I have heard plenty about the Compass Tavern but I had not ventured down to see it, or taste it, for myself, which is why I was really looking forward to our Foodies visit this month. A few different restaurants have been in this space over the past few years but it certainly looks like the new owners invested significantly in renovating the space.
Walking into the main dining area, you are greeted by a gigantic rectangular bar centered in the room with plenty of booths and dining tables around it. The open room has a warm, comfortable feel to it with exposed brick walls, rich wood finishes, and even some Blackstone Canal black and white photos to add authenticity.
The menu is a mix of traditional pub-style comfort food with a few special twists. My dining partner and I started with one of our favorites: fried calamari. For my main entree, I ordered the Homemade Lasagna. The large plate of calamari arrived quickly and our table devoured it. The lightly fried squid was tender and the mix of peppers and sauce was delightfully spicy! My main course arrived just as we finished the calamari. The lasagna square was large and filled with tasty cheese, ground meat, and sausage. The sauce was a bit sweet, but it was not overly rich or spicy. Overall, the dish was well-prepared and satisfying. My comfort food extravaganza was paired with a few ice-cold Wachusett Bella Czech Pils draft beers to make my night complete.
Even though our party was a bit smaller than a normal Foodies gathering, we can be a bit demanding, but our server took everything in stride. The food came out timely and the drinks were served quickly–and with a smile every time.
Overall my experience was very good. If you are looking for a solid, pub-style dining experience, the Compass Tavern is certainly a great choice. For me, I will be a bit more adventurous and order one of the less traditional comfort food choices next time.
