Reliable ’ol Ironsides

Chucktown’s Grill good for regulars, and nice to newbies

intoxiKATEd. Imbued with a long-overdue sense of civic pride coupled with a vigorously renewed patriotic optim-ism, last Thursday I decided to hunker down in my new hood for suds and supper.

Accompanied by two former regulars, we dined and drank in the shadow of American history at Ironsides Grill, a bar named after Old Ironsides herself, retired in the nearby Charlestown Navy Yard. 

Chucktown is notorious for a lot of things, but fine dining isn’t one of them. This unassuming bar doesn’t attempt to change that: this is passable pub grub for the huddled masses. My fish and chips were exactly what I wanted — no more, no less. Furnished with nautical knickknacks and local sports memorabilia, you don’t come for the atmosphere, though on this rainy night it made for a cozy refuge.   

If money is an issue (and who can say it isn't nowadays?), you might balk at the entrée prices which approach nearly $25. Lighter fare is reasonably priced but my friend noted the appetizer portion of house smoked pork and toasted corn spring rolls ($11) had shrunk since her last visit, though they remained pretty tasty.

Luckily we snagged precious stools upon entry, since throughout our visit, business was steady. There was a rotating cast of waitresses, but they were always at the ready when pints got dangerously low. I was struck by the realization that patrons seemed genuinely content; every time I scoped out the scene I was met with smiling faces. Coincidentally, a bartender celebrated a birthday that night. When they brought out the cake, townies and transplants alike sang gleefully in unison. Maybe this was because the beers were cheap, but the newborn optimist in me believed a spirit of brotherly love and neighborly fellowship infused us all.

Ironsides Grill
25 Park St., Charlestown
MBTA: Orange Line to Community College
617-242-1384
www.ironside-grill.com