The Dial

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New England

   1 review

   vip
   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall3food4service2ambience4

   I’ve been before and it was great…the service was bad this night and all of the small plates and large plates came out together so naturally some dishes had gotten cold. Disappointing experience because I know how good it can be

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2. h

   hard2plz

   New England

   75 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   75 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall3food5service5ambience3

   We have been big fans of the Dial since they opened pre-pandemic. We've always eaten in the courtyard and love it. We were there for dinner outside recently, when a sudden summer downpour hit. We took quick shelter under an umbrella that the staff had opened for us. The staff quickly relocated everyone inside. We had our drinks already and when we got to our new table, our first round of tapas was there. The downside was the incredible noise level, not from music, but just the other guests. I don't know why it was so loud, no obvious large parties. But it was really impossible to talk easily and our guests were from overseas. We'd been looking forward to seeing them for a long time ... Whatever the infrastructure is, some sound reduction is needed for people who want to talk at dinner. If you'll just be surfing and texting on your phone, then the great food and great service are all you need. Next time, we'll be back in the Courtyard.

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New England

   12 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   12 reviews

   Dined on August 2, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Love the dial for a festive and relaxed outdoor patio experience

   Report
4. S

   Sarah

   New England

   1 review

   vip
   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on July 31, 2022

   overall3food4service3ambience4

   Overall we had a nice time at the Dial - the brunch options are tasty and the ambience of the space is great. However, we got there early for brunch right as the restaurant opened and we were one of the first groups seated - despite the mostly empty space, service was on the slow side. We also had some billing errors, being way overcharged for coffees that are supposed to be free refills. I was able to call and get the billing error resolved, but it's a bit frustrating that it happened.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on July 31, 2022

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   I supposed we reserve for a birthday celebration brunch but not even a little detail from de restaurant and neither they asked, even it is a great place the maga we look kind of superb.

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6. HS

   HollyS

   New England

   19 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   19 reviews

   Dined on July 28, 2022

   overall3food4service1ambience4

   The food was great but the service was terrible. We had to flag our waitress down if we wanted anything.

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7. TJ

   TaylorJ

   New England

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on July 16, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   3 friends and I sat outside at The Dial on a Saturday evening. It was surprisingly empty and I’m not sure why, but it was pretty quiet and the service was great. The drinks were refreshing and not too sweet (definitely try the juice cleanse if you’re into carrot juice and ginger beer). We shared several starters and larger plates, but the stars of the show were definitely the trofie and pan Arctic char. The trofie pasta was super fresh and light, and the salmon in the pan Arctic char was perfectly cooked. We also really enjoyed the piri piri chicken, shrimp tacos and tuna crudo. The fries and bunuelos were good to snack on but not sure if I’d get them again since there are so many other delicious options on the menu. The inside is funky and brightly colored (with a huge tv playing Bob’s Burgers), and there’s a separate rooftop bar in the same building that you can head to after. The patio out back was great in the warm weather and has its own bar in a shipping container. I will definitely be coming back!

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8. R

   Razlet

   New England

   8 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on July 13, 2022

   overall5food5service4ambience4

   Environment was stylish: lighting was just right for a casual but nice dinner; the AC was a touch strong. Seating was comfortable; my table was neither too large nor too small; table spacing was comfortable. Service was timely, effective, and polite. Cocktails were delicious and varied; the wine list was minimal but sufficient for general food pairings. Meats were cooked deliciously and to specifications (lamb burger & carne asada). Dishes were thoughtfully composed, with nice blends of flavors, seasonings, and textures - I felt an inclination to try "all surf" or "all turf" and was not disappointed with the "turf" offerings of Turkish/Levantine/Persian-inflected dishes (dolmades, beef tartare, and a lamb merguez burger). The nebbiolo by-the-glass was a fine fit to cut through the richness; I imagine the by-the-bottle sangiovese, or indeed many other by-the-bottle reds would have also been solid pairings. No desserts or dessert drinks were tried; no opinions there. The check came smoothly and with no surprises.

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New England

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on July 10, 2022

   overall5food4service4ambience4

   It was a super hip & greasy place. The food was good. We went for brunch. The drinks ranged in strength drastically. But the food was good. The serving size was fair for the price

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10. J

    Jodhinna

    New England

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always my fave spot! Absolutely amazing.

    Report
11. M

    Maggie

    New England

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Tasty drinks and apps, and great outdoor patio space!

    Report
12. J

    Jehar

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience3

    EXTREMELY overrated! Spent almost $150 on food just to leave hungry 😬

    Report
13. PC

    PamC

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Server Becky was awesome! Lamb burger was a fav for all and juice cleanse delish! Sat out on patio and loved the vibe. Overall great experience!

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14. P

    Picklelover11

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    The vibe was great and a cute oasis patio in busy Cambridge.

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15. S

    Szaf4

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing atmosphere, food & drink! The staff were friendly, knowledgeable & attentive. Fabulous night out. Would 10/10 recommend.

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16. JR

    JackieR

    New England

    188 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    188 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Order the lamb ribs! They are divine. I was also impressed and surprised by the roasted chicken dish. This is not a meal I would typically order and am so glad I did. It was heavenly. Special thanks to Roberto for the care!

    Report
17. b

    bkou

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Second visit in two weeks. Consistently great and friendly staff.

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience5

    Overpriced and under seasoned

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19. s

    spkmck

    New England

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of our absolute favorite restaurants. It never disappoints

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20. b

    bkou

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Staff was very accommodating to us and some of our group was vegan to which they have many options.

    Report
21. p

    patrickg

    New England

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The scallop dish was unique and delicious. Great cocktails as well.

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22. R

    Recommend

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Once again, we loved our experience at Dial! The food was delicious and the service was outstanding! We sat outside in the courtyard so the energy levels were high as there were a couple of large togethers.

    Report
23. S

    Susan

    New England

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall3food4service5ambience3

    It's a fun place with good food and great service, but the noise level requires shouting to hear your dining companions. the brick walls and stone floor guarantee deafening sound which ensures that we won't be back. too bad, because everything else worked.

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience2

    This was a very disappointing experience for us. We had booked a reservation on the rooftop deck to celebrate a birthday. When we arrived we were told that the deck had been reserved for a private event and that the only seating they had was in the bar area. We also asked when we made the reservation if we could do a little dessert with a candle; that did not occur either. The service was fair. We waited 20 minutes for someone to come and take our food order. Food was OK. Overall it was an expensive dinner that was really not special at all. We will not be back.

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25. R

    Rachel

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Every dish was excellent. Great for occsssions, we were there for a graduation. Good spot for vegetarians and their meat eating friends

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5

    Fun place, but in sonderstay so only ok - was quiet for lunch

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27. A

    Alex

    New England

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience4

    I was here for a brunch. Personally I enjoyed the shakshuka but for $14-15, just one egg and tomato sauce were a bit lacking (especially compared to the shakshuka at Tatte). I did not get drinks, but friends complained that $5 was too much for a plain iced black coffee. The ambiance was wonderful though!

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28. TC

    TaraC

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, atmosphere and service!! Will definitely be going back.

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Was great! Service was awesome

    Report
30. RR

    RobertoR

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    The food is ALWAYS soooo good. Never fails, delicious. The service is as slow as it gets. HUGE qualm: The server hands you a portable credit card machine right there at the table. You have to insert chip and give the tip right there as the server hangs out over your shoulder. I hate it. It's like I'm forced to give this excellent tip bc they are literally looking at you to see what you will tip. So I do tip in fact excellently so I don't look like a douchbag, even though the service is truly par to sub par. But again-- the kitchen is the saving grace. The food is so good, we keep going back. Win some, lose some. This review btw is coming from a person who was server/bartender for 2 decades of their life. I know what good service is.

    Report
31. N

    Nickname

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience2

    Our server was inexcusably rude and inexplicably unavailable for the first half of the meal.

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32. DC

    DCFoodie

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Incredible food, drink and experience! Highly recommend. I did read through some of the reviews and couldn’t disagree more with the comments about the wait staff. The staff were awesome, thoughtful and clearly work their tail off. These patrons live under a rock and don’t read the news is my assumption. Anyway! An absolute gem in Central and worth your time!

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33. SP

    SaltandPepper

    New England

    65 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    The service started out great -- our server was prompt, friendly and helpful. But as time went on she did not check back with us very much and our food was just plopped on the table by a runner who did not remove the dishes we were finished with. We would have ordered dessert and coffee but didn't want to take the chance that everyone would disappear on us again. I am usually a generous tipper but left a 10% tip because the service was so inattentive. Cocktails were great. The food was good but not remarkable. For example, there is a lot of coating on the cod cheeks and that detracts from the simple elegance of that piece of the fish. Fried potatoes were soggy in part because the fish is piled up on them and they steam due to being presented that way. I would return here only because it is a newer place that is probably getting its foothold and there are, of course, all kinds of extra difficulties during covid. Would recommend for cocktails.

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34. O

    Oceanside

    New England

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience4

    The food was okay. The chilaquiles were bland and the breakfast sandwich was soggy.

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35. JT

    JeremyT

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful 2022 Mother's Day brunch at the Dial. Cody was our waiter, he was attentive and friendly. The Dial atmosphere is bright, upbeat and clean. I would definitely go back to be able to sample some more of the drinks from the bar.

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36. J

    Jenna

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food & kind waitstaff ! Always a fun time.

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37. KP

    KPLGMS

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We sat at the bar, but there's also a lovely, enclosed patio out back! All the food was delicious, and our bartender was a delight.

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience3

    Definitely way understaffed and overpriced mediocre food. I’m not one to leave reviews, but the few times we did see wait staff they were quite rude and then tried quickly to make up for it to get a tip. Cocktails are interesting, not everyone’s cup of tea. Overall, I wouldn’t go back but it was alright.

    Report
39. b

    biancap

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience3

    Food was average. Good service, unique drinks. Chill vibe.

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Wonderful and delicious food. Polite and progressional service. Emma was our server and she was lovely. Will go again and would recommend to anyone.

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