By Jamin Buttafarro

The 21st Amendment, a bar and restaurant across from the state house, is just around the corner from campus. Many of you may pass by it daily on your way to class.  The owner was unavailable for comment, but I had a chance to hang out and experience the food and scene. Here is what I found.

The bar area is full when I arrive, about 7:30 p.m., but I get a table right away.  The restaurant is dimly lit with candles on the window sills and lantern-style lights around perimeter. There is no music, yet the volume of the restaurant is still quite loud.

I am given the menu with a printout of the night’s specials: New England clam chowder for the soup du jour (that sounds good, I’ll have that) along with a pesto/penne/chicken sauté dish and the weekly Friday special: Harpoon Beer-Battered Fish ‘n Chips.  There are eight “Small Plates” which could be appetizers or work as meals, as many come with a stack of house-battered onion rings.

Options include a massive pile of nachos – recommended as a favorite – buffalo wings or tenders, and a platter of four burger sliders.  I opt for “Steak and Cheese Spring Rolls,” also recommended by the staff.  They come in a pair, cut on the bias, served on a platter with a seven-inch stack of onion rings. Two side sauces, a chipotle aioli and a sweet chili sauce, finish the platter and work well with both aspects of the dish (American/Asian).

The rest of the menu reads straight forward as far as pub food goes: wood-grilled pizzas ($12-$13), a few burger options including the house favorite “21st Burger” ($9-$13), several salads ($8.5-$13), and a selection of sandwiches ($6-$11).

Though tempted by the Harpoon Fish ‘n Chips, I choose a “Short Rib Grilled Cheese” sandwich. It comes pressed on asiago roll with a fontina/cheddar blend and sides of honey mustard and choice of fries – regular or sweet potato – or sautéed green beans  for a healthier side option. The sandwich is great!  The short ribs are ridiculously tender and the sandwich is quite larger than it appears, having been pressed.

I wash down my meal with a beer (four beers) from the draught list which includes your standard regulars plus some micro-options and specials including Sam’s, Harpoon, Wachusett, Shipyard, and Allagash; $6 for a pint.  For the more budget-minded drinker, Pabst Blue Ribbon is on draught for $3. Score!  There is also a fully stocked bar; a wine list including vintages from the West Coast, Europe, and New Zealand; and the usual suspects for non-alcoholic options.

A less-than-expensive pub food lunch option during the week, with available take-out makes the 21st relevant to all students. The bar-scene crowd and the “old-tavern” style ambiance are quite enjoyable, and ESPN on TVs behind the bar make it a viable sports night choice.

The 21st Amendment is a must-try for a weekend hangout, especially if you are of age, though the atmosphere and food are still great if you are not. Grab a burger – or split the mountain of nachos – and a couple PBR drafts for around $17, plus tip.

MUST TRY: Saturday’s Special is called the “21st Hangover Burger” and comes with bacon-infused aioli and a sunny-side-up egg right on top.

The 21st Amendment is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.