Gather's modern interior — Photo courtesy of Gather
Gather's 2013 opening adds a casual dining spot that serves upscale comfort food to Boston's booming waterfront. Located in the small section of the South Boston harbor-side (crowned the "Innovation District"), Gather restaurant puts a fresh face on the familiar, churning out foodie-worthy yet recognizable plates.
Stop in at Gather for appetizers or a bite at the bar, and you'll find yourself surrounded by a friendly crowd. Everyone from the bartender to the person to your right will happily chat with you and offer ideas on what you should order.
Hefty plates of appetizers like chicken and waffles could be a meal for one, while the dates with blue cheese and bacon are bite-sized morsels of indulgent delight, pairing sweet and salty with perfection. Sushi lovers should not skip the tuna crudo, because this portion of raw fish is one of the best in all of Boston. Or simply sip a glass of wine, or order up a cocktail, and enjoy the social atmosphere at the bar.
Gather's name says it all. This restaurant is meant for gatherings. Whether you're gathering with old friends or meeting new ones, you'll find yourself drawn to Gather's expertly spartan interior. Light bulbs hung from simple electric cords twinkle from the ceiling, giving the aura of a night under the stars. They provide a complementary vibe to the minimalist decor that somehow seems elegant inside this chic space.
Book a table and grab a seat that lets you gaze out of the floor-to-ceiling windows of this unique structure, while enjoying a full meal.
Onion and oxtail soup — Photo courtesy of Gather
In place of appetizers, you may want to start with the onion and oxtail soup. Putting an interesting twist on the typical French onion offered at many area eateries, this crock favors the sweet Vidalia variety and replaces the usual beef broth with a braised oxtail stock. The combination adds the right amount of sweetness to this savory bowl before topping it with a ciabatta crostini and the ideal amount of crisped-to-perfection Swiss cheese.
You may want to follow up this hearty bowl of heaven with a salad (for those with lighter appetites), pizza or a sandwich. But those in the know go for a full entree. Local favorites include the veal shank and sage gnocchi, which adds a "just right" touch of meat to your pasta while satisfying your carb craving. And the lamb osso bucco is braised in a savory sauce that's served with a well portioned, delightfully absorbent polenta to ensure you soak up every last bit.
Gather shares its space with District Hall. Offering dedicated civic space, District Hall is filled with open workspace for you to simply drop in, classrooms that must be booked, pods that adapt to many uses and even spots for assembly. The walls of District Hall are whiteboards that allow for conference room brainstorming in a public space.
And when you're done in District Hall, you don't even have to brave the elements to get a good meal, because Gather is right there.
Lamb osso bucco — Photo courtesy of Gather
