A new chapter may be on the horizon for Brookline Village.
Clementine is preparing to replace Garrison House, the two-story restaurant and bar at 6 Harvard Square, according to Brookline News. The new concept comes from local restaurateur Mathew Freid, who owned and operated Idle Hour, a mid-century-style cocktail bar and globally inspired American restaurant in downtown Quincy, from 2017 to 2024.
Freid—whose résumé also includes stints at several well-known Boston spots, including The Beehive, Capo, and JM Curley—briefly confirmed the news with What Now Boston but declined to share further details out of respect for Garrison House while it continues to operate.
He did, however, confirm that Clementine is in the design and planning stages and is working to secure its liquor license. “We are very much looking forward to being a part of the Brookline Village community,” he said.
According to town licensing documents, Mendy’s Restaurant LLC, the entity behind Clementine, is purchasing Garrison House’s liquor license and additional assets, including furniture, for $315,000. The restaurant is expected to accommodate 128 guests indoors and another 32 outside.
Freid is also seeking an entertainment license that would permit live and recorded music, television and movie screenings, and floor shows. The restaurant is slated to stay open until 1 a.m. on weekends, an hour later than Garrison House’s current schedule.
Operated by Somerville-based Hawkeye Hospitality (Elm Street Taproom, Five Horses Tavern, The Chester Tavern, Matchplay Golf & Sports Lounge), Garrison House features a pub-style dining room upstairs and the Village Social Club lounge downstairs. The business opened as COVID-19 restrictions were winding down and initially offered a side-street takeout window to support social distancing.
Garrison House’s closing date and Clementine’s anticipated opening timeline have yet to be announced. Keep an eye out for updates as the project moves forward.
