A sign just inside the entrance informed us to please feel to
seat ourselves, but on the way to our table of choice we were greeted by several
staff with smiles and a “welcome”. We
noticed the large chalkboard on the rear wall displaying daily specials, featured
craft beers and the password for the free WiFi. A nice touch was that also on the board was a
recommendation to visit a local business that was having a plant sale!
The dining area includes standard height and pub style tables
that surround the bar where several diners were enjoying their lunches. We stepped out onto the three level outside seating
area, complete with its own bar. It’s
just a few steps down from the restaurant and features a separate cornhole game
and ping pong area on the lower level.
Ideal for all, but particularly appreciated by families with
children!
The tasteful décor has a local feel to it, featuring signage
of the local high school football team’s accomplishments as state football
champions. In keeping with the restaurant’s
name, a framed wall hanging of a 1956 patent for a judge’s gavel also graces
the wall. Very appropriate as the
restaurant is in close proximity to the Wrentham District Courthouse.
A well rounded selection of craft and macro beers is offered
on a rotating basis. Twelve drafts were
being poured today. Our server, Hailey, took our drink order. We decided on three
session beers. All are under 5.0% ABV. Golden Road Wolf Pup IPA, from Los Angeles,
CA. Slightly hazy, it has a smooth combination
of citrus and tropical notes. Leinenkugel’s
Summer Shandy from Chippewa Falls, WI. Perhaps the original wheat beer that
started the shandy/radler movement. Jack’s
Abby House Blood Orange Leisure Time Wheat from Framingham, MA. Also a Radler, its bright orange in color
with fresh citrus aroma and mouthfeel. Another
great lager from this local brewery. We
also ordered one of our favorite appetizers from the Gavel’s wide variety of
starters, Canadian Poutine, a delicious combination of potatoes, gravy, cheddar
cheese and chopped scallions.
Gavel’s extensive menu selections also include soups and
chowders, salads, pub pizzas, full entrees, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and
desserts. For our main fare we ordered the
Gavel Steak Burger with smoked bacon and cheddar cheese, The Big Texan Steak
Burger with barbeque sauce, bacon, cheddar cheese and beer battered onion rings,
a Pastrami Reuben sandwich, with Black Angus pastrami on marble rye with
sauerkraut and thousand Island dressing and the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, prepared
with either grilled or crispy buffalo chicken (we chose grilled), lettuce, red
onion, bleu cheese and ranch dressing. All
of our selections were served with lettuce, tomato and a pickle, along with a
choice of one side dish. All of the food
was excellent, prepared to perfection and well presented.
Hailey asked how we were enjoying our meal. We told her everything was spot on and
introduced ourselves to her. She was
quick to mention that John Cox, one of the principals at The Gavel, was onsite
and that she would ask him to drop by our table.
John came by a few minutes later (after tapping a keg!), and gave
us an overview of his business. We found
out that the building was originally operated as an ice cream parlor and that he
and his team completely renovated the structure, adding the outside seating
area. He is rightfully proud of the transformation that
has made his restaurant the very popular upscale gastro pub that it is today. They take great pride placing the highest
priority on the quality of their food and beverages as well as customer service. An important part of that is managing their
beer selection, which features offerings by local brewers.
The Gavel Public House makes you feel welcome from the moment
you arrive. Open seven days a week from 11:30
AM to 1:00 AM, with the kitchen open until 10 PM. There is live entertainment every Thursday
evening, and occasionally on weekends.
For more information visit their website at www.gavelpublichouse.com or on Facebook at The Gavel Public House
