Strolling down Temple Place, one of the short streets connecting Washington to Tremont and the Common beyond, during the evening, you’ll be greeted by a captivating ambiance that evokes a movie set of Boston’s past, complete with flickering neon signs, shadowy doorways, and the occasional darting rat. Once a near-deserted pass-through with a bus stop, Temple Place has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, emerging as a vibrant nighttime attraction teeming with an array of enticing bars and restaurants. This culinary renaissance has been largely orchestrated by the BCB3 restaurant group, a partnership between restaurateurs Babak Bina and Andy Cartin and award-winning chef Jamie Bissonnette.
Among the group’s ventures on Temple Place is Somaek, a Korean restaurant that has quickly gained recognition for its authentic and flavorful dishes. The restaurant’s name is derived from a popular Korean cocktail that combines soju, a rice-based spirit, with maekju, Korean beer. Somaek’s menu features a tempting selection of family-style dishes, including yukhoe, a Korean-style steak tartare; haemul pajeon, a savory scallion-and-seafood pancake; and ojingeo bokkeum, stir-fried squid with chewy rice cakes.
Adjacent to Somaek is Temple Records, a listening bar that draws inspiration from similar establishments in Japan. The bar boasts an impressive analog sound system and a well-curated vinyl library, providing patrons with an immersive musical experience. While Temple Records doesn’t serve food, it offers a carefully crafted cocktail menu featuring highballs and cocktails made with shochu or Japanese whisky.
Descending to the lower level, visitors will find Sushi @ Temple Records, where diners can savor the freshest fish expertly prepared by sushi chef Kenta Katagai. The menu showcases a variety of nigiri, sashimi, maki, and sushi sets, highlighting the subtle nuances and flavors of each ingredient.
The interconnectedness of these three concepts enhances the overall dining experience, allowing patrons to seamlessly transition between Korean cuisine, musical ambiance, and exquisite sushi. The culinary evolution of Temple Place is a testament to the vision of BCB3 and the innovative spirit of Chef Jamie Bissonnette. This vibrant nightlife destination is a must-visit for discerning diners seeking an unforgettable culinary and cultural experience in the heart of Boston.
