Semper Fi & Lower Depths

Last Thursday night we attended the Albany Marine Band Concert at the Hatch Shell. We enjoyed a leisurely walk down the Esplanade on a warm yet windy evening. The sun dipped low over the sailboat dotted Charles River and the Red Line sped across the Longfellow Bridge.

Once we reached the Hatch Shell we claimed a spot on the lawn.
This large dome stage on the south bank of the Charles River is well known as home to Boston's 4th of July celebration including a performance by the Boston Pops. It also lends itself to various concerts throughout the summer months.
The Marine Band performed this evening in honor of Marine Week Boston. These men in uniform are highly skilled musicians; some recognizable pieces were played including the Pirates of the Caribbean Theme and the Star Wars Theme. It was engaging and relaxing at the same time. 
Pictured above with Corporal Howell Kendrick Anders (my cousin!) trombone player extraordinaire looking dapper in his uniform. We chatted with some of the Marines we'd met throughout the week and many of them agreed this was one of the coolest locations they had ever played at. Worth noting that while these Corporals and Sergeants mission first and foremost is music: all Marines in the Band are fully trained to fulfill their secondary mission of bearing arms in the defense of our nation. The Few. The Proud. The Marines.

The Marines had an early morning marching performance so we said our goodbyes and made our way down the Back Bay length of Beacon Street. Our destination was The Lower Depths on Commonwealth Ave.
The Lower Depths is a hole-in-the-wall Kenmore Square bar with an insane selection of beers and $1 Fenway Franks! While it had cooled down some, the below-street-level patio was secluded and our table of choice in the corner was cozy surrounded by potted flowers and plants.
Note: this is a ca$h only and a beer and wine only establishment.
Don't fear: they have an ATM and there are over 150 bottles, cans, and draft beers to choose from. If you are having trouble narrowing down the staff is extremely knowledgeable on the 5+ page menus. My sister asked for a white ale recommendation and our waiter knew just the beer for her. I ordered a can of Butternuts Porkslap, everyone chuckling as the words came out of my mouth. How hilarious are the belly slapping pigs?!
With a location convenient to Fenway Park but situated on the outskirts of the Lansdowne St/Yawkey Way madness, this bar can be a welcome extract from the riot like masses of Red Sox game night crowds.
My go to order is the Fish Wrap ($8) with tater tots. A soft flour tortilla gets filled with beer battered crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside cod fish, shredded lettuce, a blend of cheeses, mango salsa and habanero aioli. With any sandwich on the menu you get to choose from a plethora of sides. Go with the Tater Tots. Trust me! 
Leah and Tray shared the Nachos ($9) and raved about them. Everything on them is house made including the chips topped with refried black beans, melted cheese, guacamole, tomato salsa, sour cream and pickled jalapeno.
I can't wait for more nights this summer on the LD patio, hopefully stuffing my face with a Fenway Frank and discovering more beers with funny names and one-of-a-kind logos.

The Lower Depths Tap Room

476 Commonwealth Ave

Boston, MA