The Biltmore-Newton

1205 Chestnut Street

Newton, MA

617 527 2550

www.thebiltmoregrill.com

Speak easy!?! The Phantom Barflys were all in a barely intelligible, rambling, heavy slur after an extended alcohol adventure at the Biltmore. The Biltmore opened in 1921 at the start of Prohibition and was the go to speakeasy in the Lower Falls village of Newton. A speakeasy was an establishment that illegally sold alcohol beverages during Prohibition 1920-1933. Booze free USA, what the fuck were they thinking!?!?!

 The Biltmore had a makeover a couple years back that enlarged the bar, expanded the dining room and touched up the vintage details, including the tin ceilings and mahogany paneling. The Biltmore also has most of the Barfly requisite amenities that please - plenty of barstools-28, expansive craft & Belgian draughties, a rotating “wine list of the moment”, craft cocktail list, fairly expansive well chosen booze selection, a jukebox with Tommy James & the Shondells and the AC/DC catalog and a Nifty Nibbles bar menu $4-$8 that helped to extend our drinking session. We also liked the Wellfleet oyster shooters $6 that set the hormones en fuego and the night’s mischief on full throttle.

Location – In the Lower Falls village of Newton with some parking in the rear and in a very isolated area so not pub crawl friendly

Ambience – Old world charm, worn like an old comfortable shoe and well lit and clean with cliché old time bar sign decorations

Service – The Barflys flew in and scored 3 coveted barstools even though the post work crowd had the place buzzing. But, sadly the thirsty Barflys sat unnoticed by the barstaff for 5 minutes before the empties were cleaned away and got our evening jump started. Service did step up afterward and was efficient and reasonably friendly.

Beer Selection – 22 well chosen and rotating craft and Belgian draughties and 28 bottled brews that includes several lawnmower beers.

Wine, Booze Selection and Drink Specialties – a rotating wine list of the moment, well chosen booze selection and

craft cocktails with house made bitters and ginger beer. The Emiliano Zapata cocktail featured chile infused rum that made a Barfly’s panties steamy and her wandering eye scanning the oval bar for talent but the Moscow Mule cocktail fell flat as the house made ginger beer lacked any spice magic and made me think WTF.

Prices/Value – Well liquors $6, Craft and Belgian draughties ranged from $5.50-11, glasses of wines $7.50-14, bottled beers & cans $3.75-$10, Craft cocktails $8-10 but Bud & Bud light drinkers beware $4.25 for a 12 oz bottle and PBR tall boys $3.75, ouch!!! And no drink special$!!!

Bar Extras – 8 flat screens, Golden Tee, juke box and live music periodically

Bar Scene – The Biltmore draws a boisterous after work crowd and a slightly quieter cross section of drinkers and diners from the neighborhood.

The Barflys over-enjoyed the Biltmore experience and took cabs home - happy, well buzzed (and alone?). The Biltmore will definitely be on the Barflys fave’ bar rotation when we have the cash to cover the next pricey visit.

Phantom Barflys rated – Buzztastic