Washington Square Tavern
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: (617) 232-8989
Fax: (617) 232-8201
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Beacon Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun 11:15am-2:30pm, 5pm-2am
Message from Washington Square Tavern
Comfort food that soothes away the day's stresses
- Reserve wine list
- Brunch (except during summer)
- Warm environment
Paid advertisement by Washington Square Tavern.
Editorial Review for Washington Square Tavern – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
Facing the square after which it's named, this beloved neighborhood bistro is a magnet for in-the-know foodies and area 30-somethings. With communal tables, dark woods and tall bookshelves, the restaurant yields a mildly Irish vibe. With no separation between the bar and dining areas, the room can get quite noisy. An impressive drink selection includes inventive house concoctions (pear martinis) and a well-chosen wine list. Harried waiters do their best to keep everyone happy.
The Food
Loyal customers keep returning for the kitchen's modern comfort fare, dished out at Brookline, not Boston, prices. The ever-changing menu includes seasonal salads (baby arugula with sweet pecans, goat cheese and red wine vinaigrette) and homemade soups (English pea with creme fraiche and pancetta). Entrees combine fresh salmon filets and hearty pork chops with homey accompaniments like creamy polenta and roasted sweet potatoes. Those craving a sweet finish are dismayed to learn that dessert isn't served.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasThose craving a sweet finish can cross the street to Athan's, an excellent bakery that serves cake and coffee.
Save MoneyBudget-minded diners skip pricier entrees in favor of fresh crab cake sandwiches and blue-cheeseburgers.
When to GoReservations aren't accepted--on weekends, arrive early or expect to wait.
Know Before You GoNo takeout food.
User Reviews for Washington Square Tavern
08/07/2008 Posted by Linebrook
Some background: I'm from Europe, and I've lived in Boston for two years. My observation: Even though people around here vote Democrat, their lifestyles can be very conservative or uptight---good citizen types. Then, you have college students, and a smaller number of "hipsters" (who you could mistake for being artsy or trendy, but don't be fooled). On top of that Boston is not as cosmopolitan as someone on the outside might imagine. The city is about careers, business, research, and universities---that's about it. It can be fairly segregated by these "types", and it becomes hard to find a good pub or bar that stands away from all of that. Enter Washington Square Tavern: My favorite bar/pub in the Boston metro. Food is excellent, beers are excellent, atmosphere is great. It's the sort of bar where you can drink merrily and chat with the people next to you, or you can read and enjoy the surroundings, at least early on in the evening. Service is hospitable, warm, and friendly. I live locally and come here all the time.The pub Re. the bad service--I've seen it on occasion, and it's fair. It is not bad service, it is about being firm with people. The pub is in an upscale part of town called Brookline. You get staid business people on occasion who are put-off by the forwardness of the bar staff and then treat them like servants. Or, you get fresh-out-of-college New England types, who are young people dressed up like my grandparents at their 25th wedding anniversary in 1958 (pearls and everything). They sip beer as though they were 'sinning', sit around cluelessly, and again can be rude to the staff. If you don't live in New England, and if none of this makes sense to you, then don't worry----you'll have a good time!
Pros: Service, Friendliness, Food, Beer, Wine and other Spirits
Cons: No outdoor seating
12/07/2007 Posted by thebarefootconsumer
Washington Square Tavern is a complete hidden gem! The food is consistently fabulous. The menu is changed every two months or so but always has a little something for everyone. The bartenders are unbelievably entertaining and cute (who doesn't love an Irish brogue?!) and the restaurant embodies quaint, busy, home style and gourmet all at once. I have eaten here over 20 times and have never had a bad experience. Get there early on weekends though as the dinner crowd is steady and the bar going crowd beings piling in around 10.
Pros: hot bartenders, great ambiance, fabulous food
Cons: no dessert
Users Like You Also Viewed
The Beehive
541 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116
Beacon Street Tavern
1032 Beacon St
Brookline, MA 02446
