Steampunk Cannon

Part of The Massachusetts Restaurant Opening Guide, Spring 2018

Rebel’s Guild (200 Stuart St., Theater District, Boston) has replaced Emerald Lounge, which closed in December, in the Revere Hotel, and it’s fully leaning into the Revolutionary War theme. Today’s unveiling of the new restaurant conveniently (and strategically) falls on April 18, and as anyone familiar with Longfellow’s famous poem will remember, that is the date of the patriot’s midnight ride to alert the region to an invasion by British forces.

Taking up Revere’s mantle for rebellion and patriotism, Rebel’s Guild worked with Dawson Design Associates to fill its 4,500 square feet with murals illustrating elements of the Revolutionary War, including the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration of Independence, tall ships, and soldiers. There’s also a sizable cannon in the dining space, designed by Steampunk artist Bruce Rosenbaum of ModVic in Palmer, MA in collaboration with Steelhead Studios in Holyoke, MA.

While the decor embraces the steeliness of war, the menu shows off a little more color. Executive chef Sean Dutson oversees a selection of classic New England dishes. From fish and chips served in a basket lined with a mockup of a London newspaper to crispy Buffalo oysters, there’s a strong seafood presence along with some hearty entrees like “Yankee” pot roast, smoked duck crostini, and turkey pot pie.

Other food items include a kale and mushroom salad with a fried soft boiled egg, burgers (like the one named for Revere served with bacon and a fried egg), sandwiches, and a “Boston po’ boy” stuffed with oysters on a French roll (hats off to the Revolutionary allies.)

For drinks, Rebel’s Guild offers beer and liquor, along with a variety of cocktails made with (what else?) tea-infused spirits. A cocktail called Paul’s Punch includes two kinds of rum, falernum, and fresh pineapple, while the Henry Price is made with rye whiskey, egg white, raspberries, simple syrup, and lemon.

Since it’s a hotel restaurant, Rebel’s Guild is pretty much always open, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Expect weekend brunch to begin soon as well, and when warmer weather actually arrives, there will be a 40-seat patio outside.