From time to time, the folks at Golf. Beer. Repeat. will highlight great places to eat (and obviously have a pint or two… or more) after a round of 18. You can see previous After Golf submissions here. Today, we give you The Halfway Café with 7 locations across Massachusetts.
This is a very special After Golf entry for Golf. Beer. Repeat. For the first time in our short blog career, we were able to connect with co-owner of The Halfway Café John Grasso over a few pints to discuss what makes his restaurants a great place to go after a round of swinging the sticks. And speaking of swinging the sticks, DO NOT FORGET, the 11th Annual Halfway Café Charity Golf Tournament is coming up August 2nd! Sign your team up now!
Check out the Halfway Cafe at one of their 7 locations in Massachusetts
First off, when we’re talking about The Halfway Café, we need to start with the great menu items. The Halfway Café is world famous (or so they should be) for their 7 for $7 menu. This special menu offers 7 great options for just $7! And for those who like variety, these seven items change from month to month to insure regulars will come in with new options each month. In asking John what are three items everyone needs to try among walking into a Halfway Café, he says their burgers, steak/turkey tips and original steamers are favorites of his (and among the restaurants regulars). When asked for confirmation from his veteran staff (many within the seven locations have been there for multiple years) echoed the same choices, with wings being added to the mix (and… if you golf on Sunday, definitely stop in for all you-can-eat wings Sunday!!)
John and I next got to talking beer (because, well, I like it). When I asked him what was the one beer he’d want to drink for the rest of his life, he confessed he doesn’t enjoy beer as much as he once did. However, if his arm was twisted, he could enjoy a nice Harpoon IPA or Spaten. As for beer at the Halfway Café, you’ll find the staples that everyone can enjoy after a round of golf…. Budweiser varieties, Guinness, Sam Adams and Sam Adams seasonal among others on tap as well as a solid selection of bottled liquid goodness. I’m not just saying this because I like them, but the Halfway Café in Watertown poured a delicious tasting Sam Adams Summer when I was in there… one of the better ones I’ve had this season.
After getting the important items out of the way (food and beer), John and I kicked back and had a great discussion about what makes his restaurants buzz with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. John believes in the theory of “working with, not for” approach and that starts at the top with his partner David Steen and himself. If you are not familiar with the history of the Halfway Café, check out the history here. Whether you belly up to the bar, or grab a table, the servers are interested in knowing more then what you’re drinking and eating. They’ll ask for your name and refer to you by your name throughout the meal, which adds a great touch even if it’s your first visit. Don’t be surprised if some servers will remember your name after a few visits… it’s that kind of neighborhood establishment.
So next time you’re looking to get out and play… check out the Halfway Café in one of their 7 locations. Here are a few suggestions that pair nicely with a Halfway Café locations:
- Dedham – Dedham Country and Polo Club
- Watertown – Oakley Country Club or Newton Commonwealth Golf Course
- Marlborough – Marlborough Country Club (semi-private)
- Canton – Brookmeadow Country Club (HOME OF THIS YEARS HALFWAY CAFÉ CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT!)
- Holbrook – Braintree Municipal Golf Course
- Marshfield – Green Harbor Golf Club
- Maynard – Butternut Farm Golf Club
So that will do it for my look at the Halfway Café. I want to thank John Grasso and the great folks at Halfway Café for letting me come in and chat with them. It speaks volumes to the emphasis they put on customer relations. Hope to see you out there on the links… cheers!
Got a great place you and your friends like to go after golf?
Let us know by emailing:
nick (@) golfbeerrepeat (dot) com.
