Frommer's Review
An enormous space with a lobster tank in the middle of the floor, the Summer Shack feels like an overgrown seaside clam shack -- but one that's been to cooking school. All the basics are here: raw bar, excellent french fries, out-of-this-world tuna burger, lobster roll, and even a clambake (a lobster, clams, mussels, potatoes, sausage, and corn on the cob). But check the name again -- Jasper White is nationally renowned for seafood, and his pan-roasted lobster, on the aptly named "big bucks lobster" section of the menu, has been a local foodie favorite for well over 2 decades (since his days at the fine-dining restaurant Jasper's). Yes, the contrast is incongruous, but it works. You might find yourself sitting at a picnic table between a kid chowing down on a corn dog and a suburban couple savoring wok-seared lobster with ginger and scallions or steamed mussels in wine-and-herb broth -- and they'll all be equally happy. You'll be able to hear them exclaiming, too: When it's full, this is one of the loudest restaurants in the Boston area. Arrive early, ask to sit on the second level (just a few steps up, but much quieter), and you might be able to have a conversation.
There's another Summer Shack in Boston's Back Bay, at 50 Dalton St. (tel. 617/867-9955), that's especially popular before and after Red Sox games and Symphony performances. It's open 11am to 11pm Sunday through Wednesday, until 1am Thursday through Saturday. Other branches are at Logan Airport, in Terminal A (tel. 617/569-9695) and at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
