Tavern on the Scene

Well-heeled Hingham has always had plenty of upscale dining options, but there’s been a dearth of comfy neighborhood spots designed, and priced, for frequent visits.

The Scarlet Oak Tavern has stepped in to fill the void. Taking over the colonial-era house once occupied by Blackfin Chop House, it offers a streamlined country charm and a solid, if familiar, menu of steakhouse fare and American comfort classics such as chicken potpie and meatloaf. Beef prices can be steep—a 32-ounce porterhouse hits a whopping $46—but all other entrées are priced below $22. And if you stick with the bar menu, you’ll find dishes, like wood-fired lobster pizza ($14) and the heaping plate of barbecue beef sliders ($9), that taste expensive despite price tags that are downright neighborly.

1217 Main St., Hingham, 781-749-8200, scarletoaktavern.com. $$$