Scarlet Oak Tavern
1217 Main St, Hingham, MA 02043, United States+1 781-749-8200
About This Place
Located in the heart of historic Hingham, MA, Scarlet Oak Tavern masterfully blends the charm of a colonial-era setting with a vibrant, contemporary bar & grill experience. This inviting restaurant offers a thoughtfully curated menu that brings together coastal New England flavors and classic American grill favorites, making every visit a culinary delight.
The dining atmosphere at Scarlet Oak Tavern is warm and welcoming, enhanced by a roaring wood fireplace that instantly creates a cozy, intimate ambiance. Whether you're seated in the lively bar area or the spacious dining room, the setting invites you to relax and savor exceptional food paired with attentive, friendly service. Live music on the patio adds to the enchanting backdrop, making it a perfect spot for both casual evenings and special celebrations.
The menu is a standout feature, offering an impressive range of dishes that cater to diverse palates. Seafood lovers will relish the fresh local oysters, succulent lobster roll, and tender sea bass, while meat enthusiasts will find the filet mignon, hanger steak frites with bone marrow butter, and perfectly seasoned steak tips utterly satisfying. The gambas al ajillo and seared tuna salad also highlight the kitchen’s finesse in balancing bold flavors with fresh ingredients.
Pizza aficionados will appreciate the artisan touches on numbers like the fig pizza, apple & prosciutto pizza, and the indulgent lobster pizza, each crafted with quality toppings that tantalize the taste buds. For starters, the crab dip and calamari are appetizers that tease the palate and create eager anticipation for what follows.
No meal at Scarlet Oak Tavern is complete without sampling their decadent desserts—carrot cake here is praised for its moist texture and rich flavor, leaving a memorable finish. The drink menu complements the cuisine perfectly, featuring a wide selection of wines and champagnes, including premium choices like Dom Perignon and Veuve Clicquot. Craft cocktails such as the Hendrix martini and classic dirty martini round out the experience with sophistication and flair.
Patrons consistently rave about the quality of food and the friendly attentiveness of the staff. As Kevin DiMarzio notes, the top-notch service coupled with a varied menu ensures you never leave hungry, all in a setting where finding a comfortable seat is rarely an issue. Brice Maynard praises the steak dinner for being among the best in recent memory, perfectly cooked, and complemented by an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and vibrant thanks to live music on the patio.
From its rich historic roots—once the Georgian home of Daniel Whiton dating back to 1757—to its current incarnation as a dynamic neighborhood tavern, Scarlet Oak Tavern holds a unique place in Hingham's culinary landscape. It offers more than just a meal; it provides a memorable experience where history, hospitality, and mouthwatering food converge seamlessly.
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a juicy steak, or a carefully crafted cocktail in an ambiance that feels like a warm embrace, Scarlet Oak Tavern at 1217 Main St is a destination that promises to delight and invite you back time and again.
Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in DeliveryHighlights
Fast service Fireplace Great beer selection Great cocktails Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty SportPopular for
Lunch Dinner Solo diningAccessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Food Food at bar Healthy options Organic dishes Private dining room Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options WineDining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table serviceAmenities
Bar on site ToiletAtmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Romantic Trendy UpmarketCrowd
Family friendly Groups Locals TouristsPlanning
Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a waitPayments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cardsChildren
Good for kids High chairsParking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot ParkingOpening Hours
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Monday
11:30 AM - 09:00 PM -
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 09:00 PM -
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 09:00 PM -
Thursday
11:30 AM - 09:00 PM -
Friday
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM -
Saturday
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM -
Sunday
11:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Map & Directions
Visitor Reviews
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Kevin DiMarzio
1 month agoWe recently started getting dinner on Monday nights here and it was great. The service is top notch and very friendly which is super helpful. The menu has a decent amount of options so you won’t starve here! They have plenty of bar seating and dining room tables so you can usually grab a spot without much of a wait. They have a live fireplace which they keep the fire roaring and it makes for a nice, cozy place.
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Brice Maynard
1 month agoFirst time trying this place and I have to say it was one of the best steak dinners I've had in a long time, cooked to perfection! The atmosphere was very cosy and had a singer on at the patio area, just what was needed for a nice relaxing dinner. Had a glass of wine and a cocktail, both which were fantastic and the staff were tremendous all night. Will definitely be back again!
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Brian “Bmanpitt” Pitcher
2 month agoRestaurant Review: The Scarlet Oak, Hingham The Scarlet Oak is more than a restaurant; it is a living piece of Hingham’s colonial past. The story begins in 1757, when Danil Whiton built the Georgian home that would remain in his family for 150 years. Its walls absorbed generations of history before eventually becoming the Whiton House Restaurant, and in 2007, it was reborn as The Scarlet Oak. The name itself honors the majestic trees that grew on the property, some of which still stand sentinel today. Stepping inside, you feel the colonial character immediately. Low ceilings, worn floors, and the glow of fireplaces create an atmosphere that transports you back to an era when weary travelers might have arrived by carriage, seeking warmth and sustenance. Yet the experience is not frozen in time. The Scarlet Oak blends this heritage with modern gourmet sensibilities, offering dishes layered with flavor and crafted with precision. Executive Chef Stephen Sherman a local south shore resident moves through the kitchen with purpose, his years of experience evident in every plate. The haddock and corn chowder is hearty and comforting, the tuna tartare bright and fresh, and the steak seared to perfection. Each dish carries its own personality, reflecting both care and passion. I loved the choice of rice bed mix with egg strips. The aromatic smell of the truffle fries tasted just as good. He asked if a basket was in order, yes and please. A thoughtfully curated wine list complements the menu as well, enhancing the sense of indulgence. The restaurant’s layout mirrors its dual identity: intimate rooms for family celebrations, a function space with a private bar upstairs, and a kitchen capable of producing meals with both efficiency and artistry. Whether you’re seated by the fire on a rainy evening or gathered upstairs for a celebration, the atmosphere is steeped in history yet alive with contemporary energy. The Scarlet Oak is a testament to continuity and reinvention. From its colonial origins under the Whiton family to its modern incarnation, it remains a place where food, tradition, and atmosphere converge. Firelight, wine, and the enduring presence of scarlet oaks on the property make dining here a timeless experience. If you need a live, breath New England moment on the south shore. Look no further than The Scarlet Oak Tavern.
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Paul Dindy
2 month agoWe really enjoyed our meals. We had nice seats facing the real wood fireplace. The New England clam chowder was excellent. Very creamy and flavorful. The bowl was quite large and perfect for sharing. The pancetta, fig and goat cheese pizza was super delicious. I can't wait to get it again! The service was very good and we were seated very quickly. We will return.
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Stephen Davis
2 month agoFood was fair, not bad, just not memorable. My steak was decent, but the sides were not cooked well. Smallish menu. Nice atmosphere. Service was good. Not that impressed with this place but will try again if the opertunity presents itself. It was crowded, so there's something good there.
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Brian V
3 month agoI stopped by for a burger and it did not disappoint. I got the black angus burger with swiss, bacon, mushrooms, and caramelized onions. Staff was attentive, food was good and perfectly cooked, and it's a nice spot. I need to try their dinners next!
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Blackcat
3 month agoBoth service, food and drinks are excellent. Except most bartenders under pour the drinks by about a third. I’m sure I’m not the only one who noticed it. Maybe now they will start filling the glasses to the top
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The Guide
3 month agoScarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham, Massachusetts, continues to be one of our favorite dining spots on the South Shore. As you step inside, the place gives off a warm, welcoming feel. Parking is easy, and the hosts and waitstaff are always friendly. Even with the crowd over Columbus Day weekend, we were seated quickly, and the manager took a moment to stop by and say hello. The Hanger Steak Frites with Bone Marrow Butter is a go-to favorite in our family. It’s a good idea to make a reservation, which you can easily do through their website. Highly recommended.
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