Sports and Music at the Westender

The phrase “sports bar” for many people conjures up an image of a dimly lit, loud and gritty establishment serving up cheap, greasy finger foods to soak up generic beer like Budweiser and Miller Light as the big game plays in the background.

But The Westender is the atypical sports bar, which owner Matthew Leduc opened in August of 2010. The bar is self-described as an upscale bar and grille. The high top tables glisten from the glow of the multiple flat screen TVs that frame the room. However, the focal point is not the TVs lining the walls, but rather the raised, carpeted stage hugging the far corner of the room. In case there was any doubt of its function, guitars replace the sports paraphernalia as wall decorations for this section of the bar.

“We have live music every weekend,” said bartender and manager Julie Martin. “We book a lot of acoustic bands, along with the blues.” (Stop on by either Friday or Saturday night to catch one of the shows.)

The menu, along with the décor, implies The Westender rises above the average sports bar and grille. The Cam Chicken Sandwich chicken breast is marinated and adorned with applewood smoked bacon, which compliments the slightly sweet barbeque sauce. The familiar taste of quality cheddar cheese brings the sandwich full circle. The sandwich sides are rice, French fries or the deliciously thin onion strings.

The prices vary widely from $4.95 appetizers to a nearly $19 entrée, allowing something for every price range. But remember that although the prices might be a bit higher than some sports bars, the quality of the food is also higher than many.

From clam “chowda” and veggie quesadillas to barbeque ribs and fish and chips, the items are as varied as the prices. “The steak tips, which are marinated in the owner’s own special recipe, are one of the most popular dishes,” noted Martin.

Although The Westender is an upscale sports bar, they do still have all the essentials for a successful bar. There are more than 30 varieties of bottled beers and 10 beers on draft, including the locally brewed Wachusett Country. In addition to the beer selection, there is an astounding number of frozen drinks from which to choose, including classics like the hurricane, pina colada and mudslide. 

The Westender is located at 493 Boston Post Road West and phone number is (508) 485-1185. Drop on by to catch the latest game, check out some live music or just to grab some good grub. They are opened until 12 a.m. from Sunday through Wednesday and until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.