This Tiny But Iconic Tavern In Massachusetts Is So Worth The Drive It Takes To Get There
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published October 27, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Many restaurants hope to evoke the glamour of an old-school establishment, achieving varying degrees of success, but there’s no substitute for an eatery with real history. At Tavern at the Inn, located in the historic Dan’l Webster Inn of Sandwich, Massachusetts, guests savor mouth-watering meals in a business that’s survived over 250 years. Whether you’re a local wishing to connect with Sandwich’s fascinating past or a visitor planning their upcoming getaway to this charming town, dining at this tavern in Massachusetts is an unforgettable experience.
Interestingly enough, Dan'l Webster Inn was originally the home of Rev. Benjamin Fesseden, who served as the local minister until his death. Although he was known as a fervent teetotaler, it didn't take long after he passed for his rebellious son, William, to convert the building into the Fesseden Tavern. What would his father have said had he seen his pious home become the community's favorite spot to buy a pint?
Though you can still buy a drink at the tavern, the food has elevated since it served whatever was the 1700s equivalent of hearty dive bar fare. In fact, Dan'l Webster Inn earned recognition as a Distinguished Restaurant of North America, an honorific shared by only one percent of U.S. restaurants.
The offerings here are delicious. The kitchen serves classic entrées but is equally willing to venture into more imaginative culinary techniques. The fennel-cured duck, for instance, is bold and addictive.
But guests eat with their eyes, too. And on that count, the Tavern at the Inn excels. There's no shortcut to the ambiance of almost 300 years of history. Everywhere you look is laden with suggestions of the eatery's storied past.
Dan'l Webster Inn has several distinct dining rooms besides the Tavern, and these are just as beautiful, sporting tall windows that drink in the lush gardens surrounding the building.
But it's my opinion that the best seating is in the cozy Tavern itself, which served as a headquarters for the Patriots during the American Revolution. It's here— ensconced with warm wood, snug tables, and the wealth of Sandwich's fascinating past— that you'll have a dining experience you'll remember forever.
The Bay State has no shortage of bucket list-worthy restaurants, but if you’re seeking a meal like no other, consider checking out this tavern in Massachusetts. Redolent with history, gorgeously furnished, and renowned for its delicious food, dinner at the Tavern at the Inn promises an unforgettable evening. Not to mention, if you’re from elsewhere, it can put the perfect button on exploring charming Sandwich.
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