New England-Inspired Eatery To Open In Groton

GROTON, MA — A Massachusetts chef is returning to his hometown to open a new neighborhood restaurant next month.

Puritan Tavern is set to open on Sept. 15 in the former Station House Restaurant 20 Station Ave. The restaurant opened by chef and Groton native Will Gilson will serve New England-inspired food alongside tavern staples, raw bar selections, cocktails, local beer and wine.

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The eatery is expected to be a casual counterpart to Gilson's Puritan & Company in Cambridge. Menu items will include French onion grilled cheese, crab rangoon dip, bluefish pâté, lobster deviled eggs and bacon-wrapped scallops. Entrées will include steak frites, baked cod, spice-roasted half chicken and a Tavern Burger.

"We hope to carry on the tradition of serving our neighbors and offering locals a place to convene, celebrate and consume," Gilson said in an announcement.

The Station House opened in 2018 inside a former fire station in Groton Center. The McElroy family owned the restaurant. Gilson's family has lived in Groton for more than 300 years.

Puritan Tavern's interior will feature blue tones, wood and brass in a rustic New England tavern design overseen by JTA, an architecture and design firm. The property will also have a second-floor event space for up to 60 people, an 80-seat seasonal patio and a dedicated parking lot.

Gilson's team also plans to use the Groton location to support The Herb Lyceum, the family's event and dining venue that was damaged in a 2024 fire. The new space could eventually host the Herb Lyceum's communal tasting dinners again, according to the announcement.

Puritan Tavern will initially serve dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday brunch is expected to follow.

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