Great news for Bukowski Tavern fans and members of its so-called mug club. After closing a few months back for renovations, the revamped Bukowski Tavern will finally reopen its doors in Cambridge’s Inman Square under the direction of Chef-Owner Brian Poe.
Earlier this year, we learned (via the Boston Business Journal) that Wilcox Hospitality Group was bringing restaurateur Brian Poe on board to head up Buks’ transformation, including a much-needed menu update. According to the article, Brian Poe is already an equity owner in several of Gordon Wilcox’s restaurants, including the Rattlesnake, the Tip Tap Room on Beacon Hill and Estelle’s in the South End.
Per a release, the newly revamped Bukowski Tavern will retain some of its mainstay offerings like the popular mug club, The Dead Authors Club and its Wheel of Indecision with a new tech-forward spin. The new menu will still offer Bukowski classics served up with signature twists by Chef Poe as well as new dishes that are laced with things like hops and wild game.
As for the interior, diners can expect a sleek industrial look with a stainless steel bar-top, wooden tables and rustic flooring, modern hanging lights as well as banquette seating. The façade features glass retractable garage doors that will open seasonally. The perimeter of the space is lined with chalkboards which display rotating menu specials as well as famous quotes by Charles Bukowski.
Diners can also expect an expansive menu of beer snacks, taters and tots, salads, burgers and hotdogs. Beer snack highlights include the Fried Olives and a Chicken Drumstick. Signature classics like the White Trash Dip as well as Poe creations like Skins (prosciutto, sweet & potato chips with onion strings, green kosho tabasco sauce) and the vegan-friendly Chips and Dip will be available. Chef Poe will also offer a menu of 14 signature burger patties like classic, wild game and vegetarian preparations served up with a trio of housemade hot sauce options and beer ketchup.
According to the release, Bukowski Tavern in Cambridge will reopen in early January. The restaurant will be open for dinner and drinks Sunday through Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and for lunch, dinner and drinks Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, the kitchen is open until 12:30 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday until 1:30 a.m. The newly revamped Bukowski Tavern is located at 1281 Cambridge Street in Inman Square, Cambridge. According to an official source, no plans have been confirmed for changes to the restaurant’s Back Bay location.
Image courtesy of Bukowski Tavern
