80 Thoreau

80 Thoreau is a progressive fine-dining restaurant in historic Concord offering New American cuisine and genuine hospitality in a convivial setting. Restaurateur Ian Calhoun is thrilled to return to the Concord area where he grew up and bring to the community a restaurant that is worthy of an epicurean outing yet comfortable enough for a casual dinner.

The vision for 80 Thoreau is one that has grown and evolved over the years since owners Ian Calhoun and Vincent Vela first met in college and vowed to open a restaurant. Their experiences cooking, serving, bartending, and managing have formed the basis for the hospitality at 80 Thoreau. The careful balancing of 80 Thoreau’s fine-dining pedigree and laid-back temperament are evident in every element of the restaurant.

Chef Carolyn Johnson (Rialto) proposes a menu that is both straightforward and refined – where New England ingredients and traditions are embellished with French techniques. As the focus of the culinary world has turned to local sourcing, there are few better communities to join than Concord’s – one which boasts a host of commercial and family farms. In addition to the seasonally motivated menu, small and large bar plates are offered.

In the dining room Vincent Vela (Per Se, Craft) directs service that is gracious, attentive, and relaxed. The cocktail list focuses on properly made classics while the wine list offers new and old world selections at a variety of prices in both half and full bottle formats.

Contact Information

80 Thoreau St. Concord, MA 01742

Phone: 978-318-0008

Reviews

Shawn Maeder   April 6, 2024
The food here is superb. Our salmon was perfectly cooked and sauced. We sat at the bar where the service was poor. The bar tender did not greet us when we sat down, and when I finally caught his eye he told me he was very busy. He was loud and overly theatrical. The room was chilly - something I've experienced in the dining room as well as at the bar.
Sandeep Koshy   March 24, 2024
Nice clean and neat setting. Service was decent but nothing exceptional. Main dishes were very good, as well as the wine selection. Warm bread and some music in the background would have been nice.
Jen J.   March 18, 2024
On a business trip in the Concord area and checked out 80 Thoreau. One thing to note is that this place is tricky to find. It looks like it doesn't exist...
Darren Tedesco   December 31, 2023
Wow. First time here and the food and service were off the charts. We had pork and hake as our mains and they were phenomenal! Highly recommend this place.
sam watson   December 29, 2023
i am flabbergasted by how good the food was. i had no idea food could even taste this good. i got the duck breast and oh my god there was so much depth in all of the flavors and they all complimented each other so well…… a thanks to all the staff and also to nick our server who was super friendly
Madeleine B.   December 15, 2023
Good food, some more standout than others. Vibe: Small and intimate, the setting makes it feel like hanging out in someone's house. Service: Mostly quick...
Philip H.   November 13, 2023
Incredible restaurant . The service was impeccable, the food ***** . The duck mouse was delicious. Prepared well with garlic bread accompanying it.. I had...
Andrea S.   October 19, 2023
We have been dining here for years and have always enjoyed exceptional service and delicious food. We have not once had a bad interaction or a bad bite of...
Steve M.   October 2, 2023
Wow! I have not tasted food this delicious in a long time. Everything was exquisite. The squash salad was superb, and the braised short ribs melted in my...
Brent Rish   September 7, 2023
It’s hard to find, but park at the old train station, look for the blue door, past the elevators, and to the left up the stairs you will find welcoming staff, a knowledgeable bartender, comfortable seating, just the right ambient lighting, and dishes (and drinks) that amaze! This is the epitome of a hidden gem. Highly recommend this establishment as a creative, relaxing dining experience.
Andrew Ostrom   September 3, 2023
A great meal, as always. Service is excellent, and the prices are very fair. 9/2008 update - still excellent, great service, fair prices. Our local favorite, by far. 4/2023 - Still the yardstick we measure other restaurants by. A great birthday meal tonight. 9/22023 - Just the Corn & Tomato seasonal menu tonight. Excellent
X “hungrytommy” X   September 2, 2023
A visit to 80 Thoreau is always a treat, but even more so when they have a special menu. Their tomato and corn tasting wraps up today and it was fantastic. They are located on the top floor of the Concord Depot, the former train station. The space is charming both in the bar area and the dining room. I’ve been going there long enough to see dozens of servers come and go, but they are always knowledgeable and attentive. My only disappointment is that the bar burger is no longer available. It was one of my favorites.
Hungrytommy ..   September 2, 2023
A visit to 80 Thoreau is always a treat, but even more so when they have a special menu. Their tomato and corn tasting wraps up today and it was fantastic....
B H.   August 19, 2023
What a fabulous meal we enjoyed here in Concord MA. Great Chef w many creative dishes. Worth the trip!
Roger M.   August 16, 2023
This restaurant has been in this location for more than a decade, so it is clearly giving the audience what it wants. I used to give it five stars, but it...
Brenda S.   July 30, 2023
Thanks for serving the best you are the best company. I would go here again. Great business great food great hours great people thanks for everything
Kim Mai   July 22, 2023
Such a gem in Concord! Food is so delicious and beautifully presented with farm fresh vegetables. Bartender knows what they are doing as well. Really wonderful cocktails, and my husband is impressed with their wine list, which is difficult to do! Just wished their menu had more choices.
Derek Rodenbeck   May 28, 2023
80 Thoreau is an investment in delicious food and an enjoyable time. Read more to find out why you must come here: 1. The space is beautiful. Well designed, modern but rustic. The atmosphere is inviting and intimate. A perfect spot to go on a date or catch up with an old friend, high attention to detail and comfortable seating. 2. The staff are attentive and professional. Everyone that stopped by our table was kind and knowledgeable. Seemed like people where happy and overall just nice to interact with. 3. My wife has food allergies and the staff was knowledgeable about what she should have and what they could modify. 4. The food was delicious! There is an attention to detail with the flavor and everything is timed perfectly. When you finish one dish the next comes out. 5. We never felt rushed. I’m really glad we decided to eat at 80 Thoreau. We will be back! Tip for the reader, you need a reservation and usually they are booked a few days out. You can call the same day and see if there is anything available for around 8pm. See below for photos of the space and menu.
Catherine Vasquez   May 14, 2023
Food was great! Especially the pate! Probably the best one I've had in any Boston restaurant. I ordered the honey glazed duck breast, it was cooked perfect I just wished it was less sweet.
Donna C.   May 13, 2023
Excellent food, but limited menu (food and bar). Beautiful bar area and nice overall atmosphere.
Elisabeth Brosens Elden   May 11, 2023
Fresh, interesting food, and excellent recommendations for pairing entrees with wine. It can get a bit noisy when full. The photo is of the beet salad with salmon, delicious!
Mare S.   April 21, 2023
Great food, no doubt. The only thing keeping me from rating a 5 is that the staff and management is a bit stiff. They don't remember the names of regulars...
Andrew Ostrom   April 12, 2023
A great meal, as always. Service is excellent, and the prices are very fair. 9/2008 update - still excellent, great service, fair prices. Our local favorite, by far. 4/2023 - Still the yardstick we measure other restaurants by. A great birthday meal tonight.
Sam Velez   April 9, 2023
My boyfriend and I came here last night to celebrate our 4 year anniversary. We loved the food as well as the staff they were all so warm and welcoming. We will definitely be returning for another romantic date night soon!!!!
Kaitlin C.   April 6, 2023
Beet salad was surprisingly amazing. Cocktails were really great too. Service was very responsive and got our food quick.
Mandy Darnell   March 3, 2023
I love the seasonal menu and the delicious selections. I’ve never been disappointed, the food is of the highest quality and cooked to perfection. I’ve eaten both inside and outside and I truly love the atmosphere and the staff is exceptional. Can’t wait for my next visit!
Suzanne J.   February 4, 2023
We have been coming to 80 T for years. With all the chaos in the world, just a wonderful place to go. Dinner tonight was monk fish & beef bourguignon...
GKP   December 1, 2022
So you miss the burger. I get it. It was good. But to fixate on its absence from the menu would be to miss the essence of this wonderful place, and the dedication of a team who takes care to offer a small but beautiful menu celebrating seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients by coaxing them into the best versions of themselves. Case in point: I do not like radicchio. I took a bite of my husband’s radicchio salad and nearly ate the whole thing. I have never eaten radicchio treated so well. All of the ingredients harmonized perfectly. It was savory and almost caramelized, heady and divine, with none of the overt bitterness I usually dislike. I can no longer say I don’t like radicchio. The lamb shoulder and duck entrees were lovely, with generous portions of the main protein, well-seasoned, moist, tender, perfectly cooked. If I had to quibble, I would wish that there had been more of the supporting ingredients on the plate to make many more balanced bites. Still, the dishes were excellent and well-conceived. Cocktails, wine, dessert… all spot on. (Oh, that miso-peanut butter cookie! Almost made us forget about the chocolate custard it came with.) I’ve been coming here for many years, pre-, post-, and during Covid (take-out), and throughout all of the changes and disruptions, they remain an exceptional dining experience. Comfortable, unpretentious, and relaxing. Don’t come here if you need a burger, or if you are a picky eater, because the menu is small. Always has been. I don’t know why they no longer have the burger; they are aware of how many people are disappointed. I’m sure they have a good reason (whether economic, labor-related, or artistic) that those of us not in the restaurant industry wouldn’t predict or understand. Maybe they’ll bring it back someday. But in the meantime, 80T is a gem of a restaurant deserving of its loyal following.
Jarrod Harper   October 6, 2022
I visited there for the first time on 9/28/22. Lovely place with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Food portions were decent. Great place for a special occasion dinner.
Andrew Ostrom   September 9, 2022
A great meal, as always. Service is excellent, and the prices are very fair. 9/2008 update - still excellent, great service, fair prices. Our local favorite, by far.
Mike Ryan   July 28, 2022
Great meal, excellent service, lovely ambiance. Fantastic cocktail menu with great execution, and excellent wine and spirits lists. Very willing and able to work with dietary restrictions as well--the two celiacs in our party were well taken care of. Looking forward to a return visit!
Maria C.   July 11, 2022
We love 80 Thoreau but where is that wonderful burger with their secret sauce!?!! Please bring it back! The servers are excellent and the atmosphere is...
Linda Giffin   May 27, 2022
Why drive to Boston when this 10 star restaurant is available (with parking) in the suburbs? The word “no” is not in their vocabulary. Let's underline the word accommodating. Every single time I have the exact same experience… no complaints about anything and nothing but compliments every step of the way. Please dont skip the dessert menu. These are always better than their description. Thank you, Thoreau!
Colin W.   April 23, 2022
First class food, drinks, and service right here in Concord. A fair price and no need to hike over to Boston.
Chloe Campbell   January 24, 2022
Fine dining.... wonderful dinner, excellent service. We pretended we didn't notice French fries were available on a different bar menu.The kids survived without French fries and chicken nuggets. One enjoyed halibut and black rice. The other had fettuccine with clams. There were great vegetarian options and hubby enjoyed his lamb medium rare. Something for everyone at this beautiful restaurant in the lovely town of Concord.
Alketa H.   January 7, 2022
One of my favorite places at all times. Evan makes great cocktails & friendly staff. Unique dishes & love the fact that the menu changes all the time but is...
Christine C.   December 31, 2021
80 Thoreau is a very nice restaurant without being stuffy.It would be perfect for date night, celebrations, or if you just want to treat yo-self. If you are...
Coleman Hoyt   December 30, 2021
Fantastic meal at 80T, expertly and attentively done as always. Great wine recommendations and exquisite food.
Real Housewife O.   December 26, 2021
I ate here for a romantic birthday dinner and it was the best food we have had in a very long time. The staff truly cared and tried to give us a wonderful...
Emily   December 6, 2021
We had a wonderful meal at 80 Thoreau. The kale salad, chicken, and steak were all excellent. One of the best meals I’ve had in a while, especially in the suburbs!
Dong H.   November 18, 2021
If you are looking for a venue to celebrate whatever you have in Concord area, 80 Thoreau is the place to be! This restaurant is not very big but with very...
Clive J.   November 13, 2021
My husband and I went here last night for dinner. We were celebrating a good quarter he had at work. We probably eat at places of this caliber about 6 or...
Ladorian Lindsey   October 26, 2021
This place simply knows how to satisfy their clients. Always with a very friendly demeanor. The food is conveniently priced, regularly delicious and neat.
Claudia Wyatt   October 23, 2021
Excellent service. Well executed delivery, presentation and phenomenal food. Highly recommend. You can tell this team is in perfect harmony.
Heather Steinmiller   September 15, 2021
Amazingly delicious meal and it was totally serendipitous - we didn't have a reservation but they managed to seat us in the bar. I don't remember exactly what I ordered, except it had lovely, pillow-y gnocchi that was to die for. I think it was chicken, but I'm not completely sure. Cocktails were fabulous as well, service was knowledgeable and very helpful. Stupendous place - not to be missed if you're in the area.
Carol DelGaudio   August 26, 2021
Excellent menu offerings, excellent service. We really enjoyed the innovative cocktails !
Premier Center for Oral and Facial Surgery   August 1, 2021
Excellent meal with equally excellent service. Thank you! Entrance is at the blue door!
Peter Mahoney   July 25, 2021
Great upscale dining experience in Concord MA. My aunt, who is very picky and prefers to eat at home, enjoys going here. During my most recent visit I had a special black squid ink pasta with seafood. If you visit try something outside your comfort zone.
Guli K.   July 17, 2021
Excellent drinks and appetizers. Ordered a manhattan and the pink lady slipper and both drinks were delicious. For apperizers we had the crudo paired with...
Cynthia F.   July 4, 2021
80 Thoreau is our own local, creative, and delicious BEST RESTAURANT! We are always impressed with the staff, service, delicious meals, and drink...
Amy   June 24, 2021
Excellent Cocktails Amazing Food Lovely Decor. I went to 80 Thoreau for a girls night out and I needed it bad. The food here is incredible. This was maybe the best seared Foie Gras I have every had. Beautiful Texture, Not greasy, and pairing it with the polenta cornbread was GENIUS. Our server was REALLY nice and had great drink recommendations, so glad I listened to her. I will be back very soon.
Alison O.   May 21, 2021
Delicious dinner out, we'll definitely be back. Everything was beautiful plated and skillfully cooked. Quiet, unobtrusive staff.
Donald Allen   May 1, 2021
My wife and I, now both vaccinated, had our first restaurant meal in over a year at 80 Thoreau last night. We've been to this restaurant many times since it opened (and to Aigo many times in its years in the same space) and while we were never dissatisfied, it wasn't special. Last night was special. The food really was fantastic (the parsnip soup a work of culinary art). The whole experience was about as good as can be had in the Boston area and we are certainly more likely to go back soon based on this. And thankful that they have managed to survive The Plague.
glen finch   April 15, 2021
Fantastic meal. Was so nice to be able to dine out again, but chef Caroline really knocked it out of the park. Highlight for me was the strawberry and rhubarb cake with pistachios and rose mascapone, tho it was all great... Monkfish on the bone, tagliatelle with braised lamb, smoked salmon pate, mushroom gnocchi, Spanish mackerel.
Michael Libenson   April 13, 2021
80 Thoreau is a Boston Metro treasure of a restaurant that deserves more acclaim than it currently enjoys. Having eaten there many times, the experience is consistently terrific on all key dimensions — quality of food, service, and decor. It’s not easy to pull off a delicious and deeply pleasurable meal every time but 80 Thoreau manages to do it.
Larison J.   April 9, 2021
Perfect! Curbside pickup was flawless and food was excellent! So easy to do it right! Thank you!
Luis Sugg   March 22, 2021
Great service, amazing hospitality. Had a birthday dinner there and they accomplished everything 5 star. I would give 10 if I could!
Thaddeus Whettimore   March 11, 2021
I consider 80 Thoreau to be one of the best restaurants in MA. It's not just the excellent food that makes the experience, it's the atmosphere. Perfectly positioned just outside the din of Boston. I would describe the service as a wonderful balance between efficiency and privacy. If you want to enjoy your meal in private they will adapt their service seamlessly, but they are always willing to chat and offer pleasantries if you are feeling social. The kitchen is spotless and professional.
Aron Mata   February 24, 2021
The food is constantly fresh and tasty, cashiers provides good customer service. I liked how clean it is and vibes. Will come back again.
Dylan Deleon   February 16, 2021
The menu and service were ahead of our expectations. We really enjoyed the vibes of this spot. First-rate place to take the family out for lunch.
Thaddeus Whettimore   January 28, 2021
I consider 80 Thoreau to be one of the best restaurants in MA for so many reasons. It's not just the excellent food that makes the experience, it's the atmosphere. Perfectly positioned just outside the din of Boston. I would describe the service as a wonderful balance between efficiency and privacy. If you want to enjoy your meal in private they will adapt their service seamlessly, but they are always willing to chat and offer pleasantries if you are feeling social. The kitchen is spotless and professional. Update: I guess Katie Hamilburg no longer works here, we will miss her fine treats.
Frederick Powers   December 25, 2020
From the moment you enter this restaurant team give you a comfortable feeling. Very congenial team, it is a kind restaurant to enjoy with friends or with your date. tasty food, talented chef, modest price and excellent service. Warmly recommended.
Thaddeus Whettimore   December 20, 2020
I consider 80 Thoreau to be one of the best restaurants in MA for so many reasons. It's not just the excellent food that makes the experience, it's the atmosphere. Perfectly positioned just outside the din of Boston. I would describe the service as a wonderful balance between efficiency and privacy. If you want to enjoy your meal in private they will adapt their service seamlessly, but they are always willing to chat and offer pleasantries if you are feeling social. The kitchen is spotless and professional. Katie Hamilburg makes delicious desserts and it's always worth saving a little extra room.
Tom K.   December 20, 2020
We had takeout from 80 Thoreau last night and while we miss the hospitality and ambience that this restaurant consistently has provided since its opening in...
R Reed   December 7, 2020
I always come by grabbing some food in this place. I love the efficient service and well prepared dishes. 5 stars from me.
Thaddeus Whettimore   December 1, 2020
80 Thoreau is one of the best restaurants in MA. It's not just the excellent food that makes the experience, it's the atmosphere. Perfectly positioned in Concord; beyond the modern glow of boston, yet within the rich history of early American settlement. I would describe the service as the perfect balance between efficiency and privacy. If you want to enjoy your meal in private they will adapt their service seamlessly, but they are always willing to chat and offer pleasantries if you are feeling social. The kitchen is spotless and professional. Katie Hamilburg makes the most delicious desserts and it's always worth saving a little extra room.
Darryl Goldschmidt   November 10, 2020
I regularly come by purchasing some food in this place. I love the rapid service and well prepared food. 5 stars from me.
Wesley Mitchell   November 3, 2020
At the first moment you arrive in this restaurant team give you a good feeling. Very courteous waiters, it is a good place to go out with friends and colleagues or with your date. delightful meals, qualified chief cook and stuff, decent pay and generous service. Highly recommended.
Luis Weber   October 29, 2020
We had a great time in this restaurant. We enjoyed the amazing ambience and the food. The waiters were very welcoming. I am content we finally managed to try this restaurant.
Suzanne J.   October 25, 2020
We had not been in so long, anticipation was high. We were not disappointed. Andrew remembered our cocktails, the terrine and soup were brought out...
James Varaklis   October 20, 2020
Had a WONDERFUL meal here, exceeding our expectations! Food was delicious, service was excellent, covid precautions were accommodated well, and the staff were knowledgeable about every ingredient on the menu. I would go back here in a heartbeat!
James V.   October 20, 2020
Had a WONDERFUL meal here, exceeding our expectations! Food was delicious, service was excellent, covid precautions were accommodated well, and the staff...
Judith Lyon   August 22, 2020
My first restaurant experience since March!!! I LOVE 80 Thoreau and my meal was superb!!! Thank you for being open
Gladys Phillips   August 18, 2020
Yesterday was our first time we visited this good restaurant. But It is definitely not the last. We passed a splendid evening with the courteous service, with the first-rate dishes and fine drinks and with the friendly price.
Justin Andrews   August 18, 2020
The friendliness of the staff seems genuine. I have never seen such good customer service as I experienced
Rita V.   July 13, 2020
Bouncing back in the Covid era. 7 tables, book early! The fluke crudo? OMG! The smoked duck breast with morels over sorel and a runny duck egg? INSANE....
Elmer Larson   June 5, 2020
This spot is worth giving a shot. They serve big portions for affordable rates. Constantly well organized and with fantastic ambience. Will come back again.
A Leonard   May 16, 2020
Yesterday was our first time we visited this good restaurant. But It is definitely not the last. We passed a splendid evening with the courteous service, with the first-rate dishes and fine drinks and with the friendly price. We will definitely come back soon.
Peter K.   April 17, 2020
Ordered the take out Easter dinner. When I opened it up on Easter it looked to me like we did not have enough side dishes for the five of us. I emailed...
Becca M.   February 23, 2020
FANTASTIC! Wow! I genuinely don't know where to start. Our whole dining experience from start to finish was delicious and friendly. One thing that stands...
Julie's bites   September 29, 2019
June 2019. Soft shell crab and quail. Very tasty. Side note: Refills of soft drinks are not free. 2018. Excellent. I ate here several times and enjoyed everything I had each time.
Ralph N   July 30, 2019
Quaint place with the price to match. Crispy soft shell was very tasty though we wished we had more for it. Sea bass was boneless but was a bit dry and vegetables a little bland. Grilled pork was perfectly cooked and support was nice.
Caroline Owen   April 28, 2019
First time here. Outstanding service & phenomenal meal. Brought my friend for her birthday and we both loved it. Service was fine dining... Super attentive but unobtrusive. Beautiful presentation, unique combinations, incredible flavors. Loved it