Hello dear
Shire Tavern, located at 63 Flansburg Ave in Dalton, MA, is a vibrant public house that seamlessly blends a relaxed atmosphere with exceptional culinary offerings. Here, guests are treated to a remarkable dining experience featuring house-made sauces, such as their standout Caesar salad and smoky wings. The diverse menu includes a massive chuck-sirloin burger adorned with caramelized onions and chipotle aioli, showcasing the chef's commitment to quality. The attached brewery enhances the experience with creatively named craft beers that locals rave about. With its inviting decor, live entertainment, and accommodating environment for families, Shire Tavern is a must-visit destination for food lovers.
About
Welcome to Shire Tavern, a hidden gem nestled at 63 Flansburg Ave, Dalton, MA. This charming public house not only offers a warm atmosphere but also serves as a local brewhouse, promising an unforgettable culinary experience. With its unique industrial decor reflecting its roots in a converted factory, Shire Tavern exudes character and comfort.
The rave reviews drawn from patrons like Eric LaMontagne speak volumes about the vibrant dining experience here. From the very moment you walk in, the welcoming staff—including head chef Matt—ensures a personal touch. The homemade Caesar salad and smoky chicken wings, tossed in a house-made sauce that strikes the perfect balance of heat, are just the starters that set the tone for the evening. And if you’re a burger aficionado, Eric's recommendation of the massive chuck-sirloin blend burger topped with caramelized onions, candied bacon, smoked gouda, and chipotle aioli is a must-try. For something different, the paella is said to be among the best, delighting even the most discerning palates.
One can’t overlook the drinks at Shire Tavern, where local brews come with amusing names and exceptional flavor profiles. Patrons like KJ Lombo have expressed just how enjoyable the bar experience is, highlighting a friendly bartender who fosters a sense of community among locals and visitors alike. Among the pints, Brian Holt Hawthorne mentioned one of the best bitters he’s ever had, suggesting the brewery's commitment to quality. Each sip here tells a story, harmonizing with the pub fare that complements the drinks perfectly.
The tavern doesn't shy away from incorporating family-friendly activities either. With games and a lively atmosphere, even children can find joy here, making it a perfect spot for families, as highlighted by Dan Raymond. And don't miss out on trivia nights for a bit of competitive fun!
If you're seeking a heartfelt meal, a vibrant bar scene, or simply a comfortable nook to unwind—Shire Tavern has it all. With every visit, you’re bound to leave with stories to tell, making it a must-visit destination in Dalton. Discover for yourself why locals keep coming back to this inviting haven of taste and community.
“ We had an amazing time here tonight. We were served directly by the head chef Matt who stuck around to swap stories. The food was excellent. The meal started with an awesome ceasar (homemade dressing) and smoked wings in just the right amount sauce (again house made, a very flavorful heat). I had a perfectly cooked, massive burger (chuck-sirloin blend, if I remember correctly) with caramelized onion, candied bacon, smoked gouda, and chipotle aioli. My partner had what she described as one of the best paellas she's ever had. She also loved the sour from the connected brewery, and the IIPA I got was super good. Overall highly recommend. ”
“ We walked in about 4:30 on a Thu and sat at the bar. We were the only customers, but that would change a good deal by the time we left around 6pm. The atmosphere here was perfect for us - relaxed and comfortable. This includes Orin (spelling?) who was our very personable and knowledgeable bar tender. We hit it off well with him but so did everyone else, and many locals were sitting at the bar rather than tables. A nod to him for sure. Beers have amusing names and several were exceptional (ie, Roller skating on your head & Did you bring your bucket?) We’re headed back to Cincy in Ohio this weekend and I can say that from NY to Maine and now MA this bar was our favorite. It’s all about the experience and the Shire handles this very well! Thanks so much!! ”
“ One of the best pints of bitter I have ever had! The shire is a public house with a small brewery, very good beer, and basic pub fare. Between the bar, tables, and a corner nook with sofas, there is a seating arrangement for every need. There is the obligatory dart board and other pub games, and on weekends they have live entertainment. ”
“ Great food and great drinks. Very accommodating to young children. My kids played games, danced, and sang. Would love to go back when I’m back in the area. ”
“ My wife and I finally got to eat here after seeing it from the road multiple times. I'm very glad we did. The decor is interesting, industrial with a lot of wood- very reflective of the converted factory space it occupies. The beer is excellent (we got flights, mine is all IPAs and hers was a mix). The food was great, I had the buffalo mac n cheese and my wife got baked haddock. If you like blue cheese, get the buffalo mac. The fish was cooked perfectly, moist and flaky. They obviously have a good seafood supplier. We had fun at trivia after dinner. All in all a great experience, we plan to go back for some of the appetizers next time. ”
“ Amazing food (we had the risotto and as recommended the meat loaf), beer, and tap room vibes. We were very impressed and definitely recommend a stop here! ”
“ The Shire has it all and is, as they say, the real deal. Fantastic Food. Atmosphere. A stellar line of a variety of beer. Friendly staff. And an occasional open mic night to benefit charity. The brewery and restaurant are located in the lower level of an old factory, called the Stationery building. There is plenty of parking behind the building. Entering through the large glass enclosed staircase head downstairs and through the carved door. A nice detail that would make Bilbo, Frodo, and JRR Tolkien proud. The space is long and open. One never has the sense that we are on the lower level. The tables and bench are made from the very wood that used to be part of the floor. And the long wooden bar comes from a tree harvest just a couple of miles away. Details like these say a great deal about the care that must also go into the beer. And based on our tasting, we believe that this is true. Although there are many beers and different varieties to choose from, we went with a flite of four IPA. And they were all exceptionally good. We even tried the double ipa with 8% alcohol and were surprised at how smooth and drinkable it, and all the beers are. Defiance had a slight grapefruit taste Joey sighting was nice and smooth Rancor (the double ipa) had a grapefruit taste and was surprisingly drinkable most beers at 8% or above struggle to keep the flavor forward - and here rancor delivers where most other fail. Space Turtles - great flavor with a slight effervescence - my favorite from this stellar sampling. We opted for tacos, really delicious fish tacos that were accompanied by a slightly spicy sauce, as well as the vegan tacos that were flavorful as well. Our only regret having visited the shire is that we live more than 100 miles away! ”
“ My first visit. Outstanding home brews! I got a flight so I got to try 4 different beers. Food and service were top notch! Wonderful live music too. Will be back ! ”