Lunch at Faneuil Hall's Anthem Kitchen + Bar was nothing short of enjoyable; from the quality of the food, to the efficient service, to the tasteful atmosphere, everything about my experience at Anthem was pleasantly surprising. 
Since experiences are often based on expectations, what I had expected at Anthem was run of the mill pub food and bar staples. While the menu is based on such American classics, it was also unexpectedly inventive. Adam and I were out running errands when he announced his craving for buffalo chicken. I suggested Anthem on a whim, we checked the menu posted outside for said craving, and before you knew it, we were seated at a cozy table in the large windowed greenhouse placing our order for Buffalo Chicken Drumettes ($11). 
Eleven dollars for a typical buffalo chicken app is slightly over par, but for seven of these delectable drummettes in a mildly spicy buffalo glaze with crumbles of blue cheese lining the plate, they are well worth the price point. 
And lets not forget plentiful slices of celery and carrots for dipping. I couldn't get enough of the fancy drumette style, with the tender chicken and lightly crispy skin at one end, leaving the bone exposed at the opposite. I could appreciate a much cleaner eating experience compared to that of your typical bone-in buffalo drumstick or wing.
To drink I ordered a Mai-Tai ($12) goslings dark + gold rums, orgeat almond syrup, lime, pineapple + grenadine. I don't usually go for Mai Tais but today it called to me. I knew I ordered it for a reason....!
I'm a sucker for presentation, and therefore was easily infatuated with the mean faced tribal masked tumbler, with fun garnishes to boot. 
The drink itself was strong and sweet, the addition of orgeat syrup with a sweet nutty almond flavor adds complexity. Ideally I would have enjoyed a little less crushed ice, but overall I was happy with the balance of rum to fruit flavors in the drink.
My Pulled Pork Flatbread Pizza ($14) was a generous portion size, woodgrilled and oozing with melted fontina draped over honey chipotle BBQ pulled pork, with beer braised onions and tomatoes.
This is a sweet pizza, comparably so (complimented quite nicely by my fruity mai tai) but all that melty fontina cheese and fresh tomato lend contrast to the onions and pork. Served on a rustic wood board - once again the presentation served to impress. 
I had leftovers for two days. (Late night New Year Eve snack!)
Unfortunately, Adam was not impressed with his All American Burger ($14) Velveeta, onion strings, shaved bacon. He didn't enjoy the Velveeta (in retrospect, was not thinking about the true consistency of the cheese when he placed his order) and noted the shaved bacon had a strange taste and texture. The patty itself was fine, the downfall was in the odd combination of toppings. I would be weary a burger served with Velveeta cheese in any establishment. It seems strange!
It wasn't super crowded as we seemed to miss the lunch rush, but a few tables were sat scattered about the light flooded greenhouse and a slew of patrons popped a bottle of champagne at the wraparound bar. We were seated at a comfy high table next to the expansive window in one of the booths backed by red and orange fabric. The warm colors pop in a room of modern black tables and dark wood accents. An iron balcony sprawls above and a striking light fixture with exposed bulbs hangs overhead. 
I wouldn't deem it a Boston must visit, but if you live or work nearby, or find yourself out and about in Faneuil Hall craving buffalo chicken (looking for some upscale American Bar food) or hoping to enjoy an after work cocktail in a comfortable environment, definitely give Anthem Kitchen + Bar, located at 101 South Market Building, a shot. 
Since experiences are often based on expectations, what I had expected at Anthem was run of the mill pub food and bar staples. While the menu is based on such American classics, it was also unexpectedly inventive. Adam and I were out running errands when he announced his craving for buffalo chicken. I suggested Anthem on a whim, we checked the menu posted outside for said craving, and before you knew it, we were seated at a cozy table in the large windowed greenhouse placing our order for Buffalo Chicken Drumettes ($11). 
Eleven dollars for a typical buffalo chicken app is slightly over par, but for seven of these delectable drummettes in a mildly spicy buffalo glaze with crumbles of blue cheese lining the plate, they are well worth the price point. 
And lets not forget plentiful slices of celery and carrots for dipping. I couldn't get enough of the fancy drumette style, with the tender chicken and lightly crispy skin at one end, leaving the bone exposed at the opposite. I could appreciate a much cleaner eating experience compared to that of your typical bone-in buffalo drumstick or wing.
To drink I ordered a Mai-Tai ($12) goslings dark + gold rums, orgeat almond syrup, lime, pineapple + grenadine. I don't usually go for Mai Tais but today it called to me. I knew I ordered it for a reason....!
I'm a sucker for presentation, and therefore was easily infatuated with the mean faced tribal masked tumbler, with fun garnishes to boot. 
The drink itself was strong and sweet, the addition of orgeat syrup with a sweet nutty almond flavor adds complexity. Ideally I would have enjoyed a little less crushed ice, but overall I was happy with the balance of rum to fruit flavors in the drink.
My Pulled Pork Flatbread Pizza ($14) was a generous portion size, woodgrilled and oozing with melted fontina draped over honey chipotle BBQ pulled pork, with beer braised onions and tomatoes.
This is a sweet pizza, comparably so (complimented quite nicely by my fruity mai tai) but all that melty fontina cheese and fresh tomato lend contrast to the onions and pork. Served on a rustic wood board - once again the presentation served to impress. 
I had leftovers for two days. (Late night New Year Eve snack!)
Unfortunately, Adam was not impressed with his All American Burger ($14) Velveeta, onion strings, shaved bacon. He didn't enjoy the Velveeta (in retrospect, was not thinking about the true consistency of the cheese when he placed his order) and noted the shaved bacon had a strange taste and texture. The patty itself was fine, the downfall was in the odd combination of toppings. I would be weary a burger served with Velveeta cheese in any establishment. It seems strange!
It wasn't super crowded as we seemed to miss the lunch rush, but a few tables were sat scattered about the light flooded greenhouse and a slew of patrons popped a bottle of champagne at the wraparound bar. We were seated at a comfy high table next to the expansive window in one of the booths backed by red and orange fabric. The warm colors pop in a room of modern black tables and dark wood accents. An iron balcony sprawls above and a striking light fixture with exposed bulbs hangs overhead. 
I wouldn't deem it a Boston must visit, but if you live or work nearby, or find yourself out and about in Faneuil Hall craving buffalo chicken (looking for some upscale American Bar food) or hoping to enjoy an after work cocktail in a comfortable environment, definitely give Anthem Kitchen + Bar, located at 101 South Market Building, a shot. 
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