Where can you dine outside in Grafton?
Just when you thought it would be March forever, it’s June — and Phase II of Massachusetts reopening has brought a delightful twist.
If you’ve been pining for a sit-down meal, several of Grafton’s restaurants can now offer outdoor dining. You need a mask to enter and follow proper sanitization procedures, but once you’re seated with a drink and appetizers in front of you, the mask is OFF.
Here’s a guide to Grafton’s new outdoor hotspots. Remember: Don’t ruin it for the rest of us and please, overtip the wait staff.
Cancun’s
Admit it: You’ve thought wistfully about how nice it would be if Cancun’s had an outdoor deck, perfect for sipping a margarita while gazing at Lake Ripple. It’s happening now, but instead of a deck, they’ve dragged many of the festive chairs outside along with tables and umbrellas and blocked off a portion of the parking lot for seating.
Restaurant: Cancuns Family Mexican Restaurant, 75 Worcester St., 508-839-8800
Open: Sunday-Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday noon-9 p.m.
Takeout/Delivery: Curbside takeout
What you should eat: Enchiladas, fajitas, and an El Presidente, por favor.
Thoughts: If you want a water view, you can’t ask for a better one.
Menu: cancuns.us
Grafton Grill
Bridge Street got a lovely makeover with the Stephen H. Roney Memorial Park, created by Grafton Fire Department Engine Company Two in memory of the former deputy chief. It also benefits the Grafton Grill’s new outdoor dining. The interior of the tent is Pinterest-worthy, the spot is the only place besides Cancun’s with a water view, and there’s a very tempting specialty cocktail sign at the tent’s entrance. Avoid paper menus by scanning a QR code tableside to choose your dinner.
Restaurant: Grafton Grill, 10 Bridge St., 508-839-0333
Open: 4-8 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday
Takeout/Delivery: Takeout
What you should eat: Check out the wood-fired pizzas, which have the option of a cauliflower crust; try out a beer or wine flight
Thoughts: Reservations are strongly recommended but not required due to space.
Menu: Graftongrill.com
Hunter’s Tap and Grille at the Grafton Inn
The Grafton Inn has been open since 1826. M but the tent in the parking lot is a new fixture. Eat in the tent, eat under the carriage entrance and occasionally enjoy live music. Martha, the resident ghost, has yet to be spotted outside but who knows — she may be feeling as cooped up from the quarantine as we do.
Restaurant: Hunter’s Tap and Grille at the Grafton Inn, 25 Grafton Common
Open: Wednesday – Thursday 3-9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday – Sunday 11:30-9 p.m.
Takeout/Delivery: Takeout
What you should eat: Summer seafood season is about to start!
Thoughts: Reservations are accepted for parties of four or more.
Menu: www.ToastTab.com/Hunters
John Henry Tavern
Now THIS is a view.
From one angle, admire the manicured golf course of Highfields Golf and Country Club. From another, look off into the distance — way off in the distance. And everything looks even better at sunset.
Restaurant: John Henry Tavern, 42 Magill Drive,
Open: Monday – Friday 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sundays 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Takeout/Delivery: Takeout
What you should eat: All kinds of sandwiches, build your own mac & cheese
Thoughts: Come for golf, enjoy your meal, and stay for the sunset
Menu: Highfieldsgolfcc.c
Post Office Pub
The Post Office Pub has a big advantage in the outdoor dining competition: space. So much space.
With a large parking lot at its disposal, the pub has both a large tent and their enclosed Green Parrot Tiki Bar for hungry customers
Restaurant: Post Office Pub, Rte. 140 and Ray Street, 508-839-6106
Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 4-0 p.m.
Takeout/Delivery: Curbside pickup
What you should eat: It’s a pub, go for some fried appetizers, a burger and a beer or one of the tiki bar’s tropical cocktails.
Thoughts: Call ahead to see if there’s a waitlist.
Website: https://www.postofficepub.com
Reunion
The sangria was flowing freely at Reunion Saturday afternoon inside a tent that felt like an extension of the restaurant itself rather than a parking lot. It still feels like the place in Grafton where everyone knows your name.
Restaurant: Reunion Tap and Table, 198 Worcester St., 774-293-5501
Open: Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm; Friday-Saturday 11:30am-9pm
Takeout/Delivery: Pickup at curb, order ahead
What you should eat: Poutine, various types of macaroni and cheese, a variety of burgers
Thoughts: Live music is frequently offered
Menu: reuniontap.com
Art Bradish Snack Bar
The picnic tables are now open!
Restaurant: Art Bradish Snack Bar, 39 Shrewsbury St., 508-839-3992
Open: Mon – Sat 11:30 – 8 Sun – 12- 8
Takeout/Delivery: Takeout
What you should eat: Foot-long hot dogs, onion rings, and seafood on Fridays
Thoughts: Nothing says summer like eating at the picnic tables at Bradishes
Menu: Not available online
Pub 122
The status of outdoor dining at Pub 122 is unknown, but the roped off area in front has Indian food lovers hopeful.
Restaurant: Pub 122, 215 Worcester St., 774-293-5004
Open: 1 -7p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, Breakfast 8-12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
What you should eat: It’s Grafton’s only Indian restaurant, serving excellent North Indian food
Thoughts: Outdoor dining may be coming?
Takeout/Delivery: Curbside takeout
Menu: Pub122.com
Wongs
Coming Monday, June 15: Outdoor scorpion bowling!
Restaurant: Wongs, 62 Upton St., 508-839-3020
Open: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Takeout/Delivery: Both
What you should eat: Get a pu-pu platter or any of the specials
Thoughts: Reservations are mentioned on their social media. You may want to call ahead.
Menu: http://www.wongsingrafton.com/
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