Reason for going out
Headed to PF Changs (Prudential Center) on a Friday night to grab dinner and catch up with a female friend. I was headed to the Cape after dinner, so the mood was more relaxed and I was looking to stay mostly sober.
Atmosphere
PF Changs does present itself with an aura of fine dining. The walls are dark and adorned with classy pieces of Asian art and decor. The ceilings are high, giving the restaurant a lofty, almost cathedral feel to it. The place is absolutely spotless. Even the chick from the old pine sol commercials (Diane Amos) would have been at a loss for words when it came to PF Chang's janitorial prowess. The one problem I had with the place was the amount of tables. The table arrangement was tight and didn't leave much room for private conversation. However, problems aside, PF Changs does have a very nice, elegant feel to it.
Drinks
PF Changs does offer a select menu of specialty cocktails that looked appetizing and even a bit fun, but not the stereotypical array of sake bombs and scorpion bowls. They had a medium sized wine list, and the usual collection of domestic and imported beers. Come prepared to pay a premium for your drinks, but you definitely won't leave dissatisfied (or completely sober).
Menu Category: Classy Family Style Chinese
This is the mother of all awesome classy food places. (Dorothy Mantooth is a saint!) First, the food is delicious. Second, the dishes ride the line between traditional American-Chinese food and innovative dishes that should be traditional American-Chinese food. Finally, they bring out enough for everyone to share. I have eaten at PF Changs numerous times with anywhere between 2 and 5 people. Never have I sat at a table where all the food could be eaten. It is a glorious feeling and you will definitely feel like you have received your money's worth. (even when they call an ambulance to get you out of your food coma.)
Service: Medium
Our waitress messed up a few times, but was very apologetic and corrected the mistakes promptly. The entire staff is very friendly, and waiting time for food is quite short.
Personality: Classy
Leave your ripped jeans and Rolling Stones t-shirt at home. This place requires a little more elegance and class, but don't feel the need to get too dressed up. Most people sported nice jeans and a polo shirt. I'm sure in the warmer months you could also get away with shorts.
Cash Monies: Medium
Expect to spend around $35-$40 per person. Yes a bit pricey, but not the priciest.
Chick Talent: Low
The wait staff is cute, but don't expect you're waitress to sacrifice tips to try and get your number. Save your cheesy one liners for the after dinner activities. (How much does a polar bear weigh?)
Chick Friendliness: Low
See above
Group Friendliness: Low
I'm a friendly guy, but even I would get upset if someone tried to barge into my dinner. If you're short on friends, you might want to take your dinner elsewhere.
Would I bring a date here?: Yes
Great place to impress the date and keep things fairly intimate. Close proximity to your neighbors might make flirty conversation awkward, but a natural exhibitionist should feel right at home. PF Changs also has a four course dinner for two that makes family style dinner feel even homier. (wow really surprised that word didn't come up in spell check)
Would I hang out here with my guy friends?: No
Too classy, expensive alcohol, and an atmosphere that isn't very conducive to a loud and obnoxious crowd. Unless you are looking to start the night off slow, which you and the bros aren't, then bring the dude dinner party somewhere else.
Would I hang out here with my lady friends?: Yes
Classy, delicious alcohol, and an atmosphere that isn't very conducive to a loud and obnoxious crowd. Also, I find my lady friends really enjoy the family style aspect of this place. Great place to bring the friends without having to worry about running interference on the creepy old dude with a Cape Cod t-shirt.
BLUF
PF Changs is a sure thing if you are looking for a great, affordable, classy dinner in downtown Boston. Personally, I'm a bigger fan of local places, but Changs does a great job of providing excellent quality as a chain restaurant. You'll be satisfied with every bite of your meal, and you get to share each portion of it with your company. Look for PF Changs the next time you are looking for an excellent dining experience.
Did I have fun?: Yes
Prudential Center
800 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 378-9961
pfchangs.com
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