Bootleg Special – Seafood
Bootleg Special captures a spirited, urban energy where the briny scent of freshly shucked oysters mingles with the rich, intoxicating aroma of signature garlic noodles. Diners dive into a playful fusion of coastal classics and bold Asian-inspired flavors, from buttery lobster tucked into pillowy bao buns to vibrant, spice-kissed bowls of chicken and sausage gumbo. The space hums with a lively charm, offering a soulful retreat where traditional seafood staples are reimagined with a modern, creative edge.
Bootleg Special, Herald Street, South End, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 02111, United States +16174511800 https://bootlegspecial.com/0Cuisine: Seafood
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Bootleg Special
Dairy-Free at Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special in Boston has 2 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Signature Garlic Noodles and Smashed Cucumber Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special in Boston has 1 gluten-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including New England Fried Scallops. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special in Boston has 27 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Traditional Beignets, Signature Garlic Noodles and Cajun Fried Oysters. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special in Boston has 3 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Grilled Oysters, Saratoga Water (Still) and Saratoga Water (Sparkling). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special in Boston has 5 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Clam Chowder, Grilled Oysters and Saratoga Water (Still). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special in Boston has 5 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Signature Garlic Noodles, Smashed Cucumber Salad and Saratoga Water (Still). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special in Boston has 10 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Traditional Beignets, Signature Garlic Noodles and Cajun Fries. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special in Boston has 5 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Signature Garlic Noodles, Shrimp Cocktail (4) and Smashed Cucumber Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Bootleg Special
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Oyster Po'Boy | 0 g | 59.2 g |
| Cajun Fried Rice | 24.4 g | 59 g |
| Southern Low Country Boil | 40.1 g | 47.6 g |
| Chowder Fries | 15.1 g | 36.2 g |
| Squid Ink Fried Rice | 39 g | 31 g |
| Chili Crab Pasta | 25 g | 29 g |
| Snow Crab & Shrimp Cajun Boil | 19.3 g | 26.1 g |
| Dessert Platter | 65.1 g | 23.9 g |
| Fried Catfish Po'Boy | 13.1 g | 20.8 g |
| Fried Shrimp Po'Boy | 50.9 g | 16.3 g |
| Crispy Wings | 8.3 g | 15.9 g |
| French Roast Coffee | 19.1 g | 11.5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Menu
Raw & Chill
- Oysters on the Half Shell (6) - $20: Served with cocktail sauce, Spicy Thai chili coulis, champagne mignonette Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Oysters on the Half Shell (12) - $38: Served with cocktail sauce, Spicy Thai chili coulis, champagne mignonette Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Cocktail (4) - $12: Served with cocktail sauce, spicy Thai green chili coulis Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Cocktail (8) - $22: Served with cocktail sauce, spicy Thai green chili coulis Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly Available at: dinner, lunch
Soup & Salad
- Clam Chowder - $11: Signature clam chowder, smoked bacon, extra virgin olive oil Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken & Sausage Gumbo - $11: Stewed Chicken, Andouille sausage, okra, trinity of pepper, celery, onion, Cajun file spice, rice Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bok Choy Caesar Salad - $14: Bok choy, shaved parmesan, grated egg, Thai basil croutons Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smashed Cucumber Salad - $10: Garlic, ginger, pickled shallots Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
Small Plates
- Lobster Bao - $32: Maine lobster, miso butter, golden bao Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Signature Garlic Noodles - $12: Signature noodles with garlic Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cajun Fried Rice - $13: Crawfish, Andouille sausage, peas, onion, egg Available at: dinner, lunch
- Viet-Cajun Mussels - $18: Choice of bootleg sauce or garlic herb butter Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cajun Fries - $10: Served with house made ranch Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts - $14: Maple sambal aioli Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cajun Fried Oysters - $17: Served with remoulade Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- New England Fried Scallops - $18: Served with tartar sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Oysters - $13: Garlic herb, parmesan, scallions Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Birria Bao - $14: Braised shortrib, cucumber, jalapeno, birria broth Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Scallop Taco Asiatico - $18: Seared scallops, shredded cabbage, Thai chili coulis Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crispy Wings - $14: Sweet chili butter glaze or salt & pepper Available at: dinner, lunch
- Truffle Steak Tataki - $18: Scallion, lemon zest, yuzu soy Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chowder Fries - $14: House made chowder, littleneck clams, bacon Dietary tags: Low-Carb, South-Beach, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Gumbo Poutine - $14: Fries topped with gumbo and cheese curds Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Chili Crab Pasta - $38: Lump crab meat, chili tomato cream, bucatini, fried bao bread Available at: dinner, lunch
- NOLA Shrimp Etoufee - $28: Gulf shrimp, trinity of pepper, onion, celery, Old bay, Cajun egg fried rice Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Squid Ink Fried Rice - $28: Scallops, mussels, calamari, chili lime cream Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vodka Cajun Chicken - $28: Southern fried chicken, Cajun vodka cream, hot cherry peppers, mezzi rigatoni Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cajun Fish & Chips - $28: Fried catfish, coleslaw, remoulade Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Short Rib Garlic Pasta - $30: Pan seared short rib, tomatoes, spring onions, red chili flakes, bucatini Available at: dinner, lunch
Seafood Boils
- Lobster & Clam Cajun Boil - $68: Maine lobster, littleneck clams, baby yukon potato, corn Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Southern Low Country Boil - $39: Shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, baby yukon potato, corn Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Snow Crab & Shrimp Cajun Boil - $89: Jumbo snow crab clusters, shrimp, baby yukon potato, corn Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches
- Fried Catfish Po'Boy - $20: Coleslaw, remoulade, hand-cut fries Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Oyster Po'Boy - $20: Coleslaw, remoulade, hand-cut fries Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Shrimp Po'Boy - $20: Coleslaw, remoulade, hand-cut fries Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Blackened Cone-Nado Burger - $15: Angus Burgers, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, marinated onion, black garlic aioli, crispy tortilla wrap cone Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Dessert Platter - $30: Assortment of beignets, cheesecake, chocolate cake, fresh fruit Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Rotational Cheesecake - $11: Fresh fruit Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, GERD-Friendly, TLC
- Traditional Beignets - $10: Powdered sugar coating Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Specialty Beignets - $16: Choice of Chocolate Hazelnut, Strawberry Creme Fraiche, or Bananas Foster Dietary tags: Low-Sodium
- Flourless Chocolate Cake - $11: Rich flourless cake Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
Beverages
- Saratoga Water (Still) - $10: 28oz bottle Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Saratoga Water (Sparkling) - $10: 28oz bottle Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- French Roast Coffee - $4: Local rotating selection
- Iced Tea - $4: Freshly brewed
- Coke Products - $3: Assorted sodas
- Spicy Guava Margarita - $15: Blanco tequila, Orange liquor, Lime, Guava Puree, Jalapeno Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Lychee Martini - $17: Vodka, Lychee, Elderflower Liqueur, Lemon
- Soju - $18: Korean Rice Wine. Choice of: Original, Peach, Strawberry, Apple Mango or Yogurt Flavor
Frequently Asked Questions about Bootleg Special
- Is Bootleg Special dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Bootleg Special has 2 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Signature Garlic Noodles and Smashed Cucumber Salad.
- What can I eat at Bootleg Special on a dairy-free diet?
- Signature Garlic Noodles and Smashed Cucumber Salad carry the dairy-free tag, out of 2 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Bootleg Special have vegan options?
- Yes. 5 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Signature Garlic Noodles and Smashed Cucumber Salad.
- Is Bootleg Special gluten-free?
- 1 dish is tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Bootleg Special?
- Fried Oyster Po'Boy, at roughly 59.2g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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