Central House Tavern and Restaurant - Westborough, MA

The Central House Tavern and Restaurant is located at 44 South Street in Westborough, MA.  There is street parking and a public lot next door. Most recently owned and operated by the Van Dam family since 1974, The Tavern has roots going back 60 years when Agnes and Effie Moynihan opened their doors.  Interestingly, only men were allowed to enter the bar room.  The Van Dam’s changed all that, even building a ladies room.  The Tavern remains in the family today, managed by Dan Flood, a Van Dam grandson.

The building is a 3 decker on the corner of South Street and Cottage Street.  The Tavern is on the first floor.  Heading inside, we noticed the classic beadboard walls that complimented the thick pine table tops and chairs. There is a floor to ceiling fieldstone fireplace just beyond the bar.  A cast iron steam heat radiator was nestled against a wall.  We sat at a table near the bar, where eight drafts were being offered today.  A full bar is also available. 

There is also an adjoining room, a dining area, with an upright piano and dart boards hung on the wall along with two Cricketeer chalk scoring boards.  Truly a multi-function room! Big screen TV’s are located in both areas.  The walls are sports themed, including a picture of Ted Williams and Rocky Marciano, two Boston area sports legends!

Our server, Dan, took our orders. We started with the Broccoli Bites appetizer and the following beers;

Two Hearted Ale from Bell’s Brewery, Comstock, Michigan is an American Style IPA (clear) named after a river in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  It weighs in at 7.0% ABV and has a nice balance of hop aroma and taste with enough malt base making it a very drinkable beer.

Cloud Candy IPA from Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company, Waltham, MA. This is a New England style IPA (hazy) with a deep orange color, tropical fruit aroma and slightly sweet taste. At 6.5% ABV, It features a nice head and moderate carbonation.

Goody Two Shoes German Style Kolsch by Exhibit “A” Brewing Company, Framingham, MA.  At 4.5% ABV it is almost a session beer.  Clear light blonde in color, there is a hint of lemon in the aroma and at the finish.  A very satisfying Kolsch.

The Broccoli Bites, prepared with chopped broccoli in fried dough were served with Jalapeño ranch dressing and paired very well with our beers.  A great appetizer! The lunch menu offered a variety of sandwiches. We chose Pastrami and Swiss sandwiches served on thick toasted white bread and Fries…tender, moist and delicious!  The Central Burger; hand formed beef patty, thick and mouthwatering. Served with bacon, Swiss cheese and fries.

And speaking of fries, these were some of the best we’ve had in our travels.  Hand cut and fried with parsley flakes and just the right amount of seasoning.

Chef Leslie came by our table to chat and we complimented him on his culinary expertise.  We easily saw how dedicated he is to his profession and the pride he puts into his creations.  He informed us that The Tavern also offers Sunday Brunch from 10 AM to 1PM.   A Catering / Function menu is also available.

We found our lunch very relaxing in The Tavern’s casual atmosphere and enjoyed engaging with the friendly staff who really know there stuff.  They make you feel right at home.  With creative and delicious menu offerings and a very impressive offering of local craft beers, it is easy to see why The Central House Tavern and Restaurant has remained a local favorite to the folks in Westborough and throughout Metrowest.

Visit www.thecentralhousetavern.com for more information about the Tavern, or their Facebook page at The Central House