Grafton Street To Reopen Doors

IMSON STAFF WRITER

After closing its doors more than a year ago, Grafton Street Pub and Grille —the upscale bar that had become a favorite for Cambridge locals and the College’s over-21 set—will reopen June 21 just down the street from its original location.

The bar will move into the One Bow Street Building that previously housed the legendary Bow & Arrow Pub.

Last April, the restaurant closed its original 1280 Mass. Ave. location after five years to make way for renovations, including the expansion of the neighboring Cambridgeport bank.

Since then, Grafton Street owner Patrick M. Lee also opened Red Line, a bar that took the place of the Crimson Sports Grille.

Lee had originally said he was concerned he would lose some of his clientele in the move, which places Grafton Street in a somewhat less visible spot than its original location.

But, in anticipation of the opening, Lee said he looks forward to the new spot attracting new patrons from outside the Square.

“We liked the space because it’s right on the corner,” said Lee. “If you’re coming in from Boston, it’s the first thing you see.”

Despite the change in location, Lee said the new Grafton maintains much of the feel of the original restaurant’s casual feel.

The decor will be similar, he said. Lee said he saved the lights that hung over the original bar and hopes loyal patrons will recognize some of the artwork from the old restaurant.

In addition, Lee said, he offered Grafton Street’s former employees the option to return to work at the restaurant’s new incarnation—and said many of them have agreed to work with him again.

Lee said he hopes the new restaurant will attract more tourists and large parties than his other bars, which also include Cambridge’s Temple Bar.

“They cater to a different clientele,” he said. “The fact that Redline is nearer to the Business and Kennedy Schools makes it more of a local’s hangout than the prominently located Grafton.”

Since Grafton’s original location closed, a number of bars—including Daedalus and Lee’s own Red Line—have moved in to fill the void. But Lee said he is not worried about the possible competition.

“It’s not a rivalry,” he said. “Having five or six places in the Square keeps people here, rather than going out into Boston at night. It helps everyone in the Square.”

—Staff writer Eugenia B. Schraa can be reached at schraa@fas.harvard.edu.