Moon Bar 129 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

"One of the best elevated casual cocktail bars in Boston. Following a complete renovation last year, Moon Bar has evolved from a casual hangout into a chic, modern cocktail bar with a creative food menu. As a long-time fan of Chef Carl Dooley from Mooncusser, I’ve been eager to try this new spot. At Moon Bar, Chef Nelson Whittingham crafts a wicked menu featuring excellent seafood and innovative dishes inspired by his Jamaican background, and both the food and cocktails were fantastic. Despite it being our first visit, we were lucky to snag perfect seats right in front of Jake, the bartender. Jake was one of the best bartenders I've met in the city. He took great pride in crafting perfectly balanced cocktails and had extensive experience bartending in both Cambridge and Boston. We typically don't order more than three drinks, but he made us want to try everything on the menu. Some of our favorites included the Golden Colada and the 305 Cowboy. While Chef Nelson may not yet be a household name in Boston’s food scene, he delivered dishes that paired perfectly with the cocktails. His creations were mainly divided into two categories: Complex & Aromatic and Robust & Spicy. In the former, standout dishes were the Tuna Crudo and Black Bass. The Tuna Crudo had a fiery kick with its red chili salsa, balanced by aromatic notes of mint and sesame. The Black Bass, served with a side of warm roti, showcased a satisfying interplay of textures. The tender, moist bass was complemented by a crisp peanut mix, with lime juice and pineapple sambal adding just the right amount of complexity to its flavor profile. The Jamaican Beef Patty and Tandoori Chicken Thighs were in the latter category. The Tandoori Chicken Thighs had a robust spice kick, balanced by creamy cucumber raita. The chicken was incredibly juicy and tender, making it my favorite dish from the "hot stuff" to pair sweet the fruity cocktails . Another favorite was the Marinated Halibut, a zesty blend of halibut, avocado, and tomatillo. The real highlight of this dish, however, was the tostones. Given halibut's mild flavor, the crispy tostones added a satisfying rich and salty boost to each bite. Due to its popularity, Moon Bar primarily operates on a reservation basis, so walk-ins during peak hours may be a bit challenging. However, I highly recommend making the effort to secure a reservation. An added bonus is that Moon Bar shares its ingredient supply with Mooncusser upstairs, so their menu gets an update every six weeks."

"Moon Bar is a culinary gem. This establishment promises a culinary journey through diverse and bold flavors. From the moment you step inside, the chic and intimate ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. One of the standout dishes is the banana leaf wrapped black bass. Perfectly cooked, the fish is moist and infused with subtle aromatic flavors from the banana leaf, creating a delicate yet impactful taste that lingers on the palate. The tandoori chicken thighs are another highlight, showcasing a perfect balance of spices and tenderness. Each bite reveals layers of flavors, from the smokiness of the tandoori marinade to the juicy and succulent meat, making it a must-try for any lover of Indian cuisine. For those seeking a taste of the Caribbean, the Jamaican beef patties are a delightful treat. The golden, flaky crust encases a savory and spicy beef filling that delivers a punch of flavor with every bite. It's a wonderful fusion of texture and taste that stands out on the menu. The marinated halibut tartare is a fresh and vibrant dish that exemplifies the balance of flavors and textures. The halibut is perfectly marinated, providing a refreshing and zesty profile that is both sophisticated and satisfying. Overall, Moon Bar offers an eclectic menu that caters to adventurous palates and those seeking comfort in familiar flavors with a twist. The attentive service and inviting atmosphere further enhance the dining experience, making it a top choice for anyone looking to indulge in innovative and delicious cuisine in Boston."

"The food was delightful, well thought out, and creative. Would definitely recommend coming alone or with a friend! The creative cocktails were fun but not extraordinary; when I come back, it’ll be for the food. The jerk pork chop was cooked perfectly, and the bass wrapped in banana leaf was a fantastic dish."

"Delicious food and cocktails and friendly service. Can’t wait to come back. Loved the mango salad and the yucca fries especially, but everything was excellent."

"This place truly blew us away. From the beginning, everything was stellar. The bar top service makes it a fun experience, where you can watch the bartenders who are also your servers, make beautiful cocktails. Our server, Jake, was wonderful at explaining the menu and giving us his favorite choices, while also imploring that if something sounds good to us, to just order it because it’s all fantastic. And he was so right! We had the tuna crudo, Caesar salad, Jamaican beef patty, ribs, sea bass, tandoori chicken and both desserts. We also had so many cocktails, and even off the menu cocktails Jake would create on the spot. The food was SO fun and flavorful, mixing Indian and Caribbean flavors with super fresh seafood and ingredients. Each dish was better than the next and we truly didn’t want to leave. I’ll be dreaming of this dinner and will go out of my way to make it here again. Add this to your hit list and don’t be surprised when it’s the only place you want to go for the rest of your life."