food was good (HUGE portions). So, definitely a great place to get a good meal, not a place for a date or so.
(3)Heidi O.
Went here last night and chosed to sit in the lounge (Terminal J) rather than the a little too-well-lit dining room. We got menues right away and the waitress quickly asked us our drink order. I ordered a cranberry vodka which was on the light side but the bottle of Chianti was good. Wine-list and food menu overall sparse and simple but ordering the antipasto plate really hit the spot. It was a fresh and generous mix of mozarella, tomatoes, artichokes, roasted red peppers, prosciutto, salami, olives and mushrooms with a oil-vinaigrette on the side. Also the escargots drowning in aromatic garlic-butter were delicious. Veal Marsala was tender and nicely flavored. Unlike most other Italian places, Jeveli's lets their simple ingredients speak for themselves. This food is what most good food is based on. Simple quality ingredients, simple preparation and no fuzz or wannabe-attempts. Our waitress was perfect: polite, attentive to details, efficient and service-minded. She also sensed when we were finished and asks to wrap anything left over or take any plates out of your way. Will definitively return, the best part was the food and service.
(4)Shannon S.
awesome hearty italian-american food. lamb tips are incredible with their oven roasted potatoes. and if they have the baked lobster pie on special, GET IT. it is the most expensive thing they ever sell but it is so worth it. i'm a freak about house salads at italian restaurants, always trying to find the perfect dressing--jeveli's has got it down. there is only one other place where its acceptable to me and that's in dallas. barside is great for hanging out, killing some time, throwing some money to the mass state lottery (KENO!) i became a vegan about 9 months ago but when i go back to visit boston, this is one of the places i will break my diet for. oh, and don't forget to get spumoni for dessert. mmm, spumoni....
(4)Jen M.
I have been to Jeveli's a handful of times. It was introduced to me by a friend and I'm glad she did. When I get a taste for good Italian food but don't feel like paying North End prices, I come here. The last time I went I had the lobster ravioli which was addictive and delicious. The bread is good, but the salad is iceberg lettuce with a couple of mass produced tomatoes. But then again, I really don't go to Jeveli's for the salad. Yeah, the decor is a little dated, but I haven't been disappointed in any of the entrees I've ordered so far.
(4)Paul D.
growing up, this was one of like 8 restaurants my family would hit, and i loved that shit...until 2 years ago when i was food poisoned by a seafood fra diavolo. thats 2 days of my life i wont ever get back.... so fuck them.... heres a tip if your fish stinks dont think over cooking it and throwing it in marinara sauce is an okay thing to do... fucking amateurs....you can really hurt someone- food safety 101
(1)Amy C.
Jeveli's is a bit of a throw-back, but a pleasant one. The food was good Italian food, the ambiance was bright and dated, the service was friendly and no frills. We started with the scallops wrapped in bacon (the order included 7). The bacon was very crisp so I was worried that the scallops would be dry and over cooked, but they weren't. They were delicious! We also had the stuffed mushrooms (12) which were garlicky and excellent. We went on a Saturday night with an elderly couple who love Prime Rib, which is available on Saturdays only. The restaurant allows splitting of meals for a $2 charge, which the older couple took advantage of and still they took some home. They said the prime rib was excellent. I had veal piccata (4 veal pieces) which was very good. I didn't want any pasta, so they brought me two vegetable servings! I tasted the lasagna which was good - full of light, fluffy cheese and a generous portion. The swordfish looked excellent as well, not dry. The red sauce was very nice, but the linguine looked over cooked. All entrees came with a salad. The dessert menu was not extensive, but we had the tiramisu and the cannoli which were both good. Our server was pleasant although not overly so. This was not a bad thing. The busboy was a bit too eager to clear our plates. Overall, we had a nice dinner and will return whenever we need a good meal in East Boston.
(3)R E.
I enjoyed the tacky decor, antiquated menu, etc. that you would expect at an older family-style Italian restaurant. However, the food is just plain bad. Also, the bartender, who was admittedly in the weeds, was inexcusably gruff. Great place for grabbing a few beers, but there are several other options for Italian food at the same price.
(2)Diane H.
Wow, this is one of my favorite places to get lobster ravioli. The price is decent and they give real chunks of lobster and a good portion too! Definitely don't want to share...but oh well! It's kinda of a local/divey pub/restaurant-- i guess the dining room is different but i always sit at the bar side for some reason. You get a delicious salad with your entree and the bread is to die for! my bf did get this chicken pasta dish that wasn't that good...i guess it depends on what you get..but the ravioli hasn't let me down yet!
(5)Valerie L.
Chicken escarole soup- excellent! Warm bread-excellent! Meatballs- meh. :( Red Sauce: meh :( Lobster Ravioli: Delicious! Shrimp & Fresh Asparagus over linguini: Fair :( The shrimp were overcooked, tough, and small. The asparagus was overcooked. Way too much linguini for the (small) portion of shrimp & asparagus. I'd go back, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
(3)Alexa R.
This local dive is a regional favorite BUT don't you think that you can wear a leather vest in here and get exceptional service. Supposedly they have amazing food and locals love it! The interior looks like something straight outta Goodfellas (I bet everyone thinks that's a compliment. It's not.) Edit: They reprimanded me for taking my shirt off. You must NEVER EVER take Ur shirt off in this Bar. Even if you are on fire. Stop. Drop. And Roll. Also there is no music playing inside. Terminal J does not live up to the hype. Well actually they do have good pizza.
(2)Tan Q.
4 of us dropped in for donner on a wednessay night. The spacious yet cozy dining room had 3 other tables and a large party of 7 arrived as we were leaving. Service was prompt and courteous and the owner was very friendly with the 3 year old, keeping her occupied so I could finish my meal. I really appreciated that and they did not mind her curiously walking around. My clams linguine was very very good - i like a lot of garlic and herbs, so that would be the reason for my 4 stars instead of 5. I found it a bit under seasoned. My dining group memebers ordered a marinara and a alfredo. The alfredo was extremely creamy, over the top. It tasted fine but if you have a hard time digesting dairy, stay the hell away from this one. The marinara was perfect. Overall, a solid beighbourhood gem. Will be back to try more things like the appetizers and the lobster ravioli.
(4)G H.
Always consistent Italian food..had a family gathering tonight..lamb tips..baked haddock...tripe..the best homemade Italian food..the chef even came out and introduced himself..this does not happen at alot of restaurant. .jusr like a good old fashioned Sunday meal..thank you Jeveli`s!!
(5)Joe F.
My dad is extremely old school, and anytime he comes to see me this is where we HAVE TO GO. Apparently, I've been coming here since I was a kid. I am glad he reminded me. Service is great. Very local- "honey", "babe", etc are typically parts of the conversation. Everything is quick and my order has always been accurate. Portions are enormous. My eyes are often bigger than my stomach here. Between my dad and I there are usually enough leftovers for two more meals. Veal part is fantastic, breading is perfect and it's probably among the best I've had. Salads with every meal-- don't order an appetizer or you're going to be too full for supper! Prices are super low for what you get. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a great meal at a good value in Eastie.
(4)John R.
What a treasure in the East End.
(5)Steve P.
Feels like a family dinner, enjoyed everything on the menu. Service was personal, fast and portions were huge. The manicotti is very fresh, the chicken parm filled the plate, but save room for a cannoli. Look past the dated decor, leave the dinner jacket at home and enjoy a night of Italian cooking. Plenty of seating and filled with locals. $ (Courtyard Marriott shuttle will drop off too)
(4)Owen G.
This place is more like a slightly up scale Denny's. The food is very mediocore, which was suprising to me since I had had some delicious Italian food just a few blocks away in East Boston the day before. My place setting didn't have a fork and the stwff member seemed bothered to get me one (when we went the place was pretty empty).
(2)Amy H.
Reading through the other reviews, and yes, your server might disappear for 15 minutes. But if you like to spend your Fridays leisurely splitting a carafe of wine with someone, talking and enjoying gigantic plate of pasta, this is the place for you. The food is good, the servers are pleasant, the atmosphere is laid-back and comfortable. I always leave more relaxed and happy than when I walked in. If you're looking for fast, then this might not be the place for you.
(4)Eric S.
I was out with some friends, and one of us wanted to go get food. We reluctantly went along, but we were glad that we did! We were delightfully surprised at how good the food was! We arrived and my friend started heading for the dining room. Oops! It was closed! But, that's to be expected late at night (~9PM) on a Tuesday night. We took a table up front near the bar. The waitress got us a pitcher of water, menus, and we settled in. The prices looked a bit steep at first, but when the food arrived, we could see why. The portions are HUGE! You get what you pay for and then some! You will have leftovers for 2 meals! They brought out some bread and butter. Now, these aren't your dinky little bread rolls. They brought out two whole loaves of bread. It appeared to be freshly made, and the sesame seeds on top added a delightful nuttiness to the bread. One of my friends ordered the fettuccini alfredo. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. My other friend ordered the chicken parm sandwich. As I said, the portions are huge! You WILL get your leftovers to go! It's just that good! My friend's chicken parm came on a loaf of bread, the same bread that they gave us earlier with butter. I was surprised that my friend could finish it! This restaurant doesn't look like much in a corner of Day Sq, so it's easy to pass by without a second glance, but the food here is incredible, and I will not hesitate to return again!
(5)Elaine K.
Haven't been here in a long while and was pleasantly surprised. The decor was fresh, the food delish and the waitstaff very attentive. I had veal parm with ravioli and Dan had Seafood Maria. Both outstanding.
(5)Kayla T.
Came here with my boyfriend because his friend had suggested it. Instantly loved t. Fresh bread from the oven(my favorite thing ever). The service was extremely friendly. Didn't wait long. He got spaghetti and meatballs. He loved it! I got chicken alfredo which i loved too. Definitely am coming back for more!
(5)John C.
While staying at the Hilton airport hotel we needed dinner, not over priced hotel food. Thank you Yelp! Ignore the old reviews about bad service, obviously they fixed that problem. The lobster ravioli was fantastic. A small cute gem in East Boston.
(5)Donnie G.
The. Best. Gravy. On. The. Planet. Try out the stuffed calamari, the lasagna or the chicken parmesano as well. I've been trying to duplicate that calamari recipe for years and haven't even come close. If you're Italian like me, that's the best compliment you can make - if they make it better than you can make it at home.
(4)Josie K.
The food is homemade Italian, cheap, and delish. The atmosphere is loud, white-trash Irish pub. Full bar, 5$ wine; lots of TVs in the lounge... don't bother wearing your nice jeans in, but great for the times when you just cant be bothered to shower after the gym but wants to gorge. Try the stuffed baked calamari- you are welcome.
(3)Bri D.
Absolutely incredible place. I flew here 53 weeks ago and had been still thinking about it. Needless to say my job put me back here for a day or so, immediate this was the first place I returned too :). Let's start with the atmosphere. It's a bar/restaurant. It's very local/homey feeling. It's very clean. The staff are amazing. The manager Lorenzo and my favorite bartender Paul took such good care of us the first time we were in. They also looked out for me because the first day we were in some of the guys were unwelcomely trying to talk to me. They made sure they left me alone. Fast forward to now, they remembered me and were very happy to have me back! I was on my own this time and they made conversation with me here and there. It made me feel at home once again! Now onto the food.. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G I can't remember exactly what I had the first time except that I kept getting fed with different appetizers. I just remember the bruschetta which is what I started with this time. It was sooooooo good. It's a huge portion and only 7.95. They use buffalo mozzarella on the bread which really makes a difference. I had the eggplant rolletini (which they bake not fry, yay) and the meatballs (which I've had before. They are huge and delicious). I don't think anything could disappoint here. Food, service, atmosphere get way above 5 stars. Other restaurants should definitely take note. I'll be back anytime I make it to Boston again!
(5)John M.
Jevelis is a very good family owned italian restaurant. Great specials and oversized entrees enough to feed a whole family. I had the Haddock Florentine and Crab Cakes. my food was very fresh and perfectly cooked and our waiter was truly seasoned . He brought out the food in a timely manner and was very attentive. I would recommend this restaurant over some of the other highly rated restaurants in the area. You will not be dissapointed.
(5)Harry D.
I am always pleasantly surprised at how good the food tastes here. Never been to the main dining room so the ambiance I'm sure will differ from what i've experienced. Tons of townies, you can tell they're regulars and for a good reason. The waiters are efficient and the food is always great, will be coming here pretty often.
(5)James M.
Two of us had the shrimp scampi and the other two had lasagna. The scampi was average and the lasagna wasn't anything to write home about. However, they had very good service and the staff was very friendly.
(3)Bo F.
The only thing I've never had here is the Prime Rib, with that said, I've never been disappointed. The drinks are cold and food hot, (taps cold use cleaning-flushing more often if I was being objective) don't be confused by 3 stars, in my personal merit system this signifies worthiness of much more.. T.V.'s will always have the local game on. Keno will always be running in the lounge Dining room accommodates the crowd seeking a quiet meal. I'm a local, I eat here 3-5 times a month but I'm not biased. I have many choices and I come often because there's so much I like. Is it an "Italian" restaurant? No, it's a restaurant owned by Italians.. Yes there's a few Italian-American dishes on the menu for those needing to quench their craving for chicken parm, or sausage/meatballs. The prices are FANTASTIC. The grilled menu and seafood are perfect for craving quenching. Could they do better? Sure, but couldn't we all.. This place is wicked worthy of local praise. Very Boston, and open late!!!
(4)Jason A.
This is not what Boston area Italian food is about ... their gravy is acidic and very plain. None of their sauces are put together well. Plates were loaded with oil or fat that separated from the overcooked mozzarella. The Baked Manicotti was a joke, flavorless and loaded with more of their flavorless acidic sauce. Knowing that their Italian dished are not any good I ended up getting the New England Seafood Platter (Trio) ... a handful of clams that were not that great, for very small scallops and two pieces of some kind of cheap white fish and the steak fries were extra greasy. $18.95 was a rip-off for that plate. Bathrooms were dated and not clean, server was clueless about the beer list and she could not handle our table of 12 ... she at the time only had one other table. Don't go here ...
(1)Paul P.
They should not even call themselves an italian restaurant! The chicken masala was awful. It seemed more "prepared" than made to order including having canned mushrooms. In the italian family i grew up in, marsala was served over pasta, this was served seperate in a plate and pasta was served on the side with what tasted like a canned tomato sauce. The fried haddock sandwich was tastless. I had gone to this restaurant while growing up, it was very good many years ago, but it seems the last few times i have gone to the restaurant it has gone by the wayside.
(2)Gita N.
Disappointing! The food was very mediocre and expensive too. There's a pretty side and an ugly side to the restaurant, make sure you sit on the pretty side! The house wine is pretty good but very disappointing vegetarian choices.... I even got charged extra for asking for mushrooms when I wasn't even having meat.
(1)Matt S.
A great local place not far from the airport. The food here is consistently good and you cant beat there prices. This is a great place to grab a quick dinner at the bar. Paul and Rebecca are both outstanding bartenders and the local crowd is friendly. This place is open til 2am and can get very busy with the late night airport crowd.
(4)Mike D.
I just ate here for the first and last time. The service was fine but it didn't make up for the food. I had linguine with white clam sauce. The overcooked pasta was drowning in tasteless oil. A few clams were tossed on top. My girlfriend had chicken piccata. It came with canned mushrooms. Yuck! This place is worse than Olive Garden. There are too many good Italian restaurants in Boston to waste your money here. Stay away.
(1)Scott S.
East Boston Italian. This is near the airport and surrounded by crash pads so it's popular with crews, and for good reason. The service is always attentive, the food is fresh and reasonably priced. If you like ravioli I highly recommend it. If you're a big salad person, try the pasta. I make it a point to eat here when I'm in Boston, if I actually lived here I could see being a very regular customer.
(4)GINGER C.
Jevelis Restaurant, is The Best Italian Restaurant, to Enjoy Yourself, and have a Great Dinner, Anytime of the Week, or Weekend, Day or Evening! I Love going There! The Food is Excellent, and the Staff are Wonderful, Prices are Reasonable! I would tell your Family, and Friends, to, Go There, and have an Enjoyable Meal, and Nice Quiet Atmosphere! This was also My DAD'S, Favorite Place, too!
(5)Vincent T.
Eastie has changed a lot in my 10 yrs away... Jeveli's stays the same.. Parking is very limited. Decor is nice inside, and as others have said, it's definitely not touristy... lots of locals, and a few people from the airport who are there on break or have probably got there via recommendation.. Wait staff brings over a nice warm twist loaf of bread, with butter... very nice.. I ordered the chicken marsala... nice sweet flavor, lots of mushrooms.. tender chicken medallions.. I've been here a few times... food is pretty good...not great... but a good homestyle meal at a reasonable price... definitely not your fancy/shmancy type place... Menu is fairly extensive, with lots of classic Italian favorites..
(3)Miss T.
Everyone I know raves about this place but HONESTLY ITS OK! The Front Desk older woman, where to begin with her not someone that should be the first impression for Jeveli's. A gentleman tried to assist us with seating and she was bossy and her personality unpleasant. Then a cig and lighter sitting there on the desk. Not sure why the other room wasn't opened on Valentines Day. Our waitress (younger girl / dark hair) was very pleasant and always there when we need something. The escargo was cook to perfection EXCEPT drenched in garlic & butter. Sautee means to cook food quickly and lightly in a little butter, oil, or fat. My entree potatoe gnocchi overcooked & mushy. The creamy pesto sauce it wasn't!! Ya, what I got was far from that drenched in butter as well. See the pic. The fresh warm bread was excellent.
(3)Joshua B.
Old fashioned, Italian food that your grandmother could have made. The spaghetti and meatballs was excellent! My friends got the lasagne and fettuccine Alfredo. They were just as enthusiastic. The service was excellent and the homey atmosphere makes this a place I would definitely recommend!
(5)lindsey s.
We frequent Jeveli's and typically have a pleasant experience. The foods consistently great. So if you're looking for great Italian, go. However be prepared for subpar service. After almost walking out after we were left sitting at the table for 15 minutes with zero acknowledgement I asked the hostess of we had a waitress. She looked shocked and said she would send someone over. I want to note the restaurant was nearly empty, there were at least 10 servers milling around eating food, talking loudly about personal issues, and sitting at tables on their phones. I heard our waitress yell she didn't know she had a table and rushed over without an apology or acknowledgment of leaving us sitting there. After our food came there was no check to see how it was and we were left the entire meal without water refills and empty drinks. She proceeded to sit down and eat a full meal with her boyfriend a few tables over. I've been a server for 7 years in a casual bar and would never act with such crassness and unprofessionalism. I get it, you're dead slow on a Saturday...then maybe management should be letting staff go home so you don't have more servers then patrons sitting around doing absolutely nothing. We still tipped 20% because as a server I feel bad tipping less. I hope management understands you don't have to be a fine dining establishment to give great and professional service. We will stick to the lounge area next time.
(2)Erinire A.
Not saying this place is gourmet, but I do love the atmosphere at Terminal J. It's a great place to chill out with a Bud and people watch. Play some Keno, scratch some lotto, and have a chicken parm sandwich. The waitstaff is courteous and prompt, with that hard-bitten edge you sometimes find on the North Shore, and whether you order a cup of soup or a 3-course meal they're there on the spot to get you another drink or more bread. Great on a rainy Sunday evening, and there's not a whole lot of places like that.
(3)Jack K.
If you like claret sauce with your spumoni this is place. While the sauce has a hint of chocolate it is still claret flavored. Very few restaurants in the area offer you this combination . Baked ziti with mozzarella is excellent. Veal picatta is excellent without breaking along with mushrooms, garlic and lemon flavored sauce. Just what you will expect in a local Italian restaurant. Been attending for 20 years.
(4)Nathaniel P.
Very good traditional family-owned, family-operated and family-friendly Italian restaurant in East Boston. 20 years ago East Boston was nearly 100% Italian, now it is nearly 100% Latin (as in South and Central America, not as in the Latin Mass.) Some of the best Latin food can be found in East Boston, and it is worth the trip there just for that. But if you're coming home from Logan and want to stop off with the family at a Boston landmark that has not lost its original character, or just want the have Italian food the way you remember it as a kid (not as nouvelle cuisine) then it is a great choice.
(4)Michelle C.
Grew up in Eastie (Born and Raised) We ate at Jeveli's at least 2x a month. Loved it then and Love it now. Love the braided roll. Always ask for a second one to dunk in my main entree. Their antipasto platter is a bargain for what the provide. OMG The mozz sticks are average but the buffalo wings are crispy and nicely seasoned. Bruschetta is the best on that delish braided roll!! As for the entreees? As a child, I always got the chicken parm sandwich. As an adult, it's the Veal Marsala. The veal is thin thin and tender. The marsala sauce is perfect. not too greasy. The slivers of ham and diced sauteed onion are also stars in their own right! I order my ziti on the side with their (delectable and delicious) red sauce (GRAVY if you're from EASTIE) The macaroni is al dente, lots of grated cheese available. The servers are awesome. I adore Alison. And the busboy knows us by name, always has our extra bread and packs are leftovers (which are always plentiful) just how we like them. This is our go-to family owned fave place! My husband worked here in the 80's as a dishwasher and still recognizes some of the faces that frequent the bar! There is a reason this place is East Boston's OLDEST Italian restaurant! It's the bestest!
(5)Robert A.
My family just got back from another dinner at Jeveli's. First let me say our food was great and the price is right. However, this will be the last time we eat there. Tonight, we witnessed a manger/head waitress/ bar tender eviscerate a younger waitress in front of everyone. The young women, made an error with another tables order. Mistakes happen. The manager made it seem like it was the end of the the world. In front of many happy dinners, she brought the young employee to tears. Then told her she was done, and that she was sit at and empty table until it was time for her to go home. Eventually making her cash out and sending her home. What was a festive dinner, turned sour fast. Over the hour we were there, she kept at her. Other staff would sneak in a pep talk to her. I overheard her tell her superior that she made the mistake because her mind was off due to the result of asking for a divorce from her husband earlier that day. Awful. Interestingly this was the manger/head waitress/ bar tender extraordinaire w who gave us terrible service one night last year. Myself and 5 other friends had packed into the Terminal J lounge. We order drinks with her, and 20 minuets later nothing. She was no ware to be found. So we had to hunt for her. We found her sprawled out on the bench near the restaurant entrance . Just sitting there like a fat lump on a log. We left. What she did tonight was unprofessional and awful. It really ruined a great meal. We will not be back. R-
(1)Anita C.
Went in today and had lunch with my 89 year old mom. The food was fantastic and we ended up taking leftovers home, so I can enjoy it again another day. The waitress was very attentive and also very pleasant. I have not been there for a very long time since moving out of East Boston, but there will definitely be another road trip in the very near future.
(4)North Girl M.
Hole in the wall but clean. If you are dining in the bar, you can be assured of any Boston based sporting event on the five TVs. Your company will be locals who are colorful, likely old school and working class. Super nice, honest waitresses that will tell you if something is good or not. Crab cakes were just ok but Caesar salad was good. Fresh bread is standard and do NOT miss the cannoli even if you have to take it to go (be prepared for a small charge for supplies). Pasta all around me looked outstanding and clearly, what I should have ordered. Prices are as expected.
(4)b w.
Really bad food, across the table. Not even "decent for the pricepoint". Friendly staff & and nice rooms, but a restaurant can't do with really bad food.
(1)