Wow! You have to come back here! We hadn't been in since the ownership changed. The way they reworked the space is amazing. You still have all the lovely elements of the 18th century building - wide board floors, fireplace with Bake oven, crane and wide mantel beam, beautiful Bannister in the entrance hall, large multi-paned windows, but a fresh whimsy has been added. As you enter from the street through a classic colonial facade, the heavy door opens to a burst of swirling flashing colors on the walls of the stair hall. It is as a swirling sea or a great tempest filling the room. An excellent example of handiwork of Hopefully one of our states many artists.

When we came, we had walked around the right side of the building through the large outdoor seating area (which was full of revelers through the summer) and could hear and see through the open windows sounds of music and happy guests. In the back is a little garden with parking behind. We stepped up to a small brick entry and then into a Tavern. Rectangular room, windows all around, bar on the right with people on stools, a hostess. The end of the room stepped up and you could see a room to the left with diners and a room to the right.

There was music playing, people were chatting , high ceilings. There is a feeling that it was well thought out, like when you go to Clarke Cooke House - classic New England space with modern service but still Yankee charm.

We were taken up and to the right around the corner to the end of the room and sat at a table next to the massive fireplace that was mounted with a wild boar! Next us was an Interior 12 over 12 window with bubbly glass panes. It looked down into the bar. Glass shelves with whiskey were on the outside of it in the bar. On the other side of us was the old back stair. The plaster walls have been replaced with shiny deep green subway tiles. What a surprise! They give a strong bright fresh addition to the space, take it from residential to public. It's a smart choice that is easier than plaster and paper to maintain and doesn't compromise the integrity of the building. High ceilings with the plaster removed and the beams and floorboards exposed above. None of that faux 'old' you often see. Everything was clean and fresh and painted and finished- a well maintained well built structure.

Multiple dining location choices and decor, making for different dining or just-drinks-and apps-and-chatting seating options. Not too loud for conversation, but you can still eaves-drop a bit. Ha

Oh, and the food and staff were good too. Ample portions, charming service. Square wooden tables that were larger than normal. More room for the appetizers and shared plates and drinks. Thick Crunchy bacon and a lot of it on the salad. Parmesan fries soft in the center brown on the outside. Excellent large medium rare burger. Lots of craft drinks.

Excellent.