Legal Seafoods [Greater Boston Area]

Regional Dining Discussions Boston, New England
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There are oddly, hypercalifragilisticexpialidocious threads on specific aspects of “Legal” (and I will link to them downthread), but no umbrella. This is that.

I first ate at the plastic-utensil, communal table joint in Inman around 1979 at the insistence of my first American friend “R” (not his real name) who was determined to introduce me to the foods of t/his country – knishes, bagels, and the bland, bland fish (as it seemed to my palate then, fresh off the spiceboat as I was) of Legal. But I’m a determined fellow and over the years I came to appreciate the sweet unadorned tastes of fresh seafood (just as I am in the last few years beginning to appreciate – in the opposite taste direction – stinky tofu).

Legal, of course, grew, evolved, changed, was sold&bought, etc., over the years. I have had good meals at their various locations through these years, some very good ones, and some very bad.

Nevertheless, I took visiting friends to the Harborside location last night. There have been discussions here and there of their flagship second floor, but that is now only an event/party space. We had an excellent outdoor, dockside table, though, much appreciated by all. We confined ourselves to multiple shared platters: good oysters, fried whole belly clams, a half pound warm-buttered lobster roll that we shared, several decent clam chowders, a large platter of fried seafood, etc.

Once more I felt that the current Legal has perfected the art of the decent, without making any effort to strive higher. Neptune was my first thought to introduce people to Boston seafood, but we were a group of 5 adults and 2 kids and the waiting on line seemed daunting. The dockside location of this Legal was perfect for us.

Other Legal threads:

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The Forage Wine Dinners, Cambridge
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Talking to myself, as I frequently do, here’s this:

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I think we took my mom to the one at KOP (that’s King of Prussia for yinz who don’t know) for lunch once.

Decent, not memorable is a good summary of our experience.

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I think you nailed it. In addition to the defunct second-floor fine-dining effort, the main floor used to offer more adventurous plates: crudos, seafood pizzettas and such, in addition to the staples. But the setting (next to the harbor) and the tuna burger are enough to keep me coming back. I’ll always have a soft spot for Legal, despite the growth and ownership changes, thanks to my introduction to superbly fresh and simply broiled scallops, their tops beautifully caramelized, at the original in Kendall Square back in (gasp) 1973. And the analog number system, the Bloody Mary’s at the upstairs bar while wating to be called, and the player piano.

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i was introduced to the original in inman square in the mid-70s, as well. it wasn’t just the simply — and perfectly prepared — seafood. it was the whole experience: the communal tables; the pay (cash only!) when you ordered; the dishes that came out when each was ready, so someone in your party always had to wait.

but, yes, the food was great — loved the fish chowder! as they’ve expanded — locations and menu — they’ve done a decent, not great, job maintaining the quality. but that original ambiance is gone forever.

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The meals we had at Legal Harborside in Boston were so much much better than the one meal I had at the White Plains Legal (a long time ago, maybe around 2009).

My cousin introduced me to Legal because she loved their clear broth clam chowder. (Not my favourite style but I am glad I tried it)