Brasserie Jo

Brasserie Jo Restaurant Review:

This authentic French brasserie is situated on the first floor of the Colonnade Hotel. The main dining room is a bright jumble of brass, banquettes and mirrors, edged by a bar that attracts grazers and quaffers at all times of the day. Pre-theater patrons and symphony-goers like the Back Bay location, and chef Nicholas Calias turns out Alsatian-style favorites in a timely manner. Friendly servers greet diners with a warm baguette in a paper bag served with creamy butter. Dishes include everything from Parisian steak with pommes frites to duck confit with braised lentils and short rib bourguignon. The beer list includes samplings from Duvel to Ommegang but the prices are steep; the extensive regional French wine list ranges from moderate to very expensive. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse prepared tableside with fresh crème. Late-night diners will go for the French hot dog sliders and mini burgers available from the bar menu until midnight.