Anthem Kitchen + Bar

Lunch at anthem kitchen + bar was nothing short of enjoyable; from the quality of the food, to the efficient service, to the tasteful atmosphere, everything about my experience at Anthem was pleasantly surprising. Since experiences are often based on expectations, what I had expected at Anthem was run of the mill pub food and bar staples. While the menu is based on such American classics, it was also unexpectedly inventive. Adam and I were out running errands when he announced his craving for buffalo chicken. I suggested Anthem on a whim, we checked the menu posted outside for said craving, and before you knew it, we were seated at a cozy table in the large windowed greenhouse placing our order for Buffalo Chicken Drumettes ($11). Eleven dollars for a typical buffalo chicken app is slightly over par, but for seven of these delectable drumettes in a mildly spicy buffalo glaze with crumbles of blue cheese lining the plate, they are well worth the price point. I couldn't get enough of the fancy drumette style, with the tender chicken and lightly crisp skin at one end, leaving the bone exposed at the opposite proves drumettes are a much cleaner eating experience compared to that of your typical bone-in buffalo drumstick or wing. And lets not forget the plentiful slices of crisp celery and carrots for dipping! To drink I ordered a Mai-Tai ($12) goslings dark + gold rums, orgeat almond syrup, lime, pineapple + grenadine. I don't usually go for Mai Tais but today it called to me!

I had no idea the vessel in which this would be served but HOW FUN. I was easily infatuated with the mean faced tribal masked tumbler and garnishes to boot. The drink itself was strong and sweet, the addition of orgeat syrup with a nutty almond flavor adds complexity. Ideally I would have enjoyed a little less crushed ice, but overall I was happy with the balance of rum to fruit flavors in anthem's mai thai. My Pulled Pork Flatbread Pizza ($14) was a generous portion size, wood grilled and oozing with melted fontina draped over honey chipotle BBQ pulled pork with beer braised onions and tomatoes. This is a sweet pizza! All that melty fontina cheese and fresh tomato lend contrast to the onions and honey laced pork. Served on a rustic wood board - once again I adored the presentation.I had leftovers for two days. (Late night New Year Eve snack!)Adam was not as impressed with his All American Burger ($14) Velveeta, onion strings, shaved bacon. He didn't enjoy the Velveeta (in retrospect, was not thinking about the true consistency of the cheese when he placed his order) and noted the shaved bacon had a strange taste and texture. The patty itself was fine, the downfall was in the odd combination of toppings. I would be weary a burger served with Velveeta cheese in any establishment. It seems strange!It wasn't too crowded as we seemed to miss the lunch rush, but a few tables were sat scattered about the light flooded greenhouse and a slew of patrons popped a bottle of champagne at the wraparound bar. We were seated at a comfy high table next to the expansive windows in one of the booths backed by red and orange fabric. The warm colors pop in a room of modern black tables and dark wood accents. An iron balcony sprawls above and a striking chandelier with stained glass and exposed bulbs hangs overhead.

I would not proclaim Anthem a Boston must visit but if you are nearby hoping to enjoy an after work cocktail in a comfortable environment or find yourself out and about in Faneuil Hall looking for some upscale American Bar food, definitely give them a shot!

Anthem Kitchen + Bar

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

101 S Market Street

Boston, MA 02109