This has been my go to place Fridays after work for years now. Everyone might not know your name but it feels like it. You do get recognized and greeted after you've been there a few times. It has the feel of an old fashioned pub, dark wood paneling, a great bar with three tv screens behind covering all sports, orginal artwork on the walls-- no fireplace but the glowing fire in the pizza oven, visible from the bar seats has a similar effect. If the tables or booths are filled in the three seating sections, you can always eat at the bar or at the high tables with stools in the bar section.
Maybe it's something about the place but people here seem to be open and friendly (unusual in Boston)-- my wife and I were invited once to share a table by two women we didn't know but who noticed we had been waiting for a table. We ended up having a great conversation well into the evening. And you are as likely as not to get into an interesting conversation at the bar while you are waiting to order. Clientele is about as diverse as you will find in Boston, young JP and Rozzie residents, artists, city workers, families with young kids, out of towners.
I wouldn't come here expecting high cuisine but it is above average pub grub. The pizza's are original and tasty. You won't wonder about the large cans on the table when they set the hot pizza tray on it. Clever idea. The main reason I go is for the live music on the weekends-- usually a singer/guitarist set up in the middle room-- and the great burgers & fries (for under $10). And for the beer selection, on tap and bottled, tho it varies. The place appears to be staffed and managed almost entirely by women and obviously a lot of attention is paid to detail and providing a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. A place like this doesn't happen by accident. Would I recommend it? I do, often, and it's the first place we take out of town friends.
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