B Street Restaurant – From Newton with Love
Apple pie is THE all-American dessert, and BeantownEats was sad to see signs go up at Pie Bakery in Newton Center announcing it’s closure back in November 2010. However, we were more than excited to hear that the same ownership was transforming the space into a restaurant, to be named B Street Restaurant and Bar.
Completely renovated, B Street’s dark red walls, large mirrors and nicely dimmed lighting bring a sexy atmosphere to an otherwise conservative Centre. While you can get good Italian at Tartufo and Appetito, watch sports and have a beer at Union Street, there really is nothing like B Street in this small, 2-block radius of the town center. The fashionably-chic, martini bar feel is impressive for a first date, after work drink or a fantastic dinner.
For cocktails, start with a Vesper Martini (pictured in front). Concocted to the specifications of James Bond in Casino Royale, its clean taste will be appreciated by any martini lover. If you are looking for something the city might not offer, try one their two martinis made with sake-infused vodka. A popular choice on the west coast, you can find two bottles behind B Street’s bar. For something more traditional, try the Newton Center Manhattan (also pictured) or the Beacon Street Side Car (not on the new Spring menu, but still available, and ask for a sugar rim!). Want something else? Tell bartenders Chris and Lauren what you like and they won’t disappoint.
For starters, the Grilled Flatbread with Tomato, Basil and Fresh Mozzarella pizza was served hot out of the oven with a thin, crispy crust. Pair the Steamed Mussels with a Summer Honey Wheat Blue Moon; the perfectly-cooked mussels will melt in your mouth and their homemade bread is served to mop up the remaining broth. The Arugala salad offers something on the lighter side, although you can add grilled chicken and quickly turn it into an entrée salad.
The Pan Seared Local Cod was absolutely amazing. Served piping hot and with a very light sauce, this delicate dish will have you feeling satisfied without over doing it. For red meat lovers, try the Charred Grilled Hanger Steak. If you’re in the mood for pasta, the Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Ravioli is one of the chef’s specialties.
With gourmet burgers popping up all over the place, this one is a can’t miss. We have had a couple of burgers at B Street and they are consistently delicious and cooked to a perfect medium rare. Served on an English muffin, the true flavor of the meat stands out and not masked by a large bulky roll, so common at other burger joints. Topped with sweet onions and cheddar (cheddar not pictured), a side of skillet potatoes and a pickle, you be will pleasantly satisfied with room for dessert.
True to their roots, the desserts at B Street are not to be passed up. Their homemade “Old Fashioned” Chocolate Pudding with Fresh Whipped Cream is as decadent as they come. If you are feeling less ambitious, try their cappuccino (which comes with a piece of biscotti, perfect for dipping). If these options aren’t enough, select one of their delicious dessert martinis; I recommend the Nilla Express.
So the next time you are in the suburbs of Newton and looking for a new place to eat, stop into B Street. Chances are owner Elli Kaplansky will be there, buzzing around with a welcoming smile. And who knows, you may even see us there too, as it has easily become one of our favorite local destinations.
B Street is open for lunch and dinner everyday 11-midnight. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 with plenty of parking across the street in the center’s public lot, and 2 minute walk from the Newton Center Green D line T stop, B Street is an easy destination for Newtonites, Brookline neighbors and city-dwellers alike.
Print 
PDF