March 19, 2009

By Rick Winterson

It’s dining with a view.  It’s a place to gather after work.  It’s a place to rub elbows with a cross-section of Boston’s diverse people.  The Seaport Bar & Grille will satisfy your desires for seafood, meat, and drink, from enjoying Tom and Bob’s new, upcoming Mediterranean menu to consuming a feed in clam shack style.

The Seaport Bar & Grille has become known as South Boston’s premier waterfront destination.  It occupies a waterside spot at 150 Northern Avenue between the World Trade Center, where the Spirit of Boston is berthed, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston’s newest museum.  Its owners are Bill Renny and Eddie Phillips, who is a lifelong South Boston resident.

According to Tom Palmer and Bob Connolly (General Manager and Manager, respectively, of the Seaport Bar & Grille), part of the attraction is the range of amenities offered there.  The building itself is deceptive.  The façade consists of brilliantly white stucco with an arched entrance.  In warmer weather, the royal blue trim and awnings give the Seaport Bar & Grille a seaside San Diego look.  Not bad for a wintry, northeastern location by the water.

Immediately inside the main entrance is the bar, which combines the atmosphere of a neighborhood pub with a lounge and with sports viewing.  Co-owner Eddie Phillips served in the Marine Corps, so you’ll find memorabilia all over the walls, including what seems to be a cap from every ship in the Navy.

It’s all right to drop names, as long as you admit that’s what you’re doing.  Tom Palmer described the customers who stop in at Seaport – travelers, office professionals after work, Southie homeboys, construction trades people, ICA personnel, government officials, and so on.  He recalls greeting Terry O’Reilly, BPD Commissioner Ed Davis, Jon Papelbon, and Kevin Youkilis.  Even Cal Ripken stopped by Seaport Bar & Grille once.  Tom says, “We attract an eclectic, high-energy crowd.”

The dining room is Seaport’s biggest surprise.  It extends out over the water, so it’s not visible from the front, but the views of Boston Harbor can’t be beat.  The atmosphere is suitable for a quieter eating experience.  If you’re yearning for a touch of summer, Bob points out, “You can enjoy a clam shack dinner with a view here at Seaport Bar & Grille all winter long.” 

As you can imagine, seafood is featured, but the menu doesn’t stop there.  It includes that South Boston favorite, chicken-broccoli-ziti, as well as prime rib, pepper steak, and a pound of steak tips in Seaport’s own marinade.  Appetizers, sandwiches, and salads are available.  Your kids can find their own section of goodies on the menu.  And early in April, Tom and Bob will be introducing a menu with healthy “Mediterranean entrees”, like haddock, grilled swordfish, and lobster quesadilla.

In good weather, May till late fall, the Seaport Bar & Grille opens its upper deck.  From there, the view is even more spectacular.  Seaport also has a private function room, which can accommodate parties from 30 to 300.  Entertainment includes weekly Karaoke, “Stump” trivia, and occasional dinner dancing.  Improper Bostonian Magazine awarded the Seaport Bar & Grille a “Boston’s Best” in 2006.

General Manager Tom Palmer is from Quincy.  He and his wife Lisa of 25 years have four children – Tom, Jr., Eric, Matthew, and Meredith.  Manager Bob Connolly lives in Chelsea.  He’s single, and is an occasional actor with parts in “The Brotherhood” and various TV pilots.  When asked about hobbies, both Tom and Bob say, “This is what we do.”, referring to the long hours required in the restaurant business.

Stop in at the Seaport Bar & Grille and check out all they offer.  There’s a lot going on.  Hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m., seven days a week (the kitchen is open every night until 11 p.m.).  The prices are reasonable; parking is nearby – some of it is metered slots.  You can phone up at (617)357-8121 to find out what’s up.