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Joe Murray

Jon Taffer of ‘Bar Rescue’ talks Boston sports with Joe Murray

Author Joe Murray
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 31: Nightclub & Bar Media Group President, host and Co-Executive Producer of the Spike television show 'Bar Rescue' Jon Taffer attends the 30th annual Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center on March 31, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Nightclub & Bar Media Group)

Fall is here and I know the spot when looking for a place to go and watch the game. Jon Taffer, host of the popular TV Show ” Bar Rescue ” has his spin on a restaurant called Taffer’s Tavern located at Arsenal Yard in Watertown.

He also will be doing a signing this week in the area to promote his new Brown Butter Bourbon. I had a chance to catch the first half of the Bengals/Patriots games last year and enjoyed the Bourbon Wings and the Chicken & Waffles. They have a great menu and a nice spot to catch the game.

30th Annual Nightclub & Bar Convention And Trade Show - Day 2

LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 31: Recording artist Sammy Hagar (L) and Nightclub & Bar Media Group President and host and Co-Executive Producer of the Spike television show “Bar Rescue” Jon Taffer attend the 30th annual Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center on March 31, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Nightclub & Bar Media Group)

Did you know Jon Taffer started the NFL Sunday Ticket? The guy is a genius, he truly loves business side of sports and has a connection to the Boston area. The show Bar Rescue almost never happened and he explains what companies didn’t like about him

I sat down with Taffer, to discuss his career in the nightclub business, the acts that came through there and how he went to school to become a drummer. He also gave his thoughts on The Patriots, Bruins, and even the NY Jets, which he is a fan being from Long Island.

Most importantly, we discussed the Boston food scene and how technology is affecting the restaurant business.

Finally, we got down to business talking about restaurants and of course food. I had to get his answers to some of the burning questions that have been discussed on the radio station for years.

  • Hot buttered or Cold style a lobster roll?
  • What is the correct way to order a steak?
  • What toppings should go on a hot dog?

Check out the interview with John Taffer of the hit show “Bar Rescue” on the Paramount Network with Joe Murray of 98.5 The Sports Hub. We certainly shut it down!

 

 

8 Trending New Massachusetts Restaurants To Try From Open Table

From Cape Cod to Boston, Newton to Cambridge, these are some of the hottest new restaurants people are talking about. Open Table recently shared some of the newest, most popular spots around the state. There’s quite a variety of food options, from traditional New England seafood, to Pan- Asian, authenic Italian and flavorful Mexican. Take a look at these 8 trending new Massachusetts restaurants to try from Open Table.  ha

Most of these highlighted restaurants are fairly new. One is a new locaiton, in a small chain. One is brand new, and aother has recently been made over and features a new menu. It’s always good to mix up your usual routine, and so fun to try new places. If you are headed to the Cape for the Spring or Fall, it’s always a good idea to make reservations in advance, as we all know it gets quite busy starting next month. Here’s to good food, friends family and new experiences! Check out 8 trending new Massachusetts restaurants to try from Open Table, below.

  • 1. Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar

    Back Bay/Fenway

    61 Brookline Ave

    The popular Loco Taqueria in Southie has opened a new location in Back Bay, near Fenway Park. Open Table describes it as “is a funky neighborhood joint located on Brookline Avenue in Boston that specializes in tacos, raw bar, and tequila.” Yes, please! You can  make reservations, HERE. Menu items can be found on their original location website:

    Menus | Loco Taqueria and Oyster Bar in Boston, MA

    See the menu for Loco Taqueria and Oyster Bar in Boston, MA. Open 7 days a week for dine-in, curbside pickup & delivery

  • 2. The Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm

    Pembroke

    403-7 Washington St

    It’s all about the view, and the food at this Pembroke spot. Enjoy a picturesque indoor lounge and outdoor patio overlooking Duxbury Bay. This establishment adds that the location is “Home to our working oyster farm, and now a year-round dining destination serving the oysters we grow, conservas, light fare for the whole family, rotating drafts, natural wines, and cocktails.” They don’t accept reservations, it’s first come first serve. 

    The Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm

    The Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm is our beautiful scenic raw bar on Duxbury Bay. Home to our oyster farm and now a destination location serving the oysters we grow, local craft beer, rosé, red and white wine all in a casual environment steps from the water.

  • 3. The Bluebird Bar

    West Newton

    1293 Washington St.

    Conveniently located across the street from the West Newton Cinema, this neighborhood vibey spot offers $1 oysters daily from 3-5pm! They spin vinyl records, serve quality crafted cocktails, curated wine and your favorite beer. The menu is mostly Mediterranean, and they do offer patio dining, weather permitting. Looks fab. Reservations HERE.

    The Bluebird Bar

    Well-Crafted Cocktails, Delicious Comfort Food, and a Great Vibe. Serving Lunch Wed through Saturday, Brunch on Sunday, and Dinner Monday through Sunday. Kitchen open late until 11pm on Friday & Saturday.

  • 4. Sogno

    Woburn

    305 Cambridge St.

    You’ll find this “Italian Dream” on the Winchester line. The name, Songo (Son-yo) translates to “dream.” If you’ve been dreaming of meals “inspired by Italian hospitality, comfortable spaces to gather with your family and friends, owner Ron Martingnetti invites you to his “home.” The whole concept of the restaurant was influenced by Ron’s Sunday family dinners. The focus here is on fresh ingredients, “locally sourced, made in house and imported from Italy.” I’m hungry just reading about it.

    Reservations on Open Table

    Sogno - Italian Fine Dining Restaurant

    Located North of Boston in Woburn on the Winchester Line, Sogno (pronouned Sonño) is the place to gather with family and friends over a delicious meal inspired by the culture, history, and warmth of Italian hospitality.

  • 5. The Q Restaurant

    Theater District, Boston

    660 Washington St. 

    The Q is a hot newer restaurant that serves a variety of Asian dishes, from Chinese to Japanese and Mongolian. It’s described as a hip, upscale, spacious spot with a “cozy lounge.” A highlight of this establishment, for those who love food that warms their soul, is the hot pot. The Q’s website describes it as, “the perfect and healthy choice! Families or groups of friends sit around a table and eat from a steaming pot in the middle… Cooking, drinking and chatting.” It’s an experience!

    Q Restaurant - Boston, MA

    The Q Restaurant, formerly known as Little Q Hot Pot, first opened its doors in 2006 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Our mission is to provide the best food and exceed your service and dining expectations every time. Here, you will find selections of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai Cuisine.

  • 6. Row 34

    Cambridge (Kendall Square)

    314 Main St.

    A newer location for this popular small chain. The other Row 34s can be found in Boston, Burlington, and Portsmouth, NH. This Cambridge spot is seafood heavy, and already a local favorite. One reviewer said, “Row 34’s new branch matches the high standard set at the Seaport location for food as well as amazing service. This was the only place we went back twice during our stay in Boston and Cambridge. Must try is the warm butter lobster roll. They have tons of beers on tap. For something really unique try the mezcal amontillado sherry cocktail.” The website adds, “We source the best oysters from our friends, pick up our fish fresh from the Fish Pier, and are always on the hunt for the most delicious beer around.”

    ROW 34 | Cambridge

    Nestled in the intensely innovative neighborhood of Kendall Square, Row 34 Cambridge complements all of the incredible things outside our front door.

  • 7. Chapin's Bayside

    Dennis (Cape Cod)

    85 Taunton Ave.

    If you like a relaxed, modern atmosphere with Cape Cod favories and some eclectic twists, live music, and just steps from the beach, this is your spot.It’s actually been around a long time, but Chapin’s has a fresh new look now. They also have a new menu. So, next time you are headed to the Cape, get your reservations HERE. 

    Chapin's Bayside Restaurant

    Chapin's Bayside Restaurant offers Cape Cod style, off-the-beach dining just steps away from Mayflower, Corporation and Chapin's Beach in Dennis, MA.

  • 8. Leonessa

    Yarmouth Port (Cape Cod)

    43 Main St.

    Before I head to the Cape for summer vaca, I always make reservations far in advance. It does get so busy down there. You may want to put Leonessa on your list. This Italian-inspired Kitchen & Bar just opened. It’s owned by a husband and wife team and their menu features “scratch made regional Italian cuisine.” 

    Leonessa

    Italian-inspired restaurant on Cape Cod. Bringing scratch-style cooking, crafted cocktails and a curated wine list to Yarmouth Port.

Joe Murray has worked behind the scenes and on-air in New England since 2007. Murray was born and raised in Boston (Hyde Park) and is now living on the North Shore in Peabody. A graduate of CSB School of Broadcasting, Joe was hired at 98.5 The Sports Hub in 2011 and is the host of Patriots Postgame and the Over/Under Podcast with Dan Lifshatz. Joe was hired as the full-time night show host in 2023, and a featured guest for “The Weekly Spread” on NBC Sports Boston during football season. Joe writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.

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