Mooncusser Fish House Spawns a Second Casual Sibling Downstairs

A high-end restaurant in Back Bay that already has a smaller, more casual counterpart downstairs will add an even smaller and even more casual arm to its operation, also downstairs. The ritzy second-story Mooncusser Fish House (304 Stuart St., Back Bay, Boston) plans to unveil Cusser’s Roast Beef & Seafood, a spinoff à la North Shore seafood hut, slinging roast beef sandwiches and lobster rolls from a street-level takeout window, according to the Boston Globe.

Cusser’s will open on May 7, providing lunch service on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Just last month, Globe critic Devra First reviewed Mooncusser, commenting that it “sounds like it should be a shack by the beach,” a statement was apparently a bit prophetic. Mooncusser already has a sibling called Moon Bar, a casual-ish wine bar on the first floor of the same building, serving chowder, lobster, rolls, fish tacos, and more. While there are some overlapping items on the Moon Bar and Cusser’s menus, Cusser’s will primarily be a walk-up service, although diners can choose to eat in the Moon Bar space. (Some items are only available for those dining in.)

The menu features classic seafood shack items — although a bit above classic shack pricing — including lobster rolls ($25, hot or cold) and a North Shore three-way (a roast beef sandwich with barbecue sauce, mayo, and cheese, $10).

Other menu items include fish tacos ($7 for one or $12 for two), a tuna burger ($14, dine-in only), and swordfish souvlaki ($15). Cusser’s will also partner with Moody’s Delicatessen & Provisions to offer hot dogs ($7 or two for $12), plus french fries, onion rings, and some desserts.

Update, 2:15 p.m.: This piece initially included prices that were listed on the Cusser’s website at the time of publication. However, Cusser’s later released an updated menu on its website and via press release with some lower prices and other changes from what had initially appeared on the restaurant’s website. This article has been updated accordingly. Plus, details have been added about the option to dine inside.

Brian Samuels

• Cusser’s Roast Beef & Seafood, a Seafood Shanty in the Heart of Downtown [BG]
• Mooncusser Fish House Coverage on Eater [EBOS]