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An Accidental Find
I came across Abe & Louie’s completely by accident; I’d made plans to dine at a very casual restaurant on Boylston Street. When we arrived, a posted sign informed us that the place was closed for that day only! So as we walked down Boylston Street looking for another restaurant, we happened upon Abe & Louie’s.
As we peered through the window, we noticed the nice décor — and the equally well-dressed clientele. Wearing blue jeans, I was apprehensive to enter, but decided to err on the side of bravado. Despite our attire, we were seated. Since then, I’ve returned to Abe & Louie’s, insisting to take two close friends, as well as a date, to experience the place. Quite simply … it’s that good.
Food and Wine: 20 On the whole I really liked the food, which had a great deal of tastiness to it. The French onion soup ($5.50) was rich, hearty, and even just a bit sweet. For the price, it’s a great value. For dinner, their 10 oz. filet mignon ($23.50) was prepared impeccably, cooked exactly to specifications (in fact, the menu provides a guideline for patrons on the "rare to well done" scale, so there’s no question!). And in the mouth, the filet had a juicy, velvety taste … quite exquisite. For those of you who prefer non-cow entrées, some of their more interesting choices include a wood grilled shrimp with herb butter sauce and basmati rice ($22.95), and a swordfish steak (at current market price). Other than sauces, all accompaniments must be ordered separately. I recommend their hashed browned potatoes ($5.50) and creamed fresh spinach ($5.50). Desserts are tasty and inexpensive, but they’re nothing that you can’t find somewhere else. A note of caution: if you’re a devoté of elegant, decorative, artistic food presentation, there’s little to report. Personally, however, my primary concern is the food presentation as it occurs in my stomach. Full bar and wine service is available (although many people flee to the refuge of the bar area as it’s the only place for smoking!). The wine list contained a number of very thoughtful selections. I felt, however, that the offerings were overpriced. For example, the NV (non-vintage) Pol Roger champagne at $70 represents almost twice the store retail price.
Service: 22 The first time I went to Abe & Louie’s, I was completely surprised by the level of service. It matches the service I’ve gotten at some of the best restaurants in the world, like Tour D’Argent and Taillevent in Paris, Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons and Le Gavroche in London, and Louis XV Alain Ducasse in Monaco. For example, my business associate stepped away from the table twice to make phone calls. In fine dining establishments it’s no surprise when the waiter folds the napkin. But at Abe & Louie’s, our waiter took away my guest’s used napkin each time, and replaced it with fresh one. Although they were small gestures, nevertheless they’re also hallmarks for first class service. On another occasion, I had a waiter who not only provided excellent table service, but also offered his personal knowledge of fine wines to recommend an excellent red Bordeaux (in this case, a Pomerol), which I’d thought too young. As it turned out, it was perfect. I can easily say that most of Boston’s finest restaurants could learn a few things from Abe & Louie’s when it comes to providing the very best service.
Décor: 18 Like many steak houses, Abe & Louie’s opts for the "club" look: highly polished wood paneled walls, frosted glass, and brass light fixtures. The staff keeps the place quite immaculate — an achievement, considering that even the most elegant steak houses contend every day with more than their share of bread crumbs, condiments, and other "hazards" inherent with the cuisine. Yes, the décor is nice, clean, and almost "elegant." But overall, there’s nothing special about it. As far as ambience, I was quite surprised that under most circumstances, you can have an enjoyable evening at Abe & Louie’s. The noise and chatter level is neither too loud (as is the case in many steak houses) nor too soft. You can have a business dinner (as I did), a social dinner with friends (as I did twice), or a date (as I did (and it was a first date!)). Each dinner was, depending on the individual circumstance, either successful or enjoyable (and sometimes both! (but we won’t get into that one)).
Value: 21 Other than their wine list (while it’s overpriced, it’s not a serious deviation from wine prices at many other restaurants), Abe & Louie’s represents a great value. I will concede that, for the prices, most of their entrées (especially the steaks) are on the small side. On the other hand, I have no compunction in giving Abe & Louie’s an almost perfect rating in value. Because I feel that part of the price goes to fine service, and perfect food preparation.
Recommended: 21 If you’re a lover of steaks, then Abe & Louie’s is a must, although I’ll repeat that some of the entrées are on the small side. But in terms of preparation, the food’s been perfect each time. If you appreciate service, then Abe & Louie’s is definitely a must. And if you have a lot of dining experience at all those legendary establishments in Europe, then you’ll be surprised at Abe & Louie’s. They demonstrate that you don’t need three stars from Michelin in order to provide first class service. I also recommend Abe & Louie’s as a restaurant which is a good choice under all situations, whether a business dinner, a dinner date, or just a night out with friends. I’ve got their name and number recorded in my pocket organizer. Overall, I think of all the restaurants in Boston which have developed reputations as being the best. Despite it being a steakhouse, Abe & Louie’s is one of Boston best restaurants — in some ways, arguably the best.
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