Loretta's Last Call

Loretta's Last Call has been a solid addition to the Fenway neighborhood since its opening in June 2014. Offering country music lovers an authentic experience; if you're like me, chances are you've been in on one or two occasions for live music or mason jar moonshine cocktails after a Red Sox game. Cowboy boots on, jamming out to a honky-tonk band in front of the raised stage earlier this year, I sent a snapchat to my ladies with a caption "Takes me back to Nashville!". 

Similarly, the interior is evocative of a country saloon with open hardwood floors space for boot scootin', wagon wheel light fixtures, neon bulb signage, an antique jukebox and walls lined with vintage country music paraphernalia. 

It had not crossed my mind to try the food at Loretta's until they invited me in for dinner. On a Tuesday night while most of the bar partakes in a free two step lesson, my sister and I sip cold beers while noshing on all things fried, tucked into one of the black vinyl booths with an up close vantage point of the dance floor. 

Loretta's will satisfy a craving for Fried Pickles ($8), these slices are served piping hot and golden crispy in a mini cast iron pan alongside small bites of fried jalapenos, pickled okra and a chili remoulade. 

We couldn't pass up fried chicken - a true testament to Southern cuisine. Both the Buttermilk ($15) and the Hot Chicken ($16) were enjoyable renditions, although the batter was heavier and thicker than some of my favorite versions down south. Still the skin remained crispy and the meat itself was tender and juicy. The Hot Chicken came with white bread and pickles to cut the heat from the deliciously spicy cajun rub. For me, it was the perfect amount of heat that kept me going back for more instead of reaching for my water glass in between every bite. They have traditional sides to choose from - the Collard Greens and Loaded Mash are both tasty and full of flavor.

Their draft list is small and non-exciting and the aforementioned moonshine cocktails that I've tried in the past were not calling my name tonight. The bottled and caned beers are where it's at, from a robust selection I was excited to see Lone Star ($5) offered. (More southern nostalgia, this time for Austin, TX!) I also drank a 21st Amendment Fireside Chat - a seasonal winter warmer full of festive spices. 

Last but not least, I was enamored with their off menu Bacon Waffle Sundae and appreciated that the waitress made sure to tell us about it at the beginning of the meal. A sturdy and crisp on the outside, fluffy an bacon loaded on the inside waffle is capped with a dreamy house made maple ice cream, a drizzle of maple syrup and heaps of fresh whipped cream. This sundae is destination worthy! 

Loretta's Last Call

1 Lansdowne Street

Boston, MA 02215

this meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own