Carolyn Kruse

Weekdays 9:00am - 2:00pm

From the restaurant business to television, and now the booze business…The popular host of TV’s Bar Rescue is on a mission to fill your glass with bourbon; his bourbon. The entrepreneur, who “rescues” bars and restaurants from failure with a firm hand and a loud voice, came to town last night. Jon Taffer of TV’s Bar Rescue brought his own bourbon to Boston. Jon was there, among media, at The Grand in Boston for a tasting of his new Taffer’s Brown Butter Bourbon.

Eight months after opening a restaurant in Watertown, the TV host came back to introduce his first brand of alcohol. Jon Taffer, in Boston last night, told us that he never intended to get into the booze business. But, after coming up with this bourbon recipe to use in cocktails at his restaurant, there was such a high demand, he couldn’t ignore his customers. After all, the customer is always right, right? He talked about how it’s made, and then served us all some of his famous cocktail recipes. All of the cocktails served used Taffer’s Brown Butter Bourbon. Taffer even worked the room, talking to most of us there. I have to tell you he’s a surprisingly friendly person. He’s engaging and really interesting to speak with.

Taffer's bourbon event kruser john taffer bourbonTaffer's bourbon evetn with John Taffer

 

Here are more details about Taffer’s Tavern in Watertown, from their grand opening back in September of 2022.

Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer Just Opened Taffer’s Tavern in Watertown

  • The Grand Opening

    John Taffer Grand Opening in Watertown

    From left: Franchise owner Peter Weber, Taffer’s Tavern founder Jon Taffer, and franchise owner Marc Magerman attend the grand opening of Taffer’s Tavern in Watertown, MA (541 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472). Taffer’s Tavern, the innovative, full-service restaurant was founded by leading hospitality expert and star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer. (Photo: Sophie Park/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Tavern)

    Taffer's Tavern and Maria Menounos

    From left: Taffer’s Tavern founder Jon Taffer and actress and TV presenter Maria Menounos attend the grand opening of Taffer’s Tavern. (Photo: Sophie Park/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Tavern)

    Taffer's Tavern grand opening

    (Photo: Sophie Park/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Tavern)

  • Hand Crafted Cocktails

    Along with a nice selection of beer and wine, Taffer’s has a very creative cocktail menu. There are quite a few very interesting concoctions.

    taffer's cocktails

    A bartender prepares a drink at the grand opening of Taffer’s Tavern in Watertown (Photo: Sophie Park/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Tavern)

    THE CAMPFIRE

    Taffer’s trademarked Brown Butter Rye Whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup is the perfect blend of bold flavors balanced with velvet-like smoothness

    BLUE MIST

    A refreshing combination of vodka and various citrus flavors with a ginger spice foam float

    TAVERN TEA

    Taffer’s take on a refreshing southern classic highlighted with fresh mint and peach, bursting with a lasting whiskey flavor

    BOCA MORADA

    A mouthwatering mix of fruit and agave with a hint of the Mezcal smoky flavor

    TROPICAL BLISS

    Light and refreshing rum cocktail with sun-kissed flavors of the tropics

    TAFFER’S TASTERS

    A sampler platter of four of Taffer’s Tavern’s most popular cocktails. Includes one each of vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey (sharing optional)

    BUBBLE²

    An effervescent blend of gin and botanicals layered with fresh citrus and subtle honey. Served with an accompaniment of sparkling wine to morph the flavors of this cocktail as you enjoy it down to the last drop

    CLOUD

    Light citrus flavors mixed with smooth vodka. Choose the level of fun with a cotton candy garnish

    BERRY IMPRESSIVE

    Fruit-infused vodka layered with lemon, served bursting with fresh mixed berries in a French Press (sharing optional)

    MANGORITA

    An exotic margarita crafted using smooth tequila and tropical mango flavors finished with a hint of spice

    PARADISE MULE

    A traditional vodka mule remixed with peach and pineapple flavors topped with a fresh ginger foam, mint and a dash of cinnamon, served in a chilled tin cup

     

  • The Starters

    Some stand out starters for you to salivate over while reading

    Taffer's Tavern dining area

    Photo courtesy of Taffer’s Tavern

    HOT TAVERN PRETZEL

    Huge all-American baked pretzel accompanied by spicy queso and Guinness mustard

    TAFFER’S WINGS

    Juicy chicken wings coated in choice of flavor, served with celery, carrots, and ranch or bleu cheese
    Sauces: Honey bourbon BBQ, lemon pepper, original buffalo

    SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

    Classic spinach artichoke dip topped with oven-melted cheese accompanied by crispy pita bread

    COCONUT SHRIMP

    Coconut crusted shrimp served with our Asian sweet chili dipping sauce

    PORK BELLY SKEWERS

    Slow-cooked pork belly glazed with our Asian BBQ sauce served over a lightly dressed bed of fresh coleslaw

    ONION RINGS

    Crispy onion rings fried to perfection and paired with our house-made Guinness mustard and Cajun ranch for dipping

  • Dinner

    There’s a great selection of hand helds, burgers and flatbreads, and check out these Plates from the menu at Taffer’s Tavern

    Taffer's Tavern Entrance

    Photo courtesy of Taffer’s Tavern

    HERB CHICKEN

    Delicious roasted chicken breast paired with our rich demi-glace sauce and creamy mashed potatoes

    STEAK FRITES

    Juicy flat iron steak, perfectly cooked medium rare, sliced and topped with garlic butter, paired with Tavern fries

    TAFFER’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES

    Crispy chicken breast and pearl sugar waffle tower with a house-made orange bourbon syrup paired with golden corn fritters

    BRAISED SHORT RIB

    Tender short rib braised with red wine and beer, then tossed in a rich demi-glace sauce and paired with red skin mashed potatoes

    TAVERN FISH & CHIPS

    Taffer’s twist on a tavern staple! Our cod is coated in a light, crispy beer batter served with fresh coleslaw, tartar sauce, and Tavern fries

    GRILLED SALMON

    Garlic butter-basted salmon over wilted arugula and cherry tomatoes with creamy polenta and lemon

    PENNE ALFREDO

    Penne pasta tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce, served with garlic bread

    POT ROAST STROGANOFF

    Flavorful beef roast with buttered noodles, peas, hearty mushroom gravy, and sour cream

  • How Sweet It Is

    Seriously…Donuts draped in maple bourbon? Yes, please!

    Taffer's Tavern patio

    Photo courtesy of Taffer’s Tavern

    TAFFER’S CHOCOLATE LAVA DELIGHT

    Warm, chocolate cake filled with molten, dark chocolate truffle, topped with vanilla ice cream and raspberry drizzle

    MILK ‘N’ COOKIES 21+

    Our adult version of a childhood classic! This warm cookie duo is served with a whipped bourbon vanilla bean milk for dipping

    Mix & match! chocolate chunk, lemon blueberry, or salted caramel**

    PB & RYE 21+

    A childhood favorite recreated with jelly donut holes and peanut butter whiskey

    CRÈME BRÛLÉE CHEESECAKE

    Vanilla bean cheesecake with freshly sliced tropical fruit and mango drizzle

    DOUGHNUT TRIO

    Three warm, frosted doughnuts filled with your choice of dark chocolate, strawberry, or blueberry maple bourbon
    Order with your main course!

  • Visit Taffer's Tavern in Watertown and Online

    Visit the Tavern at 541 Arsenal Street in Watertown, MA

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CiP__iXshQG/?hl=en

    website logo Instagram logo  facebook  Twitter logo

Carolyn Kruse Country 102.5 midday personality 9am-2pm Boston