Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake

Whether you eat at the busy bar or in the dining room at Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake (384 Boylston St., Boston)(Map), you will find an an eclectic menu that features both plates for adventurous palates( quail tacos anyone?) and crowd-pleasers like chili-dusted calamari ($9) and  a trio of guacamole and chips ($9).

As you might expect with a name like Rattlesnake, the menu echoes the best of  Mexico, South America, and the Southwest. Chef Brian Poe is at the helm -and he’s inspired by New England ingredients too. Over the past year or so, Poe has worked to create a menu of inspired dishes that are meant for grazing. A plate of pancetta wrapped figs stuffed with blue cheese ($6) is a perfectly crispy, salty start. The grilled cornbread with chili, bits of butter and queso fresco is an absolute must-order.And the grilled avocado stuffed with lobster ($12) will nicely satisfy a lobster fix.

To get the full Rattlesnake experience, order several of the taco selections -the variety of components in each dish speak for themselves and pack a flavorful punch much greater than the $11-$12  per plate price.  The duck tacos come to the table in a fun, double break-apart corn tortilla resting on a bed of cranberry risotto. The grilled scallop tacos are extra good with a champagne cream, chilies and fried Swiss chard. Those quail tacos come with a vibrant pumpkin and cilantro salsa. The horseradish and red-wine braised beef tacos in flour tortillas topped with yucca frites is sure to win over traditionalists.

Located in the Back Bay, on the upper-end of Boylston Street, Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake is extremely popular with the local post-work crowd. And late-night on Fridays and Saturdays you’ll find that the upstairs bar heaves, it’s loud, and you are sure to make a friend or two.

Image Credit: Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake

iStopOver recieved a complimentary meal to review.