The restaurant industry in Massachusetts is booming!

Just ask the folks at Tavern in the Square, a local group of restaurants and bars that already operates several locations throughout New England.

With 15 locations to their credit and more scheduled on the horizon, their success might be found in creating individual taverns that are “a reflection of its community.”

The independent restaurant group’s focus is on sourcing and serving up locally made beers, specialty cocktails, and a diverse menu full of fresh ingredients.

Their newest location in Dedham, MA took over the former Joe’s American Bar & Grill space.

The interior here has been entirely transformed to a bright and open floor plan. Rustic-style booths, wood ceilings, and brick walls line the interior while walls of glass allow an abundance of sunlight to flood into the space.

Get started with a local brew like Jack’s Abby Blood Orange or one of their creative cocktails like the Peach Bellini (available on their recently introduced brunch menu). They even offer eye-popping cocktail “towers” designed for sharing – think margaritas and mimosas.

The elevated casual menu boasts familiar favorites with a twist. For example, chicken wings can be served with traditional Buffalo sauce or taken to a new level with stone ground honey mustard or their kicked-up honey Sriracha.

Designed for sharing, the classic pizza features a tasty four-cheese blend and tangy San Marzano tomato sauce, topped with fresh basil.

Small bite options available on the weekend brunch menu include fried pickle chips served with a “secret” sauce, Buffalo cauliflower, and fresh guacamole accompanied by GMO-free house tortilla chips.

Other starters include chicken quesadillas with tres quesos, cornflake fried chicken tenders, nachos, and Bavarian pretzels. Tavern in the Square also has gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free menus as well.

Their specialty brunch dishes include a nice combination of both breakfast and lunch offerings.

For early morning risers, try huevos ranchero nachos, French toast bites, lemon ricotta pancakes, or a classic Tavern breakfast with the traditional fixings. Elevated dishes feature shrimp and crab cake Benedict, a brunch bowl with kimchi rice, and bananas Foster French toast with a decadent cornflake streusel.

If you are in the mood for something heartier, their lunch selections range from healthy selections like our favorite – grilled chicken quinoa bowl overflowing with fresh veggies (think roasted broccoli and beets, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and avocado) – to hearty with a spiced-up Bayou chicken pasta tossed with jalapeno, bacon, and parmesan cream.

Brunch is served here Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a new South Shore location coming soon to Weymouth, Mass.

Tavern in the Square is located at 985 Providence Highway in Dedham, Mass.