State Street Provisions
255 State St, Boston, MA 02109
(617) 863-8363

As a young professional working in Boston’s Financial District and an outspoken foodie with high expectations, I am always on the hunt for a new establishment to add to my list of places. One winter afternoon, I casually walked down State Street and I noticed a new restaurant near the Long Wharf and Aquarium area. After a short glance, I was already impressed. It looked like a cool and sophisticated gem near my office. At that moment, I jotted down State Street Provisions in my iPhone and when I got to the office I Googled this new restaurant in the neighborhood.

So the story goes something like this…after twenty years of providing students and foodies with great food and fun in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Grafton Group crossed the Charles River and brought to life a new historically inspired “Old Town” Boston with a modern twist eatery called State Street Provisions. the Grafton Group is known for successful joints such as Grafton Street, Temple Bar, Russell House Tavern, and PARK Restaurant and Bar.

Due to this additional information, I was immediately sold on the idea of planning a night out at State Street Provisions, and as predicted, it did not disappoint! Overall, State Street Provisions is another masterpiece from the Grafton Group and Chef Tom Borgia.

Sips:

State Street Provisions is ideal for drinks and appetizers. The bartenders take pride in pouring more than 15-draft craft New England beers. During my visit, I was in the mood for a cocktail. After studying the creative handcrafted drink menu, I needed a little direction as there was something for everyone. I don’t like sugary, sweet, cocktails so the server described each cocktail that best suited my taste. I went with the El Presidente and it was excellent. Most popular drink is the Fig Martinez. Everyone at the table ordered something different including the drink of the week called Nelson’s Grog. Cheers all around!

Space:

In my opinion, the decor and ambiance can be best described as masculine elegance. The warm wood tones and dark brown leather booths coupled with clear light bubble fixture made for a sophisticated “Old Boston” yet modern trendy restaurant.

Service:

From the hostess stand, to the table service, to the management, to the food quality and the kitchen delivery, the overall State Street Provisions experience is pretty close to perfect and that’s only because there is no such thing as perfection.

The staff was informative, well-trained and managed, as well as passionate about the restaurant’s food and drink offerings. Guests can tell straightaway that this restaurant group knows what it is doing. Without a doubt, they displayed the twenty years of experience. The staff was super polite and accommodating to us. The food arrived on time and we were impressed by the generous portions. Each visit to State Street Provisions, I experienced a no rush vibe. It is irritating when servers rush your dining experience and forcing guests out of the door. State Street Provisions creates a dining environment that caters to a relaxing and fun experience. On the other hand, I’m sure if you want to rush things along, they would be happy to accommodate that as well.

Sustenance:

State Street Provisions attention to local farms and businesses made it difficult to decide on which items to order.

The menu had a little bit for everyone including crowd-pleasing cheese and cured meats board. My group tried several of the items including

Lobster Bisque

Grilled Baby Carrots–Warm Farro and Pomegranate, Tzatziki, Pine Nuts

Green Leaf Salad–Mesclun, Poached Figs, Candied Pecans, Great Hill Blue, Molasses-Mustard Vinaigrette

Fried Oysters–Ginger Aioli, Dashi Broth, Radish, Bonito

Maplebrook Farm Burrata–Fresh Fig Caponata, Black Garlic, Crostini

Cheese Board–Served with House-Made Preserves, Candied Almonds. 3 or 6 cheese boards

Tuna Crudo–Green Chile Infused Olive Oil, Crispy Shallots, Lime

Angry Queen Pizza–San Marzano Tomato, Maplebrook Farm Mozzarella, Basil

I highly recommend the Grilled Atlantic Salmon–Warm Farro Salad, Basil, Blood Orange & Ginger Vinaigrette, Pine Nuts. Lobster Roll–Aioli, Tarragon, Lemon and Quinoa Cake–Ginger Squash Puree, Roasted Root Vegetables, Harissa Aioli.

Keep in mind, we are a Pescatarian crowd so we didn’t order anything with meat.

For dessert, go for the signature house-made Apple Cider Donuts accompanied with Maple-Caramel Glaze. Heaven in your mouth!

Some Other Highlights: The Provisions Pasta is homemade and seasonally inspired. Don’t be surprised if it changes weekly! This way there is always something new and in-season on the menu.

Additional Information:

Recently, State Street Provisions added weekday lunch and weekend brunch–Saturday and Sunday–10AM-4PM. I am going to check out the brunch scene next time, the menu looks delish!

Also, Late Night Hours–$1 Oysters after 11PM. We may set our alarm for 10:45PM just so we can go have $1 Oysters. Don’t judge!