Nestled in the heart of Taunton, Massachusetts, Grove Street Tavern has become more than just a local eatery; it’s a vibrant community hub where personal connections and delicious food take center stage. What started as a casual idea between two childhood friends has blossomed into a thriving neighborhood pub that locals cherish.
From Vision to Reality: The Birth of Grove Street Tavern
The story of Grove Street Tavern began in early 2017 when Brian Levesque and Paul Martin, long-time friends, considered investing in property. During their discussions, a more exciting idea sparked: opening their own sports pub. When they first laid eyes on the location at 53 Grove Street, the vision for Grove Street Tavern materialized almost instantly.
“It started as a business venture,” Levesque explained, “We were initially talking about investing in properties. We kind of tossed the idea around…something we should do and look into down the road. I called Paul to open up a pub. His first thing he said was, ‘You’re crazy,’ but he called me back and said, ‘Let’s do it.’ We took off from there.”
After eight months of intensive renovations, the Grove Street Tavern opened its doors. The space, formerly known as the King Philip Café and the Billy Club, underwent a complete transformation. Martin spearheaded most of the renovations, stripping the building down to the studs, adding new insulation and electrical systems, and completely remodeling the bathrooms. Despite holding full-time jobs, Levesque and Martin dedicated four to five days a week to bring their vision to life. The result was a completely revamped establishment ready to welcome the Taunton community.
A Neighborhood Gem: Atmosphere and Personal Connection
Grove Street Tavern prides itself on its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s not just a business for the owners; it’s a family affair. The wives of both Levesque and Martin, Kerlin and Lisa, are actively involved in the pub, working as servers and bussers, adding to the personal touch that defines the Grove Street Tavern experience.
Martin emphasizes the importance of this personal connection, “People want to patronize neighborhood bars. People like the personal touch. We have a very small staff and you get to know the bartenders. There is not a lot of turnover here and you develop a relationship here with the community.”
With a capacity of around 50 people, Grove Street Tavern offers a cozy and intimate setting. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the six TV screens, including a large 110-inch flat-screen, perfect for catching the game. The tavern also provides full Lottery service and Keno, adding to its appeal as a local hangout.
Culinary Delights: From Bar Pies to Fresh Seafood
Initially, Grove Street Tavern focused on pizza, but the arrival of kitchen manager and head cook Steve Meunier marked a turning point in their culinary journey. Meunier, a local legend and former Taunton High football star, has elevated the tavern’s food to a destination-worthy level. His culinary skills were recently recognized when his chili creation won first place at the Benjamin’s Chili Bowl fundraiser cook-off.
“Steve turned the food into something that is destination now,” Levesque stated. “He’s brought a lot of the local flavor of Taunton into this place. He is well known and respected. He is well entrenched in the community of Taunton. He is a perfect fit into what we are doing.”
The Grove Street Tavern menu is extensive and caters to diverse tastes. Pizza lovers can enjoy 19 different styles of pizzas made with fresh dough daily. Beyond pizza, the menu features a wide array of appetizers, beef burgers, sandwiches, kale soup, entrée dishes, and local favorites like stuffed quahogs and fish and chips, available daily.
However, Grove Street Tavern’s weekend seafood menu is a major draw. Featuring incredibly fresh seafood, the weekend menu includes generous portions of fried seafood, often large enough to share. Specialty items like the baked seafood trio and the fried clams and scallop combo are particularly popular.
Levesque, who works in seafood distribution, ensures the quality and freshness of their seafood offerings. “Seafood is very big here and we only run it on the weekend,” he explained. “We offer a specialty menu of clams, scallops and different fish to introduce to the city. It is the freshest in the city.”
Martin added, “When we focused on seafood, it changed things. Things were good and we were building slowly. The focus on the seafood menu took us to a different level… We have really great pizza here and bar pie. The price is right for Taunton and it really did take us to another level.”
For lighter options, salads are available, and a kid’s menu ensures there’s something for everyone in the family, including pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and fish and chips. Take-out service is also offered for those wanting to enjoy Grove Street Tavern’s food at home.
A Taunton Tradition in the Making
Comparing the atmosphere to the iconic bar from “Cheers,” Martin describes Grove Street Tavern as a place where “people walk in here and everyone knows your name.” This welcoming and friendly environment has fostered a strong sense of community around the tavern.
Looking back at the initial idea in 2017, Grove Street Tavern has exceeded expectations. Levesque and Martin are focused on continued growth and solidifying their place as a Taunton staple. “Right now, we’re growing,” Levesque concluded. “Look at where we were, to where we are now. We are consistently growing. We don’t see that stopping. Where that takes us we don’t know but we are pretty excited about it. We are definitely heading in the right direction.”
Grove Street Tavern is more than just a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat; it’s a testament to community spirit, personal connection, and the realization of a shared vision. For anyone seeking a true Taunton experience, Grove Street Tavern on Grove Street is a must-visit destination.
