Banyan Bar + Refuge

Name: Banyan Bar + Refuge
Address: 553 Tremont St, Boston, MA, United States, 02116
Telephone: (617) 556-4211
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1373 Reviews

$31 to $50

Asian

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 24, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 53 times today

Great for creative cocktails
Neighbourhood gem
Romantic

Indulge in a captivating culinary journey at Banyan Bar + Refuge, a fusion of Southeast Asian and New England flavors. Our menu boasts a tantalizing array of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy creations that promise to delight your palate. Immerse yourself in a delightful atmosphere filled with great music and a relaxed ambiance as you enjoy the historic South End.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Asian, Gastro Pub
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(617) 556-4211
Website
http://www.banyanboston.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
For pricing, and availability please inquire through our website.

Location
553 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Neighbourhood
South End
Cross Street
Clarendon Street
Parking details
Street parking is available.
Public transit
Back Bay
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Popular dishes

Ahi Tuna Crispy RiceUS$20.00
ahi tuna, crispy rice cakes, sriracha, scallions, unagi sauce
Ahi Tuna Tartare US$20.00
raw ahi tuna, pickled mango, avocado, chips
Thai Shrimp Ceviche Lettuce Wrap (gf)US$18.00
shrimp, lettuce, garlic, cilantro, onion, lime, peanut, soy
Miso Caesar Salad (gf*, vg)US$16.00
Napa cabbage, kale, miso caesar dressing, parmesan, cured egg yolk, breadcrumbs
Snow Pea SaladUS$15.00
Butter lettuce, watermelon + french radish, tofu "feta", sesame-ginger dressing

Hot Plates

Salt + Pepper Shrimp (gf)US$22.00
crispy wok-fried shrimp, green onion, jalapeño, Indonesian sauce (spicy)
Green Curry MusselsUS$23.00
Coconut milk, Thai chilis, basil, cilantro, lime
Sticky ChickenUS$21.00
crispy chicken thighs, sweet garlic + soy glaze, miso-scallion ranch
Veggie Wonton (vg)US$14.00
carrots, corn, cream cheese, scallions, soy sauce, thai chili sauce
Oko-Style Brussels Sprouts (v*)US$18.00
roasted brussels sprouts, vegan miso aioli, furikake, okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flake
Coconut Calamari (gf)US$19.00
fried calamari, toasted coconut, makrut lime + thai chili aioli
Mushu Pork TacoUS$15.00
Scallions pancake, chimichurri
Lobster RangoonUS$18.00
lobster, corn, cream cheese, scallions, thai chili sauce
Mapo-Tofu EmpanadaUS$15.00
Pork belly, chili sauce, stracciatella
Thai Chili Cauliflower (vg)US$17.00
roasted cauliflower, Thai-chili butter, edamame pureé, lime, scallions, cilantro, mint, crunchy shallots
Chili Garlic Green BeansUS$12.00
Chili-garlic sauce

Bao Buns

Lobster BaoUS$23.00
chilled lobster, mayo, lemon, scallions, onion, celery
KFC Bao (vg, v*)US$13.00
fried cauliflower, sweet+spicy sauce, scallions
Avocado Bao (vg, v*)US$14.00
crispy avocado, bbq sauce, onion, pickles
Fried Chicken BaoUS$15.00
crispy fried chicken thighs, Korean style sweet + spicy glaze, pickles
Pork Belly BaoUS$15.00
pork belly, shaved onion, pineapple, peanuts, cilantro
Fried Oyster BaoUS$16.00
Thai chili-makrut lime, mango slaw

Noodles

Soba Noodle SaladUS$15.00
Red cabbage, beets, carrots, snow peas, cilantro, cabbage, watermelon radish, peanut sauce
Dan Dan NoodlesUS$23.00
Spicy szechuan chicken ragu, lo mein noodles, peanuts

Large Format

Whole Fried Fish (gf)US$29.00
crispy whole fried fish, sweet + spicy glaze

What 1,373 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Banyan Bar + Refuge delights with its eclectic Asian fusion menu and vibrant atmosphere. Guests rave about the "best Asian food in the city," highlighting standout dishes like "pork bao buns" and "ahi tuna." Happy hour is a hit, and the patio offers a "delightful" summer setting. Service is notably friendly and attentive.

1,373 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Greater Boston
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Unfortunately this was our second mediocre experience and meal at Banyan and our last ( we have been frequent customers )We love the ambiance there and it is a very pretty restaurant with a good vibe. We booked for our anniversary which we noted on the reservation. We requested to be seated in a certain part of the restaurant which is cozy and warm (the tables by the windows are very cold in the winter). While I know restaurants cannot always accommodate that we were taken to a table right on the kitchen and a high top. When I asked if there was another table we were begrudgingly shown another table which was better, albeit on the window and with a draft coming through. The food which used to be subtle with lots of interesting flavors, was over salted and over sauced. We ordered snacks, starters and mains and all were mediocre at best. Overall a very disappointing experience with no celebratory acknowledgement, which while not expected , is usually customary at restaurants of the supposed calibre of Banyan!
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J
Jack
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
They were incredibly accommodating, the service was great, and the food was delicious. Jim at the front is fantastic at what he does
Is this helpful?
S
Skylar
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for drinks and apps with friends. We sat at the bar and it was the perfect spot! Tuna crispy rice was phenomenal!
Is this helpful?
P
Priyal
VIP
Greater Boston
6 reviews
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Food was not great. I expected it to be a bit more authentic
Banyan Bar + RefugeResponded on January 16, 2025
We're sorry you didn't like our food. But no where do we claim to be "authentic", whatever that means. We, very proudly and loudly, are an asian fusian spot that takes inspiration from the bright and delicious cultures of Asia and we put a fun and tasty spin on it.
Is this helpful?
M
Molly
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food with great vegan options. Impeccable service!
Is this helpful?
M
Makaila
VIP
Greater Boston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Banyan is always a great experience - the team is so friendly and the food is consistently delicious!
Is this helpful?
B
Brittany
Raleigh
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is a 10/10. I would recommend it to my friends. The daily happy hour is awesome and the portions were good, too. 10 dumplings for $5! I will take that any day! John was also a great waiter!
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J
Julie
VIP
Greater Boston
82 reviews
5.0
82 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a wonderful experience with yummy interesting food!
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
Greater Boston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The vegetarian options rely on spice for flavor, so if you don't like spicy food, try something else.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
VIP
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was varied, eclectic, creative, but not overly complicated. No dish was less than fantastic. Also, best octopus I’ve ever had. Restaurant was slightly drafty, but not enough to be uncomfortable, and the night I was there it was 15F and windy outside. So I wouldn’t worry about that too much. It was awesome.
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FAQs

Banyan Bar + Refuge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 556-4211.

Banyan Bar + Refuge is rated 4.7 stars by 1373 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 24, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 53 times today

Order delivery or takeout

553 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Clarendon Street
Neighbourhood
South End
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Asian, Gastro Pub
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street parking is available.
Public transit
Back Bay
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.banyanboston.com/
Phone number
(617) 556-4211
Private party facilities
For pricing, and availability please inquire through our website.

Featured in

Where to drink in Boston right now

Banyan Bar + Refuge

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Where to drink in Boston right now

Fried Chicken Bao

Dan Dan Noodles

Sticky Chicken

Snacks To Start

Korean Carrot SaladUS$8.00

EdamameUS$8.00

Shishito PeppersUS$10.00

Smashed Cucumbers

French FriesUS$6.00

Marinated Tofu FetaUS$8.00

Cold Plates

Ahi Tuna Crispy RiceUS$20.00

Ahi Tuna Tartare US$20.00

Thai Shrimp Ceviche Lettuce Wrap (gf)US$18.00

Miso Caesar Salad (gf*, vg)US$16.00

Snow Pea SaladUS$15.00

Hot Plates

Salt + Pepper Shrimp (gf)US$22.00

Green Curry MusselsUS$23.00

Sticky ChickenUS$21.00

Veggie Wonton (vg)US$14.00

Oko-Style Brussels Sprouts (v*)US$18.00

Coconut Calamari (gf)US$19.00

Mushu Pork TacoUS$15.00

Lobster RangoonUS$18.00

Mapo-Tofu EmpanadaUS$15.00

Thai Chili Cauliflower (vg)US$17.00

Chili Garlic Green BeansUS$12.00

Bao Buns

Lobster BaoUS$23.00

KFC Bao (vg, v*)US$13.00

Avocado Bao (vg, v*)US$14.00

Fried Chicken BaoUS$15.00

Pork Belly BaoUS$15.00

Fried Oyster BaoUS$16.00

Noodles

Soba Noodle SaladUS$15.00

Dan Dan NoodlesUS$23.00

Large Format

Whole Fried Fish (gf)US$29.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Banyan Bar + Refuge offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Banyan Bar + Refuge restaurant rated?

Is Banyan Bar + Refuge currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

Where to drink in Boston right now