The Gavel Public House - Wrentham, MA

The Gavel Public House is located at 36 South Street in downtown Wrentham, MA.  The blue umbrellas of the outside seating area can be seen to the right of the entrance behind a white picket fence.  Two gavels (what else!) encase the restaurant’s name on a sign mounted high above the door.  Street parking is available in front and close by.

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

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