Boston Sail Loft

The sun was shining, the harbor waters were calm and Rob and I were craving seafood. The Boston Sail Loft just happened to be nearby so we decided to try it out. Other reviews rated this as a pretty decent location for seafood. Besides, it was also our anniversary and this restaurant has been around for over 30 years. It must be good!

Rob and I hadn’t yet learned that dining in Boston is not only a feast for the eyes but a true feast. We had been living in Boston for less than a month when we decided to visit the Boston Sail Loft. That night, I was on my way back from a meeting downtown and Rob was hungry after working a full day. We decided to celebrate our 7th anniversary at a casual seafood restaurant where we could totally unwind! I used google maps to locate a such a restaurant and here’s what happened.

Boston Sail Loft Abound

Rob and I have had some interesting experiences finding random restaurants using Google Maps. Needless to say, mapping a seafood restaurant on the Boston waterfront was probably pretty safe. After walking a couple blocks, we arrived at the location. Google reviews showed 3.5 stars so we knew our experience could go either way.

The exterior of the restaurant was plain and unflattering compared to other restaurants in its general vicinity. However, I know from personal experience that good restaurants don’t have to put on aires when it comes to decor. The restaurant reminded me of a good old mom and pop seafood joint. I was optimistic.

Inside, the decor was equally simple and had probably not been updated in years. You could see exactly where everyone touched the doors – yuck. A fresh coat of paint would do wonders for this restaurant’s ambiance.

APPETIZERS

The server greeted us promptly and provided menus. There was so much to choose from! The appetizer selection offered a little bit of everything; tex mex nachos, steamed mussels, shrimp cocktail and even buffalo wings.

Rob and I decided to share a plate of fresh calamari rings. We often start a meal with calamari for special occasions. Seven years of marriage qualifies as a special occasion don’t you think? Being married to a diabetic is difficult however, when two diabetics get together, there is a different level of understanding that only those living with diabetes can understand. Our relationship is like a fine wine… it gets better with age.

WINE

Speaking of wine, we decided to indulge in a glass. Rob and I have noticed that ordering wine from restaurants is incredibly expensive in Boston. Bogle Merlot currently retails for roughly $8.99 a bottle in Nashville, compared with $8.00 per glass at this ordinary restaurant. I don’t think we’ll ever get used to the wine markup here so Rob and I have made a pact to refrain from ordering wine while out.

A large platter of calamari soon appeared before us. It was delicious! I think there were probably enough calories in this huge appetizer to satisfy our energy requirements for the rest of the day. Oh well. We injected our insulin, tried to estimate the carbohydrates in the breading and enjoyed every mouthful. It was nicely prepared – the calamari was fresh and lightly breaded, deep fried and crisp.

ENTREE

We had no idea the entrees would arrive shortly thereafter, heaping. I am serious when I say heaping. We both ordered “Boston’s Best Fish and Chips.” I’m not a chip lover so I opted to have a salad instead of the fries. The server was very flexible with our nutrition needs and Rob requested a 1/2 serving of fries and extra coleslaw to compensate. Neither of us want the burden of the extra and unnecessary carbohydrates so if a vegetable option is available without a mega up-charge, we take it. Never hesitate to ask your server to customize your plate.

This meal was so memorable. The service was excellent. The ability to customize our entrees made for a very nice and deliciously diabetic evening out. And, even better, the manager was on-staff and introduced us to her new wine menu that was set to start the very next day. We got to sample (well, I mean buy a glass) of wine that was not yet on the menu. She was extremely knowledgeable about the wines and based on the description of what we find appealing in a wine, her recommendation was spot on. She was also the owner’s daughter and we could tell she was personally invested in the success of the business. A nice touch!

DIABETES FRIENDLY OPTIONS

The Boston Sail Loft offers a wide variety of customizable options. One very diabetic friendly option is the Sail Loft Stir-Fry with chicken or shrimp.

Since visiting for the first time, we have returned and the server was not as flexible with substituting vegetables for fries on the entrees. Do ask and see if there are options that help you manage your blood sugars. The variety of the menu offers a wide selection that makes health-minded and diabetic dining a non-issue.

We did not try the desserts – after both visits we have been completely satisfied with our entrees. You will not leave hungry. The portions are large.

View menu HERE.

WILL I Return?

Definitely. I need to keep in mind that the portions are a decent size. On our first visit I definitely did not need the calamari plus a full sized entree. However, I still don’t regret a mouthful. It was delicious.

This is certainly the type of restaurant that has been doing the food right for years… they haven’t had to worry about the decor. I would recommend a good clean up and repaint if the Boston Sail Loft can find time when the tourists aren’t so populous. However, we had an awesome anniversary dinner at the Boston Sail Loft and will be back for more – probably soon.