Steve Mulrey has fulfilled the promise he made late last year. He swore on the proverbial Bible that Amrhein's would return as South Boston's oldest dining landmark (1890). Ten days ago, his promise came true.

      The mirrored bar has been moved to the right as you walk in the door at Amrhein's. The wooden cornices that frame the bar's mirrors are back in place. The main dining room, adjacent to the bar seems larger, but this may be due to the opening up of the restaurant's interior.

      The red wood paneling has been retained in the Curley Room to the left. It is softly lit with period lighting. It is a room in which to dine leisurely or to hold a party or function.

      The menu has been developed by Executive Chef Janice Silva and Pastry Chef Deborah Fordham. Both ladies are from around here - Somerville and Quincy, respectively - and worked together for several years at Siros on Marina Bay. Silva also served as Sous Chef at The Meridien. According to her, Steve Mulrey came looking for them when Amrhein's was about to reopen. The menu they assembled offers "American cuisine, with a twist."

      Two of the entrees that catch the eye are the seafood risotto in a garlic broth and the glazed standing pork chop. There a many appetizers, soups, and salads for accompanying the entrees. Lunch is served as well. It includes some well-known American "comfort foods" such as chicken pie, fish sticks, and sirloin tips on rice. Amrhein's does take-out as well.

     And there is the famous Amrhein's bar, which had the first beer pump in all of Boston back in 1890. It's a nice place to have drink before dinner, and it's equally nice to retire there after your dinner is finished. Specialty martinis and other cocktails are featured. The bar is open until midnight on weeknights; until 1 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; so you're never hurried.

    The phone number at Amrhein's is (617)268-6189.