"Weathering" the Winter Blues

In the cold winter months, there's nothing more comforting than enjoying a leisurely lunch at a cozy, consistent little tavern.  Needless to say, we needed a significant amount of comfort on Monday after you-know-what happened (or should I say "didn't" happen???).  Anyway, we needed to move on and get back to normal, so the obvious thing to do was to go to the Weathervane Tavern in South Hamilton, MA.  Of course, we were not disappointed.  Here is what we love the most about this special place in top-ten style:


10.  Busy, but efficient.  Whether you go in at noon or 4p.m. or 7p.m., there is always a full house (and I do mean house...that is the style of the little building) and usually a wait.  However, we rarely have to wait long and nearly always manage to get bar seats - even with a tiny, seven-or-so seat bar!  When we do have to wait, it is well-worth it, so don't get discouraged if you go and it's busier than you anticipated!

9.  The bar.  With only a couple of regular bartenders, the drinks and service are always consistent. Tim recommends a margarita made with the house tequila (and plenty of salt on the rim).  I recommend a Bloody Mary - spicy. 


8.  The daily specials menu.  The first time we went, Tim told me to never, ever order off of the regular menu.  At first, I questioned this statement, but now I understand.  The daily specials are always unique and delicious, so you need to take advantage of the items that are not always available.  Since our first visit, I have ordered off of both menus, though, just to try new things, and I've determined that you can't go wrong no matter what you order!  


7.  French fries.  We TRY not to order them often, but sometimes we just can't resist!  They are crispy, but soft on the inside, golden, and salty.  The perfect French fry as far as we're concerned.  


6.  Zinfandel vinaigrette dressing.  Be sure to at least start with a house salad (simple, yet fresh and delicious lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, shredded carrots, celery and croutons) just so you can try the zesty dressing!  If you want a salad for your meal, our friend, Allan, suggests the Chef's salad.  It's huge, and the presentation makes a lunch that I associate with my elementary school cafeteria into a real, grown-up meal.

5.  Speaking of the size of the salad, the portions at the Weathervane are very share-able.  We love sharing a few appetizers and still always have leftovers to take home for future snacking. 
 
4.  French onion soup.  The Weathervane actually turned me onto French onion soup.  What is especially incredible about the Weathervane's FoS is that the kitchen will accommodate you however you like it.  For example, Tim likes no cheese and no bread/crouton (I know, what's the point?!), and I like broth with no onions (I know, what's the point?!), and the kitchen somehow gets it right everytime!


3.  The atmosphere.  The bartenders, waitstaff, and visible ownership makes it a friendly, laid back place to be.  You never feel rushed - even at the height of its busiest times.  It is the type of place where you could stop for a quick lunch or spend an afternoon, catching the game (Bruins or Celtics and soon-to-be Red Sox, that is) and hanging out with friends.  


2.  Chicken fingers.  They are an absolute must-try.  I know it sounds silly, but there is something amazing about these tasty fingers.  They are clearly homemade with real chicken and then a light, but crispy coating on the outside. 


1.  Last, but not least, to go with the chicken fingers (and French fries...and pretty much everything else), you must, MUST, MUST get buffalo sauce.  Again, it sounds simple and silly, but we have tried and tried to duplicate it at home and it just doesn't compare.  We always ask for extra just so we can take some home for our dipping pleasure!  


So, hopefully, you will make it to The Weathervane Tavern  sometime very soon.  Our only disappointment about this place is that they are not open on Sundays.  If you can get past that minor setback like we did, we know you'll love it, too!