The No-Name is a Boston legend when it comes to fresh fish, served inexpensively. Even the name has a rich history. Originally the restaurant had only eleven seats and a tiny kitchen that served up whatever came in on the boats. The place was not much to look at, but the food was as fresh as it gets. Soon the restaurant's reputation spread, and folks outside the fishing community wanted a taste. There was one problem: the restaurant had no name. People just called it the no-name. Today, officially, the No-Name it remains.

The restaurant is located in the Boston Fish Pier, a handsome group of buildings from the early 20th century that has been renovated by MassPort to attract and retain the fishing industry in Boston. A virtual flotilla of seafood restaurants has sprung up in this area, serving both Boston's seafood lovers and the new industrial and office development nearby. Among them are the Eastern Pier Seafood Restaurant (Szechuan and Hunan), Jimmy's Harborside, Mangia Calamari, Portabello's, the Barking Crab, the Waterview Restaurant, and Anthony's Pier Four.

The Scene
The No-Name is about halfway down the long stone building on the right as you head down the pier. As you enter the restaurant, you must choose between the small, bright, attractive first-floor dining room, or the darker, larger second floor dining room. We recommend the latter because the views are better and the atmosphere, while a bit crowded, is reminiscent of the days when only the fishermen ate here. They didn't expect much decor and neither should you. The upstairs room, with its heavy dark timbers, Formica tables, and tile floor, may not be much to look at, but the harbor (and airport) views are wonderful and the wait staff is friendly and helpful.

Recommended Dishes
We recommend beginning with the seafood chowder. No potatoes or other vegetable fillers here -- this chowder is simply chunks of moist, delicious fish in a creamy broth which is satisfyingly rich.

The No-Name offers fried seafood platters of clams, scallops, shrimp, scrod or a combination plate. All are served with first-rate cole slaw and French fries. The batter is crisp and just a little bit sweet, and is an excellent complement to the moist sea morsels inside.

Broiled seafood is another specialty, with your choice of scrod, smelts, sole, bluefish, swordfish, salmon, as well as mussels and scallops, all cooked to perfection. We also tried the sauteed lobster with shrimp and scallops. Order this entree and you will be served a plate piled high with these three most-requested items. Priced at $15.95, this entree is a treat both for the tastebuds and for the wallet. The classic boiled lobster, served with plenty of butter, is available, too.

For the landlubbers in your party who may not feel like dining on the sea's bounty, The No-Name also offers burgers, steak and chicken.

In addition to delectable seafood, The No-Name offers a nice selection of beer and wine.

Details
Please note: the No-Name does not accept credit cards; it's a cash-only operation. We at The Insider usually prefer maximum flexibility in payment options and sometimes think poorly of those establishments that limit our options. But here, it just seems to fit the picture.

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