Nestled in the picturesque village of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, a culinary gem has emerged from the reimagining of a beloved local spot. What was once known as The Fishmonger, a quaint fish shack steeped in history, has been transformed into the Water Street Kitchen & Public House. This revitalized establishment is generating considerable excitement, and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand with a delightful meal at the bar, conveniently located a stone’s throw from the Woods Hole Inn.
For Woods Hole locals, The Fishmonger, affectionately nicknamed The Monger, holds a special place in their memories. Tales of its legendary thick-cut fresh toast, daily-baked inventive pies, and steaming hot coffee served on rustic wooden tables are still shared with fondness. During its golden era in the 1970s, The Monger was undeniably the vibrant heart of Woods Hole community life.
It’s fitting then that the visionaries behind this exciting transformation are deeply rooted in Woods Hole. Sisters Molly and Chelsea Doohan, who spent their childhoods in this very village, along with Molly’s husband, the exceptionally talented Chef John Wilson, are the driving force behind Water Street Kitchen. This new restaurant is a true embodiment of a Woods Hole family venture, radiating genuine warmth and hospitality from the moment you step inside.
The restaurant’s interior has been elegantly redesigned, featuring sophisticated slate grey walls bathed in soft, romantic lighting. The gracefully curved bar is impressively stocked with a curated selection of craft and vintage spirits. Adding a touch of vintage charm, small plates are thoughtfully sourced from a Victorian-era collection, complementing the exquisitely chilled cocktail glasses and enhancing the authentic, familial ambiance.
The views from Water Street Kitchen are as captivating as ever. Perched right on the waterfront, close to the iconic Woods Hole drawbridge, the restaurant offers a dramatic seaside panorama. On the evening of my visit, a gentle fog rolled in, enveloping the scene in a dreamy coastal atmosphere that served as the perfect backdrop to the attentive and welcoming service.
And then, there’s the cuisine. Chef Wilson’s culinary prowess is undeniable, and his innovative vision is fully realized in the Water Street Kitchen menu. His passion for flavor and fresh ingredients shines through in every dish.
Our culinary journey began with the house-baked bread accompanied by a vibrant radish butter ($4). We then explored the “small plates” menu, discovering a truly exceptional warm goat cheese creation ($8). This dish featured creamy goat cheese nestled in olive oil, paired with a zesty cranberry relish and served with perfectly crisp, freshly sliced toasts.
Next, we sampled the pan-fried shishito peppers with a delicate nori aioli ($9) and the yellowfin tuna tartare ($15), subtly enhanced with Nobska Farm chilis, olive oil, lemon, and sea salt. Both dishes were outstanding, boasting beautifully balanced flavors and perfectly portioned servings.
For our main course, we shared the Water Street burger ($17), a mouthwatering combination of ground beef and brisket, topped with braised short rib, roasted tomato, and a slice of rich gouda cheese, all served on a sweet bun. The accompanying “togarashi frites” are an inventive and utterly delicious side – almost worth a visit to Water Street Kitchen in Woods Hole just to experience these uniquely seasoned fries.
Despite feeling quite satisfied, we couldn’t resist trying the dark chocolate pretzel tart ($8) for dessert. This salty-sweet masterpiece was a dream – a pretzel crust supporting layers of rich dark chocolate and a peanut butter mousse, crowned with fresh strawberries. No perfect Saturday evening would be complete without a post-dinner drink, and the thoughtful aperitif list offered many tempting choices. I opted for the Burmester Ten Year Tawny Port, a delightful way to prepare for the foggy stroll home.
Water Street Kitchen’s tagline, “modern flavor, local roots,” perfectly encapsulates the dining experience they offer. Explore the full menu and start anticipating your next visit to our charming seaside village.
We are thrilled to welcome Water Street Kitchen to the impressive array of waterfront dining options that grace the harbor in scenic Woods Hole. Guests of the Woods Hole Inn, and locals alike, are fortunate to have such a wonderful fine dining experience available in the heart of Cape Cod’s Woods Hole, MA.
And perhaps the best part of all is knowing that the cherished spirit of The Monger lives on, revitalized and reimagined, at Water Street Kitchen Woods Hole.
