I had the best burger here...ever. The goat cheese and the carmelized onions were damn near perfection. The burger was very good, but the toppings were where it was at! My party of 4, sat on the patio, had great service and all liked their meals, (note: we ordered appetizers, beers and lunch items like wraps and sandwiches), we had NO complaints! I would definitely go back! I mean, Im going to have to to order that burger again :)
(5)
Robert K.
Terrible service. Slow. Slow. Slow. Left before my food arrived.
(1)
Caitlin C.
As I live in the neighborhood, I come here every so often for a beer with friends. Their spinach and artichoke dip is solid, as are their sweet potato fries. I've never eaten a real meal here, but I've looked at the prices and $20 for a pasta dish seems pretty high to me. They do have a decent beer selection and it's a fun place to watch a game. Their patio is also quite pleasant. I'm not sure I'd ever go out of my way to come here, but it's definitely a solid hang out spot.
(3)
Jen P.
Nice place to sit outside and have a beer, with good service. The food was typical bar food, but the drinks were full and the waitresses were friendly, so no complaints here.
(3)
Andrea A.
Solid neighborhood joint. Great place to watch a game, good bar food, and if you go in on a Sunday night, you can eb entertained by the folks who appear to have been drinking in there since noon. Fun place to hang with your buddies.
(4)
Emily N.
Possibly the worst restaurant experience of my life. We waited about an hour before our order was taken and then another hour passed and we never received our food. Patrons around us all got their meals served and we had still gotten nothing. The waitress checked on us once or twice, but that was it. We left without having anything to eat. Very, very disappointing.
(1)
David D.
After Paolo's we were on the move for a pub and walked upon Ironside. Acceptable choice of beer and the Long Island Ice Tea was OK. Atmosphere is friendly and family friendly and seemed like The Place for the neighborhood meet up to watch the Sox game.
(3)
Christopher T.
I've been going to Ironsides for the better part of 3 years now so I've seen the transformation that others have talked about but in all honesty I think its for the best. Its the best place to watch the game in c-town and the food is good too. The burgers and porkchops are my favorite but it's starting to get a little expensive for an upscale pub. Staff is always friendly but the place can sometimes be understaffed.
(3)
Amy B.
If you live in Charlestown this is a great local choice, and if you happen to be in the area it's worth a stop for a beer or two and a low key dinner. My friends and I are now c-town residents and Ironside Grille has become our Thursday night spot. In our old age (late 20's) we are too lazy to make the effort to get our butts back in to the city for a real thirsty Thursday. Ironside is in our backyard and adequately meets all of our Thursday night needs: good crowd, Sox game is on, large beer selection, indoor or outdoor patio seating, friendly staff, and good food. From reading the other post I would have to venture to say everything at Ironside Grille has drastically improved in the last year.
(4)
Bryan R.
Great place to go during games. Very good pub type food...burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc. Apps and entrees overpriced so have never tried. Service (outside of bartenders) still spotty which has been a problem plaguing the restaurant for a while now. Overall, enjoy going to meet friends but wouldn't chose it as an eating destination.
(3)
K P.
Met there for a casual dinner and a few drinks. The staff was friendly, but they must not have the tables assigned as multiple servers kept coming to ask for our order and drinks - again and again. The food came and was unimpressive at best. Had the roasted chicken and it was dry and tough to cut. Risotto was bland. May be a good place to watch the game and have a beer but the food was not worth it.
(2)
Jon L.
Big fan of this place. The bar alone is great, but its the food that gets the fifth star. Just wished it was open for lunch during the week
(5)
erin e.
This place used to be AWESOME. A real hidden neighborhood gem (albeit a gem with ridiculously slow service because they always seemed to be understaffed). The food was great, the presentation was nice, they had good wine and beer selections, etc. HOWEVER, something changed around a year ago (I think it was a management change) and it is a total sports bar now. The food is not as good, the clientele is a little different, and it's just a little shady. Fine for a sandwich, fine for a beer. No longer a dinner establishment, I don't think.
(2)
Megan S.
My husband and I used to go here allll the time when we lived in Charlestown, and still go back from time to time though we're now in Somerville. Hands down the best turkey burger ever. I always order it with the carmelized onions and goat cheese, and sweet potato fries (yum!). That is so good, I almost always get it, but their caesar salad is also a favorite, good with the chicken or the steak tips. They also always have a good beer selection on tap!
(5)
C S.
Great chili and french fries (seasoned, crunchy steak fries-- and I usually hate steak fries because they lack crunch). The decor leaves something to be desired and it can get a bit frat-boyish, especially around happy hour. It's a good neighborhood bar and grill, though.
(3)
Dr. Tyler C.
One of the best neighborhood bars in Boston. Great to watch different sporting events around the area. The food is great and the prices are reasonable. Definitely get there early during Patriots season as tables fill up fast. Lots of Patriots and Bruins fans hang out there so it's a great place to hang out during the games.
(5)
Leslie O.
A grill should have a good barman and this place sure disappoints when it comes to liquid refreshment. I asked for a Long Island Iced Tea and what was delivered was nasty. It was so strong and medicinal tasting, I could not choke it down. I poured out a third of the $10 cocktail and added more coke. Still terrible. Then I asked for water to have with my meal and it was served WARM! The dinner I had was fair. The waitress seemed too busy to give any attention to the customers. Order was taken. A drink appeared. Finally food was brought. Oh yeah you need silverware. Oh yeah you need a napkin. I doubt I will be back.
(2)
Jason H.
Fantastic local neighborhood Irish pub which has been here for 65 years. Food is real good but a little on the pricey side but hey, you are in Boston so expect it!! It is literally a 3 minute walk from the Constitution. Great atmosphere!! I have had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and the Greek Salad. Both were great
(5)
Michelle S.
Ironside has unadvertised amazing bloody mary's! And Tito's vodka too... yes. I came here with my friend on a excursion to explore Charlestown on our Hubway bikes. Ironside came recommended to us from a friend. We were happy to see they have a nice patio to enjoy the beautiful afternoon with. The ladies tag teamed our table to provide amazing and prompt service. We're the type that unfortunately ask for modifications all over the place, extra olives on the side, and a split check. No problem here - they were so attentive and nice. We both ordered salads with grilled shrimp, sweet potato fries, and bloodies (of course). Everything was to our satisfaction. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Kelly F.
I know it was july 4th, but it was really awful. I have given the place a few tries, each one dissapointing, but this was just awful. We waited over an hour and a half,only to be given food that was cold or sour or bad or all three. Sorry,but even the free round of drinks didn't make up for it. The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because I like the bar area and outdoor patio. Othewise it would be zero stars. C'mon you can do better than this
(2)
Brent R.
The veggie burgers are frozen. Good place to watch World Cup and enjoy the patio. Definitely go to Ironside grill if all you want is a beer with friends. Definitely think about somewhere else if you want quality food. Other than the fries, nothing was especially good. Everything was edible, a low bar I have for restaurants where I pay cash money. But not good. The standard burger - Ironside Burger, I believe - was billed as a burger with goat cheese. The burger patty itself was nothing to write home about. Was it frozen? May as well have been, because it didn't taste house made. The goat cheese was a teaspoon sized scoop set off the side of the burger and was still cold from refrigeration. Combine it with a burger at room temp and you don't get much of anything. Now for the good news. My friend's Ruben was tasty, so you may want to try that. My other friend, the one for whom the veggie burger was not meant to be, ordered a salad reputed to have goat cheese on it. Again, a smattering of goat cheese...but TONS of raisins. If I'm in Charlestown again, I may drop by this place, because, as I said, the beer and patio are terrific. Unless another place with beer and a patio opens nearby...
(3)
Erin M.
Good spot for beer and to watch a game, but food is disappointing. We keep trying different menu items (taco salad, veggie burger, burger, apps) hoping to find something we like but it's just below average bar food. Hopefully they improve the cooking (the menu is fine - it's how it's prepared) because we would eat here all the time!
(2)
Greenwich V.
Terrible service, disgusting food, and horribly overpriced. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND EVER!
(1)
Jenn F.
In the grand scheme of moderately divey bars that serve mostly beer: decent at best. If you should find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing a drink (badly) and a bite to eat in the navy yard at 8pm, as I do 2-3 times per week: it definitely works. Pretty cheap/good beers, pub-type food that doesn't warrant any particular complaints in my opinion, and friendly people running the place. If you know what you're in for, I predict that Ironsides will neither wow nor disappoint, and that's kind of fine.
(3)
Collins F.
Tried to grab a bit here with my wife . We gave our food order first and followed up with our drinks after, as we were undecided - I guess through the bartender for a loop and he told us we were confusing him. When our food came out (looked good) we dove right in. 30 minutes later we leave, both complaining we didn't feel well. Literally had to run back to our house and we called the restaurant telling them we were both sick and the reply we got ------ 'not sure what you want me to do about it.' Really buddy? Going to bring this one up the flag pole.
(1)
Melanie D.
My real star rating would be 3.5 if that was an option. Went to Ironside on a Thursday night at about 8pm to escape the cold and grab dinner and drinks with a friend. When we walked in, we weren't sure if we were to seat ourselves or wait for a hostess. When someone walked by and we asked, she tried to seat us right next to the front door (did I mention it was 15 degrees outside?), and we had to request a seat more towards the back. They were accommodating and let us sit there. We sat and browsed the menu for a bit - overwhelmed by the number of food options - and decided on drinks while we waited. My friend got one of the cocktail specials, which was a pretty good price for Boston, and it was AMAZING. Stoli Chocolate Raspberry Vodka with soda water - so good! I got a glass of wine which was good as always. We also ordered waters which never came until we tracked down our waitress and asked for them a second time. Both of us were pleased with our food - I got the turkey burger and she got chicken skewers. It took quite a while to come out but when it did, it was hot and fresh and tasted good so no complaints there. Overall, the service wasn't great, as we couldn't find our waitress half the time when we needed her (until the end, when our check came and then our waitress was back in a flash before we were even ready to pay it) and the food took a while, but this place was pretty good and I'd go back for a quick bite and a drink. They definitely make a mean cocktail!
(3)
Corey L.
Thursday night this time. Place was pretty busy. Sat at the bar, had a pumpkin beer and burger w BBQ, Swiss, bacon, and veggies as a side. Except the meal came out without bacon and with fries. It was one otherwise. The veggies that came out later we're basically a heated bag of frozen veggies. With no seasoning. Also, the bar tender wasn't super busy but still basically ignored me the whole time. Apparently also while I told him my order. I bet it would be solid just to hang and drink beer. But not much more without low expectations
(2)
Carmen R.
I was frankly disappointed with this restaurant. The food was simply OK and the experience left little to be desired. I brought my in-laws and my family to this recommended restaurant and we had a rather large party of 8 people total. When we arrived we were told that another large party was paying and would be finishing soon. I also noticed a manager looking person sitting at a table working in a lap top. After waiting about 30 min and watching the staff just wander around the restaurant I finally suggested that we split the party up and sit down as the other large group was still there. The manager finally got up from the table he was working at and pushes his table together with one near it and we were seated. I could understand if this were 7pm on a game night but hair heaven sake it was 2:30 in the afternoon. I found the food service to be a bit slow, but with large parties I can understand. When the food finally did come out it was average. I had a grilled chicken sandwich and there was nothing special about it. In fact that was a seriously dry piece of chicken. I doubt we would go back, and I would suggest you to keep looking for other restaurants in the area. Boston can do better.
(2)
Nicole P.
I love Ironside Grill's location, menu, and some of the bartenders there. However there's always ONE apple in the bunch that leaves such a sour taste in your mouth that makes you never want to come back. I came in with a group of people. I spoke to the waitress about having my own separate tab. Done. Cool. Thanks. After 2.5 rounds of drinks (yes, 2.5 rounds... there were two of us drinking but somehow we were charged an odd number of drinks... minus a star there) and $40 later, it was time to cash out. When I asked about the tab, the server said I was incorrect. Fine. I'll take one for the team. I gave her a tip that was part in cash and part on my tab. A week later, I noticed the tab on my bank statement, but that included $5 more than I had written down...? How do I know this? I take pictures of the tabs that I sign so that way no one can say "I was too drunk to notice how much I tipped." So this girl, who received a $6 tip, just upped her tip to $11, for mediocre service that I could find elsewhere. Pissed, to say the least (that's like 2 really large designer Starbucks lattes). Bathrooms were clean. That's pretty much the only thing I can say now after this night here. I won't come back out of free-will.
(1)
Victoria B.
The menu of this place is pretty good. All the American classics. I got the Buffaloes chicken dip for an app and it was fantastic. For my meal I got blackened chicken Caesar salad and was very pleased. There was only one guy working so the service was kind of slow and he didn't fill up my water nearly enough but maybe on busier nights the service is better? Downfall of this place is its very pricey for no real reason. I was pretty annoyed that I ended up paying a lot more than I feel the food and service was worth.
(4)
J P.
Good food, beer ...and great service . Steak tips were tender - chicken burrito could have used a little heat but overall a decent meal at a reasonable price .
(4)
David C.
Great crowd, friendly, quick bartenders, and the best steak tips in the area. Never had a bad meal here and (besides my go-to the Steak Tips) highly recommend the burgers, grilled pizza, fried calamari and the buffalo chix dip. Can't say a bad thing about Ironsides other than I wish it was closer for me. Despite the 20 minute drive, I make it down there at least 2x a month and it's my go to for Pre/Post TD Garden Event. Highly recommend!!!
(5)
Michelle A.
I met Shawn Thorton from the BRUINS and got a picture so of course I'm a fan of this place!!! Good service. Never had an empty glass. I hear the food is really good there and I will be back to try it and hopefully see more athletes. They have a nice outdoor patio area with the Zakim Bridge in the background. Parking stinks!
(4)
Lauren W.
The like the atmosphere and wouldn't want it any other way. Good music, and there's a nice outdoor patio in the summer. The food is definitely hit or miss (avoid the french onion soup), but the beer selection is pretty good. All in all, a nice place to have drinks, but don't expect much if you're coming for dinner.
(3)
Danielle F.
I am surprised that I haven't reviewed this place already. This is a great dining and drinking option in Charlestown. The place has definitely been spiffed up over the years, and the addition of an outdoor patio is the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, Charlestown does not have a lot of outdoor dining options, or dining options at all for that matter, so the patio was a sight for sore eyes! I would characterize the menu as eclectic pub food. There's definitely plenty of staples that you would expect on a bar menu --- wings, nachos, burgers, and pizzas. However they have definitely sprinkled in some other interesting items. For me, a standout is the tuna sashimi appetizer. If you are not super hungry, this can make a great meal. The buckwheat noodles are somewhat filling and there is sushi-grade tuna and seaweed on top. On the side are some dollops of sriracha and wasabi. It's delish! The Mediterranean plate is another solid choice, especially if you want to avoid fried foods. You get an assortment of raw veggies, some pita, and a good amount of hummus. In terms of drinks, I'd say they are at their best with beer and mixed drinks. The beers tend to be more standard fare, though a good number are available on draft. It's light on craft beers, so if that's what you are looking for, this is not the place for you. I've found the atmosphere to be a good reflection of the neighborhood - a mix of the changing neighborhood. The interior is on the darker side, though the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the patio let in a lot of light. There are forest green walls and lot of dark wood. It's a good place to watch a game, as there is a decent amount of bar space (actually a second row bar exists as well) and there are fair amount of TVs. They will pipe in the sound for big games. This place will always hold a fond spot in my heart as it is where I saw the Sox win the World Series in 2004.
(4)
K H.
Great location and they have outdoor seating. Yay. That is all. Food is mediocre and VERY expensive for pub food. Beers are $6. Service is generally terrible, particularly on the patio (they tag team, and don't communicate with each other very well). But if you want to hang out with some friends outside in the city and have a few beers, it's a good option (there are few in Charlestown).
(2)
Melissa K.
I've never heard of a place that if your sitting outside during a game you can not have a glass for a water. The three of us got 10oz paper cups. Totally disgusting. Our waitress also told us that the eggplant is not made fresh and is made the day before. Who does that? We also ordered appetizers that didn't come out with our meal. Our salads came with no dressing and had to ask for it. A wrap we got had the wrong dressing in it.
(2)
Victoria K.
I had four friends who went and the bartenders charged then near five hundred dollars on their tab collectively. There was no way they could have ordered that much in beer. The staff took out frustrations from other customers on them through their bill.
(1)
Mike K.
Good food and great service. The staff was very attentive and went out of their way to make sure we had a seat inside since the weather was a touch on the chilly side.
(5)
Angela K.
Ironsides is a good neighborhood joint with food that's better than you'd expect for a pub. The prices are slightly overpriced and the bill tends to sneak up on you. $6.25 for a draft beer, $11-12 for an appetizer to share, $12 for a wrap, then a refill on the beer... and suddenly a local dinner for 2 is approaching $70. But the apps are delicious - mussels, teriyaki wings, spinach & artichoke dip are among some of our favorites. My boyfriend loves the Ironside burger, and I enjoy the buffalo chicken wrap with the potato wedge fries. Ironsides has a nice homey atmosphere, but try to go there during an important sports game and it's a completely different (loud, packed) bar scene. The service leaves a lot to be desired, but since we like the food and the atmosphere we keep going back. There's one short, dark-haired waitress who is a sweetheart, and the rest make it seem like getting you another drink is a chore. Unless you're a handsome group of young men, then you'll likely get good service. The owner seems likes a friendly lady who is often at the bar but doesn't tend to interact with her customers. Overall: Good food, good atmosphere, good beer selection, slightly overpriced, and mediocre service. But convenient and generally enjoyable.
(4)
Damien S.
A warm, well-lit corner restaurant that caters to the Navy Yard gnomes and highfalutin Chahztownies. Standard pub fare with a few creative twists (the smoked pulled pork spring rolls with toasted corn and sriracha were a hit!), the exclusivity, lack of competitive options - save Warren Tavern and, seasonally, Tavern on the Water - and curbside appeal means Ironside will continue to get away with severely overcharging for basic items. Ten dollars for a well vodka is completely irresponsible. Plenty of screens to catch the game or, in tonight's case, The Bachelor, and the audience seems social enough to join in your bargument over who played the ultimate Bond. If the menu saw a 20% cut across the board, the Ironside would be a destination nightspot. But it won't, so it isn't. A solid option if I'm in the area, just don't expect it on the short list of recommended must-sees.
(3)
Jasper J.
Great neighborhood bar to watch a game. They have a ton of large TVs and a pretty decent selection of beer. The wait staff could be a little more attentive, but it is certainly tolerable. Oh yeah and the food is really good. I always recommend the steak tips, but all of the food is really good. If you are in the mood for some buffalo chicken you won't be dissappointed. The best thing about this place is that it has a neighborhood bar feel, but is still a place you could take family for dinner.
(3)
Michael C.
Great space with open doors and windows that is completed wasted by the current management. Here is the data: 1. Food is the basic TIGF fare found in any number of suburban mid priced restaurants. 2. Prices are over the top even by Boston's lofty standards of what is acceptable. 3. Service is simply awful. The staff seemed more intent on chatting with friends sitting at the bar or with each other than waiting on customers. Give this one a wide berth.
(2)
Christina P.
The waitress was on point, great service. Drinks are cold & TVs are plentiful. It's a really great atmosphere at Ironsides! Only down point was our shots were not served chilled.
(4)
Maggie L.
Embarrassing. NO Stars. It's Wed night. 50% capacity if that, how hard can this be at 6:00pm? 1 beer and 1 ap. We will call the 1st server, #1. 4 servers walked past me so many times in 1 hour I thought for sure I was just INVISIBLE. 10 mins for someone (Server #2) to ask me if I wanted another beer after mine was empty. What kind of server doesn't offer another one when the current one is 1/2? At this point I was livid, so I said no. And my dish (was finished before my beer), sat there for an additional 20 mins before another server (#3) took that away. By this point I'm beyond angry and I'm wondering if I'm on some hidden camera TV show which measures how long it takes for a customer to feel so insulted by lack of attention they explode. Server #4 asks me if I want anything else, another 10 mins later. Meanwhile, Server #1 who has not said anything to me in almost an hour has asked the people sitting so close to me we are touching, if he can get them their bill; gets them their bill; runs their card; brings it back to them. He walked past me 4 times in 2 mins- wouldn't even look at me. What? Takes another 10 mins for Server #, what number am I even on now? to ask me if theres anything else she can get me. Naturally, the bill. And I will NEVER go back there. I have never been so insulted at an establishment in my life.
(1)
Daniel A.
I want to share a pleasant experience I had at the Ironside Grill. My sister and I walked around Boston on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and came across this restaurant. The outdoor patio caught our eyes and we decided to stop and have lunch there. We were seated promptly and our waitress was extremely friendly and helpful. We ordered 2 Sam Summers and they came out ice cold, which was refreshing on a hot summer day. We ordered Nacho's as an appetizer, which were awesome. For our entree we spilt a seafood platter that was better then any of the top seafood restaurants in Boston. I have to say the entire experience was top notch and I will definitely be back. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Karen V.
This place has a great location, cool vibe and geat bar but their food can use some work. It's just blah. Fun place to hang out and drink but we end up going somewhere else to eat - step it up guys!
(3)
Matt W.
I was really surprised after reading some of the reviews, but we had speedy service and a great meal. Very happy to see such a great place nearby.
(4)
Whitney C.
I think that Ironsides is a great place to go to meet up with friends and/or watch a game if you live in the Charlestown area. For a sport's bar I really enjoy their food but I think it's definitely on the expensive side. I would give the waitstaff 2 stars but that's just because I don't think there are enough of them when it's packed.
(3)
Doug C.
Service can be hit or miss depending on how busy it is, but that's true almost anywhere. A nice cozy little spot near the Navy Yard that's always a safe bet for some decent food and a few drinks when you don't feel like going far.
(4)
Jessica I.
I'd like to be able to actually comment on the Ironside Grill, but we were shooed away upon entry. It was late and we were on our way home from Canal Street and wanted to check out a local spot in our still-new neighborhood. From the outside, the bar looked busy and a sign said they closed at 1. No problem, we though, it wasn't even 12:30. Wrong. The door was locked (isn't this a fire hazard?) and a hostess just inside ignored our knock. Some girls left and held the door for us and two other people came in right behind. A bouncer mumbled something to us about last call and pointed to the door for us to leave. But the people who walked in with us seemed to be friends of his and he was really nice to them and it sounded like he offered them a drink. Look, I get that you all want to close up so you can go home for the night. I even get that sometimes your friends will come to the watering hole you work at and you'll want to hook them up. I just don't think it's OK to be rude to potential customers. We won't be back, which is too bad because we're still looking for a regular "spot" to frequent.
(1)
Russell S.
At first glance, this looks like many of the pub/restaurants that Charlestown has so many of, but this one is different. There's the ambiance. Tables aren't stacked one on top of another, it's decently lit and clean - the kind of clean even Howie Mandel would appreciate. Servers are uniform in appearance and friendly, adding to the professional and inviting atmosphere. Then there's location. Proximal to most of the tourist areas and nice hotels in Charlestown (205 yds from the Marriott Residence Inn), it's easy to get to on foot. There are no harbor views like you'd find at Tavern on the Water, but what you lose on the view you more than make up for in comfort, convenience and a lack of claustrophobia inside. Menu. The food was great, prepared quickly and delivered with a smile. I had the turkey club, and portion size was tremendous; fries were large steak-fry type, overdone for my taste but popular with many customers. Drink specials were inventive too - I tried the stars and stripes, which tasted suspiciously like a mojito without the cane in it (despite different ingredients.... but it was great. They offer an eclectic menu as well, from burgers to chicken wraps to chicken parmesan and more. I can't say enough about this place - it's not your average pub.
(4)
Jackson D.
the food is pretty bad. the service isn't much better. don't expect much from the kitchen. in fact, if you're lucky enough to sit at the bar by the service window, you'll see your cooks handle dirty wet rags and then pull a handful of your nachos out of a bin. classy. the server set our plates down in front of us without a word and then left. if you're looking for a local spot for a few beers and you don't plan to eat, it may not be so bad.
(2)
Matthew D.
First time there. Service was horrible apps came cold. Nice place watch a game nice big TV's setup so you can see them no matter where you sit. Good beer selection.
(2)
Moxie M.
After a fun Sunday stroll over the North Park Bridge, my husband and I stopped in for a late lunch at the Ironside Grill. We'd been there before, and although I recall it being perfectly mediocre, we went again, since they had outdoor seating and it was an utterly beautiful day. But this isn't really a redemption story. We weren't seated immediately, We stood awkwardly in the entrance until one of the three waitresses there noticed us. We were instructed to seat ourselves outside. So we did. Someone came by to take our drink order, though with no sense of urgency. The patio was about half-filled with diners, with fewer indoors. Despite the heavy staff load, it took more than twenty minutes for the waitress to come take our food order. In fact, a couple who arrived after us were eating their quesadilla before we were even approached to order. It's not our style to speak up unless something is really wrong, so we just sat, sipped our beers and chatted the afternoon away, enjoying the company. Eventually the food came--a fish sandwich and a veggie burger. We asked for a side of tartar sauce. It came more than five minutes later. I can't complain about the food, nor can I commend it. It was average, though pricey for what it was. My pint of draught beer was $6.50. I drink a lot of beer in a lot of places and that's unusually expensive. Unless you're at one of the top-tier Boston eateries, in which case I have no problem paying a little more, if for no other reason than for the unadulterated joy of watching someone use a scoopula to remedy the mess I've inevitably made with the dinner rolls. It's like watching Bob Ross paint, but backwards. Sort of. Anyway... I get frustrated by restaurants that could be awesome, and for no reason than apathy, are completely middle-of-the-road. Ironside Grill appears to be operating on a business model that depends on USS Constitution-goers who want to grab a slightly overpriced lunch at the place named for the relic. Why bother being great when you can earn a tidy profit from tourists you'll never have to depend on for repeat business?! I suppose it's only fitting that they're as forgettable to us as we were to them.
(2)
Courtney H.
I used to work close by here, and would sometimes go here for lunch and it was ok. I do really like the atmosphere, and I wouldn't mind going back but it's not the best for the area. The food is fine, the drinks are fine and the patio is really nice. Also, one time I went in and asked if I could taste their chardonnays since they removed my favorite from their list. Their bartender said absolutely not, it was too expensive. So I walked out. Oh well. Like I said, it's a good place, just not the best.
(2)
J C.
Great drink menu and draft beer selection! Food can be hit or miss. The soup was lousy but the sandwich fantastic. Moderately priced and conveniently located.
(3)
Jason B.
The prices are a bit more reasonable, their menu has changed a bit, and they're offering what appears to be a bit more value in their selection. I like this trend. Plus you can still see the Sox games while the Celtics are beating the snot out of Orlando. And Abdel behind the bar is my favorite guy ever. The only reason the elusive fifth star remains off is that the typical clientele is like feeding time at the zoo.
(4)
Courtney N.
I had a break during a 10 hour conference in a nearby building, and my friend and I were starving. We decided to try Ironside Grill because they were located just up the street and we liked the outside of the building when we passed it earlier in the day. We went in around 3:30 and it wasn't busy at all. The dining area was very nice, and they had an excellent selection of appetizers and beers on tap. My friend tried a couple of their beers, and they looked good. We each got a bowl of chowder as we didn't have time for a full meal. The service was slow. Very slow. Several of the servers had dinner and were eating at a nearby table (including our server). We saw our chowders waiting for several minutes before the chef had to whistle for her to come over and pick them up! Not a good impression and not very good service. She checked in with us once and got another beer for my friend. The chowder was very good and a large portion. I thought it was slightly overpriced though. We ended up paying in cash and needed change which took quite a bit of time with two people having to do it as if they didn't understand how to properly work the register. I would go again, but not if I had a limited time to eat.
(3)
Maya G.
I live in the area and have tried this place 3X because of their location. The management is awful...On one 90 degree, humid day, they didn't have a/c on. When we stated that it was tooo hot., we were told that because "the patio was open" they couldn't turn on air. ONE couple was eating on patio. On another occasion, (with elderly relatives) the music was blasting Xtra loud. We were the only ones in the place and requested, more than once, that music be turned down. Manager (?) made it clear that HE liked the music that loud. Food is just OK. The roll-up seems like the best bet. Even though it's in the neighborhood, won't go again. As other reviewers stated, wait staff is indifferent also.
(1)
Lisa C.
I came here for an early mid-week dinner and was not disappointed. The place wasn't crowded yet, the servers were attentive and the food was good. All of us ordered the Ironside burger and how good it was was really determined by the way it was to be cooked. Mine was medium rare and PERFECTION. Someone else ordered it medium well and it was a hockey puck. There didn't seem to be an in between.
(4)
Sue M.
I ordered their fried clam sandwich and got food poison...i haven't been that sick in a long time! I would avoid this place at all cost!!
(1)
Finola M.
I've had my eye on this place for a while. Service was great, beer was awesome, mood was wonderful. We will come back.
(4)
T L.
Four stars for being open late when we rolled into town. Service was kind of slow and we had to flag down our waitress on several occasions and we also noted that they did not pay close attention to us as we were having dinner. BLT and chowder along with friend shrimp. Place was loud, and I mean loud with most of the folks in there concentrating on drinking and visiting. Nice place, clean, but need to improve service even if it's later in the night past the main dining period.
(4)
Andy R.
I would like to say that this place at least hit the spot. Unfortunately it missed "the spot" by a huge margin. It was a bit pricey, but would have been fair if the food was any good. The fish + chips were flavorless but seemed to be an improvement over my wife's undercooked chicken. The service was sub-par seeing as our server acted less than enthused to be in our presence. Unless you are joining friends for a drink and to watch a game, I would avoid this place for dinner at all costs.
(1)
Ben Y.
Great place to watch a game. Almost always a place to sit and a fun crowd. Food is good as long as you stay in your wheel house. Burgers and fries always a safe bet. Steer away from the tacos.
(4)
Amy E.
I;ve been here several times and never been disappointed, It's a great local bar to watch a game and have a few beers. All of the staff is friendly and the bartenders are especially accommodating. If you're looking for good pub food, then this is your place. It's likely the best bar in Charlestown, especially with the outdoor patio in the summer.
(4)
Emily C.
Great bartenders, awesome owners, booze, wine, food,cool vibe, A+
(5)
Dave D.
Came into the Ironside Grill late one evening looking for something to eat. Just flown in from Arizona and everything was closed, Zack took pity on us and made the cooks stay late and make for us what they could. I have been there three times now and every time service is great, food is good and the people are friendly. I will go there on every Boston trip I make.
(5)
Nina H.
My friend and I came for drinks and dinner. We asked for water three separate times, but never received any. Our drinks were made incorrectly, and we had to ask for our check twice. The food was ok, but the waitress was terrible. Will most likely not be coming back.
(2)
Mike M.
I live on the same street as Ironside, but I have to say that I don't go here all the time (mainly because it would be too hard on my wallet). This is a great place to go to grab a beer and split an appetizer or two with a small group of friends. When busy, it is a great atmosphere (usually later in the evening). The entrees are ridiculously priced (fish and chips for $20), but their Burgers (10-12) and their appetizers are reasonable. Simply put, this place is pretty good, every once and a while.
(4)
Maria B.
Went here last night when we realized that the Tavern on the Water closed their kitchen at 9- and we were starving! Ironside was great. Very authentically "Boston" I'd say. We had great service, our waitress was really friendly and really quick in delivering our orders. We had the calamari, which was fantastic- and I ordered the arugula/goat cheese salad with the dried tomatoes. Everything tasted great, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see how large the Blue Moon draft was. Also, they played fantastic music! Only downside is, their menu is pretty pricey.
(4)
Susan H.
Great neighborhood sports bar, outdoor patio is a nice place to have drinks after work. Would recommend the sweet potato fries,,,,steak tips are the best I've ever had. Good beer selection, Bartenders are always friendly, service is prompt.
(5)
Leandra F.
Went here last weekend on a pub crawl. I'd say it was my favorite of the 6 stops. Granted, we were ignored upon entry, and our friends were told to just "find an empty table" even though there weren't any... But after a few minutes my friend and I weaseled our way to seats at one of the long tables and other friends gathered round. Then a waitress came by and from there things were pretty smooth. Liked the beer selection. My mac and cheese had way too much cheese for how much mac was in there, but my friends' onion rings were some of the best I've ever had. Proper ratio of onion to coating. Also the music they were playing was awesome.
(4)
Melissa A.
I went here for a weird charity event that my friend wanted me to go to where you paid $20 for no reason other than to support said charity. I know, I'm a heartless bastard, but usually when you donate x amount of money, you get SOMETHING in return. OK. That's a lie. There was a buffet of Ironside Grille's finest crappetizers lined up. I had a modicum of class and initially poo poo'd the spread. But then I pounced on the buffet while my friend vigorously shook her head "no" when asked if she wanted anything. Laid out before me were... Pork spring rolls Chicken Wings (Buffalo, BBQ teriyaki) Onion Rings Fried Mozzarella Nachos Sounds great, right? Amazingly enough, this stuff had just come out of the tiny door in the kitchen to the bartender who promptly put it out on display. As the bartender was transferring the food onto the the bar for us, I was standing up to get it. I came back to sit down and eat it and the food was at room temperature. From the kitchen to my stomach, it was a total of maybe two minutes and the food lost its temperature that drastically? Maybe they only break out the economy-size Fry Daddy for actual paying customers, not for charity folk? I frowned a lot but begrudgingly ate the crappetizers and the chef from the kitchen glanced at me through the tiny head-sized door looking very Jambi-like sans turban and blue skin. He gave me a slight head nod and a knowing smirk that said, "Do you wish you had better food?" Mekka-lekka hi mekka hiney ho! Mekka-lekka hi mekka chahney ho! Mola-mekka chala mekka hola hayla hey! You wish is granted. Didn't work. I guess I shouldn't have expected much from a Bud Lite drinking crowd.
(2)
Tina D.
Good place to go for after work drinks and some appetizers. Place can get crowded very quickly though! For food...I've mostly stuck to the appetizers that usually they can do no wrong with. Loaded nachos, Spinach dip, Fried Calamari, and the Sweet Potato fries are the way to go. Went before a Celtics game to get dinner and will have to recommend to everyone to SKIP the angus hamburger. My bro ordered that one and made us all take a bite because he thought it looked/tasted weird. I don't know what kind of meat it was, but definitely not good. I'll be back for drinks and apps
(3)
Erica E.
Will never go back. Came in with a group of 10 for drinks on a fairly quiet Saturday night. Upon arriving we found two tables and we were approached by a rude waitress who said if we sat there we had to order from her. Not a big deal, but her delivery could've been a bit better. Then, they were showing a UFC fight on one of the TVs that some of the guys in our party were watching. All of a sudden the bartender shut it off and said that it makes the customers too rowdy. Really? So lame! They lost our business because we left right after our of principle. From reading some of the other reviews, looks like this place needs some serious work.
(1)
Bud B.
Decent food but overpriced for what is basically well-executed pub grub ($12 for a burger, $10 chicken wings). The floor layout is a little awkward. Lots of people pushing by behind some of the tables makes for some uncomfortable seating. Friendly, competent servers. The night we were there, they ran out of napkins though. How do you run out of napkins?
(3)
Chris S.
Ironside is nothing extraordinary, just a solid Charlestown neighborhood bar and grill. I imagine locals want it to stay that way ... don't think they have much to worry about. In the spirit of it's 44 gun frigate namesake, Let me explain the hits and misses. Food - warning shot. Steak tips and tofu burgers are good, sweet potato fries are a hit. Veggie and beef burgers were not impressive. Commented my dining companions, "rubbery" and "tastes like it came out of a freezer". Service and atmosphere - glancing shot. Friendly local crowd, outdoor seating, plenty of barspace and tables, new flatscreens for sports viewing. Friendly, playful and accomodating service. No significant misfires, no crippling blows. This sailor limped away full and happy.
(3)
Steve G.
This is the place to go when you want to grab a burger and watch the game. It is full of local residents from the "nice" part of town and everyone is friendly. Prices are reasonable and make Ironside a great choice for a weekday dinner.
(4)
R B.
They don't do anything particularly well. Everything is just ok. Service is really slow. Food is on the expensive side. Burgers are ok. It can be fun if you are there in time to find a place to sit at the bar. Otherwise it gets cramped pretty fast.
(2)
Eric M.
Good food for a sports bar and a solid beer selection. Great place to watch a game if you can get a seat. Every seat in the place faces a tv.
(4)
Huan z.
A sports bar and restaurant with high bar stools and Enough TVs around to see different games. Friendly atmosphere, tons of choices of beer, plus nice sweet potato fires. What else you can ask for a cool place to relax after a day of work.
(3)
Krista H.
I'm not sure why, but I love this place! Maybe it's the outdoor patio where you can watch all the tourists walk by and take pictures of trees and street signs as they walk up the hill towards the USS Constitution. Maybe its the greasy pub food and cold beer. Either way, I go here every chance I get...in the summertime. I love sitting outside first of all. The area is perfect for an outdoor bite. It's never too crowded and the staff has always been super friendly to me. The food is nothing special. Typical pub fare but I've never had a bad meal. The one item on the menu that absolutely blew my mind were the onion rings. Hand-battered, salty, crunchy, delicious, just plain AMAZING! Other things I usually order are the tuna melt, taco salad, steak tips. If you are in the area (it's nice and sunny) stop by Ironsides for a quick, fulfilling bite.
(3)
Elaine L.
This place was disturbingly quiet on a Friday night, just a few small parties scattered about. Perhaps people don't like the alternative and indie music that they had on (however, I love that music so I actually liked this place). The bartenders were friendly and attentive though. And they made us birthday shots which tasted like chocolate cake. Mmm...
(3)
Samantha B.
I've actually been here a few times and had great experiences but that was a few years ago. I recently went back with some friends on a Friday night and the service was less than great. Our main waitress - I say main because it was so confusing to tell who our waitress actually was, not sure if they pooled tips or what - was kind and attentive but we had a couple of other waitresses who periodically checked in and brought us our food and they were not very helpful or polite. We ordered nachos because we were starving and they were terrible - just cheese, chicken, and chips. I remember loving this place because their martinis were so delicious and always seasonally themed but a few friends had drinks off the list and were less than impressed. Not sure if we just hit this place on a bad night or if it's gone down hill since I've been there last!
(3)
Zac C.
We got there at 12:15pm for a Sunday brunch and had a great seat outside on a beautiful day. They took our drinks right away and our order shortly there after yet it still took over 45 minutes to get our 3 sandwiches (should be pretty easy and fast, right?). I know the exact time because I checked in on yelp and I checked in over an hour before we got our food. We were the third table seated in the restaurant, however after we sat, they got packed. Besides the painful wait, I had a great steak and cheese wrap and awesome sweet potato fries. Good food, but the long wait will make it less desirable to go back though.
(3)
Gray c.
went there last night for dinner - the outdoor patio was the appeal - ordered a glass of wine and water - they only had bottled due to the boil order. Things there are pretty pricey for what you get - it's ok bar food - that's it. When I got the bill I was shocked to see the price for a bottle of plain water was $3!!!! I expect them to cover their costs of the water - but to gouge customers is REALLY REALLY REALLY tacky Boo!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Mon, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
JEM C.
I had the best burger here...ever. The goat cheese and the carmelized onions were damn near perfection. The burger was very good, but the toppings were where it was at! My party of 4, sat on the patio, had great service and all liked their meals, (note: we ordered appetizers, beers and lunch items like wraps and sandwiches), we had NO complaints! I would definitely go back! I mean, Im going to have to to order that burger again :)
(5)Robert K.
Terrible service. Slow. Slow. Slow. Left before my food arrived.
(1)Caitlin C.
As I live in the neighborhood, I come here every so often for a beer with friends. Their spinach and artichoke dip is solid, as are their sweet potato fries. I've never eaten a real meal here, but I've looked at the prices and $20 for a pasta dish seems pretty high to me. They do have a decent beer selection and it's a fun place to watch a game. Their patio is also quite pleasant. I'm not sure I'd ever go out of my way to come here, but it's definitely a solid hang out spot.
(3)Jen P.
Nice place to sit outside and have a beer, with good service. The food was typical bar food, but the drinks were full and the waitresses were friendly, so no complaints here.
(3)Andrea A.
Solid neighborhood joint. Great place to watch a game, good bar food, and if you go in on a Sunday night, you can eb entertained by the folks who appear to have been drinking in there since noon. Fun place to hang with your buddies.
(4)Emily N.
Possibly the worst restaurant experience of my life. We waited about an hour before our order was taken and then another hour passed and we never received our food. Patrons around us all got their meals served and we had still gotten nothing. The waitress checked on us once or twice, but that was it. We left without having anything to eat. Very, very disappointing.
(1)David D.
After Paolo's we were on the move for a pub and walked upon Ironside. Acceptable choice of beer and the Long Island Ice Tea was OK. Atmosphere is friendly and family friendly and seemed like The Place for the neighborhood meet up to watch the Sox game.
(3)Christopher T.
I've been going to Ironsides for the better part of 3 years now so I've seen the transformation that others have talked about but in all honesty I think its for the best. Its the best place to watch the game in c-town and the food is good too. The burgers and porkchops are my favorite but it's starting to get a little expensive for an upscale pub. Staff is always friendly but the place can sometimes be understaffed.
(3)Amy B.
If you live in Charlestown this is a great local choice, and if you happen to be in the area it's worth a stop for a beer or two and a low key dinner. My friends and I are now c-town residents and Ironside Grille has become our Thursday night spot. In our old age (late 20's) we are too lazy to make the effort to get our butts back in to the city for a real thirsty Thursday. Ironside is in our backyard and adequately meets all of our Thursday night needs: good crowd, Sox game is on, large beer selection, indoor or outdoor patio seating, friendly staff, and good food. From reading the other post I would have to venture to say everything at Ironside Grille has drastically improved in the last year.
(4)Bryan R.
Great place to go during games. Very good pub type food...burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc. Apps and entrees overpriced so have never tried. Service (outside of bartenders) still spotty which has been a problem plaguing the restaurant for a while now. Overall, enjoy going to meet friends but wouldn't chose it as an eating destination.
(3)K P.
Met there for a casual dinner and a few drinks. The staff was friendly, but they must not have the tables assigned as multiple servers kept coming to ask for our order and drinks - again and again. The food came and was unimpressive at best. Had the roasted chicken and it was dry and tough to cut. Risotto was bland. May be a good place to watch the game and have a beer but the food was not worth it.
(2)Jon L.
Big fan of this place. The bar alone is great, but its the food that gets the fifth star. Just wished it was open for lunch during the week
(5)erin e.
This place used to be AWESOME. A real hidden neighborhood gem (albeit a gem with ridiculously slow service because they always seemed to be understaffed). The food was great, the presentation was nice, they had good wine and beer selections, etc. HOWEVER, something changed around a year ago (I think it was a management change) and it is a total sports bar now. The food is not as good, the clientele is a little different, and it's just a little shady. Fine for a sandwich, fine for a beer. No longer a dinner establishment, I don't think.
(2)Megan S.
My husband and I used to go here allll the time when we lived in Charlestown, and still go back from time to time though we're now in Somerville. Hands down the best turkey burger ever. I always order it with the carmelized onions and goat cheese, and sweet potato fries (yum!). That is so good, I almost always get it, but their caesar salad is also a favorite, good with the chicken or the steak tips. They also always have a good beer selection on tap!
(5)C S.
Great chili and french fries (seasoned, crunchy steak fries-- and I usually hate steak fries because they lack crunch). The decor leaves something to be desired and it can get a bit frat-boyish, especially around happy hour. It's a good neighborhood bar and grill, though.
(3)Dr. Tyler C.
One of the best neighborhood bars in Boston. Great to watch different sporting events around the area. The food is great and the prices are reasonable. Definitely get there early during Patriots season as tables fill up fast. Lots of Patriots and Bruins fans hang out there so it's a great place to hang out during the games.
(5)Leslie O.
A grill should have a good barman and this place sure disappoints when it comes to liquid refreshment. I asked for a Long Island Iced Tea and what was delivered was nasty. It was so strong and medicinal tasting, I could not choke it down. I poured out a third of the $10 cocktail and added more coke. Still terrible. Then I asked for water to have with my meal and it was served WARM! The dinner I had was fair. The waitress seemed too busy to give any attention to the customers. Order was taken. A drink appeared. Finally food was brought. Oh yeah you need silverware. Oh yeah you need a napkin. I doubt I will be back.
(2)Jason H.
Fantastic local neighborhood Irish pub which has been here for 65 years. Food is real good but a little on the pricey side but hey, you are in Boston so expect it!! It is literally a 3 minute walk from the Constitution. Great atmosphere!! I have had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and the Greek Salad. Both were great
(5)Michelle S.
Ironside has unadvertised amazing bloody mary's! And Tito's vodka too... yes. I came here with my friend on a excursion to explore Charlestown on our Hubway bikes. Ironside came recommended to us from a friend. We were happy to see they have a nice patio to enjoy the beautiful afternoon with. The ladies tag teamed our table to provide amazing and prompt service. We're the type that unfortunately ask for modifications all over the place, extra olives on the side, and a split check. No problem here - they were so attentive and nice. We both ordered salads with grilled shrimp, sweet potato fries, and bloodies (of course). Everything was to our satisfaction. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Kelly F.
I know it was july 4th, but it was really awful. I have given the place a few tries, each one dissapointing, but this was just awful. We waited over an hour and a half,only to be given food that was cold or sour or bad or all three. Sorry,but even the free round of drinks didn't make up for it. The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because I like the bar area and outdoor patio. Othewise it would be zero stars. C'mon you can do better than this
(2)Brent R.
The veggie burgers are frozen. Good place to watch World Cup and enjoy the patio. Definitely go to Ironside grill if all you want is a beer with friends. Definitely think about somewhere else if you want quality food. Other than the fries, nothing was especially good. Everything was edible, a low bar I have for restaurants where I pay cash money. But not good. The standard burger - Ironside Burger, I believe - was billed as a burger with goat cheese. The burger patty itself was nothing to write home about. Was it frozen? May as well have been, because it didn't taste house made. The goat cheese was a teaspoon sized scoop set off the side of the burger and was still cold from refrigeration. Combine it with a burger at room temp and you don't get much of anything. Now for the good news. My friend's Ruben was tasty, so you may want to try that. My other friend, the one for whom the veggie burger was not meant to be, ordered a salad reputed to have goat cheese on it. Again, a smattering of goat cheese...but TONS of raisins. If I'm in Charlestown again, I may drop by this place, because, as I said, the beer and patio are terrific. Unless another place with beer and a patio opens nearby...
(3)Erin M.
Good spot for beer and to watch a game, but food is disappointing. We keep trying different menu items (taco salad, veggie burger, burger, apps) hoping to find something we like but it's just below average bar food. Hopefully they improve the cooking (the menu is fine - it's how it's prepared) because we would eat here all the time!
(2)Greenwich V.
Terrible service, disgusting food, and horribly overpriced. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND EVER!
(1)Jenn F.
In the grand scheme of moderately divey bars that serve mostly beer: decent at best. If you should find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing a drink (badly) and a bite to eat in the navy yard at 8pm, as I do 2-3 times per week: it definitely works. Pretty cheap/good beers, pub-type food that doesn't warrant any particular complaints in my opinion, and friendly people running the place. If you know what you're in for, I predict that Ironsides will neither wow nor disappoint, and that's kind of fine.
(3)Collins F.
Tried to grab a bit here with my wife . We gave our food order first and followed up with our drinks after, as we were undecided - I guess through the bartender for a loop and he told us we were confusing him. When our food came out (looked good) we dove right in. 30 minutes later we leave, both complaining we didn't feel well. Literally had to run back to our house and we called the restaurant telling them we were both sick and the reply we got ------ 'not sure what you want me to do about it.' Really buddy? Going to bring this one up the flag pole.
(1)Melanie D.
My real star rating would be 3.5 if that was an option. Went to Ironside on a Thursday night at about 8pm to escape the cold and grab dinner and drinks with a friend. When we walked in, we weren't sure if we were to seat ourselves or wait for a hostess. When someone walked by and we asked, she tried to seat us right next to the front door (did I mention it was 15 degrees outside?), and we had to request a seat more towards the back. They were accommodating and let us sit there. We sat and browsed the menu for a bit - overwhelmed by the number of food options - and decided on drinks while we waited. My friend got one of the cocktail specials, which was a pretty good price for Boston, and it was AMAZING. Stoli Chocolate Raspberry Vodka with soda water - so good! I got a glass of wine which was good as always. We also ordered waters which never came until we tracked down our waitress and asked for them a second time. Both of us were pleased with our food - I got the turkey burger and she got chicken skewers. It took quite a while to come out but when it did, it was hot and fresh and tasted good so no complaints there. Overall, the service wasn't great, as we couldn't find our waitress half the time when we needed her (until the end, when our check came and then our waitress was back in a flash before we were even ready to pay it) and the food took a while, but this place was pretty good and I'd go back for a quick bite and a drink. They definitely make a mean cocktail!
(3)Corey L.
Thursday night this time. Place was pretty busy. Sat at the bar, had a pumpkin beer and burger w BBQ, Swiss, bacon, and veggies as a side. Except the meal came out without bacon and with fries. It was one otherwise. The veggies that came out later we're basically a heated bag of frozen veggies. With no seasoning. Also, the bar tender wasn't super busy but still basically ignored me the whole time. Apparently also while I told him my order. I bet it would be solid just to hang and drink beer. But not much more without low expectations
(2)Carmen R.
I was frankly disappointed with this restaurant. The food was simply OK and the experience left little to be desired. I brought my in-laws and my family to this recommended restaurant and we had a rather large party of 8 people total. When we arrived we were told that another large party was paying and would be finishing soon. I also noticed a manager looking person sitting at a table working in a lap top. After waiting about 30 min and watching the staff just wander around the restaurant I finally suggested that we split the party up and sit down as the other large group was still there. The manager finally got up from the table he was working at and pushes his table together with one near it and we were seated. I could understand if this were 7pm on a game night but hair heaven sake it was 2:30 in the afternoon. I found the food service to be a bit slow, but with large parties I can understand. When the food finally did come out it was average. I had a grilled chicken sandwich and there was nothing special about it. In fact that was a seriously dry piece of chicken. I doubt we would go back, and I would suggest you to keep looking for other restaurants in the area. Boston can do better.
(2)Nicole P.
I love Ironside Grill's location, menu, and some of the bartenders there. However there's always ONE apple in the bunch that leaves such a sour taste in your mouth that makes you never want to come back. I came in with a group of people. I spoke to the waitress about having my own separate tab. Done. Cool. Thanks. After 2.5 rounds of drinks (yes, 2.5 rounds... there were two of us drinking but somehow we were charged an odd number of drinks... minus a star there) and $40 later, it was time to cash out. When I asked about the tab, the server said I was incorrect. Fine. I'll take one for the team. I gave her a tip that was part in cash and part on my tab. A week later, I noticed the tab on my bank statement, but that included $5 more than I had written down...? How do I know this? I take pictures of the tabs that I sign so that way no one can say "I was too drunk to notice how much I tipped." So this girl, who received a $6 tip, just upped her tip to $11, for mediocre service that I could find elsewhere. Pissed, to say the least (that's like 2 really large designer Starbucks lattes). Bathrooms were clean. That's pretty much the only thing I can say now after this night here. I won't come back out of free-will.
(1)Victoria B.
The menu of this place is pretty good. All the American classics. I got the Buffaloes chicken dip for an app and it was fantastic. For my meal I got blackened chicken Caesar salad and was very pleased. There was only one guy working so the service was kind of slow and he didn't fill up my water nearly enough but maybe on busier nights the service is better? Downfall of this place is its very pricey for no real reason. I was pretty annoyed that I ended up paying a lot more than I feel the food and service was worth.
(4)J P.
Good food, beer ...and great service . Steak tips were tender - chicken burrito could have used a little heat but overall a decent meal at a reasonable price .
(4)David C.
Great crowd, friendly, quick bartenders, and the best steak tips in the area. Never had a bad meal here and (besides my go-to the Steak Tips) highly recommend the burgers, grilled pizza, fried calamari and the buffalo chix dip. Can't say a bad thing about Ironsides other than I wish it was closer for me. Despite the 20 minute drive, I make it down there at least 2x a month and it's my go to for Pre/Post TD Garden Event. Highly recommend!!!
(5)Michelle A.
I met Shawn Thorton from the BRUINS and got a picture so of course I'm a fan of this place!!! Good service. Never had an empty glass. I hear the food is really good there and I will be back to try it and hopefully see more athletes. They have a nice outdoor patio area with the Zakim Bridge in the background. Parking stinks!
(4)Lauren W.
The like the atmosphere and wouldn't want it any other way. Good music, and there's a nice outdoor patio in the summer. The food is definitely hit or miss (avoid the french onion soup), but the beer selection is pretty good. All in all, a nice place to have drinks, but don't expect much if you're coming for dinner.
(3)Danielle F.
I am surprised that I haven't reviewed this place already. This is a great dining and drinking option in Charlestown. The place has definitely been spiffed up over the years, and the addition of an outdoor patio is the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, Charlestown does not have a lot of outdoor dining options, or dining options at all for that matter, so the patio was a sight for sore eyes! I would characterize the menu as eclectic pub food. There's definitely plenty of staples that you would expect on a bar menu --- wings, nachos, burgers, and pizzas. However they have definitely sprinkled in some other interesting items. For me, a standout is the tuna sashimi appetizer. If you are not super hungry, this can make a great meal. The buckwheat noodles are somewhat filling and there is sushi-grade tuna and seaweed on top. On the side are some dollops of sriracha and wasabi. It's delish! The Mediterranean plate is another solid choice, especially if you want to avoid fried foods. You get an assortment of raw veggies, some pita, and a good amount of hummus. In terms of drinks, I'd say they are at their best with beer and mixed drinks. The beers tend to be more standard fare, though a good number are available on draft. It's light on craft beers, so if that's what you are looking for, this is not the place for you. I've found the atmosphere to be a good reflection of the neighborhood - a mix of the changing neighborhood. The interior is on the darker side, though the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the patio let in a lot of light. There are forest green walls and lot of dark wood. It's a good place to watch a game, as there is a decent amount of bar space (actually a second row bar exists as well) and there are fair amount of TVs. They will pipe in the sound for big games. This place will always hold a fond spot in my heart as it is where I saw the Sox win the World Series in 2004.
(4)K H.
Great location and they have outdoor seating. Yay. That is all. Food is mediocre and VERY expensive for pub food. Beers are $6. Service is generally terrible, particularly on the patio (they tag team, and don't communicate with each other very well). But if you want to hang out with some friends outside in the city and have a few beers, it's a good option (there are few in Charlestown).
(2)Melissa K.
I've never heard of a place that if your sitting outside during a game you can not have a glass for a water. The three of us got 10oz paper cups. Totally disgusting. Our waitress also told us that the eggplant is not made fresh and is made the day before. Who does that? We also ordered appetizers that didn't come out with our meal. Our salads came with no dressing and had to ask for it. A wrap we got had the wrong dressing in it.
(2)Victoria K.
I had four friends who went and the bartenders charged then near five hundred dollars on their tab collectively. There was no way they could have ordered that much in beer. The staff took out frustrations from other customers on them through their bill.
(1)Mike K.
Good food and great service. The staff was very attentive and went out of their way to make sure we had a seat inside since the weather was a touch on the chilly side.
(5)Angela K.
Ironsides is a good neighborhood joint with food that's better than you'd expect for a pub. The prices are slightly overpriced and the bill tends to sneak up on you. $6.25 for a draft beer, $11-12 for an appetizer to share, $12 for a wrap, then a refill on the beer... and suddenly a local dinner for 2 is approaching $70. But the apps are delicious - mussels, teriyaki wings, spinach & artichoke dip are among some of our favorites. My boyfriend loves the Ironside burger, and I enjoy the buffalo chicken wrap with the potato wedge fries. Ironsides has a nice homey atmosphere, but try to go there during an important sports game and it's a completely different (loud, packed) bar scene. The service leaves a lot to be desired, but since we like the food and the atmosphere we keep going back. There's one short, dark-haired waitress who is a sweetheart, and the rest make it seem like getting you another drink is a chore. Unless you're a handsome group of young men, then you'll likely get good service. The owner seems likes a friendly lady who is often at the bar but doesn't tend to interact with her customers. Overall: Good food, good atmosphere, good beer selection, slightly overpriced, and mediocre service. But convenient and generally enjoyable.
(4)Damien S.
A warm, well-lit corner restaurant that caters to the Navy Yard gnomes and highfalutin Chahztownies. Standard pub fare with a few creative twists (the smoked pulled pork spring rolls with toasted corn and sriracha were a hit!), the exclusivity, lack of competitive options - save Warren Tavern and, seasonally, Tavern on the Water - and curbside appeal means Ironside will continue to get away with severely overcharging for basic items. Ten dollars for a well vodka is completely irresponsible. Plenty of screens to catch the game or, in tonight's case, The Bachelor, and the audience seems social enough to join in your bargument over who played the ultimate Bond. If the menu saw a 20% cut across the board, the Ironside would be a destination nightspot. But it won't, so it isn't. A solid option if I'm in the area, just don't expect it on the short list of recommended must-sees.
(3)Jasper J.
Great neighborhood bar to watch a game. They have a ton of large TVs and a pretty decent selection of beer. The wait staff could be a little more attentive, but it is certainly tolerable. Oh yeah and the food is really good. I always recommend the steak tips, but all of the food is really good. If you are in the mood for some buffalo chicken you won't be dissappointed. The best thing about this place is that it has a neighborhood bar feel, but is still a place you could take family for dinner.
(3)Michael C.
Great space with open doors and windows that is completed wasted by the current management. Here is the data: 1. Food is the basic TIGF fare found in any number of suburban mid priced restaurants. 2. Prices are over the top even by Boston's lofty standards of what is acceptable. 3. Service is simply awful. The staff seemed more intent on chatting with friends sitting at the bar or with each other than waiting on customers. Give this one a wide berth.
(2)Christina P.
The waitress was on point, great service. Drinks are cold & TVs are plentiful. It's a really great atmosphere at Ironsides! Only down point was our shots were not served chilled.
(4)Maggie L.
Embarrassing. NO Stars. It's Wed night. 50% capacity if that, how hard can this be at 6:00pm? 1 beer and 1 ap. We will call the 1st server, #1. 4 servers walked past me so many times in 1 hour I thought for sure I was just INVISIBLE. 10 mins for someone (Server #2) to ask me if I wanted another beer after mine was empty. What kind of server doesn't offer another one when the current one is 1/2? At this point I was livid, so I said no. And my dish (was finished before my beer), sat there for an additional 20 mins before another server (#3) took that away. By this point I'm beyond angry and I'm wondering if I'm on some hidden camera TV show which measures how long it takes for a customer to feel so insulted by lack of attention they explode. Server #4 asks me if I want anything else, another 10 mins later. Meanwhile, Server #1 who has not said anything to me in almost an hour has asked the people sitting so close to me we are touching, if he can get them their bill; gets them their bill; runs their card; brings it back to them. He walked past me 4 times in 2 mins- wouldn't even look at me. What? Takes another 10 mins for Server #, what number am I even on now? to ask me if theres anything else she can get me. Naturally, the bill. And I will NEVER go back there. I have never been so insulted at an establishment in my life.
(1)Daniel A.
I want to share a pleasant experience I had at the Ironside Grill. My sister and I walked around Boston on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and came across this restaurant. The outdoor patio caught our eyes and we decided to stop and have lunch there. We were seated promptly and our waitress was extremely friendly and helpful. We ordered 2 Sam Summers and they came out ice cold, which was refreshing on a hot summer day. We ordered Nacho's as an appetizer, which were awesome. For our entree we spilt a seafood platter that was better then any of the top seafood restaurants in Boston. I have to say the entire experience was top notch and I will definitely be back. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Karen V.
This place has a great location, cool vibe and geat bar but their food can use some work. It's just blah. Fun place to hang out and drink but we end up going somewhere else to eat - step it up guys!
(3)Matt W.
I was really surprised after reading some of the reviews, but we had speedy service and a great meal. Very happy to see such a great place nearby.
(4)Whitney C.
I think that Ironsides is a great place to go to meet up with friends and/or watch a game if you live in the Charlestown area. For a sport's bar I really enjoy their food but I think it's definitely on the expensive side. I would give the waitstaff 2 stars but that's just because I don't think there are enough of them when it's packed.
(3)Doug C.
Service can be hit or miss depending on how busy it is, but that's true almost anywhere. A nice cozy little spot near the Navy Yard that's always a safe bet for some decent food and a few drinks when you don't feel like going far.
(4)Jessica I.
I'd like to be able to actually comment on the Ironside Grill, but we were shooed away upon entry. It was late and we were on our way home from Canal Street and wanted to check out a local spot in our still-new neighborhood. From the outside, the bar looked busy and a sign said they closed at 1. No problem, we though, it wasn't even 12:30. Wrong. The door was locked (isn't this a fire hazard?) and a hostess just inside ignored our knock. Some girls left and held the door for us and two other people came in right behind. A bouncer mumbled something to us about last call and pointed to the door for us to leave. But the people who walked in with us seemed to be friends of his and he was really nice to them and it sounded like he offered them a drink. Look, I get that you all want to close up so you can go home for the night. I even get that sometimes your friends will come to the watering hole you work at and you'll want to hook them up. I just don't think it's OK to be rude to potential customers. We won't be back, which is too bad because we're still looking for a regular "spot" to frequent.
(1)Russell S.
At first glance, this looks like many of the pub/restaurants that Charlestown has so many of, but this one is different. There's the ambiance. Tables aren't stacked one on top of another, it's decently lit and clean - the kind of clean even Howie Mandel would appreciate. Servers are uniform in appearance and friendly, adding to the professional and inviting atmosphere. Then there's location. Proximal to most of the tourist areas and nice hotels in Charlestown (205 yds from the Marriott Residence Inn), it's easy to get to on foot. There are no harbor views like you'd find at Tavern on the Water, but what you lose on the view you more than make up for in comfort, convenience and a lack of claustrophobia inside. Menu. The food was great, prepared quickly and delivered with a smile. I had the turkey club, and portion size was tremendous; fries were large steak-fry type, overdone for my taste but popular with many customers. Drink specials were inventive too - I tried the stars and stripes, which tasted suspiciously like a mojito without the cane in it (despite different ingredients.... but it was great. They offer an eclectic menu as well, from burgers to chicken wraps to chicken parmesan and more. I can't say enough about this place - it's not your average pub.
(4)Jackson D.
the food is pretty bad. the service isn't much better. don't expect much from the kitchen. in fact, if you're lucky enough to sit at the bar by the service window, you'll see your cooks handle dirty wet rags and then pull a handful of your nachos out of a bin. classy. the server set our plates down in front of us without a word and then left. if you're looking for a local spot for a few beers and you don't plan to eat, it may not be so bad.
(2)Matthew D.
First time there. Service was horrible apps came cold. Nice place watch a game nice big TV's setup so you can see them no matter where you sit. Good beer selection.
(2)Moxie M.
After a fun Sunday stroll over the North Park Bridge, my husband and I stopped in for a late lunch at the Ironside Grill. We'd been there before, and although I recall it being perfectly mediocre, we went again, since they had outdoor seating and it was an utterly beautiful day. But this isn't really a redemption story. We weren't seated immediately, We stood awkwardly in the entrance until one of the three waitresses there noticed us. We were instructed to seat ourselves outside. So we did. Someone came by to take our drink order, though with no sense of urgency. The patio was about half-filled with diners, with fewer indoors. Despite the heavy staff load, it took more than twenty minutes for the waitress to come take our food order. In fact, a couple who arrived after us were eating their quesadilla before we were even approached to order. It's not our style to speak up unless something is really wrong, so we just sat, sipped our beers and chatted the afternoon away, enjoying the company. Eventually the food came--a fish sandwich and a veggie burger. We asked for a side of tartar sauce. It came more than five minutes later. I can't complain about the food, nor can I commend it. It was average, though pricey for what it was. My pint of draught beer was $6.50. I drink a lot of beer in a lot of places and that's unusually expensive. Unless you're at one of the top-tier Boston eateries, in which case I have no problem paying a little more, if for no other reason than for the unadulterated joy of watching someone use a scoopula to remedy the mess I've inevitably made with the dinner rolls. It's like watching Bob Ross paint, but backwards. Sort of. Anyway... I get frustrated by restaurants that could be awesome, and for no reason than apathy, are completely middle-of-the-road. Ironside Grill appears to be operating on a business model that depends on USS Constitution-goers who want to grab a slightly overpriced lunch at the place named for the relic. Why bother being great when you can earn a tidy profit from tourists you'll never have to depend on for repeat business?! I suppose it's only fitting that they're as forgettable to us as we were to them.
(2)Courtney H.
I used to work close by here, and would sometimes go here for lunch and it was ok. I do really like the atmosphere, and I wouldn't mind going back but it's not the best for the area. The food is fine, the drinks are fine and the patio is really nice. Also, one time I went in and asked if I could taste their chardonnays since they removed my favorite from their list. Their bartender said absolutely not, it was too expensive. So I walked out. Oh well. Like I said, it's a good place, just not the best.
(2)J C.
Great drink menu and draft beer selection! Food can be hit or miss. The soup was lousy but the sandwich fantastic. Moderately priced and conveniently located.
(3)Jason B.
The prices are a bit more reasonable, their menu has changed a bit, and they're offering what appears to be a bit more value in their selection. I like this trend. Plus you can still see the Sox games while the Celtics are beating the snot out of Orlando. And Abdel behind the bar is my favorite guy ever. The only reason the elusive fifth star remains off is that the typical clientele is like feeding time at the zoo.
(4)Courtney N.
I had a break during a 10 hour conference in a nearby building, and my friend and I were starving. We decided to try Ironside Grill because they were located just up the street and we liked the outside of the building when we passed it earlier in the day. We went in around 3:30 and it wasn't busy at all. The dining area was very nice, and they had an excellent selection of appetizers and beers on tap. My friend tried a couple of their beers, and they looked good. We each got a bowl of chowder as we didn't have time for a full meal. The service was slow. Very slow. Several of the servers had dinner and were eating at a nearby table (including our server). We saw our chowders waiting for several minutes before the chef had to whistle for her to come over and pick them up! Not a good impression and not very good service. She checked in with us once and got another beer for my friend. The chowder was very good and a large portion. I thought it was slightly overpriced though. We ended up paying in cash and needed change which took quite a bit of time with two people having to do it as if they didn't understand how to properly work the register. I would go again, but not if I had a limited time to eat.
(3)Maya G.
I live in the area and have tried this place 3X because of their location. The management is awful...On one 90 degree, humid day, they didn't have a/c on. When we stated that it was tooo hot., we were told that because "the patio was open" they couldn't turn on air. ONE couple was eating on patio. On another occasion, (with elderly relatives) the music was blasting Xtra loud. We were the only ones in the place and requested, more than once, that music be turned down. Manager (?) made it clear that HE liked the music that loud. Food is just OK. The roll-up seems like the best bet. Even though it's in the neighborhood, won't go again. As other reviewers stated, wait staff is indifferent also.
(1)Lisa C.
I came here for an early mid-week dinner and was not disappointed. The place wasn't crowded yet, the servers were attentive and the food was good. All of us ordered the Ironside burger and how good it was was really determined by the way it was to be cooked. Mine was medium rare and PERFECTION. Someone else ordered it medium well and it was a hockey puck. There didn't seem to be an in between.
(4)Sue M.
I ordered their fried clam sandwich and got food poison...i haven't been that sick in a long time! I would avoid this place at all cost!!
(1)Finola M.
I've had my eye on this place for a while. Service was great, beer was awesome, mood was wonderful. We will come back.
(4)T L.
Four stars for being open late when we rolled into town. Service was kind of slow and we had to flag down our waitress on several occasions and we also noted that they did not pay close attention to us as we were having dinner. BLT and chowder along with friend shrimp. Place was loud, and I mean loud with most of the folks in there concentrating on drinking and visiting. Nice place, clean, but need to improve service even if it's later in the night past the main dining period.
(4)Andy R.
I would like to say that this place at least hit the spot. Unfortunately it missed "the spot" by a huge margin. It was a bit pricey, but would have been fair if the food was any good. The fish + chips were flavorless but seemed to be an improvement over my wife's undercooked chicken. The service was sub-par seeing as our server acted less than enthused to be in our presence. Unless you are joining friends for a drink and to watch a game, I would avoid this place for dinner at all costs.
(1)Ben Y.
Great place to watch a game. Almost always a place to sit and a fun crowd. Food is good as long as you stay in your wheel house. Burgers and fries always a safe bet. Steer away from the tacos.
(4)Amy E.
I;ve been here several times and never been disappointed, It's a great local bar to watch a game and have a few beers. All of the staff is friendly and the bartenders are especially accommodating. If you're looking for good pub food, then this is your place. It's likely the best bar in Charlestown, especially with the outdoor patio in the summer.
(4)Emily C.
Great bartenders, awesome owners, booze, wine, food,cool vibe, A+
(5)Dave D.
Came into the Ironside Grill late one evening looking for something to eat. Just flown in from Arizona and everything was closed, Zack took pity on us and made the cooks stay late and make for us what they could. I have been there three times now and every time service is great, food is good and the people are friendly. I will go there on every Boston trip I make.
(5)Nina H.
My friend and I came for drinks and dinner. We asked for water three separate times, but never received any. Our drinks were made incorrectly, and we had to ask for our check twice. The food was ok, but the waitress was terrible. Will most likely not be coming back.
(2)Mike M.
I live on the same street as Ironside, but I have to say that I don't go here all the time (mainly because it would be too hard on my wallet). This is a great place to go to grab a beer and split an appetizer or two with a small group of friends. When busy, it is a great atmosphere (usually later in the evening). The entrees are ridiculously priced (fish and chips for $20), but their Burgers (10-12) and their appetizers are reasonable. Simply put, this place is pretty good, every once and a while.
(4)Maria B.
Went here last night when we realized that the Tavern on the Water closed their kitchen at 9- and we were starving! Ironside was great. Very authentically "Boston" I'd say. We had great service, our waitress was really friendly and really quick in delivering our orders. We had the calamari, which was fantastic- and I ordered the arugula/goat cheese salad with the dried tomatoes. Everything tasted great, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see how large the Blue Moon draft was. Also, they played fantastic music! Only downside is, their menu is pretty pricey.
(4)Susan H.
Great neighborhood sports bar, outdoor patio is a nice place to have drinks after work. Would recommend the sweet potato fries,,,,steak tips are the best I've ever had. Good beer selection, Bartenders are always friendly, service is prompt.
(5)Leandra F.
Went here last weekend on a pub crawl. I'd say it was my favorite of the 6 stops. Granted, we were ignored upon entry, and our friends were told to just "find an empty table" even though there weren't any... But after a few minutes my friend and I weaseled our way to seats at one of the long tables and other friends gathered round. Then a waitress came by and from there things were pretty smooth. Liked the beer selection. My mac and cheese had way too much cheese for how much mac was in there, but my friends' onion rings were some of the best I've ever had. Proper ratio of onion to coating. Also the music they were playing was awesome.
(4)Melissa A.
I went here for a weird charity event that my friend wanted me to go to where you paid $20 for no reason other than to support said charity. I know, I'm a heartless bastard, but usually when you donate x amount of money, you get SOMETHING in return. OK. That's a lie. There was a buffet of Ironside Grille's finest crappetizers lined up. I had a modicum of class and initially poo poo'd the spread. But then I pounced on the buffet while my friend vigorously shook her head "no" when asked if she wanted anything. Laid out before me were... Pork spring rolls Chicken Wings (Buffalo, BBQ teriyaki) Onion Rings Fried Mozzarella Nachos Sounds great, right? Amazingly enough, this stuff had just come out of the tiny door in the kitchen to the bartender who promptly put it out on display. As the bartender was transferring the food onto the the bar for us, I was standing up to get it. I came back to sit down and eat it and the food was at room temperature. From the kitchen to my stomach, it was a total of maybe two minutes and the food lost its temperature that drastically? Maybe they only break out the economy-size Fry Daddy for actual paying customers, not for charity folk? I frowned a lot but begrudgingly ate the crappetizers and the chef from the kitchen glanced at me through the tiny head-sized door looking very Jambi-like sans turban and blue skin. He gave me a slight head nod and a knowing smirk that said, "Do you wish you had better food?" Mekka-lekka hi mekka hiney ho! Mekka-lekka hi mekka chahney ho! Mola-mekka chala mekka hola hayla hey! You wish is granted. Didn't work. I guess I shouldn't have expected much from a Bud Lite drinking crowd.
(2)Tina D.
Good place to go for after work drinks and some appetizers. Place can get crowded very quickly though! For food...I've mostly stuck to the appetizers that usually they can do no wrong with. Loaded nachos, Spinach dip, Fried Calamari, and the Sweet Potato fries are the way to go. Went before a Celtics game to get dinner and will have to recommend to everyone to SKIP the angus hamburger. My bro ordered that one and made us all take a bite because he thought it looked/tasted weird. I don't know what kind of meat it was, but definitely not good. I'll be back for drinks and apps
(3)Erica E.
Will never go back. Came in with a group of 10 for drinks on a fairly quiet Saturday night. Upon arriving we found two tables and we were approached by a rude waitress who said if we sat there we had to order from her. Not a big deal, but her delivery could've been a bit better. Then, they were showing a UFC fight on one of the TVs that some of the guys in our party were watching. All of a sudden the bartender shut it off and said that it makes the customers too rowdy. Really? So lame! They lost our business because we left right after our of principle. From reading some of the other reviews, looks like this place needs some serious work.
(1)Bud B.
Decent food but overpriced for what is basically well-executed pub grub ($12 for a burger, $10 chicken wings). The floor layout is a little awkward. Lots of people pushing by behind some of the tables makes for some uncomfortable seating. Friendly, competent servers. The night we were there, they ran out of napkins though. How do you run out of napkins?
(3)Chris S.
Ironside is nothing extraordinary, just a solid Charlestown neighborhood bar and grill. I imagine locals want it to stay that way ... don't think they have much to worry about. In the spirit of it's 44 gun frigate namesake, Let me explain the hits and misses. Food - warning shot. Steak tips and tofu burgers are good, sweet potato fries are a hit. Veggie and beef burgers were not impressive. Commented my dining companions, "rubbery" and "tastes like it came out of a freezer". Service and atmosphere - glancing shot. Friendly local crowd, outdoor seating, plenty of barspace and tables, new flatscreens for sports viewing. Friendly, playful and accomodating service. No significant misfires, no crippling blows. This sailor limped away full and happy.
(3)Steve G.
This is the place to go when you want to grab a burger and watch the game. It is full of local residents from the "nice" part of town and everyone is friendly. Prices are reasonable and make Ironside a great choice for a weekday dinner.
(4)R B.
They don't do anything particularly well. Everything is just ok. Service is really slow. Food is on the expensive side. Burgers are ok. It can be fun if you are there in time to find a place to sit at the bar. Otherwise it gets cramped pretty fast.
(2)Eric M.
Good food for a sports bar and a solid beer selection. Great place to watch a game if you can get a seat. Every seat in the place faces a tv.
(4)Huan z.
A sports bar and restaurant with high bar stools and Enough TVs around to see different games. Friendly atmosphere, tons of choices of beer, plus nice sweet potato fires. What else you can ask for a cool place to relax after a day of work.
(3)Krista H.
I'm not sure why, but I love this place! Maybe it's the outdoor patio where you can watch all the tourists walk by and take pictures of trees and street signs as they walk up the hill towards the USS Constitution. Maybe its the greasy pub food and cold beer. Either way, I go here every chance I get...in the summertime. I love sitting outside first of all. The area is perfect for an outdoor bite. It's never too crowded and the staff has always been super friendly to me. The food is nothing special. Typical pub fare but I've never had a bad meal. The one item on the menu that absolutely blew my mind were the onion rings. Hand-battered, salty, crunchy, delicious, just plain AMAZING! Other things I usually order are the tuna melt, taco salad, steak tips. If you are in the area (it's nice and sunny) stop by Ironsides for a quick, fulfilling bite.
(3)Elaine L.
This place was disturbingly quiet on a Friday night, just a few small parties scattered about. Perhaps people don't like the alternative and indie music that they had on (however, I love that music so I actually liked this place). The bartenders were friendly and attentive though. And they made us birthday shots which tasted like chocolate cake. Mmm...
(3)Samantha B.
I've actually been here a few times and had great experiences but that was a few years ago. I recently went back with some friends on a Friday night and the service was less than great. Our main waitress - I say main because it was so confusing to tell who our waitress actually was, not sure if they pooled tips or what - was kind and attentive but we had a couple of other waitresses who periodically checked in and brought us our food and they were not very helpful or polite. We ordered nachos because we were starving and they were terrible - just cheese, chicken, and chips. I remember loving this place because their martinis were so delicious and always seasonally themed but a few friends had drinks off the list and were less than impressed. Not sure if we just hit this place on a bad night or if it's gone down hill since I've been there last!
(3)Zac C.
We got there at 12:15pm for a Sunday brunch and had a great seat outside on a beautiful day. They took our drinks right away and our order shortly there after yet it still took over 45 minutes to get our 3 sandwiches (should be pretty easy and fast, right?). I know the exact time because I checked in on yelp and I checked in over an hour before we got our food. We were the third table seated in the restaurant, however after we sat, they got packed. Besides the painful wait, I had a great steak and cheese wrap and awesome sweet potato fries. Good food, but the long wait will make it less desirable to go back though.
(3)Gray c.
went there last night for dinner - the outdoor patio was the appeal - ordered a glass of wine and water - they only had bottled due to the boil order. Things there are pretty pricey for what you get - it's ok bar food - that's it. When I got the bill I was shocked to see the price for a bottle of plain water was $3!!!! I expect them to cover their costs of the water - but to gouge customers is REALLY REALLY REALLY tacky Boo!
(2)