Since 1985, owner Chris Schlesinger's East Coast Grill and Raw Bar has served locals and visitors unforgettable food and drinks. Fire wood grilled entrees, BBQ and Southern inspired dishes, and fresh seafood options fill the menu of this restaurant and bar near Central Square. Featuring special events such as Taco Tuesdays, Date Night Sundays, and the beloved Hell Night, there is always a reason to head there.
Address: 1271 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA
Telephone: (617) 491-6568
Subway directions: Red Line, Central Square Station
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5:30 - 10:30 p.m., Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
East Coast Grill is a casual spot, loved especially by locals for its innovative menu. You too will adore the friendly staff and the laid back, yet lively atmosphere. With its sky blue walls, volcano mural, and cheery décor, there is a fun vibe in the room.
One of the highlights is the raw bar. Choose from fresh, tasty oysters on the half shell, Littleneck clams, jumbo shrimp, or crab claws. For the ultimate seafood experience, go with the Essential Raw Bar Platter.
If cooked seafood is more your style, East Coast Grill offers a Fish o’ the Day or a delicious Grilled White Pepper Crusted Tuna with veggies, among other entrees. Beyond just excellent seafood, you can eat some of the best BBQ in the Boston area, since they also serve Southern classics. You can get sandwiches or entrée portions of shredded pork or beef brisket, or go for the spareribs. The barbecue dinners are served with everyone’s favorite sides: coleslaw, beans, cornbread, and watermelon.
Wash down all of the fulfilling grub East Coast has to offer with drinks from the bar. The menu has plenty of wine and beer. Specialty drinks include Bloody Marys, sangria, and a variety of margaritas. Go all out with their version of a scorpion bowl, the Flaming Volcano for two, featuring rum, gin, and brandy, with tropical fruit juices.
East Coast Grill is also well known for its events. You can check out updated menus for their Taco Tuesdays and Date Night Sundays weekly on their Twitter and Facebook pages. The most well-known event at East Coast has got to be Hell Night, so be sure to check the website for dates for this unique event.
At Hell Night, those who dare can sample soups, pastas, and other dishes, flavored with all the hot ingredients East Coast can think of, including Inner Beauty hot sauce. Music fills the air and for some dishes, you may even have to sign a release form before digging in! The food is so bold and fiery, the chefs have to don gloves and face masks to cook the spicy concoctions that the adventurous attendees come to taste. If you can’t stand the heat, soothe your tongue with popsicles.