Welcome Back Old Friend by Eddie Applefeld

Do you know the feeling when you see an old friend you haven't seen in years.  That's about what you'll feel when you walk into the newly rebuilt Mt. Washington Tavern, 5700 Newbury Street in Mt. Washington.  The restaurant was destroyed by a massive fire in October 2011.  In early November of 2012 friends, neighbors and customers celebrated 'The Tavern's' re-opening.

To be sure the restaurant has been totally re-done.  Patrons now enter through the Sulgrave Avenue entrance.  The upstairs SkyBar now has an adjacent seasonal deck.  The interior features stonework throughout the dining areas and bar.  There is now an elevator and a sprinkler system and some of the original walls are being used in the new building.  Perhaps my biggest surprise was when I entered the upstairs Pimlico Room. My first word when seeing the room was wow.  The room is filled with memorabilia from Pimlico.  On the way up the wall is filled with photos from the night of the fire.  Basically a shrine to the brave fire fighters.

The menu is new American with a seafood twist.  Added items include New England lobster roll and fried whole belly clams.  Staples such as salads, burgers, wraps, steaks and crab cakes remain.   

If you would like your name to remain in infamy, you can purchase a brick with your name on it.  Each brick is $75.00 and proceeds go to the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.   They will be placed where the old front door used to be. 

The Tavern is open seven days with plenty of parking in the neighborhood, including valet.  There is seating for about 450.  Interestingly, 100% of the staff has returned.  That is some testament for the owners Rob Frisch and David Lichty.  And, in news that just has to be reported, the shuffleboard is still there.      

There are many people very glad The Tavern is back in business.  There has been a void in Mt. Washington for a year.  Many of the customers present the night I was there told me they have their home back.