Historic Newton Bar Reopens Under New Ownership

NEWTON, MA — A historic neighborhood bar has reopened under new ownership in the city's Upper Falls area.

The Biltmore Tavern opened at 1205 Chestnut St. on Monday, July 27, marking the return of one of the city's longest-running gathering spots after several months of renovations. The restaurant is owned by Scott Drago and Adam Patti, the team behind Blue on Highland in Needham, and brings a refreshed concept while preserving much of the property's historic character.

Mayor Marc Laredo and Newton Economic Development welcomed the opening in a social media post announcing the restaurant's debut.

"If you're a fan of Blue On Highland, you're going to be thrilled with Newton Upper Falls' new The Biltmore Tavern," they said in a joint statement. A little closer to home than Blue on Highland, and with riffs on Blue's menu, the new Biltmore Tavern is opening today at 11:30 a.m. with new owners."

According to the restaurant, The Biltmore Tavern offers an updated take on the classic neighborhood tavern, with a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, salads, and shareable appetizers, alongside cocktails, wine, and local craft beer. The owners have described the restaurant as a place where longtime regulars and first-time visitors can gather while enjoying familiar hospitality in a renovated space.

The Biltmore has been a fixture in Newton Upper Falls for decades and is widely recognized as the city's oldest continuously operating bar. Drago and Patti, who opened Blue on Highland in Needham in 2022, acquired the property earlier this year and spent several months renovating the building before reopening it under its new name. While much of the interior has been updated, the owners have said they wanted to preserve the history and neighborhood feel that made the Biltmore a longtime local destination.

The Biltmore Tavern is open daily for lunch and dinner. Additional information, including menus, hours, and reservations, is available through the restaurant's website.

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