Restaurant Review - 75 on Liberty Wharf

75 on Liberty Wharf

220 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA

(617) 227-0754

One of the greatest revivals in Boston is the Liberty Wharf area in the Seaport District.  Places like Del Frisco’s and Legal Harborside are thriving, while some of the old guard get ready to go.

October 17, 2012 welcomed a new property to the mix with the opening of 75 on Liberty Wharf.  This tiny (120 seats total – Inside (Bar and Grill) – 60, Outside (Deck) – 60) location is standalone from the other properties, located between Del Frisco’s and the Boston Fish Pier, the first thing you notice are the outdoor “bonfire” style gas torches.  Dramatic, and inviting, you are drawn to the property.

While we could have sat outdoors near one of the Bonfire torches or the fire pit, our New England sensibilities took us inside on this 40 degree afternoon.

Entering the bar and grill area, I expected some of the touristy “Cheers” elements, since 75 on Liberty Wharf is owned by Thomas A. Kershaw who also owns 75 Chestnut, Cheers Beacon Hill, Cheers Faneuil Hall, and Hampshire House.  While Sam, Diane, Norm and the rest of Cheers was nowhere to be found, we certainly felt as welcomed.

Sitting at the beautiful wood bar, we were captivated by the floor to ceiling windows.  We looked out at the harbor and quickly began a discussion about whether it would be more fun to live on water or near trees.

This light debate was made all the better by a selection from the drink menu.  I felt suddenly intrigued with a Tea N’ Honey martini - Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka shaken with Barenjager Honey Liqueur and lemon juice.   It was a fabulous choice.

One of the other patrons at the bar entered into a discussion about whether the drink was “perfect,” as apparently the bartender suggests she makes perfect drinks.  I had to be honest; the drink was a perfect complement to the day.

The menu was simple Boston pub comfort food, like clam chowder, cocktail shrimp, classic Caesar, and a Bistro burger to name a few.  We went with the Five Alarm Chili, served with condiment bar and roasted polenta wedges, as the perfect addition to the Patriots game getting underway on the large screen televisions.  The chili wasn’t spicy, and wasn’t as warm as we liked, so a quick return to the kitchen took care of the warmth. 

As we took in the view of the sun setting over the harbor, with the Patriots playing well, and the overall feel of the place, we both commented how comfortable 75 on Liberty Wharf is for a visit, and how we wish there was a pub as comfortable in MetroWest.

We want to go back to 75 on Liberty Wharf before the crowd finds out about the place.  It is delightful, with an accommodating, pleasant staff.  And the view?  Let’s just say living on water would be a treat.

Hours

Monday – Thursday
11:30am – 3:00pm
5:00pm – 12:00am

Friday:
11:30am – 3:00pm
5:00pm – 2:00am

Saturday:
11:30am – 2:00am

Sunday:
10:30am – 12:00am *Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays

 75 on Liberty Wharf gets a GREEN LIGHT…go and enjoy.

About the RAG scale:

       Green Light – Go and enjoy

       Amber Light – Use caution

       Red Light – Save your time and money

The Author

Gary Kelley has lived in Westborough since 1994. His reviews are what he would tell friends, and are not an academic analysis. You can follow him @glkelley or www.garylkelley.com