Saltie Girl: Does this Boston favorite live up to the hype?

Like the Type A planner that I am, I had done my usual amount of research for my recent visit to Boston and had a list of no less than 11 restaurants and bars I was interested in.  (Spoiler alert: I did not make it to all of them.)  Saltie Girl had come up on a few different websites I used, and as a solo traveler/diner for my first day, the restaurant seemed like the best fit for my needs.  As the venue doesn’t take reservations, I decided to play to my strengths (i.e., waking up super early when traveling from Dubai to the East Coast and dining alone).  I planned my arrival at 11:30 when Saltie Girl opened, and there was already a small queue.  Once the doors opened, there was barely a seat left, so I’m glad I got there when I did.  Visitors should be prepared to be flexible, as there is limited seating.  I ended up at the bar, which was fun, and I was able to strike up a conversation with the guests next to me.

Given the close quarters, I was surprised to see such an extensive menu.  The focus is — you guessed it — towards seafood, and the range is quite impressive.  As it was just me, I was only able to order three things (there is only so much I can eat in a sitting!).  Although there was plenty to tempt me, I ended up settling on Sea Urchin, Torched Salmon Belly, and the Hand Chopped Dry Aged Steak Tartare.  My order got a ‘great choices’ nod from the head waiter, so my foodie self was pleased.  Had I more room in my stomach, I would’ve definitely tried something off the Crudo menu, and perhaps one of the uniquely plated Smoked Fish selection (my Midwestern neighbors quite liked their order, even if I had to gently explain the concept of Bagel and Lox to them), or something from the Tinned Fish menu.  Although I saw others enjoying the signature lobster roll, as ubiquitous as the dish is and prevalent throughout New England, I didn’t feel a need to try the version at Saltie Girl.

With a clear view of the small workspace which makes up part of the kitchen, it’s close quarters and impressive at not only what the team can turn out, but how quickly the plates arrive.  And really, seeing (and smelling) my salmon burned in real time was a highlight.  The salmon belly, USD16, consisted of four pieces (a good split for two people, a lot for me), and although served with chopsticks, was far too big for one bite, so I ended up doing a strange fork and chopstick combo with the dish.  Either way, the char of the smoke was lovely, as was the tang from the tahini.  Next up was the uni (from California, although I had my choice of Japanese sea urchin as well), USD26, delivered with a small dropped of homemade soy sauce and lemon slice.  Honestly, I’m rarely in the mood for uni, and this was the perfect amount.  A small squeeze of lemon brightened the protein, and the subtle soy worked with the salty nature of the urchin.  Is it a bit expensive for a little bite?  Sure, but this is a luxury product.  Lastly, and the most filling, was the tartare.  Listed under the Toasts section, the term ‘toast’ is liberally interpreted here in the form of buttery brioche croutons, richly dressed with tons of Reggiano cheese, a quail egg, and truffle aioli.  Really, I struggled to finish the rich dish but would be happy to order again.

As an observation, Saltie Girl is a great spot for a solo diner.  It’s easy to read a book or chat up whoever is next to you.  I’m sometimes forgetful of just how easy it is to talk to people in the States, and this venue was an excellent reminder.

Would I go back to Saltie Girl?  I would…except there are so many other restaurants in Boston I want to visit first.

Who is Saltie Girl best for?  Tourists looking for a celebrated restaurant that delivers up to the hype.  Locals who don’t mind waiting in line.

Where’s your favorite restaurant in Boston?  Do you know a place that only locals go to?