The ICONIC Seafood Spot That Turned Tinned Fish Into a Must-Have in Boston, MA

Name

Saltie Girl

Address

279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Hours

Mon-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm (Weekend Brunch 11am-4pm)

Saltie Girl opened in 2015 as a cozy 30-seat seafood counter in Boston’s bustling Back Bay.

Drawing from owner Kathy Sidell’s coastal roots and passion for global tinned fish, it quickly won diners over with a pristine raw bar and inventive bites.

What started as a hidden gem soon became a neighborhood icon amid the city’s seafood boom.

How Saltie Girl won locals’ hearts

Launching during Boston’s seafood craze, Saltie Girl channeled Barcelona-style tapas with a salty, seaside twist.

Kathy Sidell blended her East Coast summers with tins from around the world, creating a menu that felt both familiar and adventurous.

Within months, lines stretched down Dartmouth Street as fresh oysters and tinned seafood captured locals’ hearts.

Word-of-mouth buzz spread fast—Back Bay diners couldn’t get enough of the playful yet polished raw bar offerings.

Expansion followed quickly: the original counter grew into a glamorous shell bar and dining room, but the core magic—exceptional seafood—remained.

Media raves praised Saltie Girl for transforming tinned fish from curiosity to crave-worthy staple.

Even through pandemic tweaks and stunning renovations, it stayed a top pick, thriving on genuine acclaim from Boston food lovers.

Today, Saltie Girl is where innovation meets comfort.

Early diners still reminisce about the pre-hype days, when snagging a stool felt like joining an exclusive seaside party.

Its rise mirrors Boston’s evolving palate, proving small concepts can scale without losing soul.

Food Highlights

Blue Hill Moules Frites: Steamed mussels in white wine, garlic butter, lemon, and herbs over parmesan fries—a garlicky, shareable comfort classic.
Fried Lobster & Waffles: Crispy lobster on fluffy waffles with sweet corn butter and spicy maple—a sweet-savory brunch favorite.
Saltie Girl Burger: Triple beef patty stacked with gruyere, avocado, fried lobster, house pork belly, and fiery sauce—a surf-meets-turf indulgence.
Fried Lobster Roll: Tail, knuckle, and claw with Korean chili flakes, corn butter, and beurre blanc on a toasted bun—Boston’s boldest lobster roll.
Lump Crab Toast: Lump crab with avocado, pistachios, and creamy stracciatella—a textural, elevated delight.
Snow Crab Toast: Buttery snow crab on crisp toast—a lighter, sweet-briny alternative that’s a must-try.