Is the Ninety Nine ‘underrated’? Here’s what readers think.

“Are you kidding me? What don't I love about the 99?"

There’s only one place a Massachusetts diner can go to get free, bottomless popcorn, gold fever wings, that’s kid-friendly and (relatively) affordable, and where the beer is cold and in large supply: That place is the “underrated” Ninety Nine, according to Boston.com readers.

The question of Ninety Nine’s value came about after a Reddit post received hundreds of comments, with the Redditor declaring that the Massachusetts-based chain was underrated.

“Idk if it’s just the ones near me, but there’s something about [Ninety Nine],” posted user Spinelli-Wuz-My-Idol. “They’re chill, they’ve got consistent food, and they’re cheap.”

byu/Spinelli-Wuz-My-Idol inmassachusetts

So Boston.com

if this was true. In the past, Boston.com also asked readers to name their favorite chain, and Ninety Nine received the most votes, beating out Massachusetts-born institution Dunkin’ and popular outsiders Chick-fil-A and Chipotle.

And according to our recent, very non-scientific survey, the Ninety Nine fanbase showed up to sing its praises once again.

Of the 355 responses Boston.com received, the vast majority agreed with the local Redditor that Ninety Nine is underrated. Broken down, 280 respondents agreed with the description as underrated, 29 think it’s overrated, and 46 said they wouldn’t describe the chain restaurant as underrated or overrated.

“[It’s] consistently good food and fairly-priced drinks,” Adam I. from Hull wrote in. “For a casual chain restaurant, they just get things right.”

We set out to see what people had to say about Boston.com readers’ favorite chain, what they order, and if it’s not underrated, why. Here’s what we heard:

Yes, it’s underrated

“The steak tips and burgers are good. The beer is always cold, and the food is very consistent no matter the location. It was a good road stop when picking up and dropping my kids off at College (UVM).” – James H. from Bridgewater

“Having grown up going to the Nine’s for family get-togethers, little league post-game meals, or just easy dinners, it holds a special and nostalgic place in my heart like it does for many locals. It’s unpretentious, easy, and has a bit of a stuck-in-time feel, which is comforting. It’s nice to know that you can go to the Nine’s and eat beside the local everyman.” – Jake from Walpole

“I’ve been going to ‘The 9’s’ since grabbing lunch time beers way back. It’s still a good deal to take my kids there now. From the kids-eat-free Sox deals to the free birthday desserts. You leave feeling full and like you got a good deal. Love The 9’s!” – David from Shrewsbury

“Are you kidding me? What don’t I love about the 99? Coldest, most amazing beer in a nice glass mug, [and] gold fever wings to die for. There is nothing about the 9’s I don’t love. Without a doubt the best ‘chain,’ but it doesn’t feel like a chain, it feels like a family.” – Mike M. from Mansfield

“The staff is unreal, and when you’re there, you feel at home. Charlestown 9’s is the best bar in Boston!” – Janice M. from Charlestown

“We love the steak tips, gold fever wings, blockbuster beers and the regular crew. This is the closest thing to feeling like ‘Cheers.’ It’s definitely our local hometown favorite restaurant. Gotta love the 9’s!” – Brian C. from Marshfield

“Probably ‘underrated’ in that it’s better food than you expect for the price, and it doesn’t really feel like a typical chain. It feels more like a local spot because everyone knows you when you go in, and it’s usually the same employees.” – John D. from Revere

“It reminds me of childhood and going to the Ninety Nine as a kid. It’s just as great now as it was then. The gold fever wings are the best thing on the menu.” – Courtney R. from Haverhill

“They got prime rib back on the menu, and it’s better than some fine dining places. Nice people, too.” – Lilly G. from Taunton

Neither, it gets the amount of attention it deserves

“Reliable quality, fair prices, some lower-calorie menu choices (with calories listed for all items), friendly service, and a comfortable atmosphere (we always choose a bar hightop). I like the Southwest rice bowl and the balsamic grilled chicken. There’s nothing trendy about the 99.” – Ken P. from Braintree

“[My favorite] used to be turkey tips that were removed from the menu. Free popcorn is a nice touch. I travel for work throughout New England, and it is the most consistent chain. Far superior to Chili’s or Applebee’s, but inferior to TGIF or Ruby Tuesday. Honey gold boneless wings are excellent.” – Bob from Stoughton

“They unfortunately have discontinued the things I liked the best. They only do bone-in wings sometimes. The portions have decreased significantly. On the upside, the bar area and the dining area are separated by walls so people in the bar don’t have to listen to whining and screaming children as they would if the bar and dining areas were wide open. That’s a good design. Children don’t belong in bars ever.” – Bonnie T. from Braintree

“Pretty consistent food, friendly servers, and relatively inexpensive. Not my favorite place, but if you are going with a group, there is always something for someone to eat for under $20. A night out won’t break the budget.” – Dawn A. from Brockton

“99 Restaurant is neither overrated or under-rated. What we like about 99 Restaurant is it has a relatively large dining room, so you have a little more privacy during your dinner/lunch.” – Beth G. from Sudbury

No, it’s overrated

“99 used to be better. Bring back the turkey dinner, the twin teriyaki chicken breasts, and take the chicken back down to a real size entree for $9.99. Otherwise the spread is pretty pedestrian.” – Donald from Revere

“Nothing, the place hasn’t been good in 20 years.” – Calvin H. from Weymouth

“Pre-COVID it was solid and very consistent. Post-COVID, portion sizes are down, and the food isn’t great. I have found other places similar in price with better food.” – Jimmy from Stoneham