Hunter’s Grille and Tap @ The Grafton Inn

Modern American comfort food

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor 

Grafton – Located on the beautiful, historic Grafton Common, Hunter’s Grille and Tap @ The Grafton Inn is a popular restaurant serving modern American comfort food as well as a vast array of craft beers, specialty cocktails and much more. 

Jay Hunter has owned the restaurant and inn, located at 25 Grafton Common, and harkens back to 1805, since 2015. He attributes the restaurant’s current success to not only the quality of the food prepared by “an amazing kitchen staff” but also the friendliness and professionalism of all of his employees. 

“We pride ourselves on being on a first-name basis with a lot of our customers,” he said. “We take pride in the fact that they come back here often.” 

The menu offers classic foods such as seafood, steaks, chops, burgers, sandwiches and salads, with everything made fresh and from scratch. There are plenty of gluten-free options; in fact, all items that are breaded and fried use a gluten-free flour, Hunter said. 

“We did a taste test and that was actually the preferred coating,” he noted. 

Although there are many choices on the menu, if a customer would like something that is not on there, all they have to do is ask, Hunter said. 

“If they want something like a shrimp scampi or vegetarian primavera, as long as we have the ingredients on hand, we will make it for you,” he added. 

There are also vegetarian options, including a soon-to-be-available plant-based burger. 

Every Tuesday night the bar hosts the popular Trivia with Barry and on Saturdays, local musicians are featured. 

“There is so much talent in this area,” Hunter said. 

The main dining room, which retains much of its early colonial-era charm, seats 100. Upstairs at the inn is another large function room that also holds approximately 120 people. With its own dedicated bar, it is a perfect spot for a special event such as a bridal shower, family reunion or business meeting. 

During the warmer months, patrons can enjoy sitting outside on the inn’s patio, which seats about 40. 

The inn itself has seven guest rooms, which are often used by businesspeople, but also those who just may want to enjoy a quick, local getaway. Hunter is now offering a special discount to Community Advocate readers who may wish to dine at the restaurant and then stay overnight. 

“Just mention that you read this story and we will give you 50 percent off one night’s stay,” he said. 

The restaurant is open seven days a week. For dining, the hours are Monday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The bar is open each night until 1 a.m. For more information visit www.thegraftoninnma.com, call 508-839-5931 or email [email protected].