Winter in New England means it’s time to get cozy and what better way to do just that than by checking out the new comfort fare focused menu at the Rowes Wharf Bar. Tucked inside the Boston Harbor Hotel, Chef Daniel Bruce has revamped the bar menu to focus on heartier New England fare (think Boston lager battered fish n’ chips, clams casino and Maine lobster Newburg).

We visited the restaurant recently and were quickly greeted by our friendly server Mary Ellen. Not only was she extremely well informed about the menu (telling us about the restaurant’s in-house butcher and how the clam chowder is made with chopped clams and tortilla chips topped with salt, sugar and cayenne pepper) but she could also be seen lending a hand preparing drinks when the bar became flooded with patrons.

We got started with a flavorful fiesta martini made with Patron Anejo tequila, Chambord and orange juice and a traditional Bombay Sapphire martini which we enjoyed at a cozy table with comfortable seating. The casual menu here focuses on richly prepared home-style cooking. Pair up a bottle of 2009 Decoy Cabernet by Duckhorn and start off with the deliciously crisp grilled Margherita pizza, which can easily be shared between two guests. Then move onto the heartier baked meatloaf, our favorite dish of the evening, served with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with rich mushroom gravy a side of fresh broccoli.

The chicken and vegetable pot pie should also not be missed filled with carrots and onions. Round out the entire experience by ordering up a slice of old fashioned apple pie with cheddar cheese or warm blueberry crisp with nutmeg ice cream and you may want to retire in one of the hotel’s guest rooms. The Rowes Wharf Bar is open Sunday and Monday, 4 pm to midnight and Tuesday through Saturday: 4 pm – 1 am.