An Elegant Culinary Landmark in the Heart of Boston
Located at 138 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116, Oak Long Bar + Kitchen stands as a sophisticated destination for those seeking a refined dining experience in the historic Back Bay neighborhood. Housed within a beautifully preserved architectural space, the restaurant seamlessly blends the grandeur of traditional Boston design with a contemporary, vibrant atmosphere. It serves as a central gathering point for both locals and visitors, offering a space that feels equally suited for a celebratory evening, a professional business lunch, or a relaxed afternoon cocktail.
The philosophy behind the establishment centers on the celebration of classic American culinary traditions, elevated through the use of high-quality, seasonal ingredients. By focusing on the integrity of the produce and the precision of preparation, the kitchen team creates a menu that is both approachable and memorable. The interior design, characterized by its soaring ceilings, rich woodwork, and expansive bar area, provides a timeless backdrop that honors the history of the building while embracing the modern energy of the city.
Defining Characteristics of the Experience
Architectural Heritage: The restaurant is situated in a space that showcases classic design elements, providing a unique sense of place that reflects the architectural legacy of Boston’s Back Bay district.
Atmospheric Versatility: The layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various social needs, transitioning effortlessly from a bustling, energetic bar scene in the evening to a more intimate and quiet dining environment during the day.
Commitment to Quality: The culinary approach prioritizes the sourcing of fresh, regional ingredients, ensuring that every dish served reflects a commitment to flavor, texture, and seasonal availability.
Central Location: Positioned conveniently on St James Avenue, the venue serves as an ideal anchor point for those exploring the cultural and commercial hubs of the city, making it a natural choice for travelers and residents alike.
Beyond the physical space and the menu, the essence of Oak Long Bar + Kitchen lies in its dedication to hospitality. The service team is trained to provide an attentive yet unobtrusive experience, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for from the moment they arrive. Whether you are seated at the iconic, elongated bar or tucked into a comfortable booth in the main dining room, the focus remains on fostering a sense of community and enjoyment.
As Boston continues to evolve as a world-class culinary destination, this establishment remains a steadfast representative of the city's enduring appeal. It manages to balance the expectations of a modern diner with the comfort of familiar, well-executed dishes. For those navigating the vibrant streets of Back Bay, the restaurant offers a sanctuary of taste and style, inviting guests to slow down and appreciate the art of dining in one of the most storied neighborhoods in the United States.
Ultimately, a visit to this location is about more than just a meal; it is about engaging with the character of Boston. By maintaining a high standard of consistency and a warm, inviting ambiance, the team ensures that every interaction contributes to the restaurant's reputation as a cornerstone of the local hospitality scene. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Massachusetts or a long-time resident of the city, the doors at 138 St James Ave remain open to those who appreciate the intersection of history, design, and culinary craft.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop
Menus
Photos
Reviews Oak Long Bar + Kitchen
Lisa Scully
25-06-2026
Wow wow wow! Spectacular setting, great service, great brunch, and GF options. The pancakes are amazing and I appreciate the attention to detail for coeliac cross contamination and other allergies. It was super busy for Marathon weekend … More
Devry Anderson
15-06-2026
We stayed at the Fairmont recently and ate dinner and breakfast here. The salted butterscotch pancakes are hands down the best pancakes I've ever had in my 59 years of life! … More
Jennifer Marie
02-06-2026
Place is in a hotel. You have to go through the hotel to get to this place. There was no direction on where the hostess desk. Had reservation at 8:15 and got to the place earlier and was available to get a seat right away. Drinks we re … More
Tara Konya
30-05-2026
We popped in for wine and bread before a comedy show, it was busy and lively. Luckily, we snagged two seats at the bar. This place is worth visiting for the history and charm alone. … More
Ryan Montoya
13-05-2026
I’ll start by saying that the food was exceptional. Despite the very expensive prices, the drinks and food were excellent. They oddly turned the lights down at 4:30 PM to apparently set a kind of mood that was strange for an Easter … More
Marco Buchmayer
03-05-2026
Grabbed brunch here with my wife before attending a wedding, which was a great choice. The Fairmont is a beautiful Boston landmark and the oak long bar contributes to that; a very cool spot to have a meal or a drink. … More
Mike Still
23-04-2026
First time here, Hostess Cheryl, was so friendly. Food was spectacular. Had the bread, chowder, Mac and cheese, salmon, and strolling, all tasted awesome. More
Neil
12-04-2026
Had breakfast there. Food was great service at the table was very slow. Went to the bar top after, Paul and Matthew were great there. Loved their drinks, service and convo. More
William Barber
03-04-2026
The Bee’s Knees cocktail was my favorite—it’s gin-based but had this subtle smoky whiskey flavor that was so good I ended up ordering it multiple times. I also tried a Fiddlehead IPA, which had a nice citrus kick and perfect balance. Every … More
Marat Yumagulov
02-02-2026
I recently visited this place for lunch with my friedn, and the experience was delightful. The food was exceptional (see photos), with creative and flavorful dishes that exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere was also charming, with a … More
Alex
07-01-2026
We have been searching for good lobster rolls nearby and I think this is the best we found.
Tasty, sweet and fresh lobster, not too much mayo and a perfectly toasted and buttered roll. Good ratio of bread to lobster and decent fries. I ordered mine with a salad which was also very good.
It's expensive but expected for the location.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 70–80
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Reservation
Varies by time/day
Group size
2 people
조아JJ
21-12-2025
I was very welcomed by the host. Loved the ambiance and the darkness - went so well with the menu choices. The octopus was so great that I wanted to take it home. 😅 A little bit disappointed with the appetizer being salty, but it was a good … More
Magda A. Jabbar
03-11-2025
Great brunch vibe, traditional feel and good food. Dishes are nicely presented, tasty but pricy.
Meal…
More
Alex
05-10-2025
We have been searching for good lobster rolls nearby and I think this is the best we found. … More
xi
03-10-2025
Had breakfast brunch and dinner here on separate days. The food was really good at dinner. We ordered mussels but when we ordered the same mussels again the next day, the flavors were slightly different and the sourdough that comes along … More
E K
02-10-2025
Chipped Tooth from Debris in Food: Management Response Was Unacceptable—
We dined at Oak Long Bar + Kitchen twice during our Boston stay. The first visit was genuinely lovely- great cocktails, great appetizers, and a beautiful … More
Melissa Abou Khalil
31-08-2025
This unique place at the Fairmont Copley Plaza is a must try. First of all, the interior is stunning. As for the food, I had their brunch burger and it was so good, one of the best I’ve had in Boston. To note that they offer a brunch menu … More
Cyndi Cyr
02-08-2025
The Oak Long Bar & Kitchen is located in the Copley Plaza Hotel and it is very , very nice. My girlfriend and I had stopped in for a wine tasting and then had an espresso martini and it was delicious. The truffle fries were amazing. More
Jea Kim
09-06-2025
Boasting high arched ceilings and classic décor in a historic building, OAK Long Bar offers an undeniably opulent environment for an evening cocktail. The bar chairs, large and exceptionally comfortable, further enhance the ambience. … More
Chris P
06-05-2025
Beautiful bar / restaurant in the Fairmount Hotel.
I stopped in for a quick dinner before my train at the nearby Back Bay Station. … More
Vinee Mishra
04-05-2025
My recent dining experience at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen was overall very good, highlighted by delicious food and a warm, inviting atmosphere that made for a pleasant evening. … More
Reviews Oak Long Bar + Kitchen