Brendan Thomas
Google
EDit 1/6/2024: I updated my review to reflect a few changes I noticed since I first wrote this.
I was one of the first to eat from here when it opened five years ago in the former D'Angelo's location. They food is outstanding, the service is friendly and the space is VERY clean.
That's where the compliments stop unfortunately.
Three and a half years after the Pandemic closed the dining area, I was able to use the dining area myself. The staff person I spoke to said they reopened the dining area "a while ago" but I saw no proof or evidence of that--as in customers eating in--until I finally asked a few months ago.
It would help if they simply posted signs saying indoor dining is open again. I have no idea why they never did that much so people can know.The only possible explaination I can think of at this point is they got used to not having to bother cleaning those spaces several times a day. .
That aside, the prices on the entrees and even side items have been gradually increasing without notice. When they first opened in 2018, the Oxtail plate came in three size options (Small, Medium and Large). In the summer of 2019 they announced due to rising prices on oxtail meat, they were dropping their Small and Large options for the Oxtail and would sell the Medium at a higher price in a styrofoam container. It started at $18 and is now $24. About two years ago, they brought back the Small size that started at $11 and is now 14. I like their Oxtail but I'm not willing to pay $24 for a "Medium" Oxtail. I'm better off buying the meat and cooking it myself in that case (and you can buy raw Oxtail meat at some meat markets in the Boston area).
It's sad that Only One has decided to pass those rising costs onto their customers, most of whom they know live in the neighborhood--myself included. Other entrees have also had price increases in recent years. The pandemic sucked for everyone financially. People get you need to be profitable to stay in business and pay your employees but this is really pushing it.
One myth/rumor I've heard for a while that I can personally confirm is NOT true is some think the food is cooked at another location and brought there. This is NOT true. All food is cooked on site in the kitchen in the back. The food is SAFE, Sanitary and good. They also take custom requests on all orders within reason. For example if you want to mix and match certain items in the same plate, you can. Just ask.
On that last point, here's a tip you can use at not just Only One but any other West Indian restaurant that plates the food in front of you: If you want more, speak up. That's how you get more bang for your buck.
I always tell them to drown the rice with gravy no matter what I order for example. I don't like my rice dry but I know others only prefer enough sauce to cover the meat. One time the sever looked at me like I was crazy and I said "I'm paying for it and I'll eat it, keep going." My mother tells them not to skimp on the meat which they will if you let them. Why should you pay $14 for a Small Curry Goat with mostly bones for example? It's something to think about. When in doubt, see how others order their food and take cues from them.
I live in the neighborhood and walk there but the very limited parking is shared with the other businesses including the health center. If you don't mind walking a little, you can park in the Shaws Parking Lot. More so if you plan to eat in.
