New Pub Taking Shape In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON, MA — Construction continues at an upcoming pub in Arlington Heights, owner Jim O'Rourke said Wednesday.

"Kitchen is tiled, walls are up, building the bar is next and finish putting up tiles on the bathroom walls. Kitchen will [be] getting stainless steel this week and exhaust hoods go up as well, and then we can get kitchen equipment delivered," O'Rourke wrote in an update on The Arlington List Facebook group.

There is no official opening date for the restaurant and pub, but O'Rourke said a job fair will be held as opening draws closer. Mike Bettencourt, a lawyer representing O'Rourke's restaurant group, told Wicked Local in March the spot could be open within six months.

But the road to bringing a pub to Arlington Heights has not always been smooth. O'Rourke faced pushback from a pair of nearby business owners last year when it was determined the plan would violate a zoning bylaw pertaining to the number of parking spaces. The opposition was ultimately withdrawn, but the pub needed to secure a variance on the town bylaw.

Plans stalled once the pandemic hit. The pub is now in the process of securing the relevant licenses from the town, while transforming the old Balich 5 & 10 space at 1314 Massachusetts Ave.

The Heights Pub will have 46 seats and a 15-seat bar, a takeout area, pizza oven and salad section. The menu includes a full-service bar and comfort and pub food, American fare and gluten-free options.