The small town restaurant with big name investors is making a statement. Turner’s Yard, the recently opened Pembroke restaurant that pays homage to a former shipyard located in the town’s North River, is backed by some of Boston’s biggest names: former Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, Shawn Thornton of the Boston Bruins and frontman for The Dropkick Murphys Ken Casey. Since opening, the South Shore gastropub has been attracting a lot of attention.
We headed here one recent Friday night and were seated in a cozy booth near the fireplace on the bar side. The creative cocktail list focuses on local flavors with fun names like South Shore Sangria and Cranberry Bog Cosmo. Get started with a craft beer like the Kona Fire Rock or Green Flash IPA that pair nicely with the sweet heat of honey chipotle wings.
Executive Chef Eric Bogardus has prepared a varied menu that includes everything from crispy duck potato skins to a spicy lamb brick oven pizza with pickled peppers and goat cheese (Bogardus, who is also the executive chef of Petit Robert Central in Boston, became one of five finalist candidates for consideration as White House Chef).
Our server Sarah told us the day’s specials included salmon with coconut rice and lemon cream sauce, but unfortunately when we placed our order she returned informing us the dish was sold out. Be sure to get here early on weekend nights as she told us this was a common occurrence.
Instead, we opted for (and loved) the Kobe meatloaf, a generous portion of ground Kobe sirloin topped with a sweet and savory fig gravy and side of dirty smashed potatoes. The braised pork shoulder was tender and juicy served with a side of grits and crunchy green beans.
Turner’s Yard also hosts Irish sessions every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and is located at 615 Washington Street in Pembroke.
