WENDY AND TOM DINE OUT

It would be hard to describe Doyle's any better than the quotes they use in their brochure, so we won't try! "To walk into Doyle's is to walk back in time. To Boston in the 1880's, specifically. With its tin ceiling, long oaken bar, wooden booths and mural-covered walls, Doyle's proudly exhibits its over 100 years of service as one of the most beloved bars in Boston. - Brett Peruzzi in All About Beer. We liked this description too: "Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain is to saloons what the Taj Mahal is to mausoleums. With lofty tin ceilings, walls adorned with murals and precious Boston memorabilia, it's a favorite watering hole for powerful politicians and their coatholders - Brian C. Murphy, Boston Globe. We have been to Doyle's several times and all of the experiences have been different. On this occasion the bar had people crowded around it three people deep. The crowd was noisy and a group of the patrons was singing at their tables. This was in the front room where things are always livelier. In the middle and back rooms the atmosphere was quieter, but still bustling. One item that should never be missed is the 18-foot mural that spans the rear wall of the Michael Collins room and contains the likenesses of seven mayors and 45 other politicians, pals and patrons. Make sure you take a look at it before leaving. We have been to Doyle's for brunch, too, and it tends to be much more sedate. But... whenever, we have gone, it has been an experience! The food is fairly good and the beers are excellent, but it is the atmosphere that is appealing.

Below are the beer offerings and the "specials" menu. There is also the "regular" menu with additional pizzas and other choices. BTW, Wendy recommend the Magner's Irish Cider.

RESTAURANT:

DOYLE'S CAFE

ADDRESS:

3483 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA

DATE:

April 28, 2001

MEAL:

Dinner

BREAD:

Corn bread - fairly heavy and somewhat sweet

SALAD:

Boring salad with mostly lettuce. Blue cheese dressing was good and was served in a little pleated paper cup.

APPETIZER:

Clam chowder ($2.75 cup) Very Good. Thick with loads of potatoes and clams

ENTREE:

Boneless Prime Rib ($11.95) Very Good - A huge piece of meat that was enough for 2 meals. Baked potato was not hot enough.

Crab Cakes with lobster bisque ($5.95) Very Good - 8 well seasoned, crispy crab cakes filled with plenty of crab

Roast Pork Dinner ($7.95) 2 large pieces of pork smothered in gravy. Hot baked potato. Vegetables were mixed, some were fresh and some looked like they were canned!

Fried Oyster Plate ($13.95) Excellent oysters and onion rings. The French fries were thick cut and somewhat soggy. Cole slaw was good with a slight taste of vinegar.

DESSERT:

Black Raspberry Ice Cream (with chocolate sauce and whipped cream) Excellent quality ice cream.

Key Lime Pie - Very good and not overly sweet

OTHER:

Red and white plastic tablecloths with paper place mats covered with advertising

Parking on street and in small lot

Open 9 am - 1 am

Brunch served Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m.

ATM machine on premises

Old establishment, but clean

web page at: http://www.doylescafe.com/

OVERALL:

B for food quality

Food is a good value for the money. Everyone should eat here once to see the Cafe and appreciate its history.

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