Tony Maws’ Kirkland Tap & Trotter Closes After Six Years in Somerville

A casual, family-friendly Somerville restaurant from one of Boston’s James Beard award-winning chefs shut down over the weekend, ending a nearly six-year run in the city’s Ward 2 neighborhood. Chef Tony Maws announced the closure of the Kirkland Tap & Trotter (425 Washington St., Somerville) following service on Saturday, July 20.

In an email newsletter regarding the closure that was sent on Friday, July 19, Maws wrote: “I’m sure you have questions, but for now let’s just reflect on a phenomenal (almost) six-year run. For those of you who have been part of the KTT family: Thank you. We appreciate everything you have contributed to our restaurant, our family.”

Maws and his team opened the Kirkland Tap & Trotter in September 2013, intending for it to be different than its acclaimed older sibling, Craigie on Main, with a more relaxed, neighborhood feel. The Tap & Trotter highlighted wood-fired grill cooking, featured a popular burger of its own (similar in that respect to Craigie), and leaned into a full-animal butchery approach in the kitchen. The bar served local craft beers, creative cocktails, and wine, and the restaurant was a regular host of charity fundraisers, family dinner nights, and more.

Maws told Boston Magazine that he was glad to contribute to the Somerville restaurant community through Kirkland, which is located at a busy dining intersection that includes Dalí, Bergamot, the Biscuit, Broadsheet Coffee, Savenor’s, and more. A report from Cambridge Day suggested the restaurant’s revenues were no longer sustainable, but Maws did not share further details regarding the closure, simply writing in a post on Instagram: “Someday perhaps I’ll be able to offer an explanation. For now I’m just reflecting...hard to grasp.”

The Kirkland Tap & Trotter’s closure comes at a busy time for Maws’ other projects. He is fresh off opening Craigie Burger in Fenway’s Time Out Market with partners Michael Leviton and Nick Zappia, and Maws also recently revamped the bar at Craigie on Main, rebranding it “COMB” and offering a la carte dining, including rotating burger specials, rather than the formal four-course tasting menu of the main dining room. This summer, the Craigie bar is also running Friday lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., accepting walk-ins only for a menu of house-made bratwurst, chicken leg confit, vegetable bowls, yellowfin tuna, and a handful of snacks.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

• Kirkland Tap & Trotter Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
• Kirkland Tap & Trotter Will Close After Service on Saturday [BM]
• Somerville’s Kirkland Tap & Trotter Closing, Announcing Saturday as Final Day of Service [CD]