Saus Review: The Taste of Comfort

Tucked away between dimly lit bars on Boston’s Union Street, a zesty little restaurant glows in the night. Just a short walk from the Government Center MBTA Station, this restaurant promises an exploration of unique flavors and a tender, home-like customer service experience.

The menu has the classics: chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and salads. But each dish has its own twist, incorporating the taste of kimchi or cool ranch chips into the staples. The two stand-outs are the poutine and the menu of dipping “Saus,” including categories like “The Mayos,” “The Vegans,” and “The Misfits.” The wait for the food is not long at all, especially considering how much attention must be paid to masterfully assemble all of the pieces of each dish.

The well-seasoned beef of their messy chili-cheese burger mixes perfectly with the tanginess of cool ranch chips, while the cheese seals the whole creation together. Falling apart in your hand, the burger lives up to its name, proving that neatness is irrelevant when something tastes that good. While satisfying by itself, finding your favorite “Dipping Saus” for the burger can make the next bite go from good to great.

The “Secret Saus” is a great pick for any menu item. With a mayo base, the sauce is creamy yet complimented with a spice-filled, smoky flavor. Likewise, the Truffle Ketchup is show-stopping, taking a simple ketchup and fries to a Michelin-star-level tasting experience.

The MVP of the meal is, without a doubt, the poutine. The poutine features crispy hand-cut fries that hold their own against the creamy gravy and toppings. The warm gravy is straightforward, not distracting, and solidifies the poutine as the perfect savory meal for the winter months. At Saus, there are numerous ways to construct poutine, but the addition of bacon strips and kimchi has to rank among the top variations.

Aside from good food, Saus is an establishment with personality and an essence that will turn first-time visitors into regulars. In addition to being very inclusive, Saus is able to turn every item on the menu into a vegan version — the staff ensures a personalized experience, happily offering substitution suggestions and recommendations for sold-out options.

Saus’s relaxed, welcoming air is not just apparent from the accommodating staff but in its open architecture that also establishes this welcoming presence. With a partially visible kitchen, the ability to not just see but converse with the cooks evokes a cozy feeling — like watching a family member cook a homemade dinner. This vulnerability and approachability is a foundational element of Saus’s homey environment — a rare encounter on the Boston food scene.

Saus is a genuine and authentic environment from ordering at the counter to the last bite. A visit to Saus makes for the perfect end to a busy day and is sure to offer a satisfying comfort meal for any stressful week.

—Staff writer Makayla I. Gathers can be reached at makayla.gathers@thecrimson.com.