For three decades, Sonsie, a beloved restaurant nestled on Newbury Street in Boston, has been a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene. Known for its globally-inspired menu, sophisticated ambiance, and coveted outdoor patio, Sonsie is marking its 30th anniversary on Friday, December 8th.
Located at 327 Newbury Street, Sonsie offers a distinct European-style lounge experience. Patrons are invited to relax in plush leather chairs and sofas, while the downstairs Wine Room beckons with its impressive walk-in, temperature-controlled glass wine cellar. A signature feature of Sonsie is its French doors that open onto a vibrant outdoor patio, making it a prime Newbury Street destination for al fresco dining during warmer months. Guests can savor delectable brick oven creations and Sonsie’s renowned signature martinis, among a curated selection of beverages.
Patrick Lyons, owner of the Lyons Group, the force behind Sonsie and over 20 other establishments including Back Bay Social, Bar Moxy, and Summer Shack, reflects on the enduring appeal of Sonsie as it reaches this significant milestone.
“I believe Sonsie’s consistent offering of well-priced, high-quality food and drinks perfectly caters to the desires of the local neighborhood,” Lyons shared via email. This commitment to quality and value has been key to Sonsie’s longevity.
Sonsie has maintained the core elements that initially captivated diners in 1993, while strategically evolving its menu to reflect contemporary palates. This adaptability has ensured its continued relevance in Boston’s dynamic restaurant landscape.
“Sonsie has largely remained true to its original vision of serving the local community,” Lyons explained, “However, we’ve incorporated subtle adjustments to acknowledge evolving preferences, including the growing demand for vegan and gluten-free options.” This responsiveness to customer needs demonstrates Sonsie’s dedication to providing a welcoming and inclusive dining experience.
In the years since Sonsie’s debut, Boston’s Back Bay has seen a surge in new dining establishments, intensifying competition. Lyons acknowledges this shift, noting, “When Sonsie opened, there were perhaps a dozen comparable restaurants in the city. Today, with extensive development, each new project includes multiple restaurant spaces. This has led to an exponential rise in restaurants, creating a far more competitive environment and a shortage of skilled staff. Simultaneously, dining out has become a cherished American pastime, with home cooking becoming less frequent. The trend of new restaurants emerging constantly shows no signs of slowing down.”
Looking ahead at the restaurant industry, Lyons comments, “The cost to enter the restaurant business is soaring. Rising rents, equipment expenses, and food costs are creating significant challenges. This will likely favor national chains with substantial capital and resilient local operators focused on quality. We are fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with our landlord, Sam Perry, who values continuity and local businesses over purely corporate interests. This partnership has been instrumental in maintaining consistency and stability for our patrons.”
As Patrick Lyons considers the past 30 years and the future of the Lyons Group, he remarks, “We have experienced considerable growth. We are a major employer in Boston, providing jobs across various levels, from service staff to executive management. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of growth, where dedicated employees can advance from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Our expansion has extended beyond Massachusetts, and we anticipate this trend will continue.”
To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Sonsie Newbury Street Boston will present a special menu on Friday, December 8th, featuring beloved classic dishes and a “celebratory surprise” for guests.
For further details or to make reservations to experience this Newbury Street institution, please visit www.sonsieboston.com.
