Cunard Tavern in East Boston will close September 27 after nearly a decade in business. The owner cited changing market trends and customer dynamics in the restaurant industry.
Cunard Tavern Bids Farewell to Boston Community
Owned and operated by Phil Frattaroli, the tavern started its journey in 2017 and was inspired by the history of East Boston Shipyard.
The tavern’s website says its concept recognizes workers ranging from shipbuilders and carpenters to welders and longshoremen who arrived at Cunard Wharf and helped shape the vibrant neighborhood.
Through an Instagram announcement, the tavern team shared, “After nearly a decade in East Boston, it’s time to say goodbye.” Cunard Tavern, located at 24 Orleans Street in Boston, Massachusetts, will serve its last customers on September 27.
For years, the tavern has served the community as a neighborhood bar, a dining destination, and a spot for special celebrations.
They posted, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who walked through our doors, to the East Boston community that welcomed and supported us, and especially to every member of our team, past and present, who made Cunard what it is.”
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Reason Behind the Closure
According to the Hoodline report, the owner explained that the decision to shut down was driven by changing market trends and customer dynamics in the restaurant industry.
As part of its response to changing customer preferences, the tavern brought on James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina. Messina joined Cunard Tavern as a consulting chef-partner in 2024 and worked on its global gastropub menu.
Despite those efforts, the restaurant was unable to remain viable under current market conditions. Frattaroli plans to open a new restaurant in the Orleans Street space in spring 2027.
As the tavern wraps up its operations on Orleans Street, the Cunard Tavern team encourages the community to visit and enjoy one more drink.
