~Photos courtesy of The Thirsty Scholar

Pub that appeared in “The Social Network” returns with new chef, ownership 

Shuttered since July of 2021, The Thirsty Scholar in Somerville has made its triumphant return under new ownership and management. Now open, the neighborhood bar – in part famous for making a special guest appearance in the 2011 blockbuster hit, The Social Network – debuts with a new chef, refined bar menu and the same pub charm.

Helming the kitchen is chef Matthew Bullock – an alum of Peregrine and Lord Hobo Brewing Company, amongst others – who brings his approachable culinary twists to barroom favorites like with his trio of Chicken Wings selections – buffalo, hoisin-chili or plain – served with blue cheese dressing ($14) and Tater Tots, prepared salt and vinegar-style, with garlic-parsley aioli ($8). For main courses, must-try dishes include the NE IPA Battered Fish & Chips, white fish with crisp potatoes, coleslaw and tartare sauce ($18) and a stacked Scholar Burger with B&B pickles, a pimento spread, American cheese and shredded lettuce ($15) with the option to top it with bacon ($2) or a fried egg ($1). For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Carnival Fried Dough with a choice of powdered sugar, cinnamon, chocolate syrup, caramel and whipped cream ($8; half-priced nightly after 9pm).

Staying true to its roots, The Thirsty Scholar remains the ultimate neighborhood watering hole featuring a rotating selection of nearly 20 beers on draught, an additional dozen available by the bottle or can, and a list of classically crafted cocktails like a Boulevardier with Fistful of Bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth ($12) and an Old Fashioned with Jefferson’s Bourbon, simple syrup and angostura bitters ($13). The beer carte du jour includes rare craft beers, hoppy IPAs, refreshing hefeweizens and summer ales, rich porters and stouts as well as crisp lagers. 

The perfect spot to unwind at the end of the day or catchup with friends over the weekend, The Thirsty Scholar is open 4pm-11pm for food and drinks with the bar remaining open until 1am nightly. In the coming weeks, The Thirsty Scholar will debut entertainment including a weekly trivia night.

The Thirsty Scholar is located at 70 Beacon Street in Somerville. For more information, please call (617) 497-2294 or visit www.thirstyscholarpub.com.