Yankee Brew News Archive

Pub Review: The Eagle Brook Saloon

Originally Published: 05/94

By: Ken "Lucky" Spolsino

Most people with a passing familiarity with Norfolk, Massachusetts, will tell you the only attraction there is the Norfolk State Penitentiary. While it is true that the prison draws a large and (forgive me) captive audience, I would like to inform you of a second institution in the town which also draws throngs of people. The Eagle Brook Saloon, located on Route 1-A, in Norfolk, is but a scant 30 minutes from Boston and just 20 minutes from the Rhode Island border.

Malt acolytes, like myself, will be thrilled with the selection of 75 beers available at the Eagle Brook; 6 out of their 15 taps are reserved for conveying beers brewed on contract from Ipswich Brewing Company, bearing such names as Paint Pony Pale Ale and Dog's Breath Bitter,"ale with an attitude." Also featured is the Eagle Brook's beer society where members accumulate credits for each different beer consumed, but you may only receive credit for 3 beers per calendar day. Awards range from a commemorative beer society golf hat for 25 credits to a beer society sweat shirt and induction into their Hall of Fame with your name placed on a special plaque located at the front entrance for accruing 100 credits.

The Eagle Brook opened in 1981. Owner Chuck Horne and his wife, Ellen, bought into this family-owned business in 1983 and have enjoyed great success despite its out of the way location. "You'll never get bored with our menu," claims Chuck, as we sat outside at a table on the sunny second floor balcony. You can expect pub fare like BBQ Texas Roundup, consisting of hickory smoked pork ribs & a cup of chili, or Grilled Shrimp Caesar, skewered jumbo shrimp served on a bed of Romaine lettuce, topped with grated Romano cheese and Caesar dressing, while quaffing the fine selection of domestic microbrewed and imported beers without putting the pinch on your pocketbook. Prices at the tap are $2.75 per 14 ounce glass and the average price of an entree is $9.95. There is also a value-priced children's menu for families on a budget.

The Eagle Brook Saloon offers a unique American frontier atmosphere. There are woodcarvings guarding the entrance to the saloon that are a source of fascination for kids and grown-ups alike. Families have no fear in bringing their younger members to the Eagle Brook because, according to Chuck, "It's noisy...and we like it that way." If you prefer something more intimate, however, there are several small private rooms and alcoves available to accommodate two or more people.

If you happen to be visiting friends or relatives in "the joint" or just looking for a new and interesting watering hole, you should include the Eagle Brook Saloon on your next pub crawl in the Greater Boston or Providence area. You can get to Norfolk by order of the court or take Interstate 95 to Rte. 1 (Foxboro Stadium exit) then taking Rte. 115 to Rte. 1-A. The Eagle Brook's address is 258 Dedham St. (Rte.1-A) and the telephone number is (508) 384-7312. Call for reservations on the weekends.