Every casino needs an upscale steakhouse, where high rollers, big winners and fans of classic cuts can dine, and at Encore Boston Harbor, Rare Steakhouse is that place.
The Hub’s newest casino resort offers 15 different dining venues, but for dishes like the tomahawk, bone-in cowboy rib-eye and other steakhouse specialties, Rare Steakhouse is the top choice.
Rare Steakhouse is a reinvention of the typical steakhouse, a more glamorous version with lighter, cream-hued interiors and harbor views.
Chef Megan Vaughan's steak program includes exclusive Japanese cuts from Kobe, and exceptional domestic beef from Idaho and New Jersey. An onsite dry-aging process and a top-notch wine program elevate this chic dining room to flavorful new heights.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Rare Steakhouse is the sole registered Kobe Beef Federation user in Massachusetts, serving highly coveted A5 beef from the Japanese prefecture of Hyogo. While many places claim to serve Kobe, Rare’s is the real deal.
- Impeccable service means your water glass is never empty, and a fleet of servers makes sure your food arrives promptly and plates are swept away as soon as you’re done.
- Non-carnivores don’t have to feel left
out or stay at home. Delicious meat-free dishes are featured seasonally.
- In addition to an excellent wine list, the Boston restaurant features an extensive menu of unique and hard-to-find bourbons, cognacs and scotches.
Things to Know
- To get to Encore Boston Harbor and its signature steakhouse, hop aboard custom luxury yachts that run year-round from the Boston waterfront, or take free shuttles from the Wellington MBTA station.
- The dress code at Rare is resort elegant, which means pants, collared shirts and closed-toed shoes for men and no bare midriffs, athletic wear or jerseys for women.
- There’s plenty to do before or after
dinner. The 210,000-square-foot casino features more than 2,700 slot machines,
185-plus table games, private gaming rooms for high rollers and a 24-table Poker
Room.
The Food
- The star of the show at Rare is definitely the Kobe beef, which you can savor as a tenderloin, strip or rib-eye cut starting at four ounces.
- If you prefer your beef to be more local, the Boston steakhouse carries domestic wagyu from Idaho’s Snake River Farms in the form of a 10-ounce dry-aged New York Strip.
- Often offered as a special is the rare Sanuki olive beef, available at only a few restaurants in North America. The cut gets its intense flavor from olive-fed cows raised in Kagawa, Japan, and is quite unique.
- Paying homage to its New England location, Rare serves a whole broiled Maine lobster, mini Maine lobster rolls, local oysters and clams, crab cakes and lobster bisque.
- Classic steakhouse sides have a luxurious twist, such as creamed spinach, baked lobster mac and cheese, and sautéed wild mushrooms. Can’t decide? Enjoy three selections with its side flight.
The Design
- Rather than the usual dark woods and moody steakhouse décor, the elegant dining room is bright and light with a palette of whites and creams and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Harborwalk and Mystic River. Savor waterfront vistas from the seasonal patio when the weather warms.
- Wide curved banquettes and generously spaced tables ensure privacy and a comfortable setting.
- You’ll encounter thoughtful touches, such as tiny chairs (exact replicas of the larger chairs) situated tableside so purses and other items don’t have to be placed on the floor.
Amenities
Bar
Business casual
Dinner
Gluten-free options
Outdoor seating
Private dining
Reservations recommended 
Self-parking
Valet parking
Vegetarian options
Getting There
