We all know Boston is synonymous with great seafood and no one knows that better than Legal Sea Foods. After all, they put our infamous New England clam chowder on the map. While there are numerous Legal Sea Foods’ restaurants scattered about the state, one of our favorite spots to enjoy the same fresh seafood, but in a more casual atmosphere, is by way of Legal C Bar. The “focused yet full-flavored social urban venue” promises to be “casual in style.” There are three located in Massachusetts; one at Logan Airport in Terminal B, one in Dedham at Legacy Place and a third newly opened in Hingham at the Derby Street Shoppes.
We recently visited the Hingham location for an early Friday night reservation. While the restaurant was somewhat busy when we arrived, it was filled to near capacity by the time we left. On its menu, diners can still get the same wood-grilled dishes that are found at its sister properties, but there are some unique finds like a Kung Pao cauliflower appetizer, barbecue steak tips and fritto misto.
We got started with a dozen briny, dive-caught Naked Cowboy oysters from Long Island Sound that were served with a side of fresh lemon and a spicy cocktail sauce. Don’t miss the crispy Rhode Island style Montauk calamari served with hot peppers and garlic. The white clam pizza is an absolute must, topped with a generous portion of tender clams and the right amount of crispy pancetta and fresh arugula.
The hoisin-glazed salmon with vegetable pad Thai and crushed peanuts was a delectable entrée. If you want to be the talk of the dining room, order the two-pound bake-stuffed lobster (you won’t believe your eyes and neither will they). It arrives filled to the brim overflowing with a massive stuffing mixture of sea scallops and jumbo shrimp. Other classic main dishes include baked Boston scrod, roasted half chicken, truffled lobster mac and cheese, a seafood casserole and lemon caper grey sole served with jasmine rice. If you can, save room for dessert, the not-your-average Boston cream pie with chocolate and caramel sauces with toffee almond crunch is worth every bite.
