The Blacksmith

Big juicy burgers.

“It's definitely more than one napkin burger.”

A mash up of donuts and cheesecake.

“It's a definitely a decadent dessert.

And Slow Cooked Short Rib Poutine.

“You definitely don't leave hungry if you've had that.”

With food like this, it's hard almost impossible to leave hungry at The Blacksmith.

Located in Pembroke, The Blacksmith is a casual tavern with global takes on comfort food.  Owner and industry veteran Chris Schweiger set out to make a space on the South Shore reminiscent of what you would see in the South End.

“I've lived in Pembroke for seven years and it's great to have a restaurant in your hometown where you get to know your neighbors and part of the local restaurant scene.”

So he built out this big space with bright windows, a long bar, and a comfortable vibe.

“I would call it modern rustic. So a lot of clean lines, a lot of open space, a large 20 seat bar.   You feel like you're downtown Boston restaurant.”

And he made a menu to match, with food that will make you smile.

“I would call it eclectic American comfort food. We're trying to have a menu there that’s fun. Going out to dinner should be fun. And after the last few years it hasn't been a lot of fun. So we're trying to put the fun back in dining.”

So Phantom got ready for a good time as he searched for THE PERFECT MEAL.

The menu at Blacksmith is lined with Asian inspired apps, like fried pork ravioli served over sweet potato puree with sweet and sour sauce and bao stuffed with fried chicken and pickled vegetables.  Or this lobster version of steamed buns with pepper relish and a lemon aioli.

“It's a real mix of flavors. It's fresh lobster, claw and knuckle.  The pepper relish is just some dice peppers, lightly seasoned. And then we finish it with the lemon aioli. It’s very good.”

The orange ginger glazed boneless spare ribs are both a treat for your tummy and your eyes.

“It’s kind of a whimsical plating.  We actually put it in the Chinese food box and it comes on a slate board and kind of looks like the box tipped over and the spareribs came out.   The first bite is with the eyes and  before peoples forks go up, their cameras go up.”

Other apps include a comforting cast iron skillet of short rib poutine.  But nothing quite tops the Old Bay Wings- a dish inspired by Chris’s hometown.

“I grew up in Baltimore. And down there, there's Old Bay seasoning. I think it's in the baby formula.  I put in french fries, potato chips, baked potato. You name it. Old Bay is always on my table. Everyone likes chicken wings but we do them with Old Bay seasoning and serve that with the side of our homemade buttermilk ranch dressing dipping sauce.  You should definitely order this.”

Handhelds at the Blacksmith come in one size: HUGE.   The Blacksmith Burger is almost too big to squeeze in your mouth, topped with bacon jam, onion strings, cheddar, pickles and A1 mayo.  But it’s the Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich is the true standout.

“You're getting a burst of flavor. So you're getting the Nashville sauce. You're getting the crunch of the breading and then you're getting a nice juicy piece of chicken breast. It's delicious.”

The entrée section of the menu has a little something for everyone.  Seafood lovers will adore the Pan Roasted Salmon served with wild rice, sundried tomato tapenade and matcha almond cream sauce.  Or the lovely lobster pasta.

“We do it with fresh cavatelli pasta, lots of fresh lobster meat, shishito peppers, shaved pecorino cheese, and then we finish with a white wine and lemon sauce.  It's definitely a mix of flavors. The peppers give it a little bit of heat. The white wine lemon butter sauce is on the sweeter side.  So it's a great blend of flavors. And it's a dish that works great for any menu for summer or winter.

But it’s the steak tips that regulars truly enjoy.

“Our steak tips are done with our homemade marinade. Our secret sauce… We serve that with homemade mashed potatoes, bacon braised green beans, and we have a great Blacksmith Steak Sauce that comes on the side.  They’re very tender and you’re getting a very hearty portion.  It's delicious.”

And if you’re looking for something sweet to end your meal, the Raspberry Doughnut Cheesecake is a dessert you can’t resist.

“The crust is made from raspberry donut batter. And then traditional cheesecake infused with raspberry and then we serve that with fresh whipped cream and fresh raspberries. It's the perfect way to end a meal.”

Old Bay Wings, Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich, Steak Tips, and the Raspberry Doughnut Cheesecake make for the perfect meal at The Blacksmith.