Lockheart Restaurant — Restaurant in Wellesley

This restaurant is a new-ish establishment in Wellesley village (located in what was previously B.Good-Wellesley). Open since July 2022, this was my first time back to the area for dining since I moved away in 2021.

The redesigned interior of the location maximizes the potential of the dining experience with a reconfigured layout that significantly expands seating and dine-in options, representing a shift from the fast-casual experience of the prior establishment. The refreshed interior offers a delightful mixture of elements of southwestern chic cowhide and leather upholstery, wood-paneled walls and exposed wood combined with a playing up of traditional New England charm of exposed brick walls and hammered copper tile at the ceiling. The overall ambience provides an edgy eclectic vibe at a moderate price point.

In addition to a fun vibe, the meal was excellent. As a southern transplant to New England, I have up to this point failed to dine at a New England establishment that comes anywhere near the sublime experience of southern-style chicken and waffles. The southern method of chicken and waffles is typically prepared with whole bone-in chicken wings made with a cornmeal-based breading that generates a light, flaky, well-seasoned savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, crunchy sweetness of the waffle. The pairing is one among my several favorite brunch experiences which satisfy my craving for both breakfast and lunch in the same meal.

Lockheart’s Chicken & Waffles is the best execution of this meal that I have experienced in New England. While they do not serve the whole wing bone-in as is the tradition in the South, the chicken pieces are made with thigh meat, ensuring the morsels remain moist and tender enough to endure deep-frying without drying out. Flavorfully seasoned and satisfyingly crunchy, it was served hot and fresh with two perfectly prepared Belgian waffles which were golden and crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The waffles needed NO butter whatsoever to achieve the rich, melt-in-your mouth decadence that one desires of a perfectly prepared Belgian waffle. A handful of mildly tart blueberries with maple syrup on the side pulled it all together for a well-balanced, rightly portioned brunch that left me more satisfied than I have been in a long time with respect to brunch experiences in Central MA.

In addition, the service was terrific. Adamo met me at the host station with a smile, and served my meal with alacrity and joy. At the end of my meal, one of the owners, Mark, stopped by my table for a delightful chat. In short, all aspects of the dining experience were excellent. It’s my sincere hope that they will be around...

I’m from Texas visiting my mom for the holidays. She recommended Lockheart, as she has eaten here twice before.

Made reservation for 8pm on Friday, January 5th. Was immediately seated, although at one of the two round tables in the center of the restaurant. Personal opinion is that the tables were too close together and that the overall ambiance is negatively affected by the very loud music and low booths. Restaurant is not set up for customers to hold a conversation.

Ordered the Chorizo and Shrimp Queso as an appetizer. Chips are just as good as any restaurant in San Antonio. Consistency of the queso was off; top was very watery while the bottom of the cast iron pan had cheese that wasn’t melted into a “queso”. Good portion for two people at $12.

Mom ordered the Short Rib Birria and the PBLT tacos. The birria is made with beef short ribs, so buyer beware that this isn’t actual birria. The tortilla did not appear to be dipped in the consommé prior to grilling. She enjoyed both tacos regardless. $6.50 for the birria and $6 for the PBLT.

I ordered the Brick Chicken plate. Twice the size of what the server said it was. This is a plate you could split between two people, as I was unable to finish it. It’s brined half chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and potatoes in a pepper herb glaze. Would definitely order again, but ask for the Brussels sprouts to be cooked a tad longer, to have more than a half inch bite of carrot, and for a side of the herb glaze. Seriously flavorful and a great value at $19!

Mom had a Michelob Ultra which was brought with a Stella Artois chalice. Average price for a restaurant at $6.

I love rye whisky and jump at the opportunity for a Manhattan. Tried the Black Walnut Manhattan for $15. Would order again or find something off of their seasonal menu.

Server was hospitable, but did a poor job describing the food items. Mom asked what her favorite taco was and received a response of “they’re all my favorite except for the seafood ones, I’m allergic”.

Manager brought out our food and was just as hospitable. Would love to try this restaurant again during the weeknight when it is less busy.

Keep up the...

Loved the food. loved the service. loved the atmosphere. The place is mostly Tapas style (smaller shared plates to maximize food sampling), and they also have large plates as well. The trivia game on Tuesdays (we had gone on a tuesday not knowing) made it a bit difficult to have a conversation or even make our food order without shouting at times (even the server was a little irritated at times) but the food was quite good. Sam, our server knew the menu, and served with the joyful disposition I would want to have servers represent me if it were my business. I asked for his favorite dish and ordered the same, the spiced salmon. The Nachos with Short Rib meat was phenomenal. one of the best nachos I have had. I ate the spiced salmon large plate .... was outstanding. A mix of sweet and hot in the perfect proportion. The bed of perfectly cooked sweet potoatos with just a little snap. was quite impressed with how well they got these just right. I also ordered a taco thay tasted like a cheeseburger. was quite good. I think the over all flavor overpowered the salmon. proportions were perfect, but just about 20% less of it would allow thw salmon to come through a bit more. My wife and friend had the salmon bowl with rice. My other friend had a harvest bowl with chicken. FYI the chicken is shredded, not grilled. I think that made it feel more like chicken salad, and not chicken. Had churros and coffee for desert. chocolate and caramel dipping. Was good. My wife had ice cream waffle. She asked for no chocolate sauce (its warmed up hersheys - not hot fudge) and caramel. All they had was whipped cream. no nuts or other toppings for the ice cream. I would return to try some...