Atlantic Fish Co   

It's a common conundrum: you're craving a fresh seafood dinner but you're not in the mood for the stodgy "ye old clam shack"-type spot or the for-the-masses feel of an enormous seafood chain. Thank goodness there's Atlantic Fish, one of the eateries in the Back Bay Restaurant Group's empire. (They also oversee the casual Joe's American Pub, the Italian trattoria Papa-Razzi, and the warhorse steakhouse Abe and Louie's, to name a few.) Atlantic Fish, as you've already guessed, specializes in seafood and they've done so since its 1978 opening. Needless to say, they've had plenty of time to hone their practice of picking the freshest fish for their menu, which changes daily, and preparing it to suit all sorts of appetites. Yes, you can get New England Clam Chowder -- a reward winning recipe, in fact. Yes, there is a raw bar loaded with glistening oysters. You can also choose from dozens of appetizers from the raw bar and classic dishes from the kitchen. But Atlantic Fish is far from your typical seafood joint. From the second you walk in, the dcor announces its individuality. Antiqued wood dominates the interior and evokes the sensation that you're on a seafaring vessel. Fresh catches? There's always several to choose from and it's all cooked to order. Have it charcoal-grilled, steamed, broiled, Cajun pan-blackened, steamed, dip-fried, or baked with garlic crumbs. Atlantic Fish has a patio on a bustling strip of Boylston Street in the spring and summer. The outdoor seating makes it as much a date spot as the elegant interior is a place for a casual business get-together or perch yourself and watch a game. In other words, it makes "ye old clamshack" seem leagues behind the times.