The Pines Tavern, Bristol

For several decades, The Pines Tavern has stood on the corner of Radcliffe Street and East Farragut Avenue, and yet it’s easy to mistake the small green-sided bar for a house.

“There’s nothing special about the building. It’s the people inside it who make it special,” said owner Larry Warren, Jr., whose parents, Loretta and Larry, first bought the bar in 1970.

Back then The Pines Tavern was merely a steel mill bar — a place where workers would stop for a quick beer on their way home at the end of a long day. But over the years, Larry Jr. said the old tavern grew into something more, as its food offerings expanded, initially through his mom who got the kitchen up and running in 1980 and introduced hot lunches.

The menu expanded again in 2006 when Larry Jr. started serving dinners. Today, the bar has become known for its “kicked up comfort food,” with recipes he’s developed through his love of experimenting with different cuisines and as an homage to the big Italian meals he grew up enjoying — such as the Big Meatballs served over creamy, cheesy polenta with marinara, hot cherry peppers, and parmigiana.

In addition to the burgers and other must‑try items like the Philly roast pork, roast beef, chili, ribs, and the Ciambada, Larry said the direction they’ve gone — offering food and service worth coming back for — is what has kept the tavern going strong all these years.

“The Chambers‑Burger is a top favorite among customers. It starts off simple — a 6‑ or 10‑ounce patty made fresh using 100% ground Angus chuck, seasoned with salt and pepper, cooked to order, and customizable with a large selection of toppings, sauces, and cheeses. Each one is served on an Aversa Italian hamburger roll.”

A Local Favorite With a Loyal Following

…the real secret is the food; if you know, you know that Larry runs a kitchen that punches way above what the exterior suggests. The Pines is compact, but full of character — the kind of spot where the regulars stay loyal because they understand exactly what they’ve got.

“A true locals’ bar with a surprisingly strong kitchen at its core.”