SIP, SAVOR, REPEAT

Before opening Sip, I knew a lot of people who worked, hung out, or lived in this neighborhood, and I asked them what they wanted to see. The result was a menu that covered all the bases—basically we wanted to make it veto-proof when people were deciding where to eat. Like if you love steak, or want fish, or something as simple as a salad or a sandwich, you could find it on the menu. You can come in and have five different 2-ounce sips of wine and go through a 15-bottle red list, trying different things without having to commit to a full glass. The whole idea was to create a restaurant community.

We also wanted to be reasonably priced, approachable food with quick, smart service in a calm, refined atmosphere that isn’t too sophisticated or stuffy. You could just be comfortable, kind of like an elevated version of Cheers. It was received extremely well, and we’ve been here close to fifteen years now.

Along with theater-goers, which is a huge part of our business, downtown workers are very important to us. We have excellent options for business dinners and client entertaining. We also have an overflow side of our space where we can host events—75 people for cocktails or 50 for table seating.

I think the Burnham revitalization is a great example of what’s keeping the momentum going. The right commercial tenants will help enhance the food and nightlife scene, which boosts the local businesses, which boost the vitality of the neighborhood. It all works together. Anyone who comes here adds to the vibe.

Well, a lot! I actually live in downtown, besides having my restaurant here. After living in Beacon Hill, I moved to Millennium Place, then Millennium Tower and now I live in Winthrop Center. I would not have thought I’d live in downtown proper, Downtown Crossing, but I do, and it has everything I want in a neighborhood.