Opening day at Jerry Remy's

by Sandi Miller
Boston Restaurant Examiner

Well, it wasn't opening day, but it was the VIP and media opening day at Jerry Remy's new sports bar a block away from Fenway, on Boylston Street. It wasn't entering the hallowed ground of the Red Sox ballpark, but it certainly was fun. Mayor Menino was there to wish his best, throwing out "the first ball" to Remy a few steps away, as the crowd surrounded them.

For his part, Remy thanked the "investors who stepped forward, who saw the vision despite this economy." His partner, John O'Rourke, told the crowd of the idea he and Remy had for the restaurant five years ago. But it took awhile to secure financing. Remy, the color analyst for New England Sports Network, had also recently recovered from lung cancer surgery.

But the brick and dark-wood bar, which will be serving steak as well as bar food underneath a dozen or so big-screen TVs, was packed for Sunday's opener against the Yankees. It's already sold out of the 150 "season passes" -- at $500 each, which guarantees the buyer a table during every crazed home games that normally pack every sports bar in the perimeter, plus a beer and $25 of food per game. There's also season passes still available for away games. Remy also plans to sell similar passes for the Celtics, the Patriots and the Bruins.

For now, the restaurant offers a huge patio space along Boylston Street, and also an open window in the back for a view of Fenway a ball's throw away to at least hear the action if you don't have a ticket.

A long bar has a great beer selection including Bear Republic, Victory, Delirium Tremens, and the Remy Red Ale made by Ipswich Ale. The dining area has standing bartops as well as swanky half-rounds of leather banquettes beneath relatively tasteful displays of Sox memorabilia. Didn't get to try the actual menu, although James Beard award winning chef Todd Hall was serving sushi that we were told will eventually make it to the rooftop beer garden that's still under construction.

This is a great addition to the Fenway scene. Welcome!