The Berry Tavern Opens in Danvers, Reimagining a Centuries-Old Venue

A new restaurant in Danvers has its roots in an 18th century tavern and two North End restaurants. The Berry Tavern stands at 2 High St. — where a tavern of the same name stood in 1748 — and it is the work of veteran chef Joseph Bono (Al Dente and Benevento's).

Bono had not been planning on opening a third restaurant, but when when he and his wife found themselves caught at a red light downtown and spotted a plaque on a for-lease building that read The Berry Tavern 1808-1925, "that was that," The Berry Tavern team told Eater. Extensive digging through the Danvers Library archives turned up a history of the tavern as a "house of public entertainment," along with information on its incarnations as Putnam House, Naumkeag House, and even Hotel Danvers, according to the restaurant's website.

The Berry Tavern officially opened on Monday, serving a range of Italian dishes, including specialty brick oven pizzas, sandwiches like the meatball parmigiana and shaved sirloin, salads, pasta entrees, and much more. There is also a kids' menu, as well as a wine, beer, and cocktail list. Simone Fioretti is onboard as chef.

The Berry Tavern has a goal of providing "an atmosphere of hospitality, fine food and good cheer." It is is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.