Part of why I love the show Mad Men is because it makes me nostalgic for a time in which I never even lived. It works because for one thing, the show is amazing, but also, while I was never alive during the 60’s, I feel like I have somewhat experienced them: in family photo albums that are so worn the pages are spilling out, and so old that there are black and white photos mixed in with those in color, and also through stories that my parents and their friends and siblings reminisce together at holidays and other gatherings.
Last weekend, I stumbled upon a place that gave me the same sentiment, except in real life. After the travel show Lisa and I walked by Anthony’s Pier 4 and decided it was time to see what the place is all about. I have been there before, in fact it was a strong candidate for my wedding reception, but I had never sat at the bar, relaxed and enjoyed what has always been a great, but sort of off the beaten path, tourist attraction in Boston. The restaurant has a really cool history and is apparently one of the most popular restaurants in the country. It is the epitome of having “character” and it also boasts many celebrity appearances.
The entrance walls, which are a dark paneled wood, are painted with signed celebrity photos that are so old, many of them are in black and white, mixed in with those in color.
The best part is, they aren’t kidding when they say they’re on the pier…
The location of Anthony’s Pier 4 implies that it is super classy and it is. However, when you first walk in, instead of feeling out of place, like you are about to spend way more than your budget allows, you get the feeling that you are walking into a townie bar that could be anywhere. Anthony’s Pier 4 is unique because no matter how tied it is to the pier, it also really could be anywhere. It captures the time in which it was created and it carries it well. And, its ability to maintain that character is really impressive.
I don’t know if it was the atmosphere or my mood, but I felt compelled to order a cocktail. Because I felt as though I would have been mocked for getting an old fashioned (let’s face it, I can’t pull off a Don Draper move), I decided to go for a Manhattan.
As we mulled over our choices for a drink our bartender brought us a snack that I considered to be much heartier than a bowl of traditional peanuts. We didn’t eat, but I am interested in going back to take a look at the menu to see if it matches up with our overall experience.
Have you ever been to a place that makes you nostalgic? Whether you’ve lived or even been there before?
I love places like that! I’m really prone to that kind of romanticization of the past. The library I work in has architecture and design elements from just about every decade of the last 60 years, the classic and the ugly, and it takes me back to times before I was even around.
I’d recommend going and getting a drink at Locke-Ober for that old world feel or the Oak Bar at the Oak Room, one of my favorite bars in the city to enjoy a nice drink in an amazing classic setting.
NYC has so many places that make me feel nostalgic, especially in the Financial District where I lived. I *really* need to visit Boston one day!
I can’t believe I’ve never been to Anthony’s! I guess I really don’t make it out that way ever unless I’m at the convention center for something. Looks super cute though
I love eating at restaurants with that older world feel. Can’t think of any off the top of my head, though. :p
this place sounds amazing. I love a building with older architecture and that view looks incredible.
yes, we did not eat…unless you count us splitting a sleeve of ritz and every bit if that pub cheese.