-- Boston's Hidden Restaurants --

Amrheins

80 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127
(617) 268-6189 Find location!

Photo of Amrheins, South Boston, MA For those who have fond memories of the old Amrheins, the cozy South Boston restaurant that locals, families, and politicians frequented, the present version of Amrheins may be a bit jarring. Amrheins is now an upscale American restaurant, complete with a cavernous bar area that is extremely attractive, and a dining room that has a touch of understated elegance. But Amrheins is no longer one of those comfortable old spots in the vein of such Boston stalwarts as Doyle's or J.J. Foley's.

The new Amrheins is, however, a terrific dining spot that may end up competing with some of the more reasonably-priced upscale Boston restaurants such as the Ashmont Grill and Laurel. The food at Amrheins may no longer be family fare, but the entrees are delicious, including the mouthwatering steak tips with jasmine rice and the risotto with seafood. You can also order pork chops, sirloin steak, and various chicken dishes at Amrheins, and the menu has a section dedicated to lighter fare, including mini-burgers. The breads and the soups are also terrific, and you can still get a Guinness at Amrheins, though I do miss the old bar where you could hang out on a rainy afternoon with a pint or two of the good Irish stout.

In addition to the old bar, I also miss the wiener schnitzel, the french onion soup, and the Sunday morning buffet that the old Amrheins was known for. And yes, it seems that the crowd has changed at Amrheins, as on a recent night, there were many more people in business suits than in casual clothing. But you can't argue with the food at the present incarnation of Amrheins, and the fare may be upscale, but the price is right. I give a thumbs up to the renovated Amrheins. I just wish there was room for both versions of this terrific Southie restaurant.