Barrel House Brings Bistro-Meets-Classic-Bar to Beverly

Sean Maher admits he and his restaurant co-owners were being selfish when they opened Barrel House American Bar on Cabot Street last month.

"We basically wanted to do a restaurant like the type we enjoy going to in Boston," he said. "For selfish reasons, wanted a restaurant like this closer to home. The area had nothing like this, so we thought it would be a good niche to fill."

But selfishness has worked in Maher's favor, because so far, he said Beverly's response to their bisto-meets-classic-bar concept has been positive.

Beverly Patch sat down with Maher recently.

What can patrons expect when they visit Barrel House? 

On the menu, Maher said specialties include charcuterie, beef tartar, artisan cheeses, and oysters, all prepared by classically French trained chef Patrick Shea.

Entrees include a variety of seafood, a New York sirloin, and 'the best Mac n' Cheese,' which features mimmolette cheddar and crushed ritz. 

At the bar, Barrel House boasts more than 60 different types of whiskey and craft beers, more than 100 different bottles of wine (lots under $30), a Kold Draft ice machine, fresh squeezed juices, and house-made infusions.   

The 74-seat restaurant features exposed brick walls, a tin roof, and a Depression era pewter bar-top. You'll notice that you won't find a TV or the staff's computer screens in sight. 

"We wanted to mimic the long, cozy, South-End restaurant feel," Maher said. "We thought we were taking a little more of a gamble than we were. It's been really well received; people like the food."

So who's the perfect candidate for a night out at Barrel House?

Maher said it's up to you.

"We're geared both for casual diners, who want a really good burger and a beer and be on there way, or you could sit down and do the full courses; oysters, a nice steak and a bottle of wine. You can spend $20 or $200."

Because the restaurant opens daily at 4 p.m., Maher said they chose to stay open later. 

"We have the full evening till 10 on weekdays, 11 p.m. on weekends," he said. "There's a late menu. You can still get a good meal late."

Wondering what's in the name?

Going with the whiskey angle, a barrel house is where you store whiskey or wine for aging, Maher explained. 

Next up, the second half of the restaurant's name pays homage to craft cocktails and fresh ingridients, dating back to the prohibition era, when American bars opened in Europe to house American bartenders. 

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• Phone: 978-998-4627
• Address: 252 Cabot St.
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 4 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.