Bars. Their mention evokes a variety of images, from slick martini-sipping pads to rowdy game day congregations to tired old holes-in-the-wall. One word that rarely comes to mind is “neighborhood”—unless preceded by “shady.” But Jethro’s Restaurant and Bar, at the corner of First and Ruby streets, is a neighborhood bar in the very best sense of the phrase, exuding a friendly, home-like atmosphere and producing a menu of top-notch American cuisine.
The casual interior design takes on deep shades of brown and red, with lighting that is almost distractingly dim. But the overall effect is cozy and inviting. Fronted by a wall of comfortable booth seating, the bar area casts a soft glow upon its neatly-arranged collection of spirits. Off to the left, a small chalkboard showcases the specials of the day—this time a Greek-style pizza and a creamy salmon and potato chowder, among other things.
The thick, warm soup provides a welcome solace from the bitter winds whipping closely outside, reminiscent of some old New England chowder house from the early pages of Moby Dick. The chowder holds up well with its ever-present freshwater overtones and a rich, heavy base that seems to draw much of its dense consistency from a potato puree.
Jethro’s offers a surprisingly sophisticated menu for such a small, unassuming establishment. The primary entrée selection includes a grilled portabella dish, a breast of duck, and even the proverbial filet mignon. “Light fare” items, a bit less pricy, are certainly no less vibrant—managing even to spin a hamburger into thoughtful culinary territory.
The 8oz. Jethro’s Burger is presented open-faced on lightly toasted slices of baguette and doused with a deep, tangy béarnaise sauce—not a far cry hollandaise. Matched with a smoky vegetable stir-fry and a red potato, the dish seems deserving of a catchier title than the unpretentious “Jethro’s Burger.” But that very blend of fine quality and no-nonsense hospitality is exactly what defines this little West End shop.
Throughout the meal, one can enjoy the friendly sounds of bar-side banter, in topics ranging from the weather to the latent anti-intellectual impulse in U.S. political thinking. And all of that conversation rolls nicely to the well-selected soundtrack of rootsy Americana tunes, tastefully played over the house speakers.
Upon your first visit to Jethro’s, surely everyone will not know your name in the “Cheers” fashion. But they’ll certainly act like they do. And with its perfectly realized atmosphere and deliciously prepared cuisine, you may want to make this place a regular stop for years to come.
