Looking for a new date-night spot? The Groton Inn’s Forge & Vine restaurant is a worthwhile option with a vibrant atmosphere and rustic menu. But if you like sitting at the bar, get there early—as in before the doors open.
The freestanding restaurant, handsomely designed in a farmhouse-meets-industrial sort of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ (“Fixer Upper”) way, is just steps away from the rebuilt Groton Inn on Main Street. The original structure, which dated back to the late 1600s, was destroyed by fire in 2011. The inn reopened last May as a 60-room boutique hotel, and Forge & Vine was launched in October. The restaurant seats just over 150 guests and features a large U-shaped bar, open kitchen, raw bar, and small private dining room that seats up to 20 for special occasions. Al fresco dining is an option in the warmer months, either on the deck or the patio with its inviting fieldstone fireplace.
Chefs make final touches to meals before they are served at Forge & Vine. (Courtesy photo)
My husband and I decided to give the place a try on a recent Saturday night. (Technically 4 p.m. isn’t “night,” but for some of us with young children, we take what we can get.) The online reviews were stellar and fellow diners did not mislead; the food was really good. We sat at one of the high-top tables close to the bar, overlooking the bucolic view. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable about the seasonally changing menu, making for a pleasant dining experience.
The bar is the heart of the restaurant, and patrons were waiting outside before opening to snag a seat. We overheard our waiter telling disappointed folks who couldn’t get a seat at the bar to arrive early next time because seats fill up fast. There was a football game on the four large-screen televisions in the bar area, which surprisingly added to the atmosphere as opposed to taking away from it. The bar offers a thoughtful wine list, signature cocktails, and draft beers. (Important to note: The bartender also makes a mean red sangria on the fly.)
To start, we had the clam chowder and the kale salad topped with Honeycrisp apples, blue cheese, and spiced walnuts. Both appetizers were equally tasty and quintessentially New England. Other starters included heirloom squash bisque, mussels, and mushroom toast with petite greens and a fried farm egg, ranging in price from $7 to $16.
Main course
For our main course we shared the roasted dry-aged rib-eye for two ($50) cooked over a wood-fired grill, with duck fat potatoes (sides are sold separately at $6). The steak was tender and delicious, and the portion was large enough to warrant a doggie bag. Other entrees include potato-crusted cod, red wine braised short rib, cheeseburger (meat sourced locally from Blood Farm) with Vermont cheddar. Most entrees are priced under $25. More shared dishes, and assorted flatbreads as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options are also featured on the menu. We didn’t save room for dessert, but for those with a sweet tooth there are various ice creams, homemade doughnuts, and other rotating confections to choose from.
If you’re looking for an evening out, complete with good food and a warm atmosphere, Forge & Vine is a stand out. The restaurant is open seven days a week starting at 4 p.m. Seating ends at 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 p.m. other nights. For reservations, call 978-448-9200 or visit OpenTable.com.
