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.
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Reviews
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
