Established in 1827, Durgin Park has forever been a staple in the heart of Quincy Market. It is a rustic restaurant offering quality traditional American food, but little else.
The restaurant isn't noticeable from the street and resides above a pub. We went up the stairs, and at the top, directly behind the hostess, was the large kitchen, wide open for all to see. It was not at all glamorous, but it matches with the rest of the environment.
The inside is very sparsely decorated and the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired. We were seated at a table against the wall, which was private but not at all romantic. The tables are covered in red and white checkered tableclothes, the lighting leaves nothing to the imagination, and the walls are barren. The clattering of the nearby kitchen is amplified by the wooden floors, and there is no music playing to distract you.
Service was slow and not incredibly welcoming or friendly.
Once seated, we were immediately served a large square of corn bread. Initially I was excited, because I was starving and corn bread is usually one of my favorites; however, it lacked flavor, so I pushed it aside to wait for my entree.
The menu offers something to please every palate, from roast prime rib to penne pasta, and everything in between. Being a Friday during Lent, my dining partner and I both opted to order from the fish section of the menu. They have a great selection of fish, featuring raw oysters, fried fish and chips, and a simple baked haddock. I ordered the baked scrod, which is a house favorite. It was very flavorful, soft and fresh with a light coating of bread crumbs. My friend ordered the fried shrimp, which was plentiful and delicious. Both entrees were served with a vegetable and a starch, just like Mom would provide. The portions on both dishes were very large, and the quality of the food was impressive, but there was a lack of attention to presentation.
They had classic dessert offerings from a brownie sundae to apple pie. We decided to be adventurous and order the Indian pudding, a house specialty that the waiter recommended, but we ended up regretting it. It tasted like mashed sweet potatoes, and the presentation did not make it look at all appetizing.
Our bill added up a little more quickly than we had expected ($50 for a dinner for two), but we attributed this to the fact that we ordered fish. Many of their entrees were closer to $13, and if you are looking for a real deal, the lunch menu seemed to offer a variety of delicious sandwiches for a reasonable price. If you are looking for a casual, basic, hearty meal, and you aren't concerned with atmosphere, service, or presentation, check out Durgin Park next time you are in the city. C+
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